January 2024

Monitor Photo/Kaylee Tracy
Mabank sophomore Kalli Smith goes in for a successful shot for the Lady Panthers.

EUSTACE–The Kemp Yellowjackets’ basketball squads arrived at Kirk Gymnasium Jan. 19 for district clashes with the Eustace Bulldogs, with Kemp winning both contests.
During the girls’ game, Kemp led first at 4-0, before Eustace got on the board with two free throws by Sarah Ross. A Toni Hawkins 3-point play and one free throw by Emma Bailey built the lead to 8-2.
Ross’ 3-pointer trimmed it to 8-5 before Makayla Millel’s charity shot made it 9-5, Kemp. Eustace trailed 9-7 going into the second quarter with Aurora Powell’s field goal.

Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
QuikTrip is building the new Generation 3S store in Mabank on the north corner of US Highway 175 and State Highway 198. The store will open in the spring of 2024 and will supply approximately 20 - 25 jobs to the area.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
During their Jan. 22 meeting, Kerens ISD trustees receive gifts in recognition of January’s School Board Recognition Month, which is being marked across Texas under proclamation by Gov. Greg Abbott. Trustees include Tyrone Bailey (from left), Anne Beckman, Janie Solis, Board President Teresa Jennings, Tyrone Martin, Board Secretary Matt Lynch and Board Vice President Randy Bancroft.

Pen was born April 3, 1933 to Glen and Alleta McBride in Balch Springs. He had three brothers and one sister.
Pen graduated from Mesquite High School in 1951. 
He married Marlene Iglewski in 1952. They had daughters Barbara Jean, Teresa Gail and Penny Faye. 
Marlene passed from this life in 1978 and Penny passed away in 1995.
During Pen’s life he served in the Navy Reserve and had an honorable discharge in 1955.
Pen became a Dallas Fireman in 1955. He worked as a driver Engineer on the ladder truck for 23 years. 

Bobby Keith Sapp passed away Jan. 12, 2024, at home with his family.
He was born March 31, 1937 in Prairieville to Ira Clinton and Elsie Mae Wininger Sapp.  
He attended Mabank High School, served in the U.S. Air Force and graduated from North Texas State University with a master’s degree.  
Bob and Mary Ellen Killian were married Sept. 2, 1961 and had 62 happy years together.
Though Bob was a pastor, teacher, coach and school counselor, he loved God and shared the gospel with many as he enjoyed many other activities.

Courtesy Photo
Payne Springs Fire Rescue works grass fires in assistance with Log Cabin Fire Department on a vacant lot on Tom Hickman that threatened a neighboring structure and a grass fire on CR 1411.

Monitor Photo/Kaylee Tracy
Junior Jacie Jones dribbles up the court during the Lady Panthers Jan. 4 game against the Van Lady Vandals.