October 2022 Edition Sanger Sentinel

Sanger Sentinel

NOTE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

John Noblitt

Sanger, City Manager Greetings, Sanger!

It is with great pleasure that we welcome the fall! While Mother Nature is taking her sweet time ushering the cooler weather into Texas, we know that cooler temperatures are coming. For many, October marks the beginning of their favorite time of year. There is something about pumpkin-spice everything, cooler weather, fall festivals, and a flood of holidays headed our way that puts everyone in a good mood.

October marks some exciting times in Sanger. The City will be buzzing with activity beginning with our fall Sanger Clean Up Day on October 8th followed by the much anticipated 44th Annual Sanger Sellabration. December promises to be a lot of fun. The Chamber is once again hosting its Six Days of Christmas activities, an increase of two days over last year! Additionally, the Letters to Santa is returning thanks to the sponsorship of Hermes Insurance. Watch for the special mailboxes to be set out. You will find one in the Square, one at City Hall, and one in the Library. On December 10th, be sure not to miss our Christmas on the Square and the 24th annual Holiday Parade. We will have more than 40 vendors, bounce houses, photos with a real longhorn, local performances, and photos with Santa Clause plus much more! Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Don Hall Construction, we have expanded our parade this year. Awards will be given to both float entries and performers. A special judging spot will be marked on Bolivar. Arrive early to save your spot to see the performances. As always, the event is free and participation in the Parade is free. You just need to register.

As we move into a new month, you will notice some upgrades the City is making to improve our communication and to make navigating our website much more user-friendly. View our new website at https://www.sangertexas.org/. Earlier this year, we launched our lifestyle website at www. discoversanger.com. This website showcases all of our events, things to do, places to shop, and more. I encourage you to visit both sites. Additionally, we have implemented a new issue reporting tool. In partnership with SeeClickFix, we have launched the SangerConnected app. This app allows users to quickly report any issues they see such as water leaks or potholes. When you submit the issues through the tool, the proper department is notified, a tracked location is provided, and you are notified of the progress through completion. Let us know what you think by sending an email to marketing@sangertexas.org. Coming soon, we will be launching a redesigned Economic Development website, and our phone system is getting a much-needed upgrade.

Please remember that in October, we have Halloween. I caution you to use care and watch out for all the little ghosts and goblins that you will see roaming the streets on October 31st. Parents, make sure your little monsters are wearing something reflective. Once it gets dark, it is very hard to see them.

Happy Fall,

John Noblitt City Manager, Sanger

SANGER 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

Each month the Mayor recaps the council meetings. To hear the July recap click the button below.

Click Here

Utility Services

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 & RECYCLING SERVICE

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

City of Sanger Updated Website

The City has a refreshed website. Same address, with better user navigation.

Fire and Police can now be found by highlighting departments and then selecting Depart ments/ Public Safety/ then either Police or Fire Department.

Sanger Sellabration 2022

The 44th Annual Sanger SELLabration will be held in downtown Sanger on Saturday, October 29, 2022. This annual event is a highlight of the Sanger Community. The Sanger Area Chamber of Commerce has worked hard on providing a fun and successful SELLabration. Bring your family and friends to spend the day browsing the vendors, sampling the goods from the food trucks and enjoying entertainment from the main stage.

anger EDC

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 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 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.

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! 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.

Business Spotlight

Small businesses play integral parts in the Sanger economy and are the backbone of our great community. In Sanger, we are very passionate about small businesses, and we believe it’s small businesses that will help us maintain our charm as we grow. The Sanger Business Spotlight is our opportunity to shine a light on them.

The Gypsy Cowgirl

Nancy McAlister, Owner

Address: 208 N. 4th St., Sanger, TX

Gypsy Cowgirl

Nancy McAlister, Owner

Address: 208 N. 4th St., Sanger, TX

Gypsy Cowgirl has been in business for a total of 13 years. Ten years ago, we purchased the store from Robin Hacker of Valley View.

The shop has gone through many phases through the years. Today we find ourselves split into two parts: gifts and women’s wear.

Our gift side includes original art, our very popular school and team plaques, candles, exclusive knives, puzzles, kids’ crafts and toys, pickles, and jams, as well as two leading brands of men’s toi-letries. We are always searching for more items that add to the fun and happiness of our custom-ers’ lives.

On the boutique side, we provide lovely apparel for work and play, as well as shoes and accesso-ries from noted boutique and national brands.

Gypsy Cowgirl is a fun place to hang out. There are so many things to see, as well as so many wonderful people to meet. Because we are next to Babe’s, a destination restaurant, we meet people from all over the US - and the world! And we have come to know and love so many residents of Sanger and the surrounding area.

There is no doubt that being downtown adds to the fun and activity nights and weekends. And as we have watched Sanger grow and change over the past decade, we are heartened by the “can do” attitude of the City, the Chamber, and the citizens as we work through the inevitable challenges that growth brings.

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. Email your open positions to SBradshaw@sangertexas.org

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

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.

Financial Institutions of Sanger

By Sanger Area Historical Society and Museum

Sanger, Texas has had several banks within its community for the financial needs of the local residents. Depositing hard-earned funds, getting loans when a family or business is in need of cash input, and ways to save and earn a little extra in savings were many of the features of these financial institutions.

The First National Bank of Sanger was organized as a private bank in 1900 and was in competition with two other small banks in the small community. In the early years in “History of Sanger and of Bolivar from Which It Originated” documented by Alma Lain Chambers, the first bank in Sanger opened in 1898 which was named Farmers and Merchants Bank. This bank was originally located at the northeast corner of 4th and Bolivar Streets facing the park in what was then known as the Dunn Building (now a vacant lot).

In 1905, the First National Bank of Sanger was nationalized and by 1908 a new building was completed at the northwest corner of Bolivar and 3rd Streets, and the stockholders had

and branched out into the banking world, moving to Lewisville and assisted in organizing the Citizens Bank in which he was promoted to cashier. In 1890, Berry came to Sanger and he, along with G.L. Spencer and J.W. Spencer, bought the Farmers Bank and changed the name to Farmers and Merchants Bank. This was the name until it was nationalized in 1905 and chartered as the First National Bank of Sanger.

Berry had many other financial interests in the community of Sanger. He was the president of the Sanger Mill and Elevator Company, a director of the First National Bank, and a stockholder of the Sanger Gin Company.

Banking in the early 20th century was different than what is done currently. There were no FDICs; each bank stood on its own and the strength of its stockholders. The stockholders owned an interest in the bank according to their own personal monies. The bank would make loans and charge interest for a way to make money. If banks made bad loans and/or lost money, the bank would fail and close its doors. Pre- and post-WWI Sanger had three banks. There were closers and bankruptcies but the Berry bank survived.

First National Bank

purchased the two remaining banks in town. Officers of this newly named bank were J.T. Chambers, President; B.L. Spencer, Vice President; J.H. Hughes, Vice President; E.L. Berry, Cashier; and E.B. Brown, Assistant Cashier.

In the very early years of Sanger, Edgar Leon Berry was a longtime bank employee in Sanger. He was the cashier of the First National Bank of Sanger. Born in Lynchburg, Tennessee in 1860 and arrived in Fort Worth in December of 1881. He worked for J.W. Spencer at his wholesale grocery and began his career as a clerk for $4.00 per week. He learned the details of the position and advanced his career with many promotions. After 18 years he left the grocery business

Berry and his wife, Irene, lived in the home built by Mr. Kirkland on the northeast corner of Elm and Fifth Streets (now known as the Pink House). Berry had built the two-story, red-brick mansion in 1924-25 on what is now Interstate 35 across from Bolivar Street. By 1930, Berry’s health was beginning to fail. The Berry’s traveled to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for help but his health decline continued. June 1936, Berry passed away with a standing-room-only funeral held at the First Methodist Church of Sanger. Mrs. Berry remained in Sanger for a short time. She eventually moved to Colorado where she passed away in 1968.

Sanger Histo- ry - Financial Institutions

In 1920 John T. Chambers was president of the First National Bank. According to his grandson, Johnny Chambers, there were terrible times during the 1930 Depression Era but John T. Chambers never foreclosed on a loan. J.T. became involved with the Sanger Mill and Elevator Company of Sanger along with Squire Nance and E.L. Berry. Chambers gradually acquired stock until he had a controlling interest in the mill. The mill officials included J.T. Chambers as manager and treasurer, but he was also the president of the First National Bank. At a point in history, Chambers was no longer in the banking business and Berry was no longer in the milling business. J.T. Chambers died in 1940 at age 90. His son, Willie Bush sold Sanger Mill and Elevator Company to the Kimbell company. Willie Bush died in 1970 at age 80.

From the information in the “Sanger Courier” of April 25, 1948, the officers of the bank included George O. Hughes

who began as a janitor in 1906 and was later promoted to bookkeeper with a salary of $25 a month. E.G. Omstead was the vice president. Joy Seely was an assistant cashier and two bookkeepers were Bobby Ready and Mrs. John Hughes. The directors of the bank at this time consisted of George O. Hughes, president; W.R. Chatfield, farm implement dealer; R.C. “Pansy” Freeman, retired druggist; and George O. Hughes, Jr., who was formerly an electrical engineer in Denton.

Rich history of banking in Sanger continues to the current day. Sanger no longer has a First National Bank as it was acquired by GNB Financial in 1990. The current day the banks include Sanger Bank, First United Bank, and Prosperity Bank to accommodate the citizens.

Sanger Bank began operations in September 1987, First United Bank began operations in Sanger as a branch bank in August 2001, and Prosperity Bank opened the Sanger branch around 2007. Sanger Bank is located on I35, First United Bank is located on FM455 (Chapman Road) and Prosperity Bank is at the northeast corner of I35 and Chapman Drive.

Farmers and Merchants Bank employees Mr. Sluder, Mr. Greene, Mr. Wright, and Lee Sullivan. This was at location in the Dunn Building on northeast corner of Fourth and Bolivar Streets facing the city park.

This year’s Christmas Parade is going to shine. New for the parade this year:

• Parade performance opportunity and judging. All floats will stop for 15 seconds in he designated performance area to allow time for the judges to score your float.

• All performances (dance, cheer, band, etc.) will stop and perform for 45 seconds.

• Awards will be given at the end of the parade for the following: Floats/Wheeled Entries: Best in Theme (Classic Christmas/Holiday Memories), Judge’s Choice Award, Best Use of Lights, and Most Whimsical Performers: Mayor’s Award, Best in Theme, Best in Music, Most Original

All floats/wheeled entries must be lighted!

For more information or to download the entry form, visit https://www.discoversanger.com/ christmasparade or contact Donna Green, Marketing Director, at dgreen@sangertexas.org.

City of Sanger Christmas on the Square & Holiday Parade

City of Sanger & Sanger Chamber 2022 Holiday Events

- 9:00

- 6:00

- 4:00 PM

- 4:00 PM

- 4:00 PM

- 6:30 PM

- 8:00

Call for Sponsors

Looking for an opportunity to get involved with your community and advertise your business at the same time? The City of Sanger Christmas on the Square & Holiday Parade event still has some sponsorship opportunities available. For more information or to sponsor the event, contact Donna Green at dgreen@sangertexas.org.

for Sponsors

THANK YOU SPONSORS

The City of Sanger would like to take a moment to thank all of our sponsors for the 2022 Christmas on the Square and Holiday Parade event! Your support makes this event possible.

CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE VENDORS

Shop our Christmas on the Square & Holiday Parade Event

December 10, 2022 | 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Angel Creations Jewelry

AVON

Benchview Glass

Canning is My Jam

Debie’s Soaps & More

Happy Daisy Candle Co.

Nailspiration with Kim/Color Street

Gladys’s Paparazzi $5 VIP Jewelry

Sentsy

SD Cool Glow

Milone’s Creations

Risty Designs

Sudlty Soaps and Sundries

Saddle Ridge Creations

Southern Ginger Designs

August Moon Design

Georgiazz Candles

Lonestar Livin’ Boutique

Deb’s Real Time Pain Relief

Arelis Mayes Custom T’s

Carolyn’s Craft Studio

Noble Fleece Alpacas, LLC

Sunset Avenue Boutique

Lolita Accessories

Old Man Kettle Corn

Oliver’s Souvenir Shop

Ferguson Wood Art Latinos Concessions

Rain Fresh Technology

Cookie Cutter’s Sugar Shack

Time 2 Scrapbook & More

Healing Thyme Botanicals

Fun Fun Face Paint

Libson Jewelry

Of One Cloth

Sew Mini Cuddles

Tartan’s Treats

Gypsy Rose Designs

Creative Spirits

Sanger

Meet Our Staff

Cara Fuller

Cara is the City of Sanger’s Customer Service Manager. If you have ever stopped by City Hall, she is usually the quiet one in the middle of the Customer Service Area.

Cara is originally from Lewisville. Her family moved to Flower Mound during her high school years. She graduated from Edward S. Marcus High School, not to be confused with their rival, Flower Mound High. She has three sisters, of which she is the baby.

After high school, Cara attended NCTC, receiving her Associate’s Degree in General Studies. She later went to Texas Women’s, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Government and Legal Studies.

Before college, Cara worked for Walmart in Lewisville and later the old Walmart in Denton. Toward the end of finishing her Bachelor’s Degree, she went to work for Sally Beauty in the Treasury Department. Through careful planning and saving, she was able to graduate college debt free. After graduation, Cara took time to figure out what she wanted to be. Thinking she would love being a teacher, she worked as a substitute. In June of 2010, she came to work for the City of Sanger. Since her hire date, she has served in Accounts Payable, Payroll, and the Customer Service

Departments.

Fuller is married with one child and one super cute dog (Cookie) that she rescued through All American Dogs. Cara met Matt during her time working for Walmart. Walmart also employed him at the time. She

laughs, “I had to persuade him to go out with me. I would ask him to pick up and move boxes, even the light ones, every chance I had, just to talk to him.” In 2000, the light finally went on for him, and he asked her on their first date. They dated

off and on for a few years. Cara was focused on her studies and wasn’t ready for a serious, full-time

relationship until she graduated. However, fate would keep them together. She received her degree in 2006, and they were married on July 27th, 2007. Working for a City appealed to both her and Matt. Matt has been with the City of Denton for 15 years. He serves as a System Admin for their Electric Department. Additionally, Matt serves on the City of Sanger, Planning and Zoning Board.

Cara’s daughter Maddie (age 9) came screaming into the world six weeks early, weighing 7lbs. Cara describes her as being in a hurry to get here, and she hasn’t stopped yet. Maddie is not only the center of her mother and father’s world, but being the ONLY grandbaby on one side of the family, she is the center of the family.

Cara and her husband love to travel during their downtime. Thanks to her in-laws, who also love to travel, Cara has been able to experience vacations in locations all over the US, such as Disney, Colorado, and Wisconsin. Cara and Matt try to plan a family vacation with them every year, targeting a new destination. She told me, “I won the in-law lottery. You can make that a direct quote. They are wonderful.”