January 2023

Courtesy Photo
UT Health Athens welcomes the first baby of the new year at 5:56 a.m., Jan. 2. Carslyn Chanea Cumby was born to Raiesha and A.T. Cumby weighing eight pounds, eight ounces and measuring 20 inches long. She joins siblings Chasen 10 and Carleigh who is five. “We couldn’t imagine a better way to start the year off,” Raiesha says. “To have someone new in the house to pour in love and dedication will definitely keep us in a state of gratitude.”

Born Dec. 18, 1933 in Austin Norma passed away in her sleep Jan. 2, 2023 after an extended illness.  
Noma was a graduate of Forest Avenue High School in Dallas and Dallas Baptist University. She retired from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service in 1993 then moved to Cedar Creek Lake where she became an active member of Cedar Creek Lake UMC, Women’s Club, Literary Guild and a founding member of Cedar Creek Civic League.

KEMP–The Kemp Yellowjacket band performed well at the Area band competition Jan. 7.
Students competed against the best of the best in all of North Texas’ 3A schools, stretching from Quanah, Wichita Falls, Paris and down through the entire expanded Dallas-Fort Worth area. 

Jerry “Buddy” Starek, 90, passed away Dec. 15, 2022 at his home in Kemp, surrounded by his family. He was born Sept. 6, 1932, in Aley to parents Frank and Annie (Balajka) Starek.
Jerry served honorably in the United States Marine Corp for a total of 12 years in both active and reserve forces. During his time in the military he served in combat, during the Korean War.
Jerry married Betty, the love of his life for 68 years and they settled in Kemp, where they raised their beloved children Dennis, Larry, Jerry, Jamie and Linda.  

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
The Kaufman County Justice Center which opened in November 2022 was the result of tremendous growth within the County. Most of the judical offices have moved from the downtown Kaufman Annex and Courthouse building to the new justice center building by the beginning of the new year. 

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Charles Ligon (pictured) and other Cedar Creek Amateur Radio Club members monitor inclement weather and report to the National Weather Service.

MABANK–The Mabank Panthers 2023 baseball season is fast approaching.
Tryouts for the junior varsity and varsity squads are set for Jan. 20-21.
Those interested in playing are encouraged to meet with Coach Bartley in Room 220 at Mabank High School.
The 2023 season is set to begin Feb. 4 with the Panthers first home scrimmage against Dallas Sunset at 1 p.m.