Hurricane Ike, loss of 2 auto dealerships top '08 headlines
Bright spots include jobs at Rusk's new call center; new SFA nursing school
BY GLORIA JENNINGS

Despite the rise of unemployment and the loss of two new car dealers late in the year, economic development in Cherokee County has continued to survive.

Two nursing schools opened or will open soon in the county.

Tyler Junior College opened its licensed vocational nursing school at East Texas Medical Center in the summer in Jacksonville. The school is sponsored by TJC, East Texas Medical Center and Mother Frances Hospital.

Stephen F. Austin State University will open its Registered Nurse facility at Rusk State Hospital. Junior and senior nursing students will attend classes at the facility beginning in January.

A $27 million natural gas pumping station near Reklaw is in production, moving gas from East Texas to the Houston Shipping Channel.

eTelecare Global Solutions came to Jacksonville in June. The company employs 400 persons with an annual payroll of $10 million.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice added 45 new jobs to Skyview-Hodge units. These positions added $1.3 million to the $17.6 million payroll at the two units.

Bob Francis Ford and Greg James Country Motors closed their new car dealerships in November. Although Greg James closed his new car dealership, he will continue to sell used cars and expanded his shop. Mr. James began selling motor scooters and at the end of the year was opening a facility that builds scooters, partly in Nacogdoches and partly in Rusk. Approximately 30 new jobs and a $1.34 million payroll was created when the wholesale distributorship and parts distributionship went live.

A new business, Atwoods Ranch & Home opened in the old Winn Dixie store building in Jacksonville. Fortyseven persons were employed.

Plans are for a new Rusk school gym to open late this year or early in 2009. The new facility cost $4,358,458 and includes one and a half gyms. The gym will seat 1,200. A practice gym with wooden flooring will be located at the rear of the building. The practice gym will be half a court but there will be enough space to finish at anytime into a full-size regulation gym.

Hattie Hamilton from Crockett was named Alto city secretary. She replaced resigning Debbie Dannelley.

Rusk ISD board named Ted Patton as athletic director and head coach. He replaced Wayne Mahaffey, who was reassigned and later resigned to accept a coaching job elsewhere.

Band director Mike Miller was named as music department director for Rusk ISD to replace Gary Robbins, who retired and accepted a part-time position at the school. The school board also appointed Scott Schwartz, assistant principal, as high school principal to replace retiring Ricky Hassell.

Plans began early in May to bring Etech Inc., a call center to Rusk. The center was expected to bring 50 jobs and $1 million payroll, but at year's end the facility had almost reached its 50 jobs.

Rusk Primary/Elementary and Jacksonville West Side campuses received the county's only exemplary ratings.

Six campuses, two from Rusk and four from Jacksonville received recognized status. They are Rusk Intermediate and Rusk Junior High and Jacksonville Joe Wright, East Side, Fred Douglass and Nichols.

Acceptable ratings were given to Rusk High School, Jacksonville Middle School, Jacksonville High School, Jacksonville Compass Center, Alto Elementary, Alto Middle School, Alto High School and New Summerfield ISD. None of Cherokee County's schools received unacceptable ratings.

Bad news came in September with the arrival of Hurricane Ike on Sept. 13. Winds and rain destroyed property and power outages were reported for many days.

January

A $27 million natural gas pumping station near Reklaw has been completed and was up and running by the beginning of 2008. The new eight-compressor station constructed by Energy Transfer Corporation, helps move gas through a new 42-inch pipeline that extends from Central Texas, to East Texas and then to South Texas.

"The compressor is designed to move natural gas to our gas market in East Texas and to the Houston Shipping Channel," said Mike Howard, chief executive officer of the Midstream Division of Energy Transfer Corporation (ETC).

"It is also designed to move 1.75 BCF (billion cubic feet) per day. It is designed to move to other intrastate gas markets. The compressor station is some very new technology that is a first in the U.S. They are very big compressors that are very fuel efficient."

Running at full operating capacity, the compressors harness 45,000 horsepower in compression power. ETC built the station at a cost of almost $4 million per compressor. As the pumping station was completed making use of the largest engine ever produced by Caterpillar Corporation and shipped from Germany, the plant was put into operation in stages.

In addition to pumping money into the local economy, the pipeline put into place by ETC provides many gas companies a vehicle for sending gas to markets where it may be sold.

"It is kind of like a toll road for a highway," Mr. Howard said. "The producers are the drivers. They needed to get their gas out of the Fort Worth baseline and to East Texas to the market. We get paid by the producers to move the gas to the markets in East Texas and down to the Houston Shipping Channel."

The 42-inch line, which is the largest intrastate gas transport line in Texas, extends close to 264 miles, moving through many counties, including Cherokee. The pipeline was built at a cost of approximately $538 million. The initial success of the first pipeline has prompted engineers to plan a second 42-inch line, identical to and lying beside the first in the near future.

"It is a win-win situation for producers and ETC," Mr. Howard said. "As the gas moves through the pipe it loses pressure. You have to increase the compression into the pipeline to keep the gas moving. It increases the capacity of the gas line. Without the compression station the pipeline is about a 1.4 BCF. It provides about a 25 percent increase in capacity."

Terry Joe Phillips was named Rusk Fireman of the Year at the annual department banquet Jan. 14 at the Legend of Harvey Collins Restaurant. Making the presentation were Dr. Anthony Holcomb and James Sanchez. Mr. Phillips was recognized for his years of dedication to the department.

The Rusk Chamber of Commerce was "Lost in the 50s" during its annual banquet Saturday.

Those attending were divided out in classes, ranging from freshmen to seniors. Following the high school theme, class favorites were selected from each class.

Kenneth Welch was chosen as the most popular senior, Flossie Nixon was the most popular junior, Judy Faye Garner was the most popular sophomore and Charlie Burfoot was the most popular freshman.

Ian Chandler was given the "Most Talented" award for his impersonation of Elvis.

Terry Guinn and Jan Hardy were named banquet king and queen.

Following class awards, Judges Bascom W. Bentley III and Chris Davis entertained the crowd by introducing the public officials who were present.

Outgoing President Penny Reynolds honored Gary Epperson and LaRetta Britton with the President's Award before introducing 2008 President Teresa Langley.

"Thank you for believing in me and my ability to lead," Ms. Langley said. "I will be open to any suggestions."

Platinum members for 2008 were introduced: Citizens First Bank, Lexington Place, Texas National Bank and Harry's Building Materials. Monte Ethington, owner of Chapman's Pharmacy, was honored as Businessman of the Year.

"This is surprising, because I thought the winner knew he would win before the banquet," Mr. Ethington said. "I would like to thank the chamber for this honor."

As owner of Chapman's Pharmacy, Mr. Ethington has expanded the operation into the next building, adding two other businesses. Toni Meador was named Business Woman of the Year.

"God has blessed my life in so many ways and I thank you all for being a part of my life," she said.

Ted Debbs, Rusk State Hospital superintendent and 2006 Citizen of the Year, introduced Lewie Byers as the 2007 Citizen of the Year.

Mr. Byers spoke concerning a number of turning points that have taken place since he has been involved with the

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etm the new gym include the new almost 1,200 seat gym, plus a practice gym 50¢ THIS Austin Bank donations Mitchell Persons wishing to the Mitchell so at Austin Bank, in Rusk. David cancer Jan. 23. Alliance Jacksonville BY LELAND ACKER "According will be closing president of Corporation Mr. Prcin of 200 full-time "Those employees 230 local COMMISSIONER Kelly Traylor, COMMISSIONER Kevin Lankford, COMMISSIONER Moody Glass, CONSTABLE, Jack CONSTABLE, Mark CONSTABLE Jeremy The Democratic primaries will voting is 8 a.m. at the following • RUSK: DECISION STAFF WRITER

 

 

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with wooden flooring at the rear of the building.

The practice gym will only be half a court but there will be enough space at the rear to finish the practice gym into a full-size regulation gym in the future.

There will be no scoreboard at the practice gym and there will not be enough room for spectators.

The actual cost of the new gym itself will be $3,688,103. Cost of the practice gym will be $181,834. The gym will include a stairway and an elevator.

A parking lot for approximately 15 cars will add another $58,000 to the construction budget.

Dr. Largent said visiting buses can be parked in the lot and those students can go directly to the bus without having to go back through the gym.

Another $77,166 went toward the construction of a hospitality room in the lobby area above the restrooms.

The guaranteed maximum price of the project was $4,005,103. The district added architect

failure to appear of theft over $1,500 f harges of theft PHOTOS & STORY: fees of $278 355 and 278,355 Rusk ISD fees of $75,000. LELAND ACKER Cost of the project is being financed through building fund monies. The district will not have to borrow money to finance its cost.

 

February

After 16 months of employment, 12 of which were spent at the helm of the city government, Alto City Administrator Debbie Dannelley resigned.

Mrs. Dannelley said she plans to finish school to be a medical transcriptionist, which will allow her to spend more time at home with her ill husband.

She was hired in October 2006 as the city secretary. In February 2007, she was promoted to replace outgoing city administrator Ashley Judd.

Steve Bowen, president of ETMC Jacksonville, accepted a position within the ETMC system office in Tyler effective Feb. 11. The announcement was made by ETMC Senior Vice President for Affiliate Operations Jerry Massey.

Mr. Bowen will lead the system's business development strategy in affiliate markets across East Texas.

Jack Endres, associate administrator of ETMC Athens, served as interim administrator and was later appointed as Mr. Bowen's replacement.

Rusk has another film credit to its resume as scenes from the popular television series, Weaponology, aired Feb. 10 on the Military Channel, a channel available on some satellite services. The program chronicled the history of the French Foreign Legion.

"Nobody in the French Foreign Legion is French, except a few officers," said Tom Townsend, of Alto, owner of Toyland, which supplies military vehicles to film companies. Mr. Townsend said the French Foreign Legion is a force of foreigners hired by France to carry out military missions.

Eight Cherokee County athletes signed with colleges on signing day Wednesday, Feb. 6. Two Alto football players, four Jacksonville football players and two Jacksonville softball players accepted scholarship offers.

For the second year in a row, two graduating Yellowjackets will find themselves facing each other as they signed with rival junior colleges. Alto linebacker Clayton Scott signed with the Kilgore College Rangers while quarterback Tarlandus Mitchell signed with Navarro College. Mitchell, an all-round athlete who excelled at most sports in high school, will join the ranks of Rusk's Justin Sturns on the Navarro team. Scott, who will take brains and brawn to Kilgore as the 2006 Defensive Player of the Year also ranks high in the Alto Class of 2008.

Scott and Mitchell's high school career featured a 9-3 season in Class 2A their sophomore year, then an undefeated run their junior and senior years. During their tenure, the Jackets went 37-3, won two state titles and made one bi-district appearance.

In Jacksonville, offensive lineman Joe Villavisencio signed with Texas A&M University. Villavisencio had committed to play for the Aggies before the beginning of the 2007 football season.

Villavisencio's partner on the Jacksonville line, Ryan Arrington, signed with Northwest Missouri to play football.

In other Tribe news, Ryan Crews signed with Henderson State and Kelvin Hall signed with Kilgore College. Jacksonville went 3-7 in 2007.

Jacksonville will also send two softball players to college, as Brittany McAnally and Jennifer Meza signed scholarships with Grayson County College in Denison.

The Rusk Eagles finished with a record of 2-8 in 2007. No football players signed scholarship papers Feb. 6.

Sierra Smith, who plays second base for the Rusk Lady Eagle softball team, signed with McLennan College Feb. 11.

During her career at Rusk, Miss Smith became known for her hitting, as she was the clean-up hitter in the Lady Eagles' lineup last year.

She also pitched her freshman and sophomore years before missing much of her junior year due to knee surgery. Upon returning to the lineup her junior year, she was moved to second base.

The Lady Eagles made the playoffs during Miss Smith's sophomore and junior years, advancing to the regional quarterfinals last year.

She made first team all district pitcher her freshman and sophomore years, and first team all district second baseman her junior year.She is an all-around softball player, having played in the outfield on a select team, pitched and played second base for the Lady Eagles.

Rusk Elementary School and Rusk Intermediate School jointly brought home the winning trophy for UIL competition. This is the seventh year for Rusk Elementary to win the honor. Second and third grades are at the elementary school and fourth and fifth grades at the intermediate school.

Two Jacksonville residents, Freida Scully and Harry G. Tilley were among those receiving the Austin Bank 2007 community involvement award. They were among four persons recognized for community work Feb. 12 at a board meeting in Jacksonville. Others honored were Michelle Cox of Whitehouse and Lisa McCoy of Tyler.

Austin Bank annually recognizes its employees and officers for their volunteer service to civic and non-profit organizations within East Texas by giving community involvement awards. The recipients each receive $500 and another $500 was donated to an organization they serve.

Stephen F. Austin State University nursing students gain practical experience in providing psychiatric nursing care during clinical rotations at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Skyview- Hodge Unit in Rusk.

The clinical rotations are a first for nursing students in Texas, and the program has become a model for nursing programs nationwide, said nursing instructors Christine Harper and Debbie Ellisor, who supervise the students.

"Nursing faculty from California, Oklahoma, Ohio, New York, and Idaho have plans to develop similar clinical opportunities for nursing students in those states," Ms. Ellisor said.

Skyview-Hodge Warden Todd Foxworth said, "It has been a pleasure working with the Stephen F. Austin School of Nursing. The staff and students have been an asset to our environment.

"It is very exciting to see so many individuals interested in working for the State of Texas and to know that they will one day be making a positive impact in the field of healthcare for this great state."

The clinical experience is the result of a collaborative agreement between the university, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Ms. Harper and Ms. Ellisor recently presented information about the program at a national nursing education conference in San Francisco, Calif.

March

Classmates at Rusk Intermediate School, helped raise money in the Pennies for Patients campaign. The program benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. For three weeks, students brought spare change for people with blood cancers such as leukemia. Leukemia strikes more children and young adults under the age of 20 than any other type of cancer. After two weeks, the students contributed $593.22.

Hattie Hamilton, an accountant, was named Alto's new city secretary, replacing Debbie Dannelley, who resigned in February to spend more time with family.

The council voted in its regular meeting Feb. 11 to change the city administrator position to city secretary.

"Mrs. Hamilton has excellent credentials," said Mayor Pro Tem Annie Walker. "She is strong in accounting. Her home is in Crockett by way of Houston."

Mrs. Hamilton has a BA in accounting from Texas Southern University and has worked in the accounting departments for Reliant Industries, Service Corporation International, Carriage Services and Outsourcing Partners International.

After sifting through 115 resumes, interviewing 14 candidates and narrowing the field to four, the Rusk ISD search committee settled on Elysian Fields' Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Ted Patton to replace Coach Wayne Mahaffey, who was reassigned to grade school administration and later resigned to accept another coaching position.

"Of the four finalists we brought in, we could have hired any one of them," Dr. Jim Largent, Rusk ISD superintendent said. "It came down to who was a right fit for us right now."

Dr. Largent said Coach Patton's presentation included everything for which the committee was looking in terms of program and football approach.

"When you get to this point, you nit-pick every thing you can to find the right fit," he said. "We had four quality guys who will be good head coaches in the near future."

Coach Patton received a salary of $72,000 on a one-year contract.

"Rusk has a good track record as far as coaches staying around," Coach Patton said. "I wanted a place where I could settle in with my family."

Coach Patton said he has coached most of his career in East Texas, attending several events in Rusk.

"I have always liked the town and the setting," he said. "The overall package looks good."

Coach Patton began his work in Rusk March 25.

Construction crews began base repair and resurfacing work on U.S. Highway 69 in Rusk March 19. Contractor for the $2.3 million project is R.K. Hall Construction Co. of Bullard. Sub-contractors are Tex-Op, which did the milling work (grinding the pavement). The seal coat will be done by P.R. Parker.

Valerie York, a member of the Troup FFA chapter, was crowned queen of the Cherokee County Livestock Show March 29. Miss York raised a total of $4,112.57 in the competition which will be used for upkeep at the show barn. She and her court raised a combined total of $18,612. For the third year in a row, Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show top honors went to Derek Crisp, Alto FFA. Derek sold his grand champion market steer for $2,600 to Bacon Auto Country of Jacksonville. Buyer's add-ons brought the total to $3,990.

April

Rusk High School class of 2008 honor graduates were named to include Joseph Michael Marchetti, valedictorian; Pritesh Vijay Desai, salutatorian; and Jared Thomas Colville, high honor graduate.

Diplomas were presented to 131 Rusk students in graduation exercises at 8 p.m. June 6 at Eagle Stadium.

Mr. Marchetti has a grade average of 99.3. He is the son of Andy and Marge Marchetti.

Mr. Desai has a grade average of 98.4 and is the son of Vijay and Rita Desai. Mr. Colville's parents are John and Deborah Colville. His grade average is 98.

Other honor students are Hillary Ann Hugghins, daughter of Rodney and Judy Hugghins; David Michael Robbins, son of Gary and Joan Robbins; Jerri Michelle Hill, daughter of Drenda Hill and Jerry Hill.

Also, Benjamin Steven Christopher son of Steven and Laura Christopher; Kevin Joe Kadlecek, son of Joe and Robin Kadlecek; Meagan Bri'Anne Richey, daughter of Pat and Synthia Richey; Adam Ryan Hicks, son of Larry and Cynthia Hicks; Maria Amy Serrato, daughter of Apolinar and Rosa Serrato; Lucas Ryan Turner, son of Russell and Christy Turner; and Courtney Rae Foreman, daughter of Ray and Tanya Foreman.

Sons of Confederate Veterans Cross of Saint Andrew camp #2009 of Cherokee county held a military marker dedication March 22 at Jarratt Cemetery in the Craft area for Pvt. Cornelius Deaton, who served in Company I,35th Texas cavalry from 1861-65.

Ann Corbin, a greatgrandaughter of Pvt. Deaton read a history on his life and service to the south during the war. The camp rifle squad fired a volley salute in his honor to dedicate the new marker.

Saint Andrew Southern Belles placed flowers in his honor.

One of the most well known fundraisers in East Texas has always been the sale of Girl Scout cookies. Troop 139 in Rusk used that awareness to brighten the lives of soldiers in Iraq.

"They don't have a lot to do over there," said troop member Moira Debbs. "Most of the soldiers don't get to have much fun. One of the soldiers just has a laptop and that's it."

The troop members try to encourage the soldiers by sending them boxes of Girl Scout cookies. This year, the troop sent132 boxes of cookies to Iraq. This marks the third year that the troop has shipped cookies to Iraq, and the project has grown each year.

Marge Champion, legendary screen actress and dancer, appeared at Lon Morris College April 11, to introduce a screening of her film, "Give a Girl a Break." The film also stars along with her late husband Gower Champion, Bob Fosse and Debbie Reynolds. She presented a live questionand answer session with the audience afterwards.

Ms. Champion's public "performance" was in the Zula Pearson Theatre on the Lon Morris Campus as a fund raiser for the Lon Morris Theatre.

A former Rusk High School standout and West Point graduate died of injuries he suffered when his vehicle rolled into a canal in Golden Hills, Iraq on April 23. 1st Lt. Timothy W. Cunningham, along with Pfc. John Bishop of Gaylord, Mich., were killed in the accident.

Lt. Cunningham was the son of former Rusk First Baptist Church Music Minister and Mrs. John Cunningham.

An official announcement was made in April that a satellite nursing program will come to fruition in January 2009.

A partnership between Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) in Nacogdoches and Rusk State Hospital (RSH) was inked by the SFA board of regents with the approval of an initial $100,000 budget for the new program.

Dr. Glenda C. Walker, director of nursing at the Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing, said the Rusk program will focus on the final two years of a four-year plan leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and registered nurse certification at Rusk State Hospital.

Ted Debbs, superintendent of Rusk State Hospital, was delighted with the approval by the SFA board.

"We have a building ready which was previously used here for classroom purposes," he said. During the feasibility study, computer technicians at RSH and SFA tested a video feed over a high-speed T-1 line between the two facilities.

"It worked fine," said Superintendent Debbs.

The SFA nursing school plans to utilize teleconferencing, allowing students in Rusk to hear lectures and interact with students in similar classes in Nacogdoches.

Mary Pack, MSN, RN is coordinator of the Rusk nursing extension program. Nursing students will also be assigned to Rusk State Hospital staff members, who will serve as preceptors for the program.

"Every patient admitted to the hospital receives a full health assessment," said Mr. Debbs. This is an area of RSH patient care that will give nursing students practical experience.

The Rusk High School Band earned its 11th consecutive sweepstakes award at the University Interscholastic League Contest April 17 in Troup. The sweepstakes award is the highest award attainable by a high school band in Texas. In order to receive this award, a band must earn a first division rating from UIL marching contest, UIL playing contest, and UIL sight-reading contest.

Following an executive session the Rusk ISD board approved the employment of Michael Miller as band director and director of the music department to replace retiring Gary Robbins. Jason Scott Schwartz was employed as high school principal to replace Ricky Hassell, who is also retiring. Mr. Miller has served the district for several years as an assistant band director and Mr. Schwartz currently was assistant principal at the high school.

May

Plans began early in the month to bring Etech, a call center to Rusk. The center was expected bring 50 jobs and $1 million payroll, but at year's end the facility had almost reached its 50 jobs.

Approximately $34,000 worth of NASA displays was exhibited at Rusk Junior High School May 13-15. Besides an Apollo flight suit, displays included the International Space Station and shuttle mock-ups.

Approximately $34,000 worth of NASA displays were exhibited at the Rusk Hotel May 13-15.

Horrace Lewis received the E. H. Whitehead Award for best senior boy athlete and Cambry Blakemore was named the J.L. Hassell Award recipient for the best senior girl athlete at the annual Rusk All Sports banquet May 12. The awards are given to a senior boy and girl who make good grades and exhibit good leadership abilities.

A check for $600 was presented to officers of the New Summerfield Junior Historians by members of the Cherokee County Historical Commission Terry Guinn, chairman; Jim Cromwell, vice-chair; and Elizabeth McCutcheon, secretary. The money went toward a trip to Austin and San Antonio by the junior historians.

Faced with a dire need for nurses, a seemingly impossible deadline and a vision for solving the nursing shortage in Jacksonville, the East Texas Medical Center (ETMC), Trinity Mother Frances Health Systems, Tyler Junior College (TJC) and the Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation teamed up to open a TJC Nursing School which will be housed at ETMC Jacksonville.

"Jacksonville is blessed to have two great healthcare facilities who are willing to work together for this nursing program," said Darrel Prcin.

Mr. Prcin said the project of starting the nursing school took four weeks.

"ETMC decided to use part of their facility, approximately 4,500 square feet. We talked with Dr. Mike Metke (TJC president) and fashioned the idea of getting this going," Mr. Prcin said.

The annual Fair on the Square weekend began with the Sonic Drive-In's sock hop.

Spiderman and Cinderella were on the square to entertain local youngsters. Special prizes were awarded to the first 10 youngsters who attended.

There was a helicopter landing by Mother Frances Hospital.

"An Evening with Elvis," sponsored by Relay for Life was Friday at the old Baskins Building in downtown Rusk. Alto Head Football Coach/Athletic Director Keith Gardner presented Tarlandus Mitchell the boys Best All-Around Athlete Award. LaQuendal Tyler won the girls Best All-Around Athlete Award.

Plaques of appreciation were presented to Gary Robbins and Ricky Hassell at the May 13 meeting of the Rusk school board. Mr. Robbins retired as band director and Mr. Hassell, as high school principal. The two department heads were honored with a reception May 29, at the high school. Mr. Robbins retired after 20 years with RISD and Mr. Hassell after 23 years.

Mr. Robbins and Mike Kellogg, retiring Rusk band directors, were honored at the annual band banquet May 13 .

Mr. Robbins has been director for the music department, which includes the band and choir programs for the school district.

He is director of the high school band. He has served under two superintendents, Tony Murray and the current Dr. Jim Largent and two principals, Dean Evans and the current Ricky Hassell.

Mr. Kellogg works with the junior high students and the Rusk High School jazz band. He has been with Rusk ISD for the past 11 years, coming from Alto.

Clayton Scott, valedictorian, and Lance Low, salutatorian led the Alto High School graduating class in ceremonies May 31 at Jacket Stadium.

Mr. Scott is the son of Kim and Mindy Scott and Mr. Low is the son of Randy and Paula Low.

The top 10 percent of the class of 37 students was composed of Mark Landrum, son of Debbie Landrum, third place; and Clinton Dover, son of Kelli and Stanley Dover, and Brooke Poole, daughter of Bakaya and Keith Poole, tying for fourth place.

Fifty-three Rusk High School students received approximately $300,000 in scholarships at the annual banquet May 13 at the junior high cafeteria.

Seniors throughout the county walked across the stage and received diplomas in late May and early June.

Cherokee County veterinarians banded together to vaccinate 1,654 pets in Cherokee County during the annual rabies clinics earlier in May.

Sixty years ago the world was recovering from World War II and American soldiers were resuming their lives. But in East Texas the Maydelle graduating class of 1948 sent 13 students out into that changing world. Of those 13, eight members (plus two long-distance) celebrated their 60th class reunion at the Spring Creek Restaurant in Tyler May 10. Alto High School graduating seniors were awarded approximately $90,000 in scholarships during commencement exercises May 31.

Coming next week: Part two of the "Year in Review" by Gloria Jennings.