Sanger Sentinel_February 2022

“Ask Your City” - Page 9 Economic Development Update - Page 16-17 Sanger History Page 18

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 President’s Day

February 21, 2022

EVENTS 2022 City Events The City of Sanger hosts multiple events throughout the year. Check our home page later this month for complete details. Be sure to follow the City Facebook page for complete details on all events.

February 18 - Mother/Son Valentine’s Dance February 21 - Blood Drive Battle of Badges March 12 - Trash Off April 15 - Teen Easter Egg Hunt April 16 - Regular East Egg Hunt July 2nd - Freedom Fest October 8 - Trash Off December 10 - Christmas Event TBD - Santa Around Town Watch our FB page for additional events Chamber of Commerce Events January 26 - Awards Banquet (Luncheon) 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

SANGER SENTINEL - February 2022

CONTENTS 2

Connect with us

4

Note from City Manager

5

City Council

6

Utilities

7

Tips for Cold Weather

8

Community Development

9

Ask Your City

10

Meet the Fire Department

12

Meet Your Officer

14

Chief Rhodes 1st Week

16

Sanger EDC

18

Sanger History

20 Sanger ISD 22

Chamber of Commerce

23 Sanger Library 24 Housing Report

SANGER SENTINEL

N

OTE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

John Noblitt Sanger, City Manager

F

ebruary has long been known as the month of love. Each year on February 14, Valentine’s Day, people exchange cards, candy, or flowers with their special “valentine” as a sign of their affection. As I reflect on Valentine’s Day, it leads me to think of all the other things we love in our lives. Of course, we love our spouse, our kids, pets, and our families, but have you ever stopped to think about the love you have for the place you live? I don’t mean your home. I am talking about more than the place you lay your head each night. I am talking about your city.

Each of us “chooses” our place to put down roots. Many things can go into making that decision such as family living close by or the proximity to work. Beyond those things, most of us pick our location to settle down because of the connection we feel to the place and how being there makes us feel.

Cities want and need to be loved. Cities that are loved become more prosperous.

When you love your city, you spend time there, you are more likely to invest, you tell others about your city, and they spend time there. This cycle leads investors to notice your city. They see the passion the community has for it and they want to invest.

As I meet all of you, the residents of Sanger, I feel your passion and love for your hometown. We all share a love for Sanger,

our small town with a big, big, heart. With all the growth that is coming, I believe our connection and love for Sanger can become even stronger.

I challenge each of you to reflect over this month of love on what makes Sanger great and do more of it. First, love your neighborhood. An unloved neighborhood appears neglected. Loved neighborhoods have residents that focus on improving the overall condition and appearance. Second, love your neighbors. Work to improve your neighborhood relations through inclusivity and communication. Attend events and functions where you can meet more of your neighbors. Third, love the businesses of Sanger. Support our local shops so they can continue to be successful and invest more into their business. Finally, love your city employees. We are working diligently to build a transparent, customerfocused organization. We all focus on the next project that needs to be completed.

Remember to thank that street worker, police officer, fireman, or teller the next time you see them for the well-done jobs they have completed.

Together, we can build a destination city.

Love your neighbors. Love what you do.

Love where you live.

-John Noblitt

SANGER CITY COUNCIL

To view to the most recent Mayor Council Recap, click here.

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

Cold Weather Energy-Saving Tips: • Set your thermostat at 68°F or lower - every degree of extra heating will increase energy usage six to eight percent.

• Dress warmly.

• Use more blankets at night.

• Set ceiling fans on reverse to re-circulate the heat that builds up near the ceiling.

• Cover windows on winter nights with insulated curtains.

• Open interior blinds, drapes, or shades during the day to let the sun warm your home during cooler months.

FOR MORE TIPS VISIT THE PUC WEBSITE

SANGER SENTINEL

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Project

Status

Sportsman 2

Building is progressing - anticipated completion late spring 2022

Sonic

Building is progressing - anticipated completion late spring 2022

Green Valley Cafe

Remodel complete, Certificate of Occupancy & Health Permit approved; opened 1-24-22

Sanger Circle Phase 6A & 6B

Public improvements near completion

Sable Creek Phase IV & V

Public improvements near completion

455 Project

New sewer lines continued to be installed.

Quality Excavation will be boring underneath Sable Creek Blvd. this week to complete the portion of sewer line from the railroad tracks going east to Indian Lane.

SANGER SENTINEL

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

1. How was Sanger Electric able to keep the power on most of the time during last February’s ice storm? Do we have our own electric workers? We do have our own electric company and employees. Special thanks to the entire crew for monitoring the conditions 24/7 and keeping us with power.

2. Did the pipes burst in the Library again? No 3. Where does the money go from the garage sale permits? Is there a reason why it’s $10? The money from garage sale permits is deposited into the general operating fund for the city.

The fee was set by the City Council in 2012 to cover the costs associated with registering and advertising the sales.

4. Has City Management or City Council considered doing live video recordings of City Council meetings and work sessions via Facebook on the City website like some other cities do in order to increase visibility and transparency towards its residents? We have looked into showing the meetings live. While we evaluate the cost and logistics of showing the meetings live, we have started a monthly Council Recap. You can view January’s here.

5. Is there a maintenance schedule to address the streets in Sanger? Yes, the City operates on a 5 year maintenance plan.

6. Will we have signage to point residents and visitors to: Historic Downtown, City Hall, Police Department, Library, etc? Yes, this is something we are actively working towards. We will be slightly delayed with the I35 project. Signs pointing toward Downtown need to wait until they have the new lanes in place.

Sanger Fire Department

Madison Pearce Sanger 2021 Firefighter/Paramedic of the year Firefighter/Paramedic Madison Pearce has served with the Sanger Fire Department for five years. Additionally, he serves as a Paramedic part-time with Cook County. The fact that he is dedicated to his profession is likely one of the reasons he was selected as the 2021 Firefighter/ Paramedic of the year by the Sanger American Legion. I have previously spent time with Pearce in my ride-a-longs, but on Monday, January 24th, I was able to spend a few minutes talking with and getting to know this year’s winner.

And while it is evident that he doesn’t like to talk about himself and certainly doesn’t want to be the center of attention, I was able to pull a bit of information out of him.

Pearce is a born and raised Texan. He grew up in Era, Texas.

It is a small, rural, agricultural community about 11 miles southwest of Gainesville. In fact, the community is so small he told me that his high school graduating class contained only 32 members.

Life growing up in Era was relatively simple. Madison and

his three sisters (he is one of the middle children) were raised on a small farm. He recalled childhood memories of the many gardens he helped to tend, the canning of vegetables, and life living on a farm surrounded by typical farm animals such as cows, chickens, and pigs.

Pearce is well-liked by the Sanger FD. They refer to him as Mr. Happy. The group said, “Pearce is very quiet and always happy.

He is just easy to be around.”

He gets his fair share of the firehouse chores, though.

It seems they are all called upon to cook.

On this particular Monday evening, my mouth was watering at the delicious smell of a roast cooking in the oven. For Pearce, his specialty is Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. I don’t know if this recipe is the same one Pearce uses, but it sounds delicious!

So, what made Pearce want to be a Firefighter/Paramedic? “I love helping people. Here there is always something to do. I like keeping busy.” He said that he knew during his sophomore year of high school that he wanted to Article by City staff - Donna Green

Era High School Mascot pursue this line of work. When I inquired if he felt he had made the right decision, he stated, “I love what I do. I never feel like this is work.”

When thinking about his 5-year and 10-year plan, where does he see himself, and what will he be doing? “I will be right here the next five years, ten years, and beyond.” His passion is teaching, so he expects to be an FTO (Field Training Officer). He doesn’t ever see himself leaving. Madison is happy here in Sanger. So happy that he purchased his first home nearby. He told me it is a bit of a fixer-upper. When he is not working, which is rare, or hunting, he plans to spend time making the needed home improvements.

Era High School - background.

2021 American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

Officer Cole Thompson

Whenever I interview one of our police officers for the Meet Your Officer section of the Sentinel, I always like to meet them in their environment.

Often that means I get to do a ride-a-long with the officer for a few hours and experience a few moments of what their day entails. I find this puts them at ease, and after 20 or so minutes, they relax and forget that I am writing about them. While I used this same approach with Officer Thompson, it only took a few moments to know that he is a talker, and I could have met him anywhere for our conversation.

Officer Thompson (Cole) is the poster image for the stereotypical characteristics of a Police Officer. He is a Type A personality, assertive, natural leader, protector, a bit intimidating on the outside, but a teddy bear on the inside. The type of man you would call if you were in trouble and the one you wouldn’t want to show up if you were the one causing the trouble.

Cole is a bonified Texan. He was born in Denton and raised in Sanger. He went to Sanger High School, where he found his love for the rodeo. He was a State Finalist for three years. However, staying true to his type A personality, Thompson graduated high school at age 17 and shortly after, with his parent’s permission, joined the Army. Soon after AIT (military training), he deployed for five months to Iraq. Once he was back state-side, Cole was stationed in FT. Drum, New York. However, Uncle Sam pulled his number again, and on his 21st birthday, Officer Thompson found himself back on a plane for Iraq, where he would spend the next 17 months.

Promotion was fast for Thompson. It didn’t take him long to reach the rank of Sargent. Upon arriving in the states from his 2nd deployment, his command wanted to send him to Drill Sargent school. Cole decided he had experienced enough military life. Texas was calling him home so, after five years in the Army, he moved back home to Sanger.

Thompson said that it took him a few years to become a cop. But, after spending a couple of years at home, the Army’s skills and values he acquired, along with his urge to protect and serve, pulled on him and he knew joining the Police Force was his opportunity to serve once again.

After graduating from the Police Academy, Cole bided his time waiting for an opening with the Sanger PD by working in Decatur and Aubrey. As soon as the opportunity presented itself for him to come to Sanger, he jumped on it.

Cole’s desire to achieve has served him well as an officer. He holds an Advanced Peace Officer Certification, he is a Firearms Instructor, TCOLE

Instructor (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement), Intoxilyzer Operator, and Field Training Officer. Additionally, he was just named the 2021 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Sanger Texas American Legion Post 268!

I have had the great fortune to spend a lot of time with Officer Thompson the last few weeks.

In mid-December, the team went to the range for training. They took me along so I could watch. Little did I know that I would get to participate! Cole was very patient. He showed me the proper way to hold each weapon, gave me a rundown on gun safety, and then let me fire the weapons at the training targets. It was a rush. I will likely never be as good as the Sanger PD, and I know I will never be as fast, but I did manage to hit the targets every time except two.

On my ride-a-long, I got to experience what it is like to patrol during the day. As I spend time with all the officers, I am starting to see all the different personalities. We have officers that love patrolling the neighborhoods, those that love the highway, and others who have a strong passion for mentoring the children in our schools. Obviously, Officer Thompson’s passion is teaching.

However, he loves to monitor the neighborhoods when he is on patrol.

I only spent about 3 hours on the ride-a-long, but I got to see a bit of action. A call came in about possible breaking and entering of an abandoned building. We answered the call. As we arrived, Officer Tostado, Sanger PD, also arrived on the scene. Both officers had been to this location multiple times and felt near 100% that the wind had caused the door to come open. Still, as a precaution, Officer Tostado entered the building first, his hand resting on but ready to draw his weapon if necessary. Officer Thompson joined in the same manner second. Fortunately, it was just as expected; the wind had been the invader.

Each officer did their due diligence to inspect the building. As we departed, Officer Thompson secured the door shut with a pole that was lying on the ground.

I was a bit sad as 5:30 PM approached. The officer’s shifts were near completion, and it was time for me to go home. My spirits are lifted a bit as I know I will soon get the opportunity to ride along again. Each time I go out, I gain a new appreciation for what these guys and gals do. I feel 100% safe during my ride-a-longs, but I recognize the risk they take on every traffic stop, domestic call, and all the other emergencies they answer. They are some of the bravest people that I know. I am so proud to call them not only my coworkers, but as I get to know each of them, they become my friends.

With these ride-a-longs, I often gain a bit of insider information that I like to pass along to you.

Do with this information what you will. Stop signs are for stopping. Sometimes, you can get lucky and do the very slow rolling stop. Please take my advice, though, make the actual stop. It is for your safety and the safety of others, plus; you don’t want to pay for that ticket. One other piece of advice - Don’t speed in the School Zones. Cops love children. The Sanger PD is no exception. Doing anything that could potentially harm a child will always result in a ticket. I have seen many people stopped for speeding on the highway, in town, and school zones. You may get lucky and get a warning on the highway or in town. So far, I don’t know of any excuse that has worked to get you out of a ticket in the school zones.

First Staff Meeting With Chief Rhodes Ask any officer, and they will tell you that much anxiety runs through the department when a new Chief takes command. It is only natural. Change, especially that you don’t control, is scary and often uncomfortable. It is fair to say that our Sanger Police Department officers have been experiencing their fair share of concern with the new Chief spending his first whole week on the job. On January 13, Chief Rhodes called his first staff meeting to outline his expectations of all staff and his management style. He was thoughtful enough to invite me to attend.

As the group arrived at the old church, some dressed in uniform because they were either ending or preparing to start their shift. In contrast, others were dressed in their civilian clothing showing their off-duty personalities; you could feel the brotherhood of the team. They laughed and teased each other, much like brothers and sisters would do. Finally, Chief Rhodes and Assistant Chief Perkins arrived. The team quietly walked into the church. Several stopped to shake Chief’s hand as they took their seats. A hush fell over the room as Chief began to speak.

I have to say that Chief Rhodes knows how to read and command a room. I am sure that his experience over the last 35+ years has taught him this skill. He began the meeting by outlining his expectations of the team. “Our image sets the standard for how the residents of Sanger will feel about us as a department and as a city. Integrity, transparency, and customer service will always be at the forefront of everything we do”.

When it comes to the department image, many of the officers had concerns about how things could change particularly about type of utility vest/belt they would use. Knowing that these items were a top concern for the team, the Chief addressed these items first.

As Chief began to talk, the team’s shoulders started to relax. He noted that appearance is of utmost importance. Keeping clean, pressed uniforms is essential. To everyone’s relieve, he aggreed that they can continue to use the vest for their utilities. The relief that washed over the group could be felt. After the elephant was cleared from the room, Chief began to outline his further expectations.

Management Style – “As a team, we can make the Sanger Police Department better and there is no reason why we can’t be on of the best in the State, particularly in Denton County.” Chief went on to say that he had received excellent feedback so far, and he wanted that trend to continue. He sets very high expectations, will provide each officer the tools and training needed to succeed. He does not micromanage, and gives the officers the freedom to do their jobs.

Rhodes indicated that training is key to success. He intends to increase training for all officers significantly. Chief said, “We are a growing department. There will be many opportunities for each of you to grow and advance. Think about where you want to take your career and seek out the necessary training to market yourself for when the role becomes available. I will support the training requests.”

He went on to further discuss the PD image. “The image of one reflects on us all.” He talked about his expectations on everything from the cleanliness expectations of the office, the patrol cars – he referred to as their office on wheels – accurate and complete reporting, officer conduct, and respect. Respect was top of the list. He said, “We must treat every stop with the same dignity and respect that we would want.” He noted that spot-checks would be performed monthly to ensure that everyone complies.

As Chief closed out the meeting, he gave us a glimpse into how the visible branding would change. As uniforms are replaced, the team will be moving to one cohesive look. They organized a uniform committee to approve and select the new uniforms. The new-look will begin to roll out over the next few months. Additionally, keep your eye out for a new design for the police cars!

anger EDC A

re you a business in the City of Sanger that is looking to enhance your existing site visually,

New Location H&R Block has moved!

or in ways that increase the viability of

Their new office location is 905 W.

your property for business use? The

Chapman Road.

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

local and support our local businesses in SANGER!

New Business

process is administered by the City

Green Valley Café is now open

of Sanger’s Economic Development

serving breakfast and lunch! Visit

Corporation – applications and pro-

them at 2800 FM 455.

gram 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.

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 continue shopping locally in the future. Shop

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. Let’s Connect!

Our focus is assisting Sanger

Networking Opportunity

businesses with their needs and developing a working relationship

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.

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 onsite 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 Sanger Chamber Business of the Month November 2021 Pride & Glory Professional Wrestling

you!

R

emembering The History of Sanger Famous People & The Train Station

G

ulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railway began its journey towards Purcell, Indian Territory (before becoming the state of Oklahoma) to connect with the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe. The Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe was a subsidiary of the Santa Fe Railway and continued to be operated as a separate organization.

Three hundred miles of rail track was laid from Fort Worth to Purcell, Indian Territory passing through the Sanger area in 1866. The rail line was later known as the Santa Fe Railway and was the only location in the immediate area to board a passenger train in later years.

P a s s e n g e r service was used by many wellknown people and everyday William H. Taft citizens trying to reach a destination other than using a vehicle.

Sanger’s first well-known celebrity visitor was an ex-President of the United States. On April 24, 1919. William H. Taft, former POTUS, made a brief address from the platform of his train as he passed through Sanger en route to Indian Territory (later to become the state of Oklahoma). The town learned early in the morning that he would be stopping, the school classes were dismissed, and a large crowd gathered at the station when the train arrived. President Taft spoke briefly in favor of the League of Nations as he traveled through Texas speaking on this subject.

Submitted by the Sanger Area Historical Society

P

resident Taft was not the only presidential party known to have passed through Sanger. Fred Scheu, station manager of the depot in Sanger, was contacted by the FBI informing him that Eleanor Roosevelt, Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, wife of the President of the United States, would be arriving on November 1, 1939.

Mrs. Roosevelt was to travel t h ro u g h S a n g e r after her dedication of the Little Chapel in the Woods at Texas Elanor Roosevelt State College for Women (TSCW and later to be known as Texas Woman’s University).

At this time, Sanger was the nearest place to board a passenger train to head northbound. The arrival of the FLOTUS was to be kept secret, but the word got out, and the town turned out to see Mrs. Roosevelt.

People crowded the downtown streets as though a festival was happening in town.

The Sanger High School Home Economics class and their teacher got the front-row standing room next to the car awaiting the train’s arrival to pick up this very important passenger. As the car turned off old Highway 77 (formerly known as The Pike and now known as Fifth Street), Scheu walked from the station up to the west end of Bolivar

Street to meet the car and to have the crowds make way for Mrs. Roosevelt’s arrival. As her car arrived, they pulled in from the south end of the station to a stopping point among the crowds of people. The high school girls and their teacher were close by. Mrs. Roosevelt rolled down the window in her car and asked the Home Economics girls their names. They told her they were with the Home EC class, and she asked what they were currently learning in their classes. When they replied they were learning to can vegetables, Mrs. Roosevelt said she had just canned 32 quarts of green beans from the garden of Hyde Park that summer.

Here was the FLOTUS, in her fur coat and orchid corsage, from her speaking engagement at TSCW, talking about canning green beans.

The train arrived, and Mrs. Roosevelt and her son and his family, who resided in Fort Worth, boarded the train. The next day Mrs. Roosevelt wrote an article in her daily newspaper column named “My Day” thanking the town of Sanger and the station manager, Fred Scheu.

Fritz (Fredrich) Kreisler, a famous Austrian-born concert violinist, performed a concert at TSCW on November 17, 1939. He arrived to board the midnight-passenger train in Sanger after his

Fritz Kreisler

show and learned there was no food service on the late train. Fred Scheu, station manager, took Mr. Kreisler to his home for a late-night snack of fresh-baked bread and home-churned

butter. Kreisler boarded the midnight train and thanked Scheu for his hospitality. Scheu later received a signed photograph for Kreisler’s appreciation with a personal note describing the meal as one of the best he had ever had.

W

.B. Skirvin moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (then known as Indian Territory) and built the Skirvin Hotel, which

Perle Mesta

would open in 1911. His wife had died in 1908 and left him with three children. Skirvin and the children resided in the hotel. Skirvin and children would travel to Texas for shopping at the finer stores in the area and would stop in Sanger on their way home to spend the night.

His daughter, Perle Skirvin, later known as Perle Mesta, was later to become an Ambassador to Luxembourg under President Harry Truman.

She became known as “The Hostess with the Mostest” in Washington, D.C., social circles under several U.S. presidents’ terms in office.

She spent her years in public life in D.C. However, her fond memories of the stopovers her family made in Sanger on their travels to Texas she would spend her downtime in the quaint community of Sanger, Texas, residing in a small duplex at Plum and 8th Streets. Very few people knew of Mesta living in Sanger during her years as a part-time resident.

Sanger is a “Special Place,” and our history proves it to have always been a special place.

S

ANGER — Teachers and staff in Sanger ISD were greeted with an unexpected surprise on Tuesday morning — an employee retention stipend.

As a thank-you for their tireless work since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sanger ISD school board unanimously approved the stipends at January’s board meeting on Jan. 11. The checks, which were funded using ESSER II allocations, ranged from $500-$1,000, depending on length of employment. Staff who had been with the district one year or less received $500. Employees who had been with Sanger ISD 2-5 years received $750, while staff employed six years or more received $1,000.

“This is a small token of appreciation for the hard work our staff has put forth during education’s most challenging time,” Sanger ISD Superintendent Dr. Tommy Hunter said. “COVID has been a battle both professionally and personally for us all, and we all have been impacted by COVID one way or another.”

In all, Sanger ISD distributed nearly $375,000 in stipends to over 400 employees. Several members of the school board, including board President Ken Scribner, were on hand Tuesday morning to deliver checks to staff members at various campuses.

Lori Galbreath, a secondgrade teacher at Butterfield Elementary, hugs Sanger ISD school board Vice President Sarah York after receiving her employee retention stipend on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.

“Teachers are our biggest asset,” Scribner said. “In 12 years, I’ve fought hard for raises. Any time there is a chance to put any extra money in their pockets, whenever we have the funds, I’m 1,000% for it.

“Thank you doesn’t go far enough.” Board Vice President Sarah York, who also helped hand out the checks, said giving back to teachers and staff was an easy decision.

“I believe that what we have in Sanger is special,” York said. “We have teachers and staff that give their heart and soul to each and every student. They see them for who they are and the potential they possess. Each teacher and staff member has the unique opportunity to encourage and ignite that fire. We are incredibly blessed as a district and as a school board, and giving back was easy to say yes to without hesitation.”

Clear Creek Intermediate third-grade teacher Brandie Kitchens smiles and celebrates after receiving her employee retention stipend on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.

From left, Sanger ISD Superintendent Dr. Tommy Hunter, board member Mitch Hammonds, Vice President Sarah York, board member Lisa Cody and President Ken Scribner pose for a photo before delivering the employee retention stipends on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. In all, Sanger ISD distributed nearly $375,000 to over 400 employees.

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

•

Library Assistant PT 2 positions

•

Maintenance Worker for Streets FT

•

Utility Worker I for Water FT

•

Planner FT

For complete job description details, please visit https://www.sangertexas.org/page/hr_employment