News

Monitor Photo/Jody Vincik

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton

Courtesy Photo/PSFR
The volunteers of Payne Springs Fire Rescue (PSFR) were alerted to a multiple vehicle collision on State Highway 198 just north of the bridge to Caney City July 30.  Units arrived to find everyone out of the vehicles with only minor injuries. The third vehicle that was involved was unoccupied and was parked on the side of the road. PSFR Engine 1, Engine 2 and Squad 1 responded. Additional volunteers also handled a medical call in the district at the same time.  

ATHENS–Former Eustace police officer Cody Mitchell Burris was sentenced July 31 to the maximum sentence of 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and a $10,000 fine for Possession with Intent to Promote Child Pornography, according to Henderson County District Attorney Jenny Palmer. Burris’ sentence was pronounced by 392nd District Court Judge R. Scott McKee.  
Twenty years is the maximum sentence for this crime, a second-degree felony, said the DA.

Courtesy Photo/City of Gun Barrel City
During the July 22 Gun Barrel City council meeting, Gun Barrel City Police Chief Keith Stephens (center) presents Meritorious Conduct Awards to Officer Ryan Mutina (left) and Officer Chloe Danmeyer for their work addressing an attempted suicide at the city’s Walmart. About their help in sorting out the issue, Mayor Brian Crull stated: “If that doesn’t make you feel good, I don’t know what will,” adding, “Appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.”
 

Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
Nicole Shotwell (left) is named the new Assistant Principal at Central Elementary School. Shotwell comes with 19 years of educational experience, 12 of which were in the classroom. Principal Nancy Clark said, “She is such a blessing to have on our campus. She is a go getter, happy and we are just so excited that she is a part of us.”

TOOL—During the regular Tool City Council meeting held July 17, the council discussed allocating funds from the park construction account towards the remodel of the Tool Police Department. Currently the funds in the park construction account are just over $36,000. Council Member Vera Bennett stated there are still some things to be done at the Eight at Tool Park such as installing a French drain by the butterfly garden and enlarging or offering more parking for larger events.

Monitor Photo/Janice Grubbs Vincik
JulyFest attendees enjoy a beautiful display lighting up the sky during the fireworks show July 26.

Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
Caleb Goforth looks on as daughter Bayler models her freshly painted face at the Gun Barrel City JulyFest July 26.

LOG CABIN–Log Cabin City Council voted July 17 to adopt regulations for city council members providing volunteer services to the city, then nominated Roy Linder to do so in the maintenance department (where his volunteer service had already started), with a time limit written into the ordinance by the city’s attorney.

Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
The Mabank Back to School Bash gives out backpacks, haircuts, immunizations, registration, games, popcorn and snowcones. The Hillger family enjoys the morning July 19. 

Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
Denver Clark shows off his new back pack that he picked up at the Mabank Back to School Bash July 19.