SANGER
QUARTER 1 2024 ISSUE
SENTINEL
Pg. 24 - 266 Express Police Chief Tyson Cheek give an inside look at the future of the Sanger Police Department
Letter from the Editor Dear Sanger Sentinel Readers, As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for being dedicated readers of the Sanger Sentinel. Your continued support has been the driving force behind the success of our magazine, and we are truly thankful for the privilege of being your source of information about all things Sanger. As we embark on the journey into the new year, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a joyous and prosperous 2024. May it bring you moments of happiness, success, and fulfillment. I am writing to share some exciting news about the Sanger Sentinel. In our ongoing commitment to providing you with the best content, we have decided to make a change to our distribution schedule. Starting this year, we will be transitioning from a monthly to a quarterly release of the magazine. Rest assured, your favorite sections, including the beloved Sanger History, will continue to be featured in every issue. Our mission remains unwavering – to keep residents, businesses, and visitors informed about everything happening in Sanger, TX. Each quarterly issue will be packed with valuable information, covering a wide range of topics such as events, project updates, and insights into Economic Development initiatives within our community. Your input is crucial to us, and we want to ensure that the Sanger Sentinel continues to meet your expectations. Please feel free to let us know what you would like to see more of in the magazine. You can also submit your "Ask Your City Questions" to marketing@sangertexas.org. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future content of the Sanger Sentinel. Once again, thank you for being loyal readers of the Sanger Sentinel. We are excited about the changes ahead and look forward to sharing even more engaging and informative content with you throughout the coming year. Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with joy, success, and wonderful moments. Best Regards,
Donna Green Director of Marketing
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
STAY CONNECTED Follow us on all of our social media accounts to stay up to date on everything Sanger! @CITYOFSANGERTX | @SANGERPARKSANDRECREATION @SANGERPOLICEDEPARTMENT | @CITYOFSANGERTEXASFIREDEPARTMENT @SANGERPUBLICLIBRARY
The City of Sanger launched the official podcast of Sanger, TX, The 266 Express. Listen Here!
SANGER SENTINEL MAGAZINE
TABLE 2 - Letter from the Editor 5 - Message from the City Manager 7 - Trash Services Updates 11 - Sanger Economic Development 14 - Public Safety - Tyson Cheek on the 266 Express 17 - Sanger Public Library 21 - Development Services Updates 23 - Public Works Updates 24 - Recap of Christmas on the Square 25 - Sanger History - Noah Christian Batis
03
CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sanger Sentinel 2023
CITY MANAGER HIGHLIGHTS
Dear Sanger Residents and Businesses, Happy New Year! I trust this message finds you well and that you had a joyful holiday season surrounded by friends and family. As we welcome the beginning of 2024, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you for a year filled with happiness, success, and prosperity. Now, I'd like to share some important updates and changes that will shape our community in the coming months, starting this January. Trash and Recycling Services Transition: Beginning this month, the City of Sanger will be transitioning its trash and recycling services to Republic Services. In an effort to minimize road damage, we are moving to a once-aweek pickup schedule for garbage, yard waste, and bulk waste. If you need additional waste or recycling cans, you can request them for a fee through our website or by contacting customer service. Keep an eye out for Republic Service containers replacing your Waste Connections trash cans. Waste Connections will continue servicing those with Republic Service containers until the transition is complete. I35 Project and Water/Sewer Plans: Our Public Service department is making great progress, with the I35 project plans in motion and the water and sewer plans at 95% completion. Starting in early January, the Water Department will begin installing new water meters for all residents. These meters will provide more accurate measurements of water consumption, and the project is expected to take 6-8 weeks. With the new water meters, you'll have access to a Customer Portal to monitor your daily water usage. The portal is expected to go live by the end of the first quarter. Look out for more information on this in your mail, on Facebook, and on our website. Additionally, we're addressing House Bill 3 by installing generators for all water sites. The first of five new generators is already being installed, and all wells will have backup generators by the end of March. Sanger Public Library Programs: The Sanger Public Library has some exciting programming lined up for January, including pottery classes on the 19th and 26th, as well as a mini quilting class on Saturday, January 13th. Space is limited, so be sure to check with the library for more information or to sign up. United Way Tax Assistance Program: The United Way will once again be offering its free tax assistance program starting Saturday, January 26th, and continuing through tax season. Please note that it's on a firstcome, first-served basis, and you must meet income levels to qualify. No appointments are being taken. I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for your contributions to our community. Your involvement is what makes Sanger the wonderful place it is. Wishing you all a joyful and prosperous January! Stay connected through our website and social media for more updates. Thank you. Sincerely, John Noblitt City Manager
UTILITY SERVICES 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
Sanger Utilities
Trash & Recycling
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 in Sanger are provided by Republic Services and are billed by the City of Sanger monthly on your utility bills.
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.
For missed collections or service issues, contact Republic Services at 972-316-0789 For billing questions, contact Sanger Customer Service in City Hall at:940-909-9061 or email utilitybilling@sangertexas.org. For more information, CLICK HERE.
FAQs For a list of frequently asked questions visit this site.
NEW TRASH COLLECTION SERVICE BEGINNING JANUARY 2024
Dear City of Sanger Resident, Beginning January 2024, the City of Sanger will transition to Republic Services for all trash and recycling service. Each residence will receive one-time per week collection services for garbage, yard waste, and bulk waste. Residents may request additional waste and recycling cans, for a fee, by filling out a request form on our website at https://bit.ly/41aPQRg. For more details, visit sangertexas.org
New Trash Collection Service Beginning in January 2024, the City of Sanger will transition to Republic Services for all trash and recycling services. What You Need To Know The City of Sanger has contracted with Republic Services for Trash and Recycling services. This new service will begin in January. Republic Services has already begun to replace your trash and recycling bins with your new bins. The City of Sanger is moving to a one-time per week collection service for garbage, yard waste, and bulk waste. Throughout December, Waste Connections will continue to provide trash and recycling services on your regular 2 x per-week schedule. They will pick up trash and recycling in the Republic Services bins. Residents may request additional waste and recycling cans for a fee by filling out a request form on our website.
Thank You to Our 2023 Sponsors We want to thank our incredible sponsors for 2023. We appreciate your support of the community and contributions that helped make the events a success. We look forward to continuing our partnerships next year.
SANGER CITY COUNCIL Meetings THE SANGER CITY COUNCIL MEETS THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAY OF EACH MONTH. LOCATION: SANGER HISTORICAL CHURCH 403 N. 7TH STREET TIME: 7:00 PM
WATCH THE MOST RECENT COUNCIL RECAP HERE.
Historic Church
SANGER SENTINEL
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The Sanger EDC mission is to expand the local tax base, creating a diversified, vibrant, and sustainable economy and enhancing the quality of life for residents and the business community. Our primary focus is on business attraction, business retention, and marketing/tourism for the City of Sanger. We love to help businesses achieve their goals. To learn more about how we serve the community, drop by our office or schedule an introductory meeting. Please contact sbardshaw@sangertexas.org for more information or to schedule a meeting.
EDC
SANGER EDC Property Enhancement Incentive Program
New Business Alert We are excited to announce a new business in Sanger. Uptown Creamery is an ice cream shop located at 306 Bolivar in Historic Downtown Sanger. They have several flavors of ice cream as well as sugar-free options. They also offer shakes, cones, and more. Be sure to stop by and say hello!
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.
Before After SANGER SENTENIAL
SANGER EDC
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT VIDEOS In Sanger, we are passionate about business and
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.
even more passionate about local business. This is why we like to shop and promote local as much as possible. To help support and promote Sanger’s growing community of business owners and entrepreneurs, the Sanger EDC will produce free videos for our local businesses every year. These videos are shared across Sanger’s social media pages, and businesses are encouraged to share and use them to help promote their business. Interested in having your business featured?
We want to get to know you and your
Send us an email at sbradshaw@sangertexas.org
business! If you would like to schedule an
with “Business Spotlight Video Request” as the
on-site meeting, please contact Shani
subject line. Please include the following
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!
information in your email: ·Your name ·Your organization’s name and street address ·Your phone number ·A note about why your business is exciting or unique!
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.
PUBLIC SAFETY CHIEF TYSON CHEEK Discover the exciting changes unfolding within Sanger's Police Department as Chief Tyson Cheek takes us behind the badge in this transformative discussion. From tackling staffing shortages with an eye for dedicated talent to implementing a dynamic command structure, Chief Cheek's journey from interim to permanent fixture at the helm provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of law enforcement. This episode promises insights into the revitalization of community policing, where proactive engagement and educational outreach are just the beginning of forging stronger relationships between officers and residents. Equipping our officers with more than just the standard gear, this conversation unveils the commitment to integrity and transparency that is revolutionizing our force. We take a deep look at the enhanced technologies that have been introduced, such as tasers and stopsticks, and dissect the rigorous recruitment process that ensures the ethical bedrock of our team. Chief Cheek articulates the philosophy that guides our department's conduct and how our strategy seeks to maintain the highest standards of policing, bolstered by advanced training and a community-driven approach. Wrapping up with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the support from our listeners, we reflect on the ethical landscape of Sanger's Police and the proactive strategies shaping its future. Chief Cheek leaves us with a sense of pride and optimism for what's ahead as we continue to grow alongside our ever-expanding community. Tune in to get a pulse on the initiatives that are not only enhancing public safety but also instilling a sense of pride in our North Texas town. Your support fuels this journey, and we invite you to keep engaging with us on the 266 Express, where every conversation is a track toward a more connected and secure community.
To listen to the full podcast, Click Here
2023 Police Officer of the Year Lt. Justin Lewis
2023 Firefighter of the Year Daniel Wisian
Sanger Public Library The Sanger Public Library has several programs and activities planned over the next few months. Here are a few of the highlights. Visit https://www.sangertexas.org/185/Library for the most up-to-date programming available. They are constantly updating their offerings.
Pottery Class January 19th & 26th, the library will offerpottery class with Aaron Evans. Participants are required to attend both sessions as the finished product is a two-step process. Space is limited. Contact the Sanger Library for more information or to sign up for the class.
Mini Quilting Class Saturday, January 13th, the library is offering a mini quilting class. This class is perfect if you want to learn how to quilt for the first time or if you want to brush up your skills in a specific area. Space is limited. Contact the Sanger Library for more information.
Income Tax Assistance Beginning Saturday, January 26th, the United Way will once again offer their free tax assistance program. You must qualify to use the service. Contact the Sanger Public Library for more info.
Blind Date With A Book! - Coming in February Do you judge a book by its cover? Well, if we are honest, we have all done it at some point in time. Blind Date with a Book is a mystery book wrapped in brown paper, with a few words printed on the cover acting as clues that tell you a little bit of what to expect. You won’t know the title or the name of the author, those few words are all you get to decide if you wish to take the book home or not.
SANGER PUBLIC LIBRARY 2nd Annual City-wide Art Contest Attention Sanger Artists! April is National Youth Art Appreciation Month. To celebrate, all of our artists from preschool - 99+ are encouraged to submit their art.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES UPDATE BELZ Retail Addition Exciting news for our community! We are thrilled to announce that the BELZ Retail Addition project is advancing with great momentum. The long-anticipated grocery store, a cornerstone of this development, is now in the plating phase, marking a significant step towards making it a reality. Full plans for the project have been submitted, showcasing the careful consideration and meticulous detailing that has gone into crafting this retail experience. As we look ahead, developers are gearing up to break ground on Phase 1 this summer, an encompassing stage that includes the development of multi-family housing and, of course, the eagerly awaited grocery store. This marks a major stride towards creating a vibrant and comprehensive retail space that will undoubtedly enhance the quality of life in our community. Stay tuned for more updates as we witness the transformation of the BELZ Retail Addition into a thriving hub for residents and visitors alike.
More Exciting Development Progress for Sanger In the spirit of continual progress, we are pleased to share the latest updates on our ongoing developments. The Lane Ranch Project is steadily advancing, with developers submitting their Civil Plans for review in mid-December. Additionally, the Sanger Circle Phase 7 civil plans have been recently submitted for review. Meanwhile, exciting developments are also taking shape at Duncan Retail Park, situated adjacent to Trail Dust. The submission for platting in this area signals the initiation of a project that promises to contribute to the vibrancy of our community. As we navigate these phases of growth and development, we look forward to the positive impact these projects will have on our community and beyond. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to shape the future.
Lane Ranch Project
Sanger Circle
Public Works Updates We are excited to share significant progress on the I-35 project for water and sewer, with plans now at 95% completion. In alignment with the state mandate outlined in House Bill 3, emphasizing water backup power, we are diligently installing generators at our water sites. The first of five Generac generators has already been set, and we anticipate the completion of this critical initiative by the end of March to early April. Concurrently, beginning in early January, we will initiate the replacement of outdated water meters with new, highly efficient models. This upgrade promises
to
consumption
provide
more
measurements,
accurate
water
contributing
to
a
more sustainable and informed water management system. The installation process is estimated to take approximately 6-8 weeks. As part of this modernization effort, customers will gain access to a new customer portal, allowing them to monitor their water consumption on a daily basis. Stay tuned for further information on our website at sangertexas.org, and anticipate the new portal to be up and running by early spring. These initiatives
underscore
our
commitment
to
enhancing infrastructure and service delivery for the benefit of our community.
CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE & HOLIDAY PARADE Downtown Sanger transformed into a magical winter wonderland during our annual Christmas on the Square and Holiday Parade, bringing festive cheer to all. The Downtown park sparkled with enchanting lights, resembling a scene straight out of a Hallmark Movie. Holiday vendors added to the charm, scattered throughout town, offering a delightful shopping experience to prepare for the Christmas season. Live music filled the air with a harmonious blend of traditional and new Christmas carols, creating a joyful atmosphere throughout the day. As the evening unfolded, the Christmas parade took center stage, featuring participants who went above and beyond to craft stunning floats, making it a parade like no other. The entire community came together in a celebration of creativity and holiday spirit, making this year's event truly memorable and heartwarming.
Noah Christian Batis By Sanger Area Historical Society and Museum Noah C. Batis was born October 4, 1860, in Jacksonville, Illinois, son of Morgan M. Batis and Susan Coffman Batis. He was a family man, a Denton County commissioner for Precinct 4 from 1919 to 1923, a Chisholm Trail herder, a livestock breeder of mules and horses, and local farmers sought after him to treat their stock. Although he never had a degree to back it up, he had the knowledge and skills of a veterinarian, and the local and area men trusted him to treat their livestock. Noah and Amanda E. Rhine Batis married and had four children: Bertha, Edward, Carl, and Bessie. After his wife Amanda died on February 11, 1891 (and was buried in the Krum cemetery), he married Laura L. Batis, who gave birth to 5 more children: Walter, Guy, Beulah, Bonnie, and Noah. Laura died November 2, 1950, and is buried in Sanger Cemetery along with her husband Noah, who had passed away in March 1950. Noah arrived in Texas at an early age in 1881-82. In 1889, he arrived in Sanger and, within ten years, established his Sanger stock farm. He purchased 95 acres of fine land just on the edge of town and built one of the largest and finest accommodating barns in the country. He became known for his fine horses, mules, and other livestock. Although he lacked formal training, he provided veterinary care for his animals and those of nearby farms. Some of his finest animals were Keota Bob, McGregor, William Whitten, and Morgan horses, along with John and Hubbard Jacks. Fine colts resulted from these prize animals and were scattered over Denton, Collin, Wise, and Cooke counties. When Noah arrived in Sanger, stock breeding was at a low ebb, but he changed that with his knowledge and expertise with stock. Batis drove herds of cattle up the Chisholm Trail in 1881 for Judge S.A Venters. His last trip was in 1882, when he traveled the trail with a herd of 1,200 head of cattle that belonged to Bill Loflin. Noah was interviewed by Jasmine Fry and Pat Hillert of the Denton Record-Chronicle in April 1948, and he talked about riding the trail and the Indian encounters. He remembered never having issues with Indians as they crossed the plains towards the northern market, and several times, Indians would approach their campsite. They were invited to share a meal, and once on the way back to Texas, some of the Indians they had fed on the trip north came bearing sacks of turtles. The trail camp cook prepared them for the trail drivers, and the Indians shared the meal.
Sanger Courier photo and small article with Noah Batis and H.B. Toon, owner of the paper.
Jack Armstrong shared that his father, Hazen Armstrong, remembered Noah receiving his two-story home loaded on railcars. Noah asked Hazen and several other men to bring their wagons, and they loaded up the Sears’ craft home “kit” and transported it to Batis’ farm just west of what is now I-35 on FM455. It consisted of loads and necessary goods to complete this 2-story home. The property is located across FM455 from the Chisholm Trail Elementary School. Noah had a small home on the property, and in 1913, he moved the small frame house to the rear of the property in anticipation of building his new Sears Craft Home. Noah built the home, although it is unknown how long it took to complete. It had two stories and a wraparound porch on the south and east sides of the house. The property also held the original small home that Noah and his wife occupied at the back of the new home to be built, along with quarters for his help, a cooking kitchen, and a huge Appalachian-style livestock barn, one of the first to be built in Texas. Noah bought a parrot with a very large vocabulary in his travels. It remained with him for 26 years, and he later passed the bird to another family in Sanger. A Texas State Historical Commission marker dedication was held July 28, 1987, at the home in memory of Noah C. Batis, presented by Joe Batis, grandson of Noah, and attended by Jack Marshall, owner of the home, along with Mayor Nel Armstrong of Sanger. The marker read: Noah C. Batis A native of Illinois, Noah C. Batis (1860-1950) came to Texas at an early age in 1881. He worked as a cowboy driving cattle up the Chisholm Trail to Kansas. He came to Sanger in 1889 and ten years later, at this site, established the Sanger Stock Farm which became known for its fine horses, mules, and other livestock. Although he lacked formal training, Batis provided veterinary care for his animals and those of nearby farms. A County Commissioner from 1919 to 1923, he lived here with his wife Laura (b. 1864). They died in 1950.
This Texas State Historical Commission marker disappeared from the home. It was mounted on the front of the house, and research indicated it had been placed inside the home. After several attempts to locate it, it was never found. Batis sold the home and stock farmland to the Richard Slaughter family, which was later sold to the Travis Wylie family. Later, the property was owned by the Bob Marshall family, and the two sons are still owners of the property. Noah and Laura moved to a small home at 208 S. 5th Street in Sanger, where they lived until the death of Noah on April 21, 1950, and his wife, Laura, died on November 2, 1950. Both are buried in Sanger Cemetery, along with their youngest son, Noah.
The house was torn down on April 29, 2020, to make room to widen FM455. Sanger lost another piece of its history.
Noah Batis’ original home on FM455.
Batis home on FM455 across from Chisholm Trail Elementary. It was torn down on April 29, 2020, to widen FM455. A cookhouse, garage, barn, and windmill still exist on the property.
Noah C. Batis is in the front row, far right. Several of the men were brothers of Batis.
Laserfiche
Improving Transparency and Efficiencies In October 2021, the City Council approved an agreement with DocuNav Solutions to purchase Laserfiche. Laserfiche is an electronic records management and storage system. As the City continues using Laserfiche to manage records, we are also increasing efficiencies, allowing us to become more transparent to the public. The City of Sanger has implemented a public records portal utilizing Laserfiche. This Public Portal allows citizens to access public documents. You can keyword search the following documents: meeting agendas, minutes, ordinances, and resolutions. Citizens can also search public financial documents such as annual Budgets and Audits. The City Secretary’s Office has worked with departments to accomplish milestones such as workflows improving efficiencies in filing documents for storage in accordance with the State retention schedules as adopted by the City Council. These milestones continue to enhance our staff’s efficiencies and effectiveness. City of Sanger public records search
www.SangerTexas.org