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Gladewater’s Jon Rowe has been picked to replace longtime Kilgore College Board Trustee James Walker. Rowe was appointed unanimously, 6-0, Monday night at the Kilgore College board meeting.

Walker was first elected to the KC board in May 1997 and served until his death in March at the age of 82 following a short battle with cancer. In his 20-year tenure, Walker held positions including board secretary, vice president and presiding officer, but colleagues say he’ll be remembered more for who he was outside of the board room. He also served as mayor of Gladewater.

Like Walker, Rowe has been actively involved in the Gladewater community, currently serving on the Gladewater ISD school board. 

“I’m excited about the opportunity to serve on the Kilgore College Board of Trustees, but will definitely miss serving on the Gladewater Board,” Rowe said. “Serving on the Kilgore College Board has been a long range goal of mine, but I didn’t think it would come so soon. I’m hoping that maintaining my relationship with the Gladewater schools will be a benefit during my time with Kilgore College. I’m a firm believer that Kilgore College plays a vital role in East Texas, and I’m planning to do my part to make sure Kilgore College remains strong.”

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Internationally recognized saxophonist Derek Brown will be guest artist TYLER, Texas (June 19, 2018) – The University of Texas at Tyler Department of Music recently announced a Summer Jazz Camp to be held on campus June 24 – 29 for middle and high school students age 13 and above.

The camp is open to students who have completed at least one year of study on the saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar, drums or bass. It will be led by Dr. Sarah Roberts, UT Tyler assistant professor of saxophone and jazz. Derek Brown, an internationally recognized saxophonist, will be the guest artist. “This is the first camp in all of East Texas to be dedicated to learning jazz,” Roberts said. “Jazz is America’s music; however, it is not always taught in school band programs.

By training the next generation of musicians in the ways of jazz, we will ensure the future and sustainability of the art.” Camp participants will receive instruction from UT Tyler faculty in jazz theory, arrangement, improvisation, listening and history. Students also will perform in large and small groups and will receive guidance from Brown, a former director of university jazz studies. Brown performs internationally and produces music videos and tutorials, which have received 7 million views on social media. He has been interviewed on National Public Radio’s “Weekend Edition’’ and on international television.

To register for the UT Tyler Jazz Camp, visit UTTyler.edu/JazzCamp. For more information, contact Roberts, sroberts@uttyler.edu. 

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 Bossier City, LA — Bossier Casino Venture, Inc., the owner and operator of Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City (“Margaritaville Resort Casino”), announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement under which Penn National Gaming, Inc. will acquire the operations and VICI Properties, Inc. will acquire the real estate of Margaritaville Resort Casino in an all-cash transaction valued, in total, at $376 Million.

Paul R. Alanis, Chief Executive Officer of Bossier Casino Venture, commented, “I am pleased to have entered into this agreement with Penn National Gaming and VICI Properties. I am confident that Penn National Gaming will continue the quality operations that have characterized Margaritaville Resort Casino these past five years and will provide new opportunities for our crew members as well as an exciting gaming and entertainment experience for our valued customers.”

Barry Regula, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Margaritaville Resort Casino further commented: “This is a tremendously positive outcome for our crew members, our guests and our community. Penn National Gaming offers outstanding opportunities for employees, a geographically diverse network of destination casinos for our guests, and a solid platform for potential future development to enhance the economic benefits to the community. I’d like to thank our over 1,050 amazing crew members for their daily dedication to providing memorable experiences for our guests. It is because of their efforts that we have achieved the success that has attracted a quality gaming company, such as Penn National Gaming, as an acquirer.”

Margaritaville Resort Casino has achieved significant market share growth in recent months. Recent upgrades and amenities to the property include the Riverview Restaurant and Brew House, the Bamboo Asian Café, the Busted Coconut pool bar and lounge, high limit slots and table games areas, and a dedicated Baccarat room. Margaritaville Resort Casino is Northwest Louisiana’s most awarded casino, receiving over 100 awards from various publications such as Southern Gaming Magazine, Casino Player Magazine and numerous other periodicals. These accolades include Best Customer Service, Best Place to Work for the last 3 years and Best Overall Property in the Mid-South for the past 4 years.

Macquarie Capital is acting as financial advisor and Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP is acting as legal advisor to the parent of Bossier Casino Venture, Inc.

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GILMER–The Upshur County Grand Jury returned 13 indictments, four of them sealed, and no-billed one case June 7, said District Attorney Billy Byrd.

Defendants, charges and bond information in the open indictments were as follows, Byrd’s office said:

Fahad Imtiaz, 26, of Gladewater, was indicted on a charge of tampering with physical evidence on March 8. His bond as set at  $30,000. The indictment is connected to the March 2018 New Diana stabbing incident that left  Joseph Regan, 28, dead.

Regan was reportedly stabbed during an altercation in the parking lot of the Orange Room game room, which Imtiaz operates, in the 2300 block of Highway 259 South in Diana around 4 a.m. Regan had gotten into a dispute over money with suspect Toby Glenn Dillard. It escalated and Regan was stabbed and later died.

Dillard was later found hiding under a road bridge near a creek in the area of FM 3245 and Hwy. 259. Dillard was arrested and transported to Upshur County Jail where he was booked and charged for murder. His bond has been set at $750,000.

Other indictments handed down ibclude:

Demetrius Ramon Jeffery, 42, of Big Sandy, unlawful possession of firearm by felon on July 9, 2016, $25,000

Sherlene Marie Macias, also known as Sherlene Marie Morse, 49, of Ore City, aggravated assault with deadly weapon on April  7. She remained in county jail under $100,000 bond. 

Michael Shawn Barber, 38, of Gilmer, assault/family violence–occlusion on March 15. He also remained in county jail under $15,000 bond.

Jarnaveus Watson, 20, of Memphis, Tn., evading arrest/detention with vehicle

Joe Nathion Wright, 57, of Gilmer, driving while intoxicated–subsequent offense on May 4, $25,000

Lyssa Elliff Hodges, 28, of Gilmer, possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine) on Jan. 3, $10,000 

Michael Wayne Bickerdike, 62, of Gilmer, possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine) on Jan. 23, $10,000

Kenneth Roy Fielden Jr., 45, of Gilmer, possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine) on Jan. 8, $25,000

Identity of anyone named in the sealed indictments remained undisclosed since no arrests had been made in those cases, said Byrd. They included one each for delivery of controlled substance, burglary of building, evading arrest/detention with vehicle and deadly conduct, his office reported.

Nature of the no-billed case was not disclosed.

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Wednesday’s XTreme Bulls competition was won by Sage Steele Kimzey and Brett Custer who tied for first place in the Cavendar’s Gladewater Round-Up Xtreme Bulls “John Quintana Memorial” competition. The total purse was $12,972.00.
They were presented their spurs and buckle by Julio Arriola, manager of Cavendar’s Boot City, and 8-time world champion bullrider Don Gay.      Photo by Jim Bardwell

Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo
Gladewater, Texas, June 7-9
Bareback riding: 1. Tilden Hooper, 88 points on Rafter G Rodeo’s Biscuit, $1,655; 2. Tim O’Connell, 83, $1,254; 3. Richmond Champion, 81, $903; 4. Bill Tutor, 79, $602; 5. Lane McGehee, 78, $351; 6. Paden Hurst, 76, $251.
Steer wrestling: 1. Matt Reeves, 3.9 seconds, $1,878; 2. Justin Shaffer, 4.2, $1,633; 3. Jarret New, 4.5, $1,388; 4. Stan Branco, 4.6, $1,143; 5. Clayton Hass, 4.8, $898; 6. Sean Mulligan, 4.9, $653; 7. Gary Gilbert, 5.1, $408; 8. Riley Duvall, 5.4, $163.
Team roping: 1. Dustin Egusquiza/Kory Koontz, 4.1 seconds, $1,672 each; 2. Jake Orman/Will Woodfin, 4.5, $1,454; 3. Manny Egusquiza Jr./Boogie Ray, 4.7, $1,236; 4. (tie) Justin Lovell/Corey Hendrick and Nathan McWhorter/Blaine Vick, 5.2, $908 each; 6. Chase Wiley/Martin Lucero, 5.6, $581; 7. Quisto Lopez/Joel Galvan Jr, 5.8, $363; 8. Tyler Wojciechowski/Tyler Ishman, 10.7, $145.
Saddle bronc riding: 1. Jacob Lewis, 83.5 points on Rafter G Rodeo’s Three Belles, $1,763; 2. (tie) Kobyn Williams and Shade Etbauer, 83, $1,149 each; 4. (tie) Bradley Harter and Sterling Crawley, 82, $508 each; 6. Joey Sonnier, 80, $267.
Tie-down roping: 1. Tim Pharr, 8.1 seconds, $1,921; 2. Tyson Durfey, 8.3, $1,670; 3. Colt Papy, 8.7, $1,420; 4. (tie) Lane Livingston, Caleb Smidt and Bryce Barney, 8.8, $919 each; 7. Mesquite Mahaffey, 8.9, $418; 8. Bryson Sechrist, 9.5, $167.
Barrel racing: 1. Sarah Rose McDonald, 17.14 seconds, $1,876; 2. Kylie Weast, 17.22, $1,608; 3. Ericka Nelson, 17.31, $1,340; 4. Shelby Janssen, 17.46, $1,162; 5. (tie) Jennifer Sharp and Kelly Bruner, 17.54, $804 each; 7. Katelyn Scott, 17.55, $536; 8. Susanna Thorp, 17.58, $357; 9. Cheyenne Wimberley, 17.69, $268; 10. Amanda Cupp, 17.70, $179.
Bull riding: * 1. Aaron Pass, 90 points on Rafter G Rodeo’s Johnny Thunder, $2,190; 2. J.W. Harris, 86.5, $1,749; 3. Boudreaux Campbell, 84, $1,371; 4. Colten Beaty, 76, $993; no other qualified rides. *(all totals include ground money).

Total payoff: $57,767. Stock contractor: Rafter G Rodeo. Sub-contractor: Frontier Rodeo. Rodeo secretary: Lauranne Smith. Officials: Mike Todd and Mark Longoria. Timers: Terri Gay and Raine Gilley. Announcers: Greg Simas and Don Gay. Specialty act: John Harrison. Bullfighters: Wacey Munsell and Judd Napier. Clown/barrelman: John Harrison. Flankmen: Dusty Duba and Summer Gay. Chute boss: Casey Harp. Pickup men: Brandon Harris and Will Pope. Music director: Ben Benavides.

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Two people, including a former Gladewater ISD student who recently graduated from Gilmer High School, were killed in two unrelated traffic crashes which were reported less than 10 hours apart Sunday in rural Upshur County, said the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Taylor Blane Ehrensberger, an 18-year-old Gilmer female, died, and Jimmy Earl Moore, 76, of Longview, was injured, in a two-vehicle afternoon crash on FM 726 in the Glenwood area, authorities said. Moore was taken to Longview Regional Medical Center in stable condition, the DPS added.

In the other incident, David Allen Vance, 37, of Winnsboro, was killed in a fiery one-vehicle crash discovered late Sunday night on FM 2088 in the Simpsonville community area of northwestern Upshur County, authorities said.

In the afternoon collision, authorities said, Ehrensberger’s sport utility vehicle struck a pickup that was exiting a private driveway before the SUV ran into a pasture, striking a barbed wire fence and tree.

Ehrensberger had graduated from Gilmer High only eight days earlier. She once attended Gladewater Middle School.

Preliminary crash reports indicate Moore, driving a 2005 Dodge Dakota pickup, failed to yield the right of way to Ehrensberger’s southbound 2005 Chrysler PT cruiser when he pulled out from the roadway’s west side, said DPS spokeswoman Jean Dark.

Upshur County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Rebecca Skinner, who pronounced the recent graduate dead at the scene, said Ehrensberger’s vehicle ran off the roadway’s left side after the impact and traveled a considerable distance. Skinner said she believed striking the tree caused the young woman’s death although she was wearing a safety belt. (Dark said Moore was also wearing a safety belt.)

Troopers responded to the crash eight miles east of Gilmer about 1:21 p.m., Dark said. Troooper James Kyle Payne investigated the collision.

Although Dark said in a news release the accident occurred on FM 1650, Skinner said it was on nearby FM 726 and a motorist who saw the aftermath of the wreck, Sandy Bankston, said it was at the bridge in front of a church on 726..

In the nighttime wreck, Vance’s westbound 2013 Chevrolet Silverado pickup ran off the roadway’s right side in a curve “for an unknown reason,” struck a creek embankment and landed atop an iron fence, according to reports from Dark and Upshur County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Rhonda Welch.

The truck caught fire at some point and Vance was burned beyond recognition, said Welch, who said she pronounced him dead at the scene just west of Coyote Road sometime after midnight. A motorist who discovered the vehicle afire reported the crash at 11:08 p.m., Welch said.

The judge said DPS Trooper John Smith told her he believed Vance, who was alone, was wearing a seat belt. Dark said the body was taken to Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer.

Dark also said in news releases Monday that both of Sunday’s crashes remain under investigation.

Welch praised the Simpsonville Volunteer Fire Department for a “great job responding” to the vehicle blaze and extinguishing it “as quickly as possible.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Preliminary autopsy results show that a 70-year-old Marshall man whose body was found at Lake O’ The Pines last Thursday died of drowning, and officers do not suspect foul play, Upshur County Sheriff Larry Webb said Monday.

Webb’s office said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens discovered the body of Sammy Lynn Lento “shortly after daybreak” in the lake near the area of the Texas 155 bridge. Webb had announced the prior day he was missing.

Sheriff’s Chief Deputy David Hazel said in an email last week that “We believe he just drowned after getting out of his boat due to motor trouble.”

In a news release issued the day before the body was found, Webb said the sheriff’s office and game wardens were investigating Lento’s disappearance after citizens found the man’s “unoccupied boat adrift” in the lake that day near the area of the bridge.

Investigators learned acquaintances of Lento were already looking for him since he had not replied to phone calls or texts, said Webb, adding “The boat’s physical condition indicates that it may have been experiencing motor trouble while in the water. It is also possible that someone had exited the boat to work with the motor.”

The sheriff also noted that game wardens were searching the area until dusk “with equipment that aids in underwater search,” and that they were planning to continue searching the next day “with personnel coming in from the area to assist.”

Upshur County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Lyle Potter pronounced Lento dead and ordered the autopsy.

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Members of the Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo Wranglers, along with rodeo announcer Greg Simas and rodeo bullfighters Judd Napier and Wacey Munsell and rodeo clown/trick rider John Harrison visited the Truman W. Smith Children’s Care Center in Gladewater Friday morning. The center is dedicated is dedicated to providing quality and compassionate nursing care to medically fragile children.
Harrison showed off his rope tricks for some if the patients, while the ladies from the Rafter G showed up in their western gear and dazzled the kids.

See more photos over at the Gladewater Mirror Facebook Page.

Also: get complete rodeo leaderboards, official program information, view rodeo videos and so much more by clicking the RODEO button on the FREE Gladewater Mirror App. Just download the at and you’ll be inhale know when it comes to Gladewater Rodeo!

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The 81st Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo begins June 6 and and runs through June 9, with PRCA rodeo action every night. This Special Edition brings you information about those in the arena – world champion bull rider Don Gay providing all the color commentary and bullfighters Judd Napier and Wacey Munsell keeping the cowboys safe from harm, along with rodeo clown and trick rider John Harrison. And in the booth this year will be veteran announcer Greg Simas.
Check out the QR codes throughout this Special Edition to view vintage video of Don Gay’s historic ride and how-to’s on Rodeo 101.

https://indd.adobe.com/view/2963efb4-ff05-458a-89d9-d585a45995f3

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2018 Gladewater Rodeo Program

Click on the link above to enjoy this year’s rodeo program, complete with information on the performers and information on each event. Plus if you scan the QR codes you can watch videos about rodeo – from 8-time world champion Don Gay’s record setting bullride to how-to’s on steer wrestling and calf roping. It’s all there, so enjoy.

And make plans to come out to the rodeo – Wednesday is Xreme Bulls, bulls all night.

See you there!

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