HISD Employee

The City of Howe is currently smoke testing its sewers lines. This is done periodically to locate sources of sewer odors, leaks and breaks in sewer lines. The smoke testing is taking place from now through September 10 between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm.

The type of smoke used is harmless, white to yellowish white in color, and may have a slight odor. It is harmless to plants and animals. If the smoke gets into citizens’ homes, they should ventilate the house. On the outside of the house or neighbor’s house, one may notice smoke coming from sewer vents, gutters and downspouts, or out of the ground along sewer lines.

On the inside of citizen’s homes, smoke or its odor may come out of the plumbing or fixtures. This is an indication that dangerous gases and unpleasant odors from the sewer may enter your house. This should not happen if your plumbing is in good working order. You can minimize the chances of this happening by running enough water into the sinks, tubs, and showers to fill the sewer trap with water. Do not forget floor drains.

Location, identification and correction of the source of smoke entering your house or building is urgently advised. The correction of any defects in the pipes and sewer on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. If you detect smoke in your house and are uncertain about the cause, contact your utility at:

Michael Phillips, Public Works Director, City of Howe 116 E. Haning St. Howe, TX 75459 903-532-5571

Or

Jeremy Love Manhole Rehab Inc. 6009 W. Parker Rd. Plano, TX 75093

Howe ISD Spotlight: Katie Ciani

Howe High School English Teacher Katie Ciani is the Howe ISD Spotlight of the Week. An interview with her aired during halftime of the Howe vs. Callisburg broadcast two Friday nights ago.

Outside of English IV, she teaches Dual-Credit English IV, the campus’ education technology ambassador, and is the theater director.

She grew up in the Sherman area and graduated from S&S High School in 2007 She went to college in Abilene and Graduate School in Ohio.

She started college with the idea of being in pre-physical therapy with the goal of becoming an athletic trainer. She then decided on something more in the ballpark of a 9-5 career. Her love for reading and love for being in school had her switch her major to English.

“I decided I wanted to teach other kids to enjoy reading,” said Ciani. “I wanted everyone to enjoy the same world of literature and building of all these cool stories as I did.”

Her junior year English teacher at S&S High School inspired her the most.

“I remember reading Ender’ s Game and she let us make ourselves comfortable in the classroom,” said Ciani who said she remembers reading while turning her desk upside down and place her backpack against her chair. I remember thinking, ‘everyone should have this.’”

She said that’s the kind of teacher she hopes to be and wants to be for her students.

As theater director, Ciani has enjoyed success in One Act Play.

“We have managed to get better every year which is the goal,” said Ciani.

The program reached the bidistrict round her first year and to the area round a year later. The third year was shut down due to COVID, but last year they made it to the regional round.

“There’s only one place left to go,” said Ciani with a smile. “Finger’s crossed.” Ciani has been in Howe since 2013 right out of college and has no plans to leave.

“We have such good kids. It’s a community here and I don’t want to leave here,” said Ciani. “I love being in this small town. I love getting to go to the football games. The kids will come to me and give me a high-five or a hug and on Monday will say, ‘hey, did you see my touchdown.’ It’s almost like a family. Everyone says that and I don’t know how to say it any differently. But it’s such a welcoming wholesome feeling here.” Each week The Howe Enterprise spotlight’s a Howe ISD Employee which airs during the halftime show of the Friday night football broadcast. Next week, we’ll feature Summit Hill Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher Donna Weir.