The Frankston Citizen — Year 2000 in Review
The Frankston City Park's new playground equipment, preliminary work on widening of SH 155 and anticipation of widening of U.S. 175 from Baxter to Frankston were among the top events dominating area news during the year 2000.
Frankston and LaPoynor athletic teams excelled in various sports with the FHS Indians basketball team and the Maidens volleyball team advancing to the regional semi-finals.
Weather was a big factor in the year as heavy rains in the spring were followed by almost three months of hot and dry weather during the summer. Then the rains returned followed by very early cold spells which brought ice and then on New Year's eve a covering of snow.
Elections were in ample supply, including the party primaries, school trustee and city elections and even a tie in one election. Of course there was the General Election with its surprises in some local races and the recount procedure in Florida to determine a presidential election winner.
Following are some of the events which marked our lives during the year:
JANUARY
As is usually the case in January, temperatures were cold. Candidates filed for spots on the March 14 Democratic and Republican primary ballots.
A project begun in 1999 achieved initial success with more than $13,000 raised to purchase playground equipment for the City Park. Committee members made plans to order the equipment.
The Lake Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce honored residents of the area with special awards during their Jan. 10 annual banquet at Coffee Landing Restaurant where State Rep. Clyde Alexander was the featured speaker.
Named Citizen of the Year was Joe Tindel, publisher of The Frankston Citizen. Maxwell Pharmacy and Joey and Ann Maxwell were chosen as Business of the Year. Volunteer of the Year selected was W.D. Lewis of Chandler.
Chosen Business Person of the Year was Johnny Burks of Burks Hardware in Frankston. Janice McMakin, first grade teacher at LaPoynor School, was chosen Teacher/Educator of the Year. Sgt. Keith Sessions of the Frankston Police Department was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Retired Coffee City Fire Chief Bob Foster was named Volunteer Firefighter of the Year.
Lillie Claybon, longtime chamber member and officer, was presented a lifetime membership in the LPACC for her service.
Bob Pickle took over as 2000 president, Jim Paul president-elect, secretary Al Buuck and treasurer James Colvin. New directors were Mike Dennis, Diane Lowry, Michelle Sharp, Laura Tolner and Mel Zimmerman. Advisory directors were Mattie Albright and Lillie Claybon.
Anderson County Sheriff John Hobson was left unopposed for re-election as his opponent in the Democratic Primary withdrew. No Republican filed for the sheriff's position.
At Frankston ISD, trustees approved the employment of Austin Thacker as fulltime elementary school principal. They also okayed employment of Ed Prater as the new technology director. Carolyn Fisk from Coldspring ISD was named high school counselor.
Senior Kyla Harris was chosen as Homecoming Queen at LaPoynor High School during Jan. 21 ceremonies.
Area residents got a chance to see a total lunar eclipse on Jan. 20.
In late January, a sleet and ice storm moved through the area leaving about an inch of sleet and frozen rain on the landscape. The storm disrupted area school classes and cause postponement of area basketball games.
FEBRUARY
New Frankston ISD Supt. Rick Larkin was honored with a reception at the high school commons welcoming him as new superintendent.
Frankston FFA students won honors at the Fort Worth Livestock Show and the Frankston Volunteer Fire Department announced initial donations to its annual fund drive.
The University Interscholastic League announced its realignment for the 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 years. Arp and Alto joined Frankston, Kerens, Cross Roads, Cayuga, Malakoff and Troup in District 20-AA.
The Frankston Indians basketball team clinched the District 19-AA championship with a win over Troup and the Frankston Maidens were eyeing a playoff berth as third seed in the district.
Frankston Mayor James Gouger called the annual City Election for May 6.
The Frankston VFW Post 5073 and Auxiliary hosted the District 19 Convention here Feb. 12-13.
The Frankston Technology Learning Center at Frankston School, made possible by a Texas Workforce Commission grant, made plans for start of continuing education computer classes to start on Feb. 29.
The Frankston Maidens won bi-district honors in AA basketball playoff action defeating Buffalo and eyed No. 1 ranked Hughes Springs in area competition.
Berryville Mayor James Colvin called the annual City Election at Berryville May 6.
Frankston ISD and LaPoynor ISD trustees called their annual elections for May 6.
The Frankston Depot Library and Museum Inc. approved its 2000 budget and re-elected its officers in a Feb. 17 meeting.
Teams from Boles Home knocked the LaPoynor Flyers out of a chance to finish as first seed and eliminated the Flyerettes from playoff contention in a basketball playoff doubleheader Feb. 11. Later the Flyers won bi-district honors defeating Milford 92-58 in Class A playoff action. They then were defeated by Laneville in the area competition.
The Frankston Middle School seventh graders captured the district title in basketball action.
The Frankston Maidens fell to Hughes Springs in area playoff competition while the Indians were winning over Hawkins 58-31 in area action and then defeated New Waverly 78-54 to advance to the regional semi-finals at Tyler Junior College March 3.
MARCH
In early March, the Frankston Playground Committee sought volunteers to help put up the park playground equipment on March 4.
On March 3, the Frankston Indians saw their basketball season end as they fell to Woden 49-46 in the Class AA Regional semi-finals at TJC.
Filings for city and school board elections began in early March and voters prepared to cast their ballots in the Democratic and Republican primary elections on March 14.
Frankston Middle School UIL academic meet entries won second at the district meet.
Precinct 3 Commissioner T.L. Beard and Precinct 3 Constable Susan Minton won their party's nomination in the Democratic Primary March 14.
The Frankston Evangelistic Church saw a new steeple erected on top of their building on March 14.
The Frankston Indian baseball team won second in their own Frankston Tournament March 13.
The historic home of the late Herman and Della Warrington east of Frankston was destroyed by fire on March 16.
Frankston hosted the Little Dribblers Continental Division Regional Girls basketball tournament here during the week of March 20 and the Frankston Little Dribblers boys all-stars went to their regional tournament at Wortham the next week. Two teams from LaPoynor, and one each from Frankston and Neches won the right to advance to the National Girls Tournament in Levelland April 26-29.
The Frankston Middle School hosted the annual Little Indian Relays on March 24 at Jeff and Opal Austin Stadium.
An Open House for the Frankston Technology Learning Center was held Thursday, March 30 with dignitaries and other guests present. A tour of the center's facilities was held following a reception in the high school commons area.
APRIL
Frankston Little Dribblers boys junior, major and senior age groups won the right to advance to the National Continental Division Tournament by virtue of their performances at the Regional Tournament in Wortham.
Voters in the area prepared to go to the polls in the Democratic and Republican runoff elections set for April 11.
In early April, plans were kicked off for the widening of U.S. 175 from Baxter to Frankston in a meeting at the Poynor Community Center.
James Kittles of Athens won the Democratic nomination for County Attorney in a runoff primary April 11.
A large crowd joined with Frankston Playground Committee members April 16 to dedicate new playground equipment in the City Park. A sign was unveiled naming the area "Little Bit Playground".
Several Frankston Maidens and Indians track and field athletes won the right to participate in the Regional Meet in Palestine by virtue of their performance April 13 at the District 19-AA meet in Kerens.
Frankston Maidens golfers and tennis players qualified for competition in their respective regional meets.
The LaPoynor Little Dribblers Senior Girls came home with their second consecutive National Continental Division championship after competition at Levelland.
MAY
Trustee elections at Frankston and LaPoynor and City Elections at Frankston, Coffee City and Cuney were held on May 6. A tie vote at LaPoynor ISD resulted in the calling of a June 3 election to resolve the tie.
Workmen began digging a new water well in western Berryville near the Lenore Berry Park to provide additional water for the city.
A group of citizens in Poynor met and agreed they favor routing the widening of U.S. 175 along the current route instead of a proposed by-pass route. A committee of community members was appointed to direct efforts.
The Frankston Indians baseball team won the District 19-AA championship and won over Beckville in area action before falling to Elysian Fields in the regional quarterfinals.
Frankston FFA students and community members were honored with awards at the annual Awards Banquet May 9.
Allison Oliver was named valedictorian and Julie Jones salutatorian of the 2000 Graduating Class at Frankston High School.
Baccalaureate services were held for LaPoynor High School Class of 2000 on May 14.
The Lake Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce held a "Community Picnic in the Park in downtown Frankston on May 12.
The LaPoynor Flyers clinched a second seed in 19-A and advanced to Class A bi-district competition. They defeated Douglass in a series for bi-district honors but then lost in area competition to Dawson.
Meagan Smith was chosen valedictorian and Jennifer Mulkey salutatorian of the Class of 2000 at LaPoynor High School. The class graduated in ceremonies on May 19.
Jake Dezern was selected for the Jeff Austin Award and Emily Dickerson received the W.E. (Hoke) Moore Award in a special awards ceremony May 16.
A series of fund raisers were held to raise money to help with medical expenses of Chad Donnell, FHS student-athlete diagnosed as having cancer.
A reception on May 23 honored retiring FISD teacher Jim Smith.
Three Frankston High School athletes - Emily Dickerson, Hayley Moore and Jake Dezern - were awarded $500 Frankston Athletic Booster Club scholarships during the FHS Athletic Banquet May 15.
Jared Odell and Kimberly Boling were named the top two students in the Frankston Eighth Grade graduating class. Rebecca Handley and Sarah Hilton were chosen as top students in the LaPoynor Eighth Grade Class.
Frankston School trustees elected Harry Smith president, Joe Reed vice president, and Jerry Jones secretary in reorganization on May 18. Two newly elected board members Joe Dale Dickerson and Jones received oaths of office.
Natasha Aguilar received the Grandon Williford Award and Brandon (Jack) Young got the Bill Ingram Award in graduation ceremonies at LaPoynor High School.
JUNE
A large crowd of residents, former residents and friends of Poynor were on hand Saturday, June 3 to participate in the beginning of the community's centennial celebration with a City Park Jubilee.
A historical marker was dedicated June 4 at the New York Community cemetery.
Steve Handley defeated Richard (Bubba) Holcomb 175-172 on June 3 in a special election to break a tie in the May 6 LaPoynor Trustee Election.
Funeral services for prominent Frankston civic leader Kathleen Cook Fitzgerald, 83, were held on June 5 at the United Methodist Church, Frankston.
The Frankston City Council on June 13 asked for funds from the Economic Development Board to help pay for relocating of utilities in anticipation of the widening of SH 155 through Frankston.
The Berryville Council approved General Fund, Lenore Berry Park and Water Department budgets for 2000-2001.
Funeral services were held June 14 for Tamie Kay Brown-Roberts, victim of a June 10 one-vehicle accident in the LaRue area.
A summer storm June 19 with high winds, lightning and heavy rainfall caused some damage with downed trees and power lines west of the city. Some electrical power outages were also reported.
Frankston ISD trustees employed eight teachers and approved an audit of activity fund accounts on June 22.
JULY
The Frankston Citizen celebrated its 90th anniversary on July 8 and took its annual summer vacation the second week of July.
The annual Jacksonville "Tops in Texas" Rodeo was held July 12-15 at the rodeo arena in Jacksonville.
The Frankston City Council July 10 approved payment of the first draw in connection with the project to relocate water and sewer lines in anticipation of the widening of SH 155 through the city.
LaPoynor School trustees July 17 accepted the bid of a Winona roofing company for re-roofing of the main school building which houses grades 7-12.
Berryville City Council decided July 11 to participate in a joint meeting with other entities in the Lake Palestine area to see if they want a survey to determine water needs from Lake Palestine.
Frankston ISD trustees approved employment of a new high school principal, Eddie Milham, and a new head football coach, Lyle Wright. They also transferred curriculum director Mary Phillips to elementary school principal, Austin Thacker to middle school principal and Sarah Thacker to curriculum director.
The FHS Band Camp began on July 31 under direction of new director, Craig Bush.
AUGUST
Frankston football and volleyball teams began pre-season workouts on Aug. 7.
Frankston and LaPoynor Schools began registration for the 2000-2001 school year. Frankston started classes on Aug. 14 and LaPoynor on Aug. 16.
Mrs. Tommye Stringfield, who served as Poynor city secretary for some 27 years, retired with Charlotte Ethridge taking over duties effective July 1.
Hot, dry weather continued over the Frankston and Lake Palestine area.
Entries were being taken for the Little Mr. and Miss Square Fair Contest, a preliminary to the Frankston Homecoming and Square Fair set for Oct. 6-7.
On Aug. 21, the LaPoynor School trustees approved a $3,599,639 budget and adopted a $1.36 per $100 valuation tax rate.
A groundbreaking was held Aug. 15 for the First State Bank's new banking facility to be located just east of the present site.
Frankston and LaPoynor Schools both scored high in accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency.
The Frankston ISD trustees Aug. 28 approved a $5,232,213 budget and $1.5393 tax rate for 2000-2001.
Austin Family Medical Clinic reopened in Frankston on Monday, Aug. 28 staffed by nurse practitioners with the oversight of Alec Law, M.D. of Palestine.
SEPTEMBER
The Frankston Maiden volleyball team, defending district champions and regional semi-finalists, started their season strong.
A deadline of Sept. 15 for Square Fair booths and Little Mr. and Miss Square Fair contest entries was set in anticipation of the Oct. 6-7 Frankston Homecoming and Square Fair.
The Frankston Indians football team opened their season with a 45-2 victory over Elkhart.
An Open House at the Austin Family Medical Clinic was held Sept. 11 with various dignitaries and other guests on hand.
The Kay Reed home west of Poynor was destroyed by fire on Sept. 7.
A large group from the area was on hand at the LaPoynor School cafeteria Tuesday, Sept. 19 for a Texas Department of Transportation public meeting regarding the proposed widening of U.S. 175 from Baxter to Frankston.
Frankston City Council Sept. 19 adopted General Fund and Water and Sewer Fund budgets for 2000-2001 and approved a tax rate of 33.26 cents per $100 valuation.
Frankston area on Sept. 13 received its first rainfall since June 29.
Home of Hazel Sims in Opelousas Estates was destroyed by fire Sept. 18.
Indians lost to Buffalo 29-23 in overtime in a non-district football game and then won over Hawkins 25-14. Then on Sept. 29, the Indians narrowly lost to Troup in their district opener 17-14.
Frankston ISD announced that it has received an additional $478,650 grant from the Texas Workforce Commission for use by the Frankston Technology Learning Center.
OCTOBER
The Frankston Depot Library has received a technology advancement grant of $30,000 from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) board in Austin.
The Frankston Maidens volleyball team won a key match with Arp in a District 21-AA contest.
Zachary Smith, three-year-old son of Karen and Walker Smith, and Kelly Emerine, four-year-old daughter of Jeff and Shantell Emerine were selected as Little Mr. and Miss Square Fair.
A large crowd attended the annual Frankston Homecoming and Square Fair Oct. 6-7. Colby Dickerson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Dale Dickerson, and Lydia Tatum, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Tatum were chosen 2000 Homecoming King and Queen.
Grand prize float was entered by Frankston Kindergarten. First prize float was by Bear Hugs Day Care. Second prize went to Frankston fourth grade and third prize went to Frankston third grade.
The Frankston Indians fell to Arp 33-6 in the homecoming game.
On Tuesday, Oct. 17, area candidates for Congress, the State Senate and State Representative participated in a Candidate Forum at Frankston High School sponsored by the Tyler League of Women Voters.
The Poynor home of Bobby Ivey was heavily damaged by fire Oct. 13.
The Indian football team took a 36-12 victory over Cross Roads.
The Frankston United Methodist Church held its annual Lord's Acre Festival on Oct. 28.
Indians fall to Kerens 43-22 in 20-AA football contest.
The Frankston Maidens Cross Country team won the 20-AA title and the Indians came in second.
The Frankston Maidens volleyball team falls to Arp to force playoff for top seed in district. They defeated Arp in playoff and face area competition after bye in bi-district.
The Frankston Indians fell to Malakoff in a district contest 41-22 on Oct. 27.
NOVEMBER
The Maidens volleyball team defeated Anahuac in area competition and then won over Warren in the regional quarterfinals. They fell to eventual state champion Leon of Jewett in the regional semi-finals at Blinn College in Brenham Nov. 10.
Voters in the area went to the polls in the Nov. 7 General Election electing Ronny Brownlow as Henderson County sheriff and James Owen as Henderson County Attorney. Tim Milliken of Neches was elected Commissioner of Precinct 3 in Anderson County and John Floyd was re-elected Henderson County Constable of Precinct 4.
The Frankston Garden Club hosted the District III Texas Garden Club meeting here on Nov. 2.
Len Berry and Bobby Schoonover were selected as Frankston Band Sweetheart and Beau.
The Frankston Indians fell to the Alto Yellowjackets 54-6 on Nov. 3 and then bounced back to win their final game over Cayuga 44-20.
The Frankston Indians and Maidens and LaPoynor Flyers and Flyerettes began their 2000-2001 basketball seasons.
A good crowd turned out at the Frankston High School commons area for the first annual Frankston Fiddle Fest, co-sponsored by the Lake Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of the Frankston Area on Nov. 18.
The Frankston ISD trustees approved the seeking of bids for construction of a technology building adjacent to the present building which houses the Frankston Technology Learning Center.
The LaPoynor School trustees Nov. 20 approved a "favorable" audit of school finances for 1999-2000 as submitted by Smith Lambright and Associates of Athens.
Frankston Maidens dominated District 21-AA All District volleyball team selections.
DECEMBER
The Frankston Maidens varsity won second and the Maiden Junior Varsity finished third in the Frankston Invitational Basketball Tournament Nov. 30-Dec. 2 here.
The annual Christmas in the Park was held in Frankston on Dec. 9 with area children visiting with Santa Claus while parents and other relatives and friends enjoyed music and refreshments.
The Frankston Indians won second in the annual Frankston Invitational Basketball Tournament Dec. 7-9. The Maidens won runnerup in the Slocum Tournament.
An arctic cold front brought ice which damaged trees, undergrowth and utility lines as well as some structures. Widespread power outages for extended periods were also reported.
The FHS Drama Department presented their comedy play, "Mountain Gal" on Dec. 15-16 and the FHS Band presented its Christmas Concert on Dec. 16.
On Dec. 14-16, the Frankston Indians won the Rusk Tournament and the Maidens took the championship of the Laneville Tournament.
On Dec. 28-29, the Indians and Maidens each won both games in the Classic.
On Dec. 31, a snowstorm dropped a snow cover on much of the Frankston area but generally left streets and highways clear of dangerous icing.