From the Pages of the Frankston Citizen
The Year 2015 in Review in the Frankston Area
JANUARY
A pep rally and opening ceremony was held in the parking lot of the new Walmart Neighborhood Market the morning of Jan. 14.
Suni Boles, who had worked at Maxwell Pharmacy since the age of 16, left on Jan. 2. The 2009 Frankston High School graduate finished school at the University of Texas at Tyler this past summer and was hired as a teacher and coach at FISD.
New life was given to the old Methodist church building in Cove Springs when Keith and Patsy Milan opened the Word of Life Church in the building.
LaPoynor Board of Trustees voted to split its two projects into two separate bonds and present them in May. Several employees and citizens asked the trustees not to make the bond into two separate votes because they were worried the proposal for a new multipurpose gymnasium facility would fail.
E&S Discount Tires opens its doors at 376 E. Pine Street.
Frankston Police Chief Darren Goodman presents the Frankston council with a plan to control dogs. The council passed an ordinance in January that “had teeth” so that officers could get control of the problem. The chief also said $1,500 would allow an officer to get training in animal control and would make a dent in the loose dog problem in the city.
Frankston freshman Mason Holmans placed second at the Tyler Chess Festival.
Organizers from area Lions Clubs began looking for people in the Frankston area to become charter members of a new Frankston Lions Club.
Dudley Warrington celebrated his 90th birthday with friends and family on Friday, Jan. 30.
FEBRUARY
Three candidates announced they would seek the position of Mayor in Frankston. Incumbent James Gouger, former mayor Al Mann and Sharyn Harrison, who was retiring as city manager in Berryville all would run for the position in May.
Bids went out for the final phase of the downtown sidewalk project funded by the Frankston Economic Development Corporation.
The Frankston Indian varsity basketball team was still undefeated in district at the halfway mark in February. Both the LaPoynor boys and girls teams were also undefeated and poised to take first in their district as well.
A chocolate festival was held at the Frankston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Awards were given to the best entries. Ruth Price took two awards for her chocolate during the festival.
Pitcher Kelly Emerine signed with North Central Texas College in Gainsville for a scholarship for softball.
A settlement was made for access to Old Bethel Cemetery allowing land owners nearby to have a gate but requiring that the gate be open to the public from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Three Frankston band students advanced to the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest. The students were Jordan Day, Mikah Oliver and Allen Byrd.
Members of the William H. Foster Masonic Lodge No. 312 in Frankston presented a Golden Trowel Award to Rick Watson for distinguished service.
Thirty LaPoynor Future Business Leaders of America advanced from area competition wand headed to state.
Mark Tang took the position of administrator at the Frankston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Tang had worked as an administrator for 18 years before taking the helm in Frankston.
Dina Mitchell celebrated her 97th birthday at the Frankston Church of Christ with friends and family.
A first-ever Daddy Daughter Dance was held as a fundraiser for the Class of 2026 at Frankston Elementary School.
The Frankston Indians shared the district top spot with Malakoff and the LaPoynor Flyers tied with Kerens for first in their district but went on to defeat Kerens and claim the title. The LaPoynor Lady Flyers won first in district and the Maidens entered state playoffs in the 4th seed. They fell to Elysian Fields in the first round on Feb. 17.
The Frankston City Council approved a $1.1 million tax abatement for Frankston Packaging. The company installed new equipment to make new plastic products as well as cardboard. The company also added three new positions.
Coffee City Mayor Ray Wakeman died after complications during kidney surgery. He was 78.
Retired Frankston dentist, Dr. Larry Lummus, was presented a Builder's Award by the Frankston Masonic Lodge. The award is the highest honor given by Masons to a person who is not a part of the Masonic fraternity.
LaRue Ashley celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family at the Frankston Church of Christ on Saturday, Feb. 28.
The newly formed Frankston Lions Club elected its first officers on Feb. 19 naming Mark Tang as its first president, Meredith Welch as secretary and Jessica Tatum as the membership chairman.
The Frankston United Methodist Church held its 17th Annual Gail McElroy Singing on Feb. 21.
MARCH
Coffee City council approved the purchase of the strip mall on Hwy. 155 in the city by the Coffee City Economic Development Board. The shopping center has four retail spaces that the board will rent out.
A special account was set up for the Hall Family after they lost their home to fire on March 5.
Two-time state powerlifting champion Raven Paul prepared to make her fourth trip to the state meet in March after breaking four regional records at a meet on March 6. Paul lifted a total of 1,250 pounds during the competition.
The Frankston Indian varsity basketball team ended its run in the state playoffs at the regional quarterfinals with a loss to Rockdale.
The LaPoynor Lady Flyers state playoff drive ended in the final four in San Antonio against district rival Martins Mill 51-49.
The LaPoynor Flyers season ended in the regional semifinal game against Tenaha 59-67.
Frankston High School was ranked among the top public schools in Texas through the 2015 Niche Rankings, Principal Donny Lee told the school board on March 16. Frankston High School was number 116 in the state.
The Frankston Depot Library and Museum Board of Directors honored Mike Dennis on March 12 for his 34 years of service to the library.
The Frankston City Council voted to keep commercial trash pickup an open market instead of writing a franchise agreement with any particular company.
The Frankston Church of Christ named three elders on March 8. The elders were J. B. Berry, B. L. Hearn and Curtis Smith.
Adam Selman, who grew up working with his family at Sav-Mor Foods, announced that he would be working for Brookshires Grocery Company.
A first-ever joint election was announced it would take place in May when voters in Frankston and those who live within the LaPoynor Independent School District in Anderson County would vote at the same location for Frankston mayor or the two LaPoynor bond proposals.
On March 26, the Selman family announced that Sav-Mor Foods store in Frankston would be selling the building to Kim Cole of Kim’s Convenience Stores in Palestine.
Coffee City area residents learned that they could receive a discount on homeowner’s insurance after the Coffee City Fire Department received a new Public Protection Classification rating.
Frankston athlete Raven Bagley was honored with an award at the 26th annual Christian Athlete of the Year Award in Dallas, Texas.
APRIL
After more than 15 years on the drawing board, the Texas Department of Transportation announced that the Hwy. 175 widening project between Athens and Frankston would begin. This past year crews began working on Phase 1 and Phase II of the project which will widen the road from a two-lane highway to a four-lane divided highway. The first two phases widen the road from Baxter, east of Athens, to Poynor.
Gladys Williams became the new city secretary of Cuney after Brenda Lankford, who had served in the post for 23 years, took a job as the city secretary in Berryville.
The Frankston one-act play cast won second in a zone contest and placed alternate in district. Individual actors and crew members won numerous awards.
Frankston Little Dribblers sent four teams to the national tournament in Nocona, Texas in April. The teams included the junior boys, junior girls, major girls and senior girls.
The Frankston Independent School District announced the first four nominees to be placed on the district's Wall of Honor. The nominees were A. B. Awalt, J. C. Hicks, Jerry Simmons and Jesse Smith.
The Coffee City Council selected Pam Drost to lead the city after the death of Mayor Ray Wakeman. Drost, who was serving as the Mayor Pro Tem, took the seat by unanimous vote on April 13.
A new pastor was announced by the Frankston United Methodist Church. The Rev. Michael L. Fraley was set to replace the Rev. David Urban in July.
The annexation of Brierwood Bay into Coffee City was declared null and void on April 17 ending a three-year experiment in combining the two entities. Both sides sought the split in the 3rd District Court in Athens.
Larry Selman closed and locked the doors of Sav-Mor Foods for a final time at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 16.
The Texas Forestry Association named Richard and Pat Saunders “outstanding tree farmers” of the year.
The LaPoynor Junior Boys Little Dribbler team earned the title of National Little Dribbler Champions remaining undefeated at national competition on April 8.
The Rainbow House hosted its 2nd Annual Walk-A-Thon at the Frankston school track on April 25.
Dr. Amy Maxwell Savarino, daughter of Joey and Ann Maxwell of Frankston, was presented a first-ever Texas A&M award. She was given the inaugural Student Employment Impact Award to recognize the outstanding contribution of a faculty or staff member working with student employees.
The Frankston Indian baseball team wins second place in district and the softball team also returned to state playoffs for the second time in two years.
MAY
The City of Frankston waived its dog registration fee in preparation of a new ordinance and animal control officer.
The first four Frankston ISD Wall of Honor nominees are celebrated during a ceremony at the school.
Voters in the City of Frankston elected the first woman mayor with the election of Sharyn Harrison on May 9. Harrison defeated incumbent James Gouger and former mayor Al Mann.
Voters in the LaPoynor Independent School District approved two bond proposals for $8.99 million to build a new junior high and a new multi-purpose gymnasium.
The City of Berryville announced it would begin adding a $7 charge to water bills each month for much needed street repairs.
Indian baseball defeated New Diana and advanced to the area round of the state playoffs.
Frankston schools announced they would host the special education co-op day for a second time this year.
A charter night banquet was held for the new Frankston Area Lions Club on May 16.
A retirement party was held for outgoing Berryville City Manager Sharyn Harrison on May 14. Harrison retired from the city after 25 years. Earlier in the month, she had been selected by vote to lead the City of Frankston where she resides.
LaPoynor High School announces its top graduates prior to commencement ceremonies. Justin Nichols was named the valedictorian and Jennifer Warren was named salutatorian.
Marshall and Johnnie Lou Ellis, from the Hollywood Community, celebrated 70 years of marriage on May 21.
Addressing the Frankston school board, Shawn Blackwell presented the idea of beginning a rodeo team at the school. By summer, a rodeo team had been established and had been winning awards.
The Indian baseball team ended its 2015 season at the area round of the state playoffs after being defeated by West High School.
The Frankston Mighty Indian Band performed in the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Disney World Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida.
New Mayor Sharyn Harrison announced that she would like to create a street department for the city in the upcoming budget.
Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Matt Nally announced that he would be taking a job at Melissa ISD. More than 40 coaches applied for the open position in Frankston.
A retirement party was held for Linda Ellis on May 22. Ellis worked for the Anderson County Tax Office annex in Frankston for 16 years.
The Frankston Garden Club won on the state level with their scrapbook submission which won second at the State Conference of the Texas Garden Clubs.
Frankston coaches honored top athletes at its annual banquet on May 19.
LaPoynor High School held its annual award and scholarship ceremony on May 22.
JUNE
Retail sales in Frankston were on the rise according to rebates from the State Comptroller's Office. By June, Frankston retail sales had climbed 22.8 percent compared to the same time in 2014.
Frankston High School announced that Jennifer Mao would be the Class of 2015 valedictorian and Lauren Fleming was salutatorian. Graduation ceremonies were held on June 5.
Rene's Salon becomes the first business to open in the strip center purchased by the Coffee City Economic Development Board on Hwy. 155.
Frankston hired New Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Mike Owens. Owens, the coach with the most wins heading the Robert E. Lee High School program in Tyler, was selected among more than 40 candidates during a special meeting on June 3.
John Thomas became the pastor of Mount Vernon and Neches United Methodist Churches on July 5.
Ray and Susanne Alsobrook marked 50 years of marriage on June 5.
The 7th Annual Mikey Jones Fish Fry was held June 13 in the downtown Frankston park with live entertainment from James Bevins, Kristina Glenn, Brandi Derr, Tammy Bostick and The Lykins Family.
Frankston High School held its annual awards ceremony on June 2.
A new secretary, Janie Krakowski, was hired in Coffee City to replace Angela Jones who worked for the city since 2007.
The Rev. Bob Waldman addressed patriots during the annual Patriotic Celebration held at the United Methodist Church on June 28.
Renovations were completed at the Frankston Dollar General Store. The improvements made for a “fresher layout, wider aisles and a new look,” a spokesman said.
JULY
After 89 years of service to Frankston, Burks Hardware & Furniture changed owners. Wallace Thompson Company of Rusk, a family hardware operation with 120 year of experience, bought the Frankston store.
An Urgent Care Center was opened in Flint at the East Texas Medical Center First Physicians clinic.
Chief Deputy Botie Hillhouse announced he will seek the position of Henderson County Sheriff after Sheriff Ray Nutt announced he will be retiring.
Ron Jeffries announced that he had resigned from the board of the Brierwood Bay Property Owners Association in June.
Texas Department of Transportation officials announced that artifacts dating back to the 1400s had been found during the highway expansion project on Hwy. 175.
Rick Stewart, who has served as the Precinct 3 Henderson County Constable, said he would not seek re-election in 2016. Stewart said he will retire from law enforcement after a 46-year career.
The Coffee City Volunteer Fire Department received a donated truck from a New Jersey department. It was to become the first truck out for automobile accidents and would serve as a support truck for house and grass fires.
LaPoynor announced it would keep with tradition in the building of a new multipurpose gymnasium by incorporating a look similar to the entrance to the junior high. The junior high entrance has been the site of a group picture for each graduating class and although the brickwork will not actually provide an entrance into the building, it will have a similar look.
The Burks family, former owners of Burks Hardware, are honored at Austin Bank during a special ceremony on July 20. Hundreds of well wishers filled the bank to thank the family.
Frankston's Butch Fulton tells of an honor he had performing for troops stationed in Germany on the 4th of July.
Wayne Gideon was surprised with a special 80th birthday celebration in Arkansas on July 14.
Frankston's Taylor Kirkpatrick threw out the opening pitch at a Rangers game on June 23. Kirkpatrick suffers from a rare blood disease. He is an avid fan of the Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys.
A new administrator is announced at the Frankston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Sherry Vest replaced Mark Tang as the head of the center.
AUGUST
Frankston city officials announce that they have budgeted for additional police officers in the city. The new officers will allow police to have two people on duty at night.
An agreement ended a long-time standoff about getting a water line out to the city's sewer plant.
Rose Boling shares her first-hand account of the events of Aug. 1, 1966, when Charles Whitman shot people from the University of Texas clock tower. Boling, a Frankston resident, was a nursing student in Austin at the time.
The Frankston Riding Club presented trophies to its top riders for their annual summer series.
Coffee City announces that it will seek a new police chief after dismissing Donny Malone on Aug. 10.
Work begins at LaPoynor Independent School District with the demolition of the cottage to make way for the new junior high.
The Coffee City Economic Development Board announced that a new tenant has rented a space in the strip center. H&R Block will take the space on the south side of the center.
Caroline Wells, a weekend resident of Brushy Creek, was crowned Miss Pre Teen Cover Girl at the competition in Dallas.
The City of Frankston voted to set aside the land that was once the site of the Austin Medical Center to be used as a second park.
Two people filed to run for the two open seats of the Coffee City Council. Riley Standifer and Clarence “Bud” Dueling were unopposed for the seats.
Frankston Superintendent Mica Lewis told school staff on their first day back from break that they would all be given a $1,000 bonus.
Frankston schools posted a record enrollment on the first day of school on Aug. 24 with a total of 816 students. LaPoynor also had strong enrollment with 476 students.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church announced it would open a Helping Hands SBC Food Pantry on the second Thursday of each month.
SEPTEMBER
A first for the City of Frankston, the budget for the coming year went over $1 million.
Millie Ballard announced that after 21 years working at the Frankston Depot Library that she would retire.
A Frankston officer, with the assistance of passerbys, captures an alligator in the Austin Bank parking lot. The officer received minor injuries to his hand.
The Frankston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5073 and its auxiliary held a suicide awareness walk in the park on Sept. 13
The Frankston Economic Development Board unveils a new logo for the City of Frankston.
Readers learned of a unique experience from Skyelar Spencer who helped rescued elephants in Thailand that she took part in over the summer.
Frankston police begin getting reports of a prowler seen at people's windows. The reports continue through the next couple of months.
The Frankston Middle School Student Council has a video that “goes viral” with more than 60,000 views. The video encourages students in schools to sit with people eating alone during lunch time.
Thomas and Monica Parker purchased Gaby and Billy’s Flea Market on Hwy. 175 West. The couple name the shop the “I Got This (Come See What You Can Get) Shop.”
OCTOBER
The United Methodist Women held the 15th Annual Frankston Community Heath Fair on Oct. 3
Operation Comfort, a bass tournament for those that have or are being treated for PTSD, was held on Lake Palestine. One participant, Chris Leverko, made an unusual catch when he reeled in an American Flag that had been completely submerged in the lake.
Frankston's Coy Clem placed the boots of his Papaw, Ray Hughes, in the Holy Land, a place he always wanted to visit. Clem said, “He will be there soon when the feet of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ will touch down and split this mount, followed by the saints. His boots will be there waiting for him.”
Square Fair announced the winners of the annual photo contest prior to the 40th Annual Square Fair on Oct. 10.
Little Mister was Hunter Connally, Little Miss was Briley Lynne Madison, Tiny Miss was Harper Forester and Tiny Mister was Garnett Lowery. Isabel Hernandez was selected to be Miss Square Fair 2015.
Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor announced that he will seek re-election for a fourth term.
A canoe and kayak paddling trail was launched on the Neches River south of Frankston on Oct. 17.
After finding that the block grant for paving streets in Frankston's Scarbrough Addition would not cover the costs, the city decided to fund the work itself with equipment and labor help from Anderson County Precinct 3 Commissioner’s office. Work began on the streets in October.
Frankston seniors Grace Hall and Brice Harrington were crowned the 2015 homecoming king and queen on Oct. 9.
Berryville Mayor Roy Brown refused to sign off on roadwork done on the city's Jeb Circle. The mayor says the work was not done sufficiently and says the city will not pay the funds from a community development block grant until the work is improved.
The Frankston United Methodist Church holds its 30th Annual Lord’s Acre Festival in the Family Life Center on Oct. 24.
Coffee City welcomes new Chief of Police Scott Medcalf.
Frankston Citizen Publisher J. Tom Graham, 73, dies on Oct. 16. Graham published the newspaper since Nov. 2006.
Frankston Superintendent Micah Lewis announced that summer will come early for Frankston students next year due to how school time is measured after the passage of HB 2610.
The city announced that the new park would be named in honor of Sallie (Brown) Austin who served on numerous organizations and committees in the city until her death in 1981.
A new book written about Berryville's Mattie Pearl Albright is written by her son, Bill Albright. Mattie served on the city council and was a driving force behind the Lake Palestine Chamber of Commerce. She was honored by the city by having CR 4117 named Mattie Albright Road.
NOVEMBER
A group announces that a petition will circulate in Frankston for the sale of off-premise consumption of beer and wine. .
Frankston Indian wide receiver Kendrick Rogers was presented the Built Ford Tough Texas High School Player of the Week Award on Nov. 5.
Edith Stephens tells how an experimental treatment that treated her cancer will go to the Food and Drug Administration and the drug will use her case as one of those presented.
John Floyd announces that he will seek the Henderson County Precinct 4 Constable position in the 2016 Republican Primary. Rick Stewart said that he would not run for re-election.
The Indian football team closed its 2015 season with a 6-4 record after failing to gain a district playoff spot in a loss to Arp on Nov. 6. The Indian season was full of last minute wins and losses and Waskom, which took first in the district, returned to the state finals to win the Class 3A state championship for the second straight year.
LaPoynor and Frankston schools honored veterans with a Veteran's Day celebration on Nov. 11.
The City of Frankston passed an ordinance that prohibits lawn waste on public streets.
Police sought leads after the north side fence of the Frankston City Cemetery was damaged.
The Frankston council again begins to discuss a permanent fix for Garrison Street after the roadway was washed out following heavy rains. The city had hoped to have fixed the problem last year.
Three generations help Gigi Selman decorate the Frankston City Park for Christmas. With so many volunteers, the work was done by 1 p.m.
Principal Melissa McIntire announced that Frankston Elementary has a record enrollment for 2015.
Band members Mikah Oliver and Emily Cook take part in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York playing in the All American Band.
Bill Albright, author of a book about his mother, Mattie Albright, comes to Berryville to sign copies.
Frankston teachers are given a bonus of $1,000 as an extra duty stipend.
After years of sending local tax revenue money to the state because LaPoynor was considered “mineral rich,” the school announced that it is now out of Chapter 41 and did not have to send money for the 2014-2015 school year.
Wick Gabbard announces that he will run for Henderson County Precinct 4 Constable position.
Two LaPoynor Cross Country runners competed at state in Round Rock. The two runners were Caitlann Holt and Zach Solis.
DECEMBER
Renovations and improvements were completed at Frankston’s Top Stop on Hwy. 175.
The City of Berryville announced it now has a website with useful information and the city’s history online.
LaPoynor schools held homecoming on Dec. 4 and selected Judson Riley as homecoming king and Bailee Jo Sides as the homecoming queen.
The Walmart Neighborhood Market hires Julie King as a new manager at the store.
The Frankston council approved hiring an engineer to look at Garrison Street for a solution. In addition to washing out the street, the high flow of water is also ruining a nearby person’s land.
Grants were announced for the Poynor Volunteer Fire Department totaling more than $17,000 for gear.
Berryville Water Supervisor David Malone announced that the city can now provide water to customers from either well.
Indian band members Mikah Oliver, Emily Cook, Natalie Jones and Dalton Jones all earned positions on the All Region Band for ATSSB in Region 21.
Judy Hughes celebrated her 40th year of cutting hair on Main Street at Michelle's Hair on the Square.
First Baptist Church of Poynor Pastor Paul Diepenbuck walked from Poynor to Frankston to fulfill a promise he made to the congregation. The pastor said if more than 100 people attended Sunday school, that he would walk and carry the church banner.