February 2024

Courtesy Photo/Nicoli Hinkle

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Kerens ISD school board members meet Kerens Secondary School’s February Students of the Month, introduced by Secondary School Associate Principal Kristen Lynch (from left), featuring Kate Kent, Kynzee Elmore and Diego Torres Feb. 26.

Courtesy Photo/Mabank ISD
The Mabank Panthers, who post a 2023-24 record of 25-7, celebrate their Bi-district championship Feb. 19 against Texarkana Pleasant Grove.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Jackson Young of Kemp eludes a Palestine Westwood defender during his team’s Area-round matchup at Corsicana High School.

Arthur Roy Phillips, first a sinner saved by the precious blood of Jesus, as well as a loving husband, father, honey-pappa, brother, uncle, friend and barber, took his seat at the Father's Table Feb. 17, 2024.
Roy was born Dec. 19, 1959 in Dallas to Cecil and Dorothy Phillips. 
Roy lived his life for the Lord and it was evident to all who knew him. He was a man of genuine faith and his prayers were powerful. 

Special to The Monitor      
                                
KAUFMAN COUNTY–Governor Greg Abbott appointed Tracy Gray to the 489th Judicial District Court in Kaufman County Feb. 21, for a term set to expire on Dec. 31, 2024 or until her successor shall be duly elected and qualified.

Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
Owner and Director Brennan Popham celebrates the grand opening of Cedar Creek Cosmo Wellness Spa and C3 Suites Feb. 24. The spa will feature medical grade skin care products, skin resurfacing, laser hair removal, botox and so much more. Cedar Creek Cosmo Wellness and Spa is located at 426 S. Gun Barrel City Lane. For appointments call (903) 802-5130.

Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
West Cedar Creek Municipal District General Manger Tony Ciardo (center) addresses a full house of Key Ranch, Lakewood and Lakewood North residents at Triple N Ranch Winery and Vineyard Feb. 17. The Town Hall meeting is to introduce the new sewer system that is being installed in the area. Ciardo opens the floor for questions to be answered concerning timing and cost of the new sewer system. Homeowners are given the choice to connect to the sewer system or stay with their current septic system.

Monitor Photo/Denise York
Mabank High School Interact Club students volunteer to help with the book distribution. The Interact Club is sponsored by the Rotary Club. Pictured is Gibson Boatright (from left), Emma Griffin, Kyndal Anderson, Callie Lawrence, Rotary Vocational Services Chairperson Rebecca Smith, Angelica Forrest, Joshua Seng, Felicity Torres, Abigail Jones, Michaela McDowell, Kaylee Tracy, Callie Moorhead, Krymsen Seay and Valeria Soria. 

Monitor File Photo
Daltyn Irvin, a Kemp sophomore, receives honors as District 8-3A Defensive Newcomer of the Year.

Monitor File Photo
Eustace’s Gabe Rudman, who is a senior, makes first-team All-District on defense for 8-3A.

Monitor File Photo
Malakoff head football coach Jamie Driskell is the Texas Sports Writers Association Class 3A Coach of the Year after winning the 2023 state championship.

Monitor File Photo
Malakoff senior football player Chauncey Hogg makes first-team All-State as a defensive back after being named District 8-3A’s Most Valuable Player.