Next Crossroads Magazine

C NETX

ROSSROADS MAGAZINE

A Bridge to Hearts

Texarkana’s Pastor Cody Howard page 12

Alley on Third drawing people to downtown Mount Pleasant page 20

A Well Kept Secret Atlanta’s First Baptist Church Christmas musical page 16

... and more!

FALL 2017

About the Cover

The fall foliage that signals the changing of the seasons in beautiful northeast Texas is evident along a scenic road between Mount Pleasant and Argo.

Photo by CHRISTINE ROBERTS

C

Wright Patman Lake

S D A O R S S RO

CONTENTS

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MAGAZIN

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page 12

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6 The Story of Oren Atchley

A Special Friday Night

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28

26

NETX

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

in Bowie, Camp, Cass, Marion, Morris and Titus counties.

John Dilmore Tim Emmons Pam Kumpe Kenny Mitchell Lorrie Noah Heather Russell Carly Scott Toni Walker Ben Woods

© NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE — ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Please contact us with questions, story ideas or advertising requests via email at info@NETXcrossroads.com or call us at

JoAnna Duncan Tim Emmons Toni Walker Ben Woods

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joni Guess

Williams House Museum

by KENNY MITCHELL he Williams House Museum in DeKalb is home to many treasures from the history of Northeast Texas. Items on display there include the fuselage of Ricky Nelson’s crashed airplane and a tribute to the singer, a display honoring Dan Blocker, television’s Hoss Cartwright, who hailed from the town, and thousands of other artifacts chronicling the rich history of the area.

One of the newest, and most prized treasures now housed at the museum is a 1926 Ford Model T, that is in pristine condition given that it is almost 100 years old.

The iconic automobile is a throwback to days gone by. The Model T, also known as the Tin Lizzie, is known in the automobile world as the first manufactured to be affordable to the masses.

That affordability came from the assembly line production that 4

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was mastered by Henry Ford, that set the stage for every car that has been made since.

The Model T was the standard back in its day, and rolled off Ford’s assembly line from 1908 to 1927. Over the course of its production, Ford sold 16.5 million Model T’s, making it one of the most popular cars of all time.

Henry Ford said of the car, “I will build a car for the great multitude.

It will be large enough for the family, but small enough for the individual to run and care for. It will be constructed of the best materials, by the best men to be hired, after the simplest designs that modern engineering can devise. But it will be so low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one – and enjoy with his family the blessing of hours of pleasure in God’s great open spaces.”

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The Model T shown in the pictures is on loan to the Williams House Museum from the family of Louis Terrell, Sr. Louis tells us, “I have had it for years and I think it come from California, but I have had it 50 years I imagine. I bought it and worked on it and got the motor fixed, did this and that to get it running. The motor is in good shape.”

Terrell says he bought the car from a man in Malta and then bought a Model T truck so that he could use the parts and put the two of them together to make a running vehicle. The tires on the car now came off of that Model T truck that was bought from a man in Clarksville, and other parts for the car came from as far away as Kansas City.

“I used to drive it up and down the road, it has been a good while, back when the kids were little, but we used to take it up and down the road.”

Louis says his son, Buzzy Terrell suggested that he put it on display at the Williams House.

Louis states, “It has been put up ever since I had it, kept it inside out of the weather, but Mike McCrary has done a good job cleaning it up. It looks good.”

Yet another treasure that can be seen at the Williams House Museum, showcasing the rich history and telling the tales of Northeast Texas.

0916-04574 NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

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5

Wright Patman Lake

by BEN WOODS

Photos by JOANNA DUNCAN

Wright Patman Lake is one of the largest lakes tucked away in the piney woods of Northeast Texas and is very popular for fishing, hunting and recreational use.

W

right Patman Lake was originally named Texarkana Lake until President Richard Nixon signed H.R. 945 which designated it as Wright Patman Dam and Lake in honor of Congressman Wright Patman of the First Congressional District of Texas who served for 47 years.

The lake is fed by the flow of water Sulfur River on the west side and the river continues past the lakes large dam on the east side.

Construction and clearing of what is now the lake bed began July 2, 1953 and it wasn’t until June 27, 1956 that the gates were closed and the lake began to fill with water.

The max depth of the lake is 34.5 feet, can hold 2,363,700 acrefeet of water or about 326,000 gallons and it covers 20,300 acres.

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The water level of the lake fluctuates seasonally and has been known to flood surrounding areas in time heavy rain.

“It is a flood control lake so we see fluctuating lake levels and you typically don’t see that on a lake that a lot of water is drawn out, the lakes that are closer to the larger municipalities such as Dallas don’t ever get high because they use so much water, here we don’t have that issue and it may jump up 25 to 30 ft. pretty routinely,” said Atlanta State Park, Park Superintendent Sam Knox.

The most popular activity on Wright Patman Lake is fishing.

“I have worked on numerous other lakes and what is most unique to this lake is it used 95% of the time for fishing, it is way heavy on the fishing side than it is on the recreational side,” said Knox.

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“Jet skiing, tubing and water skiing is not what you see a lot of on this lake because it is such an awesome fishing lake but that is primarily all you see on it is people fishing and part of that is due to it is not a very deep lake and there is quite of bit of structure in the lake,” said Knox.

The largest recorded catfish caught on a rod and reel according to Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) at Wright Patman Lake was recorded by Texas Parks and Wildlife weighed a whopping 69 pounds and measured 47 inches in length was caught by Sandy Wilson on Dec. 31 2014.

The large catfish are normally caught using a fishing technique called ‘trotlining’.

The largest catfish caught using a trotline on record according to TPWD was 79.75 pounds and 51 inches long was caught Dec. 16, 1995 by Eddie Elkins.

The lake and surrounding parks has a variety of activities to partake in such as hiking, geocaching picnicking, wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing and boating.

There are nine beautiful parks and many access points around the lake to visit and enjoy.

Wright Patman Lake is known for its large catfish population and game fish.

The lake has an impressive variety of game fish such as bass, crappie, catfish, buffalo and longnose gar.

The spill way located at the dam is one on the most popular places for fisherman due to its high population of fish.

For avid fishermen there is many tournaments to take place in such as the Jacob Dude Turner Catfish Tournament, Lake Wright Patman Catfish Tournament and Big Bass Classic Tournament.

The areas around the lake are popular hunting grounds for sportsman.

Around the lake there is 54,358 acres of federally owned property that the public is allowed to hunt on as long as they follow proper hunting seasons and licensing.

Some of the sought after game is white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, squirrel, feral hogs, dove and many species of water fowl.

There are over 30 primitive campsites that are available at various hunting areas and around 20 miles of all weather access roads.

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The NTCC

Carroll Shelby Automotive Program Story and photos by CARLY SCOTT

When car enthusiasts think of the Cobra, the Viper, the Ford GT or Shelby Mustangs, they often think of Carroll Shelby, but rarely make the connection with Mount Pleasant.

C

arroll Hall Shelby was born on Jan. 11, 1923 in Leesburg, a community in southwestern Camp County, just west of Pittsburg and 20 miles from Mount Pleasant. Shelby was a well-known automotive designer, competitive racer, entrepreneur and overcomer.

Shelby endured lifelong health issues due to a heart valve leakage that was discovered when he was around seven years old. He received a heart transplant from a 34-year-old man who was gambling at a craps table in Las Vegas and died of an aneurism.

Shelby also received a kidney transplant from his son, Michael.

Both transplants were successful and Shelby was one of the nation’s longest-lived heart transplant recipients.

After his transplants, Shelby created the Carroll Shelby foundation in October 1991. The foundation is dedicated to providing financial support for children and medical professionals to help overcome lifethreatening health issues worldwide, while promoting continuing educational development.

Shelby wanted to give back — and he gave back locally. Thanks to Shelby’s generous nature, future generations of auto enthusiasts can train for careers at Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC).

In the fall of 2008, NTCC enrolled the first class of students in the Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program. Over a seven-year period, Shelby Automobiles, Inc. has contributed financially to the program each year. To date, contributions have totaled more than $700,000. All funds are designated for student scholarships and to support the state-of-the-art program.

The program is designed to prepare students for not only the workforce, but for life in general, thanks to instructors such as Tony Whitworth, who personally invests time in each student.

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NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Classes and hands-on training prepare students in the following areas: • Brakes • Electrical/electronic systems • Engine performance • Suspension and steering • Automatic transmissions • Engine repair • Heating and air conditioning • Manual drive train According to Whitworth, Shelby would often show up on campus unannounced and surprise the students. He would walk through the shop while students worked on vehicles, offering advice or compliments on a job well done.

In 2011, Shelby purchased “The Last Shelby.”

“He had a ‘certain’ car in mind,” said Dr. Jonathan McCullough, NTCC Vice President for Advancement. “He personally searched for it for more than two years. In March of 2011, he called me on the phone to let me know that he had found the car.”

Shelby purchased a 1968 Shelby GT350H and had it shipped to NTCC the same week. During his last visit to NTCC he is said to have sat inside the car, started the engine and said, “This is one of the sweetest sounds I have ever heard.”

Shelby passed away on May 10, 2012 at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. He was 89.

The “Last Shelby” is in mint condition in the NTCC Carroll Shelby Automotive Program garage today. The car is there to stay — and so is the legend of Carroll Hall Shelby.

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FALL 2017

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A 30-year tradition offers

Fall Fun

in DaingerďŹ eld

Story and photos by TONI WALKER

F

estivals are a staple in rural areas. Community festivals serve as an opportunity to get out, enjoy good food and build memories and friendships. Small communities see major influx in visitors during their small town festivals. They serve as revenue generators for local businesses, as they wander the streets, visiting the open shops.

Daingerfield has had some sort of fall festival for 30 years.

What began as a one day Halloween themed festival has turned into a yearly event that offers events beginning a week prior to the one-day festival. Through name changes (The festival went through a period where it was named after Captain London Daingerfield)

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FALL 2017

NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

and changes in activities, the festival has held and has begun growing once again.

In early events, the Daingerfield Halloween Festival focused on Halloween carnival-style games, costumes and the like. The festival grew, and soon included western style gunfights in the street, street dances, and more.

Over the years, activities have come and gone. This year’s Chamber of Commerce made attempts to revive some of the longgone favorites, including the barbeque cook-off and a carnival.

When attempts at returning a carnival to the Festival fell short, the chamber opted to bring in a children’s area filled with bounce houses, face painting, and a petting zoo.

In place of some of the bygone activities, this years’ festival saw new activities join the line-up. There was a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a return of the street dance that featured the Cody Wayne Band, and a wine tasting area, featuring local Texas wineries.

Daingerfield Days offers opportunities to golf, run, eat and enjoy small activities like parades, vendors, and other activities.

Corndogs, funnel cakes, and lemonade; games, vendor booths, and live music all add together to make the 30th Annual Daingerfield Days Fall Festival a fun-filled day of activity for all ages.

The festival is held the second Saturday in October each year. Be sure to visit the Daingerfield Chamber of Commerce’s website at www.daingerfieldtex.net to see other events in Daingerfield, and to be the first to know about the 2018 Daingerfield Days Fall Festival.

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FALL 2017

11

On Saturday mornings in Texarkana, Pastor Cody Howard positions himself on a flatbed trailer facing his congregation. It’s a place for the homeless to gather for church services each week, beneath a bridge at 3rd and 4th Streets.

Story and photos by Pam Kumpe

church is held even in the rain. Or in the sweltering heat of summer. Or even in the cool of a spring breeze. Or in the perfect calm of a fall morning. Or in freezing temperatures during the winter. No matter what, the services are held and the gospel gets shared.

There’s a cross on a one of the concrete pillars, and a creek trickles off to one side, unless it’s raining. Then the water rushes almost over its banks. On the other side is a rising hill, where cars rush over the bridge during services.

As for the floor’s surface of this outdoor church it can be grassy, or muddy, or dusty, depending on the season. But regardless of the weather or the season, this is the sanctuary

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at Church Under the Bridge Texarkana, and has been for more than five years.

You will see folding chairs and notice the hymnals. You will hear the worship and sing along. You might hear a testimony or listen to a homeless friend play the guitar. Or join in with a local worship leader who is serving that morning.

Or you might take part in praying with others. Or it might be a day for Communion. Or a day to witness a water baptism.

And yes, always the Word of God is preached.

It’s a church where all are welcome, where life is real. Where the broken can come. Where everyone can worship. Where Christ is exalted.

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Church Under the Bridge began April 14, 2012, when Pastor Cody held the first church service amidst the birds soaring and the trains rumbling along the tracks nearby.

“My goal was never really to plant a church under the bridge, but it was God’s. For several years, I built relationships with the homeless community and only when I realized that there was a large community of faith there, without a shepherd, was I moved to establish the gathering,” Pastor Cody said.

He points to a scriptural confirmation of this move of the Lord, citing Psalm 37:3-6, “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.”

Pastor Cody said there’s a saying attributed to St. Augustine that mentions to love God and do what you want. He said, “This means that if we truly love God and are driven by what he desires, what we desire will be the same.”

With his recent 40th birthday, he reflected on his blessings, and said he’s honored to be able to do small things with great love, and to see God do his best work in those still, small moments in the lives of people.

In a recent service, Pastor Cody challenged his congregation with, “Whatever is in your heart is being displayed daily in your life. We strive. We fall. We get up. We fall again, and get back up.”

His message centered on how Jesus always gets personal, and

how Jesus asked the woman at the well in John 4 about her husband who wasn’t her husband. How Jesus engaged this woman and how he engages us. How he knew her heart, and knows ours.

He went on explaining, “Sin is crouching. It will jump on you, but imagine if we followed the narrow way of Christ. There would never be another injustice or war.”

Pastor Cody also serves as the Executive Director of the Friendship Center, Inc., a place to feed the homeless, which is a mere two blocks away from the Bridge.

During the week, his flock eats breakfast and lunch there, and in his words, “I’m a pastor who gets to hang out with his congregation for two meals every day. Struggles, successes, heartaches, bad moods, good moods, weak moments, embarrassing moments, proud moments, fights, apologies, hugs, bad words, good words; I get it all.”

He became a pastor through an unorthodox way (culturally speaking), and he is quick to say, there’s no manual for this kind of pastorate. But he does say, he just might write that manual someday.

Not long ago, a mother came into his office at the Friendship Center with five children and turned to leave them—to abandon them, saying she could no longer provide for their needs. She sat the baby on the floor while the others watched her in confusion.

On another day, a father walked in the front door with his 11-year-old daughter who was six months pregnant by a 12-yearold boy.

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Another time, a man stumbled into the office wailing and reeking of alcohol. He learned that his estranged mother had passed away that morning, and he was a cutter and many of the hundreds of scars on his arms were reopened and seeping blood onto the white tile.

Pastor Cody knows that hope is in short supply downtown, and that the needs are great.

“I find many days overwhelming. Myself, my staff and volunteers, we feel very privileged to serve on the front line of the spiritual battle for the soul of our city, but desperately need the prayers of our brothers and sisters.”

He is quick to say that the grace of God is very much at work in lives, thus he rejoices and is compelled to share the gospel at every turn.

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“God is not after our comfort and revival often happens in jail, or on the street, or under a bridge. And since God is after our joy, we can rejoice where we are.”

Pastor Cody aims for others to know the joy in loving and living for Christ, but he also wants people to look and see a picture of Christ in us.

“God draws us to a walk, and puts us where we are needed.

When I look at a map of Paul’s travels in the Bible, I see God’s finger on his journey. Besides, outside of Christ there is no joyful living. So, I must ask, are we demonstrating the gospel?”

Since the epistles were written for the believers, and the gospels are for the unbelievers, he encourages people to spend time in the gospel of John if you’re not a believer.

“I know that God can remove a heart of stone, and when we surrender our lives to Christ, we then throw away our rights and start serving him. Serving is not just a love for heaven, it’s a love for God.” He often says we should love God with your whole heart, soul, mind and strength, and that we can only love because God first loved us.

“God’s favorable gaze rests on us, and his grace enables us to love God. For His eyes run to and fro, looking for us. He calls us from death to life.”

As a pastor, he wants others to pray they are put somewhere NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

where they can be useful to the King, to a place where joy in Christ is their driving force in their walk and that God who began a good work in them, will complete it.

“I had no idea I would end up here, not a clue. But now that I look back, I can see God’s strong right arm guiding the pattern of my life which led me to where I am today. The glory of God is my only desire.”

“Christ came as the lover of the poor, the broken, the addict, the prostitute, and even the one who just can’t get it right. And when people light up with joy after realizing this, and as they find that God’s kingdom is upside down and down to earth, that Jesus moved into our neighborhood to hang out with the worst of us, and when I see their joy, that’s my motivation. Also, when people come to treasure Christ they become hometown missionaries, leading to more worship.”

If you were to trace the path of Pastor Cody, you will see God guiding him, and his message hasn’t changed, as he is focused on 1 Corinthians 15: 1-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures.”

Pastor Cody resides in Atlanta, TX, is married to Jill, who is an educator at Atlanta ISD, and they have three children. To learn more about the ministry, find us on Facebook: Church Under The Bridge Texarkana.

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A well kept secret

by RACHEL WOODS

W

hat some might call a well-kept secret. Brother Dale Perkins of First Baptist Church, Atlanta attributes it all to the blessings of God. For 22 years First Praise Choir has been led by Perkins, and it has come with many rare opportunities for musical entertainment in Northeast Texas.

“We’re a Blessed Church and it’s been a fun time here.” Dale Perkins explains.

“I have to say it’s the favor of God that’s put us in this position. It’s nothing I’ve done. It’s just the blessing of God and the privilege of knowing people such as David Clydesdale who has written for The Royal Philharmonic Symphony of London, and for him to come to Atlanta, Tx, and to direct our choir and orchestra, that just doesn’t happen.” Said Perkins, In addition to Clydesdale, notable names to visit and perform at FBC Atlanta are Gordon Mote, Bonnie Kirchoff who has choreographed numerous Miss America Pageants, Randy and Bill Brooks of the Brooks Brothers, Alan Asbury who is famous for ‘Somebody’s praying me through’. They’ve also hosted

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Photos by RANDY GRISSOM

the late Willa Dorsey who sang for Billy Graham Crusades.

The musical scape is different for First Baptist. As many church congregations focus on reaching the younger generations, many churches have moved away from having a congregational choir and towards having praise bands.

“I spoke with two ministers of music who are in rather large churches and neither of them have a choir program. They have a praise team of 6 or 8 singers, a couple of guitars, but they don’t have the large choirs. It’s unfortunate because we have people in the congregation who have a wonderful gift and no outlet. This is my calling, I have always been a choral person and I’ve always enjoyed working with choirs.” Said Bro. Dale.

“Our church has been blessed to have what is now called Kids music and Fine Arts program. Our youth choir, One Accord Ensemble, First Praise Choir, Master’s Men, and Praise Team, and Lee Etta Srygly just started the hand bell program again. So, you know, we’ve just been blessed to have a lot of different opportunities for people to express themselves musically.”

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Memory Care Matters Jefferson’s Premier Memory Care Community

A Dickens Christmas This year, FBC Atlanta has the opportunity to perform ‘A Dickens Christmas’, directed by Mike Meece “Mike turned down 2 or 3 major production this year to be with us because our family goes back, he’s a very close friend much like a brother. He started doing programs with my daddy at Mobberly.”

Said Perkins.

“He [Mike Meece] told me ‘This year I just felt like it was Gods will to work with the Perkins’ family. ” Bro. Dale expanded.

‘A Dickins Christmas’ will be performed on Dec. 9 and 10 at 6:30 p.m. both nights. There is no ticket required to attend, however seating is on a first come first serve basis.

When asked to explain the premise behind ‘A Dickens Christmas’, Bro. Dale beamed with joy.

“Well, It is so different and that’s one of the things I’m so excited about. Mike Meece, who directed ‘The Promise’ and ‘His Life’, will not only direct, but will also be the main star in this one. He is Dickens.” Said Bro. Dale. “It just has a different twist, and so many different layers of acting, where in the past it was either all biblical or all contemporary. This one is Christmas past present and future, and there will be something for everyone.”

Mike Meece praised the uniqness of the upcoming production.

“It’s extremely entertaining for a church production. Meaning there is a lot of humor. But in my years of doing this particular production I have found that it is a unique combination that is extremely funny and extremally inspiring, which is rare.” said Mike Meece.

‘A Dickens Christmas’ is not only driven by a professional director, or actor. The show will also display professional costuming designed

by Amy Harris.

“She’s just another person that God has blessed us with. You can’t buy the talent.” Said Bro. Dale.

The program doesn’t just star Mike Meece. Attendees will see some familiar faces from the community performing such as Craig Hale, Frank Allday, Tina Kennedy, Jaxon Griggs, and Bo Price just to name a few.

“I think one of the things I’m excited about too is that it will utilize many of the different groups we have in our church as well and are utilizing local people to do most of the acting parts. I’m excited because it’s fun to bring something to our community that many people in our community might not ever have the opportunity to go outside our area and see.” Said Bro. Dale.

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Industrial Technology Training Center helps workforce, industry adjust to changing times Story and photos by JOHN DILMORE

Be nimble. Be responsive.

It’s a mantra business and industry leaders across northeast Texas have learned to take to heart in recent years as a result of changes in the local employment landscape. Those changes have, at times, left workers in need of new skills, and employers in need of a better-trained workforce.

In Mount Pleasant, beginning around 2010, three local entities — the Mount Pleasant Economic Development Corporation, Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC) and Mount Pleasant ISD — began combining their talents and energies to address this.

In the years since, their efforts have coalesced at the NTCC Industrial Technology Training Center, off Lakewood Drive in Mount Pleasant, which serves a core area of Titus, Camp and Morris Counties as well as communities far and wide throughout the region.

High school students train there, in many cases receiving dual college credit. And adult students train and re-train there, improving their own prospects and better serving the changing needs of their employers.

“The high school classes are a little more structured,” said Charles

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Charles Smith, Mount Pleasant EDC director; Dr. Kevin Rose, NTCC Associate Vice President of Workforce Development; and Tim Davis, primary instructor in the MPISD electrical program.

Smith, Mount Pleasant EDC director. “They come over in buses from the high school. The adult classes are self-paced — they can take the training at home on their own computer. They can come here and do it. When they do lab work, that has to be done here.”

It’s all about providing opportunities that create a higher-skilled workforce in this part of the state.

“We’re getting better use out of scarce resources,” Smith said.

“That’s part of the plan. How can we do that? The three entities meet two to three times per year to talk about our resources and where they are — where they’re tight, bottlenecks, etc. And, where we’re going next.”

According to Dr. Kevin Rose, NTCC Associate Vice President of Workforce Development, the system devised for running the NTCC Industrial Technology Training Center lends itself to a regional guiding principal.

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“We have a very strong advisory board here that is made up of area business and industry,” Rose said.

When feedback from that board indicated that workers with Computer Numerical Controls (CNC) and robotics skills were needed here, those two disciplines were added at the center, bringing the total number of industrial technology credentials offered to five.

“Both of those (CNC and robotics) are driven by industry,” Rose emphasized.

Standing recently next to a bright yellow robotic arm in one of the center’s classrooms, NTCC Instructor of Industrial Technology Kevin Frost said the robotics training is on track for early next year.

“The classes have all been developed and approved,” Frost said.

He’ll receive training himself in Houston in December, and instruction at the center can begin in the spring.

He and fellow instructor Andres Ruiz also demonstrated some of the intricate work CNC students undertake as part of the credential’s curriculum. All the devices used for instruction are actual real-world machines.

The NTCC Industrial Technology Training Center sees hundreds of students — high school students and adult learners — make use of its space and machines each week. MPISD teaches 11 courses, including electrical and pre-engineering, at the facility, which is located in converted warehouse space.

Adult learners take electrical courses in the evening or participate in the more self-paced industrial technology offerings.

The classroom where MPISD Skills USA students receive instruction is hung with banners and strewn with trophies. Tim Davis, pri-

Gene Warrick 1972

Gene & Madeline Warrick

NTCC Instructor of Industrial Technology Kevin Frost demonstrates a robotic arm in one of the NTCC Industrial Technology Training Center’s classrooms.

mary instructor in the MPISD electrical program, said, “We’re very competitive.” Kids in the electrical program participate in regional, state and national Skills USA competitions. Skills USA programs support career and technical education efforts in classrooms nationwide.

All efforts at the NTCC Industrial Technology Training Center are focused on a single goal — creating and maintaining a more skilled workforce, which was the idea behind creation of the center.

Representatives of the EDC, MPISD and NTCC got together and concluded that while they might not be able to achieve that goal individually, together there was opportunity. That’s meant being nimble and responsive.

“That’s where we need to be,” Rose said.

The Pittsburg Hot Link has been a mainstay for the Pittsburg community and surrounding areas since 1897. This small juicy link is available at Pittsburg Hot Link Restaurant which is owned and operated by the Gene Warrick Family.

Gene and Madeline Warrick began their link to service in 1959.

The restaurant also serves burgers and fries and a variety of plates and is located at 136 West Marshall Street, Pittsburg, Texas. Call in orders at 903856-5765. Please visit the website at pittsburghotlink.com for information and to place your mail order.

Madeline Warrick serving “Red” Jones, a loyal customer

136 W. Marshall St. • Pittsburg

903-856-5765

Hot Links PittsburgHotlink.com NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Mon, Tues, Wed: 8am - 6 pm Thurs, Fri, Sat: 8am - 9pm Beginning November 5th Open Sundays 11-2pm for lunch FALL 2017

19

y e l l ‘oA n ird ’ Th Photos by CARLY SCOTT

... drawing people to downtown Mount Pleasant

W

by JOHN DILMORE

hen the City of Mount Pleasant, riding a wave of downtown revitalization, decided to reclaim a simple alleyway off Third Street, few could have imagined the transformative impact on the heart of the town.

The alley that now serves as a popular gathering spot downtown and hosts its own regular concert series was once largely unnoticed, somewhat neglected. It was a storage area for trash bins and an opening for fire exits — little more.

But city officials and members of the public, already focused on improvements to the downtown area, zeroed in on the area’s untapped potential, and the role it could play in bringing people to the heart of the city for recreation and relaxation.

The end result recently earned the city an award from the Texas Municipal League for the Alley on Third project. A contingent from Mount Pleasant traveled to Houston in October to accept the Community Spirit Award for cities with populations under 25,000.

It was a feather in the cap of the private and public

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partners who’ve come together to breath new life into the city’s center. The efforts began after concerns raised by some that new traffic routes could have a negative impact on downtown. Improvements in the years since have included brick crosswalks, refurbished sidewalks, signage and landscaping.

And recently, a new decorative touch was added. After the city placed a notice on Facebook seeking local artists to design and paint a mural at the Alley on Third, local artist David Freeman collaborated with the Mount Pleasant High School Art Department to create the design and color scheme. The artists volunteered their time on weekends and afternoons to get the project completed by Oct .13, the date of the final concert of the season.

Overall, the downtown focus has drawn new commercial interests, as well as dining and residential projects, to the area.

And perhaps most importantly, all that effort has kept the people of Mount Pleasant engaged with their downtown, giving Mount Pleasant what most cities want — a heart of the city that’s just that.

NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

The great outdoor

by TIM EMMONS

Courtesy photos

T

he earliest schools in America date back to the early 1600s.

Schools and curriculum have come a long way since that time. Simple writing and arithmetic has blossomed into essay competitions and advanced forms of math like calculus and number theory.

Other than some sports programs like baseball and football schooling has been taught inside a building mainly until an idea of having vocational agriculture courses came into play.

This movement to include agriculture courses paved the way for young students to take part in the great outdoor learning experience.

In 1917 the Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act (both Smith and Hughes were Georgia Congressmen) established vocational agriculture courses.

In 1925 the Virginia Tech agricultural education teachers organized the Future Farmers of Virginia for boys in agriculture classes.

The Future Farmers of Virginia would later serve as the model for the Future Farmers of America.

The National FFA Organization, originally called the Future Farmers of America, was founded in 1928 as a national organization for boys in rural, farming communities.

Its original purpose, the education of youth in agricultural fields of study, is still recognized through its current programs.

Today, the mission of the National FFA Organization is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

Through educational programs the FFA teaches students how to

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become active in their communities and successful in their occupation.

There’s more to FFA than just farming. FFA classes touch on a broad spectrum of courses such as welding and fabrication, land judging, community involvement, animal showcases and trap shooting.

There are also councils within the school, state and national stages.

Welding can be traced back to 310 AD and is an essential trade to have for those willing to learn.

Land judging is where members of land evaluation teams judge sites based on characteristics of the soil and observations of landscape conditions, then recommend land treatments considering factors such as soil characteristics, vegetative conditions and planned use for the site.

Animal showcases range from showing rabbits and hens to cattle and pigs. Members have an opportunity to auction off the animals they have possibly raised since birth.

The motto of FFA is Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live and Living to Serve. FFA members rise to the challenge of service embracing members of all walks of life united through FFA. Members are challenged to be direct, in-direct or advocate for the community.

Direct approaches would be to serve homeless people food or teach low income families how to garden.

The in-direct approach would be like holding a canned food drive or developing school gardens who will donate their harvests to an organization who will deliver them to home-bound seniors.

Advocating is hosting an Ag day to teach people where their food comes from or working with city councils to change laws to accommodate certain animals within city limits.

Trap shooting has really taken off in Cass County the past few years.

Trap shooting helps with fast hand-eye coordination needed to hit moving targets such as clay birds, which could translate well into the

NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

learning experience

hunting of a moving target in the woods during hunting season.

In trap shooting, the clay birds—bright orange discs about the size of your palm—are launched away from the shooter from a small block house at the center of the field. There are five positions in an arc from one side of the house to the other, and the shooter takes five shots from each position for a total of 25 shots. The shooter does not know in which direction each bird will be launched, and there is a good degree of unpredictability.

All of these things listed can lead to other possibilities in the lifetime of FFA members.

Another class that can be indoor or outdoor that has taken the area by storm recently is bow hunting.

As of now bow hunting is taught at Queen City ISD and Atlanta ISD in Cass County, but is separate from FFA. Bow hunting and bow fishing take an incredible amount of precision and accuracy, but once mastered the hunter becomes a top notch predator.

Just this past school year Queen City ISD adopted the brain child of Queen City High School Principal Mike Dillinger and Texarkana Fire Captain Michael Benson by allowing students at the middle and high school levels to make up a bass fishing team.

When asked how the bass fishing program was received by students and parents, Dillinger had this to say.

“The Queen City Bass Fishing Association has been well received by students, parents, and community members alike. The support for the program has been great. Many community members have made the comment, ‘I wish that there was something like this when I was in school’. The sponsors that choose to support the QC BFA are greatly appreciated.”

Dillinger has also seen a spike in interests concerning the club.

“The participation has steadily increased from 20 students in Febru-

NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

ary to more than 40 students in October,” Dillinger stated. “Each month the QC BFA chooses a lake to fish. There are anywhere from seven to 17 boats with two student anglers per boat fishing in these events.”

“The interest in the QC BFA has continued to grow in the nine months that the organization has been functioning. Any QC ISD student in grades 5-12 is eligible to join the organization. Each student is required to join the Student Angler Federation (SAF),” Dillinger continued. “These students are eligible to fish in any of the local QC BFA events free of charge all year long. These students are also eligible to fish in the SAF Open Tournaments and the SAF Texas State Tournament free of charge. There are several QC BFA students that participate in other various fishing tournaments such as the Weekender High School Fishing Tournaments.”

Dillinger pointed out the benefits taught through QC BFA and what it promotes.

“This is an after school student organization that promotes school pride, sportsmanship, stewardship of the environment, academics and good citizenship,” Dillinger remarked. “We want to teach our students to encourage and help each other in the sport and also in life.

QC BFA is a student organization that will instill the skill of fishing to the youth of Queen City ISD. Fishing is a life-long activity that people can participate in regardless of age or ability.”

Bass fishing, along with hunting and farming, is huge in the state of Texas.

The bass fishing program is very popular. In just the first tournament the school was able to enter, two students brought in enough points to make the national fishing tournament in Alabama.

Outdoor programs such as these teach students about the environment, how to be responsible and independent while outdoors in certain situations and helps teach life lessons one may use for a lifetime.

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T HISTORICAL MUSEUM The Mount Pleasant

One of Titus County’s hidden gems Story and photos by CARLY SCOTT

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he Historical Museum located in the Mount Pleasant Public Library is one of Titus County’s hidden gems.

The museum, which opened in January of 2013, features displays and artifacts highlighting all aspects of Titus County history.

Author and attorney Traylor Russell began collecting local materials in 1969. At that time, the library had just relocated to the old post office building at 213 N. Madison. Since the original collection began in 1969, many families with ties to Titus County have donated memorabilia and family heirlooms.

Russell was a founding partner in the Mount Pleasant-based Russell and Perkins Law Firm.

Russell authored several books: “Pioneers and Heroes of Titus County”, “The Diamond Bessie Murder and the Rothschild Trials”, “From Indian Springs to the River Jordan”, “The History of Titus County, Carpetbaggers, Scalawags and Others”, and more.

Almost every book written

by Russell is based on historical events that occurred in or around Titus County.

The museum features an interactive Civil War tent.

Titus County contributed to Civil War efforts in many ways and visitors can hear the stories from one of the county’s Confederate soldiers, the animatronic Lt. Harrison Barrow.

NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Early Titus County settlers relied on farming and ranching for their everyday needs. By the 1900s working farms and cattle ranches were widespread. Artifacts from the rich history of this era can be found on display.

In 1946 Aubrey Pilgrim bought a feed and seed store in Pittsburg.

After that, the poultry industry flourished. In the 1950s, Aubrey Pilgrim and his brother, Bo Pilgrim, purchased the Hudson Cotton Gin and Hatchery in Mount Pleasant. In 1960, the pair leased their first chicken processing plant.

Today, not only is Pilgrim’s Pride a leading contributor to the Titus County agricultural economy, it is second largest chicken provider in the world.

The poultry industry brought a huge Hispanic population influx to Titus County. Learn about how the boom made Mount Pleasant the hub of a proud Hispanic culture in Northeast Texas.

The railroad was crucial in the development of Mount Pleasant.

Visitors can watch and listen to a video explaining the many different trains that once traveled through town, helping Mount Pleasant grow into the city it is today.

Go back in time when you visit a model of a hand-hewn log cabin, a replica of cabins built by early settlers. The cabin houses a 150-yearold spinning wheel and a chair owned by one N.C. Elder in 1900.

The oldest artifacts in the museum are those from the Caddo Indians, who once roamed Titus County. Visitors can walk inside a Caddo grass hut and hear a Native American tell their firsthand account of life in a Caddo village.

Perhaps the most whimsical artifacts are bottles that once contained water from Town Branch. Multiple chalybeate springs once fed

NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Town Branch. Coloration of the water caused by minerals in the soil gave it a unique look. A man named Jessie Reed bought acres of land on town branch and claimed the water from his “Iridescent Springs” could cure many common ailments.

The museum is open to the public during regular business hours.

The latest entry time is 30 minutes before closing. An adult must accompany children under the age of 13.

Group tours of the museum may be scheduled by calling in advance. Call the Mount Pleasant Library at 903-575-4180 to schedule your tour today.

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25

A Special Friday Night Rivals come together for special moment Story and photos by TONI WALKER

F

all in East Texas means football.

Friday nights in any given East Texas town will find the majority of residents either at the local high school football stadium, or on their way to nearby stadium for gridiron action. Boys dream of one day putting on their hometown jersey and playing ball under the Friday night lights. Rivalry games make those dreams that much sweeter.

Depending circumstances, such as distance between the schools, years, they have played, or domination by one team or the other, rivalry games can mean so much more than just a win or loss. Winning a game against a rival can mean bragging rights, or it can be the pivotal turn in a season full of expectations. Rival games mean more to players, as well. Winning, or losing, a game to a rival team can give players enough drive to continue their winning ways, or be a light in an otherwise dark and dismal season of frustration. Losing a rival game can be seen the same way.

One hot, humid night in August, two rivals took the field. What happened next was no less than honorable, and will be a strong memory of those in attendance, both on and off the field, for what happened at the opening kickoff of the “Battle of Highway 11.”

Separated by less than ten miles, the Daingerfield – Hughes Springs rivalry is one that holds special meaning. Though the game was not played for several years, in the past two years, Hughes Springs has notched two wins that had been dominated by 26

FALL 2017

Daingerfield in the past. However, on Aug. 31, the rivalry took on a whole new meaning as the teams came together for one special student.

Seventeen year old Justin Myrick is a senior at Hughes Springs High School. Justin was injured by a horse when he was four years old. Justin’s mother, Betty recalls the difficulties of not knowing the extent of Justin’s injuries until he was in second grade.

“His dad and I were truck drivers, so we moved around a lot,” says Myrick.

“We moved to Weatherford when he (Justin) was in second grade. That is

NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

when they did testing and found the extent of his disability.”

When Justin was in seventh grade, they settled in Hughes Springs, where many students stepped in to help mentor Justin and help make him feel a part.

“Dylan Moore, Austin Calcote, and Hayden Smith all became mentors for Justin,” says Myrick, adding “not because they were told to, but simply because they were good kids.”

According to Myrick, Moore and Smith would help encourage Justin to finish the work he needed to get done. They would also take him to movies and include him in other activities.

Noticing that Justin wanted to be included, Myrick went to the school and asked what could be done to that end. Realizing most of Justin’s friends were involved in sports, Myrick went to Athletic Director and Head Coach Chris Edwards. During Justin’s freshman and sophomore years, it was suggested that he run a flag at home games. Each time the Mustangs would score during a home game, Justin would run the flag from one end of the field to the other.

During his junior year, Coach Edwards made Justin the varsity team’s equipment manager. Then, for Justin’s senior year, Coach Edwards began planning something special.

When asked about Justin, Coach Edwards said, “Double J is one of those kids that brightens your day every day. His attitude is contagious. His smile lights up any room. He loves sports and I just wanted to give him an opportunity that he has always wanted.”

According to Myrick, it was after last season that Edwards approached her about doing a special for Justin, for him to be able to actually play.

“Justin has always supported his friends and his team. From carrying the flag after scores, to chasing after foul balls during baseball, Justin has always been on the sideline, cheering his team on,” said Myrick. “Coach asked me if I would be ok with it if he could work it out for Justin to have a special play that he would get to run one time. Of course, I said yes.”

Myrick explained the stipulations of the play: it would have to occur at a Hughes Springs home game, and the opposing team would have to be on board with it, as Justin could not be hit.

“Everyone on the field has to know and be involved, because if he were to get hit and have another head injury, there is no telling what could happen,” said Myrick.

Coach Edwards approached the Mustang’s first opponent for 2017- the Daingerfield Tigers. When asked if he would be ok with allowing Justin’s special play to occur at the beginning of their season opening matchup, Athletic Director Coach mike Waldie agreed.

“I want everyone to know that Daingerfield was just as big a part of this,” said Coach Edwards, “They had to be willing to step up and agree to this. This is bigger than just football. This is about life, and coming together for a special kid. A big thank you to Coach Waldie for helping make this happen.”

As game day rolled around, Justin’s special day began with helping welcome elementary students to school, and continued with being given one of the spirit sticks by the Hughes Springs Varsity cheerleaders. As game time closed in, Justin could be found on the field, in uniform for the first time ever, warming up with “his team.” His senior teammates gave him the opportunity to carry the senior hammer onto the field as he led the team onto the field prior to kickoff.

Following the Tigers’ opening kickoff, Justin took the field to chants of “Dou-ble J, Dou-ble J” as fans of all ages waited for his moment to shine. The 6’9” senior took the handoff, rumbling over 30 yards for the touchdown.

Although Justin’s play took no time off of the clock and had no effect on the outcome of the game, the effects it had on those present will last a long time.

“I want everyone to know how much I appreciate the school making this happen for Justin,” said Myrick. “And it was not only Hughes Springs. People in Daingerfield do not know Justin, yet they were willing to take time out of their rival game to make sure Justin had his opportunity to play football. It just means so much that the two communities will come together to make this happen for someone who otherwise would not have the opportunity.”

As for Justin, he couldn’t have been happier running up and down the fence following his play. He was giving high fives and signing autographs.

Justin summed up his play in three words- “It was awesome.”

And yes, it was awesome to see two rival teams take a few minutes out of their game to make such a special moment happen for a special young man. It also showed that even rivals can come together for the greater good.

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27

NEVER FORGOTTEN The Story of Oren Atchley

by HEATHER RUSSELL

7744

That is the number of American servicemen who were never recovered from the Korean War. Seven thousand seven hundred and forty four mothers never knew the fates of their sons. Thousands of wives, children, brothers, and sisters continued to live their lives without so much as a clue to where their loved one might be. Whether they were alive in a POW camp, or if their remains were entombed on some icy Korean mountain.

This is the story of a Northeast Texas man who dedicated his life to serving his country, and as a result became one of the 7,744 who never returned to American soil. It is the story of a son, a brother, a war hero, a devoted husband, and a doting father who left one day and never returned.

Oren Calvin Atchley was born November 3, 1911 in Malta, Texas, the oldest of six children born to Irvin and Ruby Atchley. His parents, like

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most in that day, were farmers. They lived off what they grew and raised, and did odd jobs in the winter to make ends meet. Oren was schooled in Malta through 8th grade ,and went on to DeKalb for high school. After high school, he moved to Commerce, took a job at a filling station, and worked his way through college, earning his teacher’s degree. It was during his time in Commerce that he met the love of his live, Linnie Robinson. And it is through his correspondence with his girlfriend (and then wife) that the true story of Oren Atchley is told. His letters to her read like a novel. She must have kept nearly every one he ever wrote to her through the course of their courtship, then marriage, and two wars. They also both kept diaries, and all of this has been collected and recorded at Texas A&M Commerce and can be seen on the TAMU - Commerce website.

After college, Oren and Linnie married. They were both teachers. Oren worked as a teacher and a coach at Spring Hill, where he coached six-man

NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

football, and at James Bowie, where, according to his brother Max Atchley, was the only coach to defeat both New Boston and DeKalb in the same year.

Oren also joined the 111th Medical Battalion, 36th Infantry Division of the Texas National Guard in DeKalb, Texas. His unit was called up in 1941, as the United States was entering World War II. At the time, Oren’s rank was 1st Lieutenant. Atchley’s unit shipped out in April of 1944, and after amphibious training on the northern coast of Africa, landed at Naples, Italy in June of 1944.

His division fought their way north through Italy, cracking the Gothic Line.

During this time, Atchley saw heavy fighting. Assigned to the 316th Medical Battalion, Atchley and his comrades were responsible for moving thousands of wounded troops from the front lines over slippery, narrow mountain paths and out to clearing stations where they could be triaged and shipped out or sent back to battle. He came home in 1945 a decorated war hero, earning the Pre-Pearl Harbor Ribbon, the European Ribbon with three battle stars, the Occupation Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon, and the Word War II Victory Ribbon. At this point, Atchley decided to make the Army his career.

Once home from World War II, Atchley settled in to Army life, and became the father of two girls, Jacque and Harriet, who were his world. Written communication between he and his beloved wife Linnie became sparse, as they were finally united as a family. Atchley transferred overseas to Japan to oversee a hospital there, and moved his little family with him. They were planning a happy and prosperous future when the Korean War broke out.

The Korean war is sometimes referred to as the “forgotten” war, though our soldiers endured some of the most horrible fighting conditions ever known to American troops, with temperatures dipping sometimes to near forty degrees below zero. Atchley first made landfall in Korea in September of 1950. He saw a little action in South Korea, then spent the several weeks back on a ship moving north, preparing for the push through North Korea to the Yalu River.

When his unit made landfall just north of Wonsan in late October, Atchley was eager to do his part for the war effort, and excited at the prospect of

NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

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29

promoting to Lieutenant Colonel. He wrote Linnie frequently, telling what he could of his daily activities, and always sending his love to her and the girls. He made arrangements for Linnie to move herself and the girls from Japan back to Commerce - perhaps he had a premonition of what was to come.

As American troops pushed through the mountains north to the Yalu River, Atchley’s responsibilities were massive. He again was responsible for moving wounded troops from the front line to clearing stations, and as a Major, was solely responsible for three clearing stations. His youngest brother Jimmy Atchley, who also served during the Korean War, describes the conditions as horrendous. “The elevation was somewhere close to nine thousand feet and this was in the dead of winter,” said Jimmy. “I’m here to tell you in those mountains, with nothing but the minimum roads, no signs in English, it was very difficult.”

On November 24, 1950, Major Atchley led a party of six medical personnel to search for an ambulance carrying seven patients that had not arrived at its destination. The missing ambulance turned up a couple of days later.

Atchley and his party did not.

There is a written account of a survivor in Atchley’s party. Sergeant Robert L. Kemble was eventually recovered by American troops, after a harrowing journey through hostile territory. In his statement, Kemble says that the party took a wrong turn, became surrounded by enemy soldiers, and were forced to abandon their vehicles. They continued on foot, with Atchley in the lead, encountering frequent gunfire. During one of these firefights, Atchley and his driver, Pvt. Leonard Smith, were separated from the rest of the group, and never seen again. Additional troops and search parties were sent to the area to search for the missing soldiers, but the treacherous terrain and heavy enemy presence deterred their efforts. On November 28, 1950 Atchley was classified as missing in action. Ironically enough, the promotion to Lt. Col. that he had so anticipated came through just days later.

The Atchley family was devastated by the news of Oren’s ill fate. Linnie received first word that her husband was missing, then contacted her husband’s younger brothers, Jimmy and Max, who then drove to Legett, Texas, to tell their parents. “You can’t even imagine what we went through on that ride home.…it was awful,” recalls Max. As weeks and then months passed, Linnie wrote letter after letter to every Army contact she had in Korea and stateside for any information concerning Oren’s disappearance. All responded with kind and encouraging words, and hope that Oren was still alive, but no one had anything to add to the information Linnie had already received. She searched photographs of POW camps, hoping to see someone with a resemblance to Oren, to no avail. She did everything she possibly could have done - except give up. Linnie lived the rest of her life, according to brother in law Max, “Hoping she would see Oren again someday.” Oren’s mother Ruby also retained this hope. Max says in her final days, when her mind was not so clear, she still asked for Oren - asked if he had come home yet.

The Army declared Lt. Col. Atchley presumed dead in December of 1953.

For his valor in the Korean War he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart.

It was 66 years and four months from the time that Lt. Col. Atchley became missing in action, until he received his official military burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Over forty family members were in attendance - generations of Atchleys, most of whom never knew Oren. Still they made the trip to Washington D.C. to see Lt. Col. Atchley get a proper military funeral.

Lt. Col. Atchley never returned from “the forgotten war.” Yet his influence continues today. Oren Atchley set the standard and became the inspiration for generations of Atchleys who are highly decorated combat veterans. And the Atchley family is dedicated to making sure that Lt. Col. Oren Calvin Atchley, beloved son, husband, father, brother - is never forgotten.

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hose looking to hold a special event need look no further than Hughes Springs, where The Legacy works to make any event memorable.

The Legacy can be found nestled in the charming town of Hughes Springs. Visitors frequently refer to it as a “Hidden Jewel,” as it’s such an unexpected find in rural Northeast Texas. Located in the former Eubanks and Reeder General Store at First and Ward Streets, which was originally built in 1907, The Legacy was renovated inside and out and completed in 2013. Although the interior is new, it still echoes the original--as seen in photos that hang on the wall as a historical reminder. The exterior was constructed from the

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original brick, which was removed, cleaned, and replaced.

Designed by Hughes Springs City Manager George Fite, the facility boasts 9,000 square feet of traditional “Southern Charm,” and can accommodate over 300 guests.

Beyond the breathtaking first impressions of the Grand Staircase, Impressionist artwork, the Tiffany style chandeliers, and the upstairs mezzanine with its elaborate wrought iron railings, and outdoor wrap-around balcony, The Legacy also boasts a top of the line sound system with wireless microphones, Wi-Fi, and a projector with a full pull down screen for the convenience of its clients. Located upstairs is a charming Bridal Suite with a personal restroom. Clients also have full use of the state of art

Story and photo by LORRIE NOAH

kitchen which includes two double ovens, side by side refrigerator, microwave, and a large moveable granite-topped kitchen island, as well as plenty of countertop workspace.

An important part of the community, The Legacy is proud to host events such as its Annual Spring Art Show, Holiday on First Street, concerts, its monthly “Canvas & Cocktails” painting class, and other celebrations. If you’d like to book the venue for your special event, wedding, or party, or would just like a tour of the facility, contact us or give us a call. We’d love to show you around! Or for further information about the Legacy, call (903) 639-1095 or email us at legacy@hughesspringstxusa.com.

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106 S. Howe St. + Atlanta 903-796-5065 www.apmtx.org FALL 2017

31

De Kalb

Oktoberfest The Treasure is Here

F Photos by TABITHA HOUCHENS

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FALL 2017

by KENNY MITCHELL

or yet another year, the De Kalb OKTOBERFEST Committee and the City of De Kalb Texas hosted their annual fall festival. The two weekend event is held annually on the last Saturday in September and the first Saturday in October. Their theme in 2017, as always, is that visitors would discover “The Treasure is here”!

De Kalb is an old community, with its roots going back to the year of Texas independence, as families began to leave the bottom lands along the two rivers…the Sulphur and the Red…. and settled on the ridge between the two. This land and its people have seen its share of hardship, triumphs and tragedies, and have persevered.

This festival is dedicated to De Kalb…its land, its people, their customs and traditions. De Kalb is just a good place to be and we celebrate it!!

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Organizers say, “We have long been known as the “friendly city”. We strive to live up to that adage. Mr. Clarence Allman (1898 – 1966) was born and raised here in De Kalb. In 1942, he found himself living in Texarkana. Homesick for his hometown, he put his thoughts to paper…

“I’ve always loved this little town With its friendly faces all around; The place I spent my boyhood days, And the memories with me always stayed; De Kalb is just a little town, With the biggest hearts, I’ve ever found; People here take the time to speak; When they meet you on the streets; Most big cities that I know; They are always rushing where they go; All of this may be o.k.,

But for me, that’s not my way; When sadness comes into your door, It makes no difference, rich or poor; Their kindly deeds and hearts of love Should be a payment of their home above; Yes, De Kalb has been surely blessed, We can make it better if we will, How could there be a better way.

Than some kind deed every day Just to anyone you may choose, I’m sure there is nothing you can lose.”

As you will see in the pictures, De Kalb’s OKTOBERFEST, is a perfect example of everything small town life should be and a testimony to Allman’s words.

This is what his generation and those before, wished for the folks in De Kalb, as those living there today wish De Kalb to be for those to come.

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33

Meriwether:

Enjoying life, focusing on what’s important

by JOHN DILMORE

A

s a longtime family physician and the mayor of Mount Pleasant, Dr. Paul Meriwether has gotten to know the city and its people well over the years.

Having served 20 years on the city council from 1991 to 2011 — then as mayor since then — Meriwether has had input in just about every action undertaken by local government over a span approaching three decades. Few know the city better.

And, after having served in family practice here since 1984, he’s gotten to know generations of Mount Pleasant residents as his patients and friends.

Many of those patients and friends know well the story of Meriwether’s recent health scare, one he’s still recovering from. After triple bypass surgery in the summer, he describes himself as still getting back to “full speed.”

But he was fortunate. Thanks to a new test being offered at the local hospital, his health was saved.

“The hospital did something called a calcium scoring, a screening

PHOTO: John Dilmore Mount Pleasant Mayor Dr. Paul Meriwether in the city council chambers at city hall. test for heart disease,” Meriwether said. “Using a CAT scan they can look at the arteries around the heart. If there’s a cholesterol deposit, there’s calcium there. They can pick that up and determine how much calcium there is. If you have a clean, healthy heart it’s zero, and the more you have the higher the number.”

All the local doctors were given a coupon for a calcium scoring, to have the test performed on themselves. Meriwether, who had been feeling fit, eventually went in — and what he learned led him, eventually, to an operating table.

“A normal test is zero, between zero and 200 is mild — 200 to 400 is moderate,” he said. “Above 400 is severe. Mine came back 800, even

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though my cholesterol was normal, blood pressure was normal — but, I had a family history of heart disease.”

More tests showed Meriwether had blockages of 95, 80 and 60 percent, leading to the triple bypass.

“I was out of the office for seven weeks, and I’m not still not back to full activity yet,” Meriwether said. “It kind of changed things. It made me say, ‘Okay, I need to slow down, enjoy life, do what’s important.”

Since Meriwether’s scare, at least some of those around him have gotten the message.

“I know since mine was done, a lot of people have gone out and gotten that test,” he said. “They’ve picked up quite a few people that had no clue, like me, that we had heart disease.”

Seeing the local doctor and mayor ill no doubt had a sobering effect.

He’s been an integral part of the local landscape for as long as many local residents can remember. After all, Mount Pleasant is Meriwether’s hometown.

“I grew up here,” he said. “My family moved here when I was in second grade. I went to E.C. Brice — It was called South Ward at the time — P.E. Wallace and Mount Pleasant High School.”

He attended the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, and spent a month back here during both medical school and his residency. His parents were still here, and a move back seemed natural.

“In July of 1984, my wife (Becky) and I moved to Mount Pleasant and joined Dr. Troyce Williams in family practice... We’ve been here ever since.” He and Becky have four children.

Meriwether didn’t get into local politics because of any specific issue — rather, he was talked into seeking a seat on the city council when, in 1991, a spot freed up.

“In 1991, Jerry Boatner, who had been mayor — city council and mayor for a while — retired from being mayor. Jim Blanchard became

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mayor, and when he was elected mayor his spot (on the council) came open. Several people in town talked me into running for that city council spot.”

Meriwether served on the council for two decades. During that time, Boatman returned as mayor, then after serving 14 years, retired again.

And again, Meriwether was talked into seeking an office, this time the city’s most visible.

Some of the municipal successes during his tenure as mayor include a new water plant, new water and sewer lines, street repaving, growth of the parks system and completion of the loop. The city has experienced growth and prosperity while he’s been in office.

Extensive downtown redevelopment is also something he points to as a highlight.

“The city staff … really put an emphasis on reviving downtown,” Meriwether said. “We’ve really done a good job revitalizing downtown to make it a focal point and a place people want to go visit. That takes a community effort. That’s not something the city did on its own. It takes the business owners and chamber and everybody working together.”

As far as his medical career, it doesn’t take long for him to zero in on what’s meant the most.

“The biggest thing is I’ve been able to provide a full scope of care to a lot of people I grew up knowing,” he said. “To me, that’s more enjoyable — taking care of people I’ve known most of my life, or maybe even all of their life … and the development of relationships with those patients over the years, in good times and bad times.

“It’s always nice to give people good news, but it’s really hard to give good friends bad news.”

Thanks to the results of a simple test, Mount Pleasant continues to get good news on two fronts. Meriwether is still the mayor. And the doctor — though he isn’t seeing as many patients as he used to — is in.

FALL 2017

35

History comes alive at Texarkana’s

by HEATHER RUSSELL ver wondered what it would be like to stroll through downtown Texarkana, circa 1890? Wonder no more. Texarkana’s Old Time Museum, located on 202 E. Broad above the Lindsay Railroad Museum in downtown Texarkana will take you back in time over a century, in a walk down Broad Street with replicas of Texarkana’s premier businesses and establishments, including ladies and men’s dress shops, a hardware store, a bank, meat market, livery, furniture store, saloon and more.

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WHATLEY

In an hour-long guided tour, you will learn the history of Texarkana and the businesses and people who built Texarkana - from Texarkana’s first professional photographer Josh Whealdon to saloon owner Michael Cassidy, all while viewing replicas of their businesses, complete with memorabilia from the time period. See ladies hats, dresses and shoes at O’Dwyer and Aherns Ladies Shop and antique meat scales at Nick Braumiller Meat Market, along with other goods that you might find in Texarkana businesses in and around 1890.

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2017-2018 Season 2017 Events

• Dec. 11, The Celtic Tenors Christmas

2018 Events • Jan. 21, Wiley College A Cappella Choir • Feb. 9, Travis LeDoyt (as Elvis) • Feb. 18, Dr. Ron Clinton, Piano • March 23, Lee Greenwood • April 9, The Bellamy Brothers • April 15, Dr. Andrew Daniel, Guitar

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The photography studio holds vintage inspired backdrops where visitors can take photos of themselves, and sounds from a typical bustling downtown area - wagons, church bells, livestock - can be heard throughout the tour. Each of the eleven shops boasts a wall of local vintage photos from Dr. Rowe’s personal collections, and made in to wall art by D Wraps of Texarkana.

The museum is the product of the hard work and vision of Dr. Beverly Rowe, Professor of History at Texarkana College, and avid Texarkana historian. Dr. Rowe’s inspiration for Old Town came from a similar exhibit in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She toured the Michigan museum on a trip with the Texarkana Historic Commission and says she fell in love with it. “We hadn’t decided yet what we were going to do with the second story of the building, but once I saw that, I knew what I wanted to do.”

Three years, and lots of blood, sweat and tears later, Texarkana’s Old Town Museum was born. The museum has been partially funded by the A&P Commission, along with funding from Dr. Rowe herself and private donations. Much of the memorabilia and photographs are from local private collections. Along with the other construction required for the project, contractor Larry White constructed tables, chairs, and a bar reminiscent of the dark, heavy woods used during the time period for the saloon.

The result is a display that will truly take you back to the 1890’s.

“This is the historic heart of Texarkana,” said Dr. Rowe. “I think museums, restaurants, and boutique shops are the direction that downtown Texarkana is headed, and Texarkana Old Town Museum is a stepping-stone to get us where we need to go.”

The Texarkana Old Town Saloon is also available for private functions. Seating thirty, it also boasts a projector, and all equipment necessary for presentations and refreshments.

Dr. Rowe, assisted by Brandy Aaron, conducts tours every Friday at 7 p.m., and on Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The tour is approximately an hour long, including refreshments in the saloon upon completion of the tour. Admission is $10 for the Old Town Exhibit, and the downstairs Lindsay Railroad Museum is free to the public. Reservations are preferred, and can be secured by calling 903-748-1235 or visiting their Facebook page at www. facebook.com/texarkanasoldtown.

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FALL 2017

37

Photos by JOANNA DUNCAN

FROM CASS COUNTY

Since Henry Ford introduced the low-priced Model T in 1908, Americans have been enamored with the open road.

Originally, drivers traveled simply for utilitarian reasons, but as safer automobiles were developed and roads were more than ruts, motorists began to enjoy the journey. Soon Americans acquired a taste for “Sunday drives” and sightseeing became a passion.

Throughout the twentieth century, American tourists were more concerned with haste and took to the rails and air more frequently, but never forgot the love of the leisurely automobile trip.

TEXARKANA, USA (Via TX Highway 59) Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House 215 Pine St., Texarkana, TX 75501 On the National Register of Historic Places and a Texas Historical Landmark. This 1885 Victorian home is a built in the shape of a club. Featured on HGTV and “Bob Villa’s Guide to Historic Homes.”

Tuesday through Saturday, Adults $5 Perot Theatre 321 W 4th St, Texarkana, TX 75501 Built in 1924, restored in the late 1970s, thanks to a grant from the H. Ross Perot family, the 3-story building includes Grecian architecture, ornate paintings and gold leaf trim. Shows include Broadway tours, Texarkana Symphony Orchestra and local theatrical performances.

P. J. Ahern Home 403 Laurel St., Texarkana, TX 71101 Designed in the Classical Revival style, this beautifully restored home from 1918 is on the National Register of Historic Places. Features original chandeliers, six fireplaces each with a unique tile design and the never painted woodwork throughout.

Tuesday through Saturday, Adults $5

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However, as interstate highways were more crowded and airplanes more expensive, we have rediscovered the pleasures of the relaxed trip on a back road to just “enjoy the ride.”

This is a broad view of trips you can take from Cass County at an unhurried pace. Each of these adventures is no more than one hour in driving time, but you may discover you want to linger once you reach your destination. Some are highly commercial and some are little gems off the beaten path.

Don’t be in such a hurry to get there. Enjoy the view, see what you can learn on the route and have a delightful outing.

State Line Post Office and Federal Building 500 State Line Ave., Texarkana, USA It is the only U.S. post office situated in two states: Texarkana is in Miller County, Ark., and Bowie County, Texas. You can stand in both states at once.

In fact, it is said to be the most photographed courthouse in the country after the Supreme Court Building in Washington D.C.

JEFFERSON, TEXAS 75657 (Via TX Highway 59) Excelsior House Hotel 211 W. Austin Street, Jefferson, TX 75657 In continuous service since the late 1850s, many famous guests Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, Oscar Wilde, Rutherford B. Hayes and Lady Bird Johnson visited it. Their signatures are prominent in the lobby. The elegant dining room offers the “world famous” Orange Blossom Muffins, which are served at breakfast on weekends.

Room reservation required, daily tours Jay Gould’s Private Rail Car Across W. Austin Street from the Excelsior Hotel, Jefferson, TX 75657 Jason “Jay” Gould was a leading American railroad developer. His private

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parlor car “The Atalanta” is on display with four staterooms, a lounge, a dining room, a kitchen, a butler’s pantry and a ballroom. Legend has it that since residents would not allow Gould’s railroad tracks to run through Jefferson, he threatened, “Grass will grow in your streets.” And yet his splendid railroad car is in Jefferson today.

Jefferson Historical Museum 223 W. Austin Street, Jefferson, TX 75657 The museum houses Victorian porcelains, china, silver, crockery, fashion accessories, period furnishing and dolls, art gallery, antique guns display and Caddo Indian artifacts, as well as many historical pieces from Jefferson’s history.

Open year round, Adults $7 The House of the Seasons 409 S Alley St, Jefferson, TX 75657 Built in 1872, when Jefferson was the largest inland port in Texas. It is a beautifully restored example of the transition period between the Greek Revival and Victorian styles, including a cupola and murals inside the dome.

Room reservation required, daily tours $10 Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone with the Wind Museum 408 Taylor Street, Jefferson, TX 75657 The museum focuses the novel written by Margaret Mitchell and the 1939 film. There are movie posters, stills, magazines, books, dolls, costume reproductions and other collectibles. Also on display are autographs of many of the film’s major stars.

Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Adults $3, children $1

OUTSIDE JEFFERSON Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery, LLC 871 Ferguson Rd, Harleton, TX 75651 Founded in 2004, the winery sits on 90 acres of rolling hills. The owner is a fifth generation grower from South Africa. The vineyard has accumulated more than 110 medals, the majority to the signature white wine, Blanc DuBois. The restaurant in the lodge is open Friday and Saturday. Winery and tasting room open Tuesday through Sunday T. C. Lindsey & Co. General Store Farm-to-Market Road 134, Jonesville, TX 75659 Founded in 1847, it is part store, part museum. Buy red waxed “rat trap” cheese, saltines from a barrel, local honey, handmade bonnets, washboards, butter churns and view the enormous antique collection. Interior featured in several movies.

Open Tuesday through Saturday

MARSHALL, TEXAS 75671 (via TX Highway 59) Ginocchio Historic District and Texas & Pacific Railroad Depot 800 N. Washington St, Marshall, TX 75671 The Ginocchio Historic District of Marshall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district includes the T & P Railroad Depot, which was built in 1912 and restored in 1999, and is now a working Amtrak station for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Across the street from the depot is the Ginocchio Hotel, completed in 1896, and labeled “The Gateway to Texas.”

Harrison County Historical Museum - Old Harrison County Courthouse 1 Peter Whetstone Square, Marshall, TX 75671 Harrison County was founded in 1839, by the Republic of Texas and the city was named for U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall. The museum is located in the Old Harrison County Courthouse and includes more than 500 years of local history. The courthouse dome is the most distinctive feature and stands above a four-level rotunda. Suggestive of the U. S. Capitol building, the top of the courthouse has a statue of Lady Justice.

Admission is free.

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Michelson Museum 216 North Bolivar Street, Marshall, Texas 75672 Created to accept the life works of Russian-American artist Leo Michelson.

Other collections include the paintings, drawings, lithographs and sculptures of collection of Dr. Bernard Kronenberg, as well as the collection of African masks and antique Chinese Opera Puppets from Ramona Ward whose late husband, Jay Ward, was the creator of the cartoons “Rocky and Bullwinkle,” “George of the Jungle” and “Dudley Do-Right.”

Admission is free.

The Starr Family State Historic Site 407 W. Travis Street, Marshall, TX 75671 Maplecroft, the main family home of Dr. James and Harriet Starr, built in 1871, housed four generations of the Starr family. Dr. James Harper Starr was president of the Board of Land Commissioners and Secretary of State for the Republic of Texas.

Admission $4, open Tuesday through Sunday.

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA 71101-71111 (via US Highway 77 to LA Highway 1 or via I-49) The American Rose Center 8877 Jefferson Paige Road, Shreveport, LA 71119 The wooded 118-acre gardens are the national headquarters of the American Rose Society and are the nation’s largest park dedicated to roses. From the day after Thanksgiving until the weekend before Christmas, it is transformed into a winter wonderland featuring thousands of twinkling lights, dozens of lighted displays, nightly entertainment, photos with Santa and rides on the Roseland Express train.

Admission $20 per carload or $5 per person, ages 2 and under get in free Barksdale Air Force Base Global Power Museum 88 Shreveport Rd via North Gate Road Barksdale Air Force Base, LA 71110 The base is home to the 2d Bomb Wing, the Eighth Air Force and the Air Force Global Strike Command. The museum includes vintage aircraft such as the B-17 and B-24 bombers from World War II, the B-52 “Stratofortress,” the P-51 Mustang, and many other planes on display in the airpark. There is an indoor museum, which recounts the storied history of the Eighth Air Force.

Admission is free, open daily Louisiana State Exhibit Museum 3015 Greenwood Rd, Shreveport, LA 71109 Layered with marble, granite and polished aluminum, it is one of the New Deal’s Public Works projects. The museum houses 23 scale dioramas and one of the most extensive collections of Louisiana Native American artifacts, including a 1,000-year-old log boat excavated from the Red River.

Admission free, open Monday through Friday Meadows Museum of Art 2911 Centenary Blvd, Shreveport, LA 71104 On the campus of Centenary College of Louisiana, newly renovated, the museum includes the Indochina Collection of Jean Despujols, the works by George Grosz and Mary Cassatt and a copy of “The Triumphal Arch of Maximilian I” by artist Albrecht Durer.

Admission is free, open weekdays R. W. Norton Art Gallery 4747 Creswell Ave, Shreveport, LA 71106-1899 The gallery sits on 40 acres of landscaped gardens, where something is blooming all year, prompting “Southern Living” magazine name it as “one of the South’s favorite spots.” The institution houses a permanent collection including the works of Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell and a rare “Double Elephant Folio” of Audubon’s “The Birds of America.”

Admission is free, open Wednesday through Sunday

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Shreveport Aquarium 601 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport, LA 71101 Features more than 3,000 animals representing more than 270 different species including sharks, rays, octopus, crabs, jellyfish and more. Visitors will be able to touch sea stars, sea urchins, shrimp, stingrays, sharks and sea jellies. The building is one of the greenest buildings in the state incorporating renewable energy, high efficiency equipment, water recycling and innovative design.

Adult tickets are $12, children between 3-12 $8, seniors 55+ $8, children under 3 are free Sci-Port Discovery Center and IMAX Theater 820 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101-3667 A 92,000-square-foot complex with interactive science exhibits, a planetarium and an IMAX dome theater. The children’s museum is for ages eight and under.

General admission $13, seniors and children under 12 $10 Shreveport Water Works Museum 142 N Common St, Shreveport, LA 71101 The McNeill Street Pumping Station houses the museum and is a National Historic Landmark and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Opened in 1887, as the city’s first water plant, the Smithsonian designated it as the last operating steam powered municipal water works in America, when the steam pumps were retired in 1980.

Admission is free, guided and self-guided tours; open Wednesday through Saturday State Fair of Louisiana 111th Annual 3701 Hudson Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71109 The fair is open Thursday, Oct. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 12 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). It features the largest livestock show and carnival in the state. The Louisiana Cowboys Rodeo Finals are at Hirsch Memorial Coliseum.

Gate admission $5, carnival armband $30; unlimited pass for all 14 days and unlimited rides $75; parking $5.

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History so close you can hear it:

The Edison Phonograph Museum

by CARLY SCOTT

I

n downtown Mount Pleasant, history is so close you can hear it at the Edison Phonograph Museum.

The museum, located in the bottom floor of Hoover’s Jewelry and Diamond T Outfitters, is dedicated to preserving early sound recordings and phonographs.

The museum curators, David Hoover and Dustin Ellis, are also dedicated to educating others about the large role the early sound of phonographs plays in our daily lives today.

The museum collection consists of memorabilia from the private collections of David Hoover, Scott Glover and Dustin Ellis, and the museum was founded by members of the Texas Antique Phonograph Society (TAPS).

TAPS is dedicated to both educating and connecting collectors of phonographs and other related items, such as music boxes, radios and records.

One of the world’s first jukeboxes can be seen at the exhibit, which features more than 40 years of combined collecting experience.

The phonographs on exhibit are in mint condition, rare and scarce in the phonograph world.

“Last summer, two different youth groups gathered around the

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recorder and sang praise songs. David was able to play it back to them and they were just amazed. The recorder requires no electricity. It really is amazing,” said Wyn Hoover, wife of David Hoover.

The building that houses the museum has history itself. Congressman Eugene Black went on a quest to acquire a new post office for the City of Mount Pleasant in 1924.

The Mount Pleasant Daily Times (now The Mount Pleasant Tribune) reported in a March 1924 edition that the U.S. Treasury had approved a bid for a new facility.

A new post office was constructed, at 213 N. Madison Ave. The Mount Pleasant Daily Times reported that the building, “provided more light than any building in town.”

The new post office opened on July 1, 1925, according to The Mount Pleasant Daily Times, and served as the Mount Pleasant Post Office until a new facility was constructed and completed on July 3, 1966 at 201 W. Alabama.

The museum is located at 213 N. Madison Ave. and is available for viewing Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the museum is free of charge. To schedule a group tour, call 903-577-8183.

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Karate school teaches more than martial arts

by TONI WALKER

T

he Northeast Texas area is full of youth sports activities ranging from baseball, football, and soccer to dance and gymnastics.

However, there is one sport taught in Daingerfield that not only teaches children not only the fundamentals of the sport, but also instills tools and experiences in the students that last a lifetime.

And, this sport is not only good for children, but is beneficial for all ages.

The Killyon School of Isshin Ryu began as an after-school program at West Elementary and was started by Sensei Paula Killyon, a first-grade

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teacher at West. Sensei Killyon began studying Isshin Ryu Karate in 1992.

Although Killyon planned to only study for a little while, her sensei, Ray Connor, saw a drive in her that he pushed until she received her brown belt in 1994.

After training heavily in sparring techniques and assisting her second instructor, Melody Pyland, with teaching weapons, Killyon met her current instructor, Master Clinton Ward. It was under Ward and Pyland that Killyon was promoted to first-degree black belt in 1994. In 2016, Killyon joined another former sensei, Sensei Linde Belt, as one of very few sixth degreed women in Isshin Ryu. Killyon’s sixth degree ranking advanced her to the level of Master Black belt in Isshin Ryu. The Killyon School teaches Isshin Ryu, which is a combination of two separate styles, Shorin Ryu and Goju Ryu. The style was created by Master Tatsuo Shimabuku, who brought his favorite parts of the “parent” styles into Isshin Ryu. Students learn fighting skills, as well as kata, which is a system of individual training exercises for practitioners of martial arts.

The katas are taught as if the student were actually fighting someone.

“The road traveled in martial arts has been the most exciting journey that I have ever experienced. A challenge from the very beginning was the start of a positive change in my life,” said Killyon. “The teaching of self-discipline, self-motivation, self-esteem, physical, mental, and humility and spirituality increased my potential and made me the person of whom I am today.”

Self-discipline, self-motivation, and self-esteem are the keys that Killyon stresses in her school. More than punching, kicking, and fighting, students learn how to defend themselves, and how to remain, disciplined and motivated by their own hard work and training. Killyon can often be heard telling her students “It is not about winning a medal or trophy, it is about knowing that you have done your best each time you step in the ring.”

Killyon’s students compete in multiple tournaments, including international events. One of Killyon’s black belts, Hunter Ramsey, has been inducted into the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Killyon currently has 20 students who have advanced to Black Belt ranking under her tutelage.

Classes for the Killyon School meet on Tuesdays and Thursday during the school year at 4:30 p.m. at the West Elementary School gymnasium in Daingerfield. Classes are open to students age five to adult. The Killyon School of Isshin Ryu can be found on Facebook, as well.

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