News

GUN BARREL CITY–During the Gun Barrel City council meeting July 26, council approved the demolition of nine unsafe structures within the city. One property owner was granted time to repair his structure on Westview Drive. The other nine structures were deemed unsafe and ordered to be demolished after a public hearing. 
Council also interviewed two applicants for one position on the Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. Applicants Jay Burson and Kate Weller both introduced themselves to council, with Weller receiving the appointment. 

KERENS–Kerens Independent School District (KISD) trustees voted July 25 to buy a radio frequency identification (RFID) card system that tracks bus routes and gives administrators real-time locations of its transit fleet.
The smart-card system also will be used by students, Superintendent Martin Brumit said. Students will be issued cards that will act as identification and keep up with lunch and library accounts, he said.

Video Screenshot Courtesy Kevin Guerra
The driver of the truck later abandoned the burning trailer along a county road in east Kaufman. 

Billy Bazzle of The M-80'S gets the July Fest going with a cover of Jessie's Girl.

GUN BARREL CITY–Gun Barrel City Police Department responded to a 911 call July 27 of a major traffic collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian. 
The collision occurred in the south Gun Barrel Lane area near Stillwater Street. Gun Barrel City Police Officers Stephens and Taylor responded to the scene and located a deceased juvenile male. Officers from Mabank Police Department Boner and Otterline also responded to the call to aid in the investigation. 

Monitor Photos/Bodey Cooper
Sitting atop a woman’s shoulders was the best way to keep cool for this child as the water came down July 25 during the rain dance at Gun Barrel City Park. 

HENDERSON COUNTY–Commissioners’ Court of Henderson County approved a July 26 resolution declaring a local state of disaster because of drought and wildfires, which followed the July 21 emergency disaster declaration issued by County Judge Wade McKinney that was valid for up to seven days without commissioners’ court approval.

HENDERSON COUNTY–An attempted traffic stop by Eustace Police where a suspect bailed out of his car and fled on foot led to a standoff situation July 25. 

GUN BARREL CITY–Residents of Cedar Creek Lake are getting ready to enjoy the upcoming July Fest to be held July 30 at the Gun Barrel City Park. Historically, a firework show is displayed for attendees to enjoy but the recent disaster declaration made by Henderson County has changed the festivals plans. 

CEDAR CREEK LAKE–Fire departments everywhere in Texas have been kept busy with worsening drought conditions leading to easily spread wildfires. A piece of glass on the side of the road will assist in igniting a fire that puts homes, businesses and livestock at risk. Mid-July a wildfire that succeeded in burning 100 acres outside Eustace was started by a spark from a chain on a vehicle.