Wednesday, April 7, 2021 Vol. 93, No. 14 1 Section, 8 pages 50¢ Special election set Native son Shepperd celebrated for May 1 with state marker rededication There’s a special election By Suzanne Bardwell coming up on May 1, along with Gladewater native son John Ben Shepperd the city council election, and this (b.1915-d.1990) achieved much during his one could help change the course busy life, including the high office of Texas the city’s infrastructure and future Secretary of State and State Attorney General. development. He also earned many honors throughout his The City of Gladewater and career such as being named an Outstanding the Gladewater Economic GFSA Officers Corresponding Secretary Leslie Blount Young Man in America in 1949. He served Development Corporation Willeford class of ’77, President Larry Clemens class of as both the state and national president of the (GEDCO) are asking voters to ’68, Treasurer Jon Keller class of ’92 and Recording Sec- Jaycees, Junior Chamber of Commerce. approve five propositions that retary Cheryl Moore Copeland class of ’69 display the Ko- Shepperd was honored, and remembered, would allow existing sales tax diak bear alum membership for those who have donated in a historical marker rededication Saturday at revenue to be used on projects $1,000 or more to support the service, scholarship, and the Gladewater Museum. The event was made other than just industrial-related maintenance of the GFSA building. Not pictured are Vice even more unique by the fact that Shepperd was opportunities. This election is not President Shirley Elliott Willett class of ’68 and Parlia- responsible for the creation of the historical a new tax. It is simply allowing mentarian Barry Cook class of ’68. GFSA dues of $25 and/ marker recognition designations that have GEDCO to use its 1/2-cent sales or contributions may be mailed to: GFSA, P.O. Box 1425, become staples of communities throughout the tax revenue on a wider variety of Gladewater, 75647. Photo By Suzanne Bardwell state. The plan energized local county historical projects. and art commissions with the designation that “These ballot items are not a each county committee would identify 20 sites, request to raise taxes,” Gladewater GFSA building hidden gem buildings or subjects that merited marking. Mayor JD Shipp explauned. “ Shepperd set the gaol of 5,000 markers in five By Suzanne Bardwell They are a request to allow us years. The accomplishment came much earlier. One of Gladewater’s best assets can be found at the Gladewater to diversify our investment with Judge Paul Banner, a senior district state Former Students Association Building at 2509 Hendricks Street. existing tax dollars. Each item This cutout of John Ben Shepperd is part With 5,000 square feet, a working commercial kitchen, a refurbished must be approved separately. Continued on Page 3 of a display at the Gladewater Museum. interior, state of the art sound system, a 5K lumens projector and a We feel these ballot items 105” screen the possibilities are limitless. represent the best opportunities A popular prom site, the building has a dance floor and disco ball, for diversification for our EDC plus the rest of the flooring is stained concrete. Tables and chairs, of today and tomorrow.” dishes, glassware and silverware for any size group is also available. Currently GEDCO operates The lovely building has been used for chamber banquets, Round under “Type A” rules. Type A Up Rodeo luncheons, Veteran’s Day ceremonies, class and family sales tax funding is primarily reunions, weddings, showers, Quinceanera, anniversary and birthday intended for manufacturing and celebrations of all kinds. There are two large restrooms and a dressing industrial development. EDCs area available. may use Type A revenue to fund The building is made possible by the dedication of the Gladewater land, buildings, equipment, Former Students Association. An association that is seeking alumni facilities expenditures, targeted now to join them in their service and mission of continuing Bear infrastructure and improvements pride. The group depends on dues, events, rentals and fundraisers for for projects. income to maintain the building and utilities. The group also awards The Type B sales tax which the city and GEDCO wish to tap into Continued on Page 8 may be used for any project eligible under Type A rules and several other project types, including Man arrested in Upshur quality of life improvements such as professional and amateur County murder case sports and athletic facilities, tourism and entertainment By Phillip Williams facilities, convention facilities A 31-year-old Diana man was arrested Sunday morning on charges Front Mugshot - SWANNER, ​ JEFFREY DAVID - Printed on April 5, 2021 and public parks; related store, #IN202100197 of murdering a 60-year-old Diana man found dead at his home late restaurant, concession, parking Saturday evening, said Upshur County sheriff’s and transportation facilities; Chief Deputy David Hazel. related street, water and sewer Jeffrey David Swanner is charged with killing facilities; and affordable housing. Kenneth Wadel Burcalow, who “appeared to Voting will be held from 7 a.m. be the victim of assault, “ Hazel said in news to 7 p.m. May 1 on the following releases. Swanner, who resided near Burcalow propositions for the Gladewater on Swan Road, remained in Upshur County Jail Economic Development at Gilmer Monday under $250,000 bond set by Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Anthony Betterton, Corporation: SWANNER, ​ JEFFREY DAVID - #IN202100197 Comments: Proposition A: The use of a Subjects: SWANNER said Hazel. portion of the existing one-halt Page 1 Burcalow,of 1 who was “known to neighbors,” was cent sales and use tax for land, found dead in his home in the 1600 block of that road, Hazel wrote. buildings, equipment, facilities, Sheriff’s deputies responded about 11:38 p.m. Saturday to a call on and improvements found by the road, “where witnesses advised they had found an individual the board of directors to be deceased,” and officers located the body inside the residence. required or suitable for use for Deputies arrested Swanner near his own home about 11 a.m. professional and amateur sports, Sunday, Hazel said. The suspect and Burcalow “were known to each including children’s sports, The GHS Bear Band received division 1 ratings from all six judges in both concert and other,” but “the motive for the incident is still under investigation,” athletic, entertainment, tourist, sight-reading at the Region 4 UIL Concert and Sight-reading competition. These results the chief deputy said. convention, and public park combined with the first division earned at the fall marching contest earned the band Betterton said Monday he pronounced Burcalow dead at the scene purposes and events, authorized the coveted Sweepstakes A award for the year. The band is directed by Jeff Smith and Sunday, and ordered an autopsy performed at Southeast Texas Forensic by Section 505.152 of the Texas assisted by Rhett Pilcher, Mitchell Smith and Donald Kitchell. Center outside Tyler. As of Monday, he said, he had not received the Courtesy Photo autopsy results. Continued on Page 3 Gladewater High School’s Top 10 Percent Senior Top ten percent Junior Top Ten percent Sophomore Top 10 percent Cinthia Vicente, Carlos Menjivar, Edith Alvarez, Riley Avery Glarborg, Michael Lewis, Gabi Montelongo, Antonio Jenna Watson, Celeste Harris, Matthew Smith, Lexi Betts, Bewley, Nayeli Aguillon, Garret Glenn Not pictured: Menjivar, Jade Thomas, Tanner Gothard, Trinity Mooney Austin Verner, Kylie Jalomo, Austin, Allen, Kamryn Floyd Kaylee Alderson, Suzy Lopez, Ryan Martin, Karen Peralta, Not pictured: Kaitlynn Canaguier, Riley Crane, Hannah Not pictured: Karter Bocanegra, Tyler Milstead, William Jennifer Rivera Edwards, Adamaris Lopez, Katelynn Moses Perry, Sarah Walbridge Page 2, The Gladewater Mirror, Wednesday, April 7, 2021 OPINION/EDITORIAL “What a Wonderful World” Gary Borders Have you ever considered the vast shades of green when spring rolls around? Then there are the stunning dogwoods, the redbuds, the Suzanne Capital spring flowers and my faves, the wildflowers. I grew up in bluebonnet and Indian Blanket or Paintbrush, if you prefer, country. Masses of Bardwell red and blue blooms with yellow and pink buttercups or, as my dear Highlights Daddy called them, primroses, scattered amid the mounds of flowers like fairy seeded havens of beauty. We all need more beauty in our lives. But we also have to have One of my favorite songs, “What a Wonderful World” explains this April is Child Abuse Prevention Month the eyes to see that beauty. We have to take the time to stop, to see, so much better than I ever could. The latest report on child maltreatment fatalities and near fatalities, to become aware of the infinite variety of creation. We also need to compiled by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, take the time to be grateful for that unique beauty that was crafted “I see trees of green indicates 251 children in Texas died in fiscal year 2020 due to abuse by the Creator for us. Red roses too and neglect. That figure includes 28 children who died after being left When you live in the country I think you become more attuned to I see them bloom unattended in hot vehicles. nature’s wonders. You come to value a beauty that springs naturally For me and you During Child Abuse Prevention Month, DFPS is encouraging into being. And I think to myself communities to increase awareness of resources available to No hothouse bouquets for my Dad who was known to stop on What a wonderful world. help prevent child abuse in Texas. Resources are available at the way to the house after a grueling day of physical labor on the getparentingtips.com.