The Monitor/Carla Gray
Doug Compton plays “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes before volunteers lay wreaths on graves during the Wreaths Across America event Dec. 13. The seven wreaths behind Compton represent the six branches of our country’s military plus one for POWs and those missing in action.

Gerald Don Phariss passed away Dec. 18, 2025, at the age of 86, in Mabank. Gerald was born Sept. 16, 1939, at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, to parents Alex and Sarah Phariss.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Gregory Don Phariss, sister Carol Sue Carroll and her husband Jimmy Carroll and grandparents Granny B Butler and Frank.
He is survived by his wife Emma Phariss, daughter Barbara Galofaro and her husband Ricky, granddaughter (Angel) Melissa Galofaro Knight and her husband Cory, grandson Matthew Galofaro, great-granddaughter Audrie Knight and sister Louetta Schwab.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Eustace junior Madyson Borden (center) blocks out both Winona players flanking her in the lane while playing at home Dec. 16.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Eustace freshman Addisen Rummel glides toward the basket far ahead of the pack during her team’s Dec. 16 District opener.

Courtesy Photo/Payne Springs Fire Rescue