Normal Lake Level
is 322.00 feet above Mean Sea Level.
Current level for Cedar Creek Lake is: 321.76
Water Temperature:
N/A degrees - top
N/A degrees - bottom

Sports in Brief

Boater Education Course
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 5-14 will hold public boater education courses at the flotilla headquarters located at 1908 Island Circle in Tool (near the entrance to Don’s Port Marina).
There are several opportunities to take the course, offered at 8:30 a.m. May 26, June 23, July 28, Aug. 25, Sept. 22 and Oct. 27.
For registration and further information, contact John Steele at (903) 432-3937, by cell phone at (817) 229-3030 or by e-mail at jescgaux@earthlink.net.  The course satisfies the State of Texas Boater Education requirements. Complimentary vessel safety checks will also be available.

Nature Tracks and animals
Purtis Creek State Park will hold an opportunity to learn about nature and animal tracks from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 19. Learn about the different animals that frequent Purtis Creek State Park, and the tracks they leave behind. Cast tracks from molds, then take a short hike to look for tracks.
Meet at overflow camping area parking lot. For more information, contact the park at (903) 425-2332.

Take a Kid Fishing
Learn the basics of traditional fishing from 8 a.m. until noon Saturday, June 2, at Purtis Creek State Park.
Topics such as knot-tying, casting a spincast reel and identifying fish, and demonstrating how to be a safe and responsible angler will be covered.
Stay afterwards for fishing and hot dog lunch. Class size limited and reservations are required.
Call the Park at (903) 425-2332 to make reservations.

Basic Birding
Purtis Creek State Park will hold a basic birding class from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 26. Take a hike and learn about techniques for finding and identifying birds. Wear comfortable shoes, bring binoculars if you have them otherwise we have a few to loan out. Meet at overflow camping area parking lot. For more information, contact the park at (903) 425-2332.

Guided Canoe/Kayak Tour
Purtis Creek State Park will host a guided canoe/kayak trip from 9 a.m. until noon Sunday, May 20.
Take a leisurely trip on Purtis Creek State Park Lake, view areas of the park only accessible by boat.
Learn about the waterfowl and other animals that frequent the Park. Wear shoes that can get wet, wear clothing appropriate for the weather, bring plenty of drinking water and snacks. Weather permitting.
Cost of the tour is $6 for people 12 years old and older. Children less than 12 are free. Space is limited, and reservations are required.
Meet at boat rental area. To make reservations, contact the Park at (903) 425-2332.

 

Upcoming Events

Track

May 11-12
• State track meet @ University of Texas at Austin’s Mike A. Myers Stadium.

Baseball

May 11
• Carthage @ Mabank (playoff game 1) – 7 p.m.
May 12
• Mabank @ Carthage (playoff game 2) – 3 p.m. p.m.
• Mabank @ Carthage (playoff game 3 - if needed) – 30 minutes after conclusion of game 2

Champion to champion

Monitor Photo/Sam Epps
The 2012 Mabank Panther baseball team won the District 13-3A championship, the first time since 1989. Prior to a warmup game against Cayuga May 4, the team honored the 1989 district-champion Mabank Panthers. Representing the 1989 team are (from left, front row) Mark Manning, Matt Winklevoss, Richard Gaddis, Kent McNutt, Jeff Gaddis and Bill Larkin. Also members of the 1989 (not pictured) are Jason Norman, Greg Priest, Doug Lulloff, Boyce Woods, Michael Murlin, Willie Lulloff, Zach Williams, Stanton Ray, Jason White, Jay Reedy and head coach Stan Williams. The team had a 14-6 overall record. Mabank was also district champs in 1987 and 1988. Members of the 2012 Panthers are (not in order) J.T. Delay, Kaleb Mandeville, Corey Dyer, Ryan Walker, Jake Raney, John Velez, Austin Craig, Jared Odom, Jacob Ortiz, Ezequiel Gonzales, Toby Grimes, Hunter Carrico, Garrett Holcomb, Stephen Caillet, Joel Lynn, head coach Jeff Johnson, and assistant coaches Chris Curren and Thomas Kellenaers.

Flying with Eagles

Monitor Photo/Sam Epps
Kemp Lady Yellowjacket Kandace Rose (front center) signs a letter of intent Monday to compete in track at the University of North Texas. Rose was named co-Lady Yellowjacket Athlete of the Year at the annual Kemp Athletic Booster Club banquet Monday. Rose is a state qualfier in shot put. This year, she broke her own previous school record with a 41-2 throw. Pictured are (from left, front row) grandmother Joyce Rose, Kandace Rose, grandfather Billy Rose and aunt Gwen Allen; (back row) Kemp athletics director Greg Anderson, coach J.J. Williams and coach Peggy Swierc. “It (getting a scholarship) feels good, like you’ve accomplished something you’ve been working for,” Rose said. “It makes not only you, but your family, happy.” Rose is working to be a teacher, and will study special education at UNT. “I chose UNT because it was convenient for my family and has a great education program,” Rose explained. “It was my first choice of school.”