News

HENDERSON COUNTY–Christopher Nelson Hood, 48, was convicted of murder in the 2021 shooting death of Brooke Spurgeon according to reports by Henderson County District Attorney Jenny Palmer.
The trial began July 18 and concluded July 24 with Hood’s conviction of Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. The case was heard in the 392nd District Court by Judge Scott McKee. Palmer and Assistant District Attorney Daynah Fallwell represented the state.

Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
Peyton (left) and Rowdy Gregg are having a fun time at JulyFest ‘23.

Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
Keeping cool under a canopy at the Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Gun Barrel City Chapter booth are Robert Long (from left), Joy Long, Ally Kartal, Numan Kartal and Marty Mullins.

KAUFMAN COUNTY–Commissioners voted to issue a burn ban during the regular meeting Aug. 1. Fire Marshall Paul Ayres told commissioners that during this time of year, conditions often make burning dangerous, and this season is already proving to be high-risk.
Ayres went on to tell commissioners that the first major grass fire of the season occurred last week when 20 acres ignited as a result of bailing hay. He stated that grass is currently completely cured, making it a very fast burn, and that over the coming days, conditions will continue to get dryer.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Malakoff ISD trustees heard a proposal July 17 to lease the district’s Leo Orr Sr. Education Center, which was originally the site of the segregation-era African American high school, later morphing into the integrated junior high school. The campus currently serves as an alternative school for students with behavioral issues, which is planned to be moved in Aug. 2024.

Monitor Photo/Denise York
The Mabank Choir and Panther Edition have a long legacy of superior performance and achievement thanks to Choir Director Catherine Lindsley (second from left). Pictured with her, giving information and encouragement are Molly McDowell (from left), Junior High Choir Director Mary Ann Mc Dowell, Michaela McDowell and Angelica Forrest.

Courtesy Photo
OMI projectors create immersive learning activities for students at all ability levels.

Courtesy Photo
Mabank ISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Russell Marshall welcomes Michael Rowland as the new principal of Mabank High School. He replaces Charity Groom who has recently been named the district Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction. 

Courtesy Photo 
Isaiah Washington (center) thanks Payne Springs Fire Rescue crew for cutting him out of a crushed vehicle and saving his life.

KEMP– Kemp City Council met July 11 and discussed holding a special election in November for a proposition allowing alcoholic and mixed beverages to be sold at restaurants within the city.
Local business owner and city councilman Rick Needham spearheaded a petition to allow alcohol sales in restaurants, and the petition gained enough signatures to allow for a local option proposition election to be held.

MABANK–Mabank Police Officers responded to a reported shooting July 13 in the 1400 block of Pharm Hills Road in the city. When officers arrived, they found a adult male with an apparent gunshot wound to the head inside the residence according to a release from Mabank Police Department posted on social media.
Officers immediately attempted life saving measures according to the report. The victim was transported to UT Health in Gun Barrel City where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. He was identified as Peter Parker, 24, from Canton.