May 2024

William “Elick” Baxter was born May 27, 1936, in Olney. He departed this life April 28, 2024, at the age of 87. He was the second child born to Jack and Edith Baxter.
Elick worked at various jobs during his life, including years in the oil drilling fields of the Rocky Mountain States. He worked as a custom home builder in the Dallas – Fort Worth area before moving to the Cedar Creek Lake area, where he has been for over fifty years. 
Before long, he began his own business as a concrete construction contractor until retiring in 2010.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Kerens’ Ella Engel gets the sign before stepping back into the batter’s box versus Hawkins.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Jaidin Rickard of Kerens scurries toward first base after making contact against Hawkins.

KAUFMAN COUNTY—During the regular Kaufman County Commissioners Court meeting held April 30, the county approved the purchase of mitigation credits. An environmental study conducted for the State Highway (SH) 34 and US Highway (US HWY) 175 connector road determined that a negative impact to the wetlands was discovered. Because of the negative impact to the wetlands, the US Corps of Engineers requires a mitigation purchase from a mitigation bank to decrease negative impact to the wetlands.

Monitor Photo/Ashlee Sawyer
“Land of the Free” (left) made by Carolyn Fackler and quilted by Cynthia Allen took home many awards during the Gun Barrel City Quilters Guild show held April 26 and 27 at the CR Legacy Event Center. “Indah Blossoms” also made by Carolyn Fackler and quilted by Cynthia Allen took home awards. 

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Malakoff shortstop Mike Jones hammers a first-inning single to left field during the April 23 game against Mildred.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Malakoff right fielder Wyatt Wallace, hitting in the cleanup spot April 23 against Mildred, takes a big cut.

Linda Deanne Cracknell Rau, 83, of Eustace, passed away April 25, 2024. Linda was born June 30, 1940, to Cyril and Anne Cracknell of Buffalo, N.Y.  
After Linda graduated from Kenmore Senior High School (1958) she went on to study Early Childhood Education at Buffalo State University. 
After graduating in 1962, she worked for 30+ years as a kindergarten and Pre-1st grade teacher in Medina, N.Y. After retiring in 1996, Russ and Linda moved to Texas to be with their family.

Edwin David Slaydon, Jr., passed from this life April 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 15, 1943, in Dallas to Edwin David, Sr. and Mary Alice (Wall) Slaydon. 
He grew up in Dallas for 10 years before moving to California and graduating from Polytechnic High School in Long Beach. While living in California he would meet a neighbor, Sandra Williams, at the age of 12, and they would walk to school together for years. 
After high school, Sandra and Ed would marry August 6, 1961, being blessed with 63 wonderful years together. 

Marvin Lee Bolt was born in Blackfoot to Oel Lee and Alois Bolt Nov. 27, 1938. He entered Glory April 24, 2024, where his wife of 65 years was waiting for him.
Marvin graduated from Cayuga High School in 1956 and married the love of his life, Betty Sue Mosely, in July of 1959.  
He worked for Verson All Steel Press Company over 25 years where they flew him all over the country to keep their presses running. He was well known for his skills. Marvin later worked for Madix Store Fixtures over 30 years until his retirement at the age of 80.  

KAUFMAN COUNTY—The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) is investigating an incident where a deputy shot and killed a dog while responding to a 911 non-violent call, according to a news report from Fox 4 KDFW.
The incident occurred in March, after a 911 call was placed regarding a verbal argument. 

Monitor Photo/Ashlee Sawyer
Area homeschool students proudly display their winning ribbons earned during the Learn with Laura Homeschool Science Fair at Tri-County Library April 26.