Etcetera April/May 2021
Kilgore’s people, places — and the rest
The Art Issue
Hour Glass
Chamber Began with Promise to Work for Kilgore's Progress, Future
SEE & BE SEEN: Kilgoreites Enjoy a Snow Day and More
IT ALL BEGAN WITH A CRAYON
Kilgore College Students Look to Art for Potential Career Paths
Spring Time We are Ready Are You?
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FROM THE EDITOR
Art just makes life more enjoyable BY MEREDITH SHAMBURGER news1@kilgorenewsherald.com
G
rowing up, art wasn't very far away. It hung from every wall in our house, paintings of landscapes or flowers or the old Redlands Drive-In. It was in the pages of coffee table books and sculptures or pottery sitting on end tables. The best of it was, in my mind, the things that were family-made. That Redlands Drive-In painting — the blue tones of the rundown building set against a fading sunset — is one such example. My dad made it. You looked at that painting and felt connected to such a specific sense of place. I used to wonder what movies they showed and when the drive-in fell into disrepair. But my favorite paintings were the magnolia flowers, lush and beautiful, that were done by my grandmother Janet Shamburger. I'm a sucker for flowers, what can I say? I don't always think art has to have a hidden meaning, and I don't think my grandmother had one in mind when she painted those flowers. Sometimes I think we all just want to admire the beauty we see in the everyday world. My grandmother certainly did. She spent much of her life painting, sometimes learning from others and sometimes teaching students. I can remember going to her house for visits, helping to set the table and having to move whatever project she was working on at the time. My grandparents also owned a framing shop in The Woodlands, and I can remember trying to not bump into and break any of the glass art pieces they used to sell at the front of the shop. My grandmother's shop drew all sorts of people, of all ages and backgrounds. That's because art is universal. If you doubt it, just look around Kilgore. Art students at Kilgore College have found their passion in life and are working to pursue it as a career. Community members gather each year and celebrate local artists at the Kilgogh Arts Festival. And we're working to preserve art from the past, like the Xavier Gonzalez murals now hanging at the Old Post Office. Art is our theme for this issue, and I hope you'll take a moment to learn about some of the many things Kilgore can offer the artisticallyminded. There's also so much we haven't included, so don't be afraid to go out and explore. Two things to keep in my though, because my grandmother would want me to say them: Buy art that you like, no matter what other people think. A good frame is always worth the price.
4 Etcetera | April/May 2021
Janet Shamburger, pictured, was a watercolor artist and oil painter. She owned Carousel Art and Frame in The Woodlands and worked as a conservator and picture framer with her husband Sham.
Etcetera April/May 2021 Vol. 4 | Issue 2
PUBLISHER
Alexander Gould • agould@mrobertsmedia.com
EDITOR
Meredith Shamburger • news1@kilgorenewsherald.com
ADVERTISING SALES
Linda K. Ballard • lballard@kilgorenewsherald.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sara Bryan
CONTACT US
(903) 984-2593 • news1@kilgorenewsherald.com All contents of the magazine are copyright © M. Roberts Media, LLC. No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner without prior written consent of the publisher. The publisher and editors are not responsible for any changes in event dates after the deadline. Etcetera is published by M. Roberts Media.
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OUT & ABOUT
The East Texas Oil Museum at Kilgore College features photography exhibit of women in the U.S. Senate.
COVER STORY
Kilgore college students look to art for potential career paths
12
FEATURE STORY
Historic murals depict 1940s life in Kilgore
14
FEATURE STORY
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COVID cancels 2021 KilGogh Arts Festival, but celebration's spirit lives on
PET TALK
Traveling with pets requires proper planning
16
HOUR GLASS
Chamber of Commerce is a voice for Kilgore's progress R E S I Z I N G and A Nits Dfuture C U S TO M I Z I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S
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SEE & BE SEEN
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ON THE COVER Katie Webb has been interested in art ever since she could pick up a crayon. Now she's spending her time at Kilgore College working to make art more than just her passion.
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OUT & ABOUT
Changing the Face of Power SPECIAL TO ETCETERA
T
he East Texas Oil Museum at Kilgore College is featuring an exhibit with photographs and interviews of women in the U.S. Senate. The photos are by Melina Mara, who began photographing the 13 women in the U.S. Senate in 2001. “Changing the Face of Power: Women in the U.S. Senate,” which opened at the Smithsonian Institution in 2003, includes informative text provided by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. On display are interviews with 10 of the senators by veteran White House journalist Helen Thomas and a photographybased presentation. At a time when access to national politicians was increasingly controlled, Mara persuaded a majority of the senators to allow her to document the role of women in the Senate behind the scenes and in front of microphones, according to information from the museum. The exhibit will be on display through April 10. “Changing the Face of Power” is an exhibition by the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at The University of Texas at Austin, presented in partnership with Humanities Texas. The exhibit is made possible in part by a We the People grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The museum on the KC campus is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. The facility is limited to 75 guests 6 Etcetera | April/May 2021
at a time because of COVID-19 protocols. Face coverings are required for all visitors. For information about viewing hours or to arrange group visits, contact Olivia Moore, museum manager, at (903) 983-8297 or omoore@kilgore.edu. Visit the museum online at www.kilgore.edu/etom.
Top Left: A photograph of U.S. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska is on display as part of”Changing the Face of Power: Women in the U.S. Senate,” an exhibition of photography by Melina Mara, is on display at the East Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore. Top Right: The exhibit combines photographs taken by Melina Mara and interviews conducted by White House journalist Helen Thomas to showcase the role of women senators in power. Bottom Right: "Changing the Face of Power: Women in the U.S. Senate" will be on display through April 10 and is made possible by a We The People grant.
OUT & ABOUT
THINGS TO DO IN KILGORE
Sheila Clark performs with her band the Caddo Kats.
MARCH Lone Star Lug Nuts Early Bird Car Show, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 27, The Texan Theater, downtown Kilgore. This car show benefits I’m Still Me, a children’s burn camp. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m.
MARCH/APRIL Live Music at The Back Porch, 904 Broadway St. in Kilgore: Ambush will perform March 27 at 8 p.m., Tyler Dudley will perform March 31, Clint Alford will perform April 1, the Darrin Morris Band will perform April 2, Tanner Sparks will perform April 3, Ryan Matthew will perform April 7, Shawn David will perform April 8, Bart Crow performs April 9, Ally Venable performs April 10, Gary Patrick performs April 14, Brumley and Haile performs April 15, Glen Templeton performs April 16, Dagnabbit performs April 17, Darrin Morris performs April 21, Owen Tiner performs April 22, Lee Mathis and the Brutally Handsome performs April 23, Gary Patrick performs April 24, Blakbox performs April 28, Dan Rocha performs April 29, and Jenn Ford and the Wide Eyed Devils performs April 30. For more information, visit thebackporchkilgore.com.
APRIL 3 Curtis Crimes and Luke Prater at Boonies, 7 p.m., April 3, Boonies, 107 N. Kilgore St. in Kilgore. Curtis Grimes and Luke Prater will be live at Boonies. 8 MixPo, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., April 8, Meadowbrook Golf and Event Center, 1306 Houston St. in Kilgore. This Kilgore Area Chamber of Commerce event is a mini-mixer and mini-expo. For more information, visit kilgorechamber.com. 13 Tunes Day at the Acre is back! Kilgore Main Street is kicking off its Tunes Day at the Acre music events this April in downtown
Kilgore. These free events are bring-your-own-lunch and take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sheila and the Caddo Kats will perform April 13. Sheila Clark and her band, Allen Fox on guitar, Terry Salyer in the drums and Steve Allen on the standup bass, perform country, classic rock, blues, covers and originals. 29 Texas Tea - Women in Business, 6 to 8:30 p.m., April 29, Texan Theater, 201 S. Kilgore St. in Kilgore. This Kilgore Area Chamber of Commerce event celebrates women in business. This year’s theme is “Grease.” The Texas Tea event pays honor to outstanding women in business in the Kilgore community. Awards are given out to The Rising Star, The Shining Star, and The Lifetime Star Achievement. In addition, the event features an evening of networking enjoyment including entertainment, vendors, purse raffle and dinner. Individual tickets are $50, with table sponsorships also available. For more information, visit kilgorechamber.com.
MAY 8 Downtown Kilgore Vintage Market and Craft/Artisan Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 8, Willow Creek Cottage, 100 N. Kilgore St. in Kilgore. Join Willow Creek Cottage for this great outdoors event featuring antiques, vintage, painted furniture, decor, crafts and more. 14 Spring Swing Golf Tournament 2021, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 14, Tempest Golf Club, 568 E. Wilkins Road in Gladewater. This 18hole tournament includes a Bloody Mary brunch. Team fees are $500 for chamber members and $600 for non-members. For more information, visit kilgorechamber.com. 15 Tractors, Trucks, and Fun!, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 15, downtown Kilgore. The second-annual family event will feature antique tractors, antique oilfield trucks, antique and show cars, cars, trucks, tractor games, a parade, live music and more. April/May 2021 | Etcetera 7
COVER STORY
KILGORE COLLEGE STUDENTS LOOK TO ART FOR
POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS BY MEREDITH SHAMBURGER news1@kilgorenewsherald.com
8 Etcetera | April/May 2021
Left: Katie Webb works on a drawing assignment at Kilgore College. Above: Dried paint from previous studio sessions can be seen on wooden boards stored in the classroom's corner.
K
atie Webb has been interested in art ever since she could pick up a crayon. Now she's spending her time at Kilgore College working to make art more than just
her passion. "I've always just been doodling and it wasn't until relatively recently that I'm like 'I could actually do this as a potential career path,'" she said. Instructor Coy Lothrop says art is a subject that actually has a lot of career paths people may not immediately think about. It's drawing and painting and advertising and graphic design. It can also be architecture, fashion or interiors. "There's all kinds of avenues that that can take," he said, noting people may have a pre-conceived notion of an art career being a starving artist in a dirty studio trying to eek out a living. "But art actually does facilitate quite a large spectrum of possible careers. It all begins with drawing and painting. But those translate into other things. "Like Katie, she's a fantastic graphic designer. She can digitally illustrate, she can do the design, she can do all the typography. Her skillset is very, very broad, and she's Continued on page 10 April/May 2021 | Etcetera 9
From page 9 extremely hireable, and it all begin with picking up a crayon," he said. Webb studied graphic design at KC and is now working to get her core curriculum classes done. She's a digital artist but has also worked in traditional paint mediums and sculpture. "For me, my current goal is to get a job at a graphic design firm and then eventually even move onto working for myself or maybe selling my art personally or bigger project," she said. "We'll see what comes." Top: Students in Coy Lothrop's drawing class work on projects during class. The COVID-19 pandemic means some students attend class from home and some on campus. Bottom: Kilgore College offers art classes in a wide variety of mediums, including paint, drawing and sculpture.
10 Etcetera | April/May 2021
Sophomore Ebbey Stogner became interested in art and really started thinking about it as a career path while in high school. "I was interested in animation and design, just the whole stylistic-ness of it that I was always curious about, but I started
getting into art, scuplting and clay around my junior year of high school onto college," she said. "So I've been doing mostly sculpture as my interest as well as drawing and painting." Stogner says she's still exploring exactly what she wants to do and which art path to pursue. "That's why I've been doing a little bit of everything," she said. Both women say, for them, art is good for self-expression. "You can do pretty much anything you want," Webb said. "Art is — there's infinite possibilities with how you can express yourself, how you can get a message across or just "this looks cool." I like the diversity that you can get there." One of the things Stogner enjoys about art is that it's a stressfree medium, she said. "Even if you don't want to do it for a career, you just want to paint on a piece of paper or go abstract and do something silly, that's a way to get rid of stress and get rid of anxiety... it's just releasing that energy out on something creative," she said. "Art is really good for people." And they note anyone can do it, no matter the skill level. "People think art has to be this like ultra-realistic whatever, but I always get the comment of 'I can't even draw a stick figure,'" Webb said. "But some of my favorite video games have been stick figure games. So don't let that discourage you. Just do what makes you happy, and if you're having fun, that's all you need."
Above: Katie Webb works on a drawing assignment at Kilgore College.
THE KILGORE COLLEGE VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT PRESENTS
March 29 May 10, 2021 Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. located in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Gallery
Davenity Pogue, The Human Skeleton Design. Ink on paper, Design I
April/May 2021 | Etcetera 11
FEATURE STORY
Enrique Montoya and his colleagues from Museum Arts re-hang artist Xavier Gonzalez's New Deal murals in the old post office in March 2019.
Historic Murals
depict 1940s life in Kilgore
"You cannot imagine how beautiful they are without really (seeing them) it's the size of them, and the scope," Brown said. The murals were created under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. Artists across the country were commissioned to paint scenes in new post offices, and the program was administered by the U.S. Treasury Department's Section of Fine Arts, says information provided by Gem Meachum with the KHPF. More than 60 post offices in Texas were decorated with close to 100 individual murals. The murals belong to the U.S. Treasury. They were installed in the post office in 1941 and hung there until 1998 when that post office closed. They were removed in July 1998 and brought to Houston to be restored by the Kenedy & Associates Art Conservation. The USPO spent $60,000 for refurbishment. The
BY STELLA WIESER swieser@panolawatchman.com
F
our historic murals by Xavier Gonzalez sit in the Kilgore History and Arts Center at the Old Post Office. Tom Brown is the Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation's chairman of the committee that is in charge of the old post office and all its contents. He was involved in the original acquisition of the building by the Historical Foundation and was extensively involved with the negotiations with the U.S. Postal Service. He said Kilgore is the only post office in the state of Texas that wound up with four murals. 12 Etcetera | April/May 2021
murals were brought back to Kilgore and hung in the East Texas Oil Museum in 1999, and in 2019 they were returned to their original location, now named the Kilgore History and Arts Center at the Old Post Office. "They take up at least 16-17 feet by about 8 or 9 feet," Brown said. "They were originally painted by Xavier Gonzales, who was probably one of the most prominent depression area artists that was commissioned to do this, and the way the postal service would do it, of course the whole nation was on its butt at that point in time, and Kilgore was — the boom was really kicking here in Kilgore, and they had to have a new facility.
"They would pay the artist as commission based on the construction cost of the building, and they would come in here and take copious photographs of the space and measurements; they'd go back to their studio and actually prepare the art," he said. "They would paint it on canvas, and then come back in here and attach basically a flour and water-type paste and attach the murals to the walls." The murals that hang are titled "Pioneer Saga," "Drilling for Oil," "Contemporary Youth" and "Music of the Plains." "They were kind of iconic representations of a more idyllic time, and they celebrated Texas history," Brown said. "They were specifically painted to reflect our history and culture here, but they're more than just pretty pictures, let's put it that way, and poor old Xavier, he tried to do a good job capturing what we were — we were trying to stay and what the postal service was trying to, they were trying to contribute to the art community during a very dark time, and that's where this program came from." The post office was an important part of daily life when the murals first came to be, because it was the cultural center around towns that weren't county seats. "That's where you saw everybody in town; that's where you got your draft notice, and you remember in the 40s and 50s and 60s even to a certain extent, making a long distance phone call was an expensive luxury," Brown said. "People wrote letters, and that made it a place where the whole community would congregate, and they would show up down there, and you just have to
Interim East Texas Oil Museum Director Blake McCrary collects the commemorative plaques that accompanied Xavier Gonzalez's New Deal murals while they were on loan to the Kilgore College facility from the United States Postal Service.
understand. I'm old enough to remember... I was a courthouse brat in a small town, and I can remember my daddy went to the post office every day. We had a P.O. box. Even though a lot of people had mail delivered to them, most people, especially if you lived out in the country, you'd have a post office box, you'd go to town, get your mail, go to the grocery store. That was a cycle and a rhythm of life." The Kilgore History and Arts Center at the Old Post Office isn't currently open to the general public, but they do all kinds of events. They can be reached by phone at (903) 984-1333.
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FEATURE STORY
“City of Starry Nights” by local artist Lanea Cope was commissioned by the Kilgore Arts Festival committee to tie together the festival's celebration of artist Vincent Van Gogh, as well as the celebration of local art and artists.
COVID cancels 2021 KilGogh Arts Festival but celebration's spirit lives on BY LUCAS STROUGH lstrough@kilgorenewsherald.com
K
ilgore’s annual KilGogh Arts & Wine Festival has been cancelled for 2021, but the annual event remains a favorite throughout the region. The yearly celebration of the art and life of Vincent Van Gogh brings cheerful crowds to our historic downtown, supporting local artists, vineyards and retailers, as well as building a sense of community. Featuring hors d' oeuvres, wine and artworks of all kinds by local creators, the festival ties together downtown businesses and art aficionados in an event unique across the East Texas region. The festival aims to provide an opportunity for local and regional artists to exhibit their art and make the festival an East Texas art experience for the community. KilGogh attracts artists A child draws on the KilGogh Arts Festival's community chalkboard during the fourth annual festival in March 2016.
14 Etcetera | April/May 2021
and visitors from across East Texas, the Shreveport/Bossier area and Dallas/Fort Worth region. Started by local art enthusiasts, this event has grown each year since its inaugural event in 2013 and is now managed by the Kilgore Main Street program. Begun as a fundraiser for downtown historical renovation projects and future art events, the inaugural arts festival was more than a year in the planning — first developed as a sprawling festival covering the Kilgore Main Street Program district, the event first took shape on a smaller scale in an effort to build local interest in the festivity. Funded by a $4,500 Hotel Occupancy Tax allocation, the original KilGogh committee members hoped to draw local residents and artists while also inviting out-of-area guests and artists to put 'heads in beds' over the weekend and increase local tourism. The seminal arts event was judged a success and, in following years, KilGogh would continue to grow and develop, showcasing more local artists and their creations. Almost 30 participants displayed their wares in 2014, from painters to sculptors to potters, including student artists alongside local adult amateurs and professionals. That number jumped to more than 50 artists in subsequent years and the festival added live performances from Kilgore College Rangerettes, Industry Dance Company, Kilgore High School Hi-Steppers, as well as independent musicians and even “Bingogh” — a bingo game with a Van Gogh twist. Artworks were initially showcased only in the historic Texan Theater, but the burgeoning number of amateur, professional and student artists displaying their work necessitated a move across the street to the renovated Old Post Office. Soon, art enthusiasts could be seen crossing downtown Kilgore streets to view more local art while sampling wine and snacks. While this year's KilGogh was canceled out of caution over the COVID-19 pandemic, the city will soon resume its events schedule, leaving us free to look forward to many more local arts festivals in the future.
PET TALK
Traveling with Pets requires proper planning SPECIAL TO ETCETERA
P
et owners choosing to travel domestically while following the appropriate precautions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic may be apprehensive about leaving their animal companion at home. While carrying a pet cross-country may
Your pet's crate or carrier helps them stay safe during travel and can also serve as a familiar and comfortable home in unfamiliar places.
“Many of our pets don’t live terribly exciting lives when it comes to travel, so the hustle and bustle of travel can come as a real shock,” Rutter said. “Weeks before you travel, familiarize your pet with the
seem daunting, with proper planning, owners should be confident that
crate or carrier that they will be traveling in. Hiding treats or feeding
they can get their furry friend where they need to go.
your pet in the carrier, providing a comfortable bed in the carrier,
Dr. Christine Rutter, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says that pet owners need to notify their airline, lodging and veterinarian
and going on short car drives in the carrier can help make the travel experience less scary.” Rutter also recommends keeping your pet in a travel crate or carrier
of their intention to travel with their pet as early as possible. Owners
when they are unattended in a new environment. This keeps your pet
should also reach out to the appropriate authorities to ensure their pet
out of mischief and ensures that your pet is in a safe and familiar place.
has the proper documentation. “Technically, any transport of an animal across state lines requires a
Owners can also help foster a familiar environment for their pet by using the same litter their cat uses at home when traveling, and by
USDA health certificate issued by a USDA-certified veterinarian,” Rutter
feeding them a consistent diet. Avoiding the introduction of new food
said. It is best to check the specific requirements of your destination to
and treats while traveling may also reduce the risk of digestive incidents.
ensure that you are in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations when you arrive. When obtaining the proper documentation from your veterinarian,
Most importantly, Rutter recommends that pet owners anticipate the needs of their furry friend and prepare for emergencies. This includes carrying waste bags, water, time-sensitive medications, and at
owners should ensure that their pet is up to date on all vaccinations,
least a small portion of your pet’s food. Owners should also be aware
heartworm prevention, ectoparasite (such as fleas and ticks) prevention,
of airport pet relief areas, as applicable.
has a registered microchip with current contact information, and has a
Owners may wish to research where local emergency veterinary
legible tag on their collar or harness. Tags should include a pet’s name,
centers are along their route or near their destination. They may also
an emergency phone number and any pertinent medical information.
wish to purchase pet insurance for their animal and should keep
“If your pet receives daily medications, be sure you have enough to last through your trip and ask your veterinarian if it would be worth having a paper copy of prescriptions in case medications get lost,” Rutter said. Owners of pets who rely on a medical device, such as a glucose
their policy on-hand when traveling. If possible, include insurance information on your pet’s collar or harness tag. Finally, Rutter reminds owners that their furry friend may behave differently when exposed to the stressors of travel. Be sure your pet wears a collar or harness with a tag at all times while traveling in case
monitor or pacemaker, should speak with their veterinarian about what
of escape attempts. Fearful pets may also bite, so give your pet ample
resources are available near their destination. If your pet struggles
time to acclimate to new environments before challenging them with
with anxiety or motion sickness, ask your veterinarian how to best
meeting new people and other animals, and ensure that they are
accommodate their needs during travel.
properly monitored. April/May 2021 | Etcetera 15
HOUR GLASS
A Voice for Kilgore's Progress and its future BY MEREDITH SHAMBURGER
news1@kilgorenewsherald.com Editor's Note: Hour Glass is a historical look at past Kilgore News Herald headlines.
Kilgore chamber's early rallying cry was 'Gets things done that ought to be done!' The April 27, 1931 newspaper included this call for help from the new Kilgore Chamber of Commerce.
T
he Kilgore Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year of being a voice for Kilgore's progress and its future. Looking back, the chamber's founding fathers had much the same vision as chamber leaders do today. An April 1, 1931 front page editorial, nestled among articles about coming proration, was a call for action to the News Herald readers: Stop whining and make Kilgore the best it can be. The newspaper encouraged everyone to get involved with the chamber. "The possibilities for Kilgore are untold," the News Herald wrote. "Our agricultural wealth is enormous; our oil wealth is
16 Etcetera | April/May 2021
astounding; our possibilities for industrial development are amazing. We’re sick of the whining of some of you buddies. If you can’t talk anything but looking forward to 'hard times' along with proration, please get out of our sight. Only this morning 300 men were put to work on one pipe line project near this place. Is that anything to get blue over. Within the next two weeks there will be another large group of men working on the water and sewage project for Kilgore.
The sure enough good times for Kilgore have not even started yet. We are just now getting on a constructive business basis. The thing to do is to get behind the city government, the Lions Club, and any other civic organization that we might have an work like the dickens to bring in industry and promote
"
Chamber of Commerce, the
better agriculture." A day later, the paper reported an upcoming membership meeting of the new chamber, planned at the office of Roy H. Laird in the rear of the bank building. "It was pointed out that Kilgore is now at the crucial
Those calls for membership were answered, and by April 27, a group of sixty were making plans to canvass 500 prospective businesses for potential membership. The chamber also sent out its first letter, the newspaper reported:
You share in the benefits of the work of the Kilgore chamber of commerce. For that reason we ask you to
"If a group of men were pulling a load up a hill, would you catch on behind and ride? "You share in the benefits of the work of the Kilgore chamber
catch hold and help us pull.
"
stage of its growth, and preparations for the future
commerce has outlined many plans that will mean much to the
we ask you to catch hold and help us pull. "The sole object of the chamber of commerce is the public good. Membership in the chamber of commerce is open to everybody. It is a Democratic institution.
must be taken care of now," the paper wrote. "Secretary Bagwell considers this a highly important meeting. The chamber of
of commerce. For that reason
"The chamber of commerce gets things done that ought to be done!
future growth of Kilgore, but the plans will mean little without the
"Kilgore will grow as its chamber of commerce grows.
aid and co-operation of the citizenship."
"You can aid in making this growth bigger and better."
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BOOKS
'Where No Man Pursueth' Rusk County DA pens legal thriller set during East Texas oil boom BY LUCAS STROUGH lstrough@kilgorenewsherald.com
“The whole thing starts with a murder.”
R
usk County native, author, and County and District Attorney Micheal Jimerson says his new novel, “Where No Man Pursueth,” weaves together storylines of love, danger and legal battles, all set against the historic backdrop of the Great East Texas Oil Boom. “You have a whole bunch of moving parts,” Jimerson said, noting he drew inspiration not only from his own legal career but also from historical events right here in East Texas. A short description of the novel, penned by the author, tells us “Where No Man Pursueth” follows the deeds of a young man, Ray Elliott, as he is swept up in the events surrounding the murder of a prominent citizen. The story also encompasses the involvement of a scofflaw, fugitive bank president and his disgraced wife, who have their own part to play in the story's resolution years later. “The failed paths of these characters’ broken lives bring them together decades later to contest ownership of two hundred acres in the heart of the Great East Texas Oilfield,” reads the excerpt. “Cross-examination in a climatic courtroom confrontation unveils the true murderer, but the genuine challenge is whether any of the characters can put the pieces of their lives together to achieve redemption.” “It's a long story,” said the author, citing the primary inspiration for the book came from a case in his own legal experience. “When I was in private practice many years ago, I had a case where I was the attorney ad litem.” Attorneys Ad Litem are court-appointed representatives who, in heirship cases, can represent living heirs whose names or
18 Etcetera | April/May 2021
“Where No Man Pursueth" is available on Amazon and Michael Jimerson's website.
whereabouts are unknown or who are incapacitated. This is done to protect the interests of living heirs. “If you go and you have the heirs established to a relative that want some property or something, they'll appoint an attorney for any unknown possible heirs to kind of cut them off if they come up later,” said Jimerson. His job as attorney ad litem was to look into a case involving a landman who had sought mineral rights on a piece of property, only to uncover a sordid tale of a Nacogdoches bank president with ties to the land. The bank president committed embezzlement and fled the country, starting a new family along the way. “The landman sought to establish heirship of this family line because he was asserting their claim to this property against the people who had remained here. They also had the wife's community property interest and had what they thought was, at that time, a deceased or absconded husband. I always thought that would be a good story for a novel. It just occurred to me, 'what if you set that right in the East Texas Oil Field when it first came up?'” Jimerson also cites biographies of tough, famous lawmen like Frank Hamer and a novel by Longview author Gary Borders concerning an infamous hanging as inspiration. He was intrigued by the idea of a central character with modern sensibilities about race who gets wrapped up in a complex legal case in the era of Jim Crow and segregation laws. The main character is forced to contend with “doing the wrong thing for the right reason and how far that goes, how far the ends
justify the means. Years later, that sets everything up so you could put all of them together fighting over this contested property.” Jimerson said he enjoyed writing the novel and aims to write more. “It's a hobby of mine," he said. "It's not my day job. I'm still proud to practice law and enjoy the practice of law. I like what I do. We're doing the Lord's work up here, and I'm glad to get to do it. There are some times when it gets kind of heavy and, for me, writing fiction is a nice hobby. I don't play golf, but this is a nice equivalent.” In a time when true crime media is rising in popularity, Jimerson said he prefers to write fiction involving crime, justice and the legal system which also imparts values to the readers. He hopes to impart “the values that we share as part of our heritage growing up in East Texas and as part of our Christian tradition,” to his readers. “Those values are going to win out," he said. "That's one of the things I say in the preface, that it's dedicated to the citizens of East Texas, in some of the first lines.” He pointed out the title of his new novel is a direct reference to Proverbs 28:1: “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Asked to describe the book to a potential reader, Jimerson pointed
Rusk County District Attorney Micheal Jimerson has authored a new book set in the East Texas Oil Boom.
“Where No Man Pursueth” is available for purchase from the
to a line written by a reviewer of the novel as a good summation: “You
author's website, www.michealjimerson.com and also available in
find out a lie may be harder to live with than a murder.”
print and eBook form on Amazon.com.
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April/May 2021 | Etcetera 19
GARDENING
The Pothos family of plants are traditionally low light favorites and can help brighten indoor spaces.
Boost Indoor Gardening with low light, low maintenance houseplants BY MELINDA MYERS Special to Etcetera
D
on’t let a lack of brightly lit windows stop you from gardening indoors. Include some low maintenance, low light houseplants and maintenance strategies to boost your success. Low maintenance gardening starts with proper plant selection. Match the plant to the growing conditions and your gardening style. ZZ plant is a favorite low light, low maintenance plant. You will see it in hotels and shopping malls where light and care are often
20 Etcetera | April/May 2021
limited. Avoid overwatering that can lead to root rot and death of this plant. You will need to do a bit of searching to find a few of the newer ZZ plant varieties. Zenzi is compact with curled leaves, while Raven has dark purple black foliage that contrasts nicely with green and chartreuse leaves of nearby plants. Peace lily is another popular low light plant found in a variety of public places. It requires moist soil to thrive, making it the perfect plant for those that tend to overwater. Increase your success by mixing organic Wild Valley Farms’ wool pellets into the potting mix. This sustainable soil additive retains moisture, reducing watering by up to 25 percent. It also adds air space, improving the growing conditions for all indoor plants and helps reduce the risk of overwatering. Pothos and philodendron are traditional low light favorites. New cultivars provide a fresh look to these indoor beauties. Neon pothos has vibrant neon green foliage sure to brighten any spot in your home. Pearls and Jade has smaller cream and green variegated leaves. It is slower growing but just as tough as other pothos. Show off their trailing habit in a hanging basket, container displayed on a shelf, or set upon a pedestal. You’ll find a variety of philodendrons for your indoor garden. Brasil has dark green heart-shaped leaves with a golden stripe down the middle. Brandi, another trailing philodendron, has olive green heart-shaped leaves with silver splashing. These can be allowed to trail or trained up onto a trellis. Golden Goddess has larger chartreuse leaves that make a dramatic statement in a home or office. When small, it is great for desks and tabletops, but you will need to transition it to a floor plant as it climbs its support, growing up to six feet tall. Or add a subtle touch of orange with Prince of Orange. The new leaves of this shrubby philodendron emerge a coppery orange and eventually age to green. It grows 24 or more inches tall. The name says it all. Cast iron plant is tough and tolerant of low light and benign neglect. Individual long strappy leaves sprout from the ground to create a mass of greenery. This growth habit has made it a popular groundcover in milder climates. Variegated varieties with splashed or striping can be difficult to find but add to its beauty. New varieties of Chinese evergreen have found their way into many garden centers. Their green leaves may have silver highlights like those of Calypso. Cecila and Golden Bay. Or add a bit of red to your indoor garden with be Red Gold and Ruby Ray Chinese evergreen. Low light indoor plants allow you to add greenery where you once thought it was not possible. Their added beauty will help lift your spirits, reduce stress and increase focus while improving your indoor air quality.
SEE & BE SEEN
The Lane PHOTOS BY MITCH LUCAS
Kilgore College Athletic Director Jimmy Rieves (above) walks through The Lane, a new 3,800-square-foot facility at Parks Fitness Center for weightlifting use for KC student athletes.
Sign at The Lane, a new 3,800-square-foot facility at Parks Fitness Center for weightlifting use for KC student athletes.
KHS students modeled outfits from local clothiers in Longview and Kilgore.
Jaiden Thompson performs a vocal solo at “A Touch of Fame & Fashion Show”.
Former Kilgore College football player Lane Johnson (center), now with the Philadelphia Eagles, talks with KC coach Willie Gooden and Scott Clark (right) Thursday on campus. Johnson made a large donation, along with area businessman Mike Clements, to help construction of a new weight-lifting room at the Parks Fitness Center.
A Touch of Fame & Fashion Show PHOTOS BY LUCAS STROUGH
KHS Hi-Stepper Officers Capt. Carter Williams, 1st Lt. Hailey Espinoza, Lt. Tessa Audas, Lt. Abby Hattaway, Lt. Madison Weaver and Lt. Averi Woods performed a dance routine to kick off the 2021 “A Touch of Fame & Fashion” show Feb. 27 at Longview’s Belcher Center.
April/May 2021 | Etcetera 21
SEE & BE SEEN
Helping Neighbors PHOTOS BY LUCAS STROUGH AND LES HASSELL
Kilgore police officers, firefighters and other volunteers load cases of emergency drinking water into residents’ vehicles.
Kilgore first responders gave away more than 1,700 cases of water in two distribution events as the city slowly returned to normal after a severe winter storm damaged the city’s water distribution network.
Texas Shakespeare Festival Roadshow
KPD Support Lieutenant and Emergency Response Director Terry Linder loads a crate of water for locals Monday morning behind Brookshire’s.
PHOTOS BY STELLA WIESER
Actors in the Texas Shakespeare Festival Roadshow rehearse in February.
22 Etcetera | April/May 2021
Actors in the Texas Shakespeare Festival Roadshow rehearse in February.
SEE & BE SEEN
Big Daddy's Birthday Walk Fundraiser
Bentley, left, and Sarge, the Stallard family dogs
PHOTOS BY MEREDITH SHAMBURGER
Jack Stallard organizes food donations dropped off at the Kilgore stadium.
Jack Stallard hosted his annual Big Daddy's Birthday Walk fundraiser, which celebrates his birthday and collects food donations for the Kilgore College Food Pantry. Stallard and friends planned to walk a combined 55 laps at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium or whereever they were stationed.
Snow Day! PHOTOS BY LES HASSELL
Kris Homeniuk clears snow from his car windows in Kilgore.
Anthony Martinez, 8, slides down an ice covered street on a plastic lid in Kilgore.
Snow blankets downtown Kilgore. Photo courtesy of Clark Langley
April/May 2021 | Etcetera 23
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