Barber Shop

“We do everything. You can get a straight razor hot lather towel shave and every cut includes hot lather around the neck and ears,” said owner Robert Alcala who says barbering is a lot of art. “The new generation of barbers seems to care more about the shoes or the clothes that they wear. The real art of barbering has been changed so we try to keep it like old school and we cater to everyone. We take pride in our work I’m a detailer.”

Along with Alcala are two other barbers Zack Perez and John Hale. Perez has been with Good Fellas for just over a year in Anna while Hale, who has been a barber since 1964 has been with Alcala for four years.

“I’m here for the old guys,” said the very likable Hale who is a former Industrial Arts teacher of 29 years where he retired from Garland ISD. He’s also a veteran of the US Marine Corps. While he grew up in Pleasant Grove, he eventually operated a five-chair barbershop in Kerrville before moving back to North Texas.

“My dad and uncle had a barbershop and mom and dad had a beauty shop so all of us kids and cousins went to barber school,” Hale said.

Alcala, age 42, is originally from Los Angeles, CA where he wanted to cut hair since he was a teenager. He would practice cutting his nephew's hair, but without funds to attend school he found himself with a lawn business that he eventually had to get rid of because of an issue with heat where he had heat strokes.

Moving to McKinney, TX in 2006, he decided he was going to try and find a school that he could afford so that he could do what he’s supposed to do in life cut hair. He found Sol Barber Academy in Lewisville (now located in Dallas).

“I went there and talked to the owner and they gave me an opportunity so I started going to school there,” said Alcala. “I learned how to cut hair and learn the basics and I’ve been a licensed barber since 2013. My main goal to get my license was to open up my own shop and not work for anyone.”

In September 2014, he opened up his own store in Anna called Good Fellas Barber Shop. After being there for five years and watching Anna evolve into a larger city, the landlord went from small-town rent to big city rent which forced Alcala to look elsewhere.

“It’s been stressful and I couldn’t do it without the help of my wife and family and first of all God,” said Alcala. “The City of Howe welcomed us with opened arms and we appreciate that so much.”

Alcala said he was stressing because he contacted the landlord three months before the lease was up because he likes to do things

(Continued on page 8)

Bulldogs lose to Gunter, take fourth in S&S tournament

The Howe Bulldogs week started in Gunter against a good Tiger team even missing their football players who had yet to join the team. Howe (2-5) was handed a 76-54 loss where Gunter jumped out to a 16-8 lead after the first quarter. They extended their lead to 42-20 at the half. The Bulldogs put an 18-spot on the board in the third quarter led by Noah Campbell who scored half of those points in the frame. But Gunter scored 24 in the same quarter and finished strong in the game for the win. Campbell led Howe with 17 points and five rebounds. Freshman Austin Haley added nine points while senior Caiden Harmon tallied eight. Other scorers were Kolby Taylor (4), Jake Fabacher (3), Colton Thurman (3), Eli Wilson (3), and Luke Lopez (3).

On Thursday, Howe traveled to S&S to open the tournament against the hometown Rams. Howe played their best game to date as Howe opened up with a 16 -7 first-quarter lead and a 31-17 halftime lead before closing out a 66-34 win for their second on the season. Campbell had 20 points while Haley followed with 16. Other scorers were Ayden Norton (6), Fabacher (6), Taylor (5), Harmon (4), Cameron Lankford

(4), Thurman (4), and Wilson (2). Howe lost to Gainesville in the second game of the tournament, 76-51. The Bulldogs were led by Norton’s 12 points. Other scorers were Haley (8), Harmon (8), Campbell (6), Fabacher (5), Lankford (4), Taylor (4), and Luke Lopez (2).

The Bulldogs then took on Red River Christian Academy and suffered a 62-40 loss. The Dogs were led by Harmon’s 10 points. Other scorers were Ethan Lopez (9), Fabacher (5), Norton (5), Haley (4), Taylor (4), Luke Lopez (4), and Lankford (3).

The Bulldogs are averaging 48 points per game and allowing 61 per game through their first seven. They are scheduled to play Farmersville on Tuesday night.

Howe vs. Gainesville photos

Howe vs. RRC photos

Howe ISD taking applications for substitute teachers

Howe ISD is currently accepting applications for substitute positions for the 2019-20 school year. To be eligible for substitute placement, applicants must: Be at least 18 years old. Have a high school diploma or equivalent.

All applicants who meet the above criteria are required to attend mandatory training on Thursday, January 9, 2020, 9:00 am – 11:30 am in the Howe ISD Administration Building before placed on the district’s substitute list. Please print and fill out the forms PRIOR to training and bring to the training.

Substitute Application

Criminal Background

ECOS Form

All applicants must provide the following:

Two forms of identification (i.e. Driver’s license, social security card)

Voided Check (for direct deposit)

Applicants who have a valid Texas Teaching Certificate must provide the following before paid the certified substitute rate:

Copy of Transcripts

Copy of Valid Texas Teaching Certificate

You may contact Pauli Stephens at 903-745-4006 for additional information.