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WHS baseball, softball playoffs

No Roof Left Behind

See the latest information on the playoff rounds for baseball and softball. | page 5

See a slideshow of the restoration of Earl Wheaton’s roof | waxahachietx.com

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DAILY LIGHT

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from staff reports

See our Melissa Cade try a new work out.

VIDEO REPORT | WEB

Softball team gets playoff win

Early voting is now open for the Waxahachie city council and Waxahachie ISD School Board of Trustees races with Election Day fast approaching.

Running for the open seat on the city council are candidates Randall Chase and Mary Lou Shipley.

Both candidate's announcements and information on their platforms,

previously published in the Waxahachie Daily Light, can be found online at www.waxahachietx.com.

Early voting for both the city council and school board is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, April 28 - May 6 at city hall, 401 S. Rogers St. City hall will also be open for early voting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 29 and May 6. see voting, page 6

vehicle burglaries

By Shelly Conlon Daily Light staff writer

Waxahachie police arrested two men Friday morning in connection with two counts of burglarizing motor vehicles, Waxahachie Police Department released in a Borhall Brewer statement. cially because of warmer Through the past few weather, said Lt. Todd weeks, there’s been an Woodruff, head of Waxaincrease in motor vehicle hachie Police Departburglaries citywide, espe-

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The Waxahachie softball team beat Lindale 12-2.

Do you plan to vote for your favored candidate during early voting?

POLL QUESTION | WEB

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /OBITUARIES Kathryne Delle, 84, Alba

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John Dodd, 52, Midlothian

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Donald Ford, Houston

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Photo by Shelly Conlon/Daily Light staff writer

Ronald Kilgore, 72, Waxahachie

A Lon Smith Roofing worker removes the layers of old roofing on Earl Wheaton’s home in Waxahachie.

James Salter, 74, Midlothian

By Shelly Conlon

Susan Sokoll, 71, Waxahachie

Daily Light staff writer

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page 12

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SEE ARRESTS, PAGE 2

Dying wish Woman asks for help to see dying sister one last time Daily Light staff writer

Early voting news poll

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ment’s Criminal Investigative Unit. He said it’s normal to see an increase in crime when the temperatures begin to rise.

At 5:48 a.m., police received a report of suspicious people near Vivian and Megan Streets, the release stated. A caller reported people dressed in “all black” were seen running from car to car.

Officers arrived to the

By Shelly Conlon

PHOTO SLIDESHOW | WEB

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Early voting Police arrest two on Waxahachie city council, school board races open for early voting this week

Mixin’ it up at the YMCA

4.29.2014

Earl Wheaton has spent years helping any neighbor he could whenever he or she needed something repaired or installed, like fences, roofs or even sidewalks, he said. But through the past four years, he’s battled heart issues and cancer and hasn’t been able to help as much as he used to, he said.

Now the community is returning his support by giving him a new, free roof Monday, as part of No Roof Left Behind, a nationwide program that allows people to nominate others who need new roofs and provides a local contractor to do the framework for a deserving homeowner.

Roofs are given out every three months by the program to the person nominated with the most votes. Wheaton’s roof

was given by Lon Smith Roofing, which was the first roof for the company to do with the program, said Scott Hamilton, vice president of the roofing company. Lon Smith Roofing started on Wheaton’s roof at 8 a.m. Monday morning, “I looked at their faces when they told me,” Wheaton said about finding out about the roof. “Everybody had a smile.

That makes you want to have

One last hug — one last ‘I love you,’ is all Mary (Kelly) Johnson, 68, wants to give her older sister.

The only way to achieve that wish is help from the community to get her to Zanesville, Ohio as soon as possible.

Living off social security and with failing health, Johnson is asking community members to donate what they can to help her buy Mary Kelly Johnson what’s valued at about a $300 roundtrip ticket to see her dying sister.

While she’s struggled with health issues for the past several years, just within the past six months, Johnson has been in the hospital three times. One of those times included a blood transfusion.

Doctors have discovered she’s in the final stages of liver and kidney failure, she said, giving her an estimated five years to live. She has to wear a thick sweater just to stay warm in 80-degree weather.

As she was visiting multiple doctors and going through lots of testing, two

see shelter, page 2

see dying wish, page 2

n

TODAY’S EDITION /WHAT TO DO

May 1

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Waxahachie ISD Kindergarten Round-Up at all elementary schools for 2014-2015 year

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Palmer residents turn out to aid woman’s battle against cancer by mike sackett daily light correspondent

ENNIS – Members of the Team Joni banded together to hold a benefit dinner, dance, and auction Saturday night for the team's namesake, Joni Putman-Land. PutmanLand was recently diagnosed with cancer and needs life saving treatment.

Without insurance, Putman-Land must pay for the treatments herself.

“On Valentine's Day instead of the promised din-

ner out from my husband, I received the diagnosis I have stage four cancer,” The 46-year-old mother of six and grandmother of three said. “He still owes me, but now it is two dinners,” Putman-Land said.

“I was pretty calm when I received the news, because I knew something was wrong with me. I was told I had colon, lymph system and liver cancer” Putman-Land said. “You never know how blessed you are until something happens.”

Putman-Land was

without health insurance, but a friend convinced her to go see the doctor after serious symptoms began to appear.

“Baylor Hospital in Waxahachie took me in as a charity case and ran all the test and set out a treatment plan,” PutmanLand said.

It was a startling diagnosis for Land's youngest daughter, Haley Moore, who has seen both her aunts battle cancer.

“I was heart broken. I felt that this was something that would not hap-

pen to this family,” Moore said.

As for her prognosis, “I’m really pretty positive over all of this. My healing is all in God’s hands,” Putman-Land said.

Looking to raise the funds for chemo treatments, her husband, sister-in-law and Traci Skatch cane up with the idea and began putting together the evening's benefit.

“Traci has put together several benefits to help people and has been really see cancer, page 2

Joni Putman-Land (left) is battling Stage 4 cancer.

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WAXAHACHIETX.COM/news shelter form page 1

a big uplift. Everybody was so happy.”

Last year, Wheaton went to a Waxahachie city council meeting where Mark Singleton, President and CEO of Citizens National Bank of Texas, serves as a city council member. Wheaton asked for help from the council and in need of major repairs. Soon after, a man brought the No Roof Left Behind program application to a CNB banker, which was then present to a committee. That’s when the president remembered Wheaton, and CNB nominated him as a contestant.

“It’s just amazing how God orchestrated it all,” said Natalie Needham, CNB administrative assistant to the president and CEO. “I presented it in our committee and Mark said ‘You know there’s a gentleman who came into

dying wish from page 1

days before she’s scheduled to have a colonoscopy, she received a call only to find out her sister Meredith (Ann) Kleinhoffer, 70, has pancreatic cancer. Her sister was diagnosed a week and half ago, Johnson said.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the U.S., according to the Baylor Health Care System website. In Kleinhoffer’s case, Johnson said there’s nothing doctors can do. Chemotherapy and radiation isn’t an option, she said.

Meredith has two months to live, if even that long, Johnson said. ”I haven’t seen anyone in about 10 years,” John-

cancer from page 1

successful at it. She has a heart of gold,” Rhonda Land said.

“This is a true labor of love to do what I can to help others in need; besides my four children,” Skatch said.

When the doors opened at the SPJST Hall in Ennis, more than 70 donations were made for the live auction and another 60 were received for the silent auction. Many of the items were handmade crafts along with a set of saddle bar stools. Other items were donated by individuals as well as many businesses.

There was a raffle drawing for a saddle or a Yeti Cooler. There was also a drawing for a horse.

The kitchen was busy serving up Mexican food made by several volunteer friends of Putman-Land.

The serving line went to

city council,’ and it broke him up. It was Mr. Wheaton, and Mr. Wheaton has been with our bank for years and years, and in this community all his life, so we’re so grateful for what Lon Smith is doing for him.”

Wheaton didn’t win the program this round. While he was in the lead to win for most of the three months votes were casted, two or three days before a decision was announced another woman received more votes. However, Lon Smith Roofing saw him as winner anyway.

Chris Young, Lon Smith Roofing’s Inspection Manager, said when he saw the roof, he saw Wheaton was in dire need of assistant.

“We’re just helping people,” Young said. “He had some severe leakage, a lot of rot around the perimeter of his house, a lot of rotted decking. He had three layers of roofing on his house, which is way too heavy. It’ll cause the

son said. “That was the year my mother passed away and that was the last time I was able to go up there while I was still working. Because of my problems and her problems, I just think we need to get to see each other one last time. That’s when I thought maybe I could get some people to help me get up there.”

Once her prescriptions are filled each month, her social security check is almost gone, with the occasional $5 left for bathroom essentials, she said.

She uses food stamps and food banks to feed herself, she said.

Johnson has a place to stay and has plenty of family to take care of her once she gets to Ohio, she said. If Johnson were to fly, she’d have to fly into an airport that is about the dance floor and lasted well into the evening.

Auctioneer Doug Spurgeon, began his chatter auctioning off golf clubs, golf bags, clothing, autographed photos, horse tack and tickets to local events among the many other items.

Working to raise the bids on the items displayed on the floor, Spurgeon slowed his speech to tell the crowd, “Be sure and keep Joni in your prayers and raise your hands and bid to help her out.”

Members of Team Joni greeted the more than 400 guests who came through the doors for the evening's entertainment. Many were well wishers greeting Putman-Land wishing her well and extending thoughts of continued prayers for her remission.

“I am totally blown away.

I feel very heart felt by this out pouring of support I have received,” PutmanLand said. “My family has been a great help, helping with the chores of the house

ARRESTS

structure to start to bow and come apart. We saw it needed to come off. Otherwise, it could’ve damaged his house a lot worse than it was already damaged.”

The roofing company repaired everything from the roofline up, and would try and have the repairs finished in a day, if not the normal two-day process, Young said.

“We’ve participated in so many organizations,” said Hamilton. “This is a unique program because it involves the entire community. It actually gets people involved in the voting process. It kind of gives me chills, and because you’ve got so many people involved in it, the awareness it creates about the need is so much greater than us giving out the donations. So I’m excited.”

Contact Shelly at 469-517-1452 or shelly.conlon@waxahachietx. com. Like her on Facebook at www. facebook.com/ShellyConlonDailyLight or follow her on Twitter at Shelly_MarieC.

four hours from where her sister lives, she said. That would be too difficult of a drive for someone to do, she said.

Johnson and Kleinhoffer talk on the phone often, Johnson said. Almost every time they get to talk or see each other in person, they like to share their favorite memory, Johnson said.

“I had an argument with my parents, and I’d left home. I’d met this guy and I did marry him, I was gone for about a year and a half when I finally decided it was time to go back,” Johnson said. “She was already married. I went back home where my mom and dad lived in Ohio and she happened to be there. She had her little boy, which was the same age as my Kevin. My Kevin passed

FROM PAGE 1

Photo by Shelly Conlon/Daily Light staff writer

Earl Wheaton, left, stands with Scott Hamilton, Lon Smith Roofing Vice President, and Natalie Needham, CNB administrative assistant to CNB’s president.

away 11 years ago. She had her little boy in red coveralls, and yellow socks, and when I walked in I had my Kevin in the same thing. I said ‘What’s his name?’ and she said ‘Kevin.’ I said ‘You’re kidding?’ and she asked what my son’s name was and I said ‘It’s Kevin.’ We hadn’t seen each other in a year and half. I didn’t know she had him, and she didn’t know I had my Kevin and every time we talk or get together, we talk about that. They’re both gone now. Her son died in the military.”

If she can’t make it up there, she’s glad that her sister knows she loves her. Johnson said.

“I love all the family, I’ve been praying for her,” Johnson said, crying. “I know eventually, we’ll see each other in heaven. God

has the final say, and if she survives, at least we’ll have gotten to see each other because I probably won’t be around much longer.”

To help Johnson, please mail donations to 1000 Solon Place Way, Apt. #207, or text her at 469658-6884 and she will call you right back. Because of Johnson’s limited income, she only has so many minutes available to talk on her phone each month.

She said for those wishing to help, it would be easier to text her first.

Contact Shelly at 469-517-1452 or shelly. conlon@waxahachietx. com. Like her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ShellyConlonDailyLight or follow her on Twitter at Shelly_MarieC.

area and saw several people running on foot, but weren’t able to maintain sight of them, according to the release. Soon after spotting the people, police noticed a vehicle's taillights turn and pulled the car over, the release stated.

Officer Clay Sibley found two men inside. Both were dressed in black, matching the description. The two men, Barry Brewer, 21, and Eric Thomas Bohall, 23, were detained for questioning.

Officers also confiscated two loaded handguns in the vehicle, and as officers began checking the area, several cars in the neighborhood were found broken into. Property from at least two of the cars was found in the men’s vehicle, police stated. The value of property taken in this case was less than $100, Woodruff said.

Brewer and Bohall, both from Waxahachie, were then arrested. Brewer is charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm felony, two counts of burglary of a motor vehicle, unlawful use of a criminal instrument and failure to identify. His bond totals $22,000.

Bohall was charged with the unlawful carrying of a weapon, two counts of burglary of a motor vehicle and unlawful use of a criminal instrument. His bond totals 16,000.

Police will be investigating the case to determine if either man is connected to other motor vehicle burglaries before the ones that occurred April 26, Woodruff said.

“The best prevention is to lock your car doors,” Woodruff said. “Don’t leave anything valuable in plain view, and park in a well-lit area.”

and farm and being so supportive.”

Putman-Land, her husband and their family, run a farm in Palmer.

“There needs to be more awareness about cancer.

There is an even greater need to get out information about the signs of cancer.

One of my cancers, colon cancer, really has no early signs. Early colonoscopies are the best prevention, and do not wait until you are 50 as recommended,” Putman-Land said.

Sunday, Skatch said the benefit raised more than $20,000.

“These funds will get her started with the chemotherapy treatment she needs,” Skatch said. “All of the fund raised will go directly to Joni’s treatment.

The hall, the food and other expenses were completely covered by donations.”

If any individuals or businesses want to contribute to Joni’s treatment, they can contact Traci Skatch at 214-316-5271.

CMYK

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WPA golf teams head to state

Moral Courage honorees

The Waxahachie Preparatory golf teams will compete at the state tournament. | page 5

See photos of all those honored for their moral courage | Waxahachietx.com

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COURAGEOUS

WEDNESDAY

4.30.2014

Scan this QR code to go to our mobile site

Wish granted Donors grant Johnson’s wish to see dying sister

By Shelly Conlon Daily Light staff writer

One last hug — one last ‘I love you,’ is all Mary "Kelly" Johnson, 68, wants to give her older sister and now she’ll be able to do just that.

On Monday, Johnson asked community members to help her achieve the wish to get her to Zanesville, Ohio as soon as possible. Living off social security and with failing health, Johnson asked community members to donate what they could to help her buy what’s valued at about a $300 roundtrip ticket to Mary “Kelly” Johnson see her dying sister.

With the help of an anonymous donor and a doctor, Johnson will be able to visit her sister, who has pancreatic cancer, and she won’t have to do it alone.

She can take her daughter now, she said.

Old Maypearl Country Fest See photos of Maypearl’s recent park fundraiser.

PHOTO SLIDESHOW | WEB

Heads-Up Hachie at SAGU SAGU’s softball team helped a fundraiser.

PHOTO SLIDESHOW | WEB

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see wish, page 2

WISD to host pre-registration

Bobby Foster, 75, Midlothian n Carmen James, 64, Waxahachie n

page 14 Photo by Scott Dorestt/Daily Light

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Waxahachie High school students Coleman Beddingfield and Tierney Thomison (center) were chosen by the Moral Courage Fouondation as the recipients of this year’s $5,500 scholarships. Chairman and founder of the foundation, Gary Bassett (right), and SMU President R. Gerald Turner also recognized 93 other students for their moral courage Monday evening at the high school’s Fine Arts Center.

Students honored for moral courage

By Shelly Conlon

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Red Oak Masonic Lodge #461 will host a “Beans and Cornbread” fundraiser at the First United Methodist Church, 600 Daubitz Dr.

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Daily Light staff writer

Everyone must ask him or herself at some point, at what price will he or she be bought, Coleman Beddingfield, a Waxahache High School student, said when it came to defining moral courage.

“Personally, I choose to be priceless,” he said.

Tierney Thomison, also a Waxahachie High School student, said moral courage is the capability of a person to recognize right from wrong and the ability to utilize this knowledge to make morally healthy decisions.

About 95 students were honored Monday night by the Moral Courage Foundation, 72 of which were fifth graders and about 23 were high school students were awarded for showing moral integrity. More than $20,000 was awarded throughout the night, of which see courage, page 2

Extension agency to host Wheat Field Day

T

he Ellis County Clark Neely and RusSpring Wheat sell Sutton, with the Field Day will Texas Wheat Board be held Monday, May We will seek to ac5. We will register and commodate all persons sign in at 4 p.m. at the with disabilities for plots near Bardwell this meeting. We reat the Beakley Farm quest that you contact headquarters and have the Extension Office a hamburger supper. extension Service agent prior to the meeting.

We will be offering two For further informa(2) TDA CEU hours. tion, contact Mark Cost will be $10 and we need you Arnold, County Extension Agentto RSVP prior to Friday, May 2 Agriculture/Natural Resources, 701 for meal and program planning South I-35 E, Suite 3, Waxahachie, purposes. or call 972/825-5175 or email: Scheduled Speakers will be Dr. wmarnold@ag.tamu.edu

Mark Arnold

from staff reports Waxahachie ISD will host pre-registration for kindergarteners from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1 for the 2014-2015 school year at all elementary campuses – Clift, Dunaway, Felty, Marvin, Northside, Shackelford and Wedgeworth. Parents will have the opportunity to take a tour of their home campus and meet the kindergarten team. Parents are also encouraged to bring their child as there will be fun activity stations planned. Parents may contact the district should they need assistance verifying their child’s elementary attendance zone.

To be eligible for kindergarten, a child must be 5 years of age by Sept. 1, 2014 for the 2014-2015 school year. All Students must be registered by the legal parent or guardian with a photo ID. The following information is required for registration: • birth certificate • evidence of required immunizations • proof of residency within WISD boundaries (such as a utility bill) • parent/guardian driver’s license Waxahachie ISD has designed a “Kindergarten Round-Up Tool Kit” for parents, which can be found on the district’s website at www.wisd.org. The guide will provide necessary and helpful information for parents of incoming kindergartners.

For more information on Kindergarten Round-Up contact Waxahachie ISD at 972-923-4631.

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from page 1

Photo by Scott Dorsett/Daily Light

High school students who receive monetary scholarships from the Moral Courage Foundation on Monday night.

courage from page 1

Beddingfield and Thomison received $5,500 scholarships each for their demonstrations of moral courage.

Each student had a little said about them. While high school students were awarded scholarships, each elementary student received $50 to donate to the charity of their choice.

About $3,600 was given to about 25 local charities. Ellis County SPCA received the most donations, said Gary Bassett, chairman and founder of the foundation. Each recipient was recognized for his or her ability to do what’s right, even when no one is looking, he said.

“Tierney Thomison goes out of her way to spend quality time with special needs students,” stated

a reference during the scholarship presentation.

“She is respected for her integrity and her willingness to help others,” Both Thomison and Beddingfield work to maintain a relationship with Christ and make a difference in the lives of the people they meet, stated a slideshow presentation during the event.

“He is very quick to give his time to others,” a reference stated during the presentation. “He spends hours tutoring his classmates and teaching them concepts that they haven’t learned in class.”

Teachers select the students primarily, and students are also nominated through letters from different community members, Basset said in a previous Waxahachie Daily Light article. When students are chosen, they’re chosen based

Gary Bassett names this year’s Moral Courage honorees.

SMU President R. Gerald Turner addresses the audience.

on moral integrity and trust-worthy, as well as the moral principles of the Bible applied to today's world, Basset said. In the past seven years, the foundation has given awards to about 300 students, and awarded more than $200,000, he said.

Moral Courage underscores something from an early age onward that isn’t often apart of the fabric of society, said R. Gerald Turner, Southern Methodist University president and keynote speaker at the event.

“It takes some courage to do it,” Turner said. “As many people as are here, but also for the elementary program, shows the responsiveness to it (moral courage) is certainly there.”

It takes a lot of courage to stand in against the curve, Turner said, referencing a short story. It’s important to not buckle under the pressures of society, he said.

The moral courage recipients have the foundation they need to go through life, he said, stating with each great mentor and an understanding

of themselves, students encounter will help them get closer to Christ.

“At each time in your life, there’s a different way in which moral courage is displayed,” he said.

“Our ethics, our sense of public responsibility.

One of the things you see throughout the teachings of Jesus is that life, although he makes it very simple in terms of how he describes the basic principals, the underlying principals are remarkably complex. The genius, of course — after all he was the son of God — said you can take it at any level, and the level in which we recognize it, is the level of which we have responsibility.” see courage, page 14

About two hours after the article published on the Waxahachie Daily Light website Monday, Johnson received a text from a Dr. Bobby Haney, with 122 Ministries, saying he would mail a check to her for $100 for Johnson to see her sister or whatever else she may need.

Then at 9 a.m. Tuesday, the Waxahachie Daily Light received an anonymous call from a donor, stating he wanted to pay for Johnson’s entire trip and would drop by the newspaper’s office to deliver the donation. The donor dropped off an envelope with $400 in cash, then a reporter delivered the donation to Johnson.

“Oh my God,” Johnson said, as she opened the envelope and broke down in tears. “Oh, thank you.

I can’t believe that. I can’t believe that. It’s just great.

Thank you. I’ll just say a prayer for him and thank him in my prayers. I’m just overjoyed.”

Johnson has struggled with health for the past several years, but within the past six months, Johnson has been in the hospital three times. Doctors have discovered she’s in the final stages of liver and kidney failure, she said, giving her an estimated five years to live.

As she was visiting multiple doctors and going through lots of testing, two days before she’s scheduled to have a colonoscopy, she received a call only to find out her sister Meredith “Ann” Kleinhoffer, 70, has pancreatic cancer. Her sister was diagnosed a week and half ago, Johnson said.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the U.S., according to the Baylor Health Care System website. In Kleinhoffer’s case, Johnson said there’s nothing doctors can do. Chemotherapy and radiation

isn’t an option, she said.

Meredith has two months to live, if even that long, Johnson said.

When her daughter found out about Kleinhoffer’s condition, Johnson said her daughter tried to find a way to afford the trip by pulling money from her 401k-retirement account. However, approval for that would take longer than the time Johnson thought she’d have before her sister might pass. ”I haven’t seen anyone in about 10 years,” Johnson said in a previous Waxahachie Daily Light article. “That was the year my mother passed away and that was the last time I was able to go up there while I was still working.

Because of my problems and her problems, I just think we need to get to see each other one last time.

That’s when I thought maybe I could get some people to help me get up there.”

Once her prescriptions are filled each month, her social security check is almost gone, with the occasional $5 left for bathroom essentials, she said. She uses food stamps and food banks to feed herself, she said.

“With this and with what the doctor is mailing to me, I’m going to take my daughter with me,” Johnson said. “She’s kind of my caregiver. She really was worried, she said ‘I don’t want you to go by yourself, but I don’t think I can do it in that short of period of time.’”

She said she wished she had a way to thank the donors, and plans to write a public thank you in a letter to the editor when she returns from her trip. She’s lived in Waxahachie for 10 years, and she said she’s seen many times where Ellis County community members have helped a person in need.

“This is just great, I just can’t believe this,” Johnson said. “I just never expected anything like this.”

CMYK

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ECSO arrests couple Anonymous donor on animal cruelty aids mother’s wish from staff reports

‘Crew’ wins 7U tourney

7.1.2014

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office has arrested two people after obtaining arrest warrants relating to a case of animal cruelty in the 700 block of Gibson Road in rural Waxahachie.

Barbara Costlow, 53, and David Costlow, 58, both of Waxahachie, turned themselves in June 30, 2014, at the Sheriff ’s Office. They were booked in at Wayne McCollum Detention Center on a state jail felony charge of cruelty to non-livestock animals.

Bond was set at $1,500 each. Both posted bond and were released.

Animal Control Officers were dispatched to the location at 1:30 p.m.

June 17, 2014, in response to an anonymous complaint. The Animal Control Officers were unable to locate anyone at the premises and left business cards informing the homeowners to contact ECSO. There was no response and the Animal Control Officers went back at 1:30 p.m. June 18, 2014. see cruelty, page 10

By Shelly Conlon WDL Digital News Editor

Costlow

Costlow

An anonymous donor is challenging the community to help a local mother pay for her son’s dental work.

For every donation made, the donor will match amounts from this point on to help Mysti Boehler fund the critical dental work needed for her son Justin. Mysti’s goal is to raise $5,190.

If not one cent comes in starting as of Monday, until their scheduled An anonymous donor has matched the funds see Wish, page 2

raised by the Boehler family for oral surgery.

Plane crash claims life of pilot National Transportation Safety Board investigating cause of fatal accident at Mid-Way Airport

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light Staff Writer

Trucks ‘N Tunes See more photos of this weekend’s downtown open mic night and food truck smorgasboard Waxahachietx.com

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /MULTIMEDIA

Plane crash kills pilot

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See video footage of the press conference.

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Department of Public Safety troopers survey the wreckage of the custom aerobatics plane hand-built by pilot James Doyle, 49, who died in the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the casue of the accident.

Daily Light Staff Writer

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /OBITUARIES Gene Brown, Waxahachie n Bennie Richardson, Waxahachie n

page 10

TODAY’S EDITION /WHAT TO DO

5 p.m.

Pink Petals & Patriotism 2014 Crape Myrtle Festival at the Sports Complex

see crash, page 2

Trucks ‘N Tunes Troopers still searching for rocks downtown missing man in fatal wreck

By ANDREW BRANCA

July 3

MIDLOTHIAN – The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a fatal plane crash from Saturday at Mid-Way Regional Airport. The crash took the life of the pilot James Edward Doyle, 49, of Arlington.

“Earlier at 4:30 p.m. (on Saturday) we did have a single plane accident. It was a single engine plane; it was a Skybolt that was handmade by the pilot owner who was involved in the accident,” Department of Public Safety Trooper James Colunga said. “The pilot was attempting to make an unknown maneuver and for undetermined reasons the plane crashed on the far west side of the airport.”

Colunga said the airport opened up for regular traffic on Sunday. Members of the NTSB arrived at the airport around 9 a.m. and

Photo by Scott Dorsett/Daily Light

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light Staff Writer

Food, fun and live music was on the menu for the Trucks 'N Tunes event held around the courthouse square in Waxahachie on Saturday. Six food trucks from Dallas set up shop and served hun-

PHOTO SLIDESHOW

See more photos with this story at waxahachietx.com

gry residents who were waiting in anticipation.

“The lines for the food trucks were long for four see Trucks, page 2

The Texas Department of Public Safety has been unable to locate the possible driver of a wrecked vehicle that left a passenger dead from an accident that took place on June 14. Troopers have asked for the public’s help to locate Ennis resident Aguilar Rodrigo Arraigo, 24, who they believe was the driver in the fatal accident.

Public Information Officer Trooper James Colunga said they have not found the suspect and have not made an arrest in the case. It is believed that the suspect may have entered Mexico, Colunga said.

Troopers were called to a single-vehicle crash near the intersec-

tion of West Road and Harrington Road near Waxahachie, where a red, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse was found crashed in a creek bed. Police said the accident happened in the early morning hours of June 14.

Ennis resident Humberto J. Esquivel, 23, was a passenger in the car and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a statement from Trooper James Colunga, a DPS Public Information Arraigo Officer.

Arraigo is 5-feet, 8-inches tall and weighs 180 pounds, Colunga said.

He has brown eyes and black hair and may have been injured in the crash as well. Arriago may be driving an older model,

black Chevrolet Tahoe with black rims.

Colunga said don’t hesitate to call DPS with any possible information because that information might be what leads to Arriago’s whereabouts or an arrest. He added if a person knows he or she is wanted, the person might not pop up at places and avoid going to the same locations.

Law enforcement sometimes only has so many leads to go on and by releasing information to the media, that gives more of an opportunity for someone to turn Arriago in that might see him.

Anyone with information about the crash or the location of Arraigo see Missing, Page 2

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PAGE 2 | WAXAHACHIE DAILY LIGHT

WAXAHACHIETX.COM/NEWS Cruelty from page 1

Contact was made with the homeowners, who initially gave consent to search. The Officers opened the front door and saw several cages containing deceased animals at which time the homeowners revoked their

Wish

From page 1

Photo by Scott Dorsett/Daiily Light

crash

from page 1

had removed parts of the aircraft into a hangar on airport property for their investigation. Colunga added that they would be removing the remaining pieces of the aircraft into the hanger on Monday or Tuesday.

According to the Steen Aero Lab website there are some 459 Skybolts licensed in the United States and another 200 or so around the world.

NTSB Public Affairs Officer Keith Holloway said the investigator documented the aircraft and examined the scene. A cause of the accident has not been determined at this time.

The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report about the accident by the end of this week or early next week.

Airport Manager Judy Demoney said in a statement that the pilot was president of the North Texas Chapter of the International Aerobatic Club and an accomplished

competition pilot.

"He was not a tenant at Mid-Way but has flown out of here occasionally and had friends here," Demoney stated. "There is airspace over the northwest corner of the airport property that the Federal Aviation Administration has designated as an aerobatic practice area and it is restricted in use."

On Saturday members of the Midlothian and Waxahachie Police Departments responded to the as well as members of the Texas DPS. Crews

from the Waxahachie and Midlothian Fire Departments as well as East Texas EMS responded to the crash to provide medical assistance. Police blocked off the front entrance of the airport and were only allowing emergency personnel inside the airport campus.

Follow Andrew on Facebook at www. facebook.com/AndrewBrancaWDL or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ AndrewBrancaWNI. Contact him at andrew.branca@waxahachietx.com or 469-517-1451.

Trucks from page 1

hours and every restaurant downtown was packed. Straight from Philly had to lock their door, because they were about to exceed the fire code. They could not let anybody else in,” Downtown Development Director Anita Williamson said.

“People didn’t just get their food and leave. They stayed downtown and enjoyed the open mic night and just being downtown.”

The food trucks that participated in the event included Best Bayou Bites, Bombay Chop Stix, Gandolf ’s New York Delicatessen, Little Greek Food Truck, What's da Scoop? and Panza Brothers Pizza.

The two most popular food trucks of the night were Best Bayou Bites and Gandolf ’s New York Delicatessen, Williamson said. Each truck had long lines and some customers waited up to an hour to have their order taken.

The event had planed for eight trucks to attend but the Auntie Am’s Sweet Stop truck had to cancel because of an electrical issue with the vehicle and the owner of Sassy Hot Dogs had to cancel be-

Missing from page 1

is urged to call the DPS Waco 254-759-7131 or DPS Garland 214-861-

Photo by Scott Dorsett/Daily Light

Food trucks customers line up for a meal during Waxahachie’s Trucks ‘N Tunes event.

cause of a family emergency, Williamson said.

“They definitely had the longest line for the longest period of time.

Best Bayou Bites is Cajun fusion food. Not only do we not have it down town but we don’t have any where in Waxahachie. Gandolf ’s New York Delicatessen is a popular food truck every where they go,” Williamson said. “I talked with the food trucks afterwards when they were packing up and getting read to

leave. I had one tell me that night that she said ‘that we do a lot of events all over and you have the nicest people.’”

Williamson said the open mic night part of the event was a success. While only a small number of groups participated, the groups that did were well received and enjoyed by the visitors to downtown.

“I want to thank everyone that came out and participated. It completely exceeded every one of my

2040 to notify Trooper Xavier Carr from DPS Waxahachie. Dispatchers at the Waco and Garland offices can be reached 24 hours a day. The information provided to dispatchers can then be relayed to

troopers directly.

Follow Andrew on Facebook at www. facebook.com/AndrewBrancaWDL or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ AndrewBrancaWNI. Contact him at andrew.branca@waxahachietx.com or 469-517-1451

expectations. I am really looking forward to the one on July 26,” Williamson said. “ I hope they will come out and support the trucks again. We are going to have some more trucks and some different ones.”

For more information about the next event Williamson can be reached at city hall at 469-309-4111.

Contact Andrew at andrew.branca@ waxahachietx.com or 469-517-1451.

Follow him on Facebook at www. facebook.com/AndrewBrancaWDL or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ AndrewBrancaWNI.

deadline for oral surgery on July 8, the donor will write an amount for the remaining balance needed for the goal, he said. If $1,000 is given from the community, he’ll give that amount, he said. Either way, the donor said he would give at least $1,000, even if Mysti’s goal is reached. He asked the Waxahachie Daily Light to keep his name private to help encourage others to donate.

Last Friday, the Waxahachie Daily Light published an article about Justin Boehler’s rare medical condition.

Justin, 23, was diagnosed at age 18, with Cohen Syndrome, which affects motor skills, mental development, and behavior, causing difficulties in learning to roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk and is hard to identify, with less than 1,000 cases reported worldwide, according to The Cohen Syndrome Association..

The syndrome’s unique characteristics make diagnosis difficult to sometimes spot, she said.

Yet, one of the characteristics is called neutropenia, which doesn’t allow Justin to produce enough of a certain kind of white blood cells to fight off infection.

The infection in Justin’s mouth makes it difficult for him to eat without choking because he’s losing his teeth.

Mysti’s tried for the last six months, she said, to get help for Justin. Yet, Mysti’s insurance can’t cover the amount for the surgery to remove Justin’s teeth, she said.

Once Justin turned 21, her insurance dropped dental benefits. Because of Justin’s condition, he would have to be sedated, which could keep Justin in the hospital for days if he doesn’t handle the sedation well, his mother said.

The donor, who happens to be a local dentist, said Justin’s story struck a chord with him, and that the amount Mysti was asking for wasn’t large, compared to what others may have to pay for various other medical conditions.

“I just read that and here’s somebody in our own community [who needs help] and we dentists need to do some-

consent to search.

ECSO obtained a search warrant and executed it, locating multiple dead dogs inside of the residence, in an outbuilding, in a van and in a bumper-pull trailer.

There were no live animals located. As a result of the investigation, ECSO obtained arrest warrants. thing about this,” he said.

“I thought this was the least I could do. I don’t know how to explain it.

It just hit me. I’m not out for the glory. I just want to see it done.”

When Mysti heard about her anonymous donor, she broke down in tears. With only seven days to go until Justin’s surgery, she said she couldn’t believe the reality of how close the surgery is to actually happening.

“My face is burning up, and I’m shaking and shaking. I feel sick to my stomach right now,” Mysti said when she heard the news. “I’m just overwhelmed, with relief I think, because it’s been going on for so long. I just can’t imagine that it’s really going to happen.

I’ve been having a lot of anxiety about it happening and I’m really scared for him because I know it’s going to be a very traumatic experience for him. As much as I’ve been working toward it, the reality of it happening is really scary.”

Justin’s birthday is July 3, and with the surgery scheduled a few days later, Mysti said she’s been debating having a celebration until after he’s healed., that way those who have donated can have a chance to come out and meet the man they’ve helped and Mysti can thank them.

She says she’s had a multitude of donations, but she’s having a difficult time tracking donors down to send thank you cards.

“Just think of yesterday, when we took him to eat,” said close family friend Jennifer Garcia.

“You’re supposed to chew and you could just see him, he was trying to move the food around so he could do it, and it was so hard. It’s just going to be a new life for him.”

Thanks to help from the community so far, as well as a bake sale and T-shirt fundraiser, Mysti is only $1,070 shy of her goal as of 10 a.m. Monday.

“I told her (Jennifer) that ‘Do you think people would think it was bad if I moved his birthday, to after his birthday?’ So he can actually have a pizza party and eat like everyone else,” Mysti said.

“This guy is an awful nice guy, whoever he is,” Garcia said. see wish, page 10

Sudoku puzzles

Each puzzle is divided into nine sections, and each section has nine blank squares. Fill in all 81 squares on the puzzle with numbers 1 to 9. You may not repeat any numbers in any one of the nine sections that you’ve already used elsewhere in that section. Also, you can use each number 1-9 only once in each horizontal line of nine squares, and in each vertical column of nine squares. The puzzle is completed when you correctly fill every square.

Answers will appear on page 8A. Sudoku Puzzle #3266-D

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7 © 2009 Hometown Content

Sudoku Puzzle #3266-M

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© 2009 Hometown Content

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CMYK

Follow us on Twitter & like us on Facebook | 7.1.2014

PAGE 10 | WAXAHACHIE DAILY LIGHT

Waxahachie for 7.01.2014 Your Local Weather Wed

Thu

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Sun

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95/74

91/73

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Times of sun and clouds.

Highs in the mid 90s and lows in the mid 70s.

Times of sun and clouds.

Highs in the low 90s and lows in the low 70s.

Slight chance of a thunderstorm.

Times of sun and clouds.

Highs in the low 90s and lows in the low 70s.

Tonight/Tuesday Forecast for Tuesday, July 1 Amarillo 69° | 85°

N.M.

Midland 74° | 96° Austin 74° | 95°

Sunrise: 6:24 am Sunset: 8:38 pm Hours of Daylight: 14:14

wish

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“I just can’t wait for him to eat that pizza,” she said.

The anonymous donor is planning to reach out to Mysti on a more personal level to see how he can help her and understand

Pollen Alert Tuesday: Low Wednesday: Low Thursday: Low (Grass) Justin’s story further. For more information or to donate to the Boehler family, visit http://www.gofundme. com/9jrzxs.

Contact Shelly at 469-517-1452 or shelly.conlon@waxahachietx. com. Like her on Facebook at www. facebook.com/ShellyConlonDailyLight or follow her on Twitter at Shelly_MarieC.

Community news notes Salvation Army offers TXU bill assistance The Salvation Army Waxahachie Corps serving Ellis County received funds from TXU to assist community members with short-term financial assistance to help them get back on their feet after an unexpected emergency. The funds are designated for those who have accounts with TXU, and the emergency must have taken place in the past 90 days. The money can only be used for the actual bill payment, not for late fees or deposits.

For members of the community interested in applying for bill assistance, the following information is required: • Ellis County resident • Photo identification • A form of identification of everyone in the household • TXU bill • Lease or mortgage statement • Form of income, must include last two pay stubs • Documentation of the actual emergency For further inquiries or to set up an appointment, contact Andrea Slack at 972-937-7727.

Summer Food Rocks!

Waxahachie ISD invites all children, ages 1 to 18, to participate in the Summer Food Program. The program, which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is absolutely free to all children and there is no application required to participate. The summer food program will run June 9–27 and will be held at Wedgeworth Elementary. Breakfast and lunch will both be served Monday – Friday. Breakfast will be served from 7:15 to 8 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Adults may purchase a meal for $3.25.

Gingerbread House seeking volunteers The Gingerbread House (Ellis County Children's Advocacy Center) is seeking volunteers to be trained as family greeters, who welcome families to the center and assist with intake procedures. Greeters supervise and assist children and family members with play activities in the family room. All volunteers are responsible for maintaining client confidentiality at all times. Available hours are 4 or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday. Contact John Wyckoff at 972937-1870 or john.eccac@ectisp.net.

Veterans Sought for Parade Honors The Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce, Crape Myrtle Festival, Convention and Visitors Bureau and the residents of Waxahachie would like to honor all area veterans, regardless of age. The occasion is the Waxahachie Crape Myrtle Festival/July Fourth Parade. The honored guests will begin the morning with a special Veterans’ Breakfast at 9 a.m. at First Baptist Church Epton Hall, 315 N. Rogers St. The group will then be taken to the parade staging area, where they will ride on a special float just for veterans. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, July 4.

Veterans are asked to RSVP by calling the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce at 972-937-2390.

Perry

From Page 3

our president will continue to brush off until he has seen it first-hand.

The U.S. needs to act decisively. First off, the federal government needs to make it crystal clear that attempting to cross our border illegally simply isn’t worth the considerable risk. People in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and elsewhere who are considering making the trip need to know that they will be immediately sent back to their country of origin when they’re detained, not sent to various locations across the United States or placed in the care of loved ones.

Secondly, the United States government needs

to send more resources to finally, once and for all, secure the border.

Federal engagement was insufficient to begin with, and the crush of illegal entrants is draining what resources they had in the area. These gaping holes are just waiting to be exploited by drug cartels and transnational gangs, and create a national security issue as they could be used by people from countries with known terrorist affiliations.

That’s why Texas has directed the state’s Department of Public Safety to amplify its law enforcement operations along the border, targeting the criminals seeking to take advantage of this humanitarian crisis.

This is a problem, however, beyond the scope

MEXICO

Laredo 77° | 103°

Fronts Cold

-10s

Brownsville 78° | 94°

Partly Cloudy

Showers

Flurries Rain

-0s

Showers

© 2014 Wunderground.com Thunderstorms

Cloudy

Pt. Cloudy

Cloudy

LA.

Houston 77° | 91°

San Antonio 73° | 96°

By the Numbers

Sunny

ARK.

Dallas 74° | 96°

El Paso 77° | 105°

©2009 American Profile Hometown Content Service

Forecast highs for Tuesday, July 1

OKLA. Wichita Falls 75° | 98°

Mix of sun and clouds.

Highs in the mid 90s and lows in the low 70s.

National forecast

City/Region Low | High temps

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Pressure Low

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90s 100s 110s

Snow

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Showers And Storms E. Great Lakes To Central Plains

Ice

Showers and thunderstorms will be possible from the Eastern Great Lakes to the Ohio Valley and back to the Central Plains.

More showers and storms will be found in the Southeast and the Upper Midwest. Dry weather will continue in the West.

Snow Weather Underground • AP

Weather Underground • AP

Obituaries

Dr. Gene Brown Dec. 26, 1935 – June 29, 2014 Dr. Gene Brown went to be with the Lord on June 29, 2014. He was born in Anadarko, Okla. on Dec. 26, 1935.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jonathan David; his mother, Pauline Temple; his grandmoth- Brown er, Florence Hilburn; his identical twin brother, Dene; a nephew, John Miles III; and most recently a cousin, Trevor Bommersbach.

He is survived by his wife, Grace Hurd Brown, a son, Christopher Brown and wife Diane of Tulsa, a daughter, Andrea Brown of Waxahachie, a sister; Janet Demas and husband, Noel, of Magnolia, Texas; a brother, Bert Ewell Temple of Mesa Arizona; four grandchildren, Noelle, Ryan, Savannah, and baby Mason; and his special aunt, Evelyn Allen.

Gene is a minister with the Assemblies of God denomination. He began his ministry preaching in Amarillo County jail and on the street corners when he was 19 years old.

He began his educational process by entering Amarillo College for one year. He then attended Southwestern Assem-

Letters From Page 3

coordinate the full range of care and providers.

Children’s hospitals would anchor these networks because of their expertise and experience in treating the unique and highly specialized needs of these children.

“All children deserve access to 21st century, state-of-the-art medical care. Unfortunately, the current Medicaid system limits struggling families’ access to specialized care based on their zip code,” said Rep. Herrera Beutler. “I’m pleased to help with this bipartisan solution that will use existing resources to expand options for low-inof just one state. We’ll do what we can, but it’s up to Washington to move quickly to ease the suffering I witnessed Monday afternoon, suffering that is mirrored in federal facilities across the border states.

Until they step up to the task, that suffering will continue, as will the tragedies we don’t even know about taking place on both sides of this unsecured border.

Rick Perry serves as Governor for the state of Texas.

blies of God University in Waxahachie and graduated with a bachelor's degree, Duke University with a Master of Divinity, Brooklyn University with an MA in counseling and Vanderbilt University with a Doctor of Ministry (4.0 average). His dissertation was The Theological Rationale for the Military Chaplaincy.

His pastorates were First Assembly of God in Florence, S.C., and First Assembly of God in Angier, N.C. In 1966, he entered the army as a military chaplain in order to be of service during the Vietnam War. He was a man’s man who definitely fit in that scenario. He continued that career for 30 years until May 1993, when he retired as a Colonel. During his tour of duty in Vietnam in 1967, he was exposed to Agent Orange which was used to defoliate a rubber plantation in his area resulting in his death due to Lewy Body Dementia.

He was classified as 100 percent disabled in 2010.

Thus, he gave his life for his country.

After retiring from the army, he taught at Southwestern Assemblies of God University for about ten years as Chair of the Church Ministries Division. Gene Brown made an impact on the lives of many students and faculty at SAGU. His lack of awareness of how God used him was what made Gene Brown so effective in ministering to the students and to all the people around him. He come families on Medicaid, ultimately driving down costs for taxpayers. That means more children from Southwest Washington and elsewhere will get access to the best children’s hospitals and the lifesaving care they provide– regardless of the state where they live.”

This legislation is based on the experiences of real world programs and outcomes: individual children’s hospitals have established a track record in developing successful care coordination models for children with medical complexity. But to serve all of these children better – not just those children and families fortunate enough to have access/ proximity to this type of care – this legislation would move beyond a state

was a spiritual giant who handled the gifts that God gave him with humility and awe. He was a true example of what ministry really is.

Although chaplains get or want very little recognition, they are able to lead many people to Christ and influence many more. In fact, it is an open mission field. He was at the forefront of the Jesus People revolution during 1970 while in the army. At one post, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he was able to lead more than 3,000 troops to the Lord during a three-year period. Many of these are in active ministry today.

His awards were Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Award (5th Award), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3d award), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal (with one Bronze Star).

Bennie Mae Richardson Jan. 27, 1928 – June 26, 2014 Bennie Mae Richardson went to be with her Heavenly Father on June 26, 2014. She was born to the parents of Buchanan and Lizzie Cox. She grew up in Palmer. She graduated from Turner High School with the Class of 1942.

She was employed as a registered nurse for more than 20 years.

She was a lifetime

by state approach and creates a national framework for delivery system reform.

Reports and analyses from the Children’s Hospital Association document common gaps in care faced by children with complex medical conditions in Medicaid, who often cross state lines to access specialized care. Medicaid’s state-bystate variability creates a fragmented and unnecessarily burdensome system lacking in care coordination, quality measures and cost containment.

Approximately two-thirds of the 3 million children with medical complexity are covered by Medicaid, and represent nearly 40 percent of Medicaid costs for kids.

There is growing urgency for innovating and improving care for chil-

Sudoku Solution #3266-D

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© 2009 Hometown Content

member of the El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Waxahachie. She served on the pastor's Richardson aide, deaconess and usher boards.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts and cousins.

Remaining to mourn her heavenly transition and cherish so many of her loving memories are: children: Renee (Elbert), Johnnie (the late Larry Nelms), Melinda (Eugene), Cynthia, Mellie (Samuel), and Marsha (Richard), Robert (Eva), James (Zenobia), Bennie Ray (Loretta), and Michael; 22 grandchildren: Daunte (Faith), Brian (Tachera), Latricia (Craig), Eletta (Shane), Zandra (Andre), Marques, Brandy (Arlon), Lakesha, Jaason (Ashley), Denard, LaTonya, John, Moshare, Steven, Brittany, Darrell (Lenzia), Darra, Etasha, Chrishun, Robert Jr., Aursha and Clifton; 41 greatgrandchildren; aunt Willie Brooks of Fort Worth; and a host of grandnieces and cousins.

The wake will be held from 7-8 p.m. Tuesday at Community Funeral Home.

The funeral will be held at noon Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at the Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, 601 Kaufman St. in Waxahachie. Please send flowers to the funeral home.

dren with medical complexity, a rapidly growing patient population. One in 25 children is medically complex, and they include children with cancer, but they also include children with thousands of other different conditions — like congenital heart disease, cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome — as well as many children born prematurely who have a variety of lifelong chronic health challenges. Thanks to advances in medicine, many children with complexities that once had high mortality rates are now surviving – and thriving – in adulthood.

ACE Kids would help optimize their care before they transition to adult medicine.

Sudoku Solution #3266-M

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© 2009 Hometown Content

CMYK

TUESDAY

WA X A H AC H I E T X .CO M

DAILY LIGHT

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /SPORTS

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Ennis man to Local driver injured in serve 99 years two-vehicle collision from staff reports

Youth Baseball Day at Carlisle

7.22.2014

A 60-year-old Ennis man was sentenced to 99 years in prison for repeatedly assaulting his girlfriend.

On July 17, 2014, Ellis County jurors deliberated just under 30 minutes before convicting Russell Robinson, Jr. of continuous violence against the family. On July 18, 2014, the same jury deliberated into the evening before assessing a punishment of 99 years in prison for

Robinson.

During the trial, prosecutors Amy Lockhart and Habon Mohamed presented evidence Robinson that on Nov. 14, 2013, Robinson and his live-in girlfriend, got into an argument. Robinson ordered her to leave his house and as she was see 99 years, page 2

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light Staff Writer

Waxahachie resident Pratt May, 17, was transported to Baylor Medical Center of Waxahachie with injuries sustained from a two-vehicle accident Sunday night.

Firefighters and police officers responded to the call at 9:50 p.m. in the 2400 block of N. U.S. Photo by Scott Dorsett/Daily Light Highway 77.

A Chevy Silverado collided with a Chevy Spark on SaturWaxahachie Fire Deday, resulting in one of the drivers being taken by ambupartment Capt. Josh see collision, page 2

lance for observation at a local hospital.

PAINLESS SMILE Donor support provides smile for son’s birthday

Painless Smile See photos of Justin Boehler’s birthday party made happier by donors Waxahachietx.com

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /MULTIMEDIA

The Sand Pit volleyball court Watch a video about The Sand Pit online.

VIDEO REPORT | WEB

WAXAHACHIETX.COM NEWS POLL Make your voice heard by voting in our latest online news poll at Waxahachietx.com

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /OBITUARIES Mary Callahan, 87, McAlester, Okla. n Mary Gibbs Coppell n Paul Gilson, 45, Midlothian page 10 n

TODAY’S EDITION /WHAT TO DO

July 25

7:30 p.m.

WCT will present ‘The Poisoned Apple’ at Gateway Church.

Tickets are $10

By Shelly Conlon WDL Digital News Editor

Justin Boehler, 23, kisses his toothbrush goodnight.

Before July 8, his mother would have to hold him tightly to help him brush his teeth, and he would squirm because of the pain.

For the first time in years, Justin can enjoy the feeling of clean teeth. On Sunday, for his 23rd birthday, family and friends celebrated Justin’s relief with lots of cake and surprises during a pool party at Optimist Pool.

He wouldn’t have been able to celebrate if community members had not Photo by Shelly Conlon/Daily Light Digital News Editor helped Mysti Boehler, his Justin Boehler, left, is flipped in the Optimist Pool by his mother, Mysti Boehler, on Sunday. Justin celebrated his 23rd mother, gather $6,280 in birthday with family and friends and cake, after community members donated more than $6,000 between June and July. donated funds to remove The money paid for necessary oral surgery to pull 12 teeth to fight a infection in his mouth caused by a rare syndrome.

see smile, page 2

Alvarado ISD construction Waxahachie grads projects near completion celebrate teacher’s life lessons, pranks

from staff reports Summer construction projects around Alvarado ISD are nearing completion as the new school year is just over a month from beginning.

Projects funded by the district’s fund balance are the closest to being completed at this point with the new turf at the football stadium installed and a visitor’s parking lot on the northwest side of Charles Head Stadium in the final see aisd, page 2

By Shelly Conlon WDL Digital News Editor

The Alvarado ISD’s new football turf features the school’s purple and gold colors in the end zones and sidelines.

Eugene Head said he learned long ago one of the best ways to make a difference in a child’s life was to get even when dealing with their shenanigans — be it reading love notes out loud in class, spooking children who egged his house or Retired WISD teacher Eushowing them a wooden gene Head smiles as he paddle, which often hung talks with guests at his 89th see head, page 2

birthday party Saturday.

Nomination deadline nears for FSA county committees from staff reports U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan Garcia reminds farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers that Aug. 1,

2014, is the deadline for local FSA county committee nominations.

County committees are an important link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Farmers and

ranchers elected to local committees share their opinions and ideas on federal farm programs.

“There’s still time for eligible farmers and ranchers to get involved in this year's county commit-

tee elections,” said Garcia.

"Nominate yourself or a candidate of your choice to serve on the local county committee. I especially encourage the nomination of beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as

women and minorities.

This is your opportunity to have a say in how federal programs are delivered in your county.”

While FSA county committees do not approve or see nominees, page 10

CMYK

Follow us on Twitter & like us on Facebook | 7.22.2014

PAGE 2 | WAXAHACHIE DAILY LIGHT

WAXAHACHIETX.COM/news smile

collison

12 infected teeth that were keeping him from eating. That amount was about $1,090 more than the original goal of $5,190 first reported on June 25.

“It really has been life changing for him,” Mysti said.

Justin was diagnosed at age 18, with Cohen Syndrome, which affects motor skills, mental development, and behavior, causing difficulties in learning to roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk.

The syndrome's unique characteristics and rarity, with less than 1,000 cases reported worldwide, according to The Cohen Syndrome Association, make diagnosis difficult.

One of the characteristics is called neutropenia, which doesn’t allow Justin to produce enough of a certain kind of white blood cells to fight off infection. That infection was in Justin’s mouth, and made it difficult for him to eat without choking.

Mysti had tried for the last six months, she said, to get help for Justin. Yet, Mysti’s insurance wouldn’t cover the amount for the surgery to remove Justin’s teeth, she said.

Once Justin turned 21, her insurance dropped dental benefits. Because of Justin’s condition, he had to be sedated, which had the potential to keep Justin in the hospital for days if he didn’t respond to sedation well, his mother said. Justin had his surgery on July 8.

“It was horrible going in, because I was scared to death because they (doctors) were kind of on edge about him — just because

Anderson said May's vehicle sustained heavy damage in the accident, which resulted in May being transported to the hospital for observation.

According to a report from the Waxahachie Police Department, May, driving a Chevrolet Spark, made a right turn, crossing both southbound lanes of N. U.S. Highway 77 and was struck on the driver's side by a Chev-

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Photo by Shelly Conlon/Daily Light Digital News Editor

Justin Boehler (left of center) poses with his favorite characters, the Power Rangers, played by his family and friends as a suprise at his birthday party. The party was extra special, celebrating Boehler’s oral surgery and end of constant tooth infections.

of all of the issues he has,” Mysti said. “But they took extra precautions with him. It was really hard and really scary, and of course, the worst happened.”

He bled uncontrollably once the infected teeth were removed, and they couldn’t stop it, she said. Justin stayed in the intensive care unit for three days, before bleeding stopped, she said. Doctors said he was having an issue with his platelets, blood cells which clot and stop bleeding, and will have to undergo more testing.

“It was really rough, and I was regretting it, and was like ‘Why did I do this to him?’ I don’t know what else I could’ve done, but I felt like I had made a big mistake,” Mysti said. “But now I know otherwise.”

Because of this, Justin wouldn’t be able to have impressions done on his teeth to mold a set of dentures for about six weeks, Mysti said. He had to have time to heal, and has since

been on a soft food only diet, despite still having his front teeth and two bottom teeth.

“Just his breath alone — you can be up near him now and not want to be sick, because that infection had his mouth so messed up,” Mysti said.

“But now he’s happy, and he feels good. You can tell.”

And so could family and friends when they saw how excited he was at his party, when those who love him dressed up as his favorite crime fighting teenagers — the Power Rangers.

“It was just awesome,” said Jennifer Garcia, a family friend who posed as the pink Power Ranger.

“That feeling, that look in his eyes — I mean his eyes lit up like nothing else.

They were the biggest I’ve ever seen in a long time.

He was super excited. I didn’t know if we were going to get that reaction or not, but it was fantastic.”

When the Power Rangers came out, Justin squealed, danced and even

pretended to need help to get out of the pool. He wanted the Power Rangers to rescue him, Mysti said.

Justin doesn’t have a set date for impressions yet, but Mysti said she’s working to set the appointment for the near future. For now, she said she’s thankful for the outpouring of support and hopes to return the favor one day.

She couldn’t have done it without of an anonymous donor who matched donations made after June 30 leading up to the surgery, and funds from other community members.

“It’s just been crazy,” Mysti said. “We’ll be out, and people will be like, ‘Is this Justin? I think I read about him in the newspaper.’ Then, I’ll be like,’ Yeah, this is Justin,’ and he’ll add ‘Hi, I’m Justin — my teeth.’”

Contact Shelly at 469-517-1452 or shelly.conlon@waxahachietx. com. Like her on Facebook at www. facebook.com/ShellyConlonDailyLight or follow her on Twitter at Shelly_MarieC.

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attempting to leave, he grabbed her by her hair and forcibly dragged her out of the car and into the house. Robinson continued to assault his girlfriend throughout the night by hitting her in the head and face. At one point, Robinson threatened to kill her. Robinson’s girlfriend managed to call the police. Ennis Police Department officers responded to Robinson’s house and arrested Robinson after observing injuries on the girlfriend.

The jury also heard evidence that between August 2013 and November 2013, Robinson had assaulted his girlfriend multiple times. A witness testified that she had seen Robinson’s girlfriend with a busted lip and a black eye as a result of a prior assault by Robinson. Lastly, prosecutors presented evidence of prior incidents where Robinson held a gun to

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in his classroom.

All Head said he wanted for his 89th birthday was for his “children” to learn one more lesson: That the memories of those shenanigans are something they can forever look back on with a smile after he’s gone. He said this before starting to sing his own birthday song during his party hosted by former friends on Saturday at the Optimist Youth Building.

Head, who was an instructor at Waxahachie Independent School District in the 1950s until his retirement, is a loving but stern man, said Ann (Hammonds) Wall, a student from his 1969 class. Head has more than 40 years of teaching under his belt.

“I was raised here in a children’s home,” Wall said. “When you went into his class, you minded and you obeyed and you learned something, you really did. He cared, and he was the only one that I knew cared. He was real gentle and kind, but boy, if he needed to, he could turn, you know? And if it embarrassed you, oh well.

You wanted to straighten up and fly right, yet if you were struggling with something, he was right there beside you, guiding you.”

Her favorite memory, she said, was when she was dating a young man in her class and they got caught passing love notes through other students to each other.

“He said, ‘Hmm, what are y’all doing back there?’

Of course, everybody straightens up in their chairs, you know. He says, ‘No, let me see,’ and starts walking down the aisles,” Wall said. “He gets it and goes, ‘Who’s Ann? You are really loved. Ann, come on, stand up girl.’ And he read it out loud. I was embarrassed. I was totally embarrassed, and he said ‘Oh, love is grand isn’t it?’”

Head said the party meant everything to him.

“When you get to be 89, you don’t have many people left around you,”

99 years

Photo by Scott Dorsett/Daily Light

Waxahachie ISD graduate Cindy Smith (left) laughs as she shares a fond memory with her former teacher and father figure, Eugene Head, at his 98th birthday party Saturday.

Head said. “And I’ve been intending to get these kids together to just talk about the memories.”

One such memory, he said, happened after students threw toilet paper and eggs all over his yard and house several times.

He was determined to catch one of them in the act, so one night, he hid out in his front hedges with a wooden paddle to scare the next one who came by.

“I got even in many ways, and that’s where the fun comes in,” Head said.

“I expected to get papered another time. I hid in that hedge and waited. Well, these two young men came from around the corner, carrying a bunch of sticks, looked like, but it was every flag from the country club (golf course). They were putting those flags up in my front yard.”

So, when one boy had his back to him, Head said he snuck up and gave the boy a good “whop” with the paddle, and the boy and his friend took off up the road without looking back or saying a word. Yet, Head said he wasn’t done.

“I thought, ‘They’ve got their car around here somewhere. Where could it be?’” Head said. “I walked down to the corner and right across from Northside school, sure enough, there that old car sat. I

thought, ‘What can I do?’

So, I crawled into the backseat of that old car and got down low. About 20 minutes later, here they come. This one little boy that didn’t get the paddle was talking to the other little boy. As they opened their doors of that car, he says, ‘I wouldn’t have taken it from that old sonof-a-biscuit eater.’ I raised up out of the backseat and I said, ‘What old son-of-abiscuit eater?’

The boys took off and left the car sitting there overnight, Head said as he laughed.

For Cindy Smith, Head’s mentorship goes further than lessons learned in the classroom. Though she was his student, Head became a father figure in her life after her parents died, she said.

Head lived around the corner from Smith as she grew up, and she worked for him her senior year as someone who helped count money at ball games.

“I was with him when his wife passed away, and my mother had cancer as well, so we kind of had a special bond there,” she said. “I knew I could count on him, ask him questions, listen, get advice, whatever. I stood up with him when he got married to Ann Head, and he became the dad that I didn’t have.”

Head never had any

children of his own, so these types of memories are the memories he said he cherishes the most, and wants all of his students or “children” to know just how much he loves them.

“I have led a full, full life,” Head said. “I am not sorry about the direction it took. I am proud of every kid I have every had any experience with, and I want you to know I love every one of you.”

stages of being ready for the 2014 season’s first football game.

For the first time, the stadium’s artificial turf will include the district’s primary color, purple.

Both end zones will have purple turf and there will be a purple turf frame around the field as well. The end zones will feature a gold ‘Alvarado’ and ‘Indians’ outlined in white.

There are still a few cosmetic things to finish around the parking lot like putting the ticket booth in place and putting a gate in, but there is no reason it will not be ready in plenty of time.

“We are very proud of the way the turf project has turned out,” said Mark Ratcliff, Assistant Superintendent of Operations. “The field looks sharp, and we believe that it makes a bold statement about our school pride. We had a team of administrators pick out the colors for the field, and we feel that they did an excellent job.

“This new field will have a much better Gmax rating which will provide a safer playing surface and help to reduce con-

rolet Silverado driven

by Vickie Bray, of Waxahachie, who was traveling southbound.

Waxahachie firefighters responded to the accident with a ladder truck and engine and assisted East Texas EMS paramedics in caring for May. Units cleared the scene and returned to the station at 11:21 p.m.

Follow Andrew on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AndrewBrancaWDL or on Twitter at www.twitter. com/AndrewBrancaWNI. Contact him at andrew.branca@waxahachietx.com or 469-517-1451

his girlfriend’s head, and where he threatened her with a butcher knife.

During the punishment phase of the trial, prosecutors presented evidence about Robinson’s lengthy criminal history, which included convictions for attempted murder and aggravated assault.

The jury heard evidence that Robinson had been abusing women for over 20 years. Two of Robinson’s previous girlfriends testified that he was also abusive to them. One of the women described an incident where Robinson had stabbed her with a pair of scissors. Because he was a repeat offender, Robinson faced from 25 years to 99 years/life in prison.

County and District Attorney Patrick Wilson made the following statement: “The jury’s verdict in this case sends a significant message to this defendant and to the community that we take domestic violence seriously in Ellis County.”

cussions.”

There are also projects stemming from the May 2013 bond that are almost complete. The second floor of the high school is on schedule to be ready for the start of the 2014 school year in August.

The renovations will include a health science classroom and lab, an audio visual classroom and studio, four 40-seat lecture rooms and three to four other classrooms and computer labs.

“We are excited about the opportunity that this addition will provide to our students,” Ratcliff said. “It will provide our students interested in careers in nursing or broadcasting a head start, and it will provide more opportunities for our students pursuing dual credits. Some of our students are already graduating with thirty plus college credits, which is absolutely wonderful.

We are ecstatic about the opportunities that this bond program is providing to our students.”

Walls are already up along much of what will be the outer shell of the new junior high. Some of the major structures on the inside of the building are also starting to take see aisd, page 10

Sudoku puzzles

Each puzzle is divided into nine sections, and each section has nine blank squares. Fill in all 81 squares on the puzzle with numbers 1 to 9. You may not repeat any numbers in any one of the nine sections that you’ve already used elsewhere in that section. Also, you can use each number 1-9 only once in each horizontal line of nine squares, and in each vertical column of nine squares. The puzzle is completed when you correctly fill every square.

Answers will appear on page 10.

Sudoku Puzzle #3281-D

1 3 5 4 3

4 6 5 2

9 8 4 6

© 2009 Hometown Content

2 5 4

7

Sudoku Puzzle #3281-M

3 6 9 1 3 9

2

1 3 6 1 5 8

7 8 1

1

2

4 3

7 8 9 4

1 6

9

Difficult

4 1

5 7

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8 2 © 2009 Hometown Content

1

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CMYK

Waxahachietx.com/sports PAGE 1B | WAXAHACHIE DAILY LIGHT

Follow us on Twitter & Like us on Facebook | 7.20.2014

Volleyball player battles rare cancer Father struggles to raise funds to cover medical costs as daughter battles life-threatening bone cancer

BY GEOFF GORMAN DAILY LIGHT SPORTS EDITOR

In just one day Brooke and John Foster’s life was changed forever when doctors diagnosed her with osteosarcoma, a very rare, aggressive and cancerous bone tumor.

The 16-year-old, volleyball player attended school at Saint Joseph Catholic in Waxahachie, then began transferring to Ovilla Christian, since Saint Joseph doesn’t offer high school classes. Her father knows her better than anybody because he single-handedly raised her by himself since she was only three months old.

“She’s pretty quiet, unless she’s with her little friends. She’s a hard worker, hasn’t missed a day of school in four years until she got sick,” he said, his voice cracking as he fought back tears. She didn’t like to miss school.

Shes just real sweet, she never get’s into trouble, EVER. I never have to get onto her for anything.

She’s really creative, an amazing artist, drawer and loves to write and photography. It’s just been me and her for the past 15-years.”

After Brooke told her father she was having pains in her leg, but they didn’t think much of it at first.

“Thursday she came home from school and said ‘dad my leg’s hurting,’” said John. “I said well did you bump it or twist it? Friday, it was still hurting, Saturday night, still hurting, so I said if it doesn’t quit hurting by Monday morning well go to the doctor.”

John and Brooke arrived to the doctor’s office and after multiple tests the doctors asked them to come back to get an MRI. Right before the MRI, John received the news that no parent ever wants to hear.

“She said it looks like it’s probably cancer,” John quietly said.

Although osteosarcoma is a bone cancer, the first place it spreads to is the lungs. In 15 to 20 percent of patients, the cancer has already spread before it can even be diagnosed.

Brooke was in that small percent.

“Only like 700 people a year get osteosarcoma and out of those 700, only about 200 of them a year have it spread,” John explained as his voice began to grow weak and shake.

“And her’s has spread.

She’s considered a Stage 4.”

The father and young daughter immediately began trying to treat the cancer the next week at a children’s hospital. The hospital did a biopsy, and five weeks later, when the results came in, Brooke began doing chemotherapy.

“The chemo made her deathly ill. She was constantly nauseated and weak, she couldn’t even hold her head up because she was so weak,” said John.

After three months of chemotherapy, Brooke needed to have surgery on her leg to remove the part of the bone the tumor had attached to, which was about 4 inches of her femur bone.

After three months of Brooke’s chemotherapy treatment, John received more bad news.

“They said the chemo was ineffective,” said John.

Their only option at that point was to find an alternative, which they did, through a doctor in California. Yet, the insurance

wouldn’t cover the medical costs of the alternative treatments.

“Because there is no coding for it, the FDA doesn’t approve it.” said John. “If the FDA doesn’t approve it, then you can’t get it paid for.”

All of Brooke’s medical treatment expenses are being paid for by John outof-pocket.

“It was $60,000 plus you put the $20,000 out-of-pocket I already paid out for the non-FDA approved,” said John. “But we don’t have a choice, we gotta do something.”

John said if they had continued doing the chemotherapy treatments, medical costs would be nearly $3 million dollars.

“They wanted us to keep coming back in and doing chemo,” said John. “But if it’s not working why would you do that, you know? They (the doctors) said ‘There’s nothing else proven to cure cancer’ and I said ‘Well the only thing that’s proven is that your chemo doesn’t work on my daughter.”

Last week Brooke and her father started using a

new doctor located in California, whose treatments the same treatments that are being used in Europe, and not recognized FDA. Even though the doctor is in California, she works alongside another doctor who works in the area.

“To do a lot of the stuff that she does, she will tell him what needs to be done and then he’s doing that for us, so we don’t have to go to California,” said John.

John and Brooke are beside themselves with joy from the support of the

community posting on the Facebook page as well as getting together to set up donations, fundraisers and benefits.

“Most of these people that I’ve met, are people I met when we were going to Saint Joseph’s here in town,” said John. “But there are also people from all over the world that will post on the Facebook group, holding up a sign for Brooke. We’ve even had soldiers over in Afghanistan posting on Facebook. People from different countries across

the world are reaching out and praying for us, and you don’t know how they found out, but it’s amazing.”

John said when Brooke recovers, they are going to go on a long vacation to Santorini, Italy or Paris, because that is where Brooke said she wanted to go.

“I told her ‘when you get well, we’ll go wherever you want,’” said John.

Contact Geoff with story ideas and/or pictures via email geoffrey.gorman@ waxahachietx.com , @GeoffDoesSPX on Twitter or call him at the Daily Light offices at 469-517-1454.

Third Annual ‘Karate for Carotids’

Courtesy Photo

The team and Chief Instructor Kelly Felty delivering the $3,841.53 check to Sandi Patton of the American Heart Association.

from staff reports

Courtesy Photo

On a sunny day at the beach, a supporter of Brittan Cupp wrote his initials in the sand.

SPORTSEXTRA Sand, Sun and Fun at The Sand Pit See a full-page photo feature on The Sand Pit and summer sand volleyball on | PAGE 3C

The Waxahachie YMCA is the home of the Patton School of Korean Karate and in association with the American Heart Association, recently hosted the third Annual “Karate for Carotids Open Karate Tournament”. The tournament is used to raise funds for heart research and to celebrate the life of Master Paul Patton, the founder and 15 year instructor of the team who passed away in 2011.

The event was sanctioned by the United States Karate Alliance and drew competitors from around the nation. The USKA is a worldwide organization that is open to all traditional styles of karate and has tournaments across the nation each year with the primary emphasis

Clean diesel midsize sets EPA record Ride along with Neal White as he test drives Nissan’s new, record-setting clean diesel Passat on PAGE 4C

on safe and healthy competition. The competition events were Chanbara (padded sword sparring), Kobudo (weapons Forms), Kata (forms) and Kumite (point sparring).

In previous years, Paul hosted tournaments for the benefit of the American Cancer Society and the team raised over $5,122 for the American Cancer Society in the past. The charity beneficiary was changed in 2012 to The American Heart Association in honor of Paul. Over the last two years the team has donated the net proceeds from the tournaments totaling $2,192.88 to the American Heart Association. This year was the best ever thanks to the fundraising efforts of Shannon Beaudoin.

This week in sports history Take a look back into the past at sports happenings this week decades ago PAGE 2C

CMYK

DAILYSCOREBOARD Why wait until the next day for sports scores & highlights?

Log on to our website to get sports information the night of the game at www.waxahachietx.com/sports

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Away

Dec. 19/6:30 p.m.

Dec. 22/8 p.m. Lancaster

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Dec. 22/6:30 p.m. Lancaster

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Dec. 29-31

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Athlete faces new challenges in battle with cancer Foster family look for hope, thanks community for continued support of 16-year-old Brooke’s fight against Stage 4 cancer

BY GEOFF GORMAN DAILY LIGHT SPORTS EDITOR

Brooke Foster, a local 16-year-old volleyball player who was already doing treatments for Stage 4 osteosarcoma, recently discovered another, larger, cancerous bump on her body.

Brooke, diagnosed with the rare, agressive bone cancer in June, has been fighting the diesease with her father John Foster by her side every step of the way. John, a single parent who raised Brooke since she was three months old, said she came across the bump last week.

“Last Thursday she had found another bump on her leg and I asked her about it,” John said. “I called Monday and asked the doctors if we could come in. When we went in the doctor was pretty concerned about it because it was pretty large in size.”

The doctor sent Brooke to get an X-ray which turned into an MRI. When the results came back, it was another Osteosarcoma growth John said.

“It’s probably softball size, where as the original one was 50 cent size,” John said.

It was a kick in the gut to him and Brooke, he said.

“So after feeling like everything is going to be fine, with everything just trucking along and starting to feel good, you know, that Thursday night was

Photo courtesy of John Foster/ Daily Light

Brooke Foster, who was already battling Stage 4 osteosarcoma, gets x-rayed for a newly discovered spot that the 16-year-old found on her leg last week.

a long drive home from Rockwall,” John said.

John, who said he had trouble finding a doctor and facility to help Brooke with her first treatments because she is considered a minor, has reached out to many different centers and hospitals for help.

“I’ve talked to everybody you can think of,” John said. “Cancer Centers of America doesn’t take minors and M.D. Anderson doesn’t have anything new for Osteosarcoma.

St. Jude’s won’t really even return my calls, for whatever reason and so the doctor from Southlake, who would not see her because she is a minor, gave me a phone number of a biochemist in Indiana.

He told me to call this guy because they’re doing really good things up there and the laws are different up there.”

The Indiana doctor told John the treatments are a new, 10-day clinical research program, he said.

“They said the price, with the funds (received by the new treatment), would be $60,000,” John said. “That doesn’t include the flight or anything, just the hospital stay and treatments.”

The doctor and his team are not accepting insurance, John said.

When Brooke was first diagnosed, the community rallied around her to help support the family through multiple benefits and fundraisers to help

cover the expensive costs needed to try and save Brooke’s life. The city’s city council even proclaimed Aug. 10, 2014 as “Fight Light Brooke Day” in Waxahachie.

Now, John, is unsure how to afford these new, expensive costs.

John was already paying close to $1,000 each week for Brooke’s treatments before, he said.

“I’ve probably spent over $30,000 for her treatment,” John said. “But we

heard good things about the treatments from people who have done it. After about a month or so, you start feeling good about it and aren’t as worried. You don’t mind spending that $1,000 a week because you feel like the treatments are working.”

As of Wednesday John was waiting to hear back from Straight and his team about if the $60,000 cost will need to be paid up front or if it could be separated into payments to help ease the expenses.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for people who want to donate and help Brooke and John with her fight. The account can be found at www.gofundme.com/fightlike-brook.

There is also Facebook group called “Brooke Foster’s Courage Against Osteosarcoma” has been online since Brooke’s first diagnosis. The page is used to not only post updates on Brooke’s condition, but is also commonly used by people around the community to raise awarness about future charity events to help fund the Foster family.

For more information about Brooke’s story, visit www.waxahachietx.com.

Contact Geoff with story ideas and/or pictures via email geoffrey.gorman@ waxahachietx.com , @GeoffDoesSPX on Twitter or call him at the Daily Light offices at 469-517-1454. Also be sure to add him on Facebook www.facebook.com/geoffgormansports

WNBA all-star shares wisdom with Lady Indian teams

BY GEOFF GORMAN DAILY LIGHT SPORTS EDITOR

The Waxahachie Lady Indians had a special guest speaker talk to the freshman, junior varsity and varsity basketball teams before their practices.

Women’s National Basketball Association star, Sydney Carter, spent an hour talking about being more coachable as a player, having a good attitude on the court, working hard and how to not only be successful at the pro level, but at the collegiate level as well Carter, who led the DeSoto Lady Eagles basketball team to a regional championship her junior year, is the older sister of Diamond Atchison.

Atchison, who is the Lady Indians varsity starting point guard and wears the No. 3, looks up to her sister she said.

“She means everything to me,” Atchison said.

“She’s my inspiration because she is such an amazing person.”

Carter also talked about her collegiate career and what the girls should be expecting if they hope to play basketball at the next level.

Carter, who received a full ride scholarship to Texas A&M University

after graduating from DeSoto High School in 2008, helped lead the Aggies women’s team to their first National Championship title in 2011.

The girls were excited to have a one-on-one experience with the basketball all star. It was an honor to have Carter take the time to tell the young, aspiring athletes what it takes to be successful both on and off the court, head coach Lesli Priebe said.

“Her message, words of wisdom and honesty about everything that it takes to get to the WNBA was great,” Priebe said.

“As a coach, they hear the same things from us over and over and over again.

So when you don’t correct that, how are you going to get any better? And hearing it from her (Carter), who has been there, done that and is playing professional basketball right now, just reiterates everything that we tell them on a daily basis except coming from her it is going to mean so much more than hearing it from the coaches.”

Carter was drafted No. 28 overall in the 2012 WNBA by the Chicago Sky, before signing a training camp contract with the Atlanta Dream in March 2013. Carter was cut from the Dream

SPORTSEXTRA Hog hunting Luke Clayton talks about a hog hunting trip and his weapon of choice in this week’s outdoors column PAGE 2B

before the start of the regular season. After her stint in Atlanta, Carter was contacted and signed by the Connecticut Sun in June 2013. She was again released by them and was picked up by her current team, the Indiana Fever in May of this year.

The Fever has been excellent to Carter and she has a good connection with her teammates, Carter said.

“I definitely feel like I found a home with the team,” Carter said. “My teammates are so welcoming and the coaching and management is very professional there. It’s just a really great situation for me. I’m happy with them.”

Aside from playing in the WNBA, Carter spends her off-season sharpening her professional skills by playing basketball internationally in Israel.

“The language barrier is really the only tough thing to deal with,” Carter said about playing basketball in Israel. “As far as basketball, they just really rely on you to do a majority of the scoring, so if you’re not a scorer by habit, or if it’s something that you’re not used to, then you have to get used to it, because that’s just what they expect from Americans in different countries.”

Photo by Geoff Gorman/ Daily Light

Indiana Fever guard Sydney Carter (picture front row, center) beside her younger sister Diamond Atchison (pictured right of Carter) and the freshman, junior varsity and varsity Lady Indians basketball players. Carter spoke to the young athletes on what it takes to be successful as a team, as well as a player in basketball. Atchison, who wears No. 3 on the court, is the starting guard for Waxahachie’s varsity basketball team.

Carter has proven that she is a natural scorer by holding numerous records for the Aggies women’s basketball team including free throw percentage at 82 percent and ranks fifth in three pointers made, to just name a few of her accomplishments.

When she’s not on the court, Carter has other

hobbies she enjoys. Carter, who considers herself a “professional online shopper,” said yoga is her off the court passion.

“I do yoga every day. I’ll do meltdown, strength and flexibility yoga,” Carter said. “I am a yoga fanatic.”

After speaking and answering questions from the the Lady Indians

basketball teams, the players made sure to get a raincheck to play against Carter the next time she is in town.

Contact Geoff with story ideas and/or pictures via email geoffrey.gorman@ waxahachietx.com , @GeoffDoesSPX on Twitter or call him at the Daily Light offices at 469-517-1454. Also be sure to add him on Facebook www.facebook.com/geoffgormansports

Neal’s Wheels Neal test drives the luxurious 2015 Audi S5 Cabriolet. Unfortunately, the rainy weather didn’t allow much time to cruise with the top down PAGE 4B

@GeoffDoesSPX @WaxahachieNews

CMYK

THURSDAY

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TODAY’S EDITION /WHAT TO DO

June 26 3 p.m.

Waxahachie will crown a new Crape Myrtle Queen at the Waxahachie Civic Center

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By Shelly Conlon

Daily Light Digital News Editor

MIDLOTHIAN — Cats and dogs up for adoption are having a hard time finding their forever homes in Midlothian.

Because of limited space, limited access and lack of awareness for the city’s animal shelter, sometimes the animals have to be euthanized if they don’t find a family who wants them, even with the fact that adoptions are free.

“After working with the Ellis County SPCA, it’s just the fact that people don’t know there’s a shelter here,” said Debbie Lubke, who works in the police department’s community services area. “They don’t know they can adopt. Many Photo by Shelly Conlon/Daily Light Digital News Editor times people say, ‘I didn’t The Midlothian ainmal shelter is working to raise awareness of its existence for locals. know Midlothian had a

Tee off for vets American Legion Chris Kyle Post 388 to host fundraiser golf tournament in it, then the golf course will shut down the morning and we’ll have two starts then — the first at The American Legion 7 a.m.”

Chris Kyle Post 388 is If someone is looking hosting its first golf tourto play on a team, the nament, and the members event is $100 each and are hoping the event will that includes a cart. All of become annual. the proceeds will go the The tournament will veteran programs that take place on Aug. 23 at Post 388, which is in Pecan Trails Golf Midlothian, sponCourse, said post sors for youth and commander George veterans’ families, Collins. he said.

Collins said the “We’re going to post is currently start doing this anlooking for sponsors nually to generate for each of the 21 funds for the post holes on the course. to operate with and For each team that with these prowants to play, the Collins grams,” Collins said. teams each have the “We don’t have a home. We option to sponsor a hole. meet at the (Midlothian) “We’re looking for 21 Civic Center.” teams, of course. That’s a The post started with team per a hole,” Collins eight people and has since said. “It’ll have a shotgun grown to 127, Collins said, start at 1 p.m. on that which is the largest in the date. If we have more see golf, page 12 people that show interest Daily Light Digital News Editor

See animals currently at Midlothian’s shelter.

1 sections | 12 pages

HELP

By Shelly Conlon

Midlothian’s animal shelter

75¢

A cry for

WHS soccer camp The Waxahachie soccer program hosted its annual summer youth camp this week. | SPorts

6.26.2014

Rebecca Jones, Midlothian Animal Control Officer

shelter.’ I think people get confused. There’s the Ellis County SPCA, the Waxahachie animal shelter and this one.”

Part of the awareness issue, Lubke said, is Midlothian’s facility isn’t see help, page 2

A mother’s wish

By Shelly Conlon WDL Digital News Editor

When Justin Boehler was born, he was born sick, his mother said.

He was full-term, but he couldn’t keep anything down and was losing weight consistently.

Mysti Boehler, Justin’s mother, knew something was wrong, beyond what doctors told her when he was born. So, she took him to Children’s Hospital in Arkansas, where he stayed for about a year.

“They diagnosed him with a rare syndrome, and told me it would never happen again, that it would only happen once in a family, and no worries,” Mysti said. “First, they told me I should actually put him in a home, because at my age, he would be nothing but a burden. He’d never walk, or talk, or feed himself, or never do anything productive.”

Mysti, who was about 20 at the time, ignored

Courtesy photo

Mysti Boehler (center) is trying to raise $5,190 so her special needs son Justin Boehler (left) can have necessary oral surgery to prevent recurring infections.

the suggestion, and tried to find a support group for her son’s syndrome.

Yet, when she found the group, she discovered her son had been misdiagnosed, she said. Cohen

Syndrome is hard to identify, with less than 1,000 cases reported worldwide, according to The Cohen Syndrome Association.

Justin, as well as his see wish, page 2

City addresses low-hanging tree concerns on FM 66

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light Staff Writer

The city of Waxahachie has been working to address safety concerns of people who are traveling Farm-to-Market 66 from U.S. Highway 77 to Interstate Highway 35E. Members of the department of public works have been trimming trees to help improve visibility.

The recent safety concerns were brought to

the attention of the city by agriculture producer Scott Averhoff. Averhoff uses FM 66 to transport his farm equipment to his several fields he uses for production. Averhoff said sections of this road have been allowed to overgrow obstructing views and causing clearance issues where tree limbs and bushes have struck his equipment.

“I first made them aware of it about five

years ago. I was moving a combine up 66 and had some oncoming traffic and pulled over. Some tree limbs on a hackberry tree just past H&H Grocery hit the top of our grain tanks,” Averhoff said. “There is no clearance at all if you are moving wide and tall equipment like we do. Our cotton stripper is 15 feet tall and about 10 feet wide at the top. You are going to contact the tree branches see trees, page 12

The city public works department recently trimmed back the tree limbs hanging over FM 66 to a 14-foot clearance.

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WAXAHACHIETX.COM/news

USDA announces support for starting farmers, ranchers from staff reports COLLEGE STATION, TX – U.S. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced the implementation of new Farm Bill measures and other policy changes to improve the financial security of new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Harden also unveiled www.USDA.gov/newfarmers, a new website that will provide a centralized, one-stop resource where beginning farmers and ranchers can explore the variety of USDA initiatives designed to help them succeed.

“New and beginning farmers are the future of American agriculture,” said Deputy Secretary Harden. “The average age of an American farmer is 58 and rising, so we must help new farmers get started if America is going to continue feeding the world and maintain a strong agriculture economy. The new policies announced today will help give beginning farmers the financial security they need to succeed. Our new online tool will provide one-stop shopping for beginning farmers to learn more about accessing USDA services that can help their operations thrive.”

USDA’s www.usda.gov/ newfarmers has in depth information for new farmers and ranchers, including: how to increase access to land and capital; build new market opportunities; participate in conservation opportunities; select and use the right risk management tools; and access

USDA education, and technical support programs.

These issues have been identified as top priorities by new farmers. The website will also feature instructive case studies about beginning farmers who have successfully utilized USDA resources to start or expand their business operations.

Today’s policy announcements in support of beginning farmers and ranchers include: • Waiving service fees for new and beginning farmers or ranchers to enroll in the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for the 2014 crop year. NAP provides risk management tools to farmers who grow crops for which there is no crop insurance product. Under this waiver, announced via an official notice to Farm Service Agency offices, farmers and ranchers whom already enrolled in NAP for the 2014 crop year are eligible for a service fee refund.

• Eliminating payment reductions under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for new and beginning farmers which will allow routine, prescribed, and emergency grazing outside the primary nesting season on enrolled land consistent with approved conservation plans. Previously, farmers and ranchers grazing on CRP land were subject to a reduction in CRP payments of up to 25 percent. Waiving these reductions for new and beginning farmers will see usda, page 8

help

from page 1

accessible by the community. The shelter is in a gated area on U.S. Highway 67 frontage road past Midlothian’s Walmart, as part of the city’s public works facilities.

The shelter is a tworoom extension of one of the buildings, with 16 cages for dogs and about four cages for cats, as well as a few work and storage stations. Even then, to get to the gated area, those possibly interested can’t just walk into the shelter. Either Lubke or Rebecca Jones, with the city’s animal control department, has to be contacted. Drivers also have to face construction on the service road, near the shelter.

Midlothian didn’t always have 16 kennels.

The shelter was lucky enough to get approval from the city to add more after the city approved about $9,000 in spend-

Wish

from page 1

younger brother who was born three years later and went through similar issues, went undiagnosed for 18 years, until they found a hematologist who suggested Cohen Syndrome.

Now 23, Justin is in dire need of dental help because of the infections he fights caused by his rare condition, and his mother is asking the community to help her raise $5,190

by July 8, to pay for the dental work.

The syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects motor skills, mental development, and behavior, causing difficulties in learning to roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk.

ing outside of this year’s planned budget. Before the added cages, the shelter only had 11, said Lubke. The shelter is small, especially for a city almost 60 square miles in size with a population headed toward 30,000 people, she said.

“As Midlothian grows, there’s just going to be more people and more animals,” said Marilyn Jones, a volunteer and representative for Friends of Midlothian, an organization which helps with the shelter. “I know when we had an overabundance of dogs, we had to get the word out, so they could be adopted before we ran out of space, because that’s the issue.”

Jones helped coordinate last Saturday’s free adoption at Midlothian’s Walmart to help raise awareness about the shelter. The plan, she said, is to do more events and fundraising to help bring in supplies, animal toys and spread the word see help, page 8

Those with the syndrome are prone to frequent and potentially severe infections because they have a lower than average level of specific infectionfighting white blood cells, which is what Justin and his brother are both struggling with now.

That part of the condition is called neutropinia, and the infection in Justin’s mouth, making it difficult for him to eat without choking because he’s losing his teeth.

“They were taking shots three days a week, and Jeremy is on five now,” Mysti said. “But Justin, because of the infection, and that they’re not removing those teeth, the doctor put him up tot seven shots a week. We’re just used to it, which makes it harder, because

Midlothian Animanl Control Officer Rebecca Jones pets a Boxer-mix, which has been at the shelter since June 11.

when they see me get the shots out, they just know.

The shots come in a box of 10, and it’s $6,000 a box.”

Yet, Mysti’s insurance can’t cover the amount of shots and refuses cover the surgery to remove Justin’s teeth, she said.

Once Justin turned 21, her insurance dropped dental benefits. Because of Justin’s condition, he would have to be sedated, which could keep Justin in the hospital for days if he doesn’t handle the sedation well, his mother said.

“I’m just like, ‘Don’t you realize if you would get his teeth taken care of, he would go back down on those shots and it would save more money, you know?’” she said. “But, there’s a lot of things that probably other kids have that mine don’t. They

have a very high pain tolerance, they never cry, ever. They don’t wine, they don’t complain. They don’t throw fits. They’re just happy-go-lucky.

Overly affectionate is part of their syndrome. When people meet them, they love them because that’s just how they are.”

The syndrome can also cause severe, progressive vision problems, extreme nearsightedness and degeneration of the retina, according to multiple medical websites. Both Justin and Jeremy have pigmentosa and are going legally blind, but the struggle with nuetropinia has been the worst part, she said.

“It’s deteriorated his bone and his jaw, and they just pop out,” Mysti said, crying. see wish, page 12

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OCS baseball wins district

Garage sale aids Elvira’s

The Ovilla Christian baseball team won its first district title last week. | page 5

The local community is stepping up to help Elvira’s restaurant reopen. | Page 2

WA XA H AC H I E T X .CO M

TUESDAY

DAILY LIGHT

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /MULTIMEDIA

Tragic loss Midlothian police officer succumbs to injuries from major vehicle accident

By Shelly Conlon

Shattered Dreams trailer Get a first look at the upcoming motion picture.

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Indians are playoff bound The Waxahachie baseball team is playoff bound.

Daily Light staff writer

Midlothian patrol officer Heather Phares died from her injuries at 9:15 a.m. on Monday morning.

Phares, 22, was transported by a medical helicopter to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas after sustaining injuries in a two-vehicle accident while off duty on Thursday afternoon.

“The accident involved a late model Ford pickup that had impacted the rear of a tractortrailer car- Phares rying steel,” Midlothian Police Department Capt. John Spann stated in a release.

4.22.2014

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Mother, son compete in wheelchair van contest

By Shelly Conlon Daily Light staff writer

Just a few miles from home in Arkansas, a man ran a stop sign and crashed into the vehicle driver Twila Davis with her son Trey Davis. Trey was eight months old and Twila was 19. Both were thrown from their vehicle and the driver was drunk.

“They told me his eyes were dilated and he probably wouldn’t make the flight,” Twila, a mother of three who now lives in Red Oak, said. “I couldn’t leave due to some injuries, so I stayed see contest, page 11

see phares, page 12

HOUSE FIRE

Twila Davis and her son, Trey, are asking for votes to help them replace their old van.

Global High student sews to reach others

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Photo by Aaron Schwaderer/Daily Light managing editor

A two-story house in Maypearl is consumed by a fire that started at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19.

Fire consumes two-story home

Anxiety. Worry. Apprehension. These were just some of the feelings that Waxahachie Global High senior, Savannah Almond, experienced last fall as she sat in the doctor’s office waiting to be seen. Over the course of the fall of 2013, Savannah made several trips to the doctor’s office and each time she sat there she found herself rubbing the collar of her coat. She Almond found that rubbing the texture of the coat gave her comfort and helped her to remain calm. The worrisome thoughts that swirled around in her head seemed to subside as she concentrated on the soft texture and fabric. She wondered if other children, teenagers, or even adults experienced the same anxiety that she did when they went to the doctor’s office, or anywhere for that matter. And in that very moment, the concept for the WorryCloth was born.

During the fall, Savannah was enrolled in April Moon’s Capstone Engineering and Design class. The objective of the class was to find a problem, design a solution that would fix the problem, and develop a prototype. Savannah thought back to her summer experience and decided that she would design and develop a WorryCloth for those who develop anxiety when they are in

Facebook Friend the Daily Light and each of its reporters on Facebook. n Twitter Get breaking news bulletins in an instant by following @waxahachienews

from staff reports The Maypearl Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19 in the 500 block of 5th Street in Maypearl. A Maypearl police officer was the

TODAY’S EDITION /WHAT TO DO

Sheriff’s deputies ‘fill the porch’ for cancer survivor

n

Apr 25 8 a.m.

Magnablend’s Clays for a Cause at the Alpine Shooting Range in Fort Worth

TODAY’S EDITION /BY THE NUMBERS

$200,000 Cost estimate of damage to Maypearl two-story home

75¢ 1 section | 12 pages

from staff reports Several Ellis County Sheriff ’s Office personnel have been busy out in the community planning a very special event for 4-year-old cancer survivor, Kadence “Bubba” Johnson. The 4-year-old Itasca boy is in his third round of fighting back against a rare, aggressive form of the childhood cancer, neuroblastoma.

First diagnosed with the disease as a 14-month-old, Kadence was cleared in

first on scene and searched the house to make sure no residents or pets were inside. The Maypearl department requested mutual aid from Emergency Service District No. 6 and Venus Fire Department because

April 2012 only to see the cancer return in August that same year. Cleared again in June 2013, the cancer made another return before this past Christmas. Through the different re-occurrences, he’s undergone two surgeries, multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, a transplant, antibody therapy and has been on research medication.

Sheriff ’s Deputy Corbin Schwalm was watching his nephew play T-ball at an Itasca youth game

the structure was already engulfed in flames. Ellis County Fire Marshal Joe Stewart and the Maypearl Fire Department are still investigating the cause of the fire. The damage to the home is estimated at $200,000.

when he first saw Kadence – a little boy with no hair who went to take an atbat. “The bat was bigger than he was and they let him score a home run,” Corbin said. “It was neat.”

Kadence’s grandmother, Missy Mayberry, says her grandson’s team “was losing really bad with the run-rule about to be enforced.”

“The other team’s coach has a special heart for kids, though, and when Bubba came up to bat, the coach allowed him to have

see sewing, page 12

a home run,” she said. “He got to hit the ball and run the bases while the other team was throwing the ball around. Everybody was rooting for him and he was so excited.”

People often don’t realize that children with cancer spend many hours isolated in a hospital room. “They’re in there by themselves with no other kids around,” Mayberry said. “T-ball has really helped him come out of his shell because he doesn’t see survivor, page 12

Kadence “bubba” Johnson

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a night or two at the hospital and then had to stay home for a little while. The rest of the family went to be with him.”

When Twila finally made it to her son’s hospital, Trey had a tube in his head to relieve the pressure in his brain, she said.

“They (doctors) finally came to us and told us he would live, he just wouldn’t be the same little boy that we had,” she said.

“They thought he’d be blind, but he can see. He’s just legally blind. He can hear. He’s happy.”

Trey suffered permanent brain damage. He can’t sit up straight, nor can he walk, his mother said. He’s 23 years old, and can say “eat” and “ball” and while his words are limited, Twila and her family said what they’ve been through has been a blessing. She is now one of more than 1,000 “Local Heroes” across the United States and Canada, competing in

a voting contest to win a new wheelchair accessible van. The competition is hosted by National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association for National Mobility Awareness month.

Voters have until May 9, to help Twila and her son earn as many votes as possible to end up in the top 10 percent of contest applicants, and then judges will decide a winner. Currently, as of 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, the family had more than 5,000 votes, according to the competition’s website.

Twila’s cousin entered her and Trey into the contest, stating: “Every day for the past 20-plus years, she has done it all – dress him, bathe him, sit up with him during seizures all night, doctor visits – everything.

She still supports her other children in their activities and takes Trey.”

However, the 1999 van she’s had for five years is beginning to have problems, her cousin stated, making it difficult for the family to get around.

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Her van is old; her cousin stated in the contest entry, her lift only works now and then and her airconditioning went out. The van has even broken down a few times on the side of the road, and Twila and Trey have had to wait for help, Twila said.

“She needs a new van to continue to maintain the life she has given to Trey and her other children,” her cousin stated. “Twila Swaffar Davis is my hero and her son Trey’s.”

The van has been part of the family’s decision to not let the drunk-driving accident control their lives, she said. She said she struggled to find a place of forgiveness, but when a friend of her mother’s said there’s no doubt Trey will go to Heaven, Twila’s life was propelled forward, she said.

“He’s here and we’re lucky to have him here, and if we can change one life, then that makes all the difference,” she said.

“One of the guys in the car, he became a preacher and that really helped. It made me look at it as, ‘If God

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To get on with your life, if someone has done this to you, you have to forgive and you can’t keep letting the drunk driver win.”

Each victim of a drunk driving accident recovers differently based on their support system, the enormity of their loss and their outlook on life, said Suzette Pylant, Ellis County’s victim advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Pylant provides emotional support, information on the grieving process, and information on healing. In 2012, Ellis County had 126 alcohol/ drug-related crashes, according to the most recent and available information from MADD. Five of those crashes produced six fatalities and 28 of the crashes caused serious injury to 43 people, Pylant stated.

“When a victim sustains an injury such as Twila’s son’s injury, life as that family knew it is simply over,” Pylant stated.

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the accident control her life, Twila said she takes Trey to everything she can from grocery shopping to her other two children’s sporting events, she said.

When she found out about being entered into the mobility contest, she was a bit overwhelmed she said. She wasn’t comfortable with asking people for help and didn’t want to be a burden, she said. Yet, as others learned about her family’s story, the outpouring is something she’s thankful for, she said.

“Even if we don’t win, I feel like we have just from the support I’ve gotten,” she said.

The support spans across different states, Twila said. One local friend is trying to share Twila and Trey’s story anywhere she can to help raise votes. Heather Simpson, a mother of a 23-monthold at a Mother’s Day Out program where Twila works twice a week, has made flyers and created a website dedicated to them to help bring in votes, she said. She also shares the voting page on Face-

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Simpson’s website is www. treyshero.com and provides a link to the voting website.

“We have talked and exchanged pleasantries, and I’ve dropped him off with her,” Simpson said. “I couldn’t believe we didn’t know she had a son that’s paralyzed. I was just really, really touched that she has three children, one of which is 23. The fact that she wants to spend her time two days a week to take care of other people’s kids was really touching to me.”

Having a strong support system like Twila has can make a world of difference, Pylant said. Her advice to drunk driving victims is to take steps to keep from isolating themselves and to seek support from others who understand.

To vote for Twila and Trey, visit www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com.

Search for Twila Swaffar Davis from Morrilton, Ark. and sign up and log in to vote. Also, the direct link to vote is available on www.waxahachietx.com.

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WAXAHACHIETX.COM/news

Fire damages Palmer residence

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light Staff Writer

PALMER – An attic fire damaged a Palmer family's residence about 8 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 6 in the 100 block of E. Jefferson St. in Palmer.

Ellis County Assistant Fire Marshal Joshua Hibschman said a faulty heater in the attic started the fire, which quickly spread through the attic space to ignite the whole structure.

Palmer Fire Chief Kevin Rhodes said one of the department’s firefighters was driving by the house on his way to the station and saw heavy smoke and fire showing. The firefight-

house fire from page 1

Stewart said by the time firefighters arrived the fire had reached the attic, where it quickly spread through the entire structure.

Crews used tanker trucks to shuttle water from the nearest hydrant to the engines battling the blaze. Bardwell Fire

er immediately called for Palmer units and mutual aid. Red Oak, Ennis and Ferris Fire Departments provided assistance.

Members of the American Red Cross were called out to provide assistance to the displaced residents.

Both of the residents were already out of the structure when crews arrived on scene.

Fire crews attacked the blaze from the back of the home and along the roof.

Firefighters were rotated on a continual basis and were able to bring the fire under control.

Firefighters were able to contain most of the fire damage to the attic, though the rooms below

did suffer smoke and water damage. Rhodes said he believes the resident will be able to salvage many of their possessions.

The 19-degree tempera-

Department was the first on scene and received assistance from Italy, Forreston, Avalon and Emergency Service District No. 6 Volunteer Fire Departments.

Members of the American Red Cross provided assistance to the resident.

Stewart said the fire was ruled as accidental as a cooking fire.

buck

steady paycheck, paving the way for bigger jobs that followed.

And as a boy, he loved playing sports — first at Optimist Field and later earning a spot on the roster at Waxahachie High School where he was the starting catcher for coach Hal Curry.

Buck had a life-long passion for sports — especially Waxahachie sports.

After finishing school, he landed a job with AT&T, working his way up the ranks during a 31-year career that ended with his first retirement in 1983.

While working full time to support his family, which included wife Jane and sons Nick and Jeff, Buck never stopped working to make his hometown a better place to live — and work.

He served on the city council in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

He served on numerous community boards and athletic booster clubs.

After retiring from AT&T, he was offered the position of President and CEO of the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce, which he held until his second retirement in 2002.

During his tenure, the “King of the Deal” played an instrumental role in

recruiting most of the city’s current industrial base. Buck had contacts everywhere.

He was one of the few — if not only person — I’ve known that could pick up the phone and have both governors and President of the United States take his call.

In fact, when Buck retired from the Chamber, President George W. Bush was one of the first to call to honor him for his service and career.

I know Buck wore out Interstate 35 to Austin while president of the Waxahachie Chamber. I also know he made several trips to Washington, D.C. to meet with Senators and Representatives — and Presidents, including Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

While he will long be remembered for his success in economic development, Buck shared with me his greatest disappointment was the day Congress pulled the plug on the Superconducting Super Collider project in Waxahachie.

He traveled to Washington to meet with President Clinton where he received the news, ending nearly a decade of hard

work and commitment and promise that would have made Waxahachie the global focal point for scientific discover. As he did throughout his life, Buck didn’t mince words, telling President Clinton, “I sure hope you do something good with the money you’re not spending in Waxahachie.”

While his economic development stories could — and should — fill a book someday, my favorite Buck stories are the ones about Waxahachie sports.

Buck loved the kids in our community.

In addition to serving as a volunteer, coach and mentor for every athletic booster organization in Waxahachie, he also worked the scoreboard at Lumpkins Stadium for more than four decades.

He had a life-long friendship with the great Paul Richards, which resulted in Buck getting to know and becoming friends with numerous professional athletes.

Whenever a booster club needed a speaker for a banquet, Buck had the ability to pick up the phone, make a call and land a high profile professional athlete to keynote the address.

One of my favorite stories happened back in the late 1970s, or it may have been in the early 1980s. Waxahachie was trying to establish an annual baseball tournament at Richards Park. Several teams had been lined up to play, but a heavy rainstorm had soaked the field to the point that it looked like WHS may have to cancel the event.

Buck refused to let that happen.

He picked up the phone, made a couple of calls and the next thing everyone knows, two helicopters were hovering above the field to “dry it out” as the players stood on the hill and watched in awe. The

Wakeland said. “I first met Buck in 1984 I lost my dad in 1983, and he stepped into that roll, as well as mentor, advisor and friend. Buck worked hard and played hard too, he taught me to play golf, we won many tournaments together; he exuded tolerance and embraced change and new experiences.”

Wakeland said that people die only when we forget them, “My Mother explained shortly before she left me last year. ‘If you can remember me, I will always be with you.’

I will remember Buck forever,” Wakeland said.

City Manager Paul Ste-

vens worked very closely with Jordan at city hall.

When Stevens first came to the city Jordan was one of the first people he met.

“When I first came here Bob Sokoll the city manager took me around to meet the people that I needed to know and Buck was one of the first stops. I remember sitting in his office and talking about economic development and what the chamber had done in the past. The next day he took me to a Lions Club meeting and made sure that I had become a member,” Stevens said. “The thing about Buck is that he was really humbled to be a city

council member and when he was mayor he was very humbled by that. It was just a tremendous honor for him to do something like that and continue to give to his community.”

Stevens said he never took his civic duty lightly and every decision he made was the best for the city. He loved Waxahachie and he worked hard for it.

Stevens added that all of us are better for him being a part of our lives.

Assistant City Manager Michael Scott said Jordan impacted many lives in the community through his involvement in so many different community

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the opportunity to get to know him, I have been blessed by his friendship.

I later learned that Buck also played a similar role in helping Ken Roberts begin his career at KBEC. It didn’t surprise me one bit.

Throughout the morning Monday I’ve heard so many “Buck” stories shared by members of the community, like me, each one making a point to note how they cherish the opportunity to have called him a friend.

He was that kind of a person.

If it was within his power to do something to help, you could consider it done.

One of six children, Buck was born in 1932 in the middle of The Great Depression and raised in a three-room house on Ross Street.

He knew what it was like to do without. It was a feeling that never left him as he dedicated his life to helping others in the community.

Even as a boy, Buck was a hard worker and enterprising, taking whatever jobs he could find.

He loved telling me stories about delivering the Waxahachie Daily Light “back in the day,” and how that job became his first

leader from page 1

remembered for not only the impact he made on the community but his impact on the people in the community.

“Buck Jordan will be remembered for the things he accomplished, I can’t even begin to list his life achievements. I can certainly say that I have always been very proud to sit behind the desk that Buck Jordan used as he served the Waxahachie Chamber and Convention and Visitors Bureau, as the President and CEO,”

tures caused an increased hazard for firefighters.

The water sprayed into the house froze along the outside of the structure and wherever it pooled.

WDL file photo by Scott Dorsett

Taking part in the first pitch ceremony on WYBA’s opening day in 2013 were (pictured from left) Waxahachie Assistant Manager Michael Scott, Waxahachie Community Development Corporation Board President John Sanders, Daily Light Editor Neal White, City Manager Paul Stevens, and Waxahachie Mayor Buck Jordan.

bates

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said things are going to change. Your schedule is out the window, your calendar doesn’t mean anything. It’s about him, and he was right.”

Westyn, 4, is the youngest of 12 children for Midlothian residents Mark and Patrice Bates.

In October, Westyn was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive bone cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma.

On average, only 250 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with the cancer every year, and most range from age 10 to 12, according to the MD Anderson Cancer Center website at the University of Texas. The cancer can cause bone pain, swelling, fevers and sometimes tumors, the website states.

Since the diagnosis, the family has spent a multitude of hours in the hospital. In December, Mark said he and Patrice spent 19 out of 26 workdays by Westyn’s hospital bedside.

“So, one week it’s surgery, one week it’s CT scans and one week it’s surgery again and then it’s in for chemo,” Mark said. “They prepare you for this a little bit at a time. If it’s a stairway at the end of the process, they’re taking two stairs at a time going 'OK, that’s all you need to know right now.' It’ like they don’t want you to know because the more that’s revealed to us, the harder this gets.”

The center website states two-thirds of patients are long-term survivors of the cancer.

However, because of Westyn’s age and the number of chemotherapy treatments he’ll have to face, currently Westyn’s immune system is shot, Mark said. When practically anything could make him sick, every day is about keeping him healthy, his father said.

“It’s hard, watching him go from a playful spirit to very weak, and he has to go to the hospital every two weeks,” said Trinity, Westyn’s 13-yearold sister. “With the reality of life, it can change in a heartbeat. Westyn’s changed in one day. When a Bates goes down, we all go down with him, until we can help him back up.”

Westyn faces chemo two times each month, one week it’s for two days and another it’s for five.

Westyn’s body couldn’t handle the first two-day treatment, Mark said.

A fever took over, and Westyn stopped eating.

Though Westyn received nutrients through IV tubes, Mark said his son wouldn’t take a bite of anything for nine days and dropped to 33 pounds. Since then, Westyn’s shoulder length

blonde hair has begun to fall out and his body has grown tired from treatment, Mark said. Westyn will face 14 more chemo treatments until August, when treatments stop.

“It's really hard, with 12 kids, nobody’s got any problems, everyone’s good and then to see your littlest one go through this, it changes everything,” Mark said, wiping tears from his eyes. “I break down every day. I’m used to it, but I shouldn’t have to be. That shouldn’t happen to my little boy.”

With constant trips to the hospital, Mark said the family has struggled financially as well.

During the two months after Westyn’s diagnosis, Mark said he sold half of his auto-repair company to help support the family, medical expenses and to continue working, he said.

“The financial end of it, we’re zeroed out, I don’t know how we’re going to get through eight months,” Mark said.

The family has turned to fundraising and a GoFundMe website for Westyn, Mark said. GoFundMe is an online outlet for those who wish to create personal fundraising sites for a cause. As of Saturday at 6:45 p.m., with a goal of $18,000, the website has helped to bring in $7,035.

Also on Saturday, Jan. 4, Flying G Ranch in Waxahachie hosted an all-day fundraiser, after Trinity, who is a wrangler at the ranch, brought Westyn’s story to the attention of Claudia Gaughan, executive director of the ranch.

The event allowed donors to ride horses and participate in a bake sale, silent auction and potluck. All proceeds went to the Bates family. As of press time, an amount raised from the Flying G Ranch event wasn’t available.

“I don’t know how to put it into words,” Gaughan said. “It’s just something that when I saw there was a need for the family, I didn’t hesitate at all. I just needed to help them.”

During the event, the family members wore shirts with the logo of “Super Westyn” on the front, as a reminder of the support that Westyn has around him. The idea came after a family friend donated a Christmas ornament with the Superman symbol and the words “Super Westyn” on it, Mark said.

“Yeah we’re under a lot of emotional pressure, but as far as being strong, we’re super strong,” Mark said.

Follow Shelly Conlon on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ShellyConlonDailyLight or on Twitter at www. twitter.com/Shelly_MarieC. Contact her at shelly.conlon@waxahachietx. com or 469-517-1452.

first game began on time as advertised.

And there are several stories of how Buck, in the days before portable handheld radar guns, would have the police drive their squad cars into the park to find out how fast Waxahachie’s pitchers

were throwing.

I also love the story how Buck called up the head groundskeeper for the Texas Rangers and had their crew come to Waxahachie and “redo” the infield at Richards Park. From what I’m told, Buck paid for

organizations. The efforts and decisions made by Jordan impacted many people in the city, some of whom didn’t know who he was, Scott said.

“Buck never missed an opportunity to complement the staff and to say how much he loved Waxahachie. He served two weeks prior to his death.

He was at events around the community,” Scott said. “I really look at Buck as a friend and a confidant on city council. We are just going to miss him.”

City Councilman Chuck Beatty said Jordan and former city councilor and Mayor George Brown were

two role models that he looked up to.

“Buck was a father figure to me, he and George. They were two people that cared about the city,” Beatty said. “He was a good statesman and showed everybody what Waxahachie was all about and put it on the map. He lived up to what he did for the city. I am going to miss Buck. It is a great loss for the city.”

see buck, page 10

Follow Andrew on Facebook at www. facebook.com/AndrewBrancaWDL or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ AndrewBrancaWNI. Contact him at andrew.branca@waxahachietx.com or 469-517-1451.

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Softball team looks at 2014

Breaking: Three injured in rollover

The Waxahachie softball team announced its schedule for the 2014 season. | page 5

Three passengers air-flighted after rollover on FM 66 at FM 308. | online & In Wednesday

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Displaced Family loses house in cooking fire

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light Staff Writer

Runnin’ Indians fall at Legacy The Waxahachie basketball team took a tough loss.

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HOWARD – A Howard family lost their home to what began as a cooking fire Monday, Jan. 6. Firefighters were dispatched to the 5800 block of Farm-toMarket Road 877 at about 11:30 a.m. and found the house engulfed in flames.

“The resident said that

he had been inside cooking and had gone out back to another building when (the two residents) spotted the fire. The residents tried to put it out themselves with a fire extinguisher,” Ellis County Fire Marshal Joe Stewart said.

“They thought they had it out at one point, however it had reached the attic.” see house fire, page 2

The Waxahachie soccer teams scrimmaged.

PHOTO SLIDESHOW | WEB

By Shelly Conlon Daily Light staff writer

Everyone’s agreed in the Bates household: Life stops until Westyn is well again.

The family will do whatever it takes, said Mark Bates, Westyn’s Bates father.

“I own my own company, and have been self-employed for 25 years,” said Mark. “When this started, the doctor see bates, page 2

‘MR. WAXAHACHIE’ LOSES BATTLE WITH CANCER

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WAXAHACHIETX.COM /OBITUARIES Aron Brock, 85, Waxahachie n Bobbie Wigfall, 80, Waxahachie n Rita Roadman, 62, Red Oak n Jerry Hooker, 82, Waxahachie page 10 n

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Waxahachie HS Ex-Students’ Association will host a reunion workshop at the chamber.

TODAY’S EDITION /BY THE NUMBERS

50+

Number of years Buck Jordan served Waxahachie in various roles.

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Midlothian family faces rare bone cancer, medical costs

A healthy debate

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4-year-old battles cancer

N.B. ‘Buck’ Jordan Soccer team kicks off year

tuesday

Councilmen Buck Jordan and Chuck Beatty make their grand entrance at a city employee pep rally in 2013.

Jordan leaves remarkable legacy of service

N

.B. “Buck” nearly 20 years servJordan, one ing as the President of the most and CEO of the influential figures in Waxahachie Chamthe history of Waxaber of Commerce, he hachie, passed away was also given the peacefully early title of “King of the Monday morning Deal” for his ability following a lengthy to recruit and land battle with cancer. most of the city’s WDL publisher/editor He was 81. major industries Affectionately — as well as his known as “Mr. Waxahachie,” assistance in helping small busiBuck leaves behind a legacy of nesses thrive in Waxahachie. service that shaped Waxahachie, Over the years I’ve heard so touching thousands of lives in many stories about Buck’s abilthe process. ity to bring industry and people Buck truly loved Waxahachie to Waxahachie — including me. and dedicated his entire life to When Buck called, he made it making the city a wonderful very hard to say no. place for all of its citizens.

Shorty after I was offered the In addition to his “Mr. Waxajob as editor of the Daily Light hachie” nickname, during his in 1997, I received a call from

Neal White

Buck. Needless to say, he made sure I had accepted the offer before he hung up the phone.

I still vividly remember that conversation and how he told me that moving to Waxahachie would be the best move I ever made. He was right. And during the next 16 years, I not only had see buck, page 2

Mark Bates, right, and his daughter pose during a fundraiser at the Flying G Ranch to help defer the family’s medical costs.

Waxahachie mourns loss of civic leader

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light Staff Writer

Many people have described Buck Jordan as a person who wore many hats but still made time for everyone. Jordan had a deep love for the city of Waxahachie and dedicated his life to its success.

Jordan, 81, passed away Monday morning and left behind a legacy of public service and self-sacrifice.

During his time here in Waxahachie, Jordan served as the president of the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce, city councilman, mayor and served on numerous boards and commissions.

“I was thrilled to get to know him so much better over the course of the last five and a half years that we served on the city council together.

He was always very supportive of me at the city council level and in life generally,” Jordan Waxahachie Mayor John Wray said. “As mayor I always try to follow his example. He was always very good about acknowledging the contributions and efforts that everyone made in order to help keep our city and community moving forward. He was just a dear friend. I will greatly miss him.”

Wray said Jordan had an earnest love for the community and was a tireless worker who wanted the best for Waxahachie. Wray added that he wanted to offer his condolences to his family, and noted that the community will sourly miss Jordan.

City Councilman Mark Singleton not only worked with Jordan at city hall but also on the board at Citizens National Bank. Singleton credits Jordan for putting him on the path of service to the community.

“He has been a mentor and has been a very good friend. I have known Buck for a long time. Buck was still at the Chamber of Commerce when I was still in college. He got up every morning and worked really hard to make this place better than it was the day before,” Singleton said. “He was just a great guy.

He really believed that he could make a difference and he did. I think that he is going to be greatly missed.”

President and CEO of the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce Debra Wakeland said Jordan would be see leader, page 2

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Lady Indians get big win

New hospital breaks ground

The Waxahachie softball team got another tough win against Summit. | page 6

See Methodist Mansfield’s new facility being constructed | HEALTH | Page 9

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Fatal wreck

Man killed in two-vehicle accident

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light staff writer

Lawn and Garden Expo The Civic Center was buzzing recently.

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Baseball team falls to Summit

Teddy Dale Rowe, 58, of Frost lost his life in a two-vehicle accident that took place on Monday afternoon. Emergency responders received the call at 4:43 p.m. that was located at the intersection of Farm-to-Market 85 and Kaufman Street.

Ennis Police Depart-

ment Lt. Mike Hopson said Rowe’s 1995 Ford Ranger was traveling northbound on Kaufman Street when a tractortrailer turned in front of the pickup truck. The 2005 Freightliner pulling a dump trailer was traveling south on Kaufman turning onto FM 85 at the time of the accident.

Precinct One Justice of

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4.3.2014

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Red Oak police seek suspect in attempted bank robbery

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light staff writer

RED OAK – The Red Oak Police Department is seeking help from the public in connection with an attempted bank robbery that took place on Tuesday. The robbery took place at about 12:40 p.m. at Citizens National Bank of Texas located at 102 Harris Ave. According to a statement from the department, a white male entered the Shown in this surveillance photo is the person sought by Red Oak police. bank and handed the teller a note see suspect, page 13

see fatal, page 2

ON THE SAFE SIDE

The Waxahachie baseball team came up short.

Make an IMPACT on pill abuse

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from staff reports

ObamaCare enrollment

ENNIS – On April 26, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. IMPACT Ennis and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its eighth opportunity in three years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to Walmart at 700 E. Ennis Ave or Brookshire's at 2300 W. Ennis Avenue. The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last October, Americans turned in 324 tons (over 647,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at over 4,114 sites operated by the DEA and its thousands of state and local law enforcement partners. When those results are combined with what was collected in its seven previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 3.4 million pounds—more than 1,700 tons—of pills.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines

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Gingerbread House will host an open house to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month

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47 Number of DFW hospitals rated with Baylor Waxahachie

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Photo by Shelly Conlon/Daily Light staff writer

Radiologist Kathryn Ferry analyzes MRI scan readings at Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie. The hospital scored as one of the safest in Dallas-Fort Worth based on state reported data.

Baylor at Waxahachie rated among safest

By Shelly Conlon Daily Light staff writer

A Consumer Reports study released March 28 has named Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie the Texas region’s safest destination for healthcare.

To shed light on what makes the medical center the safest destination, Julie Smith, a

spokeswoman for Baylor Scott & White Health said Patient Safety Consumer Reports' scores combined five key measures into one composite score (from one to 100), so that consumers could easily compare hospital safety.

Of the 47 hospitals that Consumer Reports scored on safety in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Baylor Medical

Center at Waxahachie scored more than 70, she said. Baylor Waxahachie earned Consumer Reports' highest ratings in two areas scored: Avoiding surgical site infections and appropriate use of scanning, she said.

The hospital also earned Consumer Reports' second highest rating in avoiding re-admissions. Also, on the list see safest, page 13

see impact, page 2

Residents to aid Elvira’s fire recovery SAGU students win

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light Staff Writer

Elvira’s Mexican Restaurant has been apart of the fabric of the Waxahachie business community for years and years. Now the restaurant is in need of help after a fire damaged the building on Sunday night.

The fire started from a cigarette that was left burning in a butt can that was located outside next to the building. The fire spread from the can up the

Waxahachie Fire Marshal Dennis Crecelius searches through the charred remains of Elvira’s kitchen area after a cigarette started a fire Sunday evening. Friends of see elvira’s, page 13 the owners are hoping to help them reopen the business.

national video contest FROM STAFF REPORTS Southwestern Assemblies of God (SAGU) students Jonathan Utley, Kyla Burke, Ryan Espinosa, and Ryan Wermich competed and won the Intercollegiate National Religious Broadcasters (iNRB) 36-hour Digital Video (36DV) challenge on Feb. 24.

Each year, the iNRB hosts a variety of competi-

tions at the NRB National Convention in Nashville, Tenn., that allow teams of college students to challenge their skills in one of three areas: audio, news broadcast and short film.

The theme for this year's 36DV challenge was centered around the question, "Is America still exceptional?" Each team had 36 hours to turn in their projects, and the SAGU see contest, page 2

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Webelos construct planter boxes for seniors

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light Staff Writer

One of the many lessons learned in the scouting program is service above self. Members of Cub Scout Pack 681 in Waxahachie demonstrated that core value with the completion of their most recent service project for the residents at Pleasant Manor Health and Rehabilitation.

The Cub Scouts constructed two raised flower boxes that are located at the front entrance of the building. The flower boxes will be used as a therapeutic tool by the staff to help rehabilitate patients who have undergone procedures such as knee surgery.

“One of the most important things for them is to stand,” said Karl Easley, Pleasant Manor Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and Den Leader for Dens one and two for pack 681. “It is important for them to stand and to have weight bearing in order for that to heal properly and for the muscles to re-engage.”

Easley said patients would start first at the raised flower box, which is lower to the ground. If they enjoy working in the dirt and have an interest in gardening they will be moved to the taller raised flower box. The box has handholds on it, which helps the patient to stand and work.

The seven Webelos, who worked on the project in-

safest from page 1

of all Texas hospitals that were rated, Baylor Waxahachie's score of 71 was the highest.

"We value all data that helps consumers make informed choices. High patient safety scores are a reflection of the commitment and hard work of our team members and the physicians on our medical staff,” says Jay Fox, Baylor at Waxahachie president.

“While the Consumer Reports hospital ratings aren't the only hospital assessments available to consumers, it is another measure patients can use when they choose a hospital. It indicates our commitment to quality

suspect from page 1

stating they were being robbed. The suspect became nervous, grabbed the note and exited the bank walking south toward Interstate Highway 35E. Outside the bank, there was a black male that walked away with the

methodist from page 9

“Methodist Mansfield began as a community hospital in 2006, and has nearly doubled its capacity in seven years to meet the needs of area residents. We look forward to expanding our presence and capabilities of providing high-quality health care to the communities we serve.”

The new tower will initially open with 54 beds, with shell space for 64 more. Construction of the new tower will take place concurrently with normal day-today hospital operations and will be integrated with existing infrastructure. Upon its completion, the hospital will advance cardiology services through electrophysiology cardiac care and cardiac rehabilitation, house a dedicated stroke inpatient unit, have ad-

Members of Cub Scout Pack 681 stand in front of the raised flower boxes they built for Pleasant Manor Health and Rehabilitation. Pictured are Webelos J.T. Knepler, Isaac Camarena, Andrew Pate, Jordan Spaniel and Ethan Carlino. Behind the raised flower box are Den Leader for Dens one and two of pack 681 Karl Easley and Cub Master John Knepler. Not pictured are Seth Harrison and Hayden Ansell.

clude Seth Harrison, J.T. Knepler, Isaac Camarena, Andrew Pate, Hayden Ansell, Jordan Spaniel and Ethan Carlino. Carlino, Spaniel and Ansell have achieved the Arrow Light award, which is the highest award that is available in Cub Scouts. It is the only award that carries over when they become a Boy Scout.

It took the Webelos many volunteer hours in and outside meetings to construct the boxes. Prior to the construction, Easley pre-cut all of the wood to make the assembly process go smoother. The boxes were constructed with treated pine that was donated by Home Depot, which also donated all of the property safety equipment. Once assembled,

the boxes were finished with stain. Living Earth Technologies donated the soil. The Salvation Army Camp Hoblitzelle donated the gravel for the project.

Two inches of gravel were placed in the bottom of the boxes to help with draining. Lowe’s Home Improvement donated the plants that were planted by the patients at Pleasant Manor.

The boxes were donated to Pleasant Manor during a Flag Ceremony on Tuesday, March 25. The scouts did a traditional flag ceremony. The Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath and Scout Promise were recited. Also in attendance at the ceremony were members of Pack 232, Troop 234, Troop 232 and Troop 1880.

and patient safety. We are proud of being named the safest in the Metroplex for the past two years, and of this year being rated the safest hospital in Texas.”

The data gathered for all of the Safety Score components were the most recent available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Smith said. Mortality, re-admission, and scanning apply to patients 65 or older; communication, to all adults; and hospital-acquired infections, to all ages, she said.

Data for hospital-acquired infections were reported by hospitals to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, then to the public through CMS's Medicare. gov website, Smith said.

“While Waxahachie is smaller than most of

Baylor’s hospitals, it has a very strong culture of quality improvement,” said Dr. Don Kennerly, Chief Quality Officer, Baylor Scott & White Health in the North Texas Division. “Its top performance is not a surprise since, in Baylor’s annual competition of quality improvement projects from all of our hospitals and other business entities, Waxahachie has had many top three winners over the last few years and has done some very innovative things to improve outcomes for its patients.”

What hospital a person chooses really matters, Smith said.

"The differences between high-scoring hospitals and low-scoring ones can be a matter of life and death," said Dr. John Santa, medi-

cal director of Consumer Reports Health.

These ratings were particularly relevant in light of a 2013 analysis, published in the Journal of Patient Safety, suggesting that preventable medical harm in hospitals contributes to the death of 440,000 U.S. patients each year, Smith said.

"And it makes patient harm in hospitals the nation's third leading cause of death, trailing only heart disease and cancer," said John James, the study's author and founder of Patient Safety America, in a press release.

Baylor at Waxahachie was up against 47 hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and more than 2,500 hospitals nationwide, Smith said.

suspect. There is no vehicle description available and no weapon was displayed.

The first suspect is described as a white male in his early 20’s to early 30’s with a light build.

The suspect is 6-feet to 6-feet, 3-inches tall and is 175 to 210 pounds with brown hair. He has a small tattoo on the back of his right hand. At the time

of the attempted robbery, the suspect was wearing a blue cap, a Denver Broncos hoodie, blue jeans, sneakers and sunglasses.

The second suspect is a black male with a light build. The suspect is 5-feet, 10-inches to 6-feet, 2-inches tall and in his mid 30’s to late 40’s with black hair.

At the time of the attempted robbery, he was wearing

a cap, a brown T-shirt over a whiteT-shirt, blue jeans with a brown back left pocket and sneakers. The second suspect had a walking cane that was located in close proximity to the bank.

If you see anyone matching the description of the two suspects, call the Red Oak Police Department at 972-617-7632.

ditional inpatient cardiology capacity, expanded inpatient dialysis and offer a 14-bed intensive care unit. The expansion will also include two new surgical suites dedicated to robotic and cardiac care as well as four gastroenterology suites, expanded outpatient cardiopulmonary testing area, as well as the laboratory, pharmacy, sterile processing, information technology, food services and a new two-story atrium lobby and community room.

“Our Methodist Mansfield patient care tower two expansion fully reflects our efforts to expand services to meet the future health care needs of our community, said President of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center John Phillips, FACHE. “We are grateful to the City of Mansfield for their continued support as well as the Methodist Mansfield advisory board for their continued guidance and

counsel.”

“Methodist Health System is one of Mansfield’s most important community partners,” said Mansfield Mayor David Cook.

“Since our partnership began in 2005, Methodist has expanded medical services and this facility multiple times to accommodate growth in our community. We are excited and grateful for the investment of $118 million in Mansfield and the creation of an additional 200 jobs, with $144 million in aggregate economic impact.

We could not have hoped for a better health provider and partner to locate in the city of Mansfield.”

The new patient care tower two will be supported by a $2 million capital campaign – the largest in the hospital’s history. The “Building Brighter. Shining Farther,” campaign will be spearheaded by Jenny Conrad, president of Conrad Creative.

“Many have gener-

ously supported Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, contributing to its success and making expansion possible,” said Conrad.

“We are grateful for the efforts of the Methodist Health System board, Methodist Mansfield advisory board and Methodist Health System Foundation boards. Today we stand at the threshold of a bright future, and with the support of the community, we can reinforce Methodist Mansfield Medical Center’s standing as the health care provider and hospital for future generations.”

“The patient care tower is perfectly aligned with our mission to improve and save lives through quality compassionate health care,” says Phillips.

“It’s all part of our ongoing investment in enhancing health care services and quality of life in the communities we serve.”

Ethan Carlino talks with Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award recipient Edward Allesandro. The Silver Beaver Award recognizes countless volunteer hours put in by a person after they leave the scouting program. Members of Pack 681 made Allesandro an honor member of the Pack during the dedication of the raised flower boxes they created for Pleasant Manor Health and Rehabilitation.

“There was a gentleman, who is a patient of mine, he is a 91-year-old Silver Beaver Award recipient, Edward Allesandro,” Easley said. “It is the highest level that you can earn as a Scouting volunteer. It means that he put in decades of service after he was a Scout. It was all volunteer work. He was honored by the Archbishop of New Mexico with that award. He also received the Saint George Award.”

Easley said Allesandro served as the flag bearer during the ceremony. To further honor his service

to the Scouting community the members of Pack 681 purchased his scouting registration to make him an honorary member of the pack.

Pate said getting to work on the project was a great experience.

“Well it was really fun.

We got to get separate planks and build it from hand and drill it together.

It was a really a cool experience,” Pate said. “It was really cool getting to build something like that.”

Knepler shared Pate’s feeling that it was great getting the opportunity do

elvira’s from page 1

wall, into a window and into a storage room located next to the kitchen.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the storage room. The room sustained heavy fire damage and the other parts of the building had heat and smoke damage.

Damage is estimated at $25,000- $30,000.

Long-time customer Brooke Arevalo is collecting donations for a garage sale that will aid the Guererro family’s rebuilding efforts.

“Whenever I was a child, we used to live on West University. We would walk over there and get tacos and stuff like that. Then my father and mother-in-law, every weekend, they would go and eat, and my kids always go with them,” Arevalo said. “This is the only income for their family. They have two kids in college. They are helping to raise their granddaughter, so their daughter can go to college. I just saw the devastation and I just felt for them.”

Arevalo said the idea for the garage sale came about from a sermon she heard at her church, in

colon

from page 9

of air to infiltrate the colon, which is absorbed by the body much faster.”

In addition, people who have had a colonoscopy years ago may remember having to drink a laxative prep before coming in for the procedure.

Although the laxative is still necessary, there are new, better-tasting flavors, which may be available depending on where patients choose to have the procedure done.

The drink some physicians give patients is simply a powder mixed with Gatorade.

Given the benefits of and improvements to colonoscopy, there’s no need for patients to fear the procedure. The U.S.

something good for somebody else.

“It was a good experience building. I was pound of myself of doing it,” Knepler said.

“I was thankful to all of the people that donated wood and screws and all of the things that we needed to build it.”

Camarena added that he was glad to be of help on the project.

Follow Andrew on Facebook at www. facebook.com/AndrewBrancaWDL or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ AndrewBrancaWNI. Contact him at andrew.branca@wninews.com or 469-517-1451.

which one of the points asked the congregation how they were going to be extraordinary. The idea grew from a thought to an action where people started asking her how they could make a donation.

Arevalo will be collecting items in the parking lot of Elvira’s starting at 7 p.m. on April 4 and April 11. The garage sale will be held at 8 a.m.

Saturday, April 12 at Elvira’s, which is located at 1301 W. Marvin Ave. “People can come and drop of anything they would like to donate. All of the proceeds will go toward Elvira’s,” Arevalo said. “We will also take monetary donations as well. Some people can’t do that right now. I totally understand. But a lot of times, here in America, we have stuff that we don’t necessarily need.”

Arevalo said even a small donation will make a big difference.

People who are unable to go to one of the collection times can contact Arevalo by email at brookearevalo03@yahoo. com or through Facebook by searching for “Elvira’s Mexican Restaurant Community-wide Garage Sale.”

Preventive Services Task Force , along with a host of other medical organizations, recommend that people at normal risk receive a colonoscopy screening once every 10 years starting at age 50. However, people at heightened risk of colorectal cancer should discuss a screening schedule with their physician.

“If you have a strong family history of colon cancer or a digestive disease like inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, then your physician will probably want you to start sooner,” says Dr. Gorman.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System’s subsidiary, community, or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie or Baylor Health Care System.

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TSTC opens Red Oak campus from staff reports

Indians X-Country compete in first race Waxahachie has their sights set on the upcoming Southlake Carroll Invitational on Saturday | SPorts

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Jackknifed 18-wheeler See photos of the semi-truck accident that backed up I-35E for about two hours waxahachietx.com

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City leaders take challenge Watch city leaders take the ice bucket challenge.

VIDEO REPORT | WEB

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TODAY’S EDITION /WHAT TO DO

Sept.

2 7-9:30 p.m.

Community dance at the Optimist building, 219 Patrick St. Admission is $5. Live music and snacks.

RED OAK — Texas State Technical College brings in the new school year in their new Industrial Technology Center in Red Oak on Tuesday.

The long anticipated center, which began with a groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 17, 2013, will house many of the college's hightech, advanced workforce programs: High-Voltage Electrical Engineering Technology, Logistics Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Computer Aided Manufacturing and Basic Machining, Basic and Combination Welding and Industrial Maintenance.

Programs for Information Technology (IT), Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVACR) and Computer Aided Drafting will continue being held at the college’s Career and Technology Center nearby at 156 Louise Ritter Drive.

Administrators, faculty and staff will officially greet 108 students at 8:30 Crews make the final preparations onTexas State Technical College’s new Industrial Technology Center in Red Oak last a.m. as they enter the week. The new campus in Red Oak opens its doors this morning to 108 students seeking a technical education. TSTC building for their 9 a.m. will offer many courses specifically designed to meet company’s demands for advanced workforce skills. classes.

Child faces third heart surgery Ovilla OKs 2015 tax rate

By ANDREW BRANCA

Daily Light Staff Writer

Walker Sherrard has been a fighter since he was born 19 months ago. He had his first open heart surgery when he was six days old.

“He was born on Jan 4, 2013. At around 24 hours we were told that he was going to be transferred hospitals because he was not breathing right. They thought that maybe his lungs were a little immature and he might need a little help,” Walker’s mother Ashley Sherrard said. “He was born at Presbyterian Rockwall. They don’t have a neonatal intensive care unit there. They said ‘e are going to transport him to the Dallas NICU to give him a little support.’ When he got there that is when they found his heart defect.”

Ashley said at 28 hours old Walker was diagnosed with

By Rita Cook Daily Light correspondent

Photo by Andrew Branca/Daily Light staff writer

Walker Sherrard is only 19 months old and has already undergone two open-heart surgeries. He will be having a third surgery on Sept. 11 in Boston. Family and friends are raising money to help with travel and medical expenses Walker sits in a rocking chair with his father and see heart, page 2 mother, Brad and Ashley.

OVILLA – It was a quick public hearing earlier this week in Ovilla in regard to the proposed tax rate for FY2014-15, which is set at $0.671900 per $100 valuation proposed by the Ovilla City Council with a Maintenance and Operation Rate of .5101 and a debt rate of .1618.

As noted, the preceding year’s tax rate was $0.671900 per $100, the effective rate $0.655815 per $100 and the rollback rate $0.730090 per $100. Overall, the effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for the City from the same properties in both the 2013 and 2014 tax years.

Only former Ovilla City council member Ralph Hall spoke at the public hearing, inquiring about the calculations while also advising that the M&O and I&S should be posted on the website versus just the total proposed rate. Hall also shared his concerns regarding see tax rate, page 2

Area triathletes compete at Lake Waxahachie

BY MIKE SACKETT Daily Light Correspondent

More than 140 athletes started their Labor Day with a chilling dip in Lake Waxahachie Monday morning. The athletes had their choice of one of three events — the super sprint, regular sprint or the duo.

While the ones entered in either of the sprint events, the duo partici-

pants did not take the lake plunge, but started their morning off with a 5K run followed by a 12-mile bike ride, and ended with a second 5K run.

The regular sprinters started with a 200-meter swim, transitioned to a 12-mile bike ride and then ended with a 5K run.

For the more ambitious, there was the super sprint. Taking to the water

first, they completed a 400-meter swim. Then they transitioned to a 17-mile bike ride. They wrapped up their triathlon with a 5K run.

The event was fun with no times kept except by the individuals. Super sprinter Ted Saltzman, of Waxahachie, crossed the line first.

Saltzman is a regular see triathlon, page 2

Photo by Mike Sackett/Daily Light

Triathletes compete to cross Lake Waxahachie first.

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PAGE 2 | WAXAHACHIE DAILY LIGHT

WAXAHACHIETX.COM/NEWS heart

from page 1

several heart defects including coarctation or narrowing of the aorta and right side dominant AV canal. Walker’s first surgery widened his aorta and performed an pulmonary artery banding procedure.

The PA banding prevented excess blood from getting to his lungs. At two weeks, a surgery was performed to insert a feeding tube.

“We came home when he was four weeks old for the first time. We were home for about four weeks and he went into heart failure. He went back into the hospital and had his second open-heart surgery at nine weeks old,” Ashley said.

“That procedure was called the Glenn.

He was the youngest and the smallest ever to have that surgery at Medical City.

After that he came home on oxygen. He was on oxygen for about 10 weeks. Then came off of oxygen and has been really healthy ever since. For his defects he is really healthy.”

His family is hosting a dinner and live auction on Sept. 6 to help pay for travel and medical expenses for two heart surgery’s that will take place at Boston’s Children’s hospital. The first surgery will take place Sept. 11.

While Walker is undergoing surgery at the hospital, the Sherrards’s are going to be staying at the Yawkey Family Inn for most of their stay. The Inn provides accommodations for the families of out of town patients. But for the first nine days they are going to be staying at a house they have rented in the city since Walker surgery date was moved up from Sept.

23.

Walker’s father, Ennis police officer

Walker Sherrard, 19 months old, has fought complications from several heart defects since birth. Within six days of being born, Walker underwent his first heart surgery and will undergo another next week to help blood from seeping into his lungs. The Sherrard family will hold a fundraiser Saturday to help pay for the travel and medical expenses.

Cpl. Brad Sherrard said, the Boston Police Department has volunteered to help while they are in the city for the surgery.

Brad said he originally contacted the department to see what regulations that a visiting police officer had to comply with when bringing a weapon with him.

“The precinct officer that I was talking with said they have a family assistance unit that helps law enforcement families for people coming up here. So he put me in contact with them,” Brad said. “When

I spoke with the officer she said ‘This is my cell phone number and when you get here we, will pick you up at the airport and take you to where you are staying. If you need a ride anywhere, we will get a ride.”

Brad said he is thankful the support shown by the community here for his son and the support shown by fellow officers in Boston. He added while the surgeries have been tough, he is really proud of his son.

triathlon from page 1

for triathlons, participating in about four or five a year. His next one will be a half ironman in Austin.

“This all started as a dare. I was a regular player of golf, then a good friend of mine dared me to be in a triathlon,” Saltzman said. “I’ve been in then, and training every since.”

This is the second year for the Waxahachie Running Club (WRC) to host the Labor Day event.

“We are hoping this will continue to be an annual event here for the club and the community,” club

tax rate from page 1

the proposed budget. City Administrator Cyndy Powell said via email after the meeting that the final proposed budget for fiscal year 2014-2015, as revised by the council, will be $4,982,616.

“The general fund is $2,740,066 and the water and sewer fund is $1,448,669,” Powell said, confirming, too. “City council will hold a second public hearing on the tax rate on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. The proposed tax rate is $0.671900 per $100 and is the same as last year’s tax rate.”

Council also unanimously approved an agenda item to take action on proposed salary adjustments recommended by the FiveYear Staffing Plan Committee. The increases will be effective Oct. 1 and the fiscal year 2014-2015 budget was revised to reflect the increase as well.

“The items approved that affect the proposed budget include employee health insurance benefits with United Healthcare, vision insurance and dental insurance, the two Interlocal Agreements with ESD #2 and ESD #4, and salary adjustments,” Powell added.

Ovilla Mayor Richard Dormier said in regard to the employee salary increases, “The budget includes a 3 percent line item in the amount of all employee’s salaries. Employees increase in salary from this pool of money is to be based on supervisor recommendation. In addition, as discussed in agenda item No. 6, salary adjustments were recommended for selected positions based on comparison of salary ranges with other cities in the area.”

Ted Saltzman is the first to exit the lake and went on to Ted Saltzman (right) stands with triathlon organizer Louis take first overall in the race.

Laura. Saltzman was the first to complete the 5K, swim into being in one; I was and bike race and claim the first place certificate.

hooked after that. After being in a triathlon myself, I got back with the WRC and started training together and formed the

president Russell Williams said.

Louis Laura organized both years’ events.

“It’s a lot of work, but it is also a lot of fun,’” Laura said. “I started triathlons after a friend talked me

Consent agenda items that passed unanimously included the financial transactions of July 2014 and the minutes of the July 28 special budget workshop and meeting.

Council approved a resolution to complete the necessary documents for group health insurance benefits effective Oct. 1 as well as a resolution to establish an insurance trust fund, appointing a plan administrator, a trustee, and depository institution for the insurance trust fund. Staff noted that by establishing the trust it will relieve the city of paying taxes on insurance premiums.

A resolution passed approving the terms and conditions of the interlocal cooperation agreement between and Ellis County Emergency Services District #2 and the City of Ovilla for fire protection and emergency medical first responder services.

The effective date is Oct. 1

and provides for increased funding to support extended hours for part-time fire fighters and for compensated volunteers with the increased funding for $160,000, this past year’s funding was $145,000.

Voting in opposition of the resolution, only council member Doug Hunt did not say yes to a resolution in favor of approving the terms and conditions of the interlocal cooperation agreement between Ellis County Emergency Services District #4 and the City of Ovilla for fire protection and emergency medical first responder services to that district.

The item passed 4-1 and the agreement provides for a base pay of $14,000 and an additional $4,745 calculated on the number of runs the Ovilla Fire Department made to ESD #4 in 2013. The new fiscal year numbers will reflect a total of $18,745 for an increase over last year’s funding of $18,000 and a

decrease of $20,255 from fiscal year 2012-2013.

A deadline for the resolution for the provision of fire services and first responder services by the Ovilla Fire Department to ESD #4 passed and was ultimately determined to coincide with the results of the ESD’s proposed tax rate election in May 2015 to terminate services as of Sept. 30, 2015. Staff notes indicated that ESD #4 President, Dub Newell has stated that he is committed to holding an election in May 2015 to increase the tax rate to compensate the cities of Red Oak and Ovilla serving the areas in the district.

Council also approved unanimously, contingent on compression check comparisons within a 20-pound threshold on each cylinder, to authorize the city administrator to purchase a pothole truck from Ellis County Precinct #4 for $20,000.

The two surgeries in Boston will give Walker a staged bi-ventricle repair. The first surgery will require Walker to spend a minimum of two weeks in the hospital following the surgery, but he could possibly spend up to three months. Walker will then return to Boston six months to a year latee to under go the second surgery giving him a whole heart.

The benefit will take place 6-8 p.m.

Saturday at the Kaufman County Fairgrounds. The fairground is located at Vista Lane and U.S. Highway 34 in Kaufman. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. The event will feature a barbeque dinner, live and silent auctions and live music. Some of the items that are apart of the auction include baseball jerseys from the New York Police Department, T-Shirts from the Boston Fire Department, cutlery kitchen knives and sharpener, a shotgun, paintings, a guided fishing trip, wedding photography services, a deer shoulder mount. The full listing of items can be viewed on the event’s Facebook page by searching “BBQ benefit for Walker Wade Sherrard.”

A donation account has been set up for the family with the American National Bank in Kaufman, along with a GoFundMe account. The account can be found at www.gofundme.com/walkersmendedheart. As of press time, $12,430 have been raised. Ashley estimates the outof-pocket expense for medical bills and traveling is going to total about $30,000.

All the funds raised from the event and accounts go to paying for these expenses.

Follow Andrew on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ AndrewBrancaWDL or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ AndrewBrancaWNI. Contact him at andrew.branca@ waxahachietx.com or 469-517-1451.

WRC Tri-Team. We are really pleased with this year’s attendance. It is almost double last year’s.”

Volunteers run the event from the club and community. In addition to the volunteers, WRC is thankful for it’s sponsors, Band B Cycle in Cedar Hill, Play Tri of Dallas, Sun Loans and the City of Waxahachie, Laura said .

The WRC holds the triathlons free to participants as a community service project to promote physical fitness.

To further physical fitness, the club holds nine-week training classes called “From the couch to marathon.” The program’s graduates hold their graduation ceremony by running in the Waxahachie independent School District’s annual Legacy Run. ‘Many of our graduates continue to train and compete in both marathons and triathlons,” Williams said.

The WRC started out more than three years

ago with a couple of friends meeting in Williams’ living room.

“We wanted a venue where we would be with friends and have fun while running,” Williams said.

Williams estimated the club now has more than 1,000 members.

“We do no advertising. All our growth has come by word-of-mouth by friends telling other friends,” Williams said.

Other events sponsored by the WRC are the Try Training event and the Turkey Trot at Thanksgiving.

“There is an entry requirement for the Turkey Trot. Participants bring a new, unused toy, a gift card or clothes for the needy,” Williams said.

Both Williams and Laura said if anyone was interested in participating with the WRC, they can get more information from their website www. runwrc.com.

Sudoku puzzles

Each puzzle is divided into nine sections, and each section has nine blank squares. Fill in all 81 squares on the puzzle with numbers 1 to 9. You may not repeat any numbers in any one of the nine sections that you’ve already used elsewhere in that section. Also, you can use each number 1-9 only once in each horizontal line of nine squares, and in each vertical column of nine squares. The puzzle is completed when you correctly fill every square.

Answers will appear on page 10.

Sudoku Puzzle #3312-M

Sudoku Puzzle #3312-D

2 3

1 6 4 8 5 3 4 7 2 3 © 2009 Hometown Content

3 4 5 8

7 4

7

9

7 3 5 1 4

4 3

6 9 2 9 © 2009 Hometown Content

4

9 1

4

8 1

6

1

9 Difficult

3 6 6 3

8 2

9 6

2 5

1

7 9

5 5 1 4

7 6 3 Medium

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THURSDAY

10.30.2014

75¢

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Follow the Daily Light

Finley student struck by car recovering

By Shelly Conlon WDL Digital News Editor

JV Indians finish strong, 37-0 overall The Waxahachie JV team wins three tournaments this season and claim district title | SPorts

For at least the first week and a half, no one knew if Brendaly Martinez would live or die. And if she lived, no one knew what kind of struggle she would face as she recovered. All family, friends and community members could do was pray after a vehicle struck Martinez, an 11-year-old Finley Junior High student, on Sept. 23 near the school.

A little more than a month later, her family is speaking out for the first time on what happened that day, and where Brendaly is in her recovery process now.

On Saturday, two weeks earlier than expected, she was moved from Children’s Medical Center in Dallas to a Baylor rehab facility. A fund has also been set up to help financially support the family. On Oct. 6, hospital officials declared Brendaly in fair condition after weeks of being in stable, but criti-

cal condition.

“At the beginning, we didn’t really know if she was going to be able to walk or do different stuff, so we were praying,” said Jessica Luna, Martinez’s aunt and close relative. “Everyone was praying, praying and praying.”

Martinez was hit while trying to cross the street toward an Exxon gas station in the 2100 block of Brown St., feet from a crosswalk at a nearby traffic light and not on see recovery, page 5

DISTRICT CHAMPIONS

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /NEWS

Brendaly Martinez

District to assess special ed tech need

By Shelly Conlon WDL Digital News Editor

Spreading the Word See a photo collection online of Gideon’s placing Bible in Baylor’s news hopsital | online

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /MULTIMEDIA

Photo by Sam Chance/Daily Light

The Waxahachie Lady Indians defeated the Ennis Lions Tuesday night to secure the title as 2014 Class 5A Region II District Champions. The Lady Indians swept the Lions 25-3, 25-10, 25-7 and ended the regular seaon 15-1.

BY GEOFF GORMAN DAILY LIGHT SPORTS EDITOR

Families enjoy YMCA Fall Fest See photos of the festival online at waxahachietx.com Slideshow | WEB

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /OBITUARIES Marcine O’Dell, Maypearl

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page 12

TODAY’S EDITION /WHAT TO DO

Oct. 30

6:308:30 p.m.

8th annual Waxahachie Fall Festival behind the Waxahachie Civic Center.

The Waxahachie Lady Indians are the 2014 Class 5A Region II District champions after Tuesday night's three-set sweep of the Ennis Lions at Solis Gym (25-3, 25-10, 25-7).

The Lady Indians have now won

back-to-back district championships after not winning one in four years.

The Tribe's record this season was 15-1 against district opponents, going undefeated 13 games before they got handed their first loss by Mansfield Lake Ridge Eagles. The team's biggest volleyball rival, the Red Oak Hawks, were

the team that gave Waxahachie fits in the past. The Hawks were also the team that would sneak past Waxahachie and win district, but this season the Indians got retaliation by sweeping Red Oak in both of the two meetings between the programs, once at home and once on the road.

SEE CHAMPIONS, PAGE 6

The Waxahachie Independent School District technology team is about to start going to each special education classroom to understand the technology needs of special education students.

WISD technology director Jeff Robinson announced this during the monthly Special Education Advi- Truitt sory Committee meeting Tuesday night. He said officials are working to get the right technology in the hands of individuals based on how they learn best.

Last spring, the district purchased 600 Google Chrome laptops to help teachers in the classroom, with Pre-K through second grade having five Nexus tablets and grades three see tech , page 9

Local Gideons distribute Bibles at new Baylor hospital by scott dorsett daily light correspondent

As the move-in date for Waxahachie’s new Baylor Scott & White Medical Center opening nears, local Gideons, along with Baylor chaplains Jerry Carter and Gregg Burdette met in the new hospital’s chapel Wednesday morning, on a mission to place Bibles throughout the new hospital.

For the past 25 years, the Gideons have provided Bibles to patient care areas and the chapel at Baylor Medical Center of Waxahachie.

The Gideons are composed of Christian business and community leaders who share and provide free Bibles in areas such as colleges,

Photos by Scott dorsett/Daily Light

Local Gideon Norman Ellis, who is a member of First Baptist Churh of Maypearl sets a Bible on the bedside table in a hospital room in the Baylor Scott &White Medical Center.

prisons and hospitals.

About 20 Gideons, along with hospital chaplains Carter and Burdette held a brief prayer in the medical center's chapel, with Gideons reading

select passages from the Bible. Following the prayer, they split up into three groups and made the rounds to every patient room, see gideons, page 9

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WAXAHACHIE DAILY LIGHT | PAGE 5

WAXAHACHIETX.COM/NEWS recovery from page 1

school property, according to police. She was flown to Children’s.

According to a Waxahachie Police Department crash report, the driver of a vehicle near the center turn lane of the road stated he stopped and motioned for Martinez to cross the street.

“The driver of the noncontact vehicle stopped and advised he didn’t see any vehicles approaching on his right side, so he waived her across,” the report stated.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the child stated the child ran out in front of his vehicle and he did not have enough time to react and struck the pedestrian. He was going about 40 mph, right before the speed limit changes to 45 mph, according the police report.

Martinez had suffered about three different skull fractures, massive swelling in the brain, several broken ribs, bruised lungs and a broken collarbone, Luna said. Some of the injuries weren’t spotted until after she healed a bit. Doctors were focused heavily on the swelling, giving her X-rays every two or three hours as she recovered in the intensive care unit, Luna said.

Luna was the first one on scene, she said. She was parked at the gas station, waiting to pick Martinez up, she said.

This was a special day for them, the first time Martinez wouldn’t have to ride the bus home, Luna said.

Martinez was excited.

“There were so many things going on at the same time,” said Luna, who has been designated as the family’s liaison on the situation. “I was going to the gas station.

I parked like I was going to pump gas, and I got out of the car. I had an ice cream cone and I was eating it, then I saw a lot of people running. I didn’t really pay attention, but I got out of the car and was like, ‘I need to check that out.’ I walked and I saw a person lying on the ground, but the face was turned the other way.

Then I recognized her sweater and that’s when it came to my mind, ‘That’s Brendaly.’”

So, she started running, she said, and when she got to her niece’s side, she heard fast, short breathing “like she was in pain.”

Shortly after, Martinez started bleeding out, Luna said.

All she could do, Luna said, was drop to her knees and start praying.

She was amazed when two other women at the scene dropped to their knees and started praying with Luna, she said.

“There were buses, there

WDL file photo by Scott Dorsett

Concerned family, bystanders and school personnel gather around the ambulance where paramedics work to stabilize Brendaly Martinez after she was struck by a vehicle on Sept. 23 while crossing Brown Street to meet her aunt. It was her first day to not ride the bus home.

were kids, there were people taking pictures — just so many things going on,” Luna said.

As emergency responders took care of Martinez, the Waxahachie Daily Light Facebook page was flooded with prayers of support, questions about what happened as well as why Martinez didn’t use a crosswalk just feet from where she was hit. People also wanted to know how they could help and whether those involved would face any consequences. As of this time, Luna said, they weren’t aware of any charges.

“What can we say? It was hard, and it’s still hard. It was an accident, and right now all we care about is for her to be OK, for her to be fine,” Luna said. “All we can do is pray.”

Dunaway Elementary Counselor Jennifer Wilson is close to the family and has been providing support in multiple ways to the family, from hospital visits to bringing material necessities to fielding questions from parents and students. She stressed that people should know Martinez is a responsible girl.

“Jessica was the one there to pick her up. She always rides the bus home. This was the first day that it was different.

She’s not used to crossing,” Wilson said. “She’s not reckless at all. She’s not the type to just go out, but the difference in her transportation that day had her not thinking and she was trying to get to Jessica. I think all those things combined, with the cars and everything is how it all happened. That’s not her normal routine.”

Before Martinez started her first year at Finely, she was a mentor and one of the popular students at Dunaway, Wilson said.

She was a leader and a junior counselor, a giver, a singer and someone who loves church and is an excellent sibling, Wilson said.

“She is very fluent in English and Spanish, so she could float between both cultures,” Wilson said. “I have students there in the bilingual class that are still there this year that ask about her, because they say she was such a good friend to them when they came in from Mexico and didn’t speak any English. The teachers told us she would walk the perimeter every day and talk to them and explain things about the school.

That’s just how she is. She was a helper.”

The first week, and especially the first night, was rough, Luna said.

Luna has been at the hospital, along with Martinez’s parents, every day since the accident.

“We were shocked, we were scared,” Luna said.

“We didn’t know. Our family is huge. We had a lot of family, and since we were in the critical area, they didn’t allow more than two people in at a time. We were just downstairs waiting. Everything was really slow because we couldn’t do anything. She was way too swollen. It was nothing but waiting and waiting, but at the same time we wanted to do something and we couldn’t. Nobody could do anything be-

cause the swelling was too much.”

So the family prayed some more. They talked about how things happened. They talked about the lesson they had learned from this.

“It was a beginning for us,” Luna said. “By this, we were all going to have something in common. It’s like a tattoo we’re going to have forever. We’re always going to remember this and we’re always going to thank God that this happened and that we’re becoming better persons through this. In my personal opinion, I’m learning a lot. Seeing other patients’ family there that are worse than her, they’re laughing and they’re smiling, they’re talking to you.

They’re persuading you to smile and they’re praying for you even though their child is worse than Brendaly. We’re learning a lot.”

As teachers from school visited Martinez, they have also spent time supporting her family by bringing lunch to Alicia Luna, Martinez’s mother, and other family members. With siblings at Dunaway and an older brother at the Ninth Grade Academy, WISD officials have even stepped in to pick up the children and take them to their grandmother’s home after school for care. Wilson has also delivered material necessities to the family whenever she has visited, she said.

Alicia, who doesn’t speak English, was hesitant about having Jessica speak out because she’s

been so focused on the welfare of Brendaly, Jessica said. However, Alicia wanted some way to show how much she appreciated the community’s support and prayers. More than anything, Jessica said, the family wants to show that Martinez is recovering, even if she has a long way to go.

“Every visit I’m amazed at all the things she can do that she couldn’t do before,” Wilson said. “From unconscious, on a ventilator, praying she’s going to live, to one day when I saw her eating chicken, walking with support, talking when you talk to her. It’s not a conversation, but she can answer ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ ‘OK’ — simple questions. That was from the last time I had seen her.”

She has since had at last three days of therapy since she’s moved to the rehab facility, Wilson said.

So, there’s no telling how much progress she’s made in that amount of time, Wilson said. Doctors told Jessica they’re amazed at how well Martinez is progressing, and that rehab may take three or four months, or longer.

“She wants to be better, so she tries,” Jessica said.

“She doesn’t remember certain things. She might confuse you with somebody else. So, I talked to her about this and that, and then I asked her about church. I don’t have kids, so she was with me at church all the time.

So, I asked her, ‘Do you remember about church?’

She said, ‘Yes,’ and nod-

ded her head. So, I said, ‘Do you remember the song about church?’ and she said, ‘Yeah.’ Then she started singing the song and praising the Lord and moving her head and hands, and at the end she said, ‘Amen.’ So, to us, that means a lot to us.”

For those that want to help the family financially, donations can be made to “Benefit for Brendaly” at Citizens National Bank or in the name of Alicia Luna. Those that wish to make material donations to help the family can call Dunaway Elementary’s front office at 972-9234646 to get a list of items needed.

“The first thing we need are prayers. We’ve got a long way to go,” Jessica said. “We’re really, really, really thankful because everybody is with us and praying. We need prayers, prayers, and prayers because that’s the most important thing. Other things, we need you know, are material stuff because Alicia has four kids at the house right now. I still work, I go to my mom’s, and we cook for them and help them with homework and take them out to eat.

We try to get them to not think about what they’re going through. So, it’s been really hard for them, so we’re just trying to be there for them.”

Contact Shelly at 469-517-1452 or shelly.conlon@waxahachietx. com. Like her on Facebook at www. facebook.com/ShellyConlonDailyLight or follow her on Twitter at Shelly_MarieC.

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Power Outage at WDL

Indians get first victory

A power line fire created at power outage Thursday afternoon at the Waxahachie Daily Light.

News teams used emergency proceedures to put together today’s paper, which was later printed by our sister paper in Brownwood. As of press time Thursday evening, power had yet to be restored to the area near Dunn Street. | Details in Sunday’s edition

The Waxahachie boys soccer team had a big second half in a win. | page 1B

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By Shelly Conlon Daily Light staff writer

Firefighters battled a fire and the elements.

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Ellis County has seen an increased level of flu activity compared to the week before, according to the flu surveillance report by Texas Department of State Health Services.

However, the exact number of confirmed cases in the county weren’t available, said Leigh Nordstrom, Ellis County

Health Advisor and doctor at Baylor Family Medical Center in Midlothian.

“It’s not a reportable disease and we get a general idea from the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) and just from our clinics in general that we’re seeing more flu cases,” Nordstrom said.

By state law, the number of flu cases and adult flu deaths are not see flu, page 5A

host annual giveaway

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light Staff Writer

Waxahachie Bible Church will start accepting donations for it’s annual After Christmas Giveaway starting Monday, Jan. 13. The giveaway will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 18 in the church's see giveaway, page 5a

A volunteer helps an elderly women pick out clothes at last year’s giveaway. The event is free and open to anyone.

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Congressman Joe Barton addresses the multitude gathered at Buck Jordan’s memorial service Thursday.

Barton, Waxahachie City Councilman Kevin Strength and Buck’s son, Jeff Jordan all spoke at the service.

County remembers Jordan

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light Staff Writer

People from all walks of life packed the Waxahachie Civic Center Thursday afternoon to honor the life of N.B. “Buck” Jordan, more affectionately known as Mr. Waxahachie.

Jordan, who had distinguished career of service to the community, passed away Monday following a long battle with cancer.

During his career in public service, Jordan served as the president of the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce, a city

councilman, mayor and held posts in many community organizations. City Councilman Kevin Strength spoke about Jordan’s contribution to the city and the impact he had in Strength’s life.

“I have known Buck my

The Navarro College County has set the Brilliance 2014 Scholarship Fundraising Gala for April 12 at the Midlothian Conference Center.

Last year’s 2013 Brilliance gala raised more than $91,000.

“This is an event that impacts all of the dual credit and general academic students in Ellis County and our community support continues to be overwhelming.” said Dr. Kenneth Martin Martin, President of Ellis County Campuses.

“Education is empowering to all who receive it. It builds confidence, helps students learn to think for themselves, and oftentimes opened doors to opportunities we’ve never en dreamed,” remarks Dr. Martin, “which makes Brilliance the perfect vehicle for to provide the financial assistance they may need.”

The average cost to an Ellis County student taking 12 credit hours is $1,178 plus books per semester. All money raised at this event will go toward student scholarships, which include Dual Credit and General Academic, for Ellis County students in Ennis, Ferris, Italy, Life School, Midlothian, Maypearl, Milford, Palmer, Waxahachie and Red Oak. Ellis County understands the immense benefits of higher education.

See jordan, page 5A

see Brilliance, page 5a

Dodson seeks reelection Spending drops from staff reports EDITOR’S NOTE: The Daily Light publishes campaign announcements for all candidates running in Ellis County races. Announcements are submitted by the candidate and published as submitted.

“I’m part of the fourth generation of Dodsons living in Ellis County. Since the 1800s my family has worked the land, sowed the seeds of progress and

made a positive difference in the county.

The family heritage of giving back to the people of Ellis Dodson County is the reason I’m seeking your vote for re-election as County Commissioner of Precinct 2.

I could have been content with my life. For

30-plus years I worked the line or held management positions with Saint-Gobain Containers in Waxahachie. For almost 10 years I served the public as a member of the board of trustees for the Ennis ISD. I was chairman of the Industrial Council for the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce for two terms.

I have served the citizens of Precinct 2 as County Commissioner for the last see dodson, page 5a

in December From Staff Reports AUSTIN — Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said Wednesday that state sales tax revenue in December was $2.25 billion, up 3.9 percent compared to December 2012.

“Consumer spending in retail trade contributed to the latest gain in state sales tax collections,”

Combs said. “Other sectors such as telecommunications also contributed to the monthly growth, and state sales tax revenue has now increased for 45 consecutive months.”

Combs will send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts their January local sales tax allocations see spending, page 5A

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sanctuary. The event is free to the public and the church is located at 621 N. Grand Ave. in Waxahachie.

“This will be our fourth year for the After Christmas Giveaway, and anyone interested in donating items can drop off food, clothing, books, housewares, electronics and small furniture; pretty much anything that you would have in a garage sale, except large items like couches or refrigerators,” Event Coordinator

Rebecca Manguno said. “If they are interested in using it for a tax write-off we do have forms that they can use for their taxes this next year.”

Items can be dropped off at the church office from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Jan. 1316. No large items will be accepted including: refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers.

Those wishing to “shop” at the giveaway and receive items donated will be asked to fill out a registration card the day of the event. Shoppers will enter the auditorium in groups and are allowed to re-enter multiple times to

pick out items. However, each person will only be allowed to select 20 adult items and 10 children's items on their first pass through.

Manguno said the inspiration for the drive came from the lessons being taught by Senior Pastor Bruce Zimmerman out of 1 John 3:16-18. In the passage it talks about Christ’s love he demonstrated to all of mankind by giving up his life. It also speaks about people helping others who have needs and showing Christ's love through giving.

Volunteers and church members will sort the

items throughout the week, and the church is encouraging those anyone who wishes to volunteer to contact the church at 972-937-9590. Manguno said anyone with questions about how or what to donate can contact the church office at the same phone number.

Following the giveaway items that were not taken by shoppers will be donated to local non-profit organizations.

Follow Andrew on Facebook at www. facebook.com/AndrewBrancaWDL or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ AndrewBrancaWNI. Contact him at andrew.branca@waxahachietx.com or 469-517-1451

jordan from page 1

whole life, but not nearly as well as I have since serving with him on the city council. My first encounter with was in May 2009 when he was sworn in as Mayor of Waxahachie. On that night I was sworn in as a new city council member. I was totally unsure of myself, as this was my first dive into politics,” Strength said. “I thought my poker face was the best but Buck read me like a book. He leaned over and said, ‘Follow my lead, son.’ After the ceremony he said he was glad to see young men like John, Mark and myself serving on the council. I left the council chambers that night with a great sense of relief. From that moment on, I knew Buck Jordan was a great leader.”

Strength continued that since that evening he had learned that Jordan was a kind, reserved and selfless person. He remarked that Jordan was the most civicminded person he has ever met, spending countless years supporting the community’s efforts and always putting the needs of community first. Strength said that Jordan was a true leader by helping to shape future leaders. In closing, Strength told the audience that he considered Jordan to be a true friend and that he made true difference in his life.

Following Strength, Congressman Joe Barton spoke about the impact that Jordan made on his life. Barton said he is a relatively new friend of Jordan, having only known him for 30 years, where some people have known him all of his life.

Barton talked about Jordan’s character. Barton described Jordan as a nononsense type of person and a bottom-line type of guy.

Spending from page 1a

totaling $573.5 million, up 8.1 percent compared to January 2013.

As a whole, sales tax returns for all Ellis County municipalities fell by .14 percent for spending in December over December the previous year.

Locally, the city of Waxahachie received $962,705.30 in January, a 4.13 percent increase over January 2013 receipts of $924,484.67. Year to date, Waxahachie has received $962,705.30, a 4.13 percent increase over 2013 receipts of $924,484.67.

Other Ellis County cities showed the city of Ennis receiving $304,095.77 in January receipts, down 11.90 percent from January 2013 receipts of $345,206.04. Year to date, Ennis has received $304,095.77, an 11.90 percent decrease over 2013 receipts of $345,206.04.

The city of Midlothian received $389,204.10 in January receipts, up 2.39 percent over January 2013 receipts of $380,086.36.

Year to date, Midlothian has received $389,204.10, a 2.39 percent increase over 2012 receipts of

He told the audience that Jordan worked tirelessly for the community.

One such instance was when the Superconducting Super Collider project was on the drawing board and coming to Ellis County.

Barton said after a phone call with the President he was allowed to make the news public. Barton told his press secretary to set up a press conference to break the news. About 15 minutes later Barton said he was told that Jordan had already set up a press conference four hours ago.

Instead of breaking the news at his office Barton said he traveled to the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce to announce the news to the press that Ellis County had received the SSC project.

In another instance, Barton recalled when General Motors was closing dealerships about six years ago during the recession and Waxahachiebased Carlisle Chevrolet was one of the dealerships facing closure. Barton said he had made a call to the interim CEO of General Motors Edward Whitacre to talk to him about keeping the dealership open.

During his conversation, Whitacre interrupted him telling Barton that $380,086.36.

The city of Red Oak received $196,992.36 in January receipts, a 2.17 percent decrease over January 2013 receipts of $201,373.83. Year to date, Red Oak has received $196,992.36, a 2.17 percent decrease over 2013 receipts of $201,373.83.

Other municipalities’ receipts (January 2014, January 2013, percent change, year to date 2014, year to date 2013, percent change) were: • Alma – $2,418.66, $3,414.36, down 29.16 percent, $2,418.66, $3,414.36, down 29.16 percent • Bardwell – $570.63, $1,550.95, down 63.20 percent, $570.63, $1,550.95, down 63.20 percent • Ferris – $23,868.85, $28,791.70, down 17.09 percent, $23,868.85, $28,791.70, down 17.09 percent • Garrett – $2,180.75, $1,387.17, up 57.20 percent, $2,180.75, $1,387.17, up 57.20 percent • Italy – $23,699.83, $21,186.30, up 11.86 percent, $23,699.83, $21,186.30, up 11.86 percent • Maypearl – $8,074.25, $7,336.39, up 10.05 percent, $8,074.259, $7,336.39, up 10.05 percent

Flu

from page 1a

reportable, but hospitals can voluntarily report the number of influenza tests done and flu-related deaths for children under 18, according to the DSHS report. However, a report by the CDC does consider flu in Texas to be widespread.

“As a system, I don’t have that exact count for you at this time,” said Julie Martin, spokeswoman at Baylor Medical Center of Waxahachie.

“However, I can tell you that we have had well above average numbers of positive flu diagnosis over the past few weeks. Most cases that are positive for the flu virus are Influenza A with a few cases of Influenza B.” Influenza A is the most common type of the flu strain seen in humans, with H1N1 or swine flu being a variety of that flu type, according to the Mayo Clinic website.

Influenza B, however, is a strain of the flu may not have as severe a reaction as type A. An increase in flu-related activity isn’t unusual this time of year, said Christine Mann, a Texas Department of State Health Services spokeswoman. Flu is a common

Brilliance from page 1a

Buck Jordan had already contacted him and pleaded the case. Carlisle eventually had the closure decision by GM reversed.

“I am going to miss Buck Jordan. Waxahachie is going to miss Buck Jordan, Ellis County is going to miss him, the state of Texas is going to miss him and the United States of America is going to miss him,” Barton said. “He has done his job, he has run a fine race and paid his duties. I am honored the family has asked me to speak. God bless the memory of Buck Jordan of Waxahachie, Texas.”

Jordan’s son Jeff Jordan followed Barton and expressed his family’s appreciation to the community for all the support shown during this difficult time.

Jeff said his father began from humble begin• Milford – $1,539.23, $1,105.12, up 39.28 percent, $1,539.23, $1,105.12, up 39.28 percent • Oak Leaf – $3,334.84, $3,635.51, down 8.27 percent, $3,334.84, $3,635.51, down 8.27 percent • Ovilla – $21,197.76, $23,004.12, down 7.85 percent, $21,197.76, $23,004.12, down 7.85 percent • Palmer – $13,839.67, $14,192.73, down 2.48 percent, $13,839.67, $14,192.73, down 2.48 percent • Pecan Hill – $520.71, $303.03, up 71.83 percent, $520.71, $303.03, up 71.83 percent As a whole, Ellis County municipalities brought in $1,954,242.71 for January, a .14 percent decrease over January 2013 receipts of $1,957,058.28.

Year to date, receipts total $1,954,242.71, a .14 percent decrease over 2013 receipts of $1,957,058.28.

For details of local sales tax allocations in January to individual cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts, locate the Monthly Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports on the Comptroller’s Web site at www.window.state. tx.us/taxinfo/allocsum/ compsum.html.

nings, being the fourth of six children growing up in the Great Depression, and knew what tough times were about.

“Dad patterned his life on making decisions based upon where he had come from and where we need to go,” Jeff said. “He told me many times that he knew what it was like to be hungry when we was little and would make sure that he never have to experience that again.”

Jeff said he spent most of his life making sure that Waxahachie was prepared. He believed in citizens serving the community that they live.

Closing the service was the Rev. Walter Buchanan.

Buchanan said Jordan’s presence will be missed, and in his closing prayer thanked God for loaning Jordan to the community.

According to the U. S. Department of Labor statistics, higher education significantly improves one’s earning power and employability. “Ideally we would like to offer a scholarship to pursue higher education to every qualifying Ellis County resident who wanted to go to college,” said Dr. Martin. “I think we can find the resources in Ellis County to make that a

dodson from page 1a

seven years. I currently serve on the Emergency Preparedness Planning Council and Radio Governance Committee at the North Central Texas Council of Government.

I’ve lived a wonderful life, am married to a beautiful wife, have six wonderful children, 11 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, all sent by God. It would be easy to sit back and enjoy the blessings I am so honored to have.

However, my neighbors, friends and many

respiratory virus that an estimated 23,000 people across the nation die from each year. An estimated 8 to 10 percent of those deaths occur in Texas, she said.

With cold temperatures causing people to stay inside more often, germs will spread more quickly, according to the CDC. That’s just a reminder of the importance of taking care of your body, said Nordstrom.

“At this time, obviously the flu season lasts until the end of February or early March, so I would expect to continue to see it,” Nordstrom said. “It’s always important to use good hygiene and take care of yourself. The flu vaccine is also always a good way to combat the illness.”

People can also take everyday prevention steps to avoid getting the flu like covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with others, according to the CDC. Those wishing to find the nearest flu vaccine can visit Texasflu.org and use the flu vaccine finder.

Follow Shelly Conlon on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ShellyConlonDailyLight or on Twitter at www. twitter.com/Shelly_MarieC. Contact her at shelly.conlon@waxahachietx. com or 469-517-1452.

reality.”

Guests of the event will enjoy a first class evening of cocktails, silent and live auction, gourmet dinner, and entertainment by the Classic Swing Band.

If you are interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities or table reservations, or to receive formal communication regarding the event, call Lynn Pike at 972-923-6439 or email at lynn.pike@navarrocollege.edu.

people in Precinct 2 have encouraged me to continue representing them as their County Commissioner. They want someone who listens to them, values their opinion and responds like they are the Commissioner’s special interest group, not something else. My qualifications are exactly what the people want: I listen, I value everyone’s opinion and I work for the people not the politicians. I’m ready to make a difference and with your help, what happens in Ellis County will stay where it belongs — with the people.

community news notes Last Call for Calendars The Waxahachie City Federation of Women’s Clubs would like to thank the many residents of our community for the 2014 calendar collection. The federation has set Jan. 15 as the last collection day.

The Veterans Hospital is looking forward to receiving the calendars to be placed in their offices and patients’

rooms.

Calendars may be taken to the Daily Light office at 200 W. Marvin or KBEC Radio Station at 711 Ferris Avenue, both in Waxahachie.

The federation wishes to express a big thanks to all those who made this another great year for calendar collections. Any questions can be directed to Pay Payne at 972-923-0470.

Sudoku puzzles Each puzzle is divided into nine sections, and each section has nine blank squares.

Fill in all 81 squares on the puzzle with numbers 1 to 9. You may not repeat any numbers in any one of the nine sections that you’ve already used elsewhere in that section. Also, you can use each number 1-9 only once in each horizontal line of nine squares, and in each vertical column of nine squares. The puzzle is completed when you correctly fill every square. Answers will appear on page 8A. Sudoku Puzzle #3130-D

1 3

2 4 8 1

5 2 9

6 7

© 2009 Hometown Content

1 4 8

4 6 7 9 4 7 3 3 9

Sudoku Puzzle #3130-M

1 2 7 9

6 6 2 3

2 8

3 4 3

5 9

2

6

4

7 8

1 5

7 2

Difficult

2

© 2009 Hometown Content

1 8 5

3 6

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Runnin’ Indians outlast Ennis

GOP candidates speak at forum

The Waxahachie boys basketball team got its second district win in a row Friday. | page 1B

Hear candidates share their platforms and speak on the issues | page 1c & Online

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The City of Waxahachie will hold a joint general and special election on May 10, 2014. The general election will elect three council members to serve until May 2016. The special election will elect one council member that

will serve until May 2015, filling the vacancy of an unexpired term.

Persons interested in running for city council may pick up a packet in person rom 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the city secretary’s office at city hall, located at 401 S. see council, page 9a

By Shelly Conlon Daily Light staff writer

Waxahachie police detained a juvenile suspect for questioning after Waxahachie firefighters extinguished a house fire and grass fire about 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. The house fire, ruled as suspicious in nature by Fire Marshall Dennis Crecelius, consumed the residence on the northeast corner of Eggar and Bateman Streets. see fires, page 5A

GIVING LOVE

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Living Magazine celebrates 10th anniversary Jan. 20

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House fire sparks grass fire

Lady Indians get big victory

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Volunteer Amy Mashburn excitedly helps Corjan and Elijah Chandler pick out a Spiderman backpack at Waxahachie Bible Church’s After Christmas Giveaway on Saturday morning.

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light Staff Writer

The line of people waiting to take part in the After Christmas Giveaway stretched length of Waxahachie Bible Church

and around the corner Saturday morning.

In its fourth year, the giveaway has grown each year and continues to receive enough donations to provide everyone who comes with a hand up.

“We are very excited. In a few minutes we have seen hundreds of people coming through to pick up a lot of things that they need. We have had generous donations all week long,” Senior see giveaway, page 7A

Ellis County Living Magazine is celebrating a milestone this week as the company marks 10 years of service to the community.

“It doesn’t seem like it has been 10 years,” said Cindy Camp, the magazine’s founder and publisher. “We’ve been through so much during the past decade. I guess the axiom is true about time flying when you’re having fun. Living is Camp certainly a labor of love and all of us on staff love what we do and we love serving our Ellis County communities.”

To mark the occasion, the magazine will host a 10-year anniversary party for the community from 4-6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 23 at The Dove's Nest in downtown Waxahachie.

“We’re looking forward to seeing everyone and sharing stories from our first 10 years — as well as help us kick off our next 10 years,” Camp added.

Reflecting back on the roots of Ellis County Living, Camp said she has always had a passion for magazines.

“I guess you could say that the genesis for Ellis County Living actually began when I was in college and keeps percolating over the years,” she said. see living, page 8a

Candidate Duke Burge: Finding honest solutions Interim Publisher/Editor

the shoes of an iconic Texas lawmaker.

EDITOR’S NOTE: With the announcement of State Rep. Jim Pitt’s retirement, a new legislator will be representing Ellis County next year in Austin. This is the third in a series profiling the candidates seeking the District 10 seat and how they plan to fill

With a proven track record of success in both business and public service, Duke Burge isn’t your typical political candidate.

Yes, he’s outgoing, likable and thoroughly enjoys talking to people.

But when it comes to get-

BY NEAL WHITE

ting things done, the Midlothian resident is quick to cut to the chase, roll up his sleeves and get to work.

As founder and president of Waxahachie-based Computer Solutions, Inc., one of the fastest growing IT companies in the United States, Burge doesn’t care much for pretense, platitudes and appearances. With Burge, what you

see is what you get — meaning he is always ready to listen and discuss, but he’s not afraid to speak up and speak out when he disagrees.

“I love people. I truly do,” he said. “But when I talk with someone — whether I’ve known them my whole life or I just met them — you’re always going to get the same

Burge

see burge, page 6A

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Pastor Bruce Zimmerman said. “The auditorium is full, so we are excited about people coming by to get things that they will use for their families and kids.”

Zimmerman said local residents have heard about the giving in lots of different ways with one person saying that they read about it on a poster at their barbershop. The giveaways started four years ago after Zimmerman delivered a sermon to the congregation out of 1 John 3:16-18 in the Bible.

In this passage it talks about Christ’s love which he demonstrated to all of mankind by giving up his life. It also gives a message to humanity about helping others who have needs and showing Christ's love to others by giving.

Zimmerman challenged the church to show Christ’s love to others by giving away items they had too much of or that

burge

from page 6a

To solve the problem, Burge said testing can no longer be the primary measurement of a district’s success.

“Standardized testing should be a benchmark to allow the district to see what it's doing well as well as the areas where it needs to place more emphasis,” he said. “For accountability purposes, I don’t really have an issue with End of Course testing to ensure our students have received the education they should be receiving for high school graduation. But we have to stop teaching to a test and we have put education back in the hands of our local school boards and teachers.”

A strong proponent of local control, Burge said that education works best when local school boards, parents and taxpayers

History from page 6a

chose to withdraw and delay. Some say his distance away across the field and the oncoming darkness stopped the pursuit. On the second day of the battle, the Federals pushed them all the way back to Corinth, Mississippi, foiling Johnston’s plan to prevent the joining of the two Federal armies in Tennessee.

In conclusion, the battle was a brilliant plan, carried out until Johnston’s death when leadership changed. He had clearly out-generaled Grant

Letters From Page 3A

Gov. Perry Touts Progress in Texas Transportation SAN ANTONIO – Gov. Rick Perry touted the important strides Texas has made in bolstering transportation infrastructure in the state since 2001. The governor spoke at the Ninth Annual Texas Transportation Forum, where the Texas Transportation Commission announced the creation of the Governor Rick Perry Leadership in Transportation Award. Beginning next year, the award will be presented annually to recognize leaders who have shown a commitment to advancing transportation infrastructure in Texas.

Under Gov. Perry’s leadership, the Texas highway system has grown by more than 6,600 new miles from 2001 – 2012, more than

shirts. He said ‘I'm a jeans and T-shirts guy now since I have retired. I don’t need any of those dress clothes anymore.’ So somebody is going to come away with some nice suits and dress shirts.”

Hundreds turned out and, in groups, made their way through the sanctuary, picking out anything they needed and getting in line to come back through for more if they needed.

Zimmerman said one of the people he met was a brand new teacher that was looking for items for his new baby. Another person was a former homeless person who had just

gotten a new job and had found a place to live.

Zimmerman said it is exciting to be able to meet the needs to meet these needs of so many people.

The items that were left over will be donated to several local charities in the community to help them with their mission of service.

Zimmerman said he would like to thank all of the people who made a generous donation to the giveaway, Starbucks for providing free coffee to shoppers, and the First Methodist Church for providing clothing racks to display items.

they knew would help others. From this challenge the giveaway has grown from a few tables in the hallway of the church to packing the church's entire sanctuary into a scene in any department store. The big difference is everything is free and donated.

“The people here at the church have really gotten a vision for it and wanted to be a part of it. It has been wonderful to see all these people here helping

and sharing the love of Christ with others,” Zimmerman said. “It is neat to see people go through their closet and say 'these are things that I don’t need anymore but someone else could use them.'”

Donations included electronics, furniture, clothing, shoes, toys, books, linens, food, housewares and home décor. A small army of volunteers throughout the week sorted the items.

Clothing was sorted by size and other items were

put into different categories to make for a convenient shopping experience.

Donations came from both church members and members of the community.

“I had a man come by yesterday who I had never seen before and not from our church. He said 'I am not going to wear these suits anymore,'” Zimmerman said. “He brought probably around 10 business suits and then brought in 20 or 30 dress

have the control to operate their districts.

“Every district is different,” he said. “What works in San Antonio probably won’t work in Dallas and what works in Austin probably won’t work in Midlothian or Waxahachie or Avalon. I do have a major issue with lawmakers in Washington and lawmakers in Austin deciding education policy based on a one-size-fits-all formula. It hasn’t worked.

It doesn’t work and it will never work. We need to eliminate or greatly reduce state mandates and restore local control.”

As for solving the state funding issue for public education, Burge shakes his head and admits he does not have “the magic answer” that has eluded the Legislature for the past two decades.

Then he reaches into his pocket and pulls out his cellphone.

“I will tell you that technology is part of that

solution, though,” he said, using his phone to demonstrate its easy accessibility to information.

“Education is different today than it was when you and I went to school,” he said, still holding up his cellphone. “You and I are technology immigrants. We’ve had to learn how to use this. For our kids and our grandkids, this has always been part of their life. We had textbooks and the limited research material in the library. With this, they have access to all the information they will ever need with just a few keystrokes.

“We certainly have to teach them cognitive reasoning skills and how to discern what is legitimate information and what isn’t — because there is a lot of bad information on the Internet. But technology is changing the face of education. Will there be brick and mortar schools in the future? I don’t know.

Our schools are already

using technology to create virtual classroom environments. While I don’t have the entire answer to solving our state’s problem with school finance, I do know that technology will be playing a leading role in that solution,” he said.

When asked about filling the shoes of Jim Pitts, Burge quickly points out that the next State Representative from District 10 will begin their career as a freshman lawmaker.

“I’m going to share my philosophy on public service,” Burge said, leaning forward in his chair again in an effort to make his point. “Our nation has too many politicians and not enough statesmen. We need more statesmen. Jim Pitts was a statesman.

It’s OK to disagree — but you can do it in a respectful manner. I consider myself a statesman. If I’m elected, I’ll go to Austin and work with my colleagues to find solutions in an open, transparent manner.”

When asked to describe his policies, Burge smiles.

He’s not big on labels.

“My record speaks for itself,” he said. “I’ve got a 13-year record of votes on

the Midlothian ISD Board of Trustees, as well as my service on numerous city boards and commissions that have helped create economic development for Midlothian, improved education for our students all while lowering taxes for residents.

“If you need to put a label on me, I am certainly a fiscal conservative. I believe in lower taxes and as a business owner, I know first-hand that lower taxes help spark economic growth and create job opportunities. I will tell you that if elected I will work hard to prevent the Legislature from ever getting into a position where raising taxes is even an option and I will tell you that I am against raising taxes,” he said. “But I will also tell you that I cannot predict the future and foresee every possible scenario. And because of that, I’m not going to tell you that I will never vote for legislation that will result in a tax increase.

“All three of my opponents will tell you they are a fiscal conservative, just as I am. All four of us are against tax increases.

But for any of us to look

a voter in the eyes and say we will never vote for a tax increase is a little disingenuous, especially when just about every piece of legislation passed by the Legislature comes with a price tag. As the State Representative for District 10, I will work hard to make sure that price tag doesn’t require new funding mechanisms while also working to reducing the funding mechanisms currently in place.

But I will always tell you the truth, and truth is, I can’t predict every scenario. I will promise you that I will work to solve the problems facing Texas and I will do so in an open, transparent manner and in a statesman-like manner that will make District 10 proud. It’s the only way I know,” Burge said.

Burge has resided in Midlothian since 1993 and is married to life-long Midlothian resident Dawn Proffitt Burge.

Fayiga

return. Think about the imminence of His coming. Allow yourself to think, “what if He returns today?” “Before dinner?”

Before I finish brushing my teeth?!”

Are you living with the awareness of His potential return any second? It will happen in the time it takes to blink! If you allow yourself to think even occasionally in this vein, it will help you make the right choices and decisions, and will make 2014

the best year of your life.

That is my prayer for you — an amazing, fulfilling, and joyful 2014.

I love you!

Siyan Fayiga

amendment to prohibit the omnibus spending bill from funding Obamacare, then a second amendment to defund Obamacare and use the funds to restore cuts to military pensions.

“This $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill is outrageous enough, but on top of that it provides direct funding for Obamacare, which is destroying jobs, killing insurance plans, causing premiums to increase and people to lose their doctors. We should defund Obamacare and focus our tax

dollars on priorities that help Americans, such as restoring full funding for military pensions for the men and women who protect us. Instead, the Senate squelched any debate over Obamacare and proceeded to pass its trillion dollar spending bill no one has even read. The fact that the Washington establishment is hailing a massive $1 trillion omnibus spending bill as a worthy achievement is exactly what’s wrong with our government today.”

by uniting the parts of his army almost within Grant’s sight and attacking him with complete surprise.

No commander, either Confederate or Federal, had ever seen a battle of those dimensions. It was the most brutal fighting thus far in the war and the costliest American battle at that time. After the two-day Battle of Shiloh, there were more dead, wounded or missing in action than in all combined previous American wars. It clearly foreshadowed the long, bloody struggle ahead.

The Confederate soldiers had put forth a spectacular effort during that any other state over that time, and invested more than $59 billion in transportation projects. This includes crucial projects across the state, from I-35 in Central Texas to I-10 in Houston, I-69 in the Rio Grande Valley and the Dallas-Fort Worth Connector. Texas has also implemented effective methods to fund new roads and highways, giving more control to local authorities who can best address their region’s needs and expanding public-private partnerships, all without raising taxes.

“Transportation fuels the economy that’s making it possible for families to build lives, but transportation is also essential to help families enjoy the lives they’ve built,” Gov. Perry said. “That’s a simple fact of life that we need to keep in mind moving forward. That’s why we’ve taken so many steps over the past decade to improve our roads, while remaining true to the essential Texas value of

battle and were well on their way to victory when Johnston died. He was well-trained, experienced, and intelligent. The Confederate losses at Bowling Green, Forts Henry and Donelson should not be laid at his feet because his troops were too thinly spread and inadequately equipped. After each loss, he had asked the Confederate government for reinforcements which did not come, nor did adequate supplies and equipment.

Karen Kay Esberger, Ph.D., R.N., is a retired nurse who is now President of Daffan-Latimer 37, the Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy in Ellis County. For further information, see www.txudc.org

fiscal responsibility.”

To further advance transportation projects in the state, Gov. Perry called on lawmakers in the 83rd Legislative Session to pass House Bill 1, which pending voter approval this fall, will allow the state to direct surplus severance tax revenue to critical infrastructure projects. Without raising taxes, this investment will secure funding for crucial transportation improvements across the state for years to come.

Investments in roads and infrastructure directly impact Texas’ economic competitiveness and companies’ ability to do business in the state. Texas has remained the top exporter in the U.S. for 11 years in a row, and Texas’ transportation system continues to receive national attention, ranking the number one state for infrastructure and transportation for three years in a row by CNBC. Safety on Texas roads has also increased with initiatives

From Page 3A

Do you joyfully anticipate His return, even as a bride awaits her groom?

Are you looking for Him? What if 2014 was the year?

One thing is certain, we are 2000 years closer now than when He first came!

Make this year truly special. Think often and clearly about Jesus’ like the Safety Bond Program, which Gov. Perry supported in 2003, and Click it or Ticket helping raise awareness and save lives across the state.

Cruz: We should defund Obamacare and fund military pensions WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, asked for unanimous consent to pass one Sudoku Solution #3136-D

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Contact Neal at neal. white@waxahachietx.com or 469-517-1457. Follow Neal on Facebook at Neal White – Waxahachie Newspapers Inc., or on Twitter at wni_nwhite.

Siyan Fayiga is a guest columnist of the Waxahachie Daily Light. She resides in Allen, Texas with her husband of 17 years, and their three children aged 13, 14, and 15. Siyan owns a business in Waxahachie, and her husband has practiced medicine in Waxahachie for more than 16 years. She teaches a ladies’ community Bible study, which meets at Chick Fil’A on 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 7 a.m. Comments may be directed to siyanfayiga@att.net.

Sudoku Solution #3136-M

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Panthers fall in round two

Ellis County Crime Blotter

The Maypearl baseball team lost a tight best-of-three series Saturday. | page 5

Read jail book-ins and local police department reports | Blotter | Page 7

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‘The talk’

Waxahachie ISD Board of Trutstees discusses new approach to sex ed

By Shelly Conlon Daily Light staff writer

WISD sex ed online poll Voice your opinion on the topic online.

News Poll | WEB

As a way to help lower a high teen birth rate and reach students who have already had sex, Waxahachie Independent

School District trustees are considering adding contraceptive education to their abstinence-focused sex education programs.

Currently, Waxahachie’s 75165 zip code faces a teen see sex ed, page 14

By Andrew Branca Daily Light Staff writer

The Waxahachie City Council voted and named Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Strength as the city’s new mayor and Councilman Mark Singleton as the new

mayor pro tem at its Tuesday evening meeting. Strength takes over as mayor from John Wray who served on the city council for the past six years and decided not to seek reelection.

“First off it is a great see mayor, page 9

EDGE OF TOMORROW

PHOTO SLIDESHOW | WEB

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /OBITUARIES May Bratcher, 96, Maypearl n Leland Smith, 74, Palmer n Hulen Whitfield, Waxahachie n

page 14

Facebook Friend the Daily Light and each of its reporters on Facebook. n Twitter Get breaking news bulletins in an instant by following @waxahachienews n

TODAY’S EDITION /WHAT TO DO

May 17 7 p.m.

Waxahachie Jamboree at the Ellis County Woman’s Building, 407 W. Jefferson St.

WDL file photo by Paul Gauntt

Waxahachie Police Chief Chuck Edge announced his retirement effective July 4, after seven years with WPD.

Police chief announces retirement

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light Staff Writer

After many years of service in the law enforcement profession Waxahachie Police Chief Chuck Edge is calling it a career. Edge’s last day on the

Strength

Singleton

TxDOT to add turn signals to Highway 77

job will be July 4.

“I have been in law enforcement for 32 years. It is just time I guess. I missed a lot of my family,” Edge said. “My son and I run the gun store together. I just don’t want that to be one more thing that I miss

doing with him. The department is in a good place right now to leave.”

Edge started his career in law enforcement in 1982 with the Baytown Police Department. He served in Baytown see edge, page 2

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will begin installing new left-turn signals at intersections along Highway 77 within the next three weeks.

The new signals will be located at the intersections of Kirksey Street, Northgate Center, Indian Drive, Northgate Drive, US 287 Southbound Frontage Road, and US 287 Northbound Frontage Road.

The new signal includes a flashing yellow arrow that indicates that left turns are permitted, but that the driver must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. The flashing yellow arrow means a vehicle is allowed to cautiously enter the intersection, and is allowed to make the left turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then proceeding with caution.

After the flashing yellow arrow, the arrow becomes a steady (non-flashing) yellow or green arrow. Drivers should treat the steady yellow arrow just as they would a standard yellow light, preparing to safely clear the intersection or stop before the red light appears.

A national study demonstrated that motorists had fewer crashes with flashing yellow left-turn arrows than with traditional signals. The same study also noted that the new signals will help reduce delays by keeping traffic moving.

For more information on the new signals and flashing yellow lights, please visit TxDOT online at www.txdot.gov/ driver/laws/flashing-yellow-arrows.html.

Red Oak council votes to rename Mail carriers collect park in honor of former mayor food for local pantry

BY MIKE SACKETT Daily Light Correspondent

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from staff reports

Waxahachie was swept out of the second round.

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RED OAK – Red Oak City Park will soon become Watkins Park. The city council unanimously approved the name change at its meeting Monday.

“The idea was recently presented to the Park Board and we thought

that it was a great idea,” said Ginny Lindsey, chair of the Red Oak Parks and Recreation Board.

Watkins “There was some discussion among the board mem-

bers whether to name the park Lester Watkins Municipal Park, Watkins City Park or Watkins Park. We decided that Watkins Park was the best choice,” Lindsey said.

This is a great way to honor someone who has given so much to the city of Red Oak,” Mayor Alan Hugley said. see park, page 13

By Shelly Conlon Daily Light staff writer

If you see lots of pink bags sitting on top of mailboxes in your Waxahachie neighborhood this week, know those bags are part of a goal to reach 15,000 pounds of food for Waxahachie Cares, a local food pantry.

Every second Saturday in May, mail carriers in more than 10,000 cities nationwide collect canned goods and other

James

see carriers, page 13

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WAXAHACHIETX.COM/news Carriers from page 1

food with the help of their customers as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers' Stamp Out Hunger National Food Drive. The Waxahachie Post Office has participated in the food drive for more than 20 years. Last year, the post office raised about 13,000 pounds for the food pantry. This year, they’re aiming for 2,000 more and taking goods through Friday.

“This is the big push because during the winter everybody gives at Christmas time and the Salvation Army, but things slow down,” said Claudia James, Waxahachie postmaster. “This is the last big food drive that anybody really has before summer starts.”

The food drive helps

provide food for children during the summer, when school isn’t open and they can’t receive a breakfast or lunch, she said. The drive also helps the elderly and those who can’t afford food on a regular basis, said Linda Naizer, the Waxahachie Cares director.

The post office will receive all kinds of goods, from canned beans to box salads to even jars of pickles. As mail carriers drop off mail, they’ll make stops to pick up the pink bags, donated by the AARP, or empty buckets on porches.

Mail carriers passed out bags with food drive notices earlier this month.

Sometimes, their mail crates will get so full, they’ll have to make multiple trips before they can finish delivering mail on a route, James said. The local post office serves 12 city routes and 15 rural routes, said Stephanie

Letters From Page 3

month for Waxahachie recycling since re-opening our doors in August of 2012.

With just under 500,000 pounds of metal coming through our doors downtown, it really was the start of a great spring cleaning. And, it really was the “consumer cleanup” type scrap that pushed pounds up throughout April.

What we saw last month was the proof of the increased awareness our community shares in their recycling efforts, and as people clean up the accumulation of old things around their home, they are bringing them to be recycled as opposed to heading straight for Lions Park as waste. From lawnmowers and weedeaters to lawn-chairs and bicycles, what always impresses us down at Frank’s is the vast amount of things in our everyday lives that can be recycled.The truth is that for most of our history we have recycled and reused, and it is just in the last 50 years that we have begun to do it for the sake of the planet, and not the sake of survival.

“He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples.

They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” Isaiah 2:4 Now, I know this verse is not about recycling, but the historical evidence of mans purposeful reuse of raw materials is a great token to our current efforts. If metal was an abundant, cheap and easily handled resource there would have been no need to beat swords into plowshares, but rather they could have thrown away their swords and simply made new plowshares. But, because natural resources, like iron ore, were not cheap and easy to procure it was mandatory for their survival that they make the few precious resources they attained last as long as possible.

Thousands of years later this same principle would hold true for a young and new America. Due not to a lack of resources, but rather a lack in ability to procure the resources from the ground, Americans of the colonial era were still required to import low-quality raw materials from Great Britain with high tariffs.

This meant that most American families at the time reused everything inside of their household economy until it was of no use, at which point it could be sold to the traveling “rags-and-bone” scrap peddler. These horse-drawn buggies, a relic of the Mother Country, were sent out from major cities to scour the country side for scraps of paper, metal and

Photo by Tiffany Russell/Daily Light intern

Waxahachie Postmaster Claudia James (center), Toni Russell (left) and Stephanie Splawn stand next to a mail crate full of donated bags of food for Waxahachie Cares.

Splawn, who has been a Waxahachie mail carrier for 26 years.

“The community likes the fact that it’s kept in Waxahachie and doesn’t go out,” Splawn said. “That’s one of the questions we get, is like is it going to stay in house or is it going out. They seem to like

bone that could be brought back to the city centers for the use of manufacturing new products. The famous Paul Revere, a silversmith by trade, often employed up to 10 of these “rags-and-bone” men for his shop in Boston. While Revere is forever remembered for his role in the American Revolution, the fact that he helped establish the early foundation of what would become the flourishing American Scrap Industry should not be overlooked.

And today, in 2014, here we are recycling and reusing the things that no longer work, or that we no longer need.

Not much has changed. Whether it is to conserve our natural resources, or to get a few bucks for old electronics you can no longer cling to, the motivation to recycle is still alive and well in this great nation, and even more so in this great city. As always, it’s an honor to get to do business with all of you on a daily basis. So, here you go Waxahachie. Here are the numbers behind your great efforts: • Aluminum cans - 12,000 pounds • Aluminum (not cans) - 11,000 pounds • Stainless steel - 5,500 pounds • Tin and iron - 363,000 pounds • Aluminum wheels - 1,100 pounds • Batteries - 20,000 pounds See you again next month.

Craig Hargrove Franks Urban Collection Waxahachie

the fact that it is staying in Waxahachie — that if they’re giving, they’re giving to Waxahachie.”

Usually, each year, the people who give the most, Splawn said, are the people who may need the food the most.

“They’re used to going without,” Splawn

park

from page 1

The park land was donated to the city by Lester and Barbara Watkins in 1982. At that time, it was dedicated as a children’s playground.

Watkins served on the city council as a previous mayor for three terms. He initiated many improvements to the city including the Red Oak Water and Sewer System.

Watkins was also a community leader, active in many community business organizations, and served as a member of the Red Oak Chamber of Commerce and the Red Oak ISD School Board.

Along with the name change, the council also unanimously approved the expanse of the new signage for the renamed park.

A revision to the city’s master fee schedule was

said. “They know what it means.”

Waxahachie Cares feeds at least 800 people a month, and the post office food drive has been a staple in helping reach those in need for at least 15 years, Naizer said.

Some of the volunteers at the food pantry are even post office employees, she said.

“I don't think people actually realize what Waxahachie Care does, and how many people we truly help,” Naizer said.

“Being part of this food drive lets us feel like we have a great impact here.”

Though the pantry has eight to 10 outreaches in the area, this food drive is an easy way to allow everyone to be part of each other’s lives, and unfortunately that doesn’t happen often, Naizer said. The food drive, puts the pantry in the eyes of the com-

munity, reminding people of the pantry’s benefit, Nazier said.

“I want to thank the post office, because they've done an outstanding job,” Nazier said. “We're just all in this together. It's a marvelous thing. It's a lot of work, but it's a marvelous thing.”

To participate, leave a bag under or on your mailbox for carriers to pick up. If a person has porchside mail delivery, he or she can leave food on the porch. No-perishable items are preferred, James said.

For more information, contact the Waxahachie Post Office at 972-937-4145.

unanimously approved.

The change does not affect current fees for city facilities.

“We are making changes to be able to address the request for extra time that parties may need for set up and take down.

With this (fee schedule change), we can charge by the hour,” City Manager Todd Fuller said.

One of the changes enables the city to rent additional equipment and table linens to anyone renting the space.

“We want to be a onestop shop for persons needing the hall and those items,” Fuller said.

After much discussion, an ordinance was unanimously approved for a zoning change to allow a complex of duplexes for senior citizen living.

The council discussed the possibilities of the complex being occupied by younger persons with kids and other issues, which may lead to the complex

not conforming with city ordinance.

“We will have a property management that will be responsible for the complex and ensure compliance with the senior requirement,” investor Maddy Ghemmi said.

The proposal is for the development of four fourplex dwellings. The development will be fenced in with a combination of vinyl, brick masonry or wrought iron fencing.

The property is located south of Ovilla Road and west of Methodist Road.

The mayor made two proclamations for recognition. The first recognized Eagle Scout Candidate John Gilbert for his contribution to the city through his Eagle project.

The second recognition was made to Police Chief Garland Wolf, proclaiming May 11–17 as National Police Week. Hugley also recognized May 15 as Police Memorial Day.

Contact Shelly at 469517-1452 or shelly.conlon@ waxahachietx.com. Like her on Facebook at www. facebook.com/ShellyConlonDailyLight or follow her on Twitter at Shelly_ MarieC.

‘Congratulations Rachel Huber’ To the Editor, Congratulations to Rachel Huber, Ovilla City Council Place One for victory following a clean campaign. Mrs. Huber firmly refused to rise to the bait of misrepresentation and innuendo and continued throughout her campaign to simply state her own position on items of interest and her pattern of service to others. Well done, Rachel. And thank you to those (you know who you are) who lightened the load of picking up signs after the race because so many disappeared during the campaign.

Donna Hunt, Ovilla

‘On Michael Sam’ To the Editor, Now that the NFL is ready for openly gay player Michael Sam, it can finally be said that football truly is what it had always said it was, but really wasn’t. Football is “America’s Game.”

A.J. Chilson, Princeton, Texas

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Reaching new

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS

heights Playing for state Which Boys 12U teams are headed to Belton for the state tournament?

The Hill fundraiser for CASA of Ellis County •

•

‘Frozen’ movie and ice cream social •

Midlothian Fire Department readies new 100-foot tall ladder truck for service

see details on these events and more on page 2a

VIDEO EXTRA

PHOTO SLIDESHOW

Junk in the Trunk

See a video report with this story at waxahachietx. com

See more photos with this story at waxahachietx.com

SPorts | page 1B

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /AUTOMOTIVE

Photo by Scott Dorsett/Daily Light

The Midlothian Fire Department trained with and tested the capabilities of its 100-foot ladder truck Wednesday at the MISD Multi-Purpose Stadium.

by bethany peterson

Neal’s Wheels Ride along with Neal White as he falls in love with the 2014 Nissan Frontier. | page 4B

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /MULTIMEDIA

mirror managing editor

The basket rose smoothly and quietly into the air 50 feet, 75 feet and finally to its full hight, 100 feet above the ground.

That was high enough that assistant fire chief Dale McCaskill

WISD public relations

See video footage of the new truck in action.

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TODAY’S EDITION /WHAT TO DO

July 11

9 a.m.

– 2 p.m.

Junk in the Trunk returns to downtown Waxahachie around the courthouse square.

McCaskill said.

The new fire truck, equiped with a 100-foot ladder, a water pump, rescue and salvage equipment and room to carry up to a five-man crew was purchased with funds donated by the Midlothian Development Authority.

The department is still buying

some items to stock the truck, Fire Chief David Schrodt said, but the total cost of the truck and equipment will be about $1.8 million.

The truck carries bigger tools for extracting people from wrecked cars as well as larger see ladder, page 8a

Waxahachie ISD Education Foundation, Lillian Custom Homes to present fourth Legacy Run

By Nicole Mansell

Midlothian FD ladder truck

was peering down on the Midlothian High School football stadium lights and press box. From that height, the Midlothian Fire Department’s new 48-foot long truck looked like a child’s toy.

“I told the athletic director if they ever sold out the stadium, I’d still be able to watch the game,”

The officers and board members for the Education Foundation for Waxahachie ISD are pleased to announce the third annual “Legacy Run” slated for October 18, 2014. The Legacy Run, which sees more than 500 participants each year, is a 5K, 10K and One Mile Fun Run/Walk held each year during homecoming festivities. The Legacy Run

will be presented by local home builder, Lillian Custom Homes. The theme for this year’s event is “Don’t Worry Be Hachie!”

“We are extremely excited that George Salvador, owner of Lillian Custom Homes, has committed once again to be our Presenting Sponsor,” stated Judd McCutchen and Sydney Rust, Education Foundation Board Members and Co-Chairs of the 2014 Legacy Run. “Mr. Salvador is committed to

serving his community and the children of this district. This is evidenced by his commitment to the foundation's mission to raise funds for innovative teacher grants and dual credit scholarships for juniors and seniors. We just can’t thank him enough,” they said.

The 2014 Legacy Run will feature a 5K and 10K course and a One Mile Fun Run/Walk that will begin and end at Stuart B. see legacy, page 8a

Junk in the Trunk Lighthouse Church seeks help returns tomorrow from public in recovering sign

By ANDREW BRANCA Daily Light Staff Writer

Looking for a unique item that will add the touch of character to a room that will give it that wow factor? The Waxahachie Downtown Merchants Association (WDMA) will be hosting its community-wide garage sale, Junk in the Trunk, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday around the courthouse square.

“This is our July Junk in the Trunk. There is going to be a little bit of everything for people who want to come out and shop. Whatever you are looking for. If you are looking for junk, handmade goods, antiques, furniture or home decorations, you will be able to find it on the square at ‘Junk in the Trunk,’” Downtown Development Director Anita see junk, page 8a

By Shelly Conlon WDL Digital News Editor

A local church is asking for help from the community to help them find their church billboard, stolen just days before Fourth of July. The sign is the only indicator, as drivers go down U.S. Highway 77 toward Red Oak, at the turn off.

After holding church services on July 2, a church member at Light-

house Baptist Church of Waxahachie called the pastor and his wife and asked if they’d noticed their large sign missing from the side of Mushroom Road, where the church is located.

The couple went to the roadway and began looking around, and didn’t’ see any signs of the billboard.

“We didn’t see anything laying on the ground, so see sign, page 8a

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PAGE 8A | WAXAHACHIE DAILY LIGHT

WAXAHACHIETX.COM/NEWS Ladder from page 1a

tarps to protect possessions from fire and water damage while the fire is being put out, McCaskill said. The ladder can also be a bridge for rescuing people from upper stories of buildings.

Schrodt has been asking for a fire truck with aerial capabilities for years. For 11 years in fact.

For the last three years, he tried to keep the idea of an aerial truck in front of the council, he said. But huge cost for the truck just never fit into the city’s budget.

With the new Midlothian Heritage High School opening as a twostory building, the need for an aerial truck became even more clear. However, the city didn’t have the money in the 2013-2014 budget even for a 50/50 split or a lease purchase, so Schrodt approached the Development Agency with his $1.2 million request.

“His determination kept it going and he finally asked the right people at the right time,” McCaskill said. “One week we asked,

the next week they said yes, and the next week we cut a check to the dealership.”

The added height allows the fire department to protect residents and industries better, said firefighter Matthew Sapp.

But it will also protect firefighters.

Sometimes firefighters stand on roofs over the fire to cut ventilation holes to cool down the inside of the house, he said. Roof collapses can be deadly, but with the ladder truck, firefighters can be tethered to the bucket and pulled to safety.

“I have a wife and kids,” Sapp said. “Every time I get to go home safe, I’m happy.”

The truck will also make the department more independent, said firefighter Sam Villa.

“Its a benefit to the city not to have to rely on other cities’ mutual aid,” Villa said. “It can take them a while to arrive.”

The truck is custombuilt from bumper to bumper, McCaskill said.

The fire department chose what they wanted to go into the truck and where to put it.

“We wanted it to be a multi-purpose truck,” McCaskill said.

So they chose to include a water pump on the bucket, so the truck could spray water without having to attach to another fire engine. The high nozzle allows firefighters to spray down onto fires that would be unreachable from the ground.

The nozzle on the truck’s basket sprays at at least 1,500 gallons per minute.

“You could fill up a swimming pool real quick,” McCaskill said.

In the basket, firefighters can watch a monitor with information on the baskets elevation, angle from the ground and how much weight is in the basket.

This ensures the firefighters don’t destablize the truck. The truck has outriggers, but higher altitudes, smaller angles with the ground, higher winds and more weight can cause the basket to put too much pressure on the truck and cause accidents.

The bucket can hold 1,000 pounds, which is four firefighters in full

legacy from page 1a

Photo by Scott Dorsett/WDL

Assistant Fire Chief Dale McCaskill talks about the bucket’s controls.

gear, McCaskill said. If they are flowing water, less people can be in the bucket.

The new truck could benefit local industries and residents financially.

The city will be inspected for their fire safety rating

by ISO later this month, which influences fire insurance rates. Schrodt is hopeful the new truck will be able to raise Midlothian’s rating from a 3 to a 2, possibly decreasing insurance increases by 2 percent for industries and 8 percent for residents.

junk

from page 1a

Williamson said. “We are always concerned, with the temperature rising in July, that we won’t have a lot of people sign up to participate, but right now we are almost at capacity.”

Williamson said Junk in the Trunk provides shoppers with an experience that they can’t find elsewhere. Vendor booths will be set up in parking spaces around the courthouse along College and Franklin Streets.

Vendors participating in Saturday’s event will be allowed to set up from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. If vendors are not there before 8:45 a.m. they will forfeit their spot and no refund will be given.

Williamson said vendors’ come from all around the Metroplex and she is expecting around 50-60 to participate in the event on Saturday. The next Junk in the Trunk after this weekend will be Saturday, Oct. 11. Vendors who wish to participate in the Oct. 11 event can go online to www.waxahachiecvb. com or contact the WDMA by calling Williamson at 469-309-4111. Spaces are $35 for one or $50 for two spaces.

Wommack From Page 3A

ever since. The less I think about myself, the more I’m able to remain conscious of this spiritual harmony and help others express dominion over their thoughts and bodies. For example: Recently, a woman called me. She was frantic and she wanted prayerful help.

She told me that she was feeling cold and had covered herself with a light blanket, but had begun shaking uncontrollably. She’d never experienced this before.

The woman also told me that a thumb and forefinger had been twitching for three years.

The slight movements had never interfered with her daily activities.

A month earlier she had gone to a family doctor. When the doctor noticed that her thumb and forefinger were twitching, he asked her how long she had been experiencing the twitching. When she answered, “three years,” the doctor promptly told her she had Parkinson’s disease.

After the woman called, I prayed. Just as I did the day the dump truck overturned, I quickly

File photo by Andrew Branca/Daily Light

A Junk in the Trunk vendor holds an Elvis playing basketball as she talks with two shoppers at the most recent community-wide garage sale event in downtown Waxahachie.

“It continues to be a very, very popular event both with vendors and customers. We see more traffic every time,” Williamson said. “I have never worked one where someone who came down to shop didn’t ask how to be a vendor for the next one.”

After shopping, visitors can return to downtown in the evening for a free ice cream social sponsored

by Historic Waxahachie, Inc. (HWI) from 7:30 to 9 p.m. around the courthouse square on Main embraced her with a loving sense I knew to be divine. This type of spiritual acknowledgment is a prayerful healing treatment. I knew she was finding relief.

Within 15 minutes after we had talked, the woman’s shaking subdued and then stopped. But not only did the uncontrollable shaking stop, the twitching of the thumb and forefinger stopped, as well. She hasn’t experienced twitching or shaking since.

Since studies are showing a connection between love and health, why not take this information to a logical conclusion. I know that love healed this woman, a love more powerful than human affection. Love and health are inseparable because they are, ultimately, spiritual qualities and conditions.

And just in case you were wondering how three simple words can heal more wounds than all the doctors in the world, the answer could reside in another three words: God is love.

Keith Wommack is a Syndicated Columnist, Christian Science practitioner and teacher, husband, and step-dad. He has been described as a spiritual spur (since every horse needs a little nudge now and then). Keith’s columns originate at: KeithWommack.com

Street. Ice cream will be served until it runs out.

HWI members will be on hand to talk with people about their organization and membership. The mission of HWI is to preserve the historic fabric of the city.

Following the ice cream social, a free showing of “Frozen” will be held at 9 p.m. on Franklin Street just off the square,

between College and Jackson Streets.

More information about the event can be found on the WDMA website at www.downtownwaxahachie.com or Facebook by searching for Waxahachie Downtown Merchants Association.

Contact Andrew at andrew.branca@ waxahachietx.com or 469-517-1451.

Follow him on Facebook at www. facebook.com/AndrewBrancaWDL.

happenings from page 2a

Wildflower Walk The Indian Trail Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Program will host a Wildflower Walk on the second Saturday of each month from May through October at the Mockingbird Nature Park, 1361 Onward Road in Midlothian.

The next walk will be at 9 a.m.

Saturday, July 12. In case of inclement weather, the walk will be cancelled.

Praisin' Jesus in the Park Come out for a time of praise and worship at Waxahachie's his-

Letters From Page 3A

trafficking; • Medically screen all illegal immigrants to ensure their health and the health of our citizens; • Direct the Centers for Disease Control or another appropriate federal agency outside the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct, in conjunction with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), inspections of facilities in which illegal immigrants, including UACs, are being housed to ensure accepted international and national emergency sheltering standards are met; • Modify or rescind policies that serve as a magnet to encourage illegal immigration, including: • DHS Catch and Release policies by which DHS issues an illegal im-

Lumpkins Stadium. Early registration for the family friendly event will begin Aug. 1 and run through Oct. 3. Adult cost to participate is $25 (5K) and $30 (10K). Students (K12) are $10 (5K) and $15 (10K). Children age 4 and under are free with the purchase of an adult registration entrance fee. Adult participants may continue to register after the early registration deadline and on the day of the race for a fee of $35 (5K) and $40 (10K). The student price will remain the same.

The eighties themed event will feature something for everyone – from the dedicated runner to the family wishing to be active and get outdoors.

“Race Alley” will feature bounce houses and activities for the children as well as various booths for adults to peruse and visit.

sign

from page 1a

we looked at the dirt and there was no dirt that was pulled up,” said Carinda Worley, the wife of the Lighthouse Church pastor.

“We knew that it hadn’t been blown over, because the spikes went into the ground probably 18 inches or so, so you would see dirt or grass torn up, but there wasn’t anything.”

That’s when they knew the 5-foot, 3-inch sign had probably been pulled up from the ground, she said, and decided to file police report the morning of July 3 after checking with the city to see if someone had moved the sign without notifying the church.

“Since then, we haven’t heard anything,” Worley said. “We haven’t heard anything, seen anything.

Nobody has called the church, saying they’ve seen anything. As a church group ourselves, we’ve just been praying about it that it would just be returned or to replace it somehow.”

The sign was a gift from the Lighthouse church congregation, she said.

The 20-member group chipped in to surprise her and her husband with the sign, which cost about $350-$500, for the church’s sixth anniversary, she said.

“It was a very special

toric Chautauqua Auditorium. The Blue Healers will perform from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, July 13 with their unique mis of gospel, rock and blues. Don't miss the testimonial message of evangelist Julie Green.

This is a new ministry endeavor for the Waxahachie area, so come see what it's about and lend your support.

Community Dance A community dance will be held from 7–9 p.m. Tuesday, July 15 at the Optimist Building, 219 Patrick Street in Waxahachie. Admission is $5. The Final Showdown Band will provide live music, and snacks will be served at 8 p.m. Come out and enjoy the fellowship, fun and dancing.

migrant an NTA before an immigration judge and releases them. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that 33 percent of those released on their own recognizance failed to appear in FY 2013.

•Deportation policies and procedures that prohibit UACs from countries other than Mexico and Canada from being immediately repatriated back to their country of origin. After DHS processes these UACs, they are issued an NTA and delivered to a sponsor or relative in the United States, regardless of the relative’s immigration status.

‘Only in America’ To the Editor, Wow kids, it’s impeachment time in the ole Republican House of Representatives once again. Didn’t they do that the last time a Democratic President was entering the last

The foundation also has other sponsorship opportunities available. These range from a “Gold Sponsor” listed at $1,000 to a “Wind at your Back” sponsor for $50. Business and organizations may also set up a booth in “Race Alley.”

For more information on the 2014 Legacy Run, contact the Education Foundation for Waxahachie ISD at 972.923.4631 or email us at legacyrun@wisdeducationfoundation.org.

About WISD Education Foundation The Education Foundation for Waxahachie ISD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose primary purpose is to raise funds for innovative instructional grants and scholarships.

For more information on the Education Foundation for Waxahachie ISD or to make a donation, call 972923-4631. thing for the whole congregation to have done this for him,” she said. “It was nice to see how much they really loved our church.”

Worley said she’s hoping either someone will drop the sign off at the church’s doorstep or bring the sign to police. The church is even offering a $50 reward for the billboard’s return.

“All we can really do is pray about it,” she said.

“It’s sad to see somebody do something like this, whether it was a hateful thing or just kids being mischievous, it was something very special to us.”

The investigating Waxahachie police officer wasn’t available for comment by press time.

“Just please return it. It was a gift of love,” Worley said. “It’s a way for the community to know where we’re at. We do reach out to our community to help and without that sign, we aren’t as able to get out and be known, if people don’t know where we’re at to find our church.”

The Lighthouse Baptist Church of Waxahachie is located at 100 Mushroom Road and representatives can be reached at 972-9356521.

Contact Shelly at 469-517-1452 or shelly.conlon@waxahachietx. com. Like her on Facebook at www. facebook.com/ShellyConlonDailyLight or follow her on Twitter at Shelly_MarieC.

ECRW to host DeBorah Simpson The Ellis County Republican Women will convene at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15 at the GOP Headquarters, 201 N Ferris Ave in Waxahachie. Co-founder of the Black GOP of Johnson County will present “The Vote.” The public is invited to come and hear this outstanding speaker. Ms. Simpson was the ECRW's guest speaker last October and was well received with her presentation on “Race, Politics and the Saviour (Not Obama).”

phase of his Presidency? Heck, we even have the publicity junkie Sarah Palin getting a fix by calling for impeachment. That makes it credible!

Based on the concrete record of the Republican House’s getting anything done in the past seven years, example repeal of Obamacare, passing any legislation to help the country, finding anything credible about Benghazi, or been successful at anything else that has come down from the boardroom at Kochlandia Enterprises, I have to wonder about their ability to form a committee, investigate, bring charges, vote on bringing impeachment hearings, hearing the evidence presented, voting on impeachment and removing the President by January 2017?

Right. Good luck with that.

Joe Biden can’t wait.

Or Hillary.

Alan Fox, Waxahachie

CMYK

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Softball team set for Lindale

Rally Round Our Heroes

The Waxahachie softball team will face Lindale in the playoff tonight. | page 6

Bikers took over downtown Maypearl to raise funds for disabled vets | page 14

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Mega Sale Salvation Army of Ellis County to host ‘Mega Garage Sale’ Saturday, April 26 from staff reports

Mixing it up at the YMCA See video of Melissa Cade’s newest work out.

VIDEO REPORT | WEB

Baseball team tops Ennis The Waxahachie baseball team beat the Lions.

The Salvation Army will host a Mega Garage Sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, April 26 at its Waxahachie Community Center, 620 Farley Street.

Proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army’s youth, social service and emergency response programs.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to the

fun, family-friendly event.

Donations of items to sell will be accepted, and table spaces for those wishing to sell their own items are available for $20 for the day. Contact Ann Zembala, Volunteer Coordinator at ann_zembala@uss.salvationarmy.org or 972-9377727 for more information, to donate items or to reserve table space.

Daily Light staff writer

A Waxahachie High School sophomore is asking for the community to help him raise $5,000 to attend a summer medical conference in California, all the while balancing baseball practice, advanced classes and volunteer work at his church.

Damian Lopez was selected based on his academic excellence, leadership potential and extracurricular involvement to attend the National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine and Health Care this July. He’s never been to another state before, and see seminar, page 2

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Pat Dannenburg, Cub Scout Pack 681 “Tigers” den leader, inspects the steering mechanism of a Cub Car, while Vinicio Chapas sits, strapped into the driver’s seat, ready for a test run.

TODAY’S EDITION /WHAT TO DO

Waxahachie Cub Scout Pack 681 is bringing back some nostalgia to Cub Car racing in a free event.

The pack will host a come-and-go soap box derby from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 3 in the Home Depot parking lot, in coordination with Home Depot’s free kids craft workshop, which is held the first Saturday of every month. Home Depot is located at 1315 N. Highway 77 in Waxahachie.

Three racing lanes will be set up for the Cub Scouts to race their handmade cars, with a fourth lane open and set aside

75¢ 1 section | 14 pages

Project Graduation lacks half of $50,000 goal Daily Light staff writer

page 14

8 a.m.

Damian Lopez, hugging his mother, Christina Lopez, hopes to attend a medical conference in California.

By Shelly Conlon

Deward Roberts, 92, Midlothian

n

Magnablend’s Clays for a Cause at the Alpine Shooting Range in Fort Worth

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4.24.2014

WHS student seeks aid to attend medical seminar

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n

Thursday

Cub Scouts build cars for community race

By Shelly Conlon Daily Light staff writer

for the public. However, if there’s a lot of Cub Scouts, the fourth will be moved to a racing lane, said den leader Pat Dannenburg.

The race is open to the entire Ellis County Cub Scout district, his co-den leader Amy Davis said.

Packs from Palmer, Red Oak, Maypearl and Ferris have expressed interest in participating, the leaders said, and others are welcome to join.

“Each one of the boys have had a responsibility of trying to put something on the cars. If they weren’t in Cub Scouts, and they weren’t in this den, would they have the ability to help build something like see Cub Cars, page 2

Since the Waxahachie High School Project Graduation committee asked the community for one last effort to help to raise $50,000 or as much as possible for the big senior event, the committee has struggled to reach that goal.

On March 19, the committee said they were at $24,000 to provide a free, all-night celebration and safe place for seniors to go on graduation night. Now, more than a month later, the group has raised about $25,000 and graduation is about five weeks away.

“The more we can raise, the more prizes we can purchase and the more activities we can offer,” Viana Armstrong, Project Graduation spokeswoman, said via email. “For example, we’re renting a lot of fun things for the kids — i.e. a video game trailer, inflatables, etc., and we’re having to make tough decisions and potential cuts if we don’t raise enough money.”

Project graduation started in 1991, when there was widespread concern in the community about the sale and use of illegal drugs and alcohol by youth, according to the event’s brochure. Since then, the event has grown in size and activities, but not without the help of the community.

This year, the event is expected to have DJ’s playing popular music and teen-approved food, as well as activities like dodge ball, bungee run, casino-style raffle games, prizes and cash, scholarships and a photo booth, the event’s brochure stated.

The latest donation to the project was $1,000 from Charter Communications.

“Graduation night is a time for excitement and celebration,” Kevin Allen, vice president and general manager for Charter’s Texas market, said in a release. see Graduation, page 14

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Netflix is planning to raise subscription prices by $1-$2.

What do you think about this planned increase?

Amy Shevokas Hedtke: #freemarket Jimmie Hackworth: They update their movies all the time. It’s definitely worth it. So much cheaper than all that money I spent at Blockbuster all those years ago.

Julie Bush: It’s still cheaper than renting or paying for movie channels that show old crappy movies over and over.

Anna Zetterholm: It is still cheaper then going to the movies. I use Netflix all the time!

Erica Bolster: Ill stick w/red box.

Annie Dotson: Unless they are adding more new releases for streaming, I will not pay more. Sure, they have hundreds to choose from but who wants to watch b movies, asian flicks, or childrens films all the time? Put actual new and good movies on the streaming side and its worth raising prices. But not all of us want to wait for dvds to mail out.

Angela Flores: If you have a current subscription with them you will pay the same as always ... only new customers will pay the new price ... Either way love them !!

What do you think of Waxahachie’s new commercial?

Angela Flores: Love it !!

Bob Cotter: Very well done.

Mary Engel: Love it!!

Tina S Dickinson: Not impressed. Didnt tell anyone you cant get through town in less than 20 minutes due to increased traffic and parking is limited! No longer a hometown, but a business!

tweet this!

Photo submitted by Laurin Rainbolt

“This is Jasin Rainbolt, 6, and Hadin Rainbolt, 3, doing bluebonnet pictures on Easter! Hadin loved taking the picture, but Jasin got bored pretty quick,” Laurin said. Submit your picture to our daily “Picture This” feature by emailing your photo to Managing Editor Aaron Schwaderer at a.schwaderer@waxahachietx.com or submit it directly to the Community Voice section of our online edition at www.waxahachietx.com.

Follow us for news alerts& more @waxahachienews

What people in and near Waxahachie are saying in the Twitter-sphere:

Stormy Stanfield @stormystanfield: I love this town! All the changes that are being made in Downtown Waxahachie are awesome.

Carrie Mismash @CarrieMismash: need to relax, decompress and feel at home... Come to Waxahachie Texas. Yeah, it’s some-kind-of wonderful! little town with lots of life!

Ben Noah @_Ben_Noah: Teaching Waxahachie how to bump to the Beastie Boys one stoplight at a time.

communit y news notes Clays for a Cause Magnablend will host its second annual Clays for a Cause sporting clays tournament at 8 a.m. Friday, April 25, at Alpine Shooting Range, 5482 Shelby Road in Fort Worth. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the shooting will start at 9 a.m. After the flight, lunch will be served and prizes awarded to the winners. The cost is $250 per person or $1,000 per team of four. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Felty, Global DI Teams advance to global finals

did you know?

The Final Frontier April 24, 1990 The shuttle Discovery blasted off with the Hubble Space Telescope.

cub cars from page 1

this? Would an average parent help build something like this with their kid? Probably not,” Dannenburg said. “It’s an experience they don’t get to normally do. A lot of these kids are in sports, so they get the team experience, but life skills experiences are taught through scouting so it’s kind of unique that way.”

The Cub Scouts will be racing for the best time, and at the end, hopefully den leaders can determine which pack was the

fastest, Dannenburg said, but that might be difficult because the event is comeand-go as participants please. Food and beverages will be available and those interested can also do the craft for that day, Dannenburg said.

“This is our first time to do it,” Cub Scout mother Paige Richardson said.

“I’m a little nervous, but I know he’s going to have fun. He’s looking forward to riding it. This has been a good experience for him.”

Pack 681 den leaders are hoping at least 75 to 125 Cub Scouts show up with their families for the event, which would be a

seminar from page 1

Pictured are Global High Destination Imagination team members Connor Linguist, Chip Autry, Drew Calvert, Sumner Smith and Mitchell Grosso

Pictured are Felty Elementary Destination Imagination team members Hailey Routson, Emma Pickard, Madeline Condor, Joseph Celsur, and Kolten Farber; Top- Lilyanna Armstrong, Preslie Davis, and Ms. Hawkins

wants to use this as a chance to not only travel, but also see if the medical field is something he’d like to do for a career, he said. He’ll get to make rounds with professional doctors and learn about the field while at the conference.

“I’ve hurt my shoulder a few times and have gone to see my doctor, and I felt like that was just something I might want to do,” he said. “You know, look at athletes and let them know what’s wrong and help them through it.”

So far, with the help of fundraising and a scholarship, he’s at $1,284 of the $5,000, meaning $2,966 is left. He’s sent out letters community wide, expressing his need for help and details about the conference.

He’s also set up a GoFundMe website for those who would like to donate at www.gofundme.com/873sfc.

He’s also asked his teachers and coach to write to letters of recommendation to attend the conference.

“I was fortunate enough to have Damian on my freshman team last year,” Derek Zandt, WHS baseball coach, said in his recommendation letter. “He definitely leads by example and is an athlete of high character. He is not one to play baseball for the recognitions or awards, but

today’s smile Patrick Harrison Waxahachie

decent size, Dannenburg said.

“It’s one of those fun events people talk about for a long time,” he said.

“They do this race, they’ll remember it 40 years from now, you know? You can go onto YouTube and people

plays because he truly enjoys being part of a successful program.”

That strive to be part of a successful program is pushing him to seek help to raise funds however he can, he and his mother Christina Lopez said. He’ll need business casual attire and a business suit for the trip, which he doesn’t have at the moment, Christina said.

So, he’s also selling Rangers baseball ticket packages for $40, hosting a garage sale to allow community members to do some spring cleaning, and he’s in the process of copyrighting an original song and acquiring a license to sell a music record he recorded last year.

“He has shown many great qualities of leadership: He’s respectful, considerate and motivated to learn,” Stephanie Connor, Damian’s English teacher, said in a recommendation letter. “I’m impressed that he has such great goals for the future.”

Christina’s a little nervous about the idea of Damian leaving home on his own for the first time, but she said she’s going to pray and leave it to God to know he’s in good hands, and strong enough and smart enough to take care of himself.

“This is such a wonderful opportunity for him. In this day and age, acceptance into college and chances for scholarships are more difficult to achieve,” Christina said in an email.

“This is a way for him to set himself

are doing these races all over the country. I think it’s a dying trend, so the idea of doing soap box derbies — people aren’t doing stuff like that as much anymore, so it’s kind of got a nostalgic type sense.”

apart and get ahead of the game a little bit.”

Damian said balancing his schedule is a bit stressful while he’s trying to raise money, but he’s taking it one day at a time. The final payment for tuition to attend the event is due by May 15.

“I was just glad that all the work you do in the classroom, you get rewarded for it,” Damian said.

For more information, or to help Damian raise fund for the conference, call Christina at 214-641-6387 or visit Damian’s GoFundMe website, listed above.

CMYK