Fireworks are not the only thing that the unusually heavy rains are putting a damper on this year. The Whitesboro Riding Club has decided to postpone this year’s 4th of July weekend rodeo. The rodeo has been rescheduled for the August 24 and 25.
Organizer did not make the decision hastily. “It’s the first time in 49 years, that I know of, that its been postponed,” said Trent West, Whitesboro Riding Club spokesperson.
“It’s all due to the weather,” West said. Organizers are concerned that the area that is normally used for parking would be too wet and participant would be unable to bring in livestock because of the mud. Organizers also expressed concern for the safety of the livestock.
“The main reason is the safety and the inconvenience of pulling people in and pulling people out, damaging cars and hurting livestock,” West said. Organizers have also had difficulty organizing with the volunteers due to the flooding.
Even though the rodeo has been postponed organizers do not expect the later date to negatively effect the turn out. They are very optimistic. West said that he thought the turn out for the rodeo in August might be even better than if it were held at its regular time in July. “We think with our queen contest we’ll have a real good [turn out],” West said.
The later date might positively affect the number of rodeo participants as well. “It’s a possibility that we will have a lot of contestants to compete to go to the finals [in November] that are going to be trying to get their points,” West said.
Those who have bought tickets for the original date should hold onto them. Organizers will still honor them in August. They will also make new tickets for the later date.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Great Race to make Whitesboro pit stop
On Friday, July 6, eighty cars will pull into Whitesboro and stop at Trollinger Park. The cars will begin arriving at 3:45 p.m. and the last car will leave at 5:45p.m. They are participants in the Great Race.
The Race is a 4,000-mile cross-country competition of time that tests the endurance of classic cars. This year is the 25th anniversary of the Great Race, which was originally, known as the “Interstate Batteries Great American Race” at its creation in 1983. It was renamed “The Interstate Batteries Great North American Race” when Ottawa, Canada and Mexico City were included in the route in 1995. Then in 1996, “American” was removed when it was discovered that Daytona 500 officials used the trademarked name.
In its history, the Race has stopped at more than 1,000 places in 44 states and 606 cities. Participants have visited 36 state capitals and crossed the country 24 times. Race drivers have driven over 9.6 million miles and the race has awarded $6,000,000 in prize money over the history of the race, according to Great Race press releases.
“When Norm Miller of Interstate Batteries and Tom McRae founded the race 25 years ago, I’m sure they couldn’t have imagined the race lasting this long. As we begin our next 25 years with many new and exciting endeavors, we felt in important to honor the race’s history by celebrating the spirit of adventure founded in 1983,” said Bill Ewing, CEO for Rally Partners, Inc., on the Great Race website (www.greatrace.com). Rally Partners, Inc. is the organizer for the Great Race.
However, the Race’s history goes back farther than 25 years. The Great Race commemorates the 1908 race in which six automotive teams from four counties set out to prove the reliability of automotive technology. The Perking to Paris race that occurred in 1907 inspired the “Greatest Auto Race” of 1908. The 1908 teams traveled from New York City to Paris.
Le Matin, a Swiss newspaper, and The New York Times organized the race. Both organizers wanted to design the toughest race they could. Many people at the time said that it was impossible, especially when automotive technology was still in its infancy.
On February 12, 1908, six of the most advanced automobiles of the time lined up in Time Square, New York City. The teams represented France, Germany, Italy and the United States. The 17 men were anxious to prove themselves and their machines. There were three different teams from France and one each from Germany, Italy and the United States.
As teams left New York, they entered a snowstorm. The weather was so severe that some of the teams were forced to drive on railroad tracks. Only four teams made it across the continent to San Francisco with the American team first.
The next leg of the race was a ship ride to Anchorage, Alaska where competitors were to drive across the Bering Straight, but deep snow in Alaska caused race officials to re-route the U.S. team to Seattle and then to Japan.
The race was very popular. Drivers found spectators all along the route cheering them on. The race was even as popular as the 1908 Olympic games, according the Great Race website.
After three continents, 22,000 miles and six months, the U.S., German and Italian teams finished the race in Paris, proving that even early automotive technology could withstand rigorous travel around the world.
The U.S. team was named winner even though it was the second car to arrive in Paris, thanks to a 15-day advantage for attempting to follow the original Alaska route and the German’s 15-day penalty for shipping their car by railcar.
Great Race officials will recreate the original 1908 race next year in honor of the 100th anniversary. The 100th anniversary Race will begin on May 30, 2008 in New York City and is scheduled to finish on August 2 at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The New York to Paris race participants will travel 21,931 miles, which includes 9,700 miles flying from North American to Asia. The rest of the race will be by car.
The 2008 race will be divided into three stages: North American, Asia and Europe. The race will bring participants through cities, which include Moscow; Beijing; Ottawa, Canada and New York City.
The Race is a 4,000-mile cross-country competition of time that tests the endurance of classic cars. This year is the 25th anniversary of the Great Race, which was originally, known as the “Interstate Batteries Great American Race” at its creation in 1983. It was renamed “The Interstate Batteries Great North American Race” when Ottawa, Canada and Mexico City were included in the route in 1995. Then in 1996, “American” was removed when it was discovered that Daytona 500 officials used the trademarked name.
In its history, the Race has stopped at more than 1,000 places in 44 states and 606 cities. Participants have visited 36 state capitals and crossed the country 24 times. Race drivers have driven over 9.6 million miles and the race has awarded $6,000,000 in prize money over the history of the race, according to Great Race press releases.
“When Norm Miller of Interstate Batteries and Tom McRae founded the race 25 years ago, I’m sure they couldn’t have imagined the race lasting this long. As we begin our next 25 years with many new and exciting endeavors, we felt in important to honor the race’s history by celebrating the spirit of adventure founded in 1983,” said Bill Ewing, CEO for Rally Partners, Inc., on the Great Race website (www.greatrace.com). Rally Partners, Inc. is the organizer for the Great Race.
However, the Race’s history goes back farther than 25 years. The Great Race commemorates the 1908 race in which six automotive teams from four counties set out to prove the reliability of automotive technology. The Perking to Paris race that occurred in 1907 inspired the “Greatest Auto Race” of 1908. The 1908 teams traveled from New York City to Paris.
Le Matin, a Swiss newspaper, and The New York Times organized the race. Both organizers wanted to design the toughest race they could. Many people at the time said that it was impossible, especially when automotive technology was still in its infancy.
On February 12, 1908, six of the most advanced automobiles of the time lined up in Time Square, New York City. The teams represented France, Germany, Italy and the United States. The 17 men were anxious to prove themselves and their machines. There were three different teams from France and one each from Germany, Italy and the United States.
As teams left New York, they entered a snowstorm. The weather was so severe that some of the teams were forced to drive on railroad tracks. Only four teams made it across the continent to San Francisco with the American team first.
The next leg of the race was a ship ride to Anchorage, Alaska where competitors were to drive across the Bering Straight, but deep snow in Alaska caused race officials to re-route the U.S. team to Seattle and then to Japan.
The race was very popular. Drivers found spectators all along the route cheering them on. The race was even as popular as the 1908 Olympic games, according the Great Race website.
After three continents, 22,000 miles and six months, the U.S., German and Italian teams finished the race in Paris, proving that even early automotive technology could withstand rigorous travel around the world.
The U.S. team was named winner even though it was the second car to arrive in Paris, thanks to a 15-day advantage for attempting to follow the original Alaska route and the German’s 15-day penalty for shipping their car by railcar.
Great Race officials will recreate the original 1908 race next year in honor of the 100th anniversary. The 100th anniversary Race will begin on May 30, 2008 in New York City and is scheduled to finish on August 2 at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The New York to Paris race participants will travel 21,931 miles, which includes 9,700 miles flying from North American to Asia. The rest of the race will be by car.
The 2008 race will be divided into three stages: North American, Asia and Europe. The race will bring participants through cities, which include Moscow; Beijing; Ottawa, Canada and New York City.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Sherman Care Center residents relocated to Whitesboro Health and Rehab Center
Last week’s flooding displaced hundreds of people from their homes in Grayson and Cooke counties. Among those people displaced were 19 men and women who were evacuated from Mission Oaks Care Center in Sherman. These residents were relocated to Whitesboro Health and Rehabilitation Center after a long and frightening day, weathering the storm.
Residents awoke to the sound of torrential rain, but continued about their day as usual. Many of the residents went to the dinning hall where they waited for breakfast. Some of the residents like Jerry Bailey were unable to sleep through the night because of the high winds and pelting rains. “That night I didn’t feel safe,” Bailey said.
The wind and water was so powerful that it broke the glass in the door at the end of the hall that ran parallel to the creek near the center. “It sounded like a shotgun,” Bailey said. At that point, water began to fill the lobby very quickly.
At about 8 a.m. a few residents, like Molly Blanton, were still sleeping when water began to fill the lower parts of the center. “I jumped up and put on my tennis shoes,” said Blanton. She stepped down onto the floor in ankle deep water. “It was horrible, we got up and everything was flooded,” said Jessie Ramsey, Mission Oaks resident.
Residents were moved to a slightly higher part of the facility, which was up a ramp where the sixth hall was located. Then they were left with nothing to do but wait for rescue workers. It was very frightening for the residents. “[E]verything got chaotic, there was no organization or anything,” Blanton said. “It was the scariest thing I’ve ever been through.”
Residents crowded into the hall awaiting rescue as the water continued to rise. It eventually began to reach their ankles even in the higher area of the center and was waist deep in the lobby area.
When rescue workers were able to begin evacuations of the facility they were forced to take the residents through the high water. “We had to go through the lobby it was full of water,” Bailey said.
“It was hard to wade through with a walker. There were chairs that had fallen down,” said Eva Estes another Mission Oaks resident.
“They had to pull me out underwater,” said Bailey. He and several other residents who use wheelchairs for mobility were actually submerged in the water as rescue workers pushed them out of the center. Workers gave them oxygen masks, which allowed them to breathe while they were underwater.
Workers evacuated all 105 residents from the facility safely and took them to Wilson N. Jones Medical Center in Sherman. “They were working as hard as they could to get us out,” Bailey said. Residents were then able to get into dry clothes and relax in a place where they felt safe. “I slept like a log when I got there,” said Charlie Vent, Mission Oaks resident.
On Tuesday morning, administrators from near-by senior care centers were asked to come and evaluate the evacuated residents in order to provide centers for them to relocate to. Administrators completed the appropriate paper work and called the families to get permission to relocate the residents.
Residents arrived with very little. “They came with just what they had on,” said Sue Allen, Whitesboro Health and Rehabilitation Center Administrator. “We've been able to give them some outfits of clothing from donations and we've also bought some things.”
The relocated residents are now comfortable in the Whitesboro center where they are overflowing with gratitude. “I didn’t have a pair of pants or a shirt or anything. These people helped me out. They really care,” Bailey said.
Mission Oaks administrators have set up an office at Wilson N. Jones for families and residents to call if they have any questions. They are working to return the salvageable clothing and electronics of the residents. “They've taken all the clothes that could be saved to be cleaned and the electronics have been taken to be tested,” said Linda King, Mission Oaks Director of Nursing.
Administrators are pushing to have Mission Oaks reopened in three months. However, the 19 residents at Whitesboro Health and Rehabilitation Center are not concerned with when Mission Oaks will reopen, many say they do not plan to return. They are happy passing their time playing bingo and exploring their new home, even if it is only temporary.
And residents can’t stop complementing and thanking its staff. “I'd just like to say that the people that are here are the greatest people,” Blanton said tearfully.
Residents awoke to the sound of torrential rain, but continued about their day as usual. Many of the residents went to the dinning hall where they waited for breakfast. Some of the residents like Jerry Bailey were unable to sleep through the night because of the high winds and pelting rains. “That night I didn’t feel safe,” Bailey said.
The wind and water was so powerful that it broke the glass in the door at the end of the hall that ran parallel to the creek near the center. “It sounded like a shotgun,” Bailey said. At that point, water began to fill the lobby very quickly.
At about 8 a.m. a few residents, like Molly Blanton, were still sleeping when water began to fill the lower parts of the center. “I jumped up and put on my tennis shoes,” said Blanton. She stepped down onto the floor in ankle deep water. “It was horrible, we got up and everything was flooded,” said Jessie Ramsey, Mission Oaks resident.
Residents were moved to a slightly higher part of the facility, which was up a ramp where the sixth hall was located. Then they were left with nothing to do but wait for rescue workers. It was very frightening for the residents. “[E]verything got chaotic, there was no organization or anything,” Blanton said. “It was the scariest thing I’ve ever been through.”
Residents crowded into the hall awaiting rescue as the water continued to rise. It eventually began to reach their ankles even in the higher area of the center and was waist deep in the lobby area.
When rescue workers were able to begin evacuations of the facility they were forced to take the residents through the high water. “We had to go through the lobby it was full of water,” Bailey said.
“It was hard to wade through with a walker. There were chairs that had fallen down,” said Eva Estes another Mission Oaks resident.
“They had to pull me out underwater,” said Bailey. He and several other residents who use wheelchairs for mobility were actually submerged in the water as rescue workers pushed them out of the center. Workers gave them oxygen masks, which allowed them to breathe while they were underwater.
Workers evacuated all 105 residents from the facility safely and took them to Wilson N. Jones Medical Center in Sherman. “They were working as hard as they could to get us out,” Bailey said. Residents were then able to get into dry clothes and relax in a place where they felt safe. “I slept like a log when I got there,” said Charlie Vent, Mission Oaks resident.
On Tuesday morning, administrators from near-by senior care centers were asked to come and evaluate the evacuated residents in order to provide centers for them to relocate to. Administrators completed the appropriate paper work and called the families to get permission to relocate the residents.
Residents arrived with very little. “They came with just what they had on,” said Sue Allen, Whitesboro Health and Rehabilitation Center Administrator. “We've been able to give them some outfits of clothing from donations and we've also bought some things.”
The relocated residents are now comfortable in the Whitesboro center where they are overflowing with gratitude. “I didn’t have a pair of pants or a shirt or anything. These people helped me out. They really care,” Bailey said.
Mission Oaks administrators have set up an office at Wilson N. Jones for families and residents to call if they have any questions. They are working to return the salvageable clothing and electronics of the residents. “They've taken all the clothes that could be saved to be cleaned and the electronics have been taken to be tested,” said Linda King, Mission Oaks Director of Nursing.
Administrators are pushing to have Mission Oaks reopened in three months. However, the 19 residents at Whitesboro Health and Rehabilitation Center are not concerned with when Mission Oaks will reopen, many say they do not plan to return. They are happy passing their time playing bingo and exploring their new home, even if it is only temporary.
And residents can’t stop complementing and thanking its staff. “I'd just like to say that the people that are here are the greatest people,” Blanton said tearfully.
Daytime burglar confesses
Grayson County authorities arrested Charles Edward Martin for a number of unsolved Grayson County burglaries over the past year. He confessed to the charges. “He was forthcoming on everything,” said Scott Taylor, Whitesboro Police Chief. Martin has been arraigned on 18 counts of burglary of a habitation in Grayson County and is being charged with eight more counts in Whitesboro.
The burglaries in Whitesboro began around June 2006 and occurred mostly during the day. The perpetrator was taking jewelry and targeting bedrooms. The Whitesboro police officials had limited leads at the time. “Daytime burglaries are hard to prevent unless you catch them kicking the door in,” Taylor said.
Whitesboro authorities then decided to use the media to caution citizens of the danger. Following the publishing of the department’s information, the burglaries subsided until March 2007 when another burglary occurred that fit the MO.
Authorities arrested Martin on July 15. He was able to take police to the homes that he burglarized and talk them through what he could remember. “He took me to the houses he broke into and described how he did things,” said Taylor. “He forced in the door[s] with his shoulder and went to the bedrooms.”
Taylor estimated that Martin had stolen more than $10,000 worth of jewelry in the Whitesboro burglaries alone. “[Martin] had some drug use, that was a contributing factor,” said Taylor. Martin was melting the gold and silver and then selling it in the Dallas area, said Taylor.
Martin also confessed to burglarizing the Whitesboro middle school where he took some computers and projectors. Authorities were able to recover at least one of the projectors, however.
“I’m just glad we got it solved,” Taylor said. “It was a thorn in our side; a lot of citizens felt unsafe.” Martin, 36, is a resident of the Gordonville area and is being held on $5,000 bail for each count of burglary.
The burglaries in Whitesboro began around June 2006 and occurred mostly during the day. The perpetrator was taking jewelry and targeting bedrooms. The Whitesboro police officials had limited leads at the time. “Daytime burglaries are hard to prevent unless you catch them kicking the door in,” Taylor said.
Whitesboro authorities then decided to use the media to caution citizens of the danger. Following the publishing of the department’s information, the burglaries subsided until March 2007 when another burglary occurred that fit the MO.
Authorities arrested Martin on July 15. He was able to take police to the homes that he burglarized and talk them through what he could remember. “He took me to the houses he broke into and described how he did things,” said Taylor. “He forced in the door[s] with his shoulder and went to the bedrooms.”
Taylor estimated that Martin had stolen more than $10,000 worth of jewelry in the Whitesboro burglaries alone. “[Martin] had some drug use, that was a contributing factor,” said Taylor. Martin was melting the gold and silver and then selling it in the Dallas area, said Taylor.
Martin also confessed to burglarizing the Whitesboro middle school where he took some computers and projectors. Authorities were able to recover at least one of the projectors, however.
“I’m just glad we got it solved,” Taylor said. “It was a thorn in our side; a lot of citizens felt unsafe.” Martin, 36, is a resident of the Gordonville area and is being held on $5,000 bail for each count of burglary.
Whitesboro will be pit stop for cross-country race
The 25th annual Great Race will make a pit stop in Whitesboro on July 6. The Race is a 4,000-mile cross-country competition of time that tests the endurance of classic cars. The official pit stop will be at Trollinger Park where all cars are required to stop for 30 minutes.
This is a great time for spectators to see the cars and even talk to the drivers. “If you're a car buff they love to talk about their vehicle,” said Janis Crawley, Economic Development Director and former president of the Whitesboro area Chamber of Commerce.
The Race commemorates the 1908 race in which six automotive teams from four counties set out to prove the reliability of automotive technology. The 1908 teams traveled from New York City to Paris, France. Today’s race will involve about 80 teams driving cars ranging from a 1910 Selden Raceabout to a 1969 Porsche 911T. “The Race is really about adventure on the open roads of American,” said Bill Ewing, CEO of Rally Partners Inc., in a Great Race press release. Rally Partners Inc. is the organizer of the competition.
The Great Race is not a race for the fastest time, but rather for the “perfect” time, which is determined by a computer before the race. Competitors strive to match this time.
Twenty minutes before the start of each day the teams are given instructions for the day’s course which include every start, stop, speed change and turn instruction, as many as 400 instructions. The instructions are highly detailed, but do not contain any street names or highway numbers. For example, “At stop sign, pause for 15 seconds, turn left, then proceed at 45 mph.”
The race teams consist of a driver and a navigator. The navigator is responsible for keeping the driver on-route with very limited tools at his or her disposal. The teams must rely on a pencil, paper, a state-of-the-art speedometer, stopwatch, time-of-day clock and their sense of direction to stay on course. Teams come are all ages, all income levels, and from all over the world. From a junior high student, last years winning navigator, to NASCAR team owner Jack Roush.
Race coordinators secretly locate checkpoints through out the course to check competitors’ speeds as they drive by the checkpoints. The competitors are penalized for every second they are early or late. Officials then multiply the total by a different number depending upon the age of the car. The competitors are awarded points based on each day’s finishing position and bonus points for zero scores throughout the race. The Grand Champion is the team that has the highest score at the end of the day.
This year’s race is special because not only is it the 25th year of the race, but it will also include alternative-fuel and hybrid powered vehicles to prove the technology in real world driving conditions. This new and special part of the race, the Innovation Cup, will have scoring that is a 50/50 ratio of fuel efficiency and the traditional precision driving.
“The Great Race was founded to celebrate people’s love affair with the automobile. The 25th Anniversary Great Race celebrates that love affair by including the next generation of automobile in a competition alongside historically significant classic automobile,” Ewing said.
The race will begin in Concord, N.C. on June 30 and end in Anaheim, Calif. on July 14. Competitors will stop in 45 different locations for pit stops, lunches and overnight stays with one day off in Irving, Texas. Participants are competing for a $350,000 prize.
The Chamber of Commerce is also sponsoring a Cruise Night and other activities on July 6. “Since the great race is coming into town we decided to incorporate a Whitesboro cruise night into that,” said Dave Blaylock, Whitesboro area Chamber of Commerce Great Race committee member. “[T]his benefits the businesses that are open at the time.”
Activities, which include a car display, games, a live remote with KMAD and the cruise, will begin at 3:30 p.m. and last until 10:00 p.m. The Chamber hopes to make the Cruse Night an annual event.
The Great Race cars will begin arriving at 3:45 p.m. with the last car leaving at 5:45 p.m. “We're really excited because this is the first time for Whitesboro to do this. And it reaches a whole different group of people than the Peanut Festival,” said Lynda Anderson Chamber staff.
This is a great time for spectators to see the cars and even talk to the drivers. “If you're a car buff they love to talk about their vehicle,” said Janis Crawley, Economic Development Director and former president of the Whitesboro area Chamber of Commerce.
The Race commemorates the 1908 race in which six automotive teams from four counties set out to prove the reliability of automotive technology. The 1908 teams traveled from New York City to Paris, France. Today’s race will involve about 80 teams driving cars ranging from a 1910 Selden Raceabout to a 1969 Porsche 911T. “The Race is really about adventure on the open roads of American,” said Bill Ewing, CEO of Rally Partners Inc., in a Great Race press release. Rally Partners Inc. is the organizer of the competition.
The Great Race is not a race for the fastest time, but rather for the “perfect” time, which is determined by a computer before the race. Competitors strive to match this time.
Twenty minutes before the start of each day the teams are given instructions for the day’s course which include every start, stop, speed change and turn instruction, as many as 400 instructions. The instructions are highly detailed, but do not contain any street names or highway numbers. For example, “At stop sign, pause for 15 seconds, turn left, then proceed at 45 mph.”
The race teams consist of a driver and a navigator. The navigator is responsible for keeping the driver on-route with very limited tools at his or her disposal. The teams must rely on a pencil, paper, a state-of-the-art speedometer, stopwatch, time-of-day clock and their sense of direction to stay on course. Teams come are all ages, all income levels, and from all over the world. From a junior high student, last years winning navigator, to NASCAR team owner Jack Roush.
Race coordinators secretly locate checkpoints through out the course to check competitors’ speeds as they drive by the checkpoints. The competitors are penalized for every second they are early or late. Officials then multiply the total by a different number depending upon the age of the car. The competitors are awarded points based on each day’s finishing position and bonus points for zero scores throughout the race. The Grand Champion is the team that has the highest score at the end of the day.
This year’s race is special because not only is it the 25th year of the race, but it will also include alternative-fuel and hybrid powered vehicles to prove the technology in real world driving conditions. This new and special part of the race, the Innovation Cup, will have scoring that is a 50/50 ratio of fuel efficiency and the traditional precision driving.
“The Great Race was founded to celebrate people’s love affair with the automobile. The 25th Anniversary Great Race celebrates that love affair by including the next generation of automobile in a competition alongside historically significant classic automobile,” Ewing said.
The race will begin in Concord, N.C. on June 30 and end in Anaheim, Calif. on July 14. Competitors will stop in 45 different locations for pit stops, lunches and overnight stays with one day off in Irving, Texas. Participants are competing for a $350,000 prize.
The Chamber of Commerce is also sponsoring a Cruise Night and other activities on July 6. “Since the great race is coming into town we decided to incorporate a Whitesboro cruise night into that,” said Dave Blaylock, Whitesboro area Chamber of Commerce Great Race committee member. “[T]his benefits the businesses that are open at the time.”
Activities, which include a car display, games, a live remote with KMAD and the cruise, will begin at 3:30 p.m. and last until 10:00 p.m. The Chamber hopes to make the Cruse Night an annual event.
The Great Race cars will begin arriving at 3:45 p.m. with the last car leaving at 5:45 p.m. “We're really excited because this is the first time for Whitesboro to do this. And it reaches a whole different group of people than the Peanut Festival,” said Lynda Anderson Chamber staff.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Flooding keeps Emergency Workers busy Monday
Firefighters, aided by TxDot and county workers were busy closing roads early Monday morning. The closed roads included Highway 377, Highway 82 and Highway 56.
Due to the large number of road closures Whitesboro actually became an “island” for a short time, during which residents were unable to leave the area.
Officials were also busy evacuating people from flooded homes to the community center. Along with all of these responsibilities, firefighters had a number of water rescues. In Southmayd on Spalding Road, north of Highway 82 was where one of these rescues occurred.
Five teen ages had decided to go down to the creek “to check out high water,” said Dennis Deckard, Collinsville Fire Department Assistant Chief. They waded out into the water, but when they got into the high water, it rose quickly and stranded them. They then called for help.
The teenagers were eventually rescued thanks to the help of local citizens who used their wave runners to ferry them to safety. No one was injured.
By early afternoon Fire Officials were able to reopen most closed roads however, some roads will remain closed awaiting repairs. The rushing water caused severe damage to a number of roads in the area.
Officials estimate that the Whitesboro area received about eight inches of rain.
Due to the large number of road closures Whitesboro actually became an “island” for a short time, during which residents were unable to leave the area.
Officials were also busy evacuating people from flooded homes to the community center. Along with all of these responsibilities, firefighters had a number of water rescues. In Southmayd on Spalding Road, north of Highway 82 was where one of these rescues occurred.
Five teen ages had decided to go down to the creek “to check out high water,” said Dennis Deckard, Collinsville Fire Department Assistant Chief. They waded out into the water, but when they got into the high water, it rose quickly and stranded them. They then called for help.
The teenagers were eventually rescued thanks to the help of local citizens who used their wave runners to ferry them to safety. No one was injured.
By early afternoon Fire Officials were able to reopen most closed roads however, some roads will remain closed awaiting repairs. The rushing water caused severe damage to a number of roads in the area.
Officials estimate that the Whitesboro area received about eight inches of rain.
Grayson Judge issues disaster declaration Monday evening
Grayson County Judge Drue Bynum issued a Disaster Declaration for Grayson County in a press conference on Monday evening. “It will help us to continue to get the assistance that we need,” said Bynum. The declaration will last no more than seven days. “It helps us recover a recoup costs,” Bynum said.
There is no official estimate of the cost of the disaster available yet. “We’re steadily putting those numbers together, but I do know just from a road and bridge stand point you're probably looking at several hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
In addition to the monetary costs of this disaster, two people in Sherman lost their lives, many more were displaced from their homes and providing for them is the county’s first priority. “We've got to make sure they're taken care of,” Bynum said.
Bynum estimated that residents should be able to return to their homes in the next few days, but he said that some residences throughout the county might not be fit for occupying. He said that the fire departments are going to have to make those decisions.
Even though the efforts of the county have not been perfect officials seem satisfied with the performance of emergency personnel, the local government officials and citizens. “There are obviously a lot of lessons to be learned. When you have an emergency or disaster in a county the size of Grayson we're not going to do every thing right. But with that said, I feel like our team reacted very well,” Bynum said.
Practice for emergency situations seems to be at least part of the reason for the effective response. “We had started to practice a scenario very similar to this about a month a half ago,” Bynum said. “We practice every Thursday.”
In order to prevent further situations Bynum asked citizens to be careful when driving and not to play or swim in floodwater areas. “Caution still needs to be applied even as water continues to recede,” Bynum said.
Over the next few days, Grayson County Emergency Management will assess the damages of uninsured losses. Citizens are asked to report damages that should be included by calling 903-813-4248 or emailing flood@co.grayson.tx.us. For shelter information and other disaster assistance citizens can call 211.
People who would like to aid in the recovery process can make donation to the Grayson County United Way. The funds will be divided equally between the Texoma Area Chapter of the Red Cross and our local Salvation Army.
There is no official estimate of the cost of the disaster available yet. “We’re steadily putting those numbers together, but I do know just from a road and bridge stand point you're probably looking at several hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
In addition to the monetary costs of this disaster, two people in Sherman lost their lives, many more were displaced from their homes and providing for them is the county’s first priority. “We've got to make sure they're taken care of,” Bynum said.
Bynum estimated that residents should be able to return to their homes in the next few days, but he said that some residences throughout the county might not be fit for occupying. He said that the fire departments are going to have to make those decisions.
Even though the efforts of the county have not been perfect officials seem satisfied with the performance of emergency personnel, the local government officials and citizens. “There are obviously a lot of lessons to be learned. When you have an emergency or disaster in a county the size of Grayson we're not going to do every thing right. But with that said, I feel like our team reacted very well,” Bynum said.
Practice for emergency situations seems to be at least part of the reason for the effective response. “We had started to practice a scenario very similar to this about a month a half ago,” Bynum said. “We practice every Thursday.”
In order to prevent further situations Bynum asked citizens to be careful when driving and not to play or swim in floodwater areas. “Caution still needs to be applied even as water continues to recede,” Bynum said.
Over the next few days, Grayson County Emergency Management will assess the damages of uninsured losses. Citizens are asked to report damages that should be included by calling 903-813-4248 or emailing flood@co.grayson.tx.us. For shelter information and other disaster assistance citizens can call 211.
People who would like to aid in the recovery process can make donation to the Grayson County United Way. The funds will be divided equally between the Texoma Area Chapter of the Red Cross and our local Salvation Army.
Fire destroys home near Sherwood Shores; woman left homeless
Another fire destroyed a home near Sherwood Shores. The fire occurred near the intersection of Ham Bates Road and Dairy Lane a very short distance from the Cooke, Grayson County Line. There was no one injured in the fire, however the owner did lose several pets that were in the house at the time, said Ron Blackwell, Sherwood Shores Fire ChiefThe Sherwood Shores Fire Department received the call at about 3 p.m. from a member of the department who works in the area and saw the smoke. Sherwood Shores was joined by Gordonville, Whitesboro, Callisburg, and Oak Ridge fire departments.
When fire officials arrived the house was “well involved” and was a total loss. Due to the location of the home, firefighters struggled to keep water on scene. They were forced to send tanker trucks back and forth to Sherwood Shores to get more water. This caused some delay extinguishing the fire.
Officials are calling this a “suspicious fire” and have called the State Fire Marshalls office to investigate. This fire comes at a time when state fire officials are still investigating another fire in the area where arson is suspected.
The house, which was two stories over the garage, was owned by Jay Turner, but was rented by Angela Tetrick who not home at the time.
Mother and baby among victims rescued
A woman in her early 30s and her 4-month-old child were among the many victims rescued from high water throughout North Central Texas on Monday. The woman was attempting to cross the bridge near Range Creek Road on F.M. 902 about four miles east of Collinsville, said Captain Damon Stewart, Collinsville Fire Department.The woman’s Dodge Durango was incapable of forging the extremely high water caused by the severe weather Monday morning and the water swept it out into the creek. At 9:46 a.m. the Collinsville Fire Department received a call alerting them of the situation and arrived at 10 a.m. after making a high water crossing to reach the scene, Stewart said.
Firefighters were unable to make contact with the woman because their view was obstructed by trees and were, therefore, forced to use Lifestar to make visual contact. “We were having to use life star for visual support,” Stewart said.
Lifestar reported that the woman and her child were on top of the vehicle, which had been overturned by rushing water. At 11:10 a.m., fire officials made the decision to put men in the water on a line in an attempt to reach the woman, however, the attempt failed due to the swift currents.
Collinsville then called the Gordonville Fire Department to the scene with their wave runners. Gordonville arrived and launched their wave runners at 11:27a.m. However, this attempt was also unsuccessful. The wave runners were incapable of battling the current.
The Gunter Fire Department, which was stationed on the east side of the bridge, launched a private boat to attempt a rescue shortly after the wave runners failed. The boat was boarded by several firefighters and they began battling the current to reach the woman and her child.
The boat returned, shortly, with two additional passengers. Firefighters rushed the infant and woman to a waiting ambulance, which took the victims to a local hospital at 11:49 a.m. Neither victim was injured.
Through the combined efforts of Grayson county fire departments, EMS,
Lifestar, a private citizen and a number of unsuccessful attempts, firefighters were able to save the woman and her child. “We used all means that we had access to,” Stewart said.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Whitesboro City Council convenes Tuesday night
The Whitesboro City Council met Tuesday night to cover items on a long agenda. All council members were present excluding Mark Pike. The meeting began with the regular meeting items.
Then Mayor W.D. Welch and Alderman Jim Keller took oaths accepting the responsibility of their newly re-elected positions. The board then took the time to appoint council members to various positions and committees.
Alderman Harold Butts was elected treasurer. Butts and Alderman Mike Pack were elected to the Bill Screening Committee. Alderman Charles Whitecotton and Alderman Mark Pike were elected to the Utility Committee. Alderman Mark Pike was nominated for the Texoma Council of Government. Finally, Alderman Jim Keller was re-elected as Mayor Pro Tem. The board reappointed the current municipal judges and the court clerk. The board also agreed to continue with its current meeting time.
The board discussed action for a number of deteriorating properties throughout the city as well as extra property the city is considering selling. Specifically the board agreed to begin condemnation proceedings with the property at 806 East Main Street. The board will hold a public hearing at the next council meeting.
The board voted to award the bid, for about $286,000, for the construction of the “eastside outfall from Highway 377 to U.S. Highway 82.” The board declared the office of the City Secretary as “the official site for filing publications, agenda, notices, minutes and other official records of committees, boards and corporations affiliated with the city of Whitesboro.”
Finally, the board entered executive session where they deliberated on personnel matters and about “real property.” The board appointed a committee to begin working on the acquisition of property for the cemetery.
Then Mayor W.D. Welch and Alderman Jim Keller took oaths accepting the responsibility of their newly re-elected positions. The board then took the time to appoint council members to various positions and committees.
Alderman Harold Butts was elected treasurer. Butts and Alderman Mike Pack were elected to the Bill Screening Committee. Alderman Charles Whitecotton and Alderman Mark Pike were elected to the Utility Committee. Alderman Mark Pike was nominated for the Texoma Council of Government. Finally, Alderman Jim Keller was re-elected as Mayor Pro Tem. The board reappointed the current municipal judges and the court clerk. The board also agreed to continue with its current meeting time.
The board discussed action for a number of deteriorating properties throughout the city as well as extra property the city is considering selling. Specifically the board agreed to begin condemnation proceedings with the property at 806 East Main Street. The board will hold a public hearing at the next council meeting.
The board voted to award the bid, for about $286,000, for the construction of the “eastside outfall from Highway 377 to U.S. Highway 82.” The board declared the office of the City Secretary as “the official site for filing publications, agenda, notices, minutes and other official records of committees, boards and corporations affiliated with the city of Whitesboro.”
Finally, the board entered executive session where they deliberated on personnel matters and about “real property.” The board appointed a committee to begin working on the acquisition of property for the cemetery.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
City provides Youth Employment and Training Program for students
Every summer a few select high school students get the opportunity to earn a little spending money and gain invaluable experience. The city of Whitesboro provides both to the students through its Youth Employment and Training Program.
The program was started in 1994 as a way “to introduce local youth, ages 15 to 19, to the work force, provide some experience and job readiness training, and provide additional temporary labor for the city,” according to a 1996 press release.
The program won the 1996 Criminal Justice Award for Community Service and although the goals of the program are the same, it has evolved since 1996. The program now employees fewer students and the interview are performed by the individual departments instead of a committee of city employees.
However, these changes do not diminish the benefits of the program. Students still benefit from experiencing the job application process since all the students that apply are interviewed. “I like to visit with them [after the interview], because for most of them it’s their very first interview. I'll go over things like posture,” said Penny Renfroe, director of parks and recreation. “So then, it's a learning experience for them, whether they get a position or not, there is something to be gained.”
The department of parks and recreation employs two student workers and they are responsible for organizing, planning and implementing the day camps.
“They get some good organizational experience from that, because they plan it out. They get some good budgeting experience. And they get some good hands on experience to work with kids, to deal with discipline issues, and making sure everyone's on task. Their experience is very well rounded,” said Renfroe.
The program also allows students to gain experience in fields that they may have a career interest in. Until last year, Natalie Kirby worked part time at the library. She was employed or volunteered since she was 12-years-old. She is now continuing her education in college and has expressed interest in library science. She was able to explore her interests through the student work program, said Ginger Garvin, library director.
Not only is the program beneficial for the students, but it is also beneficial for the city. “They [the students] are invaluable,” Garvin said.
The library is employing five student workers this year, primarily to help with the summer reading program. “They help us get ready for the programs and they help coral the kids during the programs,” Garvin said.
Although the program no longer employs as many students, it is still effective in training students and providing valuable seasonal staff for the city. “It's been a lifesaver for us. It helps the community, and it helps the kids,” Garvin said.
The program was started in 1994 as a way “to introduce local youth, ages 15 to 19, to the work force, provide some experience and job readiness training, and provide additional temporary labor for the city,” according to a 1996 press release.
The program won the 1996 Criminal Justice Award for Community Service and although the goals of the program are the same, it has evolved since 1996. The program now employees fewer students and the interview are performed by the individual departments instead of a committee of city employees.
However, these changes do not diminish the benefits of the program. Students still benefit from experiencing the job application process since all the students that apply are interviewed. “I like to visit with them [after the interview], because for most of them it’s their very first interview. I'll go over things like posture,” said Penny Renfroe, director of parks and recreation. “So then, it's a learning experience for them, whether they get a position or not, there is something to be gained.”
The department of parks and recreation employs two student workers and they are responsible for organizing, planning and implementing the day camps.
“They get some good organizational experience from that, because they plan it out. They get some good budgeting experience. And they get some good hands on experience to work with kids, to deal with discipline issues, and making sure everyone's on task. Their experience is very well rounded,” said Renfroe.
The program also allows students to gain experience in fields that they may have a career interest in. Until last year, Natalie Kirby worked part time at the library. She was employed or volunteered since she was 12-years-old. She is now continuing her education in college and has expressed interest in library science. She was able to explore her interests through the student work program, said Ginger Garvin, library director.
Not only is the program beneficial for the students, but it is also beneficial for the city. “They [the students] are invaluable,” Garvin said.
The library is employing five student workers this year, primarily to help with the summer reading program. “They help us get ready for the programs and they help coral the kids during the programs,” Garvin said.
Although the program no longer employs as many students, it is still effective in training students and providing valuable seasonal staff for the city. “It's been a lifesaver for us. It helps the community, and it helps the kids,” Garvin said.
Whitesboro School Board Holds Monthly Meeting
The Whitesboro School Board met Monday night for their monthly meeting. After the regular business, the board elected new officers for the 2007-2008 year: Jim Thomas, President; Gregg Miles, Vice President; Gregg Hickman, Secretary; and David Bertino, Assistant Secretary.
The board then recognized several student groups, the middle school Battle of the Books winners, the state band solo and ensemble medalists, and state track participants.
Next, the new director of technology, Michael Peterson, updated the board on the technology department’s progress in improvements on the Whitesboro campuses as well as his plans and needs for the future. Peterson has installed 20 new computers, two new servers, and performed numerous other upgrades throughout the district.
Peterson went on to discuss the need for many different enhancements in the district’s network. He also expressed a need for some new software, which included upgrades to the Accelerated Reader and Math programs and Microsoft Office.
The board also heard a report from Vince Sharpe, director of intervention services. Sharpe said that as the intervention counselor he is seeing, on average, five students per day, which is far more than he expected. Sharpe proposed a new program called “Project Alert,” for use in the middle school and high school. The program is very affordable program and would spread out the lessons over two years to keep the drug and alcohol education on the minds of the students.
The next item on the agenda was a report on the Whitesboro ISD 2008 “Showcase.” Ray Lea, superintendent discussed a program that several board members went to see and was similar to what the board is planning for the spring of 2008. “It looks something like a science fair, but it will cover all subjects,” said Lea. The board expressed excitement about this program and is expecting a large community turnout in May when they have planned the program.
The following item on the agenda was a discussion about the 2007 Tax Election. The increased income from the election would makeup for lost income from the state’s new educational funding plan.
The board quickly finished with a few regular business items, which included approval and adoption of several different contracts. The board also approved several personnel decisions.
The board then recognized several student groups, the middle school Battle of the Books winners, the state band solo and ensemble medalists, and state track participants.
Next, the new director of technology, Michael Peterson, updated the board on the technology department’s progress in improvements on the Whitesboro campuses as well as his plans and needs for the future. Peterson has installed 20 new computers, two new servers, and performed numerous other upgrades throughout the district.
Peterson went on to discuss the need for many different enhancements in the district’s network. He also expressed a need for some new software, which included upgrades to the Accelerated Reader and Math programs and Microsoft Office.
The board also heard a report from Vince Sharpe, director of intervention services. Sharpe said that as the intervention counselor he is seeing, on average, five students per day, which is far more than he expected. Sharpe proposed a new program called “Project Alert,” for use in the middle school and high school. The program is very affordable program and would spread out the lessons over two years to keep the drug and alcohol education on the minds of the students.
The next item on the agenda was a report on the Whitesboro ISD 2008 “Showcase.” Ray Lea, superintendent discussed a program that several board members went to see and was similar to what the board is planning for the spring of 2008. “It looks something like a science fair, but it will cover all subjects,” said Lea. The board expressed excitement about this program and is expecting a large community turnout in May when they have planned the program.
The following item on the agenda was a discussion about the 2007 Tax Election. The increased income from the election would makeup for lost income from the state’s new educational funding plan.
The board quickly finished with a few regular business items, which included approval and adoption of several different contracts. The board also approved several personnel decisions.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Community is Path to Crime Prevention
Creating a tightly woven community is the way to reducing crime according to Whitesboro Police Chief Scott Taylor. “To have a stronger town we need to have a strong community,” said Taylor. Taylor, who has been police chief for a year and worked for the department for several years, advocates community as the way to reduce and prevent crime.
“I'd like to get some programs down the road set up -- some community awareness and crime prevention groups, things like that -- have some organization,” said Taylor. “[But] we can’t do it all – the police department or even the city.”
The process of developing a strong community will not be a short process, but it will be effective. “First we've got to start by informing, letting people know what's going on,” said Taylor. “If they're not aware, they can't do anything to prevent it, but if we make our community aware, we start to get information.”
There are many different ways to inform people. “I encourage anyone to ask me to talk to their groups,” said Taylor. Community awareness meetings are also an effective way of communicating to residents. For example, Texoma Promise, a drug awareness program, has been very effective.
Another very effective program is National Night Out. The police department hosts this program every year and it will be in October on a Saturday night this year. “It’s to have the citizens come out and meet the police. It’s just a community gathering where we can get together and meet each other,” said Taylor. “It’s a symbolic stand against crime.”
Community can definitely be an effective preventative measure to keep crime from increasing and even decreasing crime. “You've got 7 officers working versus [4,000 people] always watching to make sure someone doesn't step out of line,” said Taylor.
Crime can quickly become a serious problem without a strong community. “We've got Gainesville 15 miles away. They've got gangs, shootings, and they're trying to address them. But if we do what we're supposed to do here, we can keep them from coming,” said Taylor.
Crime in Whitesboro is also showing an upward trend. “I can see a trend on things getting worse. Is it dramatically? No. Do we have drug problems? Yes. Do we have other problems? Yes. Do we have it to the extent of some of the other city? No. Can we? Yes,” said Taylor.
The main increase seems to be in juvenile crime. “A lot of kids now don't have any supervision,” said Taylor. A stronger community will help reduce this it will also help prevent it by encouraging constructive behavior. “If you don't accept negative behavior than you're promoting positive behavior,” said Taylor.
Children and teens are the place to start in proactive crime prevention. “[W]hat we want to try to prevent is our kids now from becoming problems,” said Taylor. “I would like to see a place where a kid can go and there is an adult there for the kids.” Taylor suggested that churches maybe the best-equipped organizations to start programs like this one.
Taylor also said parents need to be more involved in their children’s lives. “Something's going to have to happen, maybe we make the parents accountable,” said Taylor. And parent accountability may be something that the police department takes steps toward over the coming years.
The path to a safer community will likely be a long path, but it is a worthwhile one and it can only be traveled by a strong community. “I'm a big believer in crime prevention and that’s what this is. Making a community aware -- making a stronger community, that’s crime prevention,” said Taylor. “[Criminals] are not going to a city that won't tolerate [crime]. That’s what crime prevention is. You're not necessarily going to stop the criminal you're just going to stop him from victimizing you or your community.”
“I'd like to get some programs down the road set up -- some community awareness and crime prevention groups, things like that -- have some organization,” said Taylor. “[But] we can’t do it all – the police department or even the city.”
The process of developing a strong community will not be a short process, but it will be effective. “First we've got to start by informing, letting people know what's going on,” said Taylor. “If they're not aware, they can't do anything to prevent it, but if we make our community aware, we start to get information.”
There are many different ways to inform people. “I encourage anyone to ask me to talk to their groups,” said Taylor. Community awareness meetings are also an effective way of communicating to residents. For example, Texoma Promise, a drug awareness program, has been very effective.
Another very effective program is National Night Out. The police department hosts this program every year and it will be in October on a Saturday night this year. “It’s to have the citizens come out and meet the police. It’s just a community gathering where we can get together and meet each other,” said Taylor. “It’s a symbolic stand against crime.”
Community can definitely be an effective preventative measure to keep crime from increasing and even decreasing crime. “You've got 7 officers working versus [4,000 people] always watching to make sure someone doesn't step out of line,” said Taylor.
Crime can quickly become a serious problem without a strong community. “We've got Gainesville 15 miles away. They've got gangs, shootings, and they're trying to address them. But if we do what we're supposed to do here, we can keep them from coming,” said Taylor.
Crime in Whitesboro is also showing an upward trend. “I can see a trend on things getting worse. Is it dramatically? No. Do we have drug problems? Yes. Do we have other problems? Yes. Do we have it to the extent of some of the other city? No. Can we? Yes,” said Taylor.
The main increase seems to be in juvenile crime. “A lot of kids now don't have any supervision,” said Taylor. A stronger community will help reduce this it will also help prevent it by encouraging constructive behavior. “If you don't accept negative behavior than you're promoting positive behavior,” said Taylor.
Children and teens are the place to start in proactive crime prevention. “[W]hat we want to try to prevent is our kids now from becoming problems,” said Taylor. “I would like to see a place where a kid can go and there is an adult there for the kids.” Taylor suggested that churches maybe the best-equipped organizations to start programs like this one.
Taylor also said parents need to be more involved in their children’s lives. “Something's going to have to happen, maybe we make the parents accountable,” said Taylor. And parent accountability may be something that the police department takes steps toward over the coming years.
The path to a safer community will likely be a long path, but it is a worthwhile one and it can only be traveled by a strong community. “I'm a big believer in crime prevention and that’s what this is. Making a community aware -- making a stronger community, that’s crime prevention,” said Taylor. “[Criminals] are not going to a city that won't tolerate [crime]. That’s what crime prevention is. You're not necessarily going to stop the criminal you're just going to stop him from victimizing you or your community.”
Veteran Recounts POW Experience
After three and a half years of imprisonment as a Japanese prisoner of war, Charles E. Baum was released weighing only 80 pounds. Baum, a lifetime resident of Whitesboro is a veteran of World War II.
Baum volunteered for the Army Air Force on June 6, 1941. “I went over, volunteered and then came back and told my mother that I had joined.” He was shortly sent to Dallas and then on to California, where he waited for orders. New arrivals even had to wait several days before receiving uniforms Baum was attached to the 7th Material Squadron where he started out in charge of maintaining and looking after vehicles.
Baum was then sent to Clark Field, Philippines. “We weren’t told where we were going to go. We were given wool uniforms.” Baum was sent on a transport ship where the troops had nothing to do but wait. “We’d watch the blue.” When the troops arrived not much was there for them. “Just some grass huts with open walls.”
Fighting broke out in Bataan shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor when Japanese troops attacked. The fighting continued for three months until American and Filipino troops were forced to surrender because of extremely low rations and medical supplies. A very low percentage of troops were even considered combat effective. Many, including Baum, were suffering from Malaria and malnutrition.
The troops were given the order to surrender. “We threw our weapons into the ocean and surrendered.” When the Japanese captured the Allied troops, they were surprised at the number. They had expected fewer men and were ill-equipped to transport the men. The situation was worsened by the poor health of the captured troops.
The prisoners marched for four days over 19 miles. They were forced to march without food or water and were subjected to random beatings at the will of their captors. The only source of water was from the rice fields the prisoners were walking through. The prisoners would fall on their faces in the field and drink the water from the ground. Many who tried this were stabbed with bayonets.
Baum was lucky enough to avoid this fate. “When they tried to stab me, I ducked under it.” The prisoners were then put in box cars where there was only enough room to stand. “You couldn’t even get your hand up to your face to catch a sneeze. You had to slowly work it up to your face.”
Baum spent 2 and a half years imprisoned in the Philippines until he was transported to Japan on a “Hell Ship.” Baum was imprisoned in Japan for one year until the war ended where he saw similar treatment right up until a few days before the end of the war. “Two or Three days before the war was over they brought in these English speaking Japanese and they gave us food, drink, cigarettes, anything a soldier could want.”
After being released, Baum and the other soldiers started toward Tokyo in search of Allied troops. They spent several weeks in hospital ships as well as a camp where they were fed whatever they wanted 24-hours a day.
Baum was shipped home after several weeks where he spent his time on leave until he received his discharge. Baum has served as the Postmaster of Whitesboro on two different occasions as well as a teacher and coach in the Whitesboro School System.
Baum now spends his time with his daughters Susan Strange and Kay Moczgmba and his wife Waunema. Baum also enjoys the time he spends in the morning playing dominos to keep busy. “That’s the secret of life, stay busy.”
Baum volunteered for the Army Air Force on June 6, 1941. “I went over, volunteered and then came back and told my mother that I had joined.” He was shortly sent to Dallas and then on to California, where he waited for orders. New arrivals even had to wait several days before receiving uniforms Baum was attached to the 7th Material Squadron where he started out in charge of maintaining and looking after vehicles.
Baum was then sent to Clark Field, Philippines. “We weren’t told where we were going to go. We were given wool uniforms.” Baum was sent on a transport ship where the troops had nothing to do but wait. “We’d watch the blue.” When the troops arrived not much was there for them. “Just some grass huts with open walls.”
Fighting broke out in Bataan shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor when Japanese troops attacked. The fighting continued for three months until American and Filipino troops were forced to surrender because of extremely low rations and medical supplies. A very low percentage of troops were even considered combat effective. Many, including Baum, were suffering from Malaria and malnutrition.
The troops were given the order to surrender. “We threw our weapons into the ocean and surrendered.” When the Japanese captured the Allied troops, they were surprised at the number. They had expected fewer men and were ill-equipped to transport the men. The situation was worsened by the poor health of the captured troops.
The prisoners marched for four days over 19 miles. They were forced to march without food or water and were subjected to random beatings at the will of their captors. The only source of water was from the rice fields the prisoners were walking through. The prisoners would fall on their faces in the field and drink the water from the ground. Many who tried this were stabbed with bayonets.
Baum was lucky enough to avoid this fate. “When they tried to stab me, I ducked under it.” The prisoners were then put in box cars where there was only enough room to stand. “You couldn’t even get your hand up to your face to catch a sneeze. You had to slowly work it up to your face.”
Baum spent 2 and a half years imprisoned in the Philippines until he was transported to Japan on a “Hell Ship.” Baum was imprisoned in Japan for one year until the war ended where he saw similar treatment right up until a few days before the end of the war. “Two or Three days before the war was over they brought in these English speaking Japanese and they gave us food, drink, cigarettes, anything a soldier could want.”
After being released, Baum and the other soldiers started toward Tokyo in search of Allied troops. They spent several weeks in hospital ships as well as a camp where they were fed whatever they wanted 24-hours a day.
Baum was shipped home after several weeks where he spent his time on leave until he received his discharge. Baum has served as the Postmaster of Whitesboro on two different occasions as well as a teacher and coach in the Whitesboro School System.
Baum now spends his time with his daughters Susan Strange and Kay Moczgmba and his wife Waunema. Baum also enjoys the time he spends in the morning playing dominos to keep busy. “That’s the secret of life, stay busy.”
Abandoned Home Burned, Arson Suspected
Early Sunday morning the Sherwood Shores Volunteer Fire Department received a call from a Sherwood Shores resident on Oak Trail Road. An abandoned house was burning.
Cliff Hamilton, the neighbor who placed the call, said that the light reflecting into his bedroom awaked him and when he looked out his window, he saw flames and called 911.
The first units on scene reported that the house was already “well involved.” This prompted a mutual aid call to Whitesboro and Collinsville Fire Departments at 3:10 a.m. Gordonville had already been called. Units responded and were able to extinguish the blaze, however the house was a total loose with only a small bit of the front remaining, said Ron Blackwell, Sherwood Shores Fire Chief.
The residence was an U.S. Attorney General seizure that was in foreclosure. The abandoned house had no electricity or propane to the house and it appears that the fire burned very hot and rapidly, which would suggest that an accelerant feed the fire, Blackwell said.
Fire Officials contacted the State Fire Marshalls office and expect them to begin investigate in the next few days, Blackwell said. Officials would not comment publicly on the cause of the fire, but they did speculate that this was another incident in the recent series of arsons that have been occurring in Sherwood Shores.
Limited information was available about the pending investigation, however, if the cause is arson it would be the fifth incident in the past year. There is nothing that conclusively ties the cases together although it appears that their may be some connection. Officials are still investigating all the cases and have not made any arrest, although, they do have several suspects, Blackwell said.
The recent surge in arson is beginning to make local residents uneasy. “This kind of thing has been happening a lot around here. It’s really getting kind of scary.”
Cliff Hamilton, the neighbor who placed the call, said that the light reflecting into his bedroom awaked him and when he looked out his window, he saw flames and called 911.
The first units on scene reported that the house was already “well involved.” This prompted a mutual aid call to Whitesboro and Collinsville Fire Departments at 3:10 a.m. Gordonville had already been called. Units responded and were able to extinguish the blaze, however the house was a total loose with only a small bit of the front remaining, said Ron Blackwell, Sherwood Shores Fire Chief.
The residence was an U.S. Attorney General seizure that was in foreclosure. The abandoned house had no electricity or propane to the house and it appears that the fire burned very hot and rapidly, which would suggest that an accelerant feed the fire, Blackwell said.
Fire Officials contacted the State Fire Marshalls office and expect them to begin investigate in the next few days, Blackwell said. Officials would not comment publicly on the cause of the fire, but they did speculate that this was another incident in the recent series of arsons that have been occurring in Sherwood Shores.
Limited information was available about the pending investigation, however, if the cause is arson it would be the fifth incident in the past year. There is nothing that conclusively ties the cases together although it appears that their may be some connection. Officials are still investigating all the cases and have not made any arrest, although, they do have several suspects, Blackwell said.
The recent surge in arson is beginning to make local residents uneasy. “This kind of thing has been happening a lot around here. It’s really getting kind of scary.”
Parker Road Accident
On Tuesday, May 29, Emergency Officials closed Highway 377 to provide a landing zone for Life Star. Officials called Life Star to transport a victim involved in an accident.
The accident occurred on Parker Road, just South of Whitesboro, involving a Dodge truck with a trailer and a Black sedan. The sedan was traveling east and attempting to pass another vehicle when it struck the truck, which was traveling west head-on, said Donald Russell, responding Whitesboro Police Officer.
Each vehicle had two occupants. The passenger of the sedan was transported on Life Star to Dallas Presbyterian Hospital and the passenger of the truck, a pregnant female was transported to the hospital in an ambulance. The driver of the truck was also arrested for not having a valid driver license, said Russell.
The accident occurred on Parker Road, just South of Whitesboro, involving a Dodge truck with a trailer and a Black sedan. The sedan was traveling east and attempting to pass another vehicle when it struck the truck, which was traveling west head-on, said Donald Russell, responding Whitesboro Police Officer.
Each vehicle had two occupants. The passenger of the sedan was transported on Life Star to Dallas Presbyterian Hospital and the passenger of the truck, a pregnant female was transported to the hospital in an ambulance. The driver of the truck was also arrested for not having a valid driver license, said Russell.
Library Summer Program Begins
The library kicked off its Summer Reading Program with about 200 children on Tuesday, June 5. “It went perfect,” said Ginger Garvin, library director.
The program began at 1 p.m. where children would pick out a few books and sit somewhere inside the library and read for an hour. After the “reading club,” staff had planned an activity for the children, the “Bubble Experiment” and a water gun fight.
The program will also have a drawing every week. Children who have attended the sessions that they had signed up for will enter for a chance to win various prizes, said Garvin.
The program will continue on Thursday with Story Time followed by a movie. The program is staffed by both volunteers and paid staff and is funded, in part, by a literacy grant from the Verizon Foundation, said Garvin.
The program began at 1 p.m. where children would pick out a few books and sit somewhere inside the library and read for an hour. After the “reading club,” staff had planned an activity for the children, the “Bubble Experiment” and a water gun fight.
The program will also have a drawing every week. Children who have attended the sessions that they had signed up for will enter for a chance to win various prizes, said Garvin.
The program will continue on Thursday with Story Time followed by a movie. The program is staffed by both volunteers and paid staff and is funded, in part, by a literacy grant from the Verizon Foundation, said Garvin.
Younger-Sullivan House
The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at about 1:45 p.m., Thursday. The caller reported that a 2-year-old girl, Jennifer Lane was missing.
Lane’s parents, Michael and Britney Lane last saw her in the playroom at their home on Highway 56 near the intersection of Highway 901 in Whitesboro. Mr. and Mrs. Lane laid down to take a nap at about 12:30 p.m.; they both work nights. Lane’s grandfather, Jeffrey Lane, was watching her, but had gone to the store. When her parents awoke at 1 p.m., they were unable to find her, according to the Grayson County police report.
After receiving, the 911 call Sheriff’s Office Investigator Chad Butler arrived on the scene three minutes later. Butler searched the house to ensure that Lane was not hiding somewhere or asleep. Other officers quickly arrived on the scene and began searching the area behind the home. Family members and neighbors joined police in the search, according to the report.
A relative of the family found Lane in a pond about 100 yards behind the house at about 2:12 p.m. Dispatch called an ambulance to the scene and EMTs immediately began CPR to try to resuscitate the toddler. Whitesboro EMS transported her to Wilson N. Jones Hospital in Sherman, according to the police statement.
Lane was pronounced dead at 5:05 p.m. She was taken to the Dallas County Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy and the investigation is pending, awaiting the medical examiners findings.
Lane’s parents, Michael and Britney Lane last saw her in the playroom at their home on Highway 56 near the intersection of Highway 901 in Whitesboro. Mr. and Mrs. Lane laid down to take a nap at about 12:30 p.m.; they both work nights. Lane’s grandfather, Jeffrey Lane, was watching her, but had gone to the store. When her parents awoke at 1 p.m., they were unable to find her, according to the Grayson County police report.
After receiving, the 911 call Sheriff’s Office Investigator Chad Butler arrived on the scene three minutes later. Butler searched the house to ensure that Lane was not hiding somewhere or asleep. Other officers quickly arrived on the scene and began searching the area behind the home. Family members and neighbors joined police in the search, according to the report.
A relative of the family found Lane in a pond about 100 yards behind the house at about 2:12 p.m. Dispatch called an ambulance to the scene and EMTs immediately began CPR to try to resuscitate the toddler. Whitesboro EMS transported her to Wilson N. Jones Hospital in Sherman, according to the police statement.
Lane was pronounced dead at 5:05 p.m. She was taken to the Dallas County Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy and the investigation is pending, awaiting the medical examiners findings.
Toddler Drowns in Pond
The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at about 1:45 p.m., Thursday. The caller reported that a 2-year-old girl, Jennifer Lane was missing.
Lane’s parents, Michael and Britney Lane last saw her in the playroom at their home on Highway 56 near the intersection of Highway 901 in Whitesboro. Mr. and Mrs. Lane laid down to take a nap at about 12:30 p.m.; they both work nights. Lane’s grandfather, Jeffrey Lane, was watching her, but had gone to the store. When her parents awoke at 1 p.m., they were unable to find her, according to the Grayson County police report.
After receiving, the 911 call Sheriff’s Office Investigator Chad Butler arrived on the scene three minutes later. Butler searched the house to ensure that Lane was not hiding somewhere or asleep. Other officers quickly arrived on the scene and began searching the area behind the home. Family members and neighbors joined police in the search, according to the report.
A relative of the family found Lane in a pond about 100 yards behind the house at about 2:12 p.m. Dispatch called an ambulance to the scene and EMTs immediately began CPR to try to resuscitate the toddler. Whitesboro EMS transported her to Wilson N. Jones Hospital in Sherman, according to the police statement.
Lane was pronounced dead at 5:05 p.m. She was taken to the Dallas County Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy and the investigation is pending, awaiting the medical examiners findings.
Lane’s parents, Michael and Britney Lane last saw her in the playroom at their home on Highway 56 near the intersection of Highway 901 in Whitesboro. Mr. and Mrs. Lane laid down to take a nap at about 12:30 p.m.; they both work nights. Lane’s grandfather, Jeffrey Lane, was watching her, but had gone to the store. When her parents awoke at 1 p.m., they were unable to find her, according to the Grayson County police report.
After receiving, the 911 call Sheriff’s Office Investigator Chad Butler arrived on the scene three minutes later. Butler searched the house to ensure that Lane was not hiding somewhere or asleep. Other officers quickly arrived on the scene and began searching the area behind the home. Family members and neighbors joined police in the search, according to the report.
A relative of the family found Lane in a pond about 100 yards behind the house at about 2:12 p.m. Dispatch called an ambulance to the scene and EMTs immediately began CPR to try to resuscitate the toddler. Whitesboro EMS transported her to Wilson N. Jones Hospital in Sherman, according to the police statement.
Lane was pronounced dead at 5:05 p.m. She was taken to the Dallas County Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy and the investigation is pending, awaiting the medical examiners findings.
TNT Luncheon
Several Atmos Energy customers, in Whitesboro, were without natural gas service on Thursday and Friday. Atmos personnel worked to restore service Thursday evening and Friday causing a minor inconvenience for drivers on North Union Street.
Excessive rain over the past few days caused water to leak into the underground pipes of the low-pressure gas system, said Jackie Thomas, on-site operations supervisor. In-order to solve the problem Atmos replaced the damaged piping and ran individual lines to each house to replace the single pipe that served the three houses affected by the outage, said Terry Tombaugh, manager of public relations for Grayson county.
Atmos uses three different types of systems, low-pressure, intermediate-pressure, and high-pressure. The low-pressure system that was in use in this case allows water to leak into the system interrupting service if there is a leak, but this prevents unknown gas leakages, Tombaugh said.
Atmos customer service representatives went to the affected residents late Friday evening relighting pilots for customers and checking their service.
Excessive rain over the past few days caused water to leak into the underground pipes of the low-pressure gas system, said Jackie Thomas, on-site operations supervisor. In-order to solve the problem Atmos replaced the damaged piping and ran individual lines to each house to replace the single pipe that served the three houses affected by the outage, said Terry Tombaugh, manager of public relations for Grayson county.
Atmos uses three different types of systems, low-pressure, intermediate-pressure, and high-pressure. The low-pressure system that was in use in this case allows water to leak into the system interrupting service if there is a leak, but this prevents unknown gas leakages, Tombaugh said.
Atmos customer service representatives went to the affected residents late Friday evening relighting pilots for customers and checking their service.
Natural Gas Outage
Several Atmos Energy customers, in Whitesboro, were without natural gas iougservice on Thursday and Friday. Atmos personnel worked to restore service Thursday evening and Friday causing a minor inconvenience for drivers on North Union Street.
Excessive rain over the past few days caused water to leak into the underground pipes of the low-pressure gas system, said Jackie Thomas, on-site operations supervisor. In-order to solve the problem Atmos replaced the damaged piping and ran individual lines to each house to replace the single pipe that served the three houses affected by the outage, said Terry Tombaugh, manager of public relations for Grayson county.
Atmos uses three different types of systems, low-pressure, intermediate-pressure, and high-pressure. The low-pressure system that was in use in this case allows water to leak into the system interrupting service if there is a leak, but this prevents unknown gas leakages, Tombaugh said.
Atmos customer service representatives went to the affected residents late Friday evening relighting pilots for customers and checking their service.
Excessive rain over the past few days caused water to leak into the underground pipes of the low-pressure gas system, said Jackie Thomas, on-site operations supervisor. In-order to solve the problem Atmos replaced the damaged piping and ran individual lines to each house to replace the single pipe that served the three houses affected by the outage, said Terry Tombaugh, manager of public relations for Grayson county.
Atmos uses three different types of systems, low-pressure, intermediate-pressure, and high-pressure. The low-pressure system that was in use in this case allows water to leak into the system interrupting service if there is a leak, but this prevents unknown gas leakages, Tombaugh said.
Atmos customer service representatives went to the affected residents late Friday evening relighting pilots for customers and checking their service.
Grayson County Bond Election
On Saturday, May 12, 2007, Grayson county voters will go to the poles to vote on a proposed bond to benefit Grayson County College. According to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee literature, the $44.79 million bond will go to basic renovation, a new career and technology center, an improved student center, and an addition to the fine arts building. The bond will result in a $34.77 annual tax increase for taxpayers who own a $50,000 home and $139.02 annually for those who own a $200,000 home, according to Committee literature.
The Grayson County College Board of Trustees created a Citizen’s Advisory Committee consisting of 40 members from throughout the county to make recommendations and review the current college facilities. The committee recommended the bond after reaching a consensus and it was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees, according to Committee literature. “It’s just time to upgrade the college,” said Horace Groff, chairperson to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee. “And the people are the owners of the college.”
“The college has been on a long-term facility renewal plan. It was using a strategy to raise taxes about 1 cent-per-year until construction costs skyrocketed,” said Shelle Cassell director of marketing and public relations at Grayson County College. Cassell also served as liaison between the college and the committee.
Four initiatives make up the bond, in the first bond election since the college’s construction. The largest initiative of $19 million provides for basic renovations of old facilities and infrastructure. It will benefit the instructional buildings of the main campus and will update the plumbing, electrical, and heating and air-conditioning systems of the original college buildings, according to Committee literature.
The next initiative of $13.2 million will go to construct a new career and technology center for vocational training, according to Committee literature. “[This building] is helpful to local school districts if they can’t afford a vocational program,” said Cassell. Cassell said local high schools would be able to send students to the vocational school where they can earn high school credit while learning technical skills.
The bond will fund an addition to the current Fine Arts building. This initiative will cost $9.4 million. The addition will include a 500-seat theater, a 150-seat black box theater, additional classrooms, and an art gallery for students. Cruse Start Auditorium will also receive renovations, according to Committee literature.
Finally, $2.9 million will go to renovate and expand the student center. According to Committee literature, this initiative will provide space for more bookstore products and modernize food services for students. “Students need a place to interact and eat and study. A place to feel at home when they’re away from home,” Cassell said.
If the bond passes, college officials estimate that construction will take three to four years, Cassell said. “The passage of this bond will help the present and future students,” said Helen Hayes, committee member and Whitesboro resident.
The bond seems to have received very little negative response. “As far as I know, everyone is looking forward to the future it will hold [for students],” said Ashlee Anderson, Grayson College Student Government President and student representative on the community. “Our kids will benefit from it.”
Voting will take place on May 12, 2007, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Whitesboro precincts 19, 22, 24 through 26, and 28; Collinsville precincts 26, 28, and 31; Tioga precincts 30 and 31; and Sadler precincts 19, 22, and 24 through 26 should go to Whitesboro City Hall, 111 West Main Street, Whitesboro, Texas, to vote.
The Grayson County College Board of Trustees created a Citizen’s Advisory Committee consisting of 40 members from throughout the county to make recommendations and review the current college facilities. The committee recommended the bond after reaching a consensus and it was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees, according to Committee literature. “It’s just time to upgrade the college,” said Horace Groff, chairperson to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee. “And the people are the owners of the college.”
“The college has been on a long-term facility renewal plan. It was using a strategy to raise taxes about 1 cent-per-year until construction costs skyrocketed,” said Shelle Cassell director of marketing and public relations at Grayson County College. Cassell also served as liaison between the college and the committee.
Four initiatives make up the bond, in the first bond election since the college’s construction. The largest initiative of $19 million provides for basic renovations of old facilities and infrastructure. It will benefit the instructional buildings of the main campus and will update the plumbing, electrical, and heating and air-conditioning systems of the original college buildings, according to Committee literature.
The next initiative of $13.2 million will go to construct a new career and technology center for vocational training, according to Committee literature. “[This building] is helpful to local school districts if they can’t afford a vocational program,” said Cassell. Cassell said local high schools would be able to send students to the vocational school where they can earn high school credit while learning technical skills.
The bond will fund an addition to the current Fine Arts building. This initiative will cost $9.4 million. The addition will include a 500-seat theater, a 150-seat black box theater, additional classrooms, and an art gallery for students. Cruse Start Auditorium will also receive renovations, according to Committee literature.
Finally, $2.9 million will go to renovate and expand the student center. According to Committee literature, this initiative will provide space for more bookstore products and modernize food services for students. “Students need a place to interact and eat and study. A place to feel at home when they’re away from home,” Cassell said.
If the bond passes, college officials estimate that construction will take three to four years, Cassell said. “The passage of this bond will help the present and future students,” said Helen Hayes, committee member and Whitesboro resident.
The bond seems to have received very little negative response. “As far as I know, everyone is looking forward to the future it will hold [for students],” said Ashlee Anderson, Grayson College Student Government President and student representative on the community. “Our kids will benefit from it.”
Voting will take place on May 12, 2007, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Whitesboro precincts 19, 22, 24 through 26, and 28; Collinsville precincts 26, 28, and 31; Tioga precincts 30 and 31; and Sadler precincts 19, 22, and 24 through 26 should go to Whitesboro City Hall, 111 West Main Street, Whitesboro, Texas, to vote.
Long Time
So it's been awhile since I've posted anything. I've been working at the Whitesboro News Record so I'll try and catch up today.
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