Issuu

409-296-BANK

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Volume 32, Issue 14

Chambers County Sheriff's Office Looking for Missing Boater

50 cents

Chambers County HR Director Arrested

Sheriff Brian Hawthorne reports that on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at approximately 1:50 p.m. the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office arrested Toccara Greene, 39, of Wallisville, Texas. Greene was under investigation for various crimes; including, but not limited to, tampering with

a government record. Simultaneously, she was under investigation by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigations and Department of the Navy Investigations, for False Statement, and False Statement to Obtain Employees Compensation. Mrs. Greene was booked into the Chambers County jail for Tampering with a Government Record (State Jail Felony), False Statement (Capital Felony), and False Statement to Obtain Employees Compensation (Capital Felony); no bond has been set at the time of this release. “I hope this is a warning to future criminals that

attempt to defraud local government and think they can come in to our county and hoodwink those of us who live, work, and dedicate ourselves to the betterment of Chambers County. Mrs. Greene is a con artist with the utmost experience; lies always catch up to the liars,” said District attorney Cheryl Lieck. “I am so thankful for our District Attorney’s Office’s tenacity, and our great working relationship with our local, state, and federal agencies”, said Sheriff Hawthorne. The Hometown Press received this press release from Chambers County in response to the arrest of the

HR Director. In response to recent developments, Chambers County Commissioners Court is initiating an independent audit of the Chambers County Human Resources Department. The purpose of the audit is to address all areas of the department’s responsibilities, including but not limited to: employee data security, payroll, unemployment claims, personnel issues, worker’s compensation claims, pension funds and any other related functions of this department. This is an ongoing investigation and no further comment will be issued.

Community Celebrates Easter With an Egg Hunt Sheriff Brian Hawthorne reports that on Friday, April 2, 2021 at approximately 3:30 p.m. the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to a missing boater. The caller advised that the missing person was a commercial fisherman missing in Trinity Bay near Oak Island. Chambers County Marine Deputies and Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens responded to the call as well as the United States Coast Guard and a

Coast Guard Helicopter to assist with the search and rescue effort. The commercial fisherman is identified as 40 year old Tony Nguyen whose boat was discovered in the area of the Vingt-et-un Islands in Trinity Bay. The boat was unoccupied, still in gear, and driving in circles; Tony’s wallet and cellphone were located in the boat. The search efforts were suspended at dark and were resumed the next day with no results as of press time.

By Wade Thibodeaux Chambers County Emergency Services District No1 and Winnie Stowell Volunteer Firemen responded to a controlled burn that had gotten out of control and it quickly consumed an entire barn.

The fire was located on Devillier road off of Fm 1406 and crews responded late in the evening of Thursday, April 1, 2020. No injuries were reported, but the barn was a total loss. Photo courtesy of Kathy Boone.

Fire Consumes Barn

Maddie Fontenot, Coree Majors, and Irelynn Milligan. Irelynn Milligan found the golden egg

The First United hunt last Saturday, Children were released to gather the Methodist Church April 3, 2021 on divided into age eggs that had been hosted an Easter egg the church grounds. groups and then hidden.

Making your dreams come true with a mortgage loan from Texas First Bank. We offer loans of all shapes and sizes: CONVENTIONAL

FHA

JUMBO

USDA

Learn more and apply online at WWW.TEXASFIRST.BANK/MORTGAGE

Opinion & Entertainment

Wednesday, April 7, 2021 Disclaimer: This column is the opinion of Publisher Wade A. Thibodeaux and may contain subject matter on a variety of topics, but usually contains humor of some description. An occasional serious thought may be thrown in to entice the reader to think.

Wade In the Shade by Wade Thibodeaux This is one of those columns that I don’t particularly like to write, but it’s what’s on my mind and so you folks are just going to have to bear with me as I work through these feelings. They say that they come in threes and that’s exactly what I’m dealing with tonight as I progress through this column. The first one was an acquaintance from days long ago when I was in the cattle publication business and even though he and I were not very close, the Facebook posting of his death affected me rather deeply. He was the type of fellow that didn’t talk a lot, but as the old saying goes, when he did speak, people listened. His son was a little younger than me and we visited on occasion, but lately it’s been mostly Facebook well wishes for birthdays or a special accomplishment. However, the passing of his Dad saddened me because he was a guy that I really respected and maybe it was just a reminder of a life that I used to live in the livestock publishing business and I’m missing a lot of those older

guys that I looked up to on a regular basis. The second one hit me a lot harder as it was an old hay baling partner that I had spent a lot of time with in my 20’s and 30’s. He was a salt of the earth type of fellow and he bailed my butt out on numerous occasions when equipment broke down or I needed some parts. I would check on him through his children over the last several years, but I never took the time to stop what I was doing and go and sit down with him and just visit. The last time that I saw him was when his daughter received an award at the Huntsville ISD school board meeting and it was just like we had seen each other the day before. I will always cherish that last visit and remember the good times and all of the good things that we were able to accomplish when we were working together. Both of these two gentlemen were past the average life expectancy and while it doesn’t make it any easier to accept their passing, it is easier to understand that

they had lived a good life and it was their turn to retire to eternal life. The third one is the one that I am having the most trouble understanding. He was a couple of years younger than I am and it just doesn’t seem right for someone to go when they are in the prime of their life. He was a local Justice of the Peace in Winnie, Texas and he absolutely loved the job and was good at it. He helped so many people in so many different ways and I heard countless stories of how he had served families during their time of grief of losing a loved one and all the while doing his job in a respectful and thoughtful manner. He helped so many young drivers as they navigated the rules of the road by either making them tow the line if that’s what they needed or by cutting them some slack if he felt like that was the right thing to do at the time. On top of all of that, he was just a good friend. And, he was a good friend to so many people that recently when a day of honor and assistance was held for his fight with Leukemia, thousands showed up to help him and his family. He was truly one of a kind and will not be able to be replaced. I would visit with him occasionally when we would be out at an eating establishment or sometimes on the phone when I needed some follow up information

for an article that I was working on for the paper. His passing is just surreal and I just want to pick up the phone and give him a call or shake his hand during lunch tomorrow. All of this to say what has been said countless times before, please take time to stop and smell the roses. Talk to the people in your life and take time to visit with them,

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

check on them, and be a friend to them. Nothing is promised and there certainly are no guarantees other than death and taxes. Even with taxes, sometimes you can pay a penalty and gain a little time, but we never know when death will come calling. To those of you who have stayed with me through this entire article, Thank You, and

PAGE 2

I hope that maybe just somehow I have influenced you to spend a little extra time with those that are close to you. I am thankful that you have allowed me to express some of my feelings and hopefully next week we can get back to some of my antics and have a lighter column. Till next time, I’m.......Wade in the Shade.

Tumbleweeds

PULPWOOD QUEENS AND TIMBER GUYS By Tumbleweed Smith

When Kathy L. Murphy had her hair salon/ bookstore in Jefferson (Beauty and the Book) some women invited her to a meeting of their book club. When the meeting was over, Kathy said, “This is fun. What book do we read next month?” The hostess apologized and told Kathy she was just an invited guest, that there could only be 8 women in the club because that is all that fits around the table. “Unless someone dies or moves away,” said the hostess, “we can’t have any more members.” So in 2000 Kathy started her own book club and called it Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys. ”Pulpwood comes from the industry in this area and honestly I just love to say the word. It makes people laugh.” Kathy wrote a book titled THE PULPWOOD QUEENS’ TIARA WEARING, BOOK SHARING GUIDE TO LIFE. She is now working on a sequel 21 years later. She says her book club grew by word of month, mostly. But Kathy is a character deluxe and knows how to get things done. She’s been on Oprah and every major network plus numerous television and radio stations. Newspapers

and magazines have done feature articles on her and her book club, which now has 800 chapters in 20 countries. People are joining every day (www. thepulpwoodqueens. c o m ) . Members get a newsletter and Kathy selects a book of the month. Some of her authors have made it to the bestseller list. Kathy takes no credit for that. “They have the talent, I‘m just the facilitator.” She says it’s all about telling stories. “We are the largest meeting and discussing book club in the world because we bring our authors into our conversations. Before covid, when we had real face-to-face meetings, we’d bring in authors by the dozens to visit with our members. Our annual meeting is usually held during January in Jefferson, but this year we did it by ZOOM. And it worked great because some people who couldn’t make it in person could be there by computer. I had authors from France, Spain, Malta, Canada and it was very successful. We will always do a virtual meeting from now own. I had to learn how to do it. We’re now doing weekly book club meetings online and I’ve

started my own Kathy L. Murphy channel on utube. This year I’ve done more than 100 interviews with authors, film people, celebrities, anybody who has a story to tell and they’re all recorded.” Kathy grew up in Kansas and got the reading bug in elementary school when teachers read to the class every day after noon recess. Now she keeps a stack of books in her home in the woods near Hawkins, Texas and reads hundreds of books a year. She has just one helper. A woman in Florida, Mandy Haynes, now carries the title of CEO. Kathy’s day starts at around 4 AM and ends around midnight. She is an artist whose work is in galleries and on items like clothing, table settings and pillows. “I paint first and while the paint is drying I answer emails, then read and write the rest of the day. Right now I’m battling plumbing and roof problems from the winter ice storm.” www.tumbleweesmith.com

Tumbleweed Smith’s column in the Hometown Press is presented by

MARKET BASKET

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ East Chambers regular school board meetings are held on the second Monday beginning at 6pm in the 216 Champions Loop Winnie, TX 77665

THEME: THE OSCARS ACROSS 1. Hedgehog of video games 6. And so forth, acronym 9. *Oscar-nominated black and white movie 13. Treeless plain 14. Grazing field 15. Moses' mountain 16. Sty sounds 17. Nelson Mandela's org. 18. Like beer at a kegger (2 words) 19. *Posthumous nominee 21. *Anthony of "The Father" 23. "What's up, ____?" 24. Huge pile 25. Protestant denom. 28. Feed storage cylinder 30. Load again 35. Relating to ear 37. Flighty one 39. Proclaimed true without proof 40. Musician David Lee ____ 41. Ascetic holy Hindu 43. Eastern European 44. Plural of #10 Down 46. 500 sheets 47. Looking for aliens org. 48. Kitchen whistler 50. Wails 52. Bad-mouth 53. Medieval torture device 55. Pied Piper follower 57. Politburo hat fur

61. *Daniel of "Judas and the Black Messiah" 65. Raspberry drupelets 66. Fuss, to Shakespeare 68. Void, as in marriage 69. Defective car 70. Given name of Jack Kerouac's Paradise 71. ____ of Honor 72. Adam and Eve's first residence 73. Money in Myanmar 74. Shoemaker without shoes, e.g. DOWN 1. Undesirable roommate 2. Medley 3. Grannies, in UK 4. Tattooed 5. Universe 6. Panache 7. *Most 2021 Oscar nominations for one film, #9 Across 8. Secret storage 9. Stole fur 10. One opposed 11. Indian restaurant staple 12. U.S. customary unit of force, pl. 15. Soaked 20. DNA and RNA 22. Argonaut's propeller 24. Shared work surface at an office

Solution on page 3

25. *Sasha Baron Cohen's "Subsequent Moviefilm" role 26. Be sorry for one's wickedness 27. Pita, in UK 29. *Like Roberto Benigni's fictional son 31. Husband to a widow, e.g. 32. Checked out 33. Stradivari competitor 34. *"Fences" winner and "Ma Rainey" nominee 36. Poker ante 38. *"Nomadland" director 42. Shadow 45. *The Trial of the Chicago 7" screenwriter 49. Greek "t" 51. Sandwich sausage 54. Necklace lock 56. Radio receiver 57. Nutritious leafy green 58. Got A+ 59. Ice on a window 60. Happening soon, old fashioned 61. Caffeine-containing nut tree 62. Editing arrow 63. Chinese monetary unit 64. Friend in war 67. *Nominee for Billie Holiday role

or any members, to join them for Chicken Foot on Thursdays at noon, and Bingo on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. For more information, please call 267-3700.

■ The Wellness Center at ■ The Lily Bayside invites seniors, Valley Food

located at 1222 N. Main St. in Anahuac, distributes food to those in need on the fourth Saturday of each month. Anyone wishing to donate canned goods, money or volunteer is of the encouraged to do so. Pantry,

The Hometown Press The Hometown Press, ID#006414 is published weekly on Wednesday, except for the Wednesday immediately following Christmas, by Hometown Press, Inc., 2028 State Hwy 124 or P.O. Box 801, Winnie, TX 77665. Annual instate subscription rate is $25.00 and out-of-state is $25.00. Second Class postage is paid at Winnie, TX Postmaster. Change of address may be sent to Hometown Press, P.O. Box 801, Winnie, TX. 77665. Phone: 409296-9988, Fax: 409-296-9987, email: htpress99@gmail.com Periodical Class Permit #006414 Winnie, TX 77665 STAFF BOX Publisher: Wade Thibodeaux Advertising Deadline is noon Monday for Wednesday paper.

PAGE 3

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

Local News

Wednesday, April 7, 2021 PUNISHMENT RANGE

Forty-One individuals were arrested and booked into the Chambers County Jail between Sunday, March 28 and Saturday, April 3. Warrants from last week are also as followed. The individuals have been

magistrated and formally informed of the charges against them. However, just because these individuals were arrested and magistrated does not mean they are guilty of the crimes they are charged with committing. Also, not

everyone charged with a crime is alleged to have committed the crime in Chambers County, but perhaps was simply arrested in Chambers County on outstanding warrant(s) while in Chambers County. Instances in which individuals

were arrested on outstanding warrants, their original conviction and the reason they are on probation or parole, if available, is included in parenthesis set.

• First degree felony: punishable by up to 99 years or life in prison and a $10,000 fine. • Second degree felony: punishable by up to 20 years and a $10,000 fine. • Third degree felony: punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. • State jail felony: punishable by up to two years in prison. • Deferred adjudication probation: typically offered to the first time offenders. Defendants’ judgement is deferred until later, if ever. If they successfully complete the terms of their probation, they are not judge and thus have no criminal conviction in connection to the offense. However, if they accept deferred adjudication probation but fail to abide by the terms of their probation, they could be sentenced to the maximum time in prison allowable under the law without the benefit of a trail by jury. • Class A misdemeanor: punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. • Class B misdemeanor: punishable by up to six months in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Patti Henry District Clerk Passports M-F 8 am-11 am & 1pm-4pm

Jimmy Gore Commissioner Pct 1

409-296-8250

409-267-2432

Jimmy Sylvia County Judge

409-267-2440

Gore Propane is now hiring for Bobtail drivers, must have CDL/Hazmat. Competitive salary and benefits. For further information cal (409)389-2242 or (409)267-5412

Total Main Jail:

Chairman Mendoza said. “With her decade of accomplishments evident right here on campus, Dr. Banks will be ready and able to move forward from day one. Texas A&M is a great university and under her leadership, we are expecting it to be even greater; we are excited to see this next chapter unfold.” “We have all worked with Dr. Banks for many years and we know what she has done to transform our engineering college, which this week the U.S. News & World Report ranked as the best in Texas,” said Chancellor John Sharp.

“Dr. Banks is going to do for the university what she has already done for engineering. She is going to be a great president.” “I am truly honored that the Board of Regents has selected me to be the next president of this great university,” said Dr. Banks. “Crucial listening sessions will begin soon with key stakeholders across campus and beyond to gather perspectives concerning the issues, challenges, and opportunities that we face today. I look forward to working together as we take Texas A&M University to new levels of preeminence.”

Tim O'Connell immediately searched for a scoreboard after dismounting from Frontier Rodeo's Gun Fire at the Riggin Rally Xtreme Broncs in Weatherford, Texas, April 3. He knew the number had the potential to be massive. The three-time world champion bareback rider

from Zwingle, Iowa, was right. The board lit up with a glowing 94 — the highest mark his event has ever seen — as he tied the PRCA world record for the second time in two years. "To have two 94s in my career is just special," said O'Connell, who (contd on page 5)

Tim O'Connell Snares Dr. Kathy Banks Becomes 26th President of A&M University Riggin Rally With World The Texas A&M and Dean of the Texas Los Alamos National the Board of Regents, University System A&M College of Laboratory and the Bush and a 15-member search Record-Tying Ride Board of Regents on Engineering, assumes Combat Development committee. Wednesday confirmed M. Katherine Banks as the twenty-sixth President of Texas A&M University. Dr. Banks, currently Vice Chancellor of Engineering and National Laboratories

her duties June 1. President Banks also will carry the title Vice Chancellor of National Laboratories and National Security Strategic Initiatives because of her continued involvement with

Complex at the RELLIS Campus. Dr. Banks, who has led Engineering for the past decade, was selected after a national search led by Elaine Mendoza and Tim Leach, Chairman and Vice Chairman of

"After a robust national search, which drew top-notch, competitive candidates, our Board today unanimously confirmed Dr. Katherine Banks as the next President of Texas A&M University,"

Religion & Lifestyle

Wednesday,April 7, 2021

Sunday Observations from Christy

"Don't Tell!"

Dan and I were joking with each other about being able to keep a secret. Dan said, “I’m like this guy I worked with one time whose idea of keeping a secret was telling only one person at a time!”

Easter Sunday brings about a sense of renewed energy. The cold of winter has passed.... hopefully. The trees are greening up, flowers blooming, and a shift has taken place. But this year, as we gather to celebrate with loved ones the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I pray that we can

“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” (Proverbs 11:13) Danny R. Biddy, Chaplain: Chambers County Sheriff’s Office & Fellowship of Christian Cowboys

OBITUARIES

Barbara McDaniel Hilton, 71, of Bridge City formerly of Winnie, died Saturday, April 3, 2021. She was born on September 22, 1949, in Houston, to Ella Mae Reedy and Richard Edwin McDaniel. Survivors include her daughter, Alexandra “Alex” Olson and her husband, John; son, Steven Hilton; grandchildren, Taylor Hilton, Kiersten Hilton, Wyatt Olson,

Assemblies of God

Cornerstone Church 3810 Hwy. 124 • Stowell 409-296-2481 Sunday Worship Service.........10:00 am Wednesday Family Night......6:30 pm Cornerstone Church 1100 Oak Street • Anahuac 409-296-2481 Sunday Worship Service.....10:30 am

Baptist

First Baptist Church of Anahuac 405 South Magnolia • Anahuac 409-267-3262 Sunday School..............9:00 am SundayMorningWorship.....11:00 am Evening Worship..........6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer Meeting.....6:30 pm First Baptist of Fannett Highway 124 • Fannett Sunday School.................9:30 am Sunday Morning Worship...10:45 am Sunday Discipleship Training.......5:00 pm Sunday Evening Worship.............6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer Meeting......7:00 pm First Baptist Church of Hamshire Highway 124 • Hamshire 409-243-2163 Sunday School.................9:15 am Morning Worship.........10:30 am Evening Worship............6:00 pm Wednesday Discipleship....6:15 pm First Baptist Church of Stowell W. Main &VanOstrand • Stowell 409-296-4510 Sunday School.........................9:30 am Sunday Morning Worship......11:00 am Sunday Evening Worship........6:00 pm Wednesday Bible Study............7:00 pm OutdoorsMen Church of Winnie Hwy 124 in Winnie Saturday.......6:00pm (covered dish meal at service)

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

and Jessie Olson; brothers, Mike McDaniel and his wife, Joy, and Gary McDaniel and his wife, Tomi; and sister, Jeannie Hightower. She was preceded in death by her parents. A gathering of Ms. Hilton’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with her memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 8, 2021, at Broussard’s, 134 W. Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. Her cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium. Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Coronavirus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.

First Baptist Church of Winnie Winnie 409-296-4072 Brian Johnson, Pastor Sunday School.................9:15 am Sunday Morning Worship..10:30 am SundayEvening Worship...........6:00 pm Wednesday: Kids for Christ.................4:00 pm Youth (Grades 7-12)........4:00 pm Adult Bible Study/Prayer Meeting.6:00 pm Sweet Home Baptist Church Hankamer 409-374-2208 Pastor: Ronald Smith Sunday School.................9:30 am SundayMorningWorship.........10:30am Wednesday Dinner......................6:00 pm Wednesday Bible Study Adult, Youth and Children’s.....6:30 pm Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Campbell Rd &Ave G • Stowell 409-296-2938 Sunday School.........................8:00 am Sunday Morning Worship.........9:00 am Monday Mission & Teachers.......6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer Meeting & Choir St. Paul Baptist Church First Street • Stowell 409-296-2750 Sunday School.........................9:45 am Sunday Worship....................11:00 am Monday Brotherhood............7:00 pm Tuesday Mission.....................6:30 pm WednesdayPrayerMeeting...........7:00pm

Pastor Laurence “Larry” Whitney Meaux, Sr., 89, of Winnie, died Thursday, April 1, 2021, at Riceland Medical Center, Winnie. He was born on May 29, 1931, in Wright, Louisiana, to Mable Thompson Meaux and Tetan Meaux. Survivors include his wife, Delta Meaux, of Winnie; son, Larry Meaux, Jr., of Winnie and Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter, Letty Smith and her husband, Larry, of Winnie; grandchildren, Corrie Jones and her husband, Ricky, of Winnie and Barry Smith, of San Diego, California; greatgrandchildren, Cody Jones, of Lafayette, Louisiana, Lane Jones, of Winnie, and Daniel Jones, of Winnie; numerous cousins, nieces, and other

PAGE 4

find a way back to a life of peace. The one where we all live in his likeness. I finally realized, the conflict around us is not a political issue.... it’s an ego issue. We must do a hard self assessment and determine if we are a part of the problem or a part of the solution. Does our day to day behavior reflect that of the Jesus we proclaim to love? After all, it’s Easter. If we are not reflecting Jesus at Easter and Christmas, at the bare minimums, when are we? So on Easter, I am asking you to ask yourself, when was the last time you admitted fault? Said you were wrong? Asked for forgiveness? If you can’t answer that pretty quickly, reassess your patterns. Because we all fail. We all come up short. Not one of us perfect. Yet we act as though

we believe we are. A dose of humility would help us a tremendous amount. Open your mind, view something from someone else’s eyes. If you open your mind you just may see what fuels the passion of another. What makes them so hard nosed. What makes them so open an free. It really does go both ways. To see that a young person is open and receiving of new, is to see that an older person may be more closed and reserved. Life, and the knocks that come with it, will cause us to harden. And that’s understandable. But do we truly wish those hurts on our youth, to skew their opinions? Or do we want our youth to learn, and develop their own opinions? Before you answer that, remember yourself. 30, 40, 50 years ago. When you

wished your parents would leave you alone. When you knew best and could conquer the world? Or perhaps, sit and listen to your elders to learn. To discover that time in life that makes them think as they do. Maybe they want to protect you, maybe they are just grumpy. You won’t know until you listen. Happy Easter peeps.....as you gather with loved ones I beg you, ask someone to tell you a story. Listen to what fuels them. Listen to learn, not to correct. Listen to open your mind. Understand that just because someone’s passion is differently than yours..... doesn’t make it wrong. Lay down your ego, and self assess. You can not fix others when you yourself are broken. Resurrect love this Easter. God would like that, I just know it.

family members; and his cat, Lizzy. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Huey P. Meaux. A graveside service for Mr. Meaux was 11:00 at a.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at Fairview Cemetery, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Memorial contributions may be made to Good News Fellowship, Inc., P.O. Box 1360, Winnie, Texas 77665.

1982. Yale served as Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 for 15 years, from 2007 to present. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Winnie. As a staple of the Winnie Stowell community, Yale was committed to serving others with compassion. Fairness and integrity were of utmost importance to him in life. Being an active supporter of the East Chambers and surrounding area youth, he helped countless kids in their efforts to raise their livestock, but importantly played an instrumental role in shaping the lives of others. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed the many trips to Colorado, Mexico, and many other places with his family and friends. By sharing his passion of hunting with his children, grandchildren, and friends, wonderful memories were made and will be forever cherished. The friendships that he shared with so many people meant everything to him. He was the best husband, dad, and grandfather we could have ever asked for. Yale is survived by his wife of six years, Celia Devillier; daughters, Erin Rhame and her husband, John and Erica Hampton and her husband,

Ryan; son, Jett Devillier; stepdaughters, Payton and Olivia Burleson; mother, Beverly Devillier Kiker and stepfather, Charles Kiker; sister, Jill White and her husband, Ronnie; grandchildren, Kaelyn Rhame with Peyton Bertrand, Grace Rhame, Gage Howard, Luke Hampton, and Cooper Hampton; greatgranddaughter, Kate Bertrand; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Samuel Valery Coulon “Sammy” Devillier and brother, Kyle Hilton Devillier. A gathering of Judge Devillier’s family and friends was from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 5, 2021, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer, Winnie. His funeral service was at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at First Baptist Church, 120 West Pear, Winnie. His interment followed at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 98018, Washington, DC 20090-8018 or First Baptist Church, 120 West Pear, Winnie, Texas 77665.

Methodist

Nondenominational

Justice of the Peace Yale Harlan Devillier, 57, passed away March 29, 2021, at Methodist Hospital-Houston. He was born in Anahuac, Texas to Beverly Bice Devillier Kiker and the late Sammy Devillier. He attended East Chambers and graduated in the class of

Church Services

St. Mary Baptist Church Hwy 61 &Albritton •Hankamer 409-374-2182 Sunday School.........................9:30 am Morning Worship..................11:00 am Wednesday Bible Study.........7:00 pm SunlightMissionaryBaptistChurch Spikes Rd • Hankamer Sunday School.........................9:45 am Sunday Morning Worship......11:00 am Wednesday Evening..................7:00 pm LaBelle Baptist Church 9400 Hwy 365 • LaBelle 409-796-1240 Sunday School.......................10:00 am Sunday Adult Worship............11:00 am Sunday Children’s Church......11:00 am Sunday Evening......................6:00 pm Wednesday Bible Study.............7:00 pm First Baptist Church High Island Sunday School.........................9:30 am Sunday Worship....................10:30 am Sunday Evening Worship..........6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer & Bible......7:00 pm

Catholic St. Louis Catholic Church 315 W Buccaneer Dr • Winnie 409-296-4200 Weekday Mass Wednesday..................8:30 am Spanish Friday....9:45 am English at Arboretum Saturday...Reconciliation 3:00-3:45 pm Mass in English...............4:00 pm Sunday Mass in English.....7 am & 10:30 am Spanish Mass........................noon Holy days......8:30 am & 6:30 pm Our Lady of Light Catholic Church S. Main St • Anahuac 409-267-3158 Confession:Saturday...............5:00 pm English: Sunday.......................8:30 am Spanish: Saturday...................6:00 pm Thursday...................................6:00 pm

St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hwy. 365 & IH-10 • Fannett 794-2548 Saturday Mass.........................5:00 pm Sunday Mass............7:00 & 11:00 am St. Martin DePorres Mission Boyt & Kidd • Cheek 409-794-2548 Sunday Mass............................9:00 am

Church of Christ Winnie Church of Christ 2559 Hwy 124 • Stowell 409-899-1737 • 409-363-9898 Sunday Bible Class.................9:45 am Sunday Morning Worship.......10:45 am Sunday Evening Worship......5:00 pm Wednesday Service................7:00 pm Church of Christ Oak Street • Anahuac 267-6445 Sunday Bible Class.................9:30 am SundayWorship Service......10:30 am SundayEvening Worship.......6:00 pm Wednesday Service................6:00 pm

Episcopal Trinity Episcopal Church Washington & Light St • Anahuac 409-267-6582 Sunday Holy Communion.......9:00 am

Latter Day Saints

Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints Menely Road • Winnie Sunday Morning.....................9:00 am Wednesday Youth Activities.....7:00 pm

Lutheran

Hope Lutheran Church 9th & LeBlanc - Winnie 409-296-2377 Sunday Worship............9:30 am Sunday School............10:45 am

First United Methodist 204 Trinity St • Anahuac 409-267-3242 Sunday School.......................10:45 am Sunday Worship....................11:00 am St. James Methodist Ed Hopkins @ Texas St • Anahuac Sunday School.........................9:30 am Sunday Worship 1st & 4th Sunday.....................................11:00 am Wednesday Bible Studies......6:00 pm Faith United Methodist Highway 365 • Fannett 409-794-1121 Sunday School......................10:00 am Sunday Worship....................11:00 am UMYF 2nd and 4th Sunday.....5:00 pm Middleton Memorial Methodist Wallisville Rd • Wallisville 409-389-2218 Sunday Worship......................9:00 am St.PaulUnitedMethodistDoubleBayou www.stpauldoublebayou.com Sunday School........................10:45am Sunday Worship .................... 9:00 am Wednesday Bible Studies.........6:30 pm St. Mathew’s United Methodist 1312 Weeks Ave • High Island Sunday School.........................9:00 am Sunday Worship Service.........10:00 am UMYF.............................................3:00 pm First United Methodist Highway 124 @ Freeman • Winnie 296-4382 Sunday School.........................9:30 am Sunday Worship....................10:45 am UMYF.......................................6:00 pm Sunday Worship......................9:30 am Sunday School.......................10:45 am

SmithPoint Community Church Smith Point Sunday School.......................10:00 am Sunday Morning Worship......11:00 am Trinity Church 1324 Hwy. 124 • Winnie Sunday Happy Hour...............9:00 am Morning Worship.................10:00 am WednesdayEveningWorship....7:30pm House of Prayer Fannett Elementary School 409-794-9470 Sunday Services.............2:00-5:00 pm HankamerCommunity Fellowship FM 1663 @ FM 1724 • Hankamer Sunday School.....................10:00 am Sunday Praise & Worship..11:00 am Wednesday Bible Study........7:00 pm Lighthouse of Hope Church 507 6th St. Winnie, Texas (at the corner of 6th St. and Oak St.) 409-782-5354 Sunday Worship....................10:00 am Wednesday Worship..............6:30 pm Word of Life Church Please call (351) 999-4923 to participate in our phone church services: Adult Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Church services 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 pm

Pentecostal

Calvary Tabernacle 1210 FM 1406 • Winnie 296-2020 Sunday School........................2:00 pm Sunday Worship.....................2:45 pm Thursday Evening...................7:00 pm (Children’s Church, Youth Service & Bible Study) - Pastor Carl A. Vickery Calvary Tabernacle UPC 11185 Mahon Rd, Fannet Pastor Steve Adams 409-201-8033 Sunday 1pm, Thursday 7pm First UnitedPentecostal Church 1352 Walter Street • High Island 286-5444 Sunday Worship....................10:00 am Tuesday.....................................7:30 pm

PAGE 5

Business Directory

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Clark Freight Line Bus Pg Ad:May 21 ad 11/29/17 11:39 AM Page 1

Clark Freight Lines, Inc. Pasadena, TX 281-487-3160 Beaumont, TX • W. Memphis, AR Birmingham, AL • Nashville, TN

www.clarkfreight.com

“Trucks Move Your World” Bus Pg Ad:May 21 ad 6/28/17 1:11 PM Page 1

Winnie Dairy Queen McCall BS pg:May 21 ad

Hwy 124 South P.O. Box 981 6/28/17 1:10 PM Page 1 Winnie, TX 77665

$10 per week • Don’t let your competitors attract all the business! Call 296-9988

(409) 296-2116

C & V WRECKER SERVICE Craig Stowe Owner

PO Box 1376 2425 Hwy 124 S. Winnie, TX 77665

409-296-9542 PUBLIC NOTICE East Chambers Independent School District is requesting Competitive Sealed Proposals from General Contractors for construction services for its 2021 High School Renovation Projects, including a Restroom Renovation and Front Entry Renovation. The Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals will be available on the District website (eastchambers. net) or may be obtained by contacting Darren Smith, East Chambers I.S.D. Director of Operations, to obtain a copy of the Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals, at 409.296.4307 or darren@eastchambers. net. Two copies of Competitive Sealed Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at the following location: East Chambers ISD Administration Building 216 Champions Loop Winnie, Texas 77665 A non-mandatory preproposal conference will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, 2021,

at the Administration Building. Questions, in writing, may be directed to the Architect at: Architects Rabe + Partners 507 W FM 2147, Suite 105 Marble Falls, Texas 778654. 512.349.7173 Fax: 512.349.7224 drabe@archrabe.com The District reserves the right to reject any and all Proposals and waive any irregularities, informalities and/or discrepancies within the Proposal process and to make any changes and awards to any contractor if deemed in the best interest of the District. By submitting a Proposal, contractors agree to waive any claim they may have against the District and the Architect/Engineer and their respective employees arising out of or in connection with the administration, evaluation, or recommendation of any Proposal; waiver of any requirements included in the Proposal Documents; and acceptance or rejection of any Proposal; and award of a Contract.

originally posted a 94 Feb. 15, 2020, aboard Northcott Macza's Stevie Knicks to win in San Angelo. "I didn't know what it was going to be tonight, but I knew it was going to be big. To do it in front of your peers and for

them to agree with what just went down, that means more than anything." O'Connell now shares the world record twice over, matching Wes Stevenson (Kesler Rodeo's Cover (contd on page 8)

Mr. John

Automatic Transmission 550-3137

$10 per week • Don’t let your competitors attract all the business! Call 296-9988

Tim O'Connell (contd)

$10 per week • Don’t let your competitors attract all the business! Call 296-9988

Classifieds

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Free for individuals selling personal items

Call (409)296-9988 • Fax (409)296-9987 htpress99@gmail.com

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

PAGE 6

Let our readers know about your garage sales, help wanted, services.... Deadline: Monday before publication at 12 noon

FOR RENT

HELP WANTED

FOR SALE

SERVICES

Palms RV Park 721 9th Street, Winnie. Showers, laundry room, wifi, propane bottle exhange, privacy fence, security cameras. 409.673.5927 For Lease 4 BR 2 bath 1 car garage. 936 Van Ostrand, Winnie. $1550.00/ month. Call 409-363-4570

House for rent: brick house, 3 bed 2.5 bath, inside has washer, dryer & refrigerator. very nice house. one month $1,200. One year contract please call 832-298-8159 House for Rent 3 BR 1 1/2 bath $1100.00/ month and $1100.00 deposit. No utilities. Call Reenay 409-201-0399 For Rent 3BR House Kitchen Appliances, Central Heat/Air $1250.00/ mo 409-651-0578

Handyman needed for only a few hours work around the house and yard. 409-296-6224

Cub SI40 farm tractors 14’50’ mobile home - large dog house metal - garden tiller - 3 drilling rigs want to buy disk - brush hog - tractor w/ front loader. 281-788-7838

Canal City lot for sale by owner on the middle canal undeveloped Lot #302, 1468 Van Sant Gilchrist TX call Alan 409-9393240 no texts $30,000

Garry BrattenExperienced Handyman. No job too small or large. 409-354-8280.

General Labor crew needed. Duties include: shoveling, weed-eating/ mowing, pouring concrete, laying pipes and clearing land. Background check and drug screen required. Tempto-hire - $12.00 per hour. Call us at 835-5566. FOR RENT

House for rent in Winnie. WINNIE HOME Beautiful 3 bed, 1.5 bath + game 4BR, 4 Bath $1400.00/ room, fenced backyard. mo 409-679-9773 Brick house in nice 1600 sq. ft. for rent. neighborhood. $1,200 Window display, month +deposit. Highway frontage 409-789-0289 4 0 9 - 7 8 1 - 0 9 1 8 One BR apartment 1000 sq. ft. office space $600.00/per month, for rent. 409-781-0918. $600.00 deposit. No utilities FOR SALE

4x5 Round bales stored outside for cows. $35.00 each. Call 409-781-2236

.ARBO:RETUM o:F.WINNIE RE Due to our continued success, we are now taking applications for full time and part time positions. Great work environment and only 25 miles from Port Arthur or Beaumont.

Certified Nurse Aide

We offer competitive pay with benefits. Come join our TEAM. Apply in person at 1215 HWY. 124, Winne, TX 409-296-8200

The Arboretum of Winnie is accepting applications for full time LVN night shift positions. Please apply online at www. winnienr.com

Call Reenay 409-201-0399 FOR LEASE

Horse and cow pasture for lease. One mile from Winnie. 20 acres and 2 barns. $100/month. 4 0 9 - 4 6 6 - 6 4 1 7 , 4 0 9 - 2 9 6 - 9 2 6 7

Cat 3406, new rods &main bearings, marine gear includes PTO & hydraulic pump. Shaft is 2 1/2" x 12'3" w/4 blade prom 3 drum winch & stainless cables. Engine on stand to hear run in Oak Island. 936-546-4401

7 1/4 acres furnished house lots of outside equipment. 409-284-5543 2005 Crown Vic Intercepter: Clean, dependable, new tires, brakes, great ac, etc., $3, 800.00. 281-414-6353 Trailer axles $40.00 - $100.00 each, PVC pipe 1 1/2 to 4" $50.00, Call 409-457-5204 Commercial gas tank for sale $700. refrigerator for sale $80. please call 832-298-8159 2 Iron Bar stools with wood swivel seat. $40.00 Call 409-277-0064 2012 Jeep Compass runs good. A/C works but does not cool well. Work vehicle $5000.00 Call 409-277-1065 Queen size bedroom set, includes dresser with mirrors and one nightstand. $300.00. Call 409-291-1288 4x5 Round bales Horse quality in barn $50.00 Call 409-781-2236 2000 Ford gas tractor parts. Call for prices Located in Stowell 4 0 9 - 4 5 7 - 5 2 0 4 Window air conditioner $50 Located in Stowell 4 0 9 - 4 5 7 - 5 2 0 4 4 tires size 33x12.50 R18LT $100 Located in Stowell 4 0 9 - 4 5 7 - 5 2 0 4

2004 40' Mountain Air motorhome, made by Newmar. 250 Cummings diesel, 6 speed Allison transmission $25000.00 Call 409-277-0883 or 409-277-9872 Trailer axles $40 - 100 each Located in Stowell 4 0 9 - 4 5 7 - 5 2 0 4

Horse hay 4x5 fertilized Jiggs Bermuda in barn $50.00/roll. Call 409-781-2236 Heifers and bulls for sale. Sharolias cross. Four butcher calves for sale $1.50/lb on hoof plus $.79 to out and wrap. 7 1 3 - 8 7 5 - 5 7 0 3

Name:_________________________ Address:________________________________ City, State, Zip:__________________________

$25.00 Mail Check or Money Order to: The Hometown Press PO Box 801, Winnie, TX 77665 409-296-9988 We Accept Most Major Credit Cards

Metal Shelves $10 each 4 available Located in Stowell 4 0 9 - 4 5 7 - 5 2 0 4

Set of metal steps. $40 Located in Stowell 4 0 9 - 4 5 7 - 5 2 0 4

Disk and scoop for tractor $25 each Located in Stowell 4 0 9 - 4 5 7 - 5 2 0 4

50th Texas Ladies State Chili Championship Saturday, APRIL 17 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Max Starcke Park East

CHILI, Craft and Food Vendors, Music, Silent Auction, Raffles, Family Fun! Judging begins at 12:30 p.m.

TexSCAN Week of April 4, 2021 ACREAGE

GUN SHOW

WORLD’S LARGEST GUN SHOW – April 10 & 11 - Tulsa, OK Fairgrounds. Saturday 8-6, Sunday 8-4. WANENMACHER’S TULSA Hunting/investment/recreational property. We ARMS SHOW. Free appraisals. Bring your guns! have some of the best in Texas! From the Hill Country www.TulsaArmsShow.com. (Edwards, Menard, Coke, Val Verde County, free ranging exotics) to South Texas (Kinney, Duval, Live LEGAL ASSISTANCE Oak County, whitetail, hogs). Large or small acreage. 30-year fixed rate owner financing, only 5% down. SUFFER DAMAGE because of Texas power outage? Call toll-free or email for individual prices and terms, You may be entitled to significant compensation. 800444-9112. Pulaski Kherkher, PLLC, Principal Office: www.ranchenterprisesltd.com, 800-876-9720. 2925 Richmond Ave. #1725, Houston, TX 77098.

COLLECTORS

Coin Collector/Investor will pay cash for any coin, coins, coin collections, baseball card collections or memorabilia. No collection is too large or too small. I will appraise for free and/or purchase with cash. Call me at 281-972-8702.

EVENTS

GENERATORS GENERAC Standby Generators. The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. FREE 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Schedule your FREE in-home assessment today. Call 1-855-704-8579. Special financing for qualified customers.

Seguin – 50th Texas Ladies State Chili Championship, Sat., April 17, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Max Starcke Park East. MEDICAL Chili, craft and food vendors, music, silent auction, raffles, family fun! Judging begins at 12:30 p.m. Sign Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by up to be a judge at tlscco.com/chili-judges-needed. Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. VisitSeguin.com, 830-401-5000. Free information kit! Call 866-747-9983. Lamesa – Chicken Fried Steak Festival April 22-25. Fireworks, FlippinOut Trampolines show, 5k run, DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual parade, team roping, Chicken Fried Steak cookoff, Insurance Company. NOT just a discount plan, REAL live bands block party style street dancing, car show, coverage for 350 procedures. Call 1-855-901-0467 Chicken Fried steak dinner (Tickets: 806-872-2181), for details. www.dental50plus.com/txpress. 6118-0219 home run derby, kickball tournament, volleyball WANTED tournament, pageant, dance performers, young music performers, story time, craft vendors, food vendors, Antique Porcelain Signs Wanted – Gas and quarter board/carnival games, pictures with Perkins Automobile-related. Also, authentic Indian arrowheads. our Mascot. For more info: www.ci.lamesa.tx.us, Top dollar paid. Call 979-218-3351. 806-872-4322 or 806-309-9448. New Braunfels Area Car Club Swap Meet & Sunday Car Show, April 30-May 2, Comal County Fairgrounds, 801 E. Common St., New Braunfels. www.newbraunfelsareacarclub.com. Face Masks Required!

Need Extra Cash – I Buy RVs & Mobile Homes – Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels, Goosenecks, Bumper Pulls. In Any Area, Any Condition – Old/New, Dirty or Clean! I PAY CA$H. No Title – No Problem, we can apply for one. ANR Enterprises, 956-466-7001.

Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 273 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.

Visitseguin.com 830-401-5000

New Braunfels Area Car Club

SWAP MEET & Sunday Car Show

April 30 - May 2, 2021 Comal County Fairgrounds 801 E. Common Street • New Braunfels www.newbraunfelsareacarclub.com

Face Masks Required!

DID YOU SUFFER DAMAGE BECAUSE OF TEXAS POWER OUTAGE? Those who have suffered an injury, lost a loved one, sustained home or business damage or property loss may be entitled to significant compensation.

Call us toll-free at: 800-444-9112 Pulaski Kherkher, PLLC, Principal Office: 2925 Richmond Ave #1725, Houston, TX 77098

The Arboretum of Winnie is accepting applications for full time LVN day shift positions. Please apply online at www. winnienr.com.

Wade A. Thibodeaux

Publisher wade@txmediacorp.com 409.656.5677

PO Box 801 • Winnie, TX 77665 (409) 296-9988

FREE WANT ADS POLICIES TWO KINDS OF WANT ADS

PAID/BUSINESS WANT ADS

FREE WANT ADS

for NON-BUSINESS PURPOSES:

Individuals & Non-Profits (furniture, clothes, garage sales, etc) Ads are inserted on a space-available basis with no guarantee of insertion.

All business want-ads, Including small & home businesses (babysitting, yard services, house cleaning etc.) 1 time - $10; 4 times - $32; 12 times - $72 • Include payment w/ ad • Online: thehometownpress.com • Cash, check, money order or credit cards accepted.

TO PLACE WANT ADS: www.thehometownpress.com Drop Box: Market Basket,Winnie Mail: P.O Box 801 Winnie, Tx 77665

DEADLINE is Noon Monday for the current week’s issue. Free ads run space permitting. Must resubmit to re-run. Limit of 25 words per ad. Ads will be run on a space available basis.

Include phone number(s) and limit your ad to 25 words or less. ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ MAIL TO: PO Box 801 • Winnie, TX 77665

PAGE 7

Culture/Lifestyle

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

The afterglow of a bright-orange sunset turns this small lake into a tangerine-colored waterscape, and a kayak fisherman gets lucky as a bass falls for his artificial bait. That scene is being repeated all over Texas’ inland waters as 2021 becomes one of the most productive spring fishing seasons on record. And bass eight pounds and over are still eligible for recognition and a chance for prizes. See https://texassharelunker.com Photo by John Jefferson.

LEGAL NOTICE

WOODS, WATERS, and WILDLIFE

FRESH AND SALTY NEWS By John Jefferson

If the title arouses expectations of a SPICY column, this might be a little disappointing. It’s about fishing. The first title was too long; it had to be shortened. I hope you’ll continue reading, regardless. Freshwater It was the best of times and … the VERY BEST of times! (With apologies to Mr. Dickens.) It was BEST for anglers, fishing guides, and the ShareLunker program. Twenty -two largemouth bass over 13-pounds were caught during the 2021 season that ending March 31. That “tied” the previ-

Welcome Neighborhood Net Readers!

ous ShareLunker season record set in 1995 -- but put an asterisk by that tie; the ’95 season was longer than the current threemonth season, and then icy conditions additionally kept anglers off the boat ramps for part of February during a traditionally productive time for lunker largemouths. Lake O.H. Ivey was the star, producing 12 ShareLunkers! Several lakes landed their first-ever Lunker; five - 15-pound bass were caught! That speaks well for the Florida-strain breeding program. And for the future of Texas bass fishing! Big bass are everywhere! Regulation-wise, TPWD made massive changes in channel and blue catfish limits which were too many to reprint here. The 12-inch minimum length limit was removed, and the 25-fish bag limit was restricted to include only ten over 20-inches. Then came the exceptions. Twelve waters only allow one cat over 30 inches. More exceptions followed. Catfish anglers MUST check the voluminous exceptions to avoid tickets. Changes become effective on September 1 but won’t be in the Outdoor Annual until mid-August. They should be on the TPWD website soon. WWW. tpwd.texas,gov. Saltwater It had to be the WORST of times … for fish, fishermen, guides, and all other Texans! Sub-freezing weather took its toll. Nearly four million fish died

along the coast. Casualties were trout and other game fish but also included bait fish they feed upon. Some organizations, individuals, and TPWD urged Catch-and-Release. Some disagreed. The TPW Commission, acting under an emergency provision to aid recovery, lowered the bag limit on spotted sea trout (specks) in Upper and Lower Laguna Madre to three, no shorter than 17 inches, and no longer than 23 inches! The order became effective on April 1 to protect the remaining breeding population. The recent sub-freezing weather caused the largest coastal fish kill since the 1980s. It took several years for the trout population and other species to recover from that one. Now, forty years later, many more boats and anglers are active in the bays, potentially slowing recovery. Drastic times call for drastic measures. On a lighter note, it’s been said that “… millions want to fish, but don't knowhow.” Now there’s a way to learn how. A new program running until the end of May in 24 family fishing events is being hosted in six metro areas: Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Brownsville, Huntsville, and El Paso. All fishing equipment and instruction is provided. To ensure safe social distancing, families need to register to participate at www.FishingsFuture.org. Here’s your chance to Get Hooked on Fishing!

Community

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

EC Boys Soccer Lose a Tough One

East Chambers Boys Soccer Team for the 2021 year.

By Wade Thibodeaux The East Chambers Buccaneers boys soccer team lost a tough game to the Huffman Hargrave Falcons at Kyle White Stadium in Anahuac on Friday,April 2, 2021. The Bucs controlled the ball most of the game,

but with about 8 minutes to go in the contest, the Falcons scored the only goal of the game and sent the Bucs out of the Region III 4A playoffs with a 0-1 loss. The UIL does not have soccer below the 4A level and therefore East

OBITUARIES

Marion Ruth Phelps, 80, of Beaumont, died Sunday, March 28, 2021. She was born on August 26, 1940, Lovey Lucille Wilks Bingham and James Bingham, in Mesa, Arizona. Marion was passionate about church and reading her bible.

Survivors include her daughter, Susan Wilkinson of Beaumont; sons, William Phelps; Jerry Phelps and his wife, Marty; and John Phelps and his wife, Sandra Phelps, all of Winnie; Danny Phelps and his wife, Rene of Woodville; and Michael Phelps of Winnie; stepdaughters, Kathy Smith and Cynthia Cox and stepson, Roy Phelps, all of Magnolia, Arkansas; numerous grandchildren and greatgrandchildren; sisters, Betty Franklin of Kansas and Lena Bingham of California; and brother, Bobby Bingham of Oklahoma. She is preceded in death

Chambers has to play up and compete at the 4A level. EC had another good year this year and made it to the third round of the playoffs before falling to the Falcons. Congratulations on a great season.

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

PAGE 8

Tim O'Connell Record Break (contd)

Girl, Dallas, 2002); Will Lowe (Kesler Rodeo's Sky Reach, Omaha, Neb., 2003); Ryan Gray (Carr Pro Rodeo's Grass Dancer, Eagle, Colo., 2009); and Tilden Hooper (Classic Pro Rodeo's Big Tex, Silver City, N.M., 2010). Gun Fire is the cream of the crop in bareback riding these days. Clayton Biglow was 93 on the horse to win San Antonio earlier this year, and Hooper took home The American crown with a 90.5-pointer aboard the bucker in early March. "That horse is on a different level right now from any other horse out there," said O'Connell, who qualified for Weatherford's six-man short-

go with an 85 on Frontier Rodeo's Bottom Line in the opening round. "It's the front-runner for Horse of the Year right now. That's just a special animal." Their trip together at the Steiner Ranch was special and reminded O'Connell of their first meeting years ago when he was 86 on the gifted horse. "It was similar to the trip I had a long time ago, but she was so good," said O'Connell, who is second in the 2021 PRCA | RAM World Standings behind Hooper. "She came out, turned back to the right and was pretty honky coming around in her typical one full circle and

then just jumped out of it and started getting straight up and down and bucking. It was just everything you'd want out of a big-time horse like that. "She gave me every opportunity to do my job to the best of my ability, but also gave me the opportunity to get bucked off every time, too." Being able to celebrate with his wife, Sami, and son, Hazen, was worth much more than the winner's check. "I got to grab my 3-year-old boy and bring him over the fence to celebrate with me," O'Connell said. "That's a moment I'll never forget."

by her parents; husband, Jerald Phelps; brothers, Perry Bingham, Terry Bingham, William Bingham, and Charles Bingham; and sister, Claudia Ashbrook. A gathering of Mrs. Phelps’ family and friends was from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 2, 2021, at Calvary Tabernacle, Winnie. Her funeral service was at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at Calvary Tabernacle, 1210 FM 1406, Winnie. Her interment followed at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

We are now OPEN through the Mass Vaccination HUB for everyone 18+ to register and get the vaccine.

538 Broadway Ave. Winnie, TX 77665

WWW.RICELANDHEALTHCARE.COM

To order, contact Wade Thibodeaux at (936) 581-5161 Texas Media Corp

409-296-6000