Essential Dorm Room Supplies

When I went to college I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I didn’t have a big brother to tell me everything that I needed for my dorm room, and my parents only help was advice from the 70s and 80s which is not too relevant in today’s world. I figured my only hope was to get to college and wing it. I decided I’d head to a walmart and buy everything I need in one go. While that strategy worked out well for me, I really wish I had gone to Google and done a search for dorm room supplies. My little brother is about to go to college and he was asking me for a list of things that he’s going to need when he heads off to the University of Texas in August. I was able to share some tips with him, but since it’s been so long I decided I’d help him out by doing some searches online.

We got together one afternoon and did a search for dorm room supplies and found an awesome website called University Housewares. As if the title doesn’t explain it, this website is a site that sells stuff specifically for the college dorm room. They have everything broken down into easy to read categories and I found the site incredibly easy to navigate. We thought about heading to wall mart with a list of things from the website, but the prices were really cheap and I couldn’t believe how large the selection was. There were some categories for dorm bedding and kitchen stuff, which is probably the most important things you need.

A lot of the people I went to school with said they spent a lot of money on their dorm room, but you don’t really need to. All you’re going to use it for is sleeping, getting drunk, and studying “sometimes”. Also bringing over the occasional girl, but that’s for another blog post. In summary, if you need dorm room supplies, you should head to UniversityHousewares.com. They’ve got everything you need and more!

Classroom Decorations on a Budget

My wife recently got a job as a teacher. We were really excited about this news and were also excited to learn that she would get her own classroom. Some teachers have to share classrooms, but she was lucky enough to get her own room which means one thing – she can decorate it. As you’d expect from a female, she was really excited about being able to decorate her own room. Chicks love to decorate and that’s a scientific fact of life. There’s not a guy on earth that has a wife that doesn’t enjoy decorating. While she was excited about decorating her classroom, I had to share some news with her. The budget she has for her classroom isn’t going to cover the decorations. Which meant that all her decorations were going to come out of her personal money, which means my money too. Now I love for my wife to be happy, but decorations are not cheap. Or so I thought.

We discussed classroom decorations for a few weeks and decided on a fair budget of $400 for decorating and $100 per year after her first year as a teacher. This may seem like a lot, but classroom decorations are not cheap. You have to guy buy paint, then borders for the bulletin board, posters, etc. All of those little things add up really quick so we had to find a website that sold classroom decorations for a good price but still maintained high quality. She asked some of her friends about good websites to find decorations on but I decided to take initiative and search google for the keyword “classroom decorations”. I found tons of websites that were selling the style of stuff she wanted, but the one that stuck out to me was Frog Street Press. I did some research on this company and found a lot of good reviews so I was excited to share this website with her. When she got home from school, I told her about this company and she said that some of her colleagues were recommending that website too. I thought it was a strange coincidence.

We looked at the frog street classroom decoration category and found tons of stuff that would match what she was looking for! She spent about 45 minutes looking through the thousands of decorations they have and ended up spending under her budget. We were amazed that she could find so many decorations for such a good price. I was amazed that she could also come in under budget which is something females are not so good at.

Weddings in Orlando

I recently visited a friend that was having a wedding in Orlando, FL. Orlando is one of my favorite places to visit because of Disney World. If you haven’t been to Disney World then you certainly haven’t lived. I can’t tell you how much fun it is. Unfortunately my friend didn’t have his wedding in WDW. I really wish he did and after talking to him about it I learned that they considered it, but it was too expensive. So they ended up having a wedding around Orlando at the Windermere Country Club. Wow this golf course wedding venue was absolutely incredible. If you’ve ever watched Golf on TV then you know exactly who lived in Windermere Florida. They used to always say, “Now on the tee from Windermere, Florida – Tiger Woods”. That was back when he was awesome. But anyways, I wanted to write this blog post about orlando wedding venues. There are a lot of venues in Orlando but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get married there. My buddy, his name is Craig, told me about all the orlando wedding venue options and they ended up choosing Windermere because of its location and the setting was beautiful. Florida has to be one of my favorite states because of the weather but it also has my favorite place on earth there – Walt Disney World.

Unforgettable Memories from Amazing Places: the Benefits of Choosing Destination Weddings

Choosing to organize destination weddings can be one of the most exciting and special decisions that young couples can ever make. Lately, weddings have somewhat lost their magic, since most of them follow the same old pattern, simply consisting of large parties at restaurants without truly offering a unique and special experience that would really be worth remembering.

Weddings are the most precious and joyful moments in anyone’s life and they deserve to be celebrated in the most enjoyable ways possible. The memory of a wedding can be very powerful and can influence the lives of the newlyweds in quite an extraordinary way. This alone is a very good reason why you should choose a more special setting for your wedding party.

The Advantages of Destination Weddings

The most important advantage of a destination wedding is that, as a couple, you actually have the chance to do something that is very meaningful for you for the very first time. Not only that, but you also get the chance to think grand. You can have a huge wedding, inviting even the most distant family and friends, you can choose famous places, cities or buildings that would be meaningful for you and you can even make the decoration as special and as crazy as you want them to be. Your imagination is literally the only limit in this case.

Another great advantage of a destination wedding is the fact that you can travel to a new exciting place, instead of just getting in a car and driving two miles to the nearest restaurant. Often, the trip itself can offer some memorable experiences and the entire wedding can be seen as an incredible adventure where practically anything can happen. To be honest, we have to admit that this perspective can be a far better one than that of having a normal, “conventional” wedding.

Beautiful Beach Weddings

You don’t always have to travel all the way to Hawaii or the Caribbean to have an excellent beach wedding ceremony. There are many seaside resorts where the service is impeccable and the view of the sea can enchant you. Dancing on an exotic beach can also be a much more wonderful experience than any dance floor can offer. During beach weddings, you will often feel like you’re in an incredibly beautiful and vivid dream and you will not want to wake up when the morning arrives.

Unique Experiences in Resort Weddings

You can always choose a simple place that may not be very fancy but would offer you what you need. Nevertheless, if you want your wedding to really be special, it might be a much better idea to choose a resort. There are of course many types of resorts: beach resorts, mountain resorts or various holiday villages or small holiday resorts where you can really make the most of organizing everything down to the smallest detail.

Seaside resorts are obviously extremely popular and they can indeed offer you some of the most amazing experiences. Still, not everyone enjoys all that heat and sand. One alternative would be to head for the mountains, where the climate is much cooler and more refreshing, which will be a breath of fresh air, particularly in the summertime. A mountain resort wedding can be a wonderful opportunity to just relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while you enjoy the wedding party.

Now, there are some people who don’t really know what they want until they actually see it. The best choice for them would be an entire village that has been completely turned into a holiday resort. Here you can literally find everything you want. From peaceful nature views to modern shops and entertainment buildings, holiday villages have practically everything you can possibly need for organizing exceptional resort weddings that will be worth every effort.
So you see, no matter where you choose to go, destination weddings can offer truly magical memories that will last you a lifetime.

TexomaEnterprise.com is now a Jewelry Blog

A friend gave me this website so I decided to turn it into a jewelry blog. I haven’t decided what all to post here so I’m just going to post things from some of the different jewelry companies I see online. As I said in the about section, I’m a big fan of Liz Nicole Jewelry and Cornerstone Jewelry Designs. I came across those sites a couple of weeks ago and they have some really amazing jewelry. I’m a huge fan of personalized jewelry so Liz Nicole was just a perfect website for me to see. If you’re looking for content from the old website. Here it is:

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Two men, born 77 years apart. The first one, son of an established, wealthy Virginia family, was well-educated and even better connected; the second one came into a life of hardship as the second son of a poor family in Kentucky, and was self-educated and self-made. The first one, the 1st President of the United States; the second one, the 16th.

George Washington, born on Feb. 22, 1732, is regarded as the father of our country. He accepted the responsibility of leading the fledgling nation’s new army – that he helped create and partially funded from his private means – prevailing over the Crown of England and setting the new republic’s standard of government and ethics. Many had wanted an American monarchy, which he opposed. He was called to military service, and he served. Then he was called to the highest civilian office in the land, and he served there too. During his presidency, he laid the foundation and rules by which all others would serve. His portrait by Gilbert Stuart Williamstown shows him as a polished, serene and fair man, the very image of a former general, established statesman, and affluent family man.

Abraham Lincoln, born on Feb. 12, 1809, is regarded as the man who unified the republic, as it was his lot to preside over a divided nation, engaged in a war that was sure to harm all. In some ways, the wounds inflicted upon the nation by the armed conflict between the Union and the Confederacy have not yet healed completely. His personal conduct was beyond reproach, and his heritage of equality and justice for all reinforced the foundations of our republic and contributed to its strength. His photograph by Alexander Gardner shows him as a rugged, determined and supremely honest man. “Honest Abe.”

Two men, two destinies, two lives devoted to the same nation.

Washington, heir to a fortune and a success in his own right, was an educated man and gentleman who found it easy to prosper. His high morals and sense of duty moved him to accept the responsibility of leading the nation – first in war, then in peace. His contemporaries remembered him as an “American aristocrat,” a characterization that he rejected outright, as he sought to abolish the trappings of monarchy and class distinction in the new country. He lived what at the time was considered a long and fruitful life, and died age 67.

Lincoln was born in poverty to a Kentucky frontier family where life was both hard and uncertain. Seeking a healthier climate, his parents moved to Illinois where young Lincoln grew up. His mother died and his father remarried a woman that the boy learned to love and called “Mother.” He had a little over a year’s worth of schooling, garnered in bits and pieces from itinerant teachers. Determined to acquire an education no matter what, he compensated for his lack of formal training by reading voraciously, a habit that sustained him all his life.

As a young man, earning a very modest living, Lincoln started to raise a family and eventually was admitted to the Bar in Illinois, even though he had never attended law school. His short career as a politician took him to the presidency at a time when the nation was deeply divided. The South had made no secret of their objection of him as president, and promised to secede were he elected. In December, 1860, 44 days after Lincoln’s election, South Carolina broke away from the Union. In February, 1861, the Confederacy had been created and the nation saw itself plunged into a bitter armed conflict, brother against brother.

Lincoln led the country through the anguish and rigors of war, won re-election, and was assassinated three months into his second presidency, on April 15, 1865 (the first of four presidents to be killed while in office). His was a life devoted to public service, a commitment of the highest order, a calling during which he died, age 54.

On the third Monday in February, the nation celebrates the life of these great men. This year, it falls on Feb. 21.

Let us remember both of them with humility and awe. They were physically tall men, even by our current standards. Their moral and ethical stature, on the other hand, was beyond measure, as they towered over their contemporaries – and few have ever matched them. Their selfless volunteer service, their commitment to excellence towards the good of the nation, their unbounded respect for law and the citizens of our country, their personal integrity are shining beacons.

Let us allow their example to light our way.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Two men, born 77 years apart. The first one, son of an established, wealthy Virginia family, was well-educated and even better connected; the second one came into a life of hardship as the second son of a poor family in Kentucky, and was self-educated and self-made. The first one, the 1st President of the United States; the second one, the 16th.

George Washington, born on Feb. 22, 1732, is regarded as the father of our country. He accepted the responsibility of leading the fledgling nation’s new army – that he helped create and partially funded from his private means – prevailing over the Crown of England and setting the new republic’s standard of government and ethics. Many had wanted an American monarchy, which he opposed. He was called to military service, and he served. Then he was called to the highest civilian office in the land, and he served there too. During his presidency, he laid the foundation and rules by which all others would serve. His portrait by Gilbert Stuart Williamstown shows him as a polished, serene and fair man, the very image of a former general, established statesman, and affluent family man.

Abraham Lincoln, born on Feb. 12, 1809, is regarded as the man who unified the republic, as it was his lot to preside over a divided nation, engaged in a war that was sure to harm all. In some ways, the wounds inflicted upon the nation by the armed conflict between the Union and the Confederacy have not yet healed completely. His personal conduct was beyond reproach, and his heritage of equality and justice for all reinforced the foundations of our republic and contributed to its strength. His photograph by Alexander Gardner shows him as a rugged, determined and supremely honest man. “Honest Abe.”

Two men, two destinies, two lives devoted to the same nation.

Washington, heir to a fortune and a success in his own right, was an educated man and gentleman who found it easy to prosper. His high morals and sense of duty moved him to accept the responsibility of leading the nation – first in war, then in peace. His contemporaries remembered him as an “American aristocrat,” a characterization that he rejected outright, as he sought to abolish the trappings of monarchy and class distinction in the new country. He lived what at the time was considered a long and fruitful life, and died age 67.

Lincoln was born in poverty to a Kentucky frontier family where life was both hard and uncertain. Seeking a healthier climate, his parents moved to Illinois where young Lincoln grew up. His mother died and his father remarried a woman that the boy learned to love and called “Mother.” He had a little over a year’s worth of schooling, garnered in bits and pieces from itinerant teachers. Determined to acquire an education no matter what, he compensated for his lack of formal training by reading voraciously, a habit that sustained him all his life.

As a young man, earning a very modest living, Lincoln started to raise a family and eventually was admitted to the Bar in Illinois, even though he had never attended law school. His short career as a politician took him to the presidency at a time when the nation was deeply divided. The South had made no secret of their objection of him as president, and promised to secede were he elected. In December, 1860, 44 days after Lincoln’s election, South Carolina broke away from the Union. In February, 1861, the Confederacy had been created and the nation saw itself plunged into a bitter armed conflict, brother against brother.

Lincoln led the country through the anguish and rigors of war, won re-election, and was assassinated three months into his second presidency, on April 15, 1865 (the first of four presidents to be killed while in office). His was a life devoted to public service, a commitment of the highest order, a calling during which he died, age 54.

On the third Monday in February, the nation celebrates the life of these great men. This year, it falls on Feb. 21.

Let us remember both of them with humility and awe. They were physically tall men, even by our current standards. Their moral and ethical stature, on the other hand, was beyond measure, as they towered over their contemporaries – and few have ever matched them. Their selfless volunteer service, their commitment to excellence towards the good of the nation, their unbounded respect for law and the citizens of our country, their personal integrity are shining beacons.

Let us allow their example to light our way.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP

The Grayson County South Government Center officially opened in Van Alstyne Monday, Feb. 10, with an open house.

Johnny Waldrip, County Commissioner Pct. 1, served as MC for the opening ceremony which included a special flag raising conducted by Sheriff Keith Gary’s Color Guard. Van Alstyne Mayor Pro-Tem Willie Boddie gave the invocation.

Waldrip thanked Flesher Floral and the Van Alstyne Chamber of Commerce for contributing flowers for the event. He recognized the members of the Commissioners Court along with current County Judge Tim McGraw and former County Judge Horace Groff.

Groff addressed the crowd of local citizens and area dignitaries. He thanked Waldrip who worked hard to help made the center a reality. Groff said the project was made possible by the “tenacity of Johnny Waldrip …. who stretched resources” and kept the project going. Waldrip served as contractor to help keep the cost just under $200,000.

Groff also noted that growth is rapidly coming into the Van Alstyne and South Grayson area. Van Alstyne is expected to be the largest city in Grayson County in 10-15 years. He urged the city government to “plan for the growth … don’t let it just happen,” adding that the growth is coming whether we plan for it or not.

The new government center is an annex for the Grayson County Courthouse. The building is located on a .794 acre lot on the southeast corner of Main and Jefferson in Van Alstyne. Cost of the property was $72,500.

The center contains a Justice of the Peace office, courtroom and jury room, as well as a constable’s office and an office for collecting county taxes and registering vehicles. JP Larry Ashley has been operating out of a rented office on Preston in Van Alstyne. In addition to court work, his office collects approximately $300,000 in vehicle registration renewal fees, title transfers and county taxes each year.

The one story building is easily accessible by people of all ages. The building is close to the intersection, but no street parking is allowed on the north and west side. However, parking won’t be a problem because the lot to the south of the building will hold 50 cars.

Previously the JP Court has been held at the Van Alstyne Community Center, not an ideal setting for court. The new center has an actual courtroom with room for necessary cases. In addition, Ashley said his new office is larger than the previous office.

“A lot of what I do in done in my office,” Ashley said. The new space will be more comfortable for those who visit with him.

To contact the JP Court call (903) 482-6543 or fax to (903) 482-6573. For more information, go to the Grayson County Website – www.co.grayson.tx.us and look for Ashley’s webpage under elected officials.

Constable is Steve Hall, pager (903) 620-1549.

The Grayson County South Government Center officially opened in Van Alstyne Monday, Feb. 10, with an open house.

Johnny Waldrip, County Commissioner Pct. 1, served as MC for the opening ceremony which included a special flag raising conducted by Sheriff Keith Gary’s Color Guard. Van Alstyne Mayor Pro-Tem Willie Boddie gave the invocation.

Waldrip thanked Flesher Floral and the Van Alstyne Chamber of Commerce for contributing flowers for the event. He recognized the members of the Commissioners Court along with current County Judge Tim McGraw and former County Judge Horace Groff.

Groff addressed the crowd of local citizens and area dignitaries. He thanked Waldrip who worked hard to help made the center a reality. Groff said the project was made possible by the “tenacity of Johnny Waldrip …. who stretched resources” and kept the project going. Waldrip served as contractor to help keep the cost just under $200,000.

Groff also noted that growth is rapidly coming into the Van Alstyne and South Grayson area. Van Alstyne is expected to be the largest city in Grayson County in 10-15 years. He urged the city government to “plan for the growth … don’t let it just happen,” adding that the growth is coming whether we plan for it or not.

The new government center is an annex for the Grayson County Courthouse. The building is located on a .794 acre lot on the southeast corner of Main and Jefferson in Van Alstyne. Cost of the property was $72,500.

The center contains a Justice of the Peace office, courtroom and jury room, as well as a constable’s office and an office for collecting county taxes and registering vehicles. JP Larry Ashley has been operating out of a rented office on Preston in Van Alstyne. In addition to court work, his office collects approximately $300,000 in vehicle registration renewal fees, title transfers and county taxes each year.

The one story building is easily accessible by people of all ages. The building is close to the intersection, but no street parking is allowed on the north and west side. However, parking won’t be a problem because the lot to the south of the building will hold 50 cars.

Previously the JP Court has been held at the Van Alstyne Community Center, not an ideal setting for court. The new center has an actual courtroom with room for necessary cases. In addition, Ashley said his new office is larger than the previous office.

“A lot of what I do in done in my office,” Ashley said. The new space will be more comfortable for those who visit with him.

To contact the JP Court call (903) 482-6543 or fax to (903) 482-6573. For more information, go to the Grayson County Website – www.co.grayson.tx.us and look for Ashley’s webpage under elected officials.

Constable is Steve Hall, pager (903) 620-1549.

—————————

The Howe School Board met in closed session for almost six hours Thursday, Feb. 6, to discuss personnel and meet with their attorney, Blake Powell of Austin.

The agenda for the special meeting listed as an action item “Reconsider Action on Superintendent’s Contract.”

At a regular board meeting on Jan. 27, the board voted “not to extend” the contract of Supt. Beryl Sears.

The board convened in open session at the high school lecture hall on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. and went into closed session as allowed by the Texas Open Meetings Act under code 551.071 “private consultation with Board’s attorney” and code 551.074 “discussing personnel.”

Attending the closed session were Board President Roger Luttrell and board members, Trent Mozingo, Debbie Vineyard, Kerri England, Jeff Murdock, David Mangrum and Steve Allison. Also in the meeting were board Attorney Blake Powell and Assistant Superintendent Melissa Evans. Sears and his attorney Neal Adams were present for parts of the closed session which evidently included negotiation of an agreement alluded to in a later board motion.

The board returned to the lecture hall at 12:50 a.m. Friday morning.

Mangrum moved to approve a contract agreement as arranged with Powell and also to authorized the Board President to execute the documents of the agreement. England gave the second and the motion was approved unanimously.

Then Luttrell read the following official statement saying that he would make no further comments:

“Beryl Sears has agreed to resign effective June 30, 2003. This decision is mutual and allows him to move forward with his career in order to pursue promising new opportunities. We feel this decision is in the best interest of both this superintendent and our school district.”

According to reports from Sears’ attorney, Sears is happy with the agreement.

The HISD Board hired Sears at a special meeting on Oct. 30, 2000 to replace Dr. Wayne King who retired at the end of 2000. Sears began his job on Dec. 1, 2000, coming to Howe from a superintendent’s job at Sam Rayburn ISD in Ivanhoe that he had held for five years. Before that he was superintendent in Morse, Texas for three years. He was employed at Savoy ISD between 1985 and 1992 as computer science and business teacher (1985-1989), counselor (1989-1991) and principal (1991-1992).

Following the second lengthy closed session in less than a week, the Howe School Board voted on Feb. 10 to extend the contracts of seven administrators and took no action on the contract of Athletic Director Larry McFarlin.

Every year the board considers contracts on a certain schedule: in January they consider the superintendent’s contract. In February, administrators (principals, program directors) are the subject of the closed session. Teachers’ contracts are considered in March.

Monday, Feb. 10, the board held their regular meeting, conducting a number of routine items from 7 to 7:35 p.m. Then they went into a closed session which lasted until about midnight.

Contracts were extended for Assistant Superintendent Melissa Evans, Elementary Principal Leslie Lilley, Middle School Principal David Shannon, High School Principal Kevin Wilson, High School Assistant Principal Barry Hughes, Technology Director Terisa O’Dowd, and Instructional Technology Director Janie Finney.

The board took no action on the contract of Athletic Director Larry McFarlin who was involved in a controversy during the 2002 football season when several athletes quit the team. In October 2002 the board voted to re-instate two of four athletes to the team.

In December 2002, McFarlin and his coaching staff shared “District 13AA Football Coach of the Year” honors with the Tom Bean ISD Athletic Director.

The first action the board took during the open session was to appoint Melissa Evans as the Interim Superintendent and she sat at the board table during the meeting.

The following reports were made:

*HES Principal Lilley said that the students enjoyed the annual Reading Celebration week recently. Also the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office is conducting Gun Safety programs with individual classes this week and Feb. 19 is CiCi’s Pizza night with a portion of the sales going to the elementary.

*HMS Principal Shannon noted that Friday, Feb. 7, was the annual Job Shadow Day. Forty-seven 8th graders participated in the program at various local businesses. Shannon joked, “I think we got them all back.” He also told the board that every Monday for about 11 weeks, sixth graders will have a life skills class concerning the use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco and peer pressure.

*HMS Principal Shannon also noted that she’s a big fan of personalized jewelry. She has a good friend that runs a jewelry business in the town that sells rings that you can get engraved. We had the option of getting it engraved with a special font or other types of personalization. There are a lot of different sites that sell personalized jewelry but Shannon is a big fan of the one that’s local. Not many people understand what it takes to run a successful online business and the least we can do is link to this business and help support local jewelry companies.

*HHS Principal Wilson commended several high school groups for service projects such as the recent blood drive sponsored by the student council, a “Pennies For Patients” which benefits Leukemia and Lymphoma patients and a “Have A Heart” campaign sponsored by the National Honor Society.

*Melissa Evans added that in addition to all the extra items going on in the schools, she has visited many classrooms in the past week and said, “A lot of studying and learning is going on.”

*Technology Director O’Dowd updated the board on plans for a collaboration among schools in Grayson County for grants and other working together on technology. She said there is exploration on adding engineering and technology to the high school curriculum through a program with Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Also on Feb. 27 the Technology Task Force will be meeting for an update on the school’s technology plan.

*Athletic Director McFarlin informed the board that the middle school basketball teams did excellent at the district tournament. The 7th grade girls won first place. The 7th grade boys, the 8th grade girls and the 8th grade boys all won second place. He added that after Tuesday night’s (Feb. 11) games, the Howe Varsity Boys might have a spot in the playoffs.

Current enrollment is 1030 with 425 at the elementary, 304 at the middle school and 301 at the high school.

In other actions, the board:

*Called a trustee election for May 3, 2003 to elect three board members. Those who terms are expiring are Kerri England, David Mangrum and Jeff Murdock.

*Set the election calendar as follows – candidate signup from Feb. 17-March 19. Early voting will be from April 16-29 at City Hall.

*Appointed election judges – for Dorchester Maybelle Bennett, for Howe Marilee Renfrow, and for early voting Barbara Alvarado.

*Approved revisions to the school’s Gifted/Talented Program. Evans said that the committee had been meeting for about at year and a half on the revisions to make sure the plan best serves the needs of the students. She added a thank you to the committee, saying, “they took a lot of time and effort and energy” on the project.

*Approved a class size waiver for kindergarten. Of the four kindergarten classes, three have the approved class size limit of 22 students to one teacher, but one class has 23 students. Evans said the waiver lets the state know that the district is aware of the problem and that plans are being made to take care of complying with the class size limit.

*Approved a plan by the Howe Athletic Boosters to sell advertising at the baseball field. In making the motion, board member Debbie Vineyard said the advertising would be school appropriate and not distracting to the rest of the campus. Also the Booster Club will be responsible for the upkeep of the signs. The signs will be 4′x8′.

By Lana Rideout – A woman, fleeing for her life, crashed into the Howe Police Department late Thursday evening, May 2, after losing control of her car.

At 11:35 p.m. Howe Officer James Doyle was inside the police station when he heard tires squealing. That sound was quickly followed by a loud boom as the car hit the building shattering glass and wood in the area where Howe Police Chief Roy Keesy’s office is located.

Doyle said, “It was like a bomb going off in the building, the whole building shook.”

When Doyle opened the door to the PD, he saw two women in the car. The driver was backing the car out of the window/wall and the other woman jumped out of the car. Both women were screaming to Doyle about being pursued by the driver’s husband who had threatening to kill her. Also the driver noticed propellant and steam from the air bags and she began screaming that the car was on fire.

The driver emerged from the car and collapsed. She was transferred by ambulance soon afterward to WNJ were she was treated and released about two hours later. The passenger walked away from the scene with minor injuries.

Sandra Kay Hatley, 52, of Sherman was driving the car, accompanied by her sister, Caroline Jean Stambaugh, 50, of Howe. Mrs. Hatley had been staying with her sister to hide from her husband, Phillip Wayne Hatley, a 45-year-old white male, of Sherman. According to Mrs. Hatley, her husband had threatened her life.

Mr. Hatley had pursuing his wife and sister-in-law in a two-tone blue Chevy Astro van. Doyle saw a vehicle answering that description as he was talking to the two women. The vehicle was driven west on Haning toward Hwy. 75 and Doyle called Grayson County Dispatch to notify them to stop the van.

Mr. Hatley was pursued by DPS and Grayson County Sheriff’s Office. Hatley was stopped near the Federal Building in Sherman (at Travis & Pecan). He was taken into custody. He had drug paraphernalia in his possession at the time of the arrest.

The man was arrested for various charges and it was possible that a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon might also be added.

Officer Doyle said that an emergency protective order had been issued as part of his arraignment. This order is often posted for the protection of family members involved in family violence, according to Doyle.

Howe Police Sgt. John Cherry had taken a statement from the two women earlier on Thursday concerning the threats they had received. According to Cherry, Hatley denied making any threats.

According to police records, Mr. Hatley has been arrested at least 24 times on various charges, such as burglary, theft, stolen vehicles, drugs, weapons, fraud, obstruction of police, and disorderly conduct. He has been incarcerated at Huntsville at least twice. And he has also used 12 aliases over the past few years.

Officer Doyle asked the County Dispatch to inform Chief Keesy about the event. Keesy said his wife answered the phone and then told him, “There’s a car parked in your office.” Friday morning as he surveyed the damage, Keesy said, “This is not the most unusual thing I’ve seen in my 34 years of police enforcement.”

Damages to the building are estimated at about $10,000. After photos were taken of the damage, the building was boarded up. The city’s insurance company (through Texas Municipal League) will determine the cost of the damages.

- Van Alstyne – Charlotte Joan Hunter was born on Nov. 7, 1919, and died on July 17, 2002. She was the daughter of Mack Cage and Mary Susan Mitchell Hunter, owners of Hunters Grocery in Van Alstyne.

Joan graduated from Van Alstyne High School and earned her college degree at Austin College in Sherman and Master’s degree from North Texas. She taught English at Van Alstyne High School from 1941-1954. In 1954 she joined the faculty at the University of North Texas in Denton where she taught in the English department from 1954 until 1984 when she retired.

Joan was the kind of teacher who changed the lives of her students. Her impact on their lives was far-reaching. She respected her students and treated them as equals and they never forgot her. Many of her former students became well-known authors and journalists.

Joan was an accomplished organist. She enjoyed her beautiful home in Denton that she shared for many years with her dear friend, Dr. Jessie Luecke. She enjoyed all the cultural arts, baking and candy making and navy blue. She traveled in Europe many times, especially in England and Spain. She was an excellent bridge player and was active in her bridge group until she became ill in December 2001.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, Susan and Cage Hunter; her sister, Rhea Hunter Cunningham; her nephew, David Cunningham; and her sister-in-law, Eva Marie Hunter.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Billie and Harry D. Hunter of Van Alstyne; her brother and sister-in-law, Quinn and Joyce Hunter of Dallas.

She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Jerry Mack Hunter and his wife Cherie of Van Alstyne: Charles Hunter and his wife Mary of Greene, Maine; Richard and Heather Cunningham of Houston; Marla Hunter Nunally and her husband Mike of Dallas. She is also survived be her great-nieces, Beth Hunter Litchford and Jerianna Hunter Lyons; nephews, Mack Hunter and Peyton Quinn Nunally.

Pallbearers were Benny Edwards, R.L. Bridges, Jessie Joe Savage, Adolph Wiggins, J.D. Edwards and Billy Ray Edwards.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 18, in Flesher Funeral Home in Van Alstyne with burial in Van Alstyne Cemetery.

GERALD ‘JERRY’ DAVIS

Collinsville – Gerald D. “Jerry” Davis, 81, of Collinsville died Monday July 15, 2002 at his home. He was born March 21, 1921, in Wilbarger County, Texas to George and Gracie Lee (Tallent) Davis. He married Ella Mae Lynch in Dallas, Texas on Sept. 4, 1945. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Texas. He was a retired Journeyman Electrician and Glass Blower for the Belco Sign Company in Harker Heights, Texas.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 18, at 10:30a.m. in the Faith Lutheran Church in Gainesville with the Rev. Scott Sundbye officiating. Burial followed in the New Hope Cemetery in Burns City, Texas.

Pallbearers were Art Dornbusch, Dick Davis, Chris Quakenbush and Mike Lippe.

Mr. Davis is survived by his wife, Ella Mae Davis of Collinsville; daughter, Sherry Harwell of Pilot Point; sister, Ann Broker of Denton; and a brother Roy Davis of Mineola; three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Mulkey-Mason, Jack Schmitz & Son Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

D.R. ‘BOB’ BONNER

Howe – D.R. (Bob) Bonner, 75, died July 21, 2002.

Funeral services, under the care of Flesher Funeral Home in Howe, were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, at the First Baptist Church in Howe. The Rev. Charles Glass officiated and interment was at Cedarlawn Memorial Park in Sherman.

Pallbearers were Chris Offill, Tommy Offill, Melton McDaniel, Leon Thornhill, Norman Dickey, and Harry Brunk.

Mr. Bonner was born April 13, 1927, in Tishomingo, Okla, to John and Mattie Hamm Bonner. He attended Sherman High School. On June 16, 1949, he married Georgella Kelsby in Denison. She preceded him in death on Feb. 12, 1996.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Howe and the Masonic Lodge in Howe.

Survivors are one daughter and son-in-law, Marsha and Bill Sadler of Howe; two sons and daughters-in-law, Don and Brenda Bonner of Van Alstyne and Dale and Cathy Donner of Denison; four grandchildren, Nathan Carver and his wife Kelly, Sara Carver, Toni Nunn and her husband Jeff and Luke Bonner; and two great-grandchildren, Nicolette Carver and Bryar Carver. He also leaves behind one brother, Elmer Dale Bonner of Sherman and one sister, Billie Montgomery of Hurst, Texas.

PEGGY ASHMORE POWELL

Anna – Peggy Ashmore Powell, age 72, died at her home in Anna, Texas on July 21, 2002.

The funeral was held at 2:30 p.m. on July 23 in the First Baptist Church of Anna with the Rev. John T. Cocoris officiating. Burial was in Highland Cemetery in Anna. Services were directed by Flesher Funeral Home in Van Alstyne.

Mrs. Powell is survived by her daughter, Paula Powell of Plano; her son, Bently Powell of Anna, and five grandchildren.

LUNA SYLVESTER JETER

Gunter – Luna Sylvester Jeter, 105-year-old Gunter resident, died Monday, July 8. 2002, at Hilltop Haven in Gunter.

A family remembrance was held Saturday in Arlington.

Surviving are her son, Billie Talker Jeter of California; daughters, Mary LaVoyce Chigas of Arlinton and Delores Ann Lewis of Dallas; 23 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grand-children.

Huff Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Hilltop Haven, PO Box 39, Gunter, TX 75058.

FOREST ‘SONNY’ ODOM

Howe – Forest Lindell “Sonny” Odom, 88-year-old Howe resident, died Thursday, July 11, 2002, at Health South Hospital in Houston.

Graveside services were at 11 a.m. Saturday in Akers Cemetery with Larry Allgood officiating.

Surviving are his wife, Florence Odom, formerly of Howe; daughters, Barbara Blanton of Fort Worth and Patsy Scaife of Conroe; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

OLLIE OLETA WOODSON

Savoy – Ollie Oleta Woodson, 76, of Savoy, died Wednesday, July 10, 2002, at Mullican Care Center in Savoy.

Services were at Coker-Mathews Chapel in Green-ville at 2 p.m. Saturday with the Rev. Melvin Thornhill officiating. Burial was in Spring Creek Cemetery.

Surviving are her brother, T.S. Woodson of Greenville; and sisters, Lartharee McCannon of Savoy, Loretta Woodson of Greenville and Mattie Elmore of Lone Oak.

CLARENCE TILLETT JR.

Whitewright – Services for Clarence Tillett Jr., 79-year-old Whitewright resident, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Whitewright. He died Thursday, July 11, 2002 in Bonham.

Officiating at the service were the Rev. Houston Garner and the Rev. Rodney Stanford. Burial followed at Van Alstyne Cemetery.

Mr. Tillett was born on Dec. 23, 1922, in West-minster, Texas, son of Clarence Tillett and Myrtle Geer Tillett. He attended Howe and Van Alstyne public schools. On Sept. 28, 1941, he married Maurine Wallace in Sherman, Texas.

He was a retired Whitewright grocery store owner and also worked for Pettit’s Grocery and Carl’s Tasty Sausage. He was Mayor of Whitewright from 1982-1992. He was a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Whitewright. He served in the Army during World War II. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Whitewright.

Pallbearers were Bill Sparks, Kevin Spann, Brad Tillett, Ronnie Gentry, Clarence Wise, Eddie Wise, Bobby Fleming and Johnny Morris. Honorary pallbearers were Ralph Brown, Doyce Worsham, Arthur Ballard and W.E. Stanford.

Surviving are his wife, Maurine Tillett of Whitewright; sons, Bill R. Tillett of Miami, Florida, Curtis D. Tillett of Springfield, Illinois and Gary L. Tillett of Plano; daughters, Doris Sparks of Fairview and Carolyn Crispin of Branson, Missouri; brothers, Billy Tillett and James Tillett, both of Van Alstyne, Wayne Tillett of Fort Worth and Jerry Tillett of Caddo Mills; sisters, Pauline Gentry and Jerry Wise, both of Van Alstyne, Juanita Boatright of Sherman and Jo Ann Marr of Sherwood Shores; 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Home Hospice of Grayson County, PO Box 2306, Sherman, Texas 75091.

CAROL KRUCKENBERG

Anna – Funeral services for Carol Kruckenberg, 60, of Anna were held at 10:30 a.m. July 9 at the First Christian Church in Anna with the Rev. Jeff Foster and the Rev. Jack Smith officiating. Burial was at Highland Cemetery in Anna.

Mrs. Kruckenberg died in Anna Saturday, July 6, 2002.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce Kruckenberg of Anna; two daughters, Laurie Powell of Houston and Nikki Efurd of Plano; two sons, Colter Kruckenberg of San Marcos, Texas and Chace Kruckenberg of Anna; and seven grandchildren.

Turrentine-Morrow Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

ORA WILSON

Bells – Ora Wilson, 91, died Thursday, June 27, 2002, in Mullican Care Center in Savoy.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Mullican Little Funeral Home with the Rev. Houston Garner of Hebron Baptist and the Rev. James Olin Henry of Trenton officiating. Burial was in Hebron Cemetery north of Bells.

Pallbearers were Jeff Wilson, Ricky Wilson, Joe Dale Henry, Charles Wortham, David Sullivan, and Thomas Masters.

Mrs. Wilson was born Jan 12, 1911 in California, the daughter of Dave and Ruby Eckstein Abernathy. She married J.B. Wilson Jan. 9, 1923. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Bells.

Surviving are her son, Donald Wilson and wife, Charlene of Whitewright; brother Dave Abernathy, Jr. of McKinney; sisters, Lura Lee Williams of Houston, Ann Ploeckelman of Sutter Creek, Calif., Ruby Dell Borland of Jackson, Calif.; grandson Ricky Wilson and wife Roxie of Denison; granddaughter, Kathy Masters and husband, David of Sherman; seven great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband. Arrangements were directed by Mullican Little Funeral Home.

DENNIS ERVING

Bells – Dennis Erving, 42, died Thursday, June 27, 2002 in Sherman.

Chapel services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday in Mullican Little Funeral Home in Bells with the Rev. David Draper officiating. Cremation followed.

Mr. Erving was born July 17, 1959 in Goldsboro, North Carolina the son of Odell Erving and Dolly Bost. He graduated from Sherman High School in 1977. He married Cheryl Hall on November 7, 1986 in Sherman. He was a Machinist Welder for the last 23 years at Fisher Controls.

Surviving are his wife, Cheryl Erving of Bells; father, and step-mother, Odell and Marie Erving of Mt. Pleasant, N.C.; mother and step-father, Dolly and John Anderson of Sherman; step-daughter and husband, Amy and David Hewitt of Pilot Grove; step-daughter, Tracy Hayes of Carrollton; brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Lucretia Erving of Sherman.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Bost and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James Smith.

JOHN ARMSTRONG

Howe – John Arthur Armstrong, 38, died Thursday, June 27, 2002 in Wilson N. Jones Medical Center.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Flesher Funeral Home Chapel in Howe, with Brother Duane Peters officiating. Burial was in Cedarlawn Cemetery.

Mr. Armstrong was born March 18, 1964 in Perrin Air Force Base in Sherman the son of Patsy and James Burrow. He was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church. He was a heavy equipment operator for the Texas Highway Department.

Pallbearers were John Ward, Jeffrey Mullinex, Ronnie Barcheers, Tom Jones, Shannon Smith and Brandon Reddick.

Surviving are his daughter, Terra Armstrong of Pensacola, Florida; three stepsons, Chris Bolen, Jeremy Bolen, Matt Bolen, all of Pensacola, Florida; mother and father, Patsy and James Burrow of Howe; grandmother, Jean Wallis of Howe; brother, Darrin Armstrong of Sherman; uncle and aunt, Jimmy and Billie Sims of Mesquite, cousins, Jimmy Sims, Jr., Darrell Sims, Bryan Sims, Keith Housewright and Jerry Housewright; nephews, Christopher and Joshua Armstrong, both of Bells.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Bill Wallis. Memorials may be made to the Grayson County Hospice. Arrangements were under the direction of Flesher Funeral Home.

OWEN WATSON

Howe – Masonic graveside services for Owen Watson, 87, were held at Hall Cemetery at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2002. Rev. Grant Goodman of the First Baptist Church of Howe officiated. Waldo Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

Born July 1, 1914, in the Farmington area of Grayson County to Marshall and Ona Bell Reecer Watson, Owen Watson passed away June 30, 2002 at Hilltop Haven in Gunter.

After attending Howe schools, he married Mamie Hedrick April 16, 1938 in Sweetwater, Texas.

He worked as a truck driver for Mrs. Tucker’s in Sherman and Western Gillete in Dallas. After retirement, he worked at Southwest Auction in Howe.

A member of the Howe Masonic Lodge, Mr. Watson also belonged to the First Baptist Church of Howe.

Survivors include son Jimmy Watson of Whitney, Texas; daughter Shirley Vickers of Howe; granddaughters Terri Collier of Shreveport, Louisiana and Tammi Hightower of Howe; grandsons Mike Vickers of Corinth, Texas and Shane Watson of Whitney, Texas; nine great-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

LEONARD COLLINSWORTH

Howe – Leonard Graham Collinsworth, formerly of Sherman, died at his residence in Howe Monday, July 1, 2002.

A funeral service was scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Key Memorial Methodist Church with Rev. Allen Snider officiating.

Waldo Funeral Home had charge of arrangements. Burial is set for 2 p.m. Friday, July 5, at Barbee Cemetery near Dublin, Texas.

Memorials may be made to the Key Care Mission Center, 921 E. Houston, Sherman; the Salvation Army, 5700 Texoma Parkway, Sherman or to the donor’s charity of choice.

Mr. Collinsworth is survived by his wife June of Howe; daughters, Dian Englman of McKinney and Carmen Bowen of Denison; son Carl Scott Collinsworth of Denison; stepdaughter Caroline Corbin Hughes of Howe; stepson Todd Corbin of Weatherford; brother Col. Ret. J.D. Collinsworth of Phoenix, Ariz.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and four step grandchildren.

EULA DAVIS

Anna – Eula Jane Thompson Davis, 102, passed away June 29, 2002 at McKinney.

Born April 15, 1900 in New Boston, Texas to John B. and Euna Thompson, she lived in Collin County from the time she was five years old.

She married Joe A. Davis, Dec. 16, 1920 in Anna, Texas where she was a member of the First Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband on Jan. 1, 1974. Two of her sons John A. Davis and Frank J. Davis as well as 11 brothers and sisters also preceded her in death.

Survivors include her children: Iva Pearl Caudell of McKinney, Oreta Tippey and husband Donald of Lewistown, Ill., Lynn Mullininx and husband Bob of McKinney; and Rayford Davis and wife Gwen of Pilot Point; daughter-in-law Thelma Davis of Sherman; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Services for Mrs. Davis were scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Belew Funeral Home Chapel in McKinney with Bro. Charles Morris officiating. Interment followed at Stoney Point Cemetery.

HOLLIE O. CARNEY

Van Alstyne – Hollie O. Carney, 83, died Saturday, July 27, 2002.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Flesher Funeral Home Chapel in Van Alstyne. Holly Gaskill Bandel officiated with burial in the Van Alstyne Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Glenn Gaskill, Olen Carney, and grandsons, Steven Walker, Josh Carney, Lee Carney, and Gary Duncan.

Mr. Carney was born April 6, 1919, in Caddo, Okla., the son of Willis and Julia Smith Carney. He graduated from Collinsville High School On Aug. 13,1938, he married Verna Mae Carney in Sherman. He was a member of the Baptist church. For many years, he operated a service station in Van Alstyne. He retired from Civil Service with 20 years at Perrin Field, and retired from Texas Instruments.

Surviving are his wife, Verna Mae Carney of Van Alstyne; four daughters, Patricia Barton and husband Andy of Van Alstyne, Linda Foley and husband Don of Plano, Carol Kennedy and husband Eddie of Tom Bean, and Pam Walker and husband Ronnie of Huntington Beach, Calif.; two sons, Robert Carney and wife Cathy of Giddings, Texas, and Billy Carney and wife Roxanne of Van Alstyne; 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind sisters, Ester Reatherford and husband Jack of Sherman and Dorothy Ford and husband Baxter of Trenton; and brother, Arvol Carney and wife, Frankie of Paris, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and two brothers.

Arrangements were under the care of Flesher Funeral Home.

TEDY B. CLAYTOR

Gunter – Mrs. Tedy B. Claytor, 83, died July 26, 2002 in Gunter. Services were held Monday, July 29, at 10 a.m. at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow and Cantrell Chapel in Frisco, conducted by the Rev. Jim White. Burial was in Little Elm Cemetery.

Mrs. Claytor is survived by her son, Gene Claytor of Little Elm, and by five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

JODY A. REJCEK

Howe – Mass of the Christian Burial for Jody A. Rejcek, 76-year-old Howe resident was celebrated at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sherman. He died Sunday, July 21, 2002, due to a farming accident.

The Rev. Antonio Aureus officiated with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Mr. Rejcek was born on Feb. 20, 1926, in Abbott, Texas, son of John Rejcek and Agnes Kohut. He married Rose Horak on Se pt. 29, 1973, in Dorchester, Texas.

Jody was owner of Jody’s Garage in Dorchester.

He is survived by his wife Rose Rejcek of Howe; stepson, Jeff Jaresh and wife Joan of Howe; brothers, Raymond Rejcek of Dallas, Felix Rejcek of Bastrop, Willie Rejcek of Abbot, Edward Rejcek of Ennis, Rudolph Rejcek of Arlington and Leo Rejcek of Ennis; sisters, Martha Veslka of Waco, Rudy Gaiser of Dallas, Mary Miller of Tours, Willie Mae Janecka of Mesquite and Edna Knapp of Killeen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Johnnie, Jerome and Alphonse Rejcek; and sister, Louise Cooper.

Rosary was recited at Waldo Funeral Home on July 23.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Associa-tion, PO Box 15186, Austin TX 78761-5186 or American Diabetes Association, 4425 W. Airport Freeway, Suite 130, Irving TX 75062.

MARVIN ‘BILL’ DUANE PROSE SR.

Collinsville – Marvin (Bill) Duane Prose Sr., 80, of Collinsville died Tuesday, July 23, 2002, at his residence.

He was born June 5, 1922 in Bunch, Iowa to Albert J. Prose and Mable Viola Bollman Prose. He married Mary Elizabeth Sample on May 9, 1942, in Lancaster, Mo. Mr. Prose worked for John Deere Implements in Ottumwa, Iowa, where he finished with a 30-year retirement. He also loved to farm. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Tioga.

A service was held at 4 p.m. Thursday at Slay Memorial Funeral Center in Aubrey, with the Rev. Bobby Coffman officiating. Interment was in Belew Cemetery.

Pallbearers were grandsons.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Prose of Collinsville; sons, Duane Prose of Pilot Point and Michael Dennis Prose; one brother, Robert Prose of Bloomfield, Iowa; 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Marion Prose; two sisters, Ruth Downing and Elizabeth Sammons; and two brothers, Thomas Prose and Charles Prose.