52.10 Howe Enterprise July 28, 2014

Serving the community of Howe since 1963

Monday, July 28, 2014

Volume #52, Issue #10

Howe's That

Downtown Howe set to rock Saturday night

The press box at Bulldog Stadium came down on Friday morning. It was 43 years old and built just before the 1971 season. It took many modifications over the years.

In 1981, it was extended about four feet to the southto make more room.

Just before the 1990 season, Head Coach Joey McQueen and football player Jon Norwood constructed the second level film deck. since then, not much has taken place to it. The victory light was installed on the back of it Keep Howe Beautiful is set in 1977 and it was removed to host downtown Howe's on Thursday before the first evening community building's removal. party since the early 1980's A new one will take it's place when Howe ISD's Fall this week as Roger Brown Festival was held there has completed the first level annually. and it will be put in place by a crane.

It should be interesting to watch the much The event is not vendor related, but is intended to larger press box go up. support various Keep Howe Beautiful is asking you to please come out on Saturday night and support your community.

The downtown is once again full of businesses and it's just time to celebrate. Bring a lawn chair, and just relax and enjoy our downtown block party.

Howe-related organizations. The event is sponsored by Keep Howe Beautiful, The Howe Enterprise, Abby's Restaurant, Handgun Instructors of Texas, Designer Cuts, Salvage Junky, Dons Smokehouse and My Estralla Mexican continued on Page #13

Fire at Yard of the Month

The event is entitled "Back to School Blues" so if you can bring some school supplies, we'll be accepting them.

Please find me, say hi, and tell me your name.

I'm horrible with that stuff.

Last month's Yard of the Month owners Floyd and Betty Elwood watched as their shed burned in north Howe. continued on Page #10

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1.2.3. Discipline (cont.)

In last week's edition, we journied back in time with Steve Simmons learning of his childhood in Georgia and his teenage years in Texas. We also discussed his college years at McMurry State. But everything changed in his senior year in Abilene, TX. "I had to go an extra year in college to get my degree because of my poor grades at first. But my fifth year, I got my greatest thing in my life, my wife." Simmons said while holding back emotions. "If I ever had a fantasy of playing for Bear Bryant at The University of

Alabama, or play for The University of Georgia or wherever my fantasy goes, I've got to meet Doreen, wherever it is. It would've been cool to play at Alabama, as long as I met Doreen. I would be cool to do a lot of things in life, but as long as I met Doreen."

Simmons said that he loved his experiences at McMurry State because of the friends that he made and the experiences that he had, but at the top of the list was Doreen.

"She's my wife. Doreen is continued on Page #2

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Simmons

Continued from Page #1

Doreen Villa

Monday, July 28, 2014

Page #2

lives.

junior high students.

There was a dance that night and Simmons, instead, went to eat with some friends at The Buffalo Gap. Afterwards, he went to his dorm and got in bed. He then looked at the clock on the wall that read 9 pm and wondered why he wasn't out on a Saturday night as a college student.

"They didn't know how to be quiet. They were talking and yaking. Finally I had to get on to them and mad at them and upset with them. We were at ends with each other. I'm thinking, how do I get these kids to quit talking? The noise level is like you're in a hanger and there are thirteen Osprey Helicopters in there." said Simmons as he mimicked the sound.

"I got up and got dressed and thought, maybe I'll see Doreen." Simmons said. "When I walked up there in the dark, I could see a silhouette of two girls walking towards me. It looked like Doreen was one. I walked straight to her. Her friend left and Doreen and I went to the football field and sat and talked for the first time."

The spiritual warfare in college turned in to the classroom warfare at Van Alstyne. At the first practice with approximately 50 athletes in 7th and 8th grade football. As little cartoon characters, they all were all asking what to do over and over. Simmons, clearly overwhelmed, looked at them and simply said, "I don't know."

But the interesting part of the story is that Doreen went to the dance thinking she would is a queen to me. I look at her and I think, she's see Simmons. The girls were leaving and a legend." Simmons said. going out of the side door but changed to the front door because they she saw the silhouette Going through the dating scene at college, of a male and female coming through the main Simmons became discouraged because he never door and Doreen thought it might have been thought he'd find that true one that he could Simmons with another girl. As it turned out, connect with and be in love with. by turning, they walked directly to Simmons, who was walking in to try and find her.

Before Simmons' first year, after recycling through another poor relationship, he decided "I know the hand of The Lord was in this." that he was through dating. But then he kept said Simmons. "When we met, we should've noticing this girl in the cafeteria. After seeing just got married that night. I was so in love, her in several different locations on campus, he just like I am right now." said Simmons. realized that he was really attracted to her. But, after pledging to himself that he wasn't going to After that October initial meeting, they were date, he kept seeing Doreen. married the following July of 1978 in Verona Baptist Church where Simmons' father Ralph As it turns out, the kicker on the football team first preached. The entire family came from was friends with Doreen's friend. In October, Georgia by way of Ralph Simmons driving to they were walking around the athletic dorm, get them. After a brief stay at the Ramada Inn and the two girls were nearby. Simmons said in Sherman, they remainder of the honeymoon something to the kicker about Doreen and he was spent driving the family back to Georgia. quickly introduced them. And that is the first official meeting of Steve Simmons and Doreen Simmons and his new bride had to scurry Villa. home from Georgia beacuse he was just hired in his first coaching job at Van Alstyne. The "I was talking to her just later in the lobby of 23 year-old Simmons was hired to coach the the dorm. I had to walk to my room and when junior high in every sport.

I came out, she was walking out. I thought to myself, well, I guess I didn't impress her." said "That first day of school in junior high, when I Simmons. pulled up and parked, I had butterflies in my stomach like you wouldn't believe. I was now But later at a football game, Simmons saw here the teacher and coach." said Simmons. in the stands and they exchanged a smile and a wave. It was that night, that changed their Simmons was intolerable of the loudness of

"I looked at them and thought, I hadn't planned one thing. I finally got them in lines and stretched." said Simmons. "Finally, I adapted and they adapted and all of a sudden we had a great year. I got as close to those kids as you can imagine and they got close to me. I was excited about the next year."

However, just as Ralph Simmons moved his family, so did young Steve. He was given the position of defensive coordiator at Chillicothe High School, which wa a 1A school.

The only drawback to this was that he was teaching 4th, 5th and 6th grade science.

"I'm a history major. I'm as far from science as Pluto is from the Sun. said Simmons.

Continued on Page #3

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Simmons

Monday, July 28, 2014

Continued from Page #2

With a two-year old son and a new comfortable reclyner, Simmons got in his car after his last class and drove to Griffin, Georgia with his family who would stay with his parents while he flew from Atlanta to Charleston, South Carolina for boot camp at Parris Island.

Page #3 over.

"We went through that front gate and I'm thinking, oh turn this bus around. Let me go home." said Simmons.

While viewing the training ground from the bus, he realized how "I was charged up, fired up and I many people have trained there got on that jet and it was like my that have died on the battlefield. first day of football at Blue Ridge. I He had a morbid feeling that the looked at Doreen and Paul and I place resembled a killing machine. thought, how am I going to leave them? I couldn't stand the though "This is about killing. This ain't of leaving them." said Simmons.

Boys Scout camp. This is the US Marines." said Simmons.

Simmons then realized what he had The drill instructor got on the bus It was only to be for one year and and even in the NFL for the Denver done and became nervous. He wasn't even able to eat at the and Simmons explained that it was then they'd hire a science teacher. Broncos. airport. Upon arriving at exactly like you see in the movies.

Simmons stayed there for three Charleston, they were welcomed The instructor said, when I say years and was later offered the It was early in his time at Celina and given a red-carpet type of move, you get out of this bus and head coaching position, however, that Simmons decided on an event treatment, but once they left on those yellow footprints! he wanted to return to North Texas. that would change him forever.

Continued on Page #4 With the desire to still be physically Charleston, the nice guy stuff was Celina's head coach Joe active and still filled with energy Stubblefield ended up hiring even after his playing days had Simmons for the 1984 school year. passed, at 29 years old, he decided The Bobcats were coming off of to join the US Marines. one of their worst years by only winning one game in '83. The Simmons grew up with the Vietnam facilities were in terrible shape and war and later related to leadership much different than the Celina we of Ronald Reagan in the early all know today.

1980's.

Simmons' first year was a junior high coach and varsity assistant.

He progressed over his five year stay at Celina to the junior varsity head coach and varsity running backs coach.

"And that's when I coached Anthony Lynn." said Simmons.

He was my tailback in 8th grade during my first year there. As he went through high school, Anthony was powerful. That was one great running back."

"I was telling the kids about serving their country and I thought to myself, you need to do something.

You need to serve. You told the kids to do it. You need to do it." said Simmons. "Even as a child, I wanted to be a Marine.

Simmons went home for lunch and told Doreen to call the Marine Corps recruiter. She gave him a look that he will never forget. He again, told her to call. After she made an appointment, Gunnery Sergeant Wilson and Sergeant Lynn was on schedule to be one of Rowens met with him and had the most dynamic backs in Texas Simmons fired up. The cut-off age high school football history, but was 28 to join the Marine Corps, suffered a broken ankle his senior however, they filed for an age year. Still, Lynn went on to play waiver, which was granted. college football for Texas Tech

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Simmons

Monday, July 28, 2014

Page #4

Continued from Page #3

"You'd have thought it was Black Friday and they'd have just opened the doors at Wal-Mart." Simmons laughed. "Once we jumped on those yellow footprints, we jumped on a roaring river headed straight towards the waterfall and for three months it was pounding and pounding and pounding."

Simmons, even having been there for some time still could not eat.

Jello was the only thing he could keep down during this painstaking period of his life.

He would get a letter from Doreen everyday in mail call. People started to take notice of the close relationship the married couple shared.

He came back to Celina trimming 37 pounds off of his energetic body and now weighed 168 After three gruesome months of pounds. Kids came running up to training, he graduated with his family there in attendance. Son Paul him and couldn't believe the had turned three that summer. After physical transformation that had taken place. achieving the highest score of the platoon in shooting, he was out in With boot camp squarely in the front during graduation. rearview mirror, it was time to get back to Celina. At the end of "It felt good to get to be out front, Simmons' 5th year, Celina head but it felt better to leave." said Simmons. "When I got in that car coach Stubblefield took the and daddy drove over that bridge, I principal position there and they hired a new head coach from the told him to stop. I got out on that Houston area that indicated that he bridge and I looked back at that didn't want Simmons on his staff. island and I told Doreen to take a With that, he talked to G.A. picture of me looking back at it.

Moore, who was coaching at That was 90 days of the greatest Sherman at the time. challenge of my life." him call her on their anniversary.

It was then that he once again heard "Everyone was jealous that I got that his father in his head sayin, "you letter everyday. My wife, she is gonna quit?" No sir. He then legendary." said Simmons. thought of his mom asking him if he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart?

The recruits spent two weeks at the Yes ma'am. rifle range and the expert would be privileged with a phone call to "Everyday in that boot camp I was home. Simmons' bullseye became praying. My dad and my Lord got that phone call to Doreen and he me through that thing." said achieved that goal. Plus, they let Simmons.

"It looked like I was going to Sherman. We bought a house in Sherman. It didn't work out because the teaching field didn't come open. But I felt real confident I'd get a job somewhere.

I turned in my resignation and told the area coaches that I was looking." Simmons said.

problem, but looking back, it might have." said Simmons. "It's not so much what I do; it's what people do."

Feeling uneasy about the interview, Simmons, however, felt that he couldn't turn down the position late in the summer. Before signing the contract with Anna, he met an insurance salesman who wanted meet his friends. Simmons took him to Howe to meet the Bulldogs coaches.

"When I walked in to fieldhouse, Jim Fryar jumped up and said, 'where have you been? I've been trying to reach you all day.' My heart like to have exploded out of my chest I was so happy. I knew what he was going to say." said Simmons.

With that, Simmons immediately agreed to coach at Howe. Jim Fryar and Billy Hill coached the varsity, while Simmons and Vernon Richardson coached the J.V.

Simmons became close friends with Fryar and admired the way he Mark McDaniel wanted him to handled the kids and the extra things come to Van Alstyne, but again, that he and his wife Connie did for they couldn't get the teaching position to open up. The coach at the football boys and cheerleaders to make it a unique environment.

Whitesboro asked him to be his defensive coordinator, but they went with a different teacher. He Fryar became excited to build a Continued on Page #5 talked to Howe head coach Jim Fryar, who was looking for an offensive line coach. Fryar, however, never contacted him back and it was in August of 1987 when Simmons was to sign a contract with Anna. But something didn't seem right with his visit with the head coach at Anna because of the alumni factor. The head coach was worried if his close-knit relationship with the Anna community would affect his job.

"I told him it wouldn't be a

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Simmons

Monday, July 28, 2014

Page #5

Continued from Page #4

weight room at Bulldog Stadium because of the influence of Simmons. Fryar had it built just in time for the 1989 season.

P.E. class in college and fussed about it because he knew that he was going to be a football coach, not an elementary coach. He visited with Kathy Mangrum, who was the The Bulldogs had their longest elementary P.E. coach in Celina for streak of successful football starting some words of wisdom. They in 1984 and carrying through 1991 talked about ideas of how to handle and Steve Simmons was there for the older kids, but as they started five years of that period. For seven talking about the younger kids, seasons with Howe, Simmons was a Simmons knew he was in store for a part of the varsity coaching staff challenge. under three head coaches, including Fryar, Joey McQueen and Terry When I asked her if kindergarten Davis. It was Fryar, who asked him were about the same as first graders, to go to Jacksboro with him when she looked at me like I was crazy." he took the athletic director position Simmons said. there. But, for Howe's benefit, Simmons stayed.

His first day at Howe in 1987, he was able to handle the third, fourth The craziest thing about getting the and fifth graders fairly well. But he Howe job to him was that he was was terrified of the kindergarten going to be the elementary P.E. class that were coming after lunch. coach. He had taken an Elementary

"I walked in to that room and the teachers fled. They walked out quickly. I was all alone and felt like I was back at Van Alstyne all over again." said Simmons.

With 75 kindergarten student and Simmons not even speaking the same language as some of the kids, Simmons quickly realized that kindergarten was an entire universe all to itself.

"The boys were fighting and punching and grabbing each other and I thought, this ain't going to work." said Simmons.

He got in his truck after school and headed to the field house for football practice and thought that he might have to finish the year out and go somewhere else.

"Football was great, but this kindgarten... This ain't gonna work." said Simmons.

"I walked in to that room and it would've done me no good to say sit Simmons began to look at his text down, much less make seven lines books from McMurry that he like I did the older kids." said thankfully kept. He learned to Simmons. organize them and control them In no time, he had seven kids lined through those books. One of the up on the wall headed for the office. games was called "colors" and each He still wonders how he was able to kid would get a square color and if control any of the kids in that class their color was called, they'd get to run around a circle. But this game on that first day.

Continued on Page #9

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Monday, July 28, 2014

Howe volleyball two-a-days about to begin Howe volleyball two-a-days will start on Monday, August 4th. The first part will begin at 7:30am and last until 10:30am. The second session starts after a one hour lunch break and will go from 11:30am-1:30pm. Players are asked to bring shoes to workout in and dressed in volleyball attire.

Also, players are being asked to bring their own water.

The varsity girls will start their scrimmage season Friday, August 8 vs. Melissa and Farmersville.

The first official game of the season will take place in Savoy on August 26.

55 boys and one girl sign up for youth football Howe Youth Football will have one team this year at each age level of K-2nd, 3rd and 4th, and 5th and 6th.

For the second year in a row, Howe's Camryn Boatman will play football as the only girl in the program. Last season she played on the Super Bowl winning K-2nd grade Howe Bulldogs.

Happy

Birt

ayto l C y hda

n!

Page #6

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Monday, July 28, 2014

Howe Community Library Summer Events

Local Church Calendar

First United Methodist Church of Howe Wednesday, July 30 9:00 am - Wednesday Workers Garden Club 6:30 pm - Jr. High Youth We have an awesome garden 7:30 pm - Sr. High Youth area with beds for vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Just needed: Thursday, July 31 6:00 pm - Boy Scouts Workers to help pull weeds, trim Sunday, August 3 plants, plant, water, harvest, and 9:00 am - Sunday School dry herbs. Come prepared to 10:00 - Worship service sweat and get dirty!!!

August 4-6, Ages: entering 1st through 8th 6:00pm - 8:30 pm -Vacation Bible School

Wee Readers Storytime This storytime is for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Join us as we explore our world through songs, poems, puppet shows, and books.

Earn a free book after 4 visits. Wee Readers is an ongoing program (during the school year, hours are 9grades 10:00) Time: Thursday mornings 9Ages: Birth though 10:00 on July 31 preschool ages and parents/caregivers Time: Friday mornings – 1011:00 on July 31

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First Baptist Church Howe Tuesday, July 29 8:00 pm - Ladies Bible Study 8:00 pm - Men's Bible Study Wednesday, July 30 6:45 pm - Adult Bible Study 7:00 pm - Youth Bible Study 7:30 pm - Choir Sunday, August 3 8:00 am - Traditional Worship service 9:45 am - Bible Fellowship 11:00 am - Traditional Worship service 6:00 pm - Evening Worship

Howe Church of Christ Tuesday, July 29 10:00 am - Terrific Tuesday Bible Class Wednesday, July 30 7:00 pm - Bible Classes (all ages) Friday, August 1 7:00 pm - Friday Bible Study Group Sunday, August 3 9:00 am - Bible Classes (all ages) 10:00 am - Worship Service 6:00 pm - Worship Service First Baptist Church Dorchester Wednesday, July 30 7:00 pm - Children's Ministry 7:00 pm - Youth Ministry 7:00 pm - Adult Prayer & Bible Study Sunday, August 3 9:00 am - Men's Prayer Time 9:45 am - Sunday School 10:45 am - A.M.Worship Service 5:00 pm - Adult Chior Practice 6:00 pm - Evening Worship New Beginning Fellowship Wednesday, July 30 7:00 pm - Adult Bible Study 7:00 pm - Kids Church 7:00 pm - Radiate Youth Sunday, August 3 10:00 am - Kids Church 10:00 am - Morning Service

Reserve Seating at Bulldog Stadium Howe Bulldogs varsity football fans and parents who had reserved seating in 2013 have until this Friday, August 1, to renew their seats. On Monday, August 4, reserved seating will be open to the public for purchase.

Reserved seating is $25 per seat and assures fans a designated seat for the varsity games for all five home games

at the newly renovated Bulldog Stadium.

Regular game admission tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3 for students and must be purchased at the gate.

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Faith

Monday, July 28, 2014

on the right side of God. He is coming back as a victorious Savior,

by Debbie Wallis King of all kings and Lord of all Who or what is the body of lords to judge the unjust and rule Christ? The body of Christ is the over His kingdom. There isno way Church, made up of all those who to Heaven but through Him. have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Every Christian is The body of Christ experiences a part of the body of Christ. “Our dysfunction when we oppose each bodies don’t just have one part. other. We become less effective if They have many parts,” 1 our hand refused to serve our mouth Corinthians 12:14. The Body of because it wanted to dance or if our Christ, like our bodies, has many legs refused to stand because they members. There are limbs and wanted to be the voice that brought organs, external and internal, seen the message. That sounds insane but and not seen. When left alone that’s what Paul was talking about they are useless, but when to the church. assembled make up the entire body. You didn’t need me to tell The Bible gives us several action you that but Paul used that principles for building up the body comparison when he wrote a letter of Christ: You are called first to to the Church of Corinthians. love your Brother and Sister in Most of the Corinthian Christians Christ like you love yourself. were poor but there were a few When you have love within your wealthy and one was the City own body of Christ, (to other Treasurer. Paul was a hard Christians) then you are now able & worker himself and earned a equipped to share love outside the living by making tents. Paul was body, to the whole world - (1 John concerned about the way the 4:11). You are called to promote Corinthian Christians were always truth and unity (Ephesians 4:25). arguing and dividing themselves You are called to service - (1 into “clicks”. He also addressed Corinthians 12:4-11). This outlines the questions they ask him but his the importance of using your Godmain concern was the way they given spiritual gift. Your gift is treated each other. unique and equally important. It is essential to the church that you use The Body of Christ is a metaphor your special gift in service to God. and refers to the “Church” and the You are called to share Jesus church is all people who “follow” - (Romans 1:16). As part of the (an assembled body of believers) body of Christ you are to share your Jesus Christ. Christians are life-changing story with others. globally connected to one another You are called to worship - "It is and are not only a worldwide good to praise the LORD and make family but also a group working in music to Your name, O Most High, unison as an extension of God's to proclaim Your love in the love and mercy and grace. Jesus morning and Your faithfulness at is no longer with us in physical night" (Psalm 92:1-2). If we all do form, yet by His Spirit is working our part we will be doing the work though His followers and is that the church is called to do. You reaching out with the simple each have God given gifts and message of the Gospel. He loves us unconditionally. He died to pay the price of our sins. He rose again and conquered the grave. He sits.

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talents to use to bring honor to the mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I have a faith that moved body of Christ and witness to the mountains? I would still be nothing world. unless I loved others. What if I gave all I owned to the poor and let my "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that body be burned alive? I would gain whoever believes in Him should not nothing unless I loved others. Love perish, but have eternal life," John is patient and kind, never jealous, 3:16. God’s agape love was given boastful, proud or rude. Love isn’t selfish or easily angered. It doesn’t without condition but in contrast, our love is usually conditional and keep records of wrongs. Love doesn’t delight in evil but rejoices based upon how other people behave toward us. This kind of love with the truth. Love is always is based upon feelings. The Greek supportive, loyal, hopeful, and word "phileo" defines this kind of trusting. Love never fails,” 1 Corinthians 13:1-8. What Paul tells love, often translated "brotherly them is that all the problems in the love." Phileo is a soulish (our mind, will and our emotions) kind church could be solved if all of love - it can be experienced by members would love one another as Christians should. However, I have believers and non-believers in Christ. This is the kind of love that never met any person who perfectly fulfills this biblical definition of feels warm and fuzzy, hugs and love, including myself. The Bible kisses. We love people and pets says that this unconditional love is with this kind of love. This is in more important than everything else. contrast to agape, which is love extended through the spirit. Agape Every good thing you do will fade away. Only love is eternal, since love requires a relationship with love will be the basis of eternal life.

God through Jesus Christ. Agape In fact, when Jesus was asked what love requires laying down emotional love and being obedient the greatest commandment was, He to the calling of loving like Christ said, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL loves us. Agape love gives and YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL sacrifices expecting nothing in YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL return. f you are a Christian, you YOUR MIND," Matthew 22:37. He are encouraged to express both then added that the second most emotional and spirit-led important law was "YOU SHALL unconditional love.

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Jesus said that the We are to behave with moral entire law was dependent upon these excellence but that isn’t enough.

Christians tend to be characterized two commandments. by non-believers as telling other people how they ought to behave. Love like Jesus in your home, in Our families are the first to know if your church, at your workplace and we love unconditionally. Sadly our in your community. We can make a difference because unconditional church, like the Church of love never fails. Love serves each Corinthians, runs a close second. other and does everything as if you ”Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith are serving Christ. We are blessed to have several churches in our small supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, community. Be encouraged today to get connected with likeminded and in your knowledge, selfbelievers as we all work towards a control, and in your self-control, common goal. perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your If you don’t have a Bible please godliness, brotherly kindness contact me and I will provide you [phileo], and in your brotherly one. kindness, love [agape],” 2 Peter 1:5-7.

If I speak in the language of all humans and of angels? If I don’t love others I am only a loud noise or a clanging cymbal. What if I could prophecy and understand all

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Simmons

Monday, July 28, 2014

Continued from Page #5

Page #9 This was also born in Simmons' first year at Howe. After already implementing the other marine tactics to control the kids, he thought they'd like it. He began to teach the third graders the chant in which was his Marine chant while in boot camp in Parris Island.

"They really liked it so I taught all of the kids the chant." said Simmons.

At the end of the school year, Superintendent Pete Simmons wanted to hold an academic peprally for the school. It was supposed to be exactly like a football pep-rally with cheering and hollering.

Coach Simmons offered to have the kids do the chant at the pep-rally. Pete Simmons, having already heard the kids do it and was extremely impressed by it, gave the green light

him so hard on the cheek. But he didn't move because he had discipline. He told the kids that fly kept biting so hard that Coach felt a He began to tell the kids that he was a Marine. little drop of blood dripping from his face.

The fact that he was a soldier immediately got After that story, he had them sitting straight their attention. with their hands on their knees. He told them "I stood there and they were all looking at me. that he was going to count to three and say discipline and would see who was sitting the All of them. I said, Simmons, don't blow it. straightest with their hands on their knees.

You got them. You better come up with something." said Simmons.

"1.2.3. Discipline. They all snapped to. Their backs went straight as a board. And when they Out of the imagination of a desperate coach did that, I said, GOT EM." said Simmons. came the story of the horsefly. He looked at them and told them that in the Marines, they 1.2.3. Discipline was born from the horsefly say ATTEN -TION. And you stand straight, story. And for years and years since, if he has you don't move. With all of the eyes fixated needed to get the attention of students, that is on Simmons, he told them that we stand how it has been done. straight and don't move because we have discipline.

He also told that kindergarten class about the He told them a story of when he had to stand Honor Man in the Marines. He began to pick an honor student as a reward for their still at attention and a horsefly landed on his face. He said that he couldn't move because he discipline and outstanding behavior. With had...and the kids said discipline. They said it that, the "H" was born. back to Simmons.

But the most popular feature in Steve Simmons bag is simply, the chant. The kids "I can still see Tonya McLain staring up at chant that they're highly motivated, truly me. They were listening so intently." said dedicated, rough, tough, can't get enough, Simmons.

Howe Bulldogs, (uuuu).

He told the kids that the horsefly started biting ended up creating a legend out of Steve Simmons.

During that pep rally, the kindergarten through fifth grade all did the chant simultaneously and goose bumps and chills came over the entire audience. It was the talk of the town. Pete Simmons said he wasn't sure if he was more impressed with the chant or the fact that he was able to keep them quiet and in such order.

Simmons has been that inspirational leader throughout Howe from the time Jim Fryar told him he was trying to reach him all day. He's started an H-Association with former Howe athletes. At one point, they were having an annual luncheon with all former football players.

He constructed "Bulldog Hall" at Howe High School which displays the championship team photos along with standout player photos.

The little boy from Griffin, Georgia was destined to be a Bulldog. And when people think of Howe and the Howe Bulldogs, their first thought is probably of Steve Simmons. He can still be seen on Friday nights on the field waving the towel and trying to get the crowd fired up and involved in the game.

Some day, something in Howe will be named in his honor. Who knows when or where or what, but there will come a day. And when that day comes, he'll think of his father asking him about quitting. He'll think of his mother asking him if he believes in Christ. And he'll be thinking of that girl that he calls legendary.

Monday, July 28, 2014

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Fire

Page #10

Continued from Page #1

Early Monday morning, Floyd and Betty Elwood were awoken to knocking on the windows and doors. It was neighbors trying to get the couple awake because a shed behind their house was on fire.

The fire was contained by Lowery, who had hooked up a water hose until the Howe Fire Department came to the scene.

a

The neighbors were also wetting their rooftops down because of the large embers.

City Councilwoman Debbie Lowery, who lives nearby, came to the door and told the couple about it.

Floyd Elwood had a new riding lawnmower, a new push mower and other sentimental items in the shed.

His grandfather used to build "I have never in my life, as long as cabinets in the northeast and the rip I've lived, seen anything in such saw and cut saw were both lost in rage." said Betty Elwood. the fire.

The Elwoods, who live at 1524 Timbercreek, were thankful for neighbors that came to the rescue.

One neighbor had a dog that started barking at 2 a.m. At 3 a.m., his wife noticed the fire and called 911.

"The memories will always be there. I can shut my eyes and see them still." said Floyd Elwood.

Athletic Booster Club to meet Thursday

The Howe Athletic Booster Club Mosier said that the organization is will be holding the first meeting of looking for volunteers to help out the year on Thursday at 6:30 at the with the upcoming season.

Howe High School Lecture Hall.

"Those are just worldly things, but Board members are Tina Stracener, they are possessions that we've The meeting will be to discuss the Wendy Krantz and Michael Doty. worked hard for." said Betty upcoming year and plans for the Christy Mosier and Dayle Roper are Elwood. annual community pep rally. working hard to get sponsors for the "I was crying and he came to me football program. as if he were my son." said As of Wednesday, no indication was President Michael Mosier, who is Elwood. "He put his arms around given as to what started the fire. serving his third consecutive year, For more information, please see the me and said it's going to be Four trees were also damaged and is hoping for a great turnout from Howe Athletic Booster Club page on alright. It's not going to get to lost. The home was the Yard of the the community.

Facebook. your house."

Month for Howe in June.

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Monday, July 28, 2014

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Victory light comes down

Isn't if funny how one little florescent light can symbolize something and bring such great feelings to one community? The victory light in Howe was merely just a florescent light bulb hidden beneath a panel tied to just a simple breaker box in the old rickety press box of Bulldog Stadium. It didn't cost that much to install, and it didn't cost that much to maintain. But the smiles that it created as the August sun turns to the cold November rains was priceless.

1994 Howe graduate Jeremy McDonough brought it down on Thursday, soon to be replaced by a bigger and better one to sit atop the new scoreboard being installed next month.

The victory light was introduced to Howe in the fall of 1977 by Howe's new head coach James "Blackie" Wade. The original light was eight simple light bulbs up and one at the bottom (seventeen in all) pieced together to form a V. It was simple, much like our little town. But it was extremely bright, much like our little town.

to play without a head coach due to war time. Mac Davis also played in the 1940's and has had numerous family members be standout football players for Howe over the years including son and grandson.

Coach Steve Simmons guided all fans back behind the stands and have a celebratory countdown to flipping that switch. In a small In 2007, after noticeable wear and Texas town's version of the ball The victory light was in it's most dropping at Time's Square, after a used stage from 1984-1991. During tear of 16 years, the panel with the 10 to 1 countdown, the two that seven year period, the light was Bulldog logo had become old and decrepit. It was about to fall down. gentlemen flipped that switch and a on a total of 64 times. Howe was It was needing to be replaced as the giant roar came from the crowd 62-28-3 (and of the three ties, two panel itself had a crack in it and was and the team. were playoff advances). broken. the Howe Bulldogs varsity football team wins a football game on Friday night. The light stays on all week until the Freshman/J.V. games start the following Thursday. It's a simple tradition. In a good year, the light burns for seven weeks. In a great year, such as 2010, it burned for nine.

After 1991, the light had taken 15 seasons of wear and tear and needed to be replaced. Instead of replacing the V, Howe chose to replace it with a boxed panel with the picture of the Bulldog logo inside it. The tradition was lost. The light in the panel would stay on even after losse. It was a bit sad to drive by and see The tradition of the victory light something that used to such a is to turn it on immediately after

community bonding mechanism mishandled. The original V that was in place for 15 seasons was lit up 98 times for Howe to see and be proud of (6.5 wins per year). Without the V, Howe played without much use for it. They went 16 years without the V and during that time, Howe won 66 games (4.13 wins per year).

Monte Walker made his case to Superintendent Kevin Wilson to reinstate the tradition of the victory light with a V on the back of the press box. It was Mr. Wilson's vision of seeing the importance of tradition and the community bonding experience that it creates and symbolizes.

On August 29, 2008 Howe defeated Blue Ridge 49-14 and were set to turn on the victory light for the first time since that 1991 game vs. Bells.

In true fashion, Howe chose two legendary former players to flip the switch. L.B. Kirby was a player on the 1942 District Champions that had

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Monday, July 28, 2014

Baptists display new office sign

Ray Bledsoe (left in the photo) seems to always be involved in some project of some sorts. This time, he was constructing a sign for the new church office located on Denny Street just behind the First Baptist Church of Howe.

The former mayor of Howe had lots of help in this project including Charles Farris, right.

Roger Tidwell made a courtesy appearance in the photo as instructed by Bledsoe.

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Former Howe grad honored

Former Howe graduate Troy Allison was honored on Thursday as Policeman of the Month for the Dallas Police Department. He is a 2002 graduate of Howe High School and has been on the force over six years.

Major Accident Friday on US75

Fingerprint Day at Howe Community Library

At 9:42 AM Friday morning a call came in to the Howe Police Department about a major accident on southbound US 75. A white pickup up was in traveling in the right-hand lane with the semi truck trailing behind. The individual in the white vehicle slowed for traffic, but the semi failed to control his speed and hit the back up the pickup truck.

Howe Police Department Officer Jamie Morris instructed young crime scene investigation prospects in fingerprinting at the Howe Public Library.

Both vehicles became entagled

and both rolled off the median.

The white pickup rolled once and the semi rolled on it's side.

The man in the white truck was rushed to Texoma Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries, while the man in the semi was unharmed.

Each vehicle contained a small dog, both of which were uninjured.

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Block party

Monday, July 28, 2014 Continued from Page #1

Restaurant, and the Howe Athletic proceeds go back to beautification programs for the City of Howe.

Booster Club.

They are also collecting school supplies to help Howe ISD. The event will feature The Bill Boyd Band from Mesquite, Texas.

They are a blues rock band that are All attending are asked to please heavily influenced by the likes of bring a lawn chair because downtown seating is extremely Jimmy Reed and Stevie Ray limited. Parking is also limited and Vaughan.

Haning St will be blocked off on each end of downtown from Denny The Howe Athletic Booster Club St. to Hughes St. will have a football throw and a dunking booth for the kids. All money raised will go in support of The Bill Boyd Band will start playing at 6:30 p.m. and are set to the booster club organization. play until 10:30 p.m.

All downtown businesses will be Keep Howe Beautiful is looking open in hopes of commerce with the citizens of our community and forward to hosting more events should this one be a success as beyond. anticipated.

Keep Howe Beautiful will be Alcohol is not permitted at the event. selling glow bracelets and all

No press allowed

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Down, Set, Hit

The roughest part of the summer for some young men are the last few days just before football begins and the first few days after football begins. As they say, football is king in Texas and August is just days away.

54 yougsters ranging from second grade through freshmen went through workouts last Wednesday through Friday with the Howe ISD coaching staff.

The camps were divided in to two groups with the first grade through fourth grade going from 9 a.m.

- 10:30 a.m. and the older kids going from 10:30 a.m. - noon.

Howe's 43 year-old press box was removed on Friday morning at 8:30 AM. A crane was used to pick the structure up as one unit just after Metal Masters, owned by Roger

Brown, unhooked wires and disconnected the welding. The new press box should go up as one piece this week just as this one was removed.

With the Texas heat creeping near triple digits, the boys (and one girl) went through proper technique drills. The younger group learned the proper stances and basic throwing, catching and ball-carrying techniques.

The older group focused on the new offensive huddle and formation of the slot-T offense.

The boys took to the discipline-

demanding routine that new offensive coordinator Dale West brings.

West is a slot-T guru and brings that style to North Texas where it is virtually a complete unknown.

Defensive coordinators in the area will have a challenge on their hands when trying to defend the quick-paced running style.

This was the 2nd annual camp held by the coaching staff, but for many of the coaches, it was their first. Howe has had numerous changes in coaches this summer and the attitude and swagger of the practice field held a new vibration.

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Monday, July 28, 2014

Back to School Fill a Bag Blessing Clothing Distribution On August 6 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Howe is getting clothing items for children and adults returning to school. Thanks to the community, the Peggy's Porch inventory has been blessed in such a manor that they want to open up to families who need help with new wardrobes for the upcoming school season.

Those in need may take a bag full

of items free of charge. They would also welcome items that your children have out grown and you would like to recycle for others.

Citizens are welcome to bring those donation at that time as well.

The event is located at 810 N. Denny Street and is hosted by Peggy's Porch, Howe Scouting Programs and FUMC of Howe Missions

Football two-a-day schedules announced

by Howe coaching staff Thursday, August 7 Monday, August 4 7:30 AM – everyone reports 7:15 AM – everyone reports 8:00 AM - practice starts 8:00 AM - practice starts 10:00 AM – JV ends, then conditions 10:20 AM – JV ends, then conditions and lifts until 11:00 AM and lifts until 10:45 AM 11:00 AM – varsity ends then 10:30 AM – varsity ends then conditions and lifts until 11:15 AM conditions and lifts until 11:40 AM 7:00 PM – varsity returns for Friday, August 8 learning session until 8:30 PM 7:30 AM - Everyone reports at 7:30 AM (first day of full pads) Tuesday, August 5 8:00 AM - practice starts 7:30 AM – everyone reports 10:00 AM – JV ends, then 8:00 AM - practice starts 10:20 AM – JV ends, then conditions conditions and lifts until 10:45 AM 10:30 AM – varsity ends then and lifts until 11:00 AM conditions and lifts until 11:15 AM 11:00 AM – varsity ends then conditions and lifts until 11:40 AM 7:00 PM – **Varsity returns to HS. We will bus to the stadium and No afternoon practice due to UIL scrimmage. The scrimmage will regulations start around 7:30 and last until 8:30 PM. Parents and community Wednesday, August 6 members are welcome to attend.

7:15 AM – everyone reports Saturday, August 9 8:00 AM - practice starts 10:00 AM – JV ends, then conditions 8:15 AM - Report to HS. We will bus to the stadium for pictures. and lifts until 10:45 AM Parents are welcome to take 10:30 AM – varsity ends then conditions and lifts until 11:15 AM personal pictures with their sons.

Pictures will start at 9:00 am and 7:00 PM – varsity returns for will conclude at 10:30. We will bus learning session until 8:30 PM back to the HS for a 15 minute refresher practice and you will have the rest of the weekend off to recover.

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US 75 concrete paving and lane closure set for Aug. 4 Paris – Texas Department of Transportation officials met with representatives of Austin Bridge & Road LP on July 24 to discuss traffic safety and construction procedures during the concrete paving of U.S. Hwy. 75 from FM 902 to Shepherd Drive.

The concrete paving will take place at night from 9 p.m. until 9 a.m. beginning Aug. 4. The inside lane of the roadway next to the concrete barrier will be closed during this work.

Motorists traveling on Hwy. 75 at that time are asked to give special attention to all traffic control devices, and to reduce their speed accordingly for their own safety and that of the paving crews.

Monday, July 28, 2014

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Monday, July 28, 2014

© 2014 The Howe Enterprise

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