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Kemp ISD seeks grants for school safety

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KEMP–Kemp ISD Board of Trustees voted to apply for COPS grants to increase safety and security for students. These grants are made available through the U.S. Department of Justice programs under the STOP School Violence Act and require schools to partially match funds.
These grants were among the grants stated during the public hearing portion of the meeting which the board holds each year, informing the public that the district intends to seek grants.

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Walking for the 22 a day

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Members of the DFW-North Texas “All Airborne” Chapter 82nd Airborne Division along with local supporters walk a 2.2 mile journey in honor of July fourth but also for the estimated 22 veterans, service members, law enforcement and first responders who commit suicide daily. The walks are lead by 82nd Airborne Division Chaplain Gabriel Kanawite.  

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Business goes swimmingly for Cedar Creek Pools

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CEDAR CREEK LAKE–After three years in business locally, a new 7,200-square foot retail facility, which held its grand opening June 10, has allowed Cedar Creek Pools to give its customers more options to have fun in the water.
Cedar Creek Pools is owned by Shannon Wiley, who has been in pool construction since 1989. Wiley recalls a saying from the man who first hired him in the business. “Get your feet wet without getting in over your head. And I’m trying to continue with that motto,” he says.

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First United Methodist awards 2022 scholarships

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The First United Methodist Church of Mabank recognizes their 2022 scholarship winners at a ceremony June 12. Scholarship winners were Eustace High School senior Caleb Gonzales (from left), Mabank High School senior Austin Kilgore (middle) and Kemp High School senior Veronica Morales as they are honored alongside Pastor Dan Gurley (second from left) and Chairman of Cornerstone Scholarship Committee Scott Daniels (far right). Scholarship winners that are not pictured are Malakoff High School senior Allyson Holt and Mabank High School senior Hallie Collins.

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Daniel Herbert Shaw, Jr.

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Daniel Herbert Shaw, Jr. was born to parents Daniel Herbert Shaw, Sr. and Annie Corene (Caldwell) Shaw Feb. 14, 1944, becoming their very favorite Valentine's Day gift, ever. 
When Dan married the love of his life, Sharon, he knew he had found his soul mate. 
He was a good man, great son, devoted husband, loving father, doting grandfather and great-grandfather. 

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SKAINS WINS GUN BARREL CITY MAYOR’S RACE

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GUN BARREL CITY–After numbers from the May 7 election forced a runoff race between candidates Linda Rankin and incumbent Mayor David Skains, Gun Barrel City voters re-elected Skains as their mayor June 28. 
In May, candidates Skains, Rankin and newcomer Zachary Kennedy ran for the mayor’s seat but with no candidate taking over 50 percent of the vote, it forced a runoff election. 
Early voting numbers totaled 109 votes for June 16 and 17 and 168 votes the week of June 20 through June 24. Election day numbers were 121 total votes. 

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Payne Springs hears development plans

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PAYNE SPRINGS–Payne Springs City Council heard a June 21 presentation about development plans in the vicinity of the State Highway 198 intersection with County Road 2531 (Clear Creek Road).
Council learned that Logan Graff and Kelley Meeker are in partnership to build boat, RV, covered, self and open storage on the back portion of the 14-acre tract, with future plans to build retail space at the front two acres along the highway. Graff said that part could feature a gas station, car wash or a retail store.

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Kerens ISD adopts budget, accepts tax application

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KERENS–On June 20, Kerens Independent School District (KISD) trustees approved the district’s spending plan for the 2022-23 fiscal year, which starts July 1.
The budget’s total expenditures of $10,909,678 with revenue of $10,924,805 to put the district’s budget $15,127 in the black. Revenue comes from $4,617,241 of local and intermediate sources (which includes property taxes), $3,975,609 from state program revenue and $2,331,955 from federal program revenue. The largest item for expenditures ($4,606,989) is for instruction, which includes salaries and benefits.