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Raze the Roof

Council considers removing ruined buildings

Gladewater city councilmen have a relatively brief agenda for Thursday night’s meeting, with the only item calling for action the consideration of demolition of one former business and one burned-out residence.

Before taking any action, Mayor Walter Derrick will hold a public hearing regarding demolition of a former business located at 2204 E. Broadway (which formerly housed Bud’s Tires) and a residence located at 608 E. Virginia which was burned in an arson case that resulted in the arrest of two juveniles last year. The two-story home, located immediately behind Gladewater Middle School, was unoccupied at the time.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chamber at City Hall. Anyone wishing to speak during “Citizens Comments” at the end of the meeting should sign up with City Secretary Melba Haralson before the meeting begins.

Councilmen will also hear from a professional street sweeper, Bob Stumpf, whose business is based in Paris. City Manager Jay Stokes said Stumpf approached the city about providing the service after he completed a sweeping job at the airport in conjunction with construction work there.

Stokes said the City of White Oak has also consulted with Stumpf about providing services there, as well. The city manager said Stumpf has “a high-dollar street sweeper” and he gave Stokes and Mayor Derrick a demonstration last week that was “real impressive.”

The “consent agenda,” which is normally approved with one vote, includes...

...Continued in this week's edition of The Gladewater Mirror.

Gladewater’s trash turnout tops 150

Next Trash Day: August 9

Judy Burlison is talking a lot of trash lately, but Gladewater folks seem to like it.

The “recycle queen,” so to speak, reports the city’s second Recycle Day almost doubled last month’s total, with 168 households represented during Saturday morning’s pick-up at City Hall. In June, 96 cars dropped off recyclables.

“The turnout was awesome,” Ms. Burlison said Monday. “People are very appreciative and very enthused.”

She’s already set the goal for next month at 200 households.

On Saturday, the 100th person to show up with her recyclables was Winnie Kennedy, accompanied by her son Bill, who lives in Jefferson but visits often. At 87, she figures she is one of the oldest recyclers in town.

“There aren’t many older than me,” she laughed.

For her efforts, Ms. Kennedy received an impromptu prize from Ms. Burlison—a bottle of water and package of lemonade mix.

Judy Burlison congratulates Charlie Stuart, the 150th person to bring in a load of recyclables Saturday during Gladewater’s second Recycle Day at City Hall. Delbert Burlison/courtesy photo

“I was so excited when we hit the 100 mark, and all I had was bottled water and lemonade mix,” Ms. Burlison explained. “In the future, we may try to think of some better prizes when we reach certain goals.”

Ms. Kennedy said she is recycling newspapers, tin cans, water bottles and milk jugs.

“I think if (trash items) can be put to any good use, it’s wonderful,” she said, adding that she recycled last month and she’s already saving for next month.

Charlie Stuart’s arrival marked the 150th household to bring recyclables to city hall. For his efforts, Stuart got his photo taken by Ms. Burlison’s right-hand man, her husband Delbert.

Ms. Burlison is quick to add that volunteers these past two months have been phenomenal. Paula Gentry, who supervises kids doing community service through the municipal court, brought two helpers this month. Assistant Scout Master Stephanie Van Houten was accompanied by four members of Troop 198—Doug Phillips, Trenton and Hunter Stiefel and Austin Murchison. Other volunteers in July were Judy and Paul Banner and Jamie and Harry Ballard.

“Everyone who came out was so enthusiastic and awesome,” Ms. Burlison said, adding that she hopes new volunteers will show up each month so that nobody gets worn down by the work.

Allied Waste rep Gene Keenon said volunteer enthusiasm is the key to success in volunteer-driven recycling efforts...

...Continued in this week's edition of The Gladewater Mirror.

Library hosts wildlife exhibit

CALEB HENDERSON LOOKS OVER SOME OF THE EXAMPLES of East Texas wildlife shown to kids and adults Thursday during a presentation by Texas Parks & Wildlife biologist Charlie Muller at the library. The wildlife expert brought several “stuffed animals” including an armadillo—the state mammal of Texas—a river otter, a wood duck and red fox, along with the white-tailed deer, beaver and fox skins and various skulls and shells, all native to this area. Brenda Brown/Mirror photo

All-School Reunion gathers former students for banquet

The Gladewater All-School Reunion is just around the corner and organizers urge former students to start sending in their RSVPs now for the Sept. 26-27 events.

Cost per person is $15 for the party on Friday night and $20 for the banquet on Saturday night, both held at the Gladewater Former Students Association Building.

Reservations may be mailed to: GFSA, P.O. Box 1425, Gladewater, Texas 75647. For registration forms, email GHSAlums@sbcglobal.net.

The schedule events is as follows:

FRIDAY

*Registration 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the GFSA Building (refreshments served.) Enter through the front door to register and pick up important handouts and name tags.

*BBQ and dance, 6:30 p.m. The evening includes a History of Gladewater video presentation narrated by Larry Mitchell, and 1950s music and dance.

SATURDAY

...Continued in this week's edition of The Gladewater Mirror.

Commissioners approve right-of-way construction

GILMER—Upshur County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved funding to purchase rights-of-way for three road and bridge improvement projects being performed by the Texas Department of Transportation.

The county’s share of funding is $37,000 to $38,000 for the projects on Texas Hwy. 155 south of Big Sandy, said County Judge Dean Fowler.

Plans call for making the road four lanes all the way to the Sabine River, and making both bridges at the river four lanes, Fowler said.

The three projects were described on the meeting agenda as “from Sabine River Relief Bridge to Union Pacific Railroad Overpass”; “At Union Pacific Railroad Overpass to South of Big Sandy; and...From Sabine River and Sabine River Relief to South of Big Sandy.”

In another matter Tuesday, the court tabled naming election judges and alternate judges for the term starting Aug. 1.

County Democratic Chairman Jim Eitel and County Republican Chairwoman Brenda Patterson submitted names of those to be chosen. Eitel’s list did not designate the persons’ precincts, and he was not present.

Commissioners also Tuesday approved District Clerk Carolyn Bullock’s proposed purchase of a digital microfilm scanner from C.F. Biggs in Shreveport, La.

The total price for the machine and maintenance agreement is $6402.96, including $5807.96 for the machine itself.

Ms. Bullock said her office’s current machine won’t print. The new machine will allow viewing and printing, she said. (She told The Mirror it will mainly help landmen, but also aid persons wanting to print out old family records.)

In addition to obtaining a bid from Biggs, Ms. Bullock told commissioners, she contacted Kodak...

...Continued in this week's edition of The Gladewater Mirror.

Around the Town

Youth sports registrations begin Saturday

Registration for the Gladewater Youth Football and Cheerleading Association begins Saturday, July 19, at West Pacific Pizza Place. Additional registration days are Saturdays, July 26, and Aug. 2. There will also be a late registration on Saturday, Aug. 9, with an additional $10 late fee. Times will be from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday.

Flag football and cheerleading is open to kids entering into kindergarten through third grade. Cost for flag is $45, and cheerleading is $30 plus cost of uniform.

Tackle football and cheerleading are open to kids entering into fourth through sixth grade. Cost for tackle is $70, and cheerleading is $30 plus cost of uniform.

Volunteer coaches are needed for both football and cheerleading.

For more info call Larry Warren at 903-941-0928 and for cheerleading call Rebecca Bewley at 903-720-6669.

Baseball tryouts planned

Tryouts for Deep East Texas Fall Baseball for 9- and 10-year-olds will be held at Sabine Little League Fields Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to noon.

For more information call Jerry Beeson at 903-431-5281.

New Life hosts VBS

New Life Fellowship Church will have Vacation Bible School on Saturday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Bible Break.” Children ages 3-12 are welcome. To register your child, please call Debbie at 903-241-2322.

New Life is located at 815 N. Main St. (Hwy. 271 North).

‘Family & Friends Day’ set

New Beginnings Faith Ministry’s Family & Friends Day is set for Sunday, July 20, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

The special guest speaker will be Bishop Frankie Stewart from Keys of the Kingdom Outreach Ministry in Longview.

Pastors Tony and Gloria Lewis invite everyone to attend.

“This is a casual event, and many from area churches are wearing their church t-shirts, so come as you are and help us celebrate,” Pastor Lewis said.

Library awards day July 23

Lee Public Library’s Summer Reading Program awards party begins at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, in the meeting room at the library.

Pizza will be served to all of the kids who took part in the summer program. Bucky T Clown will be on hand to entertain.

The last “Movie Time” is set for 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17.

Summer Reading ends Friday, July 18, and kids must turn in all of their reading reports on or before this date.

East Mountain Reunion July 19th

Paul Gobbel of Longview called to say that he enjoys the Passing Parade and gave us some news. The annual reunion of the East Mountain High School is going to be held on Saturday, July 19th, at the GHS Former Students Building. The school closed in 1967 and the former students have tried to stay connected with this annual event. For information call him at 903-759-2054.

New Hope plans service

The Voices of Hope of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church invite church choirs, praise dancers, soloists and the public to share in their Annual Day Service, set for Sunday, July 20, beginning at 3 p.m.

For more information, contact Bobbie Price at 845-4889.

UG slates Sports Camp

Union Grove High School will host its annual Summer Sports Camp Monday through Thursday, July 21-24, from 8 a.m. to noon at the high school gym.

Students from grades 5 through 8 are eligible to attend and may choose from three sports: volleyball, basketball or and track (field events only).

Cost for the camp is $40 for one sport and $50 for two or more sports. Each camper will receive a T-shirt. Union Grove coaching staff members will conduct the camp.

If interested, contact the high school office at 845-5506 or call 360-0111.

Nazarenes schedule VBS dates

Gladewater Church of the Nazarene will hold Vacation Bible School Monday through Friday, July 21-25, from 6 to 8:30 nightly.

This year’s VBS theme is “Feel the Power!” Kids will make “amazing crafts” and enjoy “wacky" snacks, mind-blowing Bible adventures, ‘hyperspeed’ games and incredible music.”

For more information call 845-3848 or 241-8823. The church is located at 401 W. Upshur.

GALA meets July 22

Members and guests of the Gladewater Area Ladies Association will meet at noon Tuesday, July 22, at the Chamber of Commerce meeting room for lunch and a program.

GALA meets the third Tuesday of each month and offers women an opportunity for friendship and networking, personal and professional growth, community involvement, and interesting and informative programs. For more information, contact Rita Osha at (903) 845-5611 of email: Famosha@juno.com.

Friendship meeting July 25

The Friendship Cemetery Association will hold its annual business meeting at 6 p.m. Friday, July 25, at the Friendship Community Building.

For more information call 845-2969.

Siddiki to minister here

Dr. Nasir Siddiki of Wisdom Ministries will speak here Sunday through Tuesday, Aug. 10-12, at the Gladewater High School Auditorium. Sunday service times are 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday services will begin at 7.

The event is sponsored by New Life Fellowship Church and hosted by Pastor Billy Teague. For more information call 845-6412 or 241-2322.

Dr. Siddiki teaches “wisdom success principles” at the Wisdom Center in Tulsa, Okla. He is heard daily on radio and appears on television in several countries. As seen recently during the Trinity Broadcasting Network Praise-a-thon, he hosts and teaches regularly on TBN.

Dr. Siddiki has ministered for Dr. Kenneth Copeland, Dr. Jerry Savelle, Dr. Myles Munroe, Bishop Keith Butler, Pastor Bob Yandian, Dr. Dennis Burke, Pastor Rod Parsley, Benny Hinn, Paula White and many others. Segments as guest speaker were shown on TCT TV, Daystar TV, Lesea TV, the Inspiration Network and TBN. He has been featured in publications like Kenneth Hagin's Word of Faith, Kenneth Copeland's Believers Voice of Victory and the Charisma Magazine. His books and tapes are currently distributed to 30 countries.

‘70s reunion will be a blast

Dig out your platform shoes and bellbottom jeans and plan to attend the GHS All ’70s Reunion, set for Saturday, July 26, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Gladewater Former Students Building.

Cost is $10 per person and includes dining on finger foods and ‘70s-era music will be provided by a deejay.

The GHS Class of 1978 will host this year’s get-together. Anybody who went to school here in the 1970s is invited, said Todd Clifton.

For more information call Clifton at 845-5643.

Next Recycle Day is Aug. 9

Gladewater Recycle Day is set for Saturday, Aug. 9, at City Hall. Recyclable items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to noon.

The second Saturday of each month has been set aside to accept recyclable items—cardboard, newspaper and magazines, aluminum cans, tin/steel cans and plastic bottles. Non-recyclables include waxed or plastic-coated boxes, plastic grocery bags, toys, motor oil containers, glass, pie pans and foil.

Library open on Saturdays

Lee Public Library will be open to patrons on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., thanks to a grant received by the City of Gladewater. The summer hours will last through August.

The library’s weekday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

GHS Band headed to Hawaii

The Gladewater High School Sweepstakes Band has been invited to perform in Hawaii next year, but first members must raise about $160,000 to get there and they are asking for the community’s help. The band will make the trip during Spring Break, March 16-20, 2009, and spend five days in Honolulu performing “Texas-style” concerts at Pearl Harbor and the state capitol.

Local musicians will represent the State of Texas in the celebration commemorating the 50th year of Hawaii’s statehood. The Bear Band will join performing groups from all 50 states to commemorate the past and celebrate the future of Hawaii, said Band Director Nathan Templeton.

GHS Band Boosters are raising money in their traditional venues (rodeo and football concessions, golf tournament, etc.) and band students will continue to sponsor two fundraisers each year, the director said.

“Specifically, the band boosters are asking businesses, civic clubs, alumni/alumnae, and civic-minded individuals to raise approximately half of the total cost, or $80,000. The band students will raise or pay about $30,000, with the band boosters accounting for the remaining balance of $50,000,” he said. “These are huge numbers but can certainly be attained,” Templeton said.

The cost for each student is $1,600. Community members, businesses or civic groups may elect to help in a number of ways, Templeton said. First, a business or individual may “adopt” a student to help pay her/his cost. Secondly, money may be donated to the full group, allowing the band director to divide money as necessary.

For more information, please contact the band office at 844-3828.

UGHS band rehearsals set

The Union Grove High School Band will begin rehearsing on Aug. 4.

The schedule on Mondays, Tuesday and Thursdays is: 1-2:30 p.m., brass and percussion; 2:30-4 p.m., woodwinds; and 7-9 p.m., full band. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the full band will rehearse from 1 to 3 p.m.

School will begin for all students on Aug. 25.