August 2023

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Henderson County Judge Wade McKinney (from left), Precinct 2 Commissioner Scott Tuley, Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, Precinct 4 Commissioner Mark Richardson, Precinct 1 Commissioner Wendy Spivey and Precinct 3 Commissioner Chuck McHam attend a July 27 demonstration that shows how other counties can interconnect their radio systems with Henderson County, with potential coverage maps and examples of digital radios.

Courtesy Photo
Motorcade brings Matthews home from M.D. Anderson Hospital Houston June 16.

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Matthews’ (left) legacy of love lives on with son Jace (center) and husband Darian.
 

HENDERSON COUNTY–Henderson County Commissioners’ Court voted to enact a burn ban starting Aug. 1, which lasts 28 days to line up with a later court meeting, which convenes weekly on Tuesdays.
County Fire Marshal Shane Renberg told the court that the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) jumped about 70 points this past week. KBDI measures items such as soil moisture, ranging from zero being totally wet to 800 representing absolutely dry conditions, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

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Eustace High School cheerleaders end camp July 29. “We had a blast, learned a lot and feel ready for the season to begin,” said Eustace HS Cheer. “Let’s go Bulldogs!”

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Mabank High School holds a very successful volleyball team camp July 26. Panther volleyball thanks Coach Lyn Evans for coming and running camp. “Her knowledge of the game and experience was a great asset to our program. Our Panthers worked hard over the last three days, knocked some rust off and got better! We are proud of these ladies,” said program leaders. Tryouts began Monday and the girls play the first home game Aug. 8 against Palestine and Malakoff.

Ms. Patsy Black, 88, of Gun Barrel City, went peacefully into the night July 22, 2023 at home. 
Patsy was born in Handley Feb. 21, 1935 to her loving parents Benjamin and Alice Jones.
At a young age Patsy was active, she played baseball and volleyball. Rode bikes and skated from downtown to Marsales Zoo. In High School Patsy would march in parades from Downtown to Fair Park.

Heaven gained another angel July 8, 2023. Lukas “Luke” Ryan Charles McKee born in Athens July 18, 1991, to Jim and Jill (McRae) McKee.
Luke was a sweet, caring and loving son, brother and father who had a huge heart. He loved fishing, hunting and hanging out with his family and friends. 
He was a BIG time sports fan. There was no baseball, football or basketball game that he did not watch. Of course, his number one teams were the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks. 

Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
Peyton (left) and Rowdy Gregg are having a fun time at JulyFest ‘23.

Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
Keeping cool under a canopy at the Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Gun Barrel City Chapter booth are Robert Long (from left), Joy Long, Ally Kartal, Numan Kartal and Marty Mullins.

KAUFMAN COUNTY–Commissioners voted to issue a burn ban during the regular meeting Aug. 1. Fire Marshall Paul Ayres told commissioners that during this time of year, conditions often make burning dangerous, and this season is already proving to be high-risk.
Ayres went on to tell commissioners that the first major grass fire of the season occurred last week when 20 acres ignited as a result of bailing hay. He stated that grass is currently completely cured, making it a very fast burn, and that over the coming days, conditions will continue to get dryer.