Pioneer Day set for June 20
By Pearl Cantrell
Monitor Staff Writer
EUSTACE–Every year this day-long celebration draws crowds to Eustace for games of skill, and unique crafts and gift items. A day of entertainment and activities are planned, starting with the fourth annual Pioneer Day 5K Walk/Run at 8 a.m.
Once again, coach Gene Myers is heading up this event. A $20 entry fee comes with a T-shirt. The top three winners in each age group will be presented an award following the race. Pick up a registration form at the city hall, or call Myers at (903) 477-1379.
After the race, the bazaar opens for browsing through arts, crafts and food booths.
But you don’t have to wait long before the Pioneer Day parade trots down Farm-to-Market 316 from the high school to the town square.
Parade participants should be at the school no later than 9:30 a.m.
All day entertainment is scheduled including, demonstrations, domino and horseshoe pitching contests and bingo.
The Eustace Primary School will once again host a cake walk around the gazebo at 10: 45 a.m.
The First Baptist Church Eustace Adult Choir takes the stage at 11:15 a.m. This group has grown in musical ability and expertise over the years and is a performance you won’t want to miss.
Five Tigers Dojo will once again demonstrate their martial arts skills under sensei Ellis Beam, (903) 275-7722.
At 1 p.m., pets will be strutting their stuff in an adorable pet show at the gazebo. If your pet has what it takes to circle the gazebo, be sure to be there with your leash. Questions? Call Rick and Diane Schaeffer at (903) 425-4082.
The day of festivities closes with a street dance beginning at 8 p.m. with music provided by John Allen and the Whiplash Band.

Three held in separate busts
Monitor Staff Reports
ATHENS–Three people were arrested on drug charges during the Memorial Day weekend arising from three very different incidents – a traffic stop, a disturbance call and a man riding an unlit bicycle after dark.
The first incident was the traffic stop, according to reports issued by Henderson County Sheriff Ray Nutt.
Around 1 a.m. May 27, Deputy David Robertson initiated a traffic stop on a minor traffic offense on a red Geo Tracker along Harbor Point Road, between Gun Barrel City and Mabank.
While speaking with the driver, Robertson obtained consent to search the vehicle, and during the search, recovered two small bags in the driver’s door area containing what was believed to be methamphetamine.
The amount of suspected meth was less than one gram, which is a state jail felony, Nutt reported.
Robertson arrested the driver, Karen Cullum, 40, of the Seven Points area, for possession of a controlled substance, and transported her to the Henderson County Jail.
Cullum was released later after posting $5,000 bond.
Late May 30, Deputy Jonathan Halbert was on routine patrol along Double Bridge Road in the Payne Springs area when he observed a man riding a bicycle – without reflectors or lights – in the middle of the road.
While talking with the heavily tattooed rider, Halbert noticed the man, identified as James Harrington, 30, was acting very nervous and shaking.
Halbert asked for consent to search Harrington for illegal substances, and the search produced a small plastic wrapper containing a white crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine.
Halbert arrested Harrington for possession of a controlled substance, less than one gram. As of Wednesday, Harrington remained jailed in lieu of $7,500 bond.
Late May 31, Halbert was dispatched to a disturbance at 216 Garner Drive in Payne Springs.
During the investigation of the incident, Halbert found Latasha Hickman, 38, to be in possession of a small quantity of suspected methamphetamine.
Hickman was released June 5 after posting $7,500 bond.

VFW slates June 25 flagpole dedication
Special to The Monitor
SEVEN POINTS–The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4376 is dedicating a new flagpole on land set aside by Scottie’s Exxon and the Dairy Queen in Seven Points.
The VFW hasn’t had a prominent corner since road work realigned and widened State Highway 334 through the city, Ladies Auxiliary president Lynn Hill said. “And our flagpole was taken,” she added.
The post was fond of holding special patriotic tributes at the flagpole on the corner of Kelly Lane and the intersection. It hasn’t been able to do so for some time now.
But all that is about to be remedied.
Two soldiers recently returned from the Middle East are making plans to conduct a flag-raising ceremony for Saturday morning June 25, rededication, she said.
The ladies of VFW Post 4376 are also going to hold a bake sale, cake walk and face painting booth for children, while its members give the public a chance to support hospitalized veterans through its “Buddy Poppy” campaign.
KCKL-Radio is also planning a live broadcast from the site from 8 a.m. to noon, she said.
Even though the event is being held after June 14, the traditional Flag Day observance, it will be honoring the Stars and Stripes, “long may she wave,” Hill said.
“You all come out and join us in expressing our love of country and support for our veterans,” she invited.