58.50 Howe Enterprise April 26, 2021

Soup Scoop

Lady Bulldogs walk-off Leonard on Senior Night

Howe PD welcomes new officer

Howe ISD Superintendent Kevin Wilson opened

The Lady Bulldogs (4-14) made the best of Senior

Friday morning, the Howe Police Department

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INSIDE

SHES Students of Month, pg. 7 Bulldogs baseball, pg. 8 HHS Teacher of Year, pg. 8 Doty and Bouse FFA, pg. 10 KHB cleanup, pg. 11 Flash Flood, pg. 11 State track, pg. 12 Fabacher controversy, pg. 12 Bluebonnets pg. 12 Chamber events, pg. 15 Hot Jobs, pg. 16

© 2021 The Howe Enterprise

Volume 58, Edition 50

Monday, April 26, 2021

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Headed to state...again Austin bound Lady Bulldogs head to state for 8th time in 11 years

If a news station or publication goes on social media and poses the question, “What do you think about (insert controversial topic)” —they’re not a news station or publication. They are a click-bait, pot-stirring, propaganda machine whose motus operandi is to get your all riled up. Don’t feed into it and certainly don’t comment on the post.

Don’t even read the comments. Just scroll past it. Find cats and dogs and prom photos to “like.” Big media is a big problem with our society. *** Not once have I ever told Jake Fabacher to get up out of bed and go do your running.

Never have I said, “you really need to focus on ( ).” I’m not sure in my life that I’ve been around such a self-motivated individual. He will do well in life and I’m very proud of the man he’s becoming. To watch him hurt this weekend was painful.

So many of those this year for him. But his stride helps him.

EDITOR’S NOTE—This column is reserved as an editorial column and may not necessarily reflect the policy of this publication.

Bulk Trash Pickup 2nd Friday of each month in Howe.

The Howe Lady Bulldogs golf team cruised their way to a regional championship last Monday and Tuesday by shooting a 402 on day one and a 406 on day two.

Senior Kriston Harris led Howe on day one with a score of 95.

Senior Katie Grogan led the Howe girls on Tuesday by shooting a 94. Grogan’s 190 combined score led Howe with Harris five strokes behind her.

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The Regional Champion Lady Bulldogs golf team. Left to right: Reagan Troxtell, Brooke Robinson, Kriston Harris, Katie Grogan, and Grace Brennan. In front is Coach Derek Lands’ granddaughter.

Howe’s 4x400 relay team finished second and will run at the Class 3A Texas State Track Meet on May 6, 2021. Members of the team are (left to right) Kendall Griffin, Marissa Agee, Teagan Stubblefield, and Hannah Dwyer. Agee also will be competing at state in the 800 meters as she placed second in the event. (Continued on page 12)

Howe ISD board candidates answer questions

Mayor French breaks tie and moves not to hire applicants for city administrator just yet Charles Haley

Josh Vincent

Janie Finney

Brad Murphy

Crystal Lawson

Howe City Council members Brett Bearden and Georgia Richardson vote in favor of delaying the hiring of city administrator applicants. Staff photo.

Two applicants were interviewed for the position of City of Howe City Administrator on Tuesday night.

In a rare split and disagreement between council members after

executive session, Councilman Robert Cannaday made a motion to move forward with the hiring process that evening.

Councilman Dale Rideout agreed with the motion, however Brett Bearden and

(Continued on page 16)

Early voting is underway for the Howe ISD Board of Trustees. There are a total of three seats open which include two

incumbents and one vacated seat by Mark Abner. Three challengers make up five choices for the three

(Continued on page 4)

Howe ISD removes mask mandate On the 246th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Howe ISD Board of Trustees voted to remove the mask-mandate from students and staff and visitors to each campus. The district still uses the term “recommended, but not required.”

The school has seen a downward trend in positive cases for students and staff. In March and through last Monday, the ISD had two positive cases throughout the dis-

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April 26, 2021

Soup Scoop

Howe ISD Superintendent Kevin Wilson opened his report to the school board last Monday by giving the current enrollment of 1,198 which is down four students from February. He accepted resignations from Gary Qualls, a high school special ed teacher and coach along with Christina Stevens, a special ed teacher at the middle school.

He announced that all school board members have completed their training for this year with the exception of Mark Abner who resigned in March. All members exceeded the number of hours needed.

The May 1 Board of Trustees election will take place at the Howe Community Center/Police Station.

Early voting is currently underway.

Howe ISD He stated that the Superintenstadium renova- dent Kevin tion is in the pro- Wilson cess of water injection, with the base going in around the first week of May. The expected finish of the project is mid-July but guaranteed by August 1.

Masks (Continued from page 1)

trict. The rate of infection with students is 8.3 percent (100 of 1,202). The rate of infection with staff is much higher at 30 percent (54 cases of 179 staff members).

The district offered enough vaccines for each staff member of which 80-90 took the vaccine.

With Superintendent Kevin Wilson’s recommendation, the board approved to modify the mask mandate to “recommended, but

© 2021 The Howe Enterprise

not required” for students, staff, and visitors at all district events.

Mandatory quarantines imposed

by Howe ISD will only be in effect for students and staff who have had “significant and sustained contact” with a lab confirmed individual.

Event capacity is now 100 percent for outdoor and 75 percent for indoor which will expand to 100 percent after May 14. Wilson could authorize reinstatement of masks if an outbreak occurs.

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Lady Bulldogs walk-off Leonard on Senior Night

The seniors received gifts from their teammates on Tuesday night.

Photo by Michelle Carney.

The Lady Bulldogs (4-14) made the best of Senior Night as they collected 15 runs on 17 hits and won in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the seventh inning on a walk-off 2-run double by Railyn Murphy that drove in Talia Bjorn and Ryleigh Craven.

The game was a tightrope all night long as Leonard began the top of the third with three runs followed by Howe’s Alexia Womack RBI in the bottom of the first inning that scored Hannah Dwyer.

Leonard added three more in the top of the second inning and Howe answered right back with three of their own in the bottom half. Gracie Lankford doubled home Chloe Scoggins and moments later Womack doubled home Craven and Lankford to make it a 6-4 game.

Leonard added two more runs in the third inning but Howe, again hung in there with a run in the bottom of the third when Kaitlyn Fuhr took advantage of a Lady Tiger miscue and scored from third.

Howe’s Micaiah Franklin started in the circle and settled down nicely in the fourth inning and sat the Lady Tigers down 1-2-3. That allowed the Howe bats to come alive in the bottom of the inning to tie the game at 8-8. A Franklin

ground out scored Lankford to begin the inning, followed by an inside-the-park homer by freshman Emery Snapp. Howe tied the game on a Craven double that scored Fuhr.

But Leonard kept battling at scored four more runs in the top of the fifth inning to make it 12-8.

The Lady Bulldogs followed with three of their own when Franklin doubled home Dwyer and Fuhr drove in two with a single to make it 12-11 headed to the sixth.

Murphy came in to relieve Franklin and Leonard put a 2-spot on the board to make it 14-11 and Howe did not score to keep pace.

But in the seventh inning, Murphy blanked the Lady Tigers to set up the late-inning heroics.

Womack scored on a Snapp grounder to make it 14-12. Then Fuhr singled, Scoggins singled, Craven walked, and Murphy hit the double that sent the crowd into a frenzy for the 15-14 win.

Howe will conclude the season tonight at Whitewright as it was originally scheduled for Friday but pushed back due to weather.

Howe at Leonard

TEXAS TRASH-OFF APRIL 1, - APRIL 30, 2021

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Candidates (Continued from page 1)

seats overall. The order of the names on the ballot are Charles Haley (challenger), Josh Vincent (incumbent), Crystal Lawson (challenger), Janie Finney (incumbent), and Brad Murphy (challenger).

Each candidate was presented with the same questions and the results will be provided in the same order of the ballot.

What motivates you to want to become a board member?

CHARLES HALEY: With having 2 school-aged children, I have a vested interest in the school system. It is especially important for us to ensure we are shaping these students as they will be our future leaders in the community. I am looking to serve in a manner that can help drive positive growth and opportunity in our schools and community.

JOSH VINCENT: I want to continue being a board member because I realize the importance of the kids in our community. I would like to continue to make sure that our kids are getting the best education possible and are doing so in the safest environment possible. This was why I ran three years ago and is even more important to me today as I currently have a son in Pre-K at Summit Hill and will be going to Kindergarten next year.

CRYSTAL LAWSON: What motivates me to run for school board is my children and my community. I currently have two girls in Howe schools and one that will join them in a few years. All of my girls’ teammates (through softball and volleyball) also go to Howe schools, and the friends that we have made since we have lived here have children that go to Howe schools. We have a vested interested in the schools and want them to have the resources they need so that our children can have the tools and opportunities that they need to be successful.

JANIE FINNEY: I LOVE HOWE ISD. My dad graduated from Howe; I went 12 years of school at Howe. My husband was a third generation Howe ISD graduate. We have had two children go all the way through Howe schools. I taught 41 years here- 28 years in the classroom and 13 years in the technology department helping teachers and students alike. I have served on the board 6 years. I would love to continue to serve the district that has given so much to me and my family.

BRAD MURPHY: I have children in the school system and am interested in learning more about how the school is ran in hopes offering insight and or changes for improvement.

What particular skills or experiences qualify you to serve as a school board member?

CHARLES HALEY: I have worked for TI for over 25 years, and in that time, I have been on several teams as a member or as the team leader. Many of these projects required compiling and sticking to a budget. Cost was always one of the main focuses, so the ability to brainstorm and problem solve as a team was crucial. I feel my experiences in a team atmosphere will help me be able to work with the other members on the board to accomplish our goals.

JOSH VINCENT: As far as experiences, I taught Ag Education at Howe for three years, so I do have a perspective as a teacher which is very beneficial because not only do I want our students taken care of I likewise want our teachers to know that they are valued and are our greatest asset.

I like to think the skills that help qualify me to be on the school board are those that I use every day now running our family construction business. Those include plenty of problem solving, scheduling, and working with all kinds of budgets, these are very beneficial for being on the school board.

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Golf (Continued from page 1)

bad enough on Tuesday,” said Lands.

The girls will advance to the state meet in Manor, Texas (west of Austin) at ShadowGlen Golf Club.

This year's state team consists of Harris, Grogan, Reagan Troxtell, Brooke Robinson, and Grace Brennan. Of the group, Harris was on the state qualifying team in 2018 as a freshman and Grogan was an alternate that year. Their sophomore year, they finished as district champs and placed seventh at the regional tournament.

Head Coach Derek Lands has led his Lady Bulldogs golf team to the state championship tournament in eight of the last 11 seasons, not including last year which COVID cancelled the season.

“It was a shame we lost last year because we were loaded with Molly Wilson in the mix,” said Lands, who has been the girls varsity golf coach since 2008. “And it would have helped this group here—being down there one year before. We could have really shot, probably, 370 on a daily basis.”

Lands says this team can shoot 370, but it depends on the golf course. He says it has pros and cons and the con is that the greens are really fast.

The girls will have an opportunity to have a practice round on Sunday, but Lands says he doesn’t let them actually play and score the day before competition.

“I learned a long time ago to not let the girls have comparisons from the day before because it’s

“I got to ride in the cart with Coach Lands my freshman year and it was cool to see his perspective and what he goes through during the tournament,” said Grogan.

Her cousin Troxtell said that she hopes they leave their hearts on the course and come away as state champions. She said in order to do that, they’d need to score a 370 each day.

Fellow senior Robinson says they have confidence going into it because they’ve already beaten the team (Callisburg) who she says was projected to win.

“I’m just expecting us to bring out best,” said Robinson. “We’ve all grown up together so it’s easy for us to just hang out and make memories. It’ll be fun for us to do this one last thing together as a group.”

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Candidates (Continued from page 4)

CRYSTAL LAWSON: In my career I have served as a board member for a national organization for nearly a decade, holding positions from board member at large, chapter representative, and treasurer. Within those position I have helped organize professional events for our members (learning opportunities and continuing education), helped with allocation of funds to better serve our members, help raise funds, create foundations for the organization to grow within an ever-changing environment, and created a scholarship fund as well.

As an educator (I have never taught K-12, but instead have taught at a local college and now at a State University as an adjunct professor), I have seen the struggles of other teachers in terms of having the materials they need to make their students success, having the support from the administration to build their program, and engaging their students so that they will be excited to learn.

These things didn’t end when the students left high school. I think my role as an educator gives me a small glimpse into the struggles that our teachers have in terms of engagement and resources.

As an Environmental, Health, and

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April 26, 2021

Safety Scientist, I have a very odd set of skills in terms of responding to situations such as COVID19, emergency response, occupational health and safety, and environmental impacts. It has been my responsibility to know how we are required to respond, how we should respond, and how to weigh the pros and cons of a situation that is the best option for everyone (not just the people but the business as well).

I believe this set of skills will help HOWE ISD with establishing a new “normal” as COVID levels out and our country continues to struggle with how we should move forward.

JANIE FINNEY: I have a degree in education and 42 years of teaching experience – 41 years at Howe ISD. As a parent, I have two had two children who attended and graduated from Howe ISD. My husband and I have owned and operated a business and have experience in personnel and finance.

BRAD MURPHY: I've been and insurance adjuster for 25 years and have handled all types of claims, from total loss fires to death claims. These experiences have expanded my communication skills, my empathy for others

and an understanding of life skills.

teered for concessions for our youth programs.

How long have you lived in this school district?

I volunteered to help with cooking for several school fundraisers such as the fall festival and the 8th grade bash.

CHARLES HALEY: We have lived in the Howe school district for almost 10 years.

JOSH VINCENT: I have lived in the Howe school district my entire life. 32 years.

CRYSTAL LAWSON: My family and I moved into Howe ISD 3 years ago. We heavily researched the school before we purchased our home.

JANIE FINNEY: With the exception of time spent with my husband in the military in California and time at college, we have lived in Howe all of our lives. Many of our family members still live in the Howe School district.

BRAD MURPHY: I have lived in Howe for 18 yrs. Since my boys have been of school age, I've spent countless hours coaching football, basketball, baseball and supporting our community.

In what school or district activities have you been involved?

CHARLES HALEY: As a member of the Howe community, I have been involved in many youth athletic functions. I served as a youth basketball coach for several years. I have also volun-

I’ve coached the varsity level baseball summer and winter teams and volunteered in various other capacities within the athletic program.

JOSH VINCENT: I taught at Howe right out of college for 3 years and have been on the school board there for the past 3 years.

CRYSTAL LAWSON: I have been part of the Howe ISD PTO and this year I am serving on the Howe Youth Softball Association Board. My children have been involved with the youth softball and youth volleyball for several seasons now as well. We also now have one in Middle School Band.

JANIE FINNEY: We have two grandchildren who attend Howe Schools so we are big supporters of any of the activities that we are allowed to attend (Covid has had a big impact) We look forward to the time we can all gather as a large group to enjoy the students and their activities. We try to our support to Howe ISD groups and activities as much as we possibly can.

BRAD MURPHY: Most recently

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April 26, 2021

Summit Hill Elementary Students of the Month—April

Candidates (Continued from page 6)

I was on the committee that campaigned for and assisted in the passing of the bond which built our Elementary School-Summit Hill.

How much time will you/can you give to board service?

CHARLES HALEY: As much as needed to make sure I am prepared for and can contribute to resolving any issues related to Howe ISD and its community.

a

Pre-K: Jax Vincent, Luis Garcia Kindergarten: Gary Gil, Keylee Huck First grade: Christian Mickelson, Ruby Harvey Second grade: Anders Bjorn, Sindy Morales

JOSH VINCENT: I am fortunate that I can give any amount of time needed to my board service.

CRYSTAL LAWSON: I am blessed in that I work for a company that allows for flexible scheduling and some work from home options as well. This will allow me to balance both my career as well as school board service. School board service is not something that I plan to “squeeze” into my schedule, it is something that I plan to dedicate my time and efforts to.

JANIE FINNEY: Since I have retired twice from Howe ISD and have some freedom at work, I can give as much time as needed to fulfill any duties that I am asked to perform. We make time to do what we love, and I love my involvement with the school district.

BRAD MURPHY: I will spend as much time as needed to assist the board/other board members in making decisions.

What do you see as the current challenges facing public education in our state? In our country?

Job posting for Howe City Administrator The current long-time administrator for the City of Howe, Grayson County, TX is retiring September 2021. The City is accepting resumés for this position beginning April 2, 2021. Resumés will be accepted until June 30, 2021 or until the position is filled whichever comes first.

The City is a General Law Type “A” city with a population of approximately 3,000, a budget of $3.8 million and 18 employees.

Salary range $70,000 to $80,000 DOQ with negotiated vehicle allowance. City

offers vacation, sick leave, and retirement in TMRS. Residency within the corporate limits of the city of Howe within nine (9) months of date of employment is required.

Preferred method of submittal: email resumés to: jshephard@cityofhowe.org USPS Address: City of Howe Attn: City Administrator Joe Shephard P.O. Box 518 Howe, TX 75459 (903) 532-5571

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CHARLES HALEY: The impact of Covid has been pretty tough on all school districts. It will be a challenge to get back to normal operations within the school system and with extracurricular school activities, but I believe with the Howe School District staff and school board we can get there.

One issue we will be dealing with are students that may have fallen behind during these extenuating circumstances. We must focus on getting students involved and feeling safe to be at school and make sure they know the staff is here to help them. With that, we need to ensure the staff has the

proper tools to continue help those students and also the tools to continue to achieve Howe ISD goals.

JOSH VINCENT: In our state I think it will always be a funding issue, it always seems like promises are made as far as allotted moneys for schools but not always kept and that makes it especially hard for coming up with a school budget year to year.

In our country I think one of the many challenges facing education is the fact that they are trying to make it legal for boys to compete in girls’ sports. It is already hard enough for kids these days with all the pressure put on them and then to add this confusion to their lives is very aggravating. Not only hard on the kids but puts the coaches and faculty in a difficult situation also. It is my hope that something can be done at the state level to prevent this.

The challenge facing both our state and country is the fact that kids lost so much in school learning over the past year due to covid and trying to get caught back up from not having quality in class learning.

CRYSTAL LAWSON: Some of the current challenges facing public education in our state is the resources necessary to make our teacher successful. Do they have the materials they need for their classes? Do they have the “textbooks” and curriculum that they need? (I have textbooks in “” because I understand that as we have moved to a more digital platform, some classes do not have virtual or physical “textbooks” anymore) Do the teachers have access to additional training, seminars, and networks that are necessary for them to stay up to date on materials and methods?

Some challenges facing public education in our country is that we are facing a new “normal” still. COVID19 has changed the landscape of education. While we are blessed to be back in school physically, nationally there are still schools that will complete this year virtually. We as a nation are facing issues with attendance, comprehension of materials, access to materials, access to the technology to do their schoolwork, and more. There are other major issues with our education system nationally, things such as

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Bulldogs fall to Leonard

Golf (Continued from page 5)

The girls took a moment to talk about their head coach and Robinson said Lands was the best coach she’s ever had.

“He can be difficult to deal with at times,” said Troxtell. “He really wants us to do our best and even if we go down there and flunk it, he knows that we all are trying our best and we want to win.”

Ethan Lopez makes a throw to the plate in Tuesday’s game.

Photo by Michelle Carney.

Howe sophomore Austin Haley went two strong innings for the Bulldogs (7-16) Tuesday night against Leonard in his return to the mound after a break due to arm fatigue. He allowed three hits, but no runs and no walks while striking out five batters.

There was no score when he left after 33 pitches.

Dylan Hughs relieved Haley in the third inning and allowed a 2run triple after a lead-off walk and a hit-by-pitch. But Hughs bared down and left the runner at third with a pop out and a ground out.

Howe had the bases loaded in the bottom of the third with one out and an Ethan Lopez ground ball scored Ryan Hough who led off with a walk. But no more damage could be done with a strikeout to end the inning.

The Bulldog tied the game in the fifth inning when Haley singled and Luke Lopez doubled him home on a liner to center, but Lopez was caught on the bases to end the inning.

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April 26, 2021

Brett Burnett came in relief of Hughs and walked two batters in the sixth which brought in sophomore Matt Hayes to the mound.

Hayes got two strikeouts to end the Tiger threat and sent the game to the sixth inning with the game tied at 2-2.

But Leonard added three runs in the seventh inning as Hayes gave up four hits and a walk before getting out of the inning.

Howe made noise in the bottom of the seventh inning and scored a run on an RBI double by Haley that scored Caleb Searcy. But two consecutive pop ups gave Leonard to 5-3 win.

Howe’s game on Friday was moved to Monday (today). The junior varsity will start at 4:30 pm with the varsity beginning at 7 pm.

Howe vs. Leonard

Chelsie Nail is HHS Teacher of the Year

Grogan said he’s proud of them no matter what they do. “He’s always told us, ‘I can teach you how to swing a golf club, but you’re going to have to go out there do your thing and it’s all on you.’”

“He’s sassy,” said Robinson.

“But we sass him right back.”

Lands says he’s not sure what the key to success has been, but he says finding girls that are not too emotional one way or the other seems to be the key for making a good golfer.

“I try and find those kids because I think they’re the ones that have the most success,” said Lands.

“The highs and lows have to be controlled and I guess I’ve just been lucky and found them over the years.”

Lands says that if he had to start

the program with one player that he’s had over the years, he’d start with Emily Taylor who was a 4time state qualifier from 20102013. After her graduation, Howe missed the state tournament the following two years, but only missed in 2019 since then.

Howe’s had some outstanding talent over the past decade including the Wilson sisters Molly and Madison, Charlsea Carter, Peyton Streetman, and others.

Lands thinks if they finish in the top five in the state tournament, then it would be a successful run.

“If we went down there and played great both days, we might have a shot,” said Lands.

The girls will tee off today and finish up tomorrow. No matter what happens, the girls know that their sassy coach will be proud of them.

The Lady Bulldogs State Legacy 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

6th at state (783 score) 6th at state (815 score) 4th at state (748 score) 6th at state (772 score) Missed state tournament Missed state tournament 7th at state (814 score) 8th at state (795 score) 8th at state (791 score) Missed state tournament Season cancelled State tourney qualifiers

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Candidates (Continued from page 7)

curriculum that doesn’t enhance our children’s growth, and the introduction of teaching materials that may or may not be appropriate for children, just to name a few. However, we need to go back to foundations first before we can address the other issues and find our new “normal” before we start cutting a pathway.

JANIE FINNEY: Texas has been blessed with a legislature that for the most part sees the value of education. Making sure that the monies provided from the state are used carefully and wisely is always a challenge.

I think one of the biggest challenges for our country is having a sound curriculum that is based on teaching kids HOW TO THINK not WHAT TO THINK. Teaching students how to work together and how to have civil discussion that tries to see all sides and make sound decisions are skills that can be carried into their adult life.

BRAD MURPHY: A. School finance. B. Population growth.

What are 2-3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths?

CHARLES HALEY: Howe has always had a strong School Board lead by the Superintendent. I’ve always felt confident in their abilities to identify and address the concerns within the school district.

The combination of the great staff and the outstanding students are what set the Howe ISD apart from other districts. The fact that our school district offers so many opportunities for students to excel is a major strength. I also believe there is an abundance of school and community pride that will never die here in Howe.

JOSH VINCENT: I think the strengths of our district is in our students and staff. I have seen on multiple occasions where other schools are complementing our students for their character and behavior and at the end of the day that is what people will remember more than wins and losses in a sport or competition. I honestly believe we are extremely fortunate to have the staff that we do and that they really do care about our students. I think we have the best set of Administrators that we have had in a while and that they

all set the standards high for the teachers. As a parent to a child in the school district for the first time I am seeing just how good of people we have at Howe and am very confident in their abilities. I see these as strengths because parents want to feel good about where their kids are spending the majority of their time.

CRYSTAL LAWSON: Some of Howe ISD’s strengths are, first and foremost, the teachers. Having been in two other school districts and one private school in the past, we have never had the support and the access to our children’s teachers as we have here. Our teachers care. They know us, they know our kids, they know are kids’ siblings in other grades, they show up at our kids’ community sports games.

They generally care, which makes our children feel cared for and special. Children who feel like they are seen and cared about are better adjusted and more willing to put forth the effort needed to do well at school.

Our schools’ administrative team is also a strength. Just like our teachers, they know our kids and they usually know us too. They are part of the well-oiled machine known as HOWE ISD. They help us run as smoothly as a school can, especially in a year where things have been messy and ever changing.

CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE

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JANIE FINNEY: *-We have a community that is loving and giving. *-We have parents that are involved and supportive of the district. *-We have a wonderful, dedicated staff that want our students to learn and will go to all lengths to make that happen even at the sacrifice of their own personal lives.

It takes all three of the above strengths to make up outstanding districts and Howe has the best of all three! We consistently find that Howe ISD is always right at the top of the BEST in so many areas. It makes one proud to say, “I’m from HOWE!” BRAD MURPHY: I feel that one of our strengths is that our district has Friendly and Capable Staff along with both new and old teachers, forming an excellent learning environment.

What are 2-3 needs that must be priorities for our district to

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Advertise Your Business in The Howe Enterprise Monte Walker—Ad Manager, Grayson Publishing, LLC news@howeenterprise.com

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Candidates (Continued from page 9)

address? Why do you see these as needs?

CHARLES HALEY: Our school district needs to continue working through the Covid situation and how to recover to ‘normal’ operations. Although it will be an ongoing battle to guarantee the safety of the students and the faculty, this will continue to be one of the district’s main focus areas.

We also need to ensure we have the best staff available for our students. It will also be key to make sure we continue to work at retaining this talent as well. Our students will be our future leaders and deserve the best our school district can offer to set them up for success.

Our school district should be prepared for the future growth of our community and school system.

This will include continually working on improving our ISD infrastructure and staying up to date with new technology.

JOSH VINCENT: I think one need for our district, and something that has been addressed, but continue to always make sure that our kids and faculty are safe. I think Howe has done a very good job at this but is something that should always be on the boards mind as far as looking for ways to ensure safety. Another priority to address would be making sure to help the students that have fallen a little more behind due to Covid and try and get them caught back up. This is important because we want all students to achieve and do well.

CRYSTAL LAWSON: Some of the needs that I believe that should be prioritize for our district are the material needs of our schools and teachers. With the move to a more virtual learning platform, I have seen request for things such as stylus for iPads so that the students can do their schoolwork easier (I have watched my daughters get frustrated because trying to do their math on the iPad with their fingers is slow and difficult at best).

I have seen request for classroom materials, help with repairing equipment, and request for water bottles because not everyone has access to them. I know that these things cost money. I know that we do not have an infinite amount of it either, we are a small school district, and we have a limited amount of funds available to us annually, but I think we need to find creative solutions to make sure that our teachers have the tools that they need to teach our kids.

JANIE FINNEY: *-We must continue to encourage students at all levels. *-We must teach the WHOLE CHILD—make our teaching meaningful and useful.

*-Going back to what is important for our country, we do need to make sure that we are teaching kids HOW TO THINK—not what to think.

For students to be successful in life, they need encouragement, they need to feel like they have learned at whatever level they can achieve, and they need to know how to think for themselves. If we can do this for every child, we will see a happy and successful life for every student.

BRAD MURPHY: I feel communication, accountability and transparency are top priorities for any district to improve upon.

How information is shared, timing of information and responses to parents' concerns are also issues.

What are your best hopes for the future of this school district? How would your aspirations help our students?

CHARLES HALEY: My hope is our ISD continues to strive to develop highly educated, strong leaders of our community. Our current students are the future leaders of our nation and we must ensure they are prepared to step into the next chapter of their lives after graduation.

I would like Howe ISD to be known as one of the best school districts in North Texas by always challenging our students and faculty to be the best they can be on a daily basis. Focus on teaching our students to respect their peers and anyone they encounter throughout the day. Learning to respect others at an early age can have many benefits as the students graduate and enter the world.

JOSH VINCENT: It is my hope that HISD will continue to educate and prepare students for their future lives and hope that they will be great contributors to society. Not all kids are going to make straight A’s or be star athletes, just look at all the grammar mistakes I have probably made throughout this deal. I think the future of our district lies in our students knowing how to work, be respectful to others, solve problems and stay true to their self and their values. I would hope my aspirations of keeping the traditions and values that HISD was for me growing up would help see this through in an ever-changing world.

CRYSTAL LAWSON: My best hopes for the future of this school district is that we retain our talented teachers and pull in talented teachers so that our children leave HOWE ISD to become successful, productive adults, regardless of the path that they choose (military, trade school, 4 – year school, 2- year school, straight to work force, etc.). That our ad-

(Continued on page 13)

10

Howe student named District III, Area V, FFA president Howe sophomore Jentrie Doty was named president of the Texas FFA District III, Area V for the 2021-22 school year. Fellow sophomore Korie Bouse of Howe was named treasurer.

The remaining officers in the district are Ansley Campbell of Bells—vice president, Jay Bradley of Pottsboro—secretary, Creighton Gattis of Pottsboro— reporter, Nick Bullard of Gunter—sentinel, and Ashtyn Wade of Gunter—advisor.

The elected officers of the District II FFA Association shall be selected and nominated by each local association. Each of these officers has an opportunity to demonstrate FFA, agricultural education, parliamentary procedure and agricultural industry

knowledge via a written exam, present their qualifications to an evaluation committee and appear before the convention body delegates and deliver a campaign speech. A president shall be elected by a combination of exam score and writing prompt 25 percent, interview scores 35 percent, and a score derived from the vote of the delegates present 40 percent.

The winner of the final elections shall be declared president of the district, and the candidate receiving the second highest score total in the final runoff election shall be declared the first vicepresident with other offices, secretary, treasurer, reporter, sentinel and student advisor, following in that order.

HoweEnterprise.com

11

April 26, 2021

Keep Howe Beautiful cleans up Summit Gardens

Matter of Heart Ministries joined Keep Howe Beautiful Saturday morning to help pull weeds, take out dead plants, and spread 200 bags of mulch. Courtesy photo.

Howe PD welcomes new officer

Officer Jason B. Jones is sworn in by Howe Mayor Bill French on Friday morning. His first full day is today. Staff photo.

Friday morning, the Howe Police Department added their newest officer in Jason B. Jones. He served three years as a Department of the Army Civilian Police Officer in Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

Howe experienced flash flooding on Friday night

Jones is 46-years-old and originally from the Oklahoma City area and has been in Alaska for the last 17 years as active duty Army, he says it was time to move closer to family and his meeting with Howe Police Chief Carl Hudman played a role in that as the two met while Hudman took a position in Alaska a few years ago. Jones was also a flight paramedic.

“I was looking for a small town community and small town atmosphere,” said Jones. “I want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.”

He’s been married for 26 years to Taryn and has three grown children, Nicole 29, and 22-year-old twins Alyssa and Breanna.

With police officers being attacked by the media on a daily basis, Jones says he doesn’t think about that or dwell on it.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi inducts Maxwell Morrow of Howe Maxwell Morrow of Howe was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

They are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year.

Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

In a matter of minutes, all the ditches were filled and even some bridges floated away. The one pictured above along Farmington Road was thankfully halted by a fire hydrant. The water is supposed to go under the bridge, not carry it.

Photo submitted by Joanne Dickey.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of undergraduate student Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in

all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 325 campuses in the United States and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

Since its founding, more than 1.5 million members have been initiated into Phi Kappa Phi. Some of the organization's notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist John Grisham and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley. Each year, Phi Kappa Phi awards more than $1 million to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.phikappaphi.org.

HoweEnterprise.com

Lady Bulldogs headed to state in track

The Howe Lady Bulldogs 4x400 team celebrate together after finishing second on Saturday. Photo by Michelle Walker.

The Lady Bulldogs will be sending freshman Kendall Griffin, sophomore Teagan Stubblefield, and seniors Hannah Dwyer and Marissa Agee to the UIL State Track Meet on May 6 in Austin.

The four girls combined to finish second place in the 4x100 meter relay on Saturday in Whitehouse, Texas at the regional meet. Their time of 4:09.55 was almost four seconds faster than the prelims the day prior. Gunter will also advance as the region champions by running a 4:07.67.

Agee will be making her second trip to the state meet as she finished second in the 800 meters at the regional meet with a time of 2:22.7. She finished sixth in state her sophomore year in the 800 meters and most likely would have qualified a year ago as a junior if it weren't for the COVID cancellations.

Jake Fabacher, the area champion in the 800 meters and the mile did not have things go his way all day. He placed third in the 800 meters which eventually was

12

April 26, 2021

pushed to fifth due to a controversial decision (see adjacent article in this publication). Coming off a devastating finish in the 800, he was unable to carry his normal push in the 1600 and finished 12th overall.

The Lady Bulldogs 4x200 team did not make it out of the prelims as they ran a 1:52.8 which was good for 13th overall.

In the field events, Hannah Dwyer scratched all three times in the prelim triple jump and was not able to make it to the finals on Saturday.

Freshman Cooper Jones finished 13th in the region with a throw of 39’-9.25”. Jones has played varsity football, basketball, and track as a freshman.

Howe’s only state champions are Lowell Thompson (discus), Kyle McKinney (shotput), Tania Bement (shotput and discus), and Brad Turner (high jump). No runner has ever earned that distinction.

Bluebonnets on Williams Trail

Controversial call on fall keeps Fabacher from state dreams

Jake Fabacher after finishing third in the 800 meters following a collision by two runners that he had to avoid.

Photo by Michelle Walker.

The third time was not the charm for Howe senior athlete Jake Fabacher. To begin the season, he was not allowed to compete at the regional cross country meet due to a decision by Howe ISD because he had been around someone who had tested positive for COVID-19 even though Fabacher himself tested negative.

Then there was the night in Whitewright in the final regular season game where he toed the free throw line to give the Bulldogs the lead with two seconds remaining in the game that was to send them into the playoffs. But a last-second heave from half court ended the basketball season with a thud.

And perhaps the best one yet took place on Saturday in Whitehouse when the area champion 800 meter runner was in lane one of 16 runners and moved to fourth on the final back stretch ready to make his move in the final 200 as he has so famously done. Two runners in front of him (Obi Landernos of Valley View and Victor Wakefield of Hughes Springs) became tangled up and hit the ground which forced Fabacher to slow down and sidestep the runners. The Valley View runner Devin Ferris who was positioned behind Fabacher left the track with both feet and never broke stride around the runners and eventually won the race. The lead runner, Kale Roethle was not affected by the fall, and he and Fabacher were neck and neck for the second place finish behind Ferris, who initially had the flag raised on him for leaving the track.

However, they later forgave the disqualification. Roethle edged out Fabacher at the finish line as Roethle was unaffected by the fall and Fabacher had to slow down and regain speed.

They awarded medals on the podium to Ferris for first place, Roethle second, and Fabacher third.

Wayne Matthewson on Williams Trail north east of Howe welcomes picture-seekers to his Bluebonnet Patch. Staff photo.

But the drama had only begun.

The Meet Referee decided to let the two runners that fell to get to run the race again, which never

happens—and at that—alone as the final race of the meet. Getting to run, not in a crowded 16person race, their times in the rerun came in at 2:03.26 for Landeros of Valley View and 2:04.49 for Wakefield of Hughes Springs.

This knocked out Roethle of Mount Vernon for a trip to state which he had been awarded earlier. It also striped the third place medal away from Fabacher who had thought he had finished third and had a shot at the wild card as the fastest third place in all regions.

Fabacher had just run a 2:03.07 to win the area championship, but due to the fall and maneuver, ran a 2:05.42 in regionals.

The Howe Enterprise sent an email to the athletic director of the University Interscholastic League but received no response.

The questions we posed were: 1. Why is it that two runners that fell on the back stretch of the last lap were allowed to get to run by themselves and not re-run the entire race with all 16 qualifiers?

2. Is it appropriate for a runner to leave the track with both feet and qualify as the winner of a race?

3. Is it appropriate for a runner to physically grab the shoulder of another runner under any circumstance and qualify as the winner of a race?

The answers we have received from school officials are that there is no such thing as an appeal or protest on a judgment decision by a Meet Referee. The UIL apparently does not have the ability to question any judgement call made by an official.

Fabacher, an even-keeled individual was devastated at the outcome, but the senior athlete who runs 35-40 miles per week got up Sunday, went to church, and afterwards ran three miles. “That fall was pretty much the worst thing that could have happened,” said Fabacher. “I know it was out of my control and I gave it everything I had—but I guess I’ll always say ‘what if.’”

Watch the race here.

HoweEnterprise.com

April 26, 2021

Candidates (Continued from page 10)

lifetime.

ministration and our teachers feel supported and appreciated. These aspirations would help our students because if our teachers and our staff are supported and have the resources they need, then our children will be supported and have the resources and opportunities that they need to be successful.

BRAD MURPHY: Our school will continue to grow; I hope to plan for the future, set the vision and goals for the district and adopt policies to give the district direction.

JANIE FINNEY: Howe ISD is on the cusp of becoming a much bigger district in a very short time. I would love to see us keep our “Small Town feel” as we grow. Encouraging continued support for Howe ISD activities would help build that feel while allowing our students to participate in many more kinds of events.

Letting every student know that their participation is not only encouraged by desired would help them build strong bonds to last a

If elected, what would you hope would be key accomplishments of the board during your years of service?

CHARLES HALEY: My hope is that with the other members of the board, we could work towards continual progress across multiple facets of the school district.

Improving facilities, technology, and faculty will only help in advancing students’ attitudes and overall assessments. The most critical outcome is to see that the students’ potential is met and exceeded. I’m a firm believer that there is always opportunity for improvement. We should always strive to get better.

JOSH VINCENT: If elected I would hope the board over my years of service would continue to make financially sound decisions for the district. I would also like to see the possibility of more trade related classes at the high school or in conjunction with a junior college, that would prepare students for a career when graduating or soon after as I see first- hand how there is a big shortage in these fields. I believe that would be a great benefit for the students who might not be wanting to go to college after high school.

CRYSTAL LAWSON: If elected I hope that I would be able to contribute by finding creative ways to fill the gap. Filling the gap of classroom materials that we do not have funding for, filling the gap for educational materials that we may be lacking, filling the gap for extra-curricular activities that students are interested in, but we are lacking the funding for.

I want our community to be

13 proud their kids go to Howe ISD, I know that I already am. I want our teachers to be proud to teach at Howe ISD and feel that even when there are gaps, they know that we have their backs, always.

I want our students to feel like they have had the education and opportunities to be success and productive adults when they leave here to start the next phase of their lives.

JANIE FINNEY: My ultimate goal would be to maintain a financially sound district that has a well-paid staff that produces successful, well-rounded students who can achieve what they desire in life.

BRAD MURPHY: If elected I hope to have an open line of communication with parents and members of the community who have concerns and be a sounding board for their voices. I hope to learn and grow and continue to serve as a leader and representative of the community and advocate for student and the school district.

ADVERTISING/MARKETING Howe Enterprise P.O. Box 595 Howe TX 75459 howeenterprise.com 903-339-0100 news@howeenterprise.com AGRICULTURE Norman Farms 4871 Mackey Rd Howe TX 75459 903-815-5545 ajnorm4@aol.com Renfro Farms 1589 Harrell Rd Howe TX 75459 renfrofarms@gmail.com ANTIQUES

Smith-Garner, PC 609 N. Denny St., P.O. Box 1019 Howe TX 75459 http://www.howecpa.com/ (903) 532-1040 amanda.garner@howecpa.com LegalShield 1548 Timbercreek Dr. Howe TX 75459 http://JLALEXANDER. WeAreLegalshield.com 214-549-4474 jlalexander@ legalshieldassociates.com) CHILDCARE The School Zone Academy 105 Doyle Street Howe TX 75459 theschoolzoneacademy.com 903-532-9663 haleenparrish@yahoo.com CHURCHES Bethel Baptist Church 905 Ponderosa Rd, P.O. Box 458 Howe TX 75459 bethelbaptisthowe.com 903-532-6032 First Baptist Church Howe 100 W. Davis Howe TX 75459 http://www.fbchowe.org/ 903-532-5504 info@fbchowe.org

Howe Mercantile 107 E. Haning St Howe TX 75459 facebook.com/Howe-Mercantile1639767196252428/ (817) 313-2168 georgiacaraway@aol.com AUTO Bob Utter Ford 2525 Texoma Parkway Sherman TX 75090 bobutterford.net 903-892-3555 BANKING Independent Bank 100 South Denny Howe TX 75459 independent-bank.com (903) 532-5521 aanderson@ibtx.com Legend Bank 201 W. Grand Whitewright, TX 75491 legend-bank.com 903-532-4778 Brandon.grooms@legendbank.com First United Bank 2011 Texoma Parkway Sherman TX 75090 firstunitedbank.com 903-813-5760

sarah.whitt@firstunitedbank.com

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Provider Business Partners 106 W. Young St. Howe TX 75459 providerbusinesspartners.com 903-487-2248 sharla@ providerbusinesspartners.com

New Beginning Fellowship 910 S. Denny St, PO Box 295 Howe TX 75459 http://www.nbfhowe.com/ (903) 532-6828 wallace@nbfhowe.com CONSTRUCTION/BUILDING SERVICVES TLD Design Consulting LLC 103 E. Haning St. Howe TX 75459 http://www.tld -dc.com/ 903-436-4601 tdefrange@tldconsulting.net

FUNERAL HOME Scoggins Funeral Home & Crematory 637 W. Van Alstyne Parkway Van Alstyne TX 75495 scogginsfuneralhome.com 903-482-5225 tommywscoggins@hotmail.com HAIR SALON Good Fellas Barber Shop 105 E. Haning St. (972) 502-0559

goodfellasbarbershoptx@gmail.com

HEALTHCARE Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health 8001 S. U.S. Highway 75 Sherman TX 75090 angelsofcare.com 903-532-1400 jriggs@angelsofcare.com NURSE C.E.R.T.S. 505 Castlegate St. Howe, TX 75459 90.-821-3392 loavamccarthy@msn.com HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING Baker A/C & Heating, Inc. 215 N. Denny St. Howe TX 75459 903-532-6225 bakerac.mark@yahoo.com HOUSING Bainbrook Apartments 511 S. Collins Fwy Howe, TX 75459 (469) 712-4082 bainbrook75459.com Pradera Manufactured Home Park 709 N. Collins Freeway Howe TX 75459 http://praderamhp.com (903) 532-0014 pradera@havenparkmgmt.com

American Efficiency Solutions 2917 Wolf Front Rd Van Alstyne TX 75495 americanefficiency solutions.com/ 214-284-6309 mike@aes-llc.net

M&M Properties 901 N. Denny St Howe TX 75459 903-815-9223 mariecurtis16@gmail.com.

DENTAL Howe Family Dentistry 100 S. Collins Freeway, PO Box 960 Howe TX 75459 howefamilydentistry.com 903.532.5545

Ed Meacham, State Farm 2624 Loy Lake Rd., Suite B Sherman TX 75090 https://www.statefarm.com/ agent/US/TX/Sherman/EdMeacham-3TGY5753JAK 903-892-3923 ed@mredinsurance.com

EDUCATION

Kathy McGarry, Mayo Agency 215 S Ray Roberts Pkwy, P.O. Box 519 Tioga TX 76271 940-437-2378 kathy.mayoagency@gmail.com

Howe Community Library 315 S. Collins Freeway Howe TX 75459 www.howeisd.net/Page/83 903-745-4050 atchison.melissa@howeisd.net Howe Independent School District 105 W. Tutt St. Howe TX 75459 howeisd.net/ (903) 745-4000 ENTERTAINMENT Chill Out Shaved Ice Howe, TX 75459 Chillout903@hotmail.com 903-436-0708

INSURANCE

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, Darren Foster – Agent 1363 S Waco St Van Alstyne TX 75495 https://www.txfbins.com/ insurance/agent/grayson/ 32707/darrenfoster 903-436-2470 dfoster@txfb-ins.com

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, Loretta Anderson – Agent 1363 S Waco St Van Alstyne TX 75495 https://www.txfb -ins.com/ insurance/agent/grayson/ 23242/lorettaanderson 903-819-1041 landerson@txfb-ins.com Aflac Agent Chyna Vincent 1671 Taylor Rd Dorchester TX 75459 940-641-1714 chynakv@live.com INTERNET TekWav 223 N. Walnut St. Sherman TX 75090 http://www.tekwav.com 903-375-9787 jj@tekwav.com

REAL ESTATE Bill French Properties 315 N Travis Suite B-3 Sherman TX 75090 billfrenchproperties.com 903-893-BILL (2455) bill@billfrenchproperties.com Sheryl Bentley, REMAX REALTORS (903) 821-7653 yourrealtorsheryl@gmail.com Michael Taylor – Keller Williams Realty P.O. Box 575 Howe TX 75459 mtaylor@kw.com RESTAURANTS

NON-PROFIT

El Patio Escondido Mexican Restaurant & Cantina 495 W. Van Alstyne Pkwy, P.O. Box 637 Van Alstyne TX 75495 elpatioescondido.com 903-482-5538 williampacheco519@yahoo.com

Goodwill Industries of Northeast Texas 2206 E. Lamar St. Sherman, TX 75090 goodwillnorthtexas.org spierce@goodwillnorthtexas.org

Palio’s Pizza Cafe 303 W. Haning St. Howe TX 75459 https://www.palioshowe.com/ 903-532-0390 paliospizza@att.net

LEADERSHIP The Iku Organization http://theikuorganization.org/ 214-392-6218 soga.aralola@gmail.com

United Way of Grayson County 713 E. Brockett P.O. Box 1112 Sherman, Texas 75091 903.893.1920

ROOFING

PHOTOGRAPHY Illuminated by Lanay Lanay Rentrom 972-215-9886 lanay@illuminatedbylanay.com PLUMBING Torque Plumbing 102 S. Collins Frwy Howe TX 75459 (972) 658-1515 torquemayes@yahoo.com PUBLIC UTILITIES Atmos Energy 5111 Blue Flame Rd. Sherman TX 75090 http://www.atmosenergy.com/ 1-888-286-6700 (Main) 1-866-322-8667 Natural Gas Emergency Jan.Rugg@atmosenergy.com Billy’s Trash Service 800 S. Andrews Sherman TX 75090 903-814-9070 jeffstanley@cableone.net Grayson -Collin Electric Cooperative, Inc. P.O. Box 548 Van Alstyne TX 75495 www.grayson-collin.coop 903-482-7100 mmcginnis@gcec.net Cavender Home Theater DISH 6202 Texoma Parkway Sherman TX 75090 http://www.cavendertv.com/ 903-892-3499 chris@cavenderht.com

HIT Exteriors, LLC Howe, TX 75459 972-977-1523 sergio@hitexteriors.com STORAGE Howe Mini-Storage 609 N. Denny St. Howe TX 75459 903-532-7867 amanda.garner@howecpa.com TOWING Adams Automotive & Towing 85 Redden Rd Van Alstyne TX 75495 adamsautotow.com 903-482-5784 Pristine Towing & Roadside Assistance 135 Hodgins Rd. P.O. Box 1672 Van Alstyne TX 75495 (903) 814-8064 INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Clarissia Doty Donna Wormsbaker Freddy Holcomb Jesse Davis Ned & Connie Culp Joe Shephard

2021 Howe Chamber event schedule

The Howe Area Chamber of Commerce is organized for the purpose of advancing the commercial, industrial, civic and general interest of the City of Howe, Texas.

Howe, Texas is at the intersection of U.S. Highway 75, State Highway 5, and Farm Road 902, on the Southern Pacific line ten miles south of Sherman in southern Grayson County. Howe is the highest point between the Red River and the Gulf of Mexico at 873 ft above sea level. The city was originated in 1872. The Howe Area Chamber of Commerce was first organized in 1964, with President Cleon Hamilton. It was reorganized in 1972 with Ray Hamilton as president. In 1984, it was once again reorganized with President James Ogle. In 2015, the organization revamped for the fourth time under new leadership from President Robert Cannaday. The current elected president in 2021 is Monte Walker.

Become a member today!

Click here to join.

City of Howe SECONDS COUNT IN AN EMERGENCY! That's why the City of Howe has instituted the CodeRED Emergency Notification System - an ultra high-speed telephone communication service for emergency notifications.

This system allows us to telephone all or targeted areas in case of an emergency situation that requires immediate action (such as a boil-water notice, missing child or evacuation notices). The system is capable of dialing 60,000 phone numbers per hour. It then delivers a prerecorded message describing the situations to a live person or an answering machine in the affected area possibly including instructions requiring action on the part of the recipient. Once the situation is remedied, another call will be placed to the area signaling that the issue has been addressed and that normal activities can be resumed.

The following information is required to add a telephone number into the "CodeRED" database: first and last name; address (physical address, no P.O. boxes); city; state; Zip Code; and primary phone number. The system works with cellular phones but requires a valid street address. When entering information, please fill out all of the screens because the newest data entered will replace the old data. Sign up by visiting http://www.co.grayson.tx.us/page/oem.cred

2020-21 Local taxation State Sales Tax General Revenue Sales Tax Ad valorem reduction Sales Tax Economic Development (Type B) Sales Tax Total

6.25 % 1.00 % 0.50 % 0.50 % 8.25 %

City of Howe Tax Rate Howe I.S.D Tax Rate Grayson County Tax Rate Grayson County Junior College Tax Rate Total (per $100 valuation)

$0.57 $1.43 $0.42 $0.17 $2.59

City of Howe Budget

$3,805,.346

Cityofhowe.org City Hall 116 E. Haning St., 903-532-5571 Mayor: Bill French City Administrator: Joe Shephard City Secretary: Joy Stevens Utility Billing and Municipal Court 116 E. Haning St. 903-532-5571 Utility Clerk: Beccy Roberts Court Clerk: Kerri Cheatham (After hours night drop available) Public Works 317 S. Hughes St. Public Works Director: Mickey Phillips Code Enforcement 317 S. Hughes St. Code Enforcement Officer: Bert Dowlen Howe Fire Department 118 E. Haning 903-532-6888 (nonemergency) Fire Chief: Robert Maniet Howe Police Department 700 W. Haning St. 903-532-9971 (non-emergency) Dispatch 903813-4411 Police Chief: Carl Hudman Police Sergeant: Keith Milks Economic Development 101 E. Haning St. 903-532-6080 EDC Director: Monte Walker City Council meets third Tuesday at 700 W. Haning St. at 6 pm.

Planning & Zoning Commission Meets third Monday as needed Howe Community Facilities Development Corporation Meets as needed For more information visit the city website www.cityofhowe.org

2021 City of Howe Water, Sewer, Refuse collection rates - one bill $27.15 $7.45 $8.35 $9.30 $9.90 $33.60 $5.25 $13.35 $1.10 $27.15 $33.60 $13.35 $1.10 $75.20 $56.95 $54.60 $13.35 $1.10 $126.00 $98.70 $80.85 $13.35 $1.10 $194.00

WATER Base per 1,000 next 4,000 per 1,000 next 20,000 per 1,000 next 20,000 per 1,000 all over 45,000 SEWER Base per additional metered 1,000 gallons TRASH (solid waste) Base Tax MINIMUM BILL Water Sewer Trash Tax Total 5,000 gallons usage Water Sewer Trash Tax Total 10,000 gallons usage Water Sewer Trash Tax Total

HoweEnterprise.com

16

April 26, 2021

City Administrator (Continued from page 1)

Georgia Richardson voted not to move forward with a decision that night which made it a split vote. In that situation, it falls to the mayor to break the tie and Mayor Bill French voted not to make a decision that evening.

The applicants asked to remain unlisted due to other employment.

“This does not mean that you are eliminated in any shape form or fashion—either one of you,” said French to the remaining candidate in the room. “It was discussed among the council that additional applicants be considered.”

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Total

Job Title DUCTION

Readership

70,142 167,742 99,613 132,871 114,985 118,205 91,549 795,107

GENERAL PRO-

HoweEnterprise.com Readership Jan. 1 April 24, 2021, Pageviews: 283,589

Location

Posting Link cs8ptjp6

https://tinyurl.com/

Description A local company is looking for GENERAL PRODUCTION who will work fast pace and repetitive motion.

Some required lifting and pulling up to 40 pounds some positions require lifting 70 pounds or more. Work is performed in a cold and damp environment temperatures and require standing 8 up to 12 hours per day.

Applicants must be willing to work with knives, if required, and wear all proper safety equipment and must be willing to work overtime and weekends if required.

Description This position requires a minimum of 6 months of related experience.

Economic Development Director Monte Walker said the sewer contract continues to halt housing growth which halts commercial development. He said numerous businesses are looking to relocate to Howe, but no properties are move-in-ready and all commercial properties are full. Sales by landowners along US 75 and Highway 5 are needed and support from TxDOT and the SDMPO are needed for improvements.

Job Title LEAD INVENTORY SPECIALIST

Location

05/21/2021

Howe Police Chief reported 221 calls to service in March and wrote 25 reports, four felony arrests, one misdemeanor arrest, and issued 63 citations and responded to three motor vehicle accidents.

Users: 16,687

workintexas.com Posting ID 14475283

Posting Close Date

Before the executive session, the council approved the closure of

The council also denied an Oncor Distribution Cost recovery rate increase and approved the Grayson County Ad Valorem Tax Assessment and Collection Contract renewal.

Sessions: 26,249

workintexas.com Posting ID 14224428 Sherman

Councilman Bearden then made a motion to continue to advertise for additional applicants. Richardson second the motion and the two voted in favor with Cannaday opposed and Rideout abstaining, therefore the motion carried.

Haning Street and O’Connell Streets in the downtown area for the Founders Day Festival on May 8.

Sherman

Posting Close Date 07/09/2021 Posting Link https:// tinyurl.com/2m84cpub Description A local company is looking for LEAD INVENTORY SPECIALIST who will provides direction and support to the shift team. Drives compliance with standard operating procedures and policies, such as Safety, Quality, GMP, and CPS. May be assigned to one or more of following functions: Production, Maintenance, Warehouse and Quality.

Description This position requires a High School Diploma or Equivalent, and a minimum of 1-3 years of related experience.

"With a united effort we can make the place in which we live clean, wholesome, attractive. We can make the crowded city dweller homesick to come back to us and real living. We can bring new life, new business, new beauty, to the little towns." - Mame Roberts

HoweEnterprise.com

17

April 26, 2021

Texas History Minute The year was 1854, and the nation was bitterly divided once again over slavery. Sam Houston, now a Ken Bridges U. S. Senator for Texas, was in the middle of the debate, faced with a choice between his political career and the future of the nation.

The vote was on the politically explosive Kansas- Nebraska Act. For years, Congress had walked the delicate tightrope trying to balance the interests between North and South. Increasingly, the slavery question dominated every political argument, and Congress tried to avoid discussing it just as much. But this new legislation reopened the festering wound.

The act, introduced in January 1854, was a cynical political ploy

by Sen. Stephen Douglas of Illinois to try to make Chicago the hub of the transcontinental railroad. This meant that all railroads going to the West Coast would be routed through Chicago, meaning a fortune for the city and the state. Other potential hubs included Memphis, Tennessee, and New Orleans, Louisiana, which would include more southerly routes through more populated areas, including Texas.

Douglas initially proposed organizing the entire area from the border of the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) to the border with British Canada into the Nebraska and Kansas Territories. This area was the last unorganized remnant of the Louisiana Purchase, and the 1820 Compromise had forbidden slavery in the area. Douglas called for the compromise’s repeal by allowing slavery into the new territories while territorial voters decided the final status of slavery.

The nation had 16 free states and 15 slaves states in 1854 plus five territories that would come in as free states in the future. Texas was the slave state admitted. With no more pro-slavery territories, southerners were increasingly worried about being outnumbered and surrounded. Immediately, sharp opposition to the bill arose.

Southern politicians rallied around it as their last chance to bring a slave state into the union, except Houston. Houston had been a protégé of President An-

drew Jackson and was an ardent Unionist. He had fought for the nation in the War of 1812 as a young man, bled for Texas to free it from Mexico and to bring it into the United States, and served Texas proudly as its U. S. Senator and former president.

Houston demanded the 1820 Compromise be upheld and the act rejected. As Houston characterized the choice, “Our children are either to live in after time in enjoyment of peace . . . or the alternative remains for them of anarchy, discord, and civil broil.”

Houston voted against the demands of Texas and southern politicians – the only southerner to vote against the legislation – and faced bitter criticisms in letters and newspapers across the region.

Houston’s conscience was clear, regardless of the consequences.

He told his wife that the criticism “falls off me like water off a duck’s back.”

While Houston was popular with the people of Texas, this was a time before the Seventeenth Amendment and U. S. Senators were still chosen by the state legislatures. Though Houston’s term would not expire until 1858, legislators immediately voted not to return Houston to a third term. In 1858, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Hemphill was elected by legislators to replace him.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act passed, it was a disaster. It completely destabilized the sense of compromise that existed between North and South. Kansas would erupt into its own civil war with hundreds dead as pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces fought for control of the territory. As it was, 86 members of the House of Representatives in both of the major parties lost their seats because of their support for the KansasNebraska Act. America now headed headlong into the coming civil war.

Houston, however, would not be stopped. In 1859, the people elected him as the state’s seventh governor with a landslide 57% of the vote.

The story became another example of Houston’s patriotism and legendary integrity. The story was later featured in John F. Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning work Profiles in Courage in 1956.

Sometimes integrity is more important than ambition or populari-

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© 2021 The Howe Enterprise

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Trusting God in times of uncertainty Like you, I’ve been afraid a few times in my life. There are different types of fear and one is being afraid of something we believe is going to harm Dr. Billy us.

This is a Holland paralyzing and dreadful feeling and one that I would like to stay away from if at all possible. Having a fear of the unknown is common but, this is a great opportunity to believe that God will take care of us. The second type is called a reverential fear of God which is respecting Him for knowing everything and having authority over all things.

The Bible compels us to study and learn about the reality of faith and how to place our trust in God alone. With the holy scriptures containing the phrases, “fear not” and “do not be afraid” more than 300 times, the Lord wants us to know that we can live in confidence when we trust Him with all of our heart. Alexander Maclaren is quoted as saying, “Only he who can say, the Lord is the strength of my life, can declare of whom shall I be afraid?”

I recall as a young boy, my dad remodeled one side of our attic and made a really neat place for my bedroom while the other half of the attic remained dark and scary. You see, I was convinced terrifying creatures lived on the other side of the door, and sometimes in the middle of the night that door would mysteriously come open. When this occurred I became a seven-year-old Olympian who could fly down a staircase in two steps. I remember another unnerving situation from my childhood when our family went on a fishing trip. Dad had a nice bass boat, and we loaded up for a fun day of fishing and a picnic lunch. My little sister was there and my mom was very pregnant.

We traveled a long way from the dock and everything seemed fine until we noticed some dark clouds in the distance. Suddenly a bolt of lightning struck with an explosion of thunder so loud that we about jumped out of our seats.

We took off, and I had never seen that boat go so fast. It started to rain so hard the drops were stinging our skin. Even as a kid I

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knew this was serious. Lighting was flashing, and the wind seemed like a typhoon as I covered my head and tried not to think about sinking and drowning.

Thankfully, we made it back safe and later laughed about it.

As adults, we may not be afraid of the dark anymore, but anxiety and worries are now felt in more mature forms like managing finances, dealing with health issues, the fear of viruses, relationships, security systems, and concerns with our government and the globalist agenda. I believe many would agree that our country is currently experiencing an overload of dissension and apprehension. No matter our political flavor, there are many questions about the future and this can take a stressful toll on our emotions.

Let us consider that much of what we hear is an opinion, and often what we hear and see is a perspective, not necessarily a fact.

It’s God’s word when interpreted through the discernment of the Holy Spirit which can be embraced as truth. Our social and legal system has clever policies and ideas, but from a Christian perspective, our highest priority should always be to ask Almighty God for the solutions. My friends, He is the only one that knows the future with the perfect wisdom and plan to save us. “I sought the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears” Psalm 34:4.

There is nothing in this life we should be terrified of, it is only to be understood. May we take the time to comprehend more, so that we might fear less. May we take the time to repent, pray and invite Christ to lead us and bless us with His peace, hope, and security.

The world cannot offer spiritual contentment and to find spiritual joy, we must decide to humble ourselves with reverential respect before God in the secret place of His presence. This is not a geographic location, but rather a spiritual attitude within our conscience where we can be honest with the one who made us and who loves us more than anything.

Turn to Him today and He will fill you with His compassion and encouragement.

Learn more about God and the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com

Local church calendar A Christian Fellowship 150 Fellowship Ln, Sherman, TX 75090 (903) 815-1333 Wednesday 6:30 pm – Potluck Meal 7:00 pm – Worship Service 7:00 pm – Jr & Sr High Youth Sunday 9:30 am – Sunday School (all ages) 10:30 am – Worship Service 10:30 am – KidZone Children’s Service (5yr – 12 yr.)

Community Bible Fellowship 415 S Collins Fwy, Howe, TX 75459 Wednesday 6:30 pm - Food and Fellowship 7:00 pm - Community Kids (ages 3 - 6th grade, nursery available) 7:00 pm - Youth and Adult Bible Study Sunday 10:30 am - Worship Service First Baptist Church Dorchester 11831 FM 902, Dorchester, TX 75459 903-476-5525 Wednesday 6:00 pm - Meal (Donations for adults and kids eat free) 6:30 pm - Praise service 7:00 pm - Youth Bible Study 7:00 pm - Adult Bible Study 7:00 pm - RA's/GA's/children's group Sunday 9:00 am - Men's Prayer Time 9:45 am - Sunday School 10:45 am - A.M. Worship Service 5:00 pm - Adult Choir Practice 6:00 pm - Evening Worship First Baptist Church Howe 100 E. Davis St., Howe, TX 903532-5504 Tuesday 7:00 pm - Bible Study Wednesday 5:30 pm - Kids Choir 6:30 pm - Team Kid 6:30 pm - Youth Ministry 6:30 pm - Adult Bible Fellowship Sunday 9:15 am - Bible Fellowship 10:30 am - Kids Church 10:30am - Worship Service

First United Methodist Church of Howe 810 N Denny St, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6718 Monday 9:30 am - Care Team Meeting 10:30 am - Pastor's Bible Study Tuesday 9:30 am - Women's Bible Study 11:30 am - Out and About with Pastor Zack 6:30 pm Boy Scouts Wednesday 9:00 am - Wednesday Workers 6:30 pm - Jr. High and Sr. High Youth Saturday 9:00 am - Feed My Sheep (1st and 3rd Sat each month) Sunday 8:40 am - Fellowship and Donuts 9:00 am - Sunday School 10:00 am - Worship service 3:00 pm - Cub Scouts Howe Church of Christ 1205 N Collins Fwy, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6441 Wednesday 7:00 pm - Bible Classes (all ages) Sunday 9:00 am - Bible Classes (all ages) 10:00 am - Worship Service 5:00 pm - Worship Service New Beginning Fellowship 910 S Denny St, Howe, TX 75459 903-532-6828 Wednesday 7:00 pm - Radiate Youth 7:00 pm - Sanctuary of for prayer Sunday 9:30 am - Sunday School (kids, youth, women, men) 10:30 am - Worship Service 10:30 am - Kids Church

Times are subject to change. Please check with each church for any possible changes

Verse of the week Acts 5:20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

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Starting a business with no money Hi Taylor: I’ve got an idea for a T-shirt company and I’m really passionate about it, but I’ve got ZERO Taylor (0) money to Kovar put down for any sort of business launch. Is it even possible for someone to start a business without money or do I need to go searching for investors? Leanne Hey Leanne: Anything is possible! Nothing is easy, but there’s no reason a person without capital should ever give up on a big idea. The trick is finding your angle, and hopefully one of these simple (and free!) steps will get you on the right path.

Get that website going. It’s too easy to have a free website for you not to do it. Even if it’s just a single picture and an email address, that gives you a digital calling card. As you get things off the ground, a website will allow you to play with branding and see what sticks. Don’t worry about getting fancy, but don’t overlook the importance of your own site.

Get social. In-person meetings are great, but a social media presence might be even better. Like a website, you can establish a home base of sorts that people can share to get more eyes on your brand. Especially for something like a T-shirt company, social media is going to be the best tool at your disposal. The more you post, the more traffic you’ll get.

You can also look at companies similar to yours to see how they go about social media marketing and maybe find a trick or two you can use.

Do something proactive every day. Phone calls are free. So is sending an email. Posting a flyer

on a community board at a coffee shop is also super cheap. Instead of thinking about all the ways that big businesses outspend you, concentrate on the little actions you can take every day. As long as you’re taking steps to promote your brand and idea, people will notice. If you only talk about your T-shirt company while hanging out with your regular group of friends and family, you’re not making the effort to elevate your idea.

Ask for a loan. If there’s one specific thing you need—whether it’s a piece of equipment or an ad buy on Facebook—and you feel like you can’t afford it, try asking. Through any number of crowdsourcing sites or a family member, you can almost definitely find the money you need.

Don’t abuse this power, but don’t rule it out when it might be the solution to your problems.

There was a time when I had way more debt than cash in the bank, but that didn’t stop me from pushing through and starting a business. Keep dreaming big and make it happen. Good luck!

Legal Disclaimer: Information presented is for educational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. To submit a question to be answered in this column, please send it via email to Question@GoFarWithKovar.com or via USPS to Taylor Kovar, 415 S 1st St, Suite 300, Lufkin, TX 75901.

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Living with children Guys! Guys!

Look, your wives, bless their hearts, are having enough trouble putting their children and priorities John into proper perRosemond spective without you adding to the muddle. Keep it straight, please.

I’m referring to the media voices telling you to be better fathers.

Three times in the last six months or so I’ve been invited on podcasts promoting fatherhood. The hosts are well-meaning, sincere, articulate fellows who apparently didn’t know they were interviewing a guy who never says what other people expect him to say.

For example, in response to my answer to a certain predictable question, one podcaster said, “Well, I’m sure the fathers listening will be surprised to hear that.”

His question: “What one thing would you tell dads to help them be the fathers their sons and daughters most need?”

My surprising answer: “Be the best husbands you can be.”

That’s right. The best fathers are husbands first, fathers second.

That’s what children truly need.

Nothing – repeat, NOTHING – puts a more solid foundation of well-being under a child’s feet than the knowledge his parents are in a committed relationship that transcends their individual relationships with him. Repeat, NOTHING! A father’s primary job is not to spend as much time with his kids as reality will allow. It is to show his sons how to properly treat a woman and show his daughters what to look for in a man. Period.

End of Job One description.

A father does an invaluable service to his kids by opening doors for their mother, listening and speaking to her with utmost respect, sharing and easing her burdens, going to her first when he comes home from work, hugging her, kissing her, and asking,

“How was your day, Babes?” Uncomplicated stuff like that is what counts in the end.

When their father is taking care of Job One, children don’t need a lot of attention. They go off and do their own thing, which is what they really want to do and parents should want them to do. Once upon a time, it was called “being out from underfoot.” In almost all cases, children clamor for attention not because they need it, but because they’ve been given entirely too much. Under the circumstances, the “need” for attention becomes a nagging compulsion.

My general finding has been that when a husband gives more attention to his kids than he does his wife, the kids begin treating her with disrespect. They ignore her, demand of her, talk back to her, refuse to obey her. They disrespect her because dad has his priorities out of whack. He’s in more of a relationship with them than he is with her. As such, they have become dad’s quasi-equals. That diminishes mom’s status, and the kids talk to her as if she was a servant.

Said podcasters were also surprised when I said that the husband-absent home – one in which an adult male is present but has pledged allegiance to his kids – is as much if not more of a problem than the father-absent home. It’s more of a problem because no one talks about it. It’s an invisible ubiquity, sustained by silence.

So, let’s begin the conversation.

Dads can respond to me at john@rosemond.com. I’d like to hear from you moms, too, by the way. After all, your stake in this is HUGE. Family psychologist John Rosemond: johnrosemond.com, parent guru.com.

John Rosemond has worked with families, children, and parents since 1971 in the field of family psychology. In 1971, John earned his masters in psychology from Western Illinois University and was elected to the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society.

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