People, Places & Events

County sets competition for heavy equipment operators
By Barbara Gartman
Monitor Staff Writer
KAUFMAN–Which commissioner has the best road crew?
The Kaufman County Commissioners agreed to set up a competition, or construction “roadeo” for their precincts.
“The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDoT) has an event called a Road-E-O in which workers’ skills are tested, so I came up with an idea to do something similar with our workers,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Deller explained.
“I have come up with some events that will test the skills of our employees and commissioners,” Deller told the other commissioners at their Feb. 2 session.
Speed is definitely not the object – the competition measures the skill of the individual driver/operator, he added.
As planned, the event will take place in a large open area on the west side of the county fairgrounds.
“We are hoping to have it sometime in June or July, a time least likely to have a big rain-out,” Deller explained.
The Children’s Advocacy Center will operate a concession stand, with proceeds to benefit the Center.
Plans are to have a tandem truck competition, testing the forward and backing stop skills of the operator.
Operators will be tested on stopping as close to a barricade as possible without hitting it.
There will be a slow driving race for commissioners only, with the objective being to drive in a straight line as slow as possible without stopping.
Other events include curved driving, a bottle straddle, backhoe competition, loading a truck, picking up a bat and rolling a soccer ball with a motor grader without cutting the ground.
Deller said he planned to furnish prize ribbons and a rotating trophy to be shown in the winning precinct’s office.
In other business, commissioners:
• voted to have the county’s attorney continue an appeal on litigation involving Cause No.05-07-01152-CV, following a closed-session discussion with their attorney.
The case involves Kaufman attorney Jo Ann E. Combs and the county.
• granted authority to the county purchasing agent to approve change orders as listed in section 262.031 (b) of the local government code.
• renewed the Primary Rate Interface (PRI) agreement with Embarq for the Kaufman County Courthouse and the Sheriff’s Department.
• appointed Terry B. Thomas, Taylor Golden, Larry Anderson, John Loar and Harry P. Wilt as commissioners to the Emergency Service District No. 2.
• accepted the financial report for Emergency Service District No. 2.
• appointed Harry Girouard, Chuck Cade, John Dabbs, Mark Sacharko and Todd Gilcrease as commissioners to Emergency Service District No. 7.
• accepted the financial report for Emergency Service District No. 7.
• approved the deputation of Arthur Decardenas, Chris M. Sepulveda, Eric L. Williams, Marianne Briggs, Douglas W. Adams, Daryl B. Landrum and Robert S. McKissick for the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department.
• approved budget transfers as presented by auditor Hal D. Jones.
• paid bills totaling $658,803.87.

New treatment for pain available to CCL residents
Special to The Monitor
MABANK–Cedar Creek Lake area residents now have a new avenue for their treatment of acute and chronic pain.
Local chiropractor Rick Harris, D.C. has been utilizing K-laser in his office and achieving phenomenal results.
“K-laser is getting amazing results with both acute and chronic pain. K-laser can work on a myriad of conditions, from joint replacements to strains and sprains with exceptional results,” Harris said.
“I’ve been using the K-laser for more than a year and I think patients who have undergone the therapy describe it best,” he added.
“In January, I went to see Dr. Rick for a problem with my back. While he was giving me a treatment, I mentioned I have a problem with my knees,” Marcie Oliver recounts.
“He then told me he could treat my knees with laser. He did say however, if I needed to have knee surgery the treatment would not help.
“I agreed to do so, and after one treatment the pain had decreased. He continued the laser treatments for five days.
“The knee pain has improved so much, I plan to continue next week with the other knee.
“Welcome Dr. Rick to Mabank, and the whole Cedar Creek Lake area.
“My husband Ken and I feel we have a new friend, as well as a doctor,” she added.
“K-laser works by increasing the energy levels in the cells in the tissues being treated. This allows tissues to function at a more optimum level and heal quicker,” Harris said.
“By doing this, pain levels and inflammation are usually decreased and the damaged tissue functions in a more normal manner,” he added.
“The main advantage of the K-laser is its power,” Harris said.
“With the K-laser, we can get results in six to 10 visits, when lower powered lasers often need 15 treatments or more to start seeing progress,” Harris said.
His clientele for the K-laser are those who have undergone knee or shoulder surgery, either recently or several months ago.
“Also, those with sports injuries have greatly benefitted from the treatment,” he said.
Harris treats many athletes for injuries, as they want to return to their activity as soon as possible.
“Really, sports injuries and chronic joint pain are similar. In both cases, abnormal wear is usually the culprit, and K-laser therapy is an appropriate treatment in both circumstances,” he said.
“Most types of soft tissue pain issues get significant relief with K-laser in a few short visits. These usually last less than 10 minutes for one area and the treatment is actually relaxing. Often patients will feel the effects right after the initial treatment.”
Harris is the owner of Mabank Chiropractic, PA located between Groom’s Ace Hardware and Brookshire’s Grocery on South Third Street.
Office hours are 2-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
He is in the same office as local chiropractor Dr. Jeff Gaddis and is a 1996 honors graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, in active practice since 1996.
For more information or to make an appointment for this new and effective form of pain relief, call (903) 887-6882.
 

Mabank FFA members place at Fort Worth show
Special to The Monitor
MABANK–Mabank FFA students recently participated at the Fort Worth Livestock Show.
Mallory Norman and Valerie Manning received first place with their Maine Anjou Cow-Calf Pair. The duo also were named Grand Champion in the Senior Heifer Division.
Taylor Rademacher also was named first in class and Reserve Grand Champion Spring Heifer Champion.
Jordyn Costlow received sixth place in the Angus heifer division.
Also, Valerie Manning finished 10th in class with her Shorthorn heifer, while Jake Costlow also finished 10th in class with his Angus heifer.
Brock Rademacher finished fifth in class with his Charolais heifer, and Mitzi Pyle finished seventh place in class with her Limousin heifer.