November 2023

The final chapter of Richard K. Bramblitt’s history was written Nov. 19, 2023. He passed peacefully at home, at the age of 83 after a brief hospital stay.  
He was known to most as Dick Bramblitt. Dick was a retired Dallas Fire Captain where he served for 30 years.    Most would say he was a great historian of the town and people of Mabank. His work on the Mabank Cemetery Board was vital to the preservation of Mabank history. His tireless hours of research for names was essential in the development of Kaufman County Veterans Memorial. 

Martha Jean Hutchison LaRue passed away peacefully Nov. 18, 2023, surrounded by her family, after a lengthy battle with Dementia. She was 88 years old. 
A graduate of Mabank High School, class of 1953, Martha remained close to her friends and classmates. She was of the Baptist faith and was a member of First Baptist Church of Mabank. She taught children’s Sunday School classes and worked in the AWANAS program. 
Martha was a very dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She attended many of the activities that they were involved in. 

Courtesy Photo/PSFR Facebook
Payne Springs Fire Rescue extiguishes a fully involved structure fire early Sunday morning, saving the fire from spreading to neighboring structures.

Courtesy Photo
The City of Kemp kicks off the Christmas Season with the first Annual Christmas Parade with an “Elf on the Shelf” theme Nov. 25. The parade was well attended and featured more than 25 floats as well as marching groups. Courtesy of Verna Lantz Photography, Kemp Friends of 4H and FFA bring a trainload of good tidings to the first annual Christmas Parade.

Courtesy Photo/Mabank High School
Mabank High School varsity basketball takes the number one spot at the annual Port Aransas Marlin Classic basketball tournament Nov. 18.
 

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Payne Springs seats council members Nov. 16, including incumbent Christi Hanson (left) and new Council Member Daryl Scoggins, both of whom filed for two spots in the Nov. 7 election and who automatically assumed office.

Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
Cedar Creek Roller Derby League holds its first bout at the Mabank Pavilion Nov. 11. The family-friendly event will host another bout (game) each quarter. 

Monitor Photo/Di Johnson
Sarah Maples Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) members show their support for local veterans at the start of the group’s annual Veterans Day program Nov. 11 at the Mabank veteran memorial wall.