Mount Pleasant Tribune

www.TribNow.com 147th Year • No. 34 Mount Pleasant, Texas Wednesday, April 28, 2021 75¢ SAFE-T gala a roaring success Mount Pleasant resident wins $3 million on scratch-off ticket

Guests enjoyed a night of Roaring 20s fun at the SAFE-T Gatsby Gala. Pictured from left to right are Eddie Bratton, Sheletha Bratton, Telesa Craig, and Mayor Tracy Craig. TRIBUNE PHOTO / DI DUNCAN By DI DUNCAN designer handbags, vacations, generators, and more, [email protected] were placed on display tables so that buyers could view them before bidding. On Friday, SAFE-T held their Great Gatsby Gala at SAFE-T says they are very grateful to all who came Lucy’s Hacienda in Mount Vernon. Guests arrived to, donated to, and worked the event. dressed in Roaring 20s attire or formal cocktail dress. “Thank you to everyone who attended and donated The event included a gourmet dinner, casino games, a and a HUGE Thank You to Jacob Butler, Pookie Bran- live band, an open bar, and an auction. non, and staff who volunteered to make this a great SAFE-T raised more than $30,000 with this event, event,” said SAFE-T. “Thanks to all of you, SAFE-T which was attended by some of the area’s most prom- raised $30,313.36 gross!” inent people. Auction items, including power tools, COURTESY PHOTO

By DI DUNCAN [email protected] Pritchett named lone finalist Life just got a little sunnier for one local resident. According to Lauren Callahan of the Texas Lottery Commission, a Mount Pleasant citizen recently pur- chased a winning scratch ticket worth $3 million for CHISD Superintendent from the Alma Mart Shell Travel Center on N Jeffer- son Avenue. FROM STAFF REPORTS school principal at Avery ISD. Prior to his administrative experience, Pritch- See WINNER Page 2 On April 22, the Chapel Hill Indepen- ett was a high school English teacher dent School District Board of Trustees for Pine Tree High School and Corsi- named Daniel Pritchett as the lone cana High School. He holds a Masters finalist for the position of Superinten- of Educational Leadership from Ste- Middle school dent of Schools after Marc Levesque’s ven F. Austin University and a Bache- retirement. Following a 21-day wait- lors of Arts from Texas A&M Universi- ing period, the Board will once again ty-Commerce with a major in English assistant principal saves convene to act on the employment of and a minor in Special Education. Daniel Pritchett as Superintendent of Pritchett was raised in East Texas choking student Schools for the Chapel Hill Indepen- Daniel Pritchett and attended Northeast Texas Com- dent School District. munity College after graduating from Having twenty years of experience in education, Daingerfield High School. Pritchett currently serves as the Business Man- Pritchett is married to Annie and has four chil- ager and oversees state and federal programs for dren: Tristan, 17, Tennyson, 15, Emerick, 8, and Daingerfield-Lone Star Independent School District. Ethan 15. He previously served Daingerfield-Lone Star ISD as “We are thrilled to be joining the Chapel Hill fam- the principal for South Elementary and was the high ily,” says Pritchett.

Mount Pleasant COURTESY PHOTO SUBSCRIBESUBSCRIBE On February 23, a student in the Wallace Middle School cafeteria no- Tribune ticed that his friend was choking on a piece of food. He immediately to ran to get help from Assistant Principal, Shonda Rutledge. Rutledge, DEMOCRACY without hesitation, sprang into action, administering abdominal thrusts to the student. After several attempts, she was able to dis- lodge the food, freeing up the student’s airway. For her heroic efforts Support Local Journalism and preventing further harm to the student, Rutledge was presented an MPISD Above and Beyond Award at Monday night’s board meeting. “Thank you, Mrs. Rutledge, for all you do for the staff and students at MPISD,” said the district. SUBSCRIBE

Page 2 • TribNow.com NEWS April 28, 2021 4th annual Jake Wilson Chapel Hill UIL is State Bound Memorial Tournament to be held May 1 The Jake Wilson Memorial Foundation 4th Annual Amateur Open Team Tournament is slated for May 1 at The Minnow Bucket Marina on Lake Fork in Quitman. This will be a one-day Team Bass Tournament. The team entry fee is $160, and registration can be completed at https://jakecwilson.com/event-registra- tion. Prizes will be awarded to the top ten teams at the tournament, with first place receiving $2,000.

About the event: The Jake Wilson Memorial Bass Tournament was or- ganized to celebrate the life and legacy of Jake Charles Wilson. Jake passed from this life on August 30, 2017. Jake had a passion for fishing, hunting and singing. He loved the Lord and cherished his children with all Computer Science Regional Champions, State Qualifiers. Pictured (L to Pictured (L to R) – Kendall Hensley and Isha Mistry (State Qualifier) his heart. In his 34 short years, Jake served as Children’s R) –Natalia Sekulic, Logan Cicman, Isha Mistry, Kylie Brice Pastor, worked in Prison Ministry and led Praise and Worship services. Jake was also well respected in the On Saturday, April 17th, the Chapel Hill UIL students Gas Pipeline Industry and made many friends he con- head to Nacogdoches to compete at the Regional II Aca- sidered family. demic Meet at Stephen F. Austin University. In Computer We thank the Lord for the relationship we had with Science, Chapel Hill claimed the top spot as the Region- Jake and the lasting impact he made in our lives. Until al Champions placing first as a team. Team members we are reunited in Heaven let us lift others up and to include, senior Logan Cicman, freshmen Natalia Sekulic speak words of life daily! and Kylie Brice, and junior, Isha Mistry. Individually, Lo- Please contact Diane Wilson for more information gan Cicman was the indisputable Regional Champion via at 940-208-JAKE (5253) or 972-567-5215, or via placing first overall, while Natalia Sekulic placed 5th email at [email protected]. overall. Out of the 35 regional participants, all four of Chapel Hill students placed in the top16. Chapel Hill had a team score of 538, while the 2nd place team of Fort Worth Harmony had 420. With one senior, one ju- Winner Continued from page 1 nior and two freshmen, this is definitely the youngest Computer Science team to ever advance to state. The ticket was a “$250 Million Cash Party” game, Chapel Hill also advanced to State in Computer Ap- Braxton Sanders, 6th Place, Persuasive Speaking COURTESY PHOTOS which offers more than $250 million in total prizes. plications with Isha Mistry who placed 3rd overall. The ticket sold to the winning Mount Pleasant resi- Isha score was not only 3rd in our region, but also 3rd gently afterschool for months and it just goes to show dent was the third of four top prizes worth $1 million overall in the State. Also placing at Regionals was Ken- that you get out what you put in”, says Williams. Also or more claimed in this game. The ticket sells for $30 dall Hensley, who placed 6th overall. “We competed in placing at Regionals was Braxton Sanders, who placed and the overall odds of winning any prize, including hands down the best Region in the state as the top 3 6th in Persuasive Speaking. Due to UIL changing their breakeven prizes, are 1 in 3.45. scores in the entire state out of 96 competitors was out regulations to HUB location instead of the traditional The winner elected to remain anonymous. of Region 2. Kendall Hensley’s 6th place score would hosting at University of Texas, Chapel Hill will be head- have advanced to state in 2 other regions”, said coach P. ed back to SFA to compete this Friday and Saturday, Anthony Williams. “These students have practiced dili- April 30-May 1. Time to take a closer look at your financial picture? TxDOT calls for safer driving as work Will your current portfolio meet your needs for your retirement? If you’re not zone traffic deaths rise during pandemic sure, it may be time to consider an objective evaluation. My investment Unsafe speed is one of the main causes of crashes in work zones advice is tailored to helping your reach AUSTIN – Even with less traffic during the pan- workplace incidents and their consequences, is part- your goals, both now and in the future. demic, Texas work zone fatalities increased 9% in nering with TxDOT to promote safe driving. The “Be Contact me today to schedule a 2020 compared to 2019. That’s why TxDOT is calling Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign outlines five key steps Consultation and Portfolio Review. on drivers to make safety their number one priority drivers can take to safely navigate a work zone: at all times and especially when passing through ac- Cannaday tive construction and maintenance work zones on the 1. Slow down. Follow the posted speed limit and drive to roadway. conditions. Unsafe speed is one of the main causes Financial Services TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is mark- of crashes in work zones. ing National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 26–30, 2. Pay attention. Avoid distractions, keep your mind on Larry C. Cannaday with safety tips to reduce work zone fatalities. Last the road and put your phone away. Financial Consultant year, there were more than 22,000 traffic crashes in 3. Watch out for road crews. The only protective gear they 2001 West Ferguson Road Texas work zones with 186 people killed, including wear is a vest, a hardhat and safety boots. Remem- Mt. Pleasant. Texas four road workers. ber, they want to get home safe, too. “We know driving through work zones can be chal- 4. Don’t tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry if 903-577-7086 lenging,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. you need to. Rear-end collisions are the most com- “There can be extra congestion, slow-moving heavy mon kind of work zone crashes. Securities offered through LPL Financial Member NASD/SIPC equipment, temporary barriers, and vehicles that 5. Allow extra time. Road construction can slow things make sudden stops. We can’t stress enough how im- down. Count on it, and plan for it. portant it is to give driv- City Government ing your full attention and Traffic fines double in work zones when workers are slow down—for your own present and can cost up to $2,000. Failure to heed the Name Title Phone safety and that of the peo- Move Over/Slow Down law can also result in a $2,000 CRAIG, Sr., TRACY City Mayor 903-575-8436 ple who work alongside fine. State law requires drivers to move over a lane or CHAPPELL, II, HENRY Councilmember Place 5 903-575-8337 the road.” reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed WALKER, JERRY Councilmember Place 1 903-575-8451 Drivers and their pas- limit when approaching a TxDOT vehicle, emergency SPRUILL, SHERRI Councilmember Place 2 903-575-8442 sengers account for the vehicle, law enforcement, tow truck or utility vehicle DALE, TIM Mayor Pro Tem 903-575-8452 majority of those who stopped with flashing lights activated on the roadside. ADAMS, GALEN Councilmember Place 3 903-575-8336 have died in work zone “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” is a key component of Thatcher, Ed City Manager 903-575-4000 crashes. In 2020, 147 mo- #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word- torists and vehicle passen- of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer gers were killed in Texas choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat work zones, along with 35 belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving County Offices pedestrians and bicyclists and never driving under the influence of alcohol or Office Office Holder Phone and four road workers. other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on County Judge The Honorable Brian P. Lee (903) 577-6791 The Texas Mutual In- Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to District Attorney surance Company, which commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily District 76 David Colley (903) 577-6726 helps employers prevent deaths. County Attorney John M. Cobern (903) 572-0382 District Clerk Marcus Carlock (903) 577-6724 County Clerk Joan Newman (903) 577-6796 1201 N. Jefferson County Treasurer Sheryl Preddy (903) 572-8723 MASON’S 903-572-6737 Tax Assessor-Collector Melissa Stevens (903) 577-6712 Sheriff Tim Ingram (903) 572-6641 County Auditor Barbara Shurbet (903) 572-8101 Chief Appraiser Shirley Dickerson (903) 572-7939 WE ARE OPEN Elections Administrator Pamela Holmes (903) 575-0902 County Commissioner: Precinct 1 Jeffrey Parchman (903) 572-8740 for in store business as usual. Precinct 2 John Fitch (903) 563-2867 Precinct 3 Dana Applewhite (903) 575-0478 Precinct 4 Jimmy Parker (903) 572-0402 Our hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday thru Justice of the Peace: Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Precinct 1 Steve Agan (903) 577-6760 Precinct 2 Irma Dunn (903) 577-6756 Customers can call ahead for curbside pickup if needed. Constable: Thanks, Jim Mason, Precinct 1 Chris Durant (903) 577-6762 Precinct 2 Ray Barrett (903) 577-6766 Mason Hardware

April 28, 2021 LOCAL TribNow.com • Page 3 April 29 75558. Come to the meeting Spring Masterworks Concert COMMUNITY CALENDAR and express your ideas to the Obituaries - Featuring the LeTourneau The Community Events Calendar is published as space permits. subjects discussed. Singers, the Longview Civic Events will also be published on our website. Submit event notices to: Chorus, and orchestra. Maryah [email protected] May 12 Carroll McHam, soprano, Jon Starling, There will be a Summer Bonnie Lee Carroll, tenor, Elijah Dmitrievsky, piano, and activities are planned at Horticulture Series offered May 7 age 74 of Gladewater, and Dr. Jim Taylor, conductor. Concord Missionary Baptist beginning May 12th from 10 The Extension Service will formerly of Daingerfield Thursday, April 29, at 7 p.m. Church on County Road 3306 AM- 12 PM at the Titus County at the LeTourneau University host a Beef Cattle Program on went home to be with the in Omaha. Business meeting Extension Office discussing Belcher Center. Friday, May 7 from 8 AM to 2 Lord on April 22, 2021 in will open the day at 9 a.m. in Viticulture and growing PM at the Titus County Exten- Longview, TX. She was the fellowship hall. Decora- grapes in Northeast Texas. LeTourneau University’s Fine sion Office located at 1708 In- born in Youngstown, Ohio tion Day program will begin Other topics throughout the Arts Department will present dustrial Rd in Mount Pleasant, on January 16, 1947 to a Spring Masterworks Concert at 10:30 in the sanctuary, Summer Series include Fruit TX. The cost for registration Floyd and Bella Carroll. on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at and Nut Trees held on June followed by dinner on the will be $20 and covers topics Bonnie Lee Carroll 7 p.m. at the Belcher Center on 9, Water Conservation and Bonnie graduated for grounds. Bro. Ray Richey will such as an update from Texas the LeTourneau University cam- Rainwater Harvesting held Daingerfield High School be guest speaker, and Quida Animal Health Commission, pus in Longview. The LeTour- on July 7, and Fall Gardening in 1966 and soon after Bonnie moved to Dallas to at- Henson will play piano. Product updates from animal neau Singers and Longview held on August 11. The cost is tend business school and pursue a career in banking. Civic Chorus will be accom- health representatives and She moved back to Daingerfield in 1981 following her The Tranquil Cemetery Asso- $10 per session. panied by full orchestra, with maximizing your calf crop. A father’s death. She began working at American Nation- ciation will have its annual If you have any questions or vocal soloists Maryah McHam, catered meal will be served al Bank, for over 20 years where she was known for her meeting and decoration at 2 would like to register for one soprano, and Jon Starling, and is included in the regis- sweet demeanor and contagious laugh. Bonnie was p.m. Sunday, May 2, 2021 at of the educational programs, tenor. Admission is open to tration fee. The cost is $10 per a beautiful soul that never met a stranger and always the public and is free of charge. Tranquil Cemetery. Anyone please contact Callie Zoeller session. made you feel welcome. Bonnie loved to bowl and was For this concert, the chorus, interested in the preservation at the Titus County Extension If you have any questions or a member of a bowling league for several years in Mt. orchestra, and audience will of the cemetery is invited to Office at (903)-572-5201 or would like to register for one Pleasant. She also had a deep love for her friends, pets all be socially distanced in the attend. The cemetery is locat- [email protected] of the educational programs, and family. She never missed an opportunity to say I love vast Belcher Center, which can ed approximately three miles please contact Callie Zoeller you. She will be greatly missed. accommodate an audience of north of Hwy 67 on CR 1070. May 22 up to 500 with proper spacing. at the Titus County Extension She is survived by her sister, Lois Myrtle and hus- A short business meeting will White Oak Springs Ceme- For more information contact Office at (903)-572-5201 or band, Richard of Omaha, her twin sister Bella Carroll of be followed by a guest speak- tery Association will hold Dr. Taylor at (903) 233-3379 or [email protected] Gladewater, her nieces, who were more like daughter, er. Graves may be decorated [email protected]. this year’s decoration day Tara Windsor and husband TJ of Union Grove, Lois Al- prior to or after the meeting. May 8 on Saturday, May 22. The varez and her husband Rudy of Longview, Kaylee Hart Donations may be mailed to May 1 East New Hope Cemetery business meeting will be and husband Caleb of Gilmer, McKenna Nipp, Presley James Maxton, 1963 CR 4330, The Piney Cemetery Associa- Decoration Day: The East New held at 11:00. Donations Nipp, Aubrey Windsor and Harlow Windsor all of Union tion: It’s that time of year again Omaha, TX 75571. Hope Cemetery Decoration are needed for help in Grove. Annabel and Gavin Thomas of Longview and Will for dues to be paid. The cost is Day will be held this year still $20 per family. Dues can May 2-5 continuing upkeep of the Dickson of Daingerfield. on May 8. This will be on She is preceded in death by her parents. be mailed to Piney Cemetery Southside Church of Christ cemetery and grounds. the second Saturday in May Funeral service for Bonnie will be held 11:00 AM, Association at PO Box 1671, Spring Gospel Meeting: Mark Donations can be mailed instead of the first as in the Monday, April 26, 2021 at the Chapel of Croley Funeral Mount Pleasant, TX, 75456. White will be the speaker in to: White Oak Springs past. In an effort to minimize Home in Gilmer, interment to follow at Sunset Memori- If you have any questions, you the Spring Gospel Meeting Cemetery Association, 7138 can call your collector or Chaz contact between individuals al Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to (May 2 through May 5) at the FM 1402, Mt. Pleasant, Curtis at (903)285-9523, or and maintain social distanc- the service on Monday. Vivian Craddock at (903)563- Southside Church of Christ at ing as much as possible, Texas 75455 3448. Decoration will be May 1. 1220 E. Ferguson Rd in Mt. a barbeque lunch will be Edwards Pleasant. He will be preaching served beginning at noon in May 23 The annual decoration day for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the church hall, followed by Jumpstart Your Health - Michael W. Edwards passed away April 21, 2021 at the Winfield Cemetery will be which is God’s power to save a short business meeting. A Sunday, 8AM – 4 PM Pittsburg Nursing Center at the age of 60. His funer- held on Sat., May 1. Business us. He has been with us in love offering will be taken to https://www.face- al service will be Sunday, April 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at meeting will begin at 1:00 previous meetings and is offset the cost of the lunch. book.com/ events/ Johnson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Charles Darty pm. Please mail donations to a very knowledgeable and as eulogist and burial will be at Piney Cemetery, Mt. Winfield Cemetery Association For those who will be unable 2592392064392284 talented evangelist. Come Pleasant, Texas under the direction of Johnson Funeral , P.O. Box 10, Winfield, Texas to attend, donations may and See! He works with 75493. Any questions please be mailed to East New Hope Home, Pittsburg, Texas. Cyfair Church of Christ in June 4-13 contact: Sharon Cutler, Secre- Cemetery Foundation at PO Islam and Christianity in tary Treasurer, 903-572-6502. the Houston Area. Schedule Box 181, Mount Pleasant, of services: Sunday at 9:45 Bible Prophecy - Nightly Texas 75455. 7:30PM - 8:30PM Damascus Cemetery Associa- a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 5 p.m. Blast from the Past https://www. tion Annual Association Meet- Monday-Wednesday at 10 May 16 ing - The meeting will be held a.m. and 7 p.m. The elders, The annual decoration day for facebook.com/ at the Damascus Missionary deacons, preachers, and Lone Star Cemetery will be events/279959093277607 Baptist Church at 394 County members of the Southside held on Sunday, May 16 at the Rd 1135 at 11 a.m. Church welcome everyone Lone Star Missionary Church. July 12-16 to attend. No monetary A business meeting will begin “Heroes” Vacation Bible May 2 collections will be taken from at 10:30 am. Please mail your School - Daily 9AM - Concord Cemetery Association non-members. donations, if you can’t attend, 12:15PM Decoration Day Services - An- to Lone Star Cemetery, P.O. https://mtpleasanttxsda. nual Decoration Day services Box312, Cookville, Texas org/vbs

The drawing for the to a celebrity and her ad- handmade quilt is Friday, dicted rock star husband. April 30. Please come by LIBRARY Mary Jane experiences a and take a look at the world very different from beautiful quilt my sister- her own. This is for readers in-law, Linda, donated to CORNER who enjoyed Be Frank with our Friends of the Library. Me, Nothing to See Here, Tickets are just $1 each, 6 and This Tender Land.” (5- By HELEN THOMPSON for $5 or 12 for $10. Drop 11) Jan Fisher Librarian, Mount Pleasant Public Library in and buy 1 or 100 tickets! Popular author Mary Kay All donations benefit the Andrews’ latest is The New- library. comer. “Letty is on the run I’m in the middle of Jaqueline Winspear’s latest Maisie with her four-year-old niece, afraid she will be accused Dobbs novel, The Consequences of Fear, and it is so, so of her sister’s murder. She ends up at a beach-front mo- good! Great Britain is at war with Germany and Maisie tel in Florida. The place is filled with interesting and not only is employed as a private investigator, but is entertaining characters. Murder, fugitives, romance and also secretly working for the government. As the book a great cast of characters, this is a perfect beach read. opens, a young message “runner” has witnessed a mur- Fans of Elin Hildenbrand and Janet Evanovich will love der and the police believe he imagined it. He turns to this one.” (5-4) Sandy Ruhmann Maisie for help. In the meantime, Maisie is called upon Talk Bookish to Me is by Kate Bromley. “A must-read to help recruit and train agents who will be dropped into novel, this enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance France to work with the Resistance. This is my absolute has enough tension and sizzle to satisfy any romance favorite series, but you need to start with the first one, reader. Bonus, the lead character is a romance writer Masie Dobbs. and readers get a romance novel within a romance nov- Now, back to our April Library Reads list. One of their el. This is for readers who loved Much Ado About You top picks is People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Hen- and The Invitation.” (5-25) Hannah Spratt ry. “This is a romance focused on chaotic sprite Poppy Remember that we’re open on Saturday from 10-1. and buttoned up Alex and their twelve years of summer We’re hoping that gives everyone a few extra hours to vacations. Set in present- day Palm Springs and inter- visit the library. Happy reading! spersed with flashbacks from the previous vacations, the story is full of yearning, friendship, and the discus- sions of what it means to find a home. This is for fans of Attorneys at Law This Time Next Year, One Day in December, and Waiting for Tom Hanks.” (5-11) Elizabeth Gabriel Arsenic and Adobo by Mia Manansala is a “fast paced, 205 Linda Dr. cozy mystery with a diverse and colorful cast that will make you laugh, cringe, and salivate. Lila has returned Daingerfield, TX 75638 home to help with the family’s failing Filipino restau- rant, which is repeatedly panned by her food blogger ex. When he comes to lunch and ends up face down in his (903) 645-7333 dessert, Lila becomes the prime murder suspect. This one’s for those who enjoyed Dial A for Aunties and Mimi www.rlbfirm.com Lee Gets a Clue.” (5-4) Laura Eckert In Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau, “it’s 1975 and Mary Jane takes a job babysitting while all her friends are away at summer camp. The job comes with exposure

Page 4 • TribNow.com PERSPECTIVESPERSPECTIVES April 28, 2021 A Story Don’t make what isn’t good even worse Ever been caught in a otherwise.) Worth Telling situation where your say- With a kind smile Dea- so doesn’t carry enough con Cook then told him, by LEON ALDRIDGE [email protected] weight to make a differ- “Well, the vote that day ence? When you totally was 14-9, in favor of call- disagree with the deci- ing you to come.” sion, but there isn’t much “Not a very positive you can do to change vote, huh?” a rather em- A great life because what’s coming? I can hear the resounding ‘Oh Yeah!’ barrassed Andy answered. from every reader. Tears flooded his eyes as that deacon confessed, So, what do you do? Yell obscenities? Throw stuff at “Preacher, I voted against you. And I am sure sorry I did. of little more than the TV? Fall to the floor in a full-fledged childish tan- I was wrong.” trum? Complain loudly and bitterly to any and every Amazing. person within earshot? Could be. I don’t know how you Andy never had an inkling that he had voted against chance meetings react to unpleasant news. But if that is your modus ope- him. Quite the contrary, he knew that man to be an randi, I would venture to say that nothing good comes encouraging and supportive mentor who helped build “We meet the people we’re supposed out of it Andy into a better leader and minister. The opposite to when the time is just right.” Consider this true story. could have happened. A bitter and angry deacon can As a twenty-year-old green untrained preacher, Andy create problems for an inexperienced pastor, and the – Alyson Noël, New York Times accepted his first pastoral position. He and Renie were church invariably suffers. But instead, he chose the high bestselling author. expecting their first child when they relocated to an iso- road, giving help and respect. Even in the face of woeful- lated area of the Oklahoma Panhandle so he could as- ly untried leadership. “They met through a mutual friend at work,” my friend sume his very first pastorate. Andy quickly realized that Even when we know we are right in our thinking, if we offered as to how her daughter met her husband. The his greatest supporter in that tiny church was a deacon aren’t careful we can be wrong in our actions. And make conversation about our children led to talking about named Shorty Cook. Faithful, prayer warrior, and en- things much worse if we do. Deacon Shorty Cook had a how our lives are often influenced by little more than courager, this godly man was there for his pastor in ev- better way of handling disappointment and controversy. chance meetings. ery way he could. And saved a church from a lot of heartache. One of those chance meetings for me was at Mount About a year later, Pastor Andy’s family was in the Not very much change occurs in a man’s heart when a Pleasant’s South Ward Elementary school in 1959. I was Cook home for Sunday lunch. During the pre-meal con- sworn enemy demands change. To the contrary, usually versation that deacon commented, “Preacher, when we stubbornness takes over and noses get out of joint. More finishing the last few weeks of the fifth grade there -af voted to ask you to be our pastor, you never requested to effective in the long-run? Be as supportive as possible, ter our move from West Texas. Home was on Redbud see the vote totals. Why?” try calm reasoning instead of angry confrontation, and Street, just a short bicycle ride around the corner. While Rather sheepishly Andy replied, “Guess because I pray constantly for our Creator to create a change of wrangling my bike from the rack near the front door at didn’t know I was supposed to ask.” (He has since learned heart – on both sides. school one day, I heard someone asked, “You new here?” I looked his way and said simply, “Yes,” guiding my bike toward the street. “Where ya’ live,” he asked, falling in to ride along beside me. “Redbud,” I said. He replied, “I live Health-care expansion defeated in House on Stella, but I’ll ride as far as Redbud with you.” The friendship that followed lasted 57 years before A bid to expand health With the state experi- Oscar’s time here was up. We built hot rods and race coverage for low-income encing explosive popula- Texans failed in the Texas tion growth, transporta- cars during many of those years, rode motorcycles, and Capital House last week, 80-68. tion officials hope to keep swapped life advice. Through it all, we made memories, State leaders have long public transit a viable some of which we took a solemn oath never to divulge. opposed expanding the Highlights option both in urban and In fact, it was Oscar’s observation in later years that we Medicaid program, which rural areas, according to had to remain friends because we knew too much about is largely funded by the by GARY BORDERS, the comptroller’s report. each other to be enemies. federal government. The Texas Press Association And, all by chance when we met at the school bicycle measure that failed last Media ad campaign to rack in 1959. week would have allowed boost vaccines begins A couple of years later, riding the school bus home in- the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to A $1.5 million television and radio ad campaign was stead of a bicycle required waiting for Mr. Ricks to com- negotiate a funding agreement with the feds, called a launched last week by the Texas Department of State plete a county run first. After that, he returned to the old 1115 demonstration waiver, that would cover more un- Health Services to encourage Texans to be vaccinated Mount Pleasant junior high on Riddle Street downtown insured Texans without technically expanding Medicaid, against COVID-19. The ads, in both English and Spanish, for his second run for a handful of kids who lived on the according to various media sources, including the Texas feature several doctors urging folks to get the vaccine, as south side of town. Among the ways to pass time while Tribune. the pace of shot administered has slowed. waiting included study hall or tetherball games on the Just over a week ago, the Biden administration rescind- “Our research shows that individual health care pro- parking lot separating the junior high and high school ed a federal 1115 waiver approved in the final days of the fessionals are the most trusted voices for people decid- buildings. Trump administration, which would have provided the ing whether to get vaccinated,” said DSHS Commission- By chance, most of the time, those games were with state billions of dollars over the next decade to cover er Dr. John Hellerstedt. “Over the coming weeks we will David Neeley. Once we discovered that we lived little emergency care for uninsured Texans. The state was ex- continue to share messages encouraging various com- more than a block from each other, a friendship devel- empted from the normal public notice process, according munities to get vaccinated. We are also relying on trust- oped that lasts to this day. Memories of band trips, Sat- to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Gov. ed voices within those communities to speak up and Greg Abbott blasted that decision, saying it “obstructed let their neighbors know that the available COVID-19 urday trips with David and his mother to Dallas, time healthcare access for vulnerable Texans.” vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to end the spent together at East Texas State University, and get- Backers of health-care expansion are pinning their pandemic and restore normalcy.” ting in the car with some kids in Monclova, Mexico, for waning hopes on House Bill 3871, sponsored by Rep. Julie a joy ride. Johnson, D-Carrollton. Her bill also uses an 1115 waiver Vaccine doses now over 10 million mark; COVID-19 While David’s mother, who was like a second moth- to attract federal funding to expand Medicaid eligibility cases steady er to me, relaxed at the hotel, thinking we were at the as well as increased in Medicaid reimbursements to doc- The number of Texans who have received at least one swimming pool, David and I took an impromptu tour tors, according to the Tribune. But time is running out dose of the COVID-19 vaccine reached 10.56 million as of the Mexican city. Forget a parent’s advice never to get with the bill still stuck in committee. of Sunday, according to DSHS. The number of folks who in the car with strangers. Never mind, they could speak If that bill fails to pass, Texas officials will have to begin are fully vaccinated hit 7.11 million, which is about 24% English no better than we could speak Spanish. Two renegotiating with the Biden administration to restore of the state’s population. kids in Mexico driving a Volkswagen Beetle and two the funding. More than 650,000 Texans lost their employ- The number of new COVID-19 cases in Texas rose naive kids from East Texas added up to adventure that er-sponsored insurance during the pandemic. Texas has slightly last week compared to the previous week, to summer afternoon. the highest number and highest percentage of uninsured 23,684, with new deaths dropping slightly at 359, ac- David and I have gone through periods in later years residents in the nation, according to the Texas Comptrol- cording to the Coronavirus Resource Center at Johns lacking opportunities to visit as much we used to. But ler’s Office. Hopkins University. Similarly, lab-confirmed COVID-19 when we do, we pick up where we left off the last time patients in Texas hospitals was at 2,793 for the same pe- as if the last time was just last week. Mass transit loses even more ridership during pandemic riod, down slightly from the previous week, according All by a chance meeting while playing tetherball and Mass transit in Texas has been experiencing a decline to DSHS. waiting on the school bus in 1961. in ridership the last few years, according to a Fiscal Notes And it was also by chance in 1980 that Jim Chionsioni report by the comptroller’s office. The outlook has wors- Texas lifts pause on J&J vaccine and I were at a Lions Club meeting in Center. He was the ened during the COVID-19 pandemic, with steep drops in Vaccine providers in Texas can resume using the ridership, revenue and service. Johnson & Johnson vaccine, DSHS announced. relatively new owner of The Light and Champion, and I According to census data, “in terms of population The Centers for Disease Control paused use of the was new in town looking for a job. Taking a chance on share, Blacks and Hispanics are overrepresented among one-dose vaccine in mid-April after 15 cases of blood my short experience at The Naples Monitor under Mor- public transit riders, as are those with relatively low in- clots were identified, primarily in women between 18 ris Craig’s tutelage, he not only gave me a career, but comes. Comparatively large shares of those with jobs in and 49. That’s out of more than 7 million shots admin- he also became a lifelong friend who shaped my life in education, health care, recreation and food services — istered nationally. many ways. the workers most affected by the pandemic — use public Boosters of the vaccine point to the simplicity of a sin- All because we attended a Lions Club meeting. transit to get to work,” the report noted. gle-dose vaccine and the ease of storage, according to Maybe it’s true we meet the people we’re supposed to However, the pandemic has taken its toll on mass ser- Hellerstedt, the DSHS commissioner. when the time is just right. All I know for sure is I’ve had vice, particularly in urban areas. Houston Metro report- a great life because of those I can call a friend because of ed its total ridership in December 2020 was 53.6 percent Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journal- little more than a chance meeting. lower than in December 2019. Research scientists, such ist. He published a number of community newspapers in as Michael Walk with the Texas A&M Transportation In- Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort —Contact Leon Aldridge at [email protected]. stitute, say the use of multiple modes of transportation Stockton, Nacogdoches and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@ Other Aldridge columns are archived at leonaldridge.com can make mass transit more appealing to riders. texaspress.com.

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April 28, 2021 BUSINESS / CLASSIFIEDS TribNow.com • Page 5

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April 28, 2021 SPORTS TribNow.com • Page 6 Peterson leads Tigers to top ten Five Tiger By DREW BARKLEY golf, sitting in tenth place at the end of the day. The athletes compete The Mount Pleasant Tiger second day was a different golf team advanced to the story as nerves settled and at Regionals Regional Tournament held confidence took hold with in Rockwall last week and the team shooting a total placed in the top of half of of 326, 23 strokes better all the teams in the region. than the previous day. The tournament was held at Leading the Tigers with a the Rockwall Golf and Ath- two-day total was sopho- letic Club on April 21 and 22 more Matthew Peterson as the Tigers finished in 8th at 159. Sophomore Kade place out of the 16 teams at Strickland turned in a 170 and juniors Sam Sloan, the event. Without any se- COURTESY PHOTO / BENNY BLASER nior leadership, nerves and Sophomore Matthew Peterson plays one out of the rough. Brady Sisk, and George pressure got the best of the Burrows shot 171, 175, Tigers on day one, shooting their worst round of the year and 177, respectively. “I was very lucky to have a great at 349. Playing against some of the best teams in the group of golfers this year, “ said head coach Benny Blaser. state, the Tigers’ team of three juniors and two sopho- “They work hard, they got lots of experience, and none of mores, took some time to finally settle in and just play them graduate!” Daniel Robles is all smiles after his Gill Landaverde prepares to run regional finish with head coach the 800m run. Red Devils finish 5th at Regionals Bryan Trickey. The Chapel Hill Red digits away from qualify- Devils posted a 5th place ing third place spot. Lucas finish at the Regional Thomas led the Red Devils Golf Tournament this with an 84 followed by his past week. Wednesday brother Cameron Thom- was cold and windy and as’s 86. Both Tristan Davis affected all of the scores and Derek Jones chipped tournament-wide. Day in 95’s with Drew Hughes one saw Cameron Thomas rounding it out with a 102. (92) pacing the team with Tristan Davis over a putt. COURTESY PHOTO “What a great finish Tristan Davis (96) and to the tournament,” said Derek Jones (97) right behind him. Rounding out the Coach Matt Garrett. “Not only did we improve 28 Xavier Hills heads for the pit in the triple jump. team was Lucas Thomas (103) and Drew Hughes (107) strokes, but we shot a 360 which is the best 18-hole COURTESY PHOTOS / JABARA WILLIAMS to have the Red Devils shoot a 388 and hold down the team score we shot for the year. They did what they eighth position after day one. Even in eighth place the had to do to give them a chance at 3rd place and I was By DREW BARKLEY Red Devils were only 16 strokes out of third place and very proud of them.” advancing to state. The Mount Pleasant Tiger track team had five ath- Day two was a bit better but Chapel Hill showed Cameron Thomas - 92-86/178 letes advance to the regional track meet held on the up to play. After their day one 388 the Red Devils Lucas Thomas - 103-84/187 campus of University of Texas-Arlington last week- carved out a 360 for their team, which was improving Tristan Davis - 96-95/191 end. The meet lasted two days with some of the field 28 shots from the first day. The Red Devils 360 was Derek Jones - 97-95/192 events and prelims held on Friday and the rest of the the third-best effort of the day. Chapel Hill rose in the Drew Hughes - 107-102/209 field events and finals held on Saturday. The athletes standings from eighth place to fifth place and single TEAM 388-360 had to finish in the top four in district and area to advance to the regional meet. Junior Astin Ledbetter advanced to regionals in the discus winning the district title and finishing NTCC Softball Vs Tyler Junior College fourth in area. Ledbetter posted his best throw Northeast Texas Community College Softball made of 129’3” to finish in 11th place at regionals. After the trip down to Tyler on Wednesday for a two-game winning the area meet in triple jump, Xavier Hills series with the Tyler Junior College (TJC) Apaches. TJC was feeling very confident heading into the region- held on for a 9-7 win in game one and took down the al competition. Hills finished with a new personal Eagles 7-0 in game two of the set. record of 45’2.75” for a fourth-place finish, just two While the Apache pitchers kept the Eagles off the places short of a state berth. Senior Zaveion Chism- board until the third inning, they got going offensively Okoh was probably the closest Mount Pleasant com- in the first inning scoring two runs in the opening in- petitor to advance falling just short in the high jump. ning to lead 2-0. TJC would add a run in the second to Chism-Okoh tied with five other athletes with a high increase the lead to 3-0. jump of 6’2” but due to the tie break of missed jumps NTCC got things going in the third when Hanna Al- finished in fifth place. len (Hudson HS) doubled to open the third inning and On the track, junior Daniel Robles competed in the scored when Trinity Needham (Melissa HS) singled in mile and two-mile events with hopes of making his the next at bat to cut the lead to 3-1. TJC answered first state appearance. In the mile, Robles posted a back in the bottom half of the inning, scoring one run COURTESY PHOTO new personal record of 4:34.27 but fell a few places as well to move the lead to 4-1. short finishing in 7th place. In the two-mile race, he Emma Farquhar who went 4-4 with 4 RBI’s in game one line. The Eagles would send eight batters to the plate in finished in 9th place with a time of 10:03.78. Fresh- the fourth inning as they scored 4 runs in the top half lead 9-6 heading to the final inning. NTCC would not man Skyler Guereca made his first appearance in the of the inning to take a brief 5-4 lead. NTCC had four go away easily, Kailey Hancock (Central HS) doubled regional meet competing in the 110-meter hurdles. singles and a double in the inning to score Lauren Is- to start the inning, Tasha Pierce (Hudson HS) followed Guereca posted a time of 15.65 in the prelims fin- bell (Burleson HS), Averie Ayers (Mount Pleasant HS), that with a hit by pitch to give the Eagles two base ishing in 10th place falling just one-tenth of a sec- Needham, and Emma Farquhar (Hooks HS). runners. Abby Russ (Hooks HS) would single to score ond short of a finals berth. Senior Gill Landaverde TJC would take advantage of a walk and a triple to Hancock to bring the final to 9-7 Apaches. competed in the 400m and 800m runs rounding out score two runs in their half of the fourth to regain the In game two action, TJC kept the Eagle hitters off the Tiger competitors. Landaverde finished in 11th lead 6-5. NTCC would go scoreless in the fifth, while balance and off the score board on their way to the 7-0 place in the 400m with a personal record time of TJC added one more run to bring the game to 7-5 after win. The Eagles managed eight hits in the contest, but 52.01 and in the 800m he finished in 9th place with a five innings of play. could not overcome strong pitching by TJC to get the time of 2:06.18. Hanna Allen would single in the six and then make runners home. The Tiger and Lady Tiger track teams will con- her way home when Farquhar singled to bring her NTCC will return to conference action on Saturday, tinue to work over the next year in hopes of getting home and cut the lead to 7-6, Farquhar had a four for April 24, when they travel to Kilgore College. You can faster and stronger and advancing even further next four day with four RBI’s to lead the Eagle offense. catch the Eagles at home on Friday, April 30th and season. The track teams are coached by Jabara Wil- TJC added their final two runs in the sixth inning to Wednesday, May 5th as they close out conference play. liams and Bryan Trickey. NTCC Baseball vs Bossier Parish CC Game 1 The Northeast Texas Community College Baseball of the team hit the road Thursday for a single game against the Bossier Parish Community College Cavaliers to open the three-game series. BPCC would defeat the Eagles 5-2 to earn the opening game win. The Cavaliers got on the board first, scoring two runs in the opening frame and one run in the bottom of the second to lead 3-0. After both teams went score- less in the third, NTCC got on the board in the top of Sosa the fourth to cut the lead to 3-1. Luke McBride (Nash- ville, AR HS) got the Eagles going with a solo homerun Male to lead off the top of the fourth inning. German BPCC would score two runs in their half of the Shepherd/ fourth to increase the lead to 5-1. After a quiet fifth, six Mix and seventh inning, NTCC would try to make a come- 1 year old back in the eighth inning. Jake Chapman (Boerne HS) Jake Chapman (Janine Modgling) COURTESY PHOTO 60 lbs doubled to center to open the inning and scored two $63.00 batters later when Jett Forrest (Lorena HS) single to Herrmann (Bridgeland HS) would pitch the final two A47523934 bring in the run and make the score 5-2. Unfortunately innings for NTCC giving up just one hit and not runs for the Eagles that would be the final run of the game. in his time on the mound. Offensively the Eagles were led by Jake Chapman NTCC and Bossier will resume the series on Sunday, Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter who went two for four with a run scored. April 25th with game one starting at 1:00pm. Follow- 1500 N Mulberry • Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455 Camden Sargent (Cypress Woods HS) would get ing the double header, the Eagles will have a baseball the start for NTCC and gave the Eagles six innings camp for kids in grades K-8. Campers will receive free for work. Sargent gave up five runs (four earned) on admission to the game, meet and work with NTCC 903-575-4174 seven hits while striking out four Cavaliers. Landon baseball players and coaches, no need to pre-register.

Page 7 • TribNow.com LIFESTYLES April 28, 2021

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