February 2023

EUSTACE–At the Feb. 2 meeting of the Eustace City Council, council members voted for an early pay-off on the total remaining balance of just over $96,000 on its loan with First State Bank. 
The loan originated in November 2015 with an original balance of $268,000 and was used for water and sewer improvements in the city. Having paid off $172,000 over the course of seven years, the council determined it was in the best interests of the city to pay the remaining debt in full.
In other business, council members:

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Kerens’ Bobby Williams dishes off a pass to a teammate in the Bobcats’ home finale Feb. 10. 

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Lane Lynch of Kerens looks for an outlet against Cayuga during his team’s Feb. 10 loss.
 

ATHENS–Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) Trustees announced Dr. Jason Morrison as the sole finalist for the president position. Morrison, currently Chancellor of Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech), was chosen from a field of 136 applicants in a national search.

MABANK–Following the previous recommendation of the district’s Fall 2021 Facility Advisory Committee, the Mabank ISD Board of Trustees unanimously called a bond election for May 6. If approved, the three propositions totaling $119 million would fund a new early childhood center, a career and technical education facility at the high school and would provide upgrades to athletic facilities.

Monitor Photo/Bodey Cooper
Mabank Lady Panther Bailey Litchfield drives up the court Feb. 13 against the North Lamar Pantherettes during their Bi-district playoff contest at Greenville High School. Litchfield leads Mabank with 11 points in their 50-33 loss.

William Jeffrey “Jeff” Singleton, 78, passed away peacefully Jan. 20, 2023, in Mabank. 
A memorial service was held at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan Jan. 27, 2023. 
William Jeffrey Singleton was privately interred in the Aggie Field of Honor Cemetery, College Station in a family ceremony. 
In leu of flowers please make donations to The Association of Former Students, Texas A&M University.
Jeff was the second oldest of six children born to James M. Singleton III and Elizabeth Welsh Singleton in Reading, Pa., Oct.11, 1944. 

Darlene was born in Crowell to Everett “Smokey” and Maxine Callaway and spent her formative years in Cisco. 
After several moves, she finally settled in Gun Barrel City with her late husband Jerry Gilbert. 

Allen Ray Alexander, 44, passed away Feb. 9, 2023, at his home in Kemp. Allen was born Feb. 8, 1979, to parents Howard Ray and Glenda Alexander.
Allen was a great friend and father to everyone who had the honor of knowing him. Allen had two real hobbies, fishing and cracking jokes. Both of which he was very good at. Always wanting to see people smile and laugh and enjoy life. That was Allen’s biggest gift to friends and family.
Allen was preceded in death by his grandparents Jack and Frances Alexander and Joe and Audrie Hendrick and his father.

John Larkin Noel, Jr, of Athens passed away Feb. 4, 2023.
John was born in West to John Noel, Sr. and Mildred Alyne Noel.
John was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law C.R. Summerall and niece Jenny Summerall.

Harry Payne Wilt, Jr. passed away at his home in Haslet Feb. 5, 2023 after his battle with cancer at the age of 81 surrounded by his loving family. 
Harry was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister.