Baked potato lunch
A baked potato lunch is set for noon Sunday (today) at the First Methodist Church, Kemp, benefitting the children’s summer camp. For information call (903) 498-3827.

Literary Club board
The Literary Club of Cedar Creek Lake executive board meeting is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at The Library at Cedar Creek Lake, Seven Points.

Tri-County story hour
Tri-County Library will host a story hour at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, featuring Curious George and his monkey friends, presented by Leslie Bell. The library is located on Market Street, downtown Mabank.

Tamarack ladies
The Tamarack Ladies Club meets at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, in the TLC Hall. A potluck luncheon follows the meeting. All ladies residing in Tamarack are invited. For information call (903) 887-7049.

PSUMC fellowship
The Payne Springs United Methodist Church monthly fellowship night is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, starting with a covered dish dinner. A gospel group singing old favorites begin at 7 p.m. The public is invited. The church is located across from the PS Fire Department on SH 198. For information call (903) 451-3131.

Hensarling town meeting
U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling will give a Washington Legislative update at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Terrell City Hall council chambers, 201 Nash Street, Terrell, and at 3:15 p.m. at the TVCC Cafeteria meeting room, 100 Cardinal Drive, Athens. For information call Phillip Smith at (903) 675-8288.

Tea Party meeting
A Tea Party meeting for the west side of Henderson County is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Dairy Queen, Seven Points.

49ers Senior Club
The Cedar Creek Lake 49ers Senior Citizens Club meets for dancing to the music of Chuck & the 49ers from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3 (and every Thursday). Friendly atmosphere, no alcohol or smoking. Small donation at the door. Located off SH 334, two blocks south on Arnold Hills Road, Seven Points.
Phone or fax to (903) 432-3522.

CCL Garden Club
The Cedar Creek Lake Garden Club meets at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, in the community room at Tomlinson’s Funeral Home. “Principles of Design” will be presented by Sandee Walters. Those interested in design are invited to attend.

St. Jude Friday fish fry
The Knights of Columbus and St. Jude Catholic Church is hosting an “all-you-can-eat” first Friday fish fry from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at the St. Jude Church on Luther Lane, behind the Pizza Hut. All profits benefit local, state and national charities.

VFW hosts benefit
The Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 4376, Seven Points, is hosting a silent auction and bake sale to benefit a returning soldier who has served three tours in Iraq and was wounded during each tour. Also, a chili supper will be available for a small donation. For information call (903) 887-0827.

Early Valentine dinner
The annual “That’s Amore” Valentine’s Day dinner show is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at Mabank High School Cafeteria. Choir students will serve as wait staff and will provide entertainment.
Tickets may be purchased from any choir student, the front desk at the high school or by calling the Fine Arts Department at (903) 880-1620.

Garden workshop
Kaufman County Master Gardener Margaret Ann Trail is presenting a short workshop on maintaining and cutting back ornamental grasses at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7. The event, weather permitting, will be in front of the Garden Learning Center at the Kaufman County south annex (old jail), 3003 S. Washington.
For information call The Texas AgriLife Extension Office at (972) 932-9069.

Rose pruning workshop
Master Gardener Debra Middleton will present a workshop on pruning roses, which should be done in February. The workshop is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, at the EarthKind Rose Trial Garden located in front of the Kaufman County AgriLife Extension Office at 2471 North SH 34. For information call the Extension office at (972) 932-9069.

CCL Literary Club
The Literary Club of Cedar Creek Lake meets at 9:30 a.m., starting with refreshments, Tuesday, Feb. 8, at The Library at Cedar Creek Lake, Seven Points. Rose-Mary Rumbley will present the “History of the Comic Strip.” Guests are welcome, and for information on membership call Ruth Pimm at (903) 778-4752.

Wild Olive Branch sale
The Wild Olive Branch Ministry is hosting a garment sale of gently loved linens from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 9-11, with a salad buffet luncheon both Thursday and Friday, featuring salads, croissants, sandwiches, tea breads, scones, decadent cookies, cakes and tarts.
The church is located at 1008 South Tool Drive (across from the Tool water tower).

Library fund-raiser
The Friends of the Tri-County Library are sponsoring a fund-raiser for the library from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 10-11, in the library community room. Items include plants, baked goods, jewelry, etc. For information call Jackie Groom at (903) 887-8545.

Malakoff FFA events
The third annual Run for Roses barrel race is set for 9 a.m. (taking entries) and exhibition from 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Malakoff AG Arena, 15201 FM 3062, behind the high school. Watch for signs. Following the barrel race, the second annual chili dinner and auction will begin at 4:30 p.m. with the crowning of the FFA Sweetheart during the dinner.

Valentine’s dinner
A Valentine’s sit-down dinner hosted by American Legion Post 310 on SH 198 South is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. The dinner (prime rib and trimmings) is followed by Big Band DJ music. Dressy casual attire. Reservations required (only 72 seats available) and a charge.
For information call Marcia or Benny at the Post, (903) 887-3532.

Sweetheart dance
The Rope, Catch and Ride for Christ Cowboy church is hosting a free Sweetheart Dance from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, featuring John Spivey and his band. Donations accepted to pay the band. Prizes for kids and adults. Concession stand open to the public. North on SH 198 to CR 2807, turn right. Cowboy Church is on the right and looks like a red barn.
For information call Vickie at (9030 880-2695.

CC Civic League
The Cedar Creek Civic League is hosting a Joker Tournament and luncheon benefit, with doors opening at 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at the Lakeshore RV Park recreation room, Seven Points. Prizes for top players. Profits benefit Special Olympics, Tri-County Library, The Library at Cedar Creek Lake, ETMC Neo-Natal Department and Women’s Crisis, plus local Head Start programs, to name a few.
To register or for information, call Jeanie Hulsey at (903) 432-3341 or Claudett Allsup at (903) 432-3545.

Donate cars
Many Boys and Girls Clubs are running a car donation campaign. Donated cars are sold at auction and the funds generated help support their many programs. For information or to donate call toll-free (800) 246-0493.

Kemp Senior Citizens
The Kemp Senior Citizens Center, 300 North Dallas Street, Kemp, serves lunch for a small donation at noon weekdays. Seniors can enjoy games, quilting, puzzles, exercise class, Bible study and a lot more from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For information call Lisa Smith at (903) 498-4046.

Free tax help
Free tax help is available at Tri-County Library, Mabank, with Peggy Rogers, VITA. Rogers worked for the IRS for many years and keeps up with current changes. Call the library at (903) 887-9622, leaving name, local phone number (calls from cells with long distance numbers will not be returned), and the best time for her to return your call to set up an appointment.

AARP free tax help
AARP free tax services will be available from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 2, through Wednesday, April 13, at the following locations: Fridays at the Henderson County Senior Center, Athens; Mondays at The Library at Cedar Creek Lake, Seven Points, and Wednesdays at the Senior Citizens Center, Malakoff.
For information call (903) 778-2423.

Grief counsel meeting
First Assembly of God Church, 116 West Market Street, Mabank, is holding grief counseling meetings at 10 a.m. each Thursday.
For information, call Pastor Royce Barker at (903) 887-4881 or the Rev. Kathy Floyd at (903) 880-9692.

Flu shots available
Flu shots are available for adults and children. Contact the Texas Department of State Health Services at (972) 932-2038 for an appointment. Medicare/Medicaid accepted, sliding fee scale or $20 for adults. The clinic is located at 3001 S. Washington, Kaufman.

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Hail to the chief
Mabank’s Tim Johnson named Tyler fire chief
Monitor Staff Reports
TYLER–Longtime Mabank resident and City of Tyler firefighter Tim Johnson, 50, has been named the new Tyler fire chief.
With the Tyler Fire Department for nearly 30 years, Johnson progressed through the ranks since starting his career in 1981, and most recently served as district chief.
Johnson, who lost his father at a young age, told the Tyler Morning Telegraph that his dad had been a Dallas firefighter and that he had vivid memories of visiting him at Station 34. And since then, he knew what he’d become.
“Time passed, and I took the test in Tyler and never looked back,” Johnson is reported as saying.
“The main reason I do this is because I like it. I like the camaraderie. It always seemed to fit me,” he said.
The selection of Johnson to lead the Tyler Fire Department was confirmed during a Tyler city council meeting Wednesday. His wife, Pam, and son Chance accompanied him, along with a dozen brother firefighters. His daughter, Shae, was away at college and could not attend.
City manager Mark McDaniel commented on his being a “family man ... who has worked his way up.”
“Chief Johnson’s technical knowledge of professional firefighting, combined with his leadership skills make him a natural choice for Tyler’s next fire chief,” McDaniel said.
“It is gratifying to be able to promote from within the organization,” McDaniel added.
Johnson was promoted to Fire District Chief in 2008 and holds a Master Certification through the Texas Fire Commission. In fact, he has earned 10 certifications in firefighting, including instructor, technical rope rescue, extrication incident command and management, and high-angle rescue.
He has also served as chairman of the firefighters pension fund for the past 17 years.
Local friends and neighbors in Mabank know Johnson as their city councilman, a post he has held for many years, the the last six as mayor pro-tem.
Johnson has also served as school board trustee for Mabank ISD and is a current member of the Mabank Economic Development Corporation.
“He’s been doing his civic duty all his life,” his wife, Pam said. “I’m glad it’s finally paying off for him.”
The Tyler city manager said Johnson was chosen by a search committee, which considered a broad range of candidates for the post.
“I am just so tickled that Tim Johnson, who’s lived here all his life, served on the school board and paid his dues as a firefighter in one fire department has risen to the top,” Mabank school superintendent Dr. Russell Marshall responded.
“I think their trust in him is well deserved. Congratulations,” Marshall added.
Mabank mayor Larry Teague said, “I think it’s great. Tyler’s got them a good man. He’ll do a good job. This appointment speaks well of him and reflects positively on the city of Mabank.”
Mabank EDC executive director Scott Confer joined Teague in congratulating Johnson. “He’s well-deserving. In my opinion, there is no more qualified leader (for the post) than Tim,” Confer said. “Mabank’s loss will be Tyler’s gain.”
As fire chief, Tyler expects its new fire chief to relocate to Tyler within the year.
 

Drug suspect leads officers on chase
Monitor Staff Reports
CHEROKEE SHORES–Henderson County Deputy David Robertson was led on a chase after an attempted traffic stop Wednesday night in Cherokee Shores. The pursuit ran through State Highway 198, Enchanted Oaks Drive, Farm to Market 316 through Eustace and into Van Zandt County.
Darryl Lawayne Isom, 49, of Murchison, was finally surrounded by officers in the Roddy Community, when he attempted to turn around in the Faith Community Christian Academy parking lot close to midnight. Isom gave himself up with no further resistance when five police units had him penned in that location.
According to a press release from the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, throughout the pursuit Isom threw items from the vehicle, which were later recovered. More than a dozen prescription bottles containing narcotics and drugs not prescribed to him were gathered up.
Isom was arrested for Evading Arrest, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence and Reckless Driving.
A search of the vehicle revealed suspected methamphetamine, paraphernalia and more prescription drugs and narcotics not belonging to Isom.
Police officers from Payne Springs, Eustace and Gun Barrel City assisted in the pursuit, as well as county sergeant Robert Powers.
More narcotics charges are pending, following a lab report. Isom is being held on bonds totaling $20,500 in the Henderson County Jail.

Tolosa Plant to add 2nd new water tank
By Pearl Cantrell
Monitor Staff Writer
TOOL–West Cedar Creek Municipal Utility District directors approved a costly change order to the Tolosa Water Treatment Plant to meet more stringent state chlorination requirements.
Monday, general manager Tony Ciardo explained the need for a second 500,000-gallon ground water storage tank in order to bring the plant up to 100 percent capacity – 4 million gallons/day.
During colder and warmer weather months greater contact time between the raw water and chlorine is necessary to bring the plant up to 100 percent capacity, Ciardo explained.
“The current specifications operates the plant at 60 percent during cold weather months,” Ciardo said. “Now is the time to do it.” 
By adding another tank now, while the current new tank is under construction will save the district about $67,000, Ciardo said.
In the past, the Commission on Environmental Quality gave the plant credits for the baffling system built into the tanks, but no longer, Ciardo explained.
Adding a second newly constructed tank will cost $227,086, he said.
An existing 137,000-ground storage tank will be moved down the hill to function as a transfer tank for water coming off the sedimentation pond. In its place using the same foundation, the new tank will be constructed and plumbed in to link up with two other 500,000 tanks, one of which is now under construction.
“That will bring us right to 100 percent,” Ciardo said.
Two other smaller clarifier tanks will be moved to the Tool water plant and used for back-washing operations, Ciardo added.
In other business, directors:
• heard about a successful nine-hour repair of a pipe cap in the bottom of a clarifier at the Tool plant, damaged from a loose metal piece broken from a raw water pump sometime ago.
“The repair went very smoothly with all needed parts on hand,” Ciardo explained. The repair was timed so to not disrupt water service to any of the utility’s customers.
• called for an audit of Fiscal Year 2010 accounting records. Smith, Lambright and Associates will conduct the audit.
• heard the final painting inspection on the Seven Points Elevated Storage Tank went well.
The decal is due to be affixed to the tank this week.