From the Pages of the Frankston Citizen
The Year 2018 in Review in the Frankston Area
JANUARY
Mike and Rilea Cook’s grandson, Will Kuczkowski was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout and became the 42nd Eagle Scout from Bullard Scout Troop 366.
The Coffee City Volunteer Fire Department, along with the American Red Cross, began giving away and installing smoke detectors in homes in Coffee City and Brierwood Bay. The fire fighters continued offering and installing the devices throughout the year.
Two Indian Baseball team members signed letters in commitment to play in college. Drew Lewis, the team’s catcher, committed to LSU-S. Chris Cruz, an infielder and right handed pitcher, committed to Paris Junior College.
Joe and Mary Beard announced that they would be handing over their business, Hickory House, to their daughter and son-in-law. Elizabeth and Wes Driver took over the business on their 10th wedding anniversary later in February.
After 28 years at Frankston Elementary School, Secretary Pat Parrot announced that she would be retiring.
Noting the efforts of the retired Mayor Sharyn Harrison, the Frankston City Council decided to set its aim on cleaning up properties in the city. The council decided to look at possible hazardous properties as a group and determine a plan of action which they did each month throughout the year with good success.
Natalie Jones and Emily Cook both advanced to State after competing in an Area band competition.
Frankston police officer Jennifer Miller was promoted to sergeant of the force. She has been employed with the city since 2010.
Snow and ice cancelled Frankston schools on January 16.
Frankston Independent School District Trustees in January approved designating the schools as a District of Innovation. The designation gives the district more flexibility and allows it to be exempt from certain burdensome mandates set in Austin through the Texas Education Code. Frankston began its District of Innovation calendar this school year.
Local artist Gilbert Robles of Berryville donated a sculpture and painting to the Alzheimer Alliance in honor of his wife, Nickie.
The Singing Men of East Texas, a 60-plus voice choir, performed a concert at the First Baptist Church of Frankston.
FEBRUARY
Frankston’s Mexican restaurant Rancho Grande welcomed a new owner, Damian Lara, who said customers will notice the changes he would bring to the business.
Two invasive species were found on Lake Palestine including giant salvinia and yellow bass.
The University Interscholastic League announced the new district alignments in early February putting the Indians in Conference 3A Division 2 District 10. Former Athletic Director Kevin Chase described the new alignment as “a competitive district.”
Drag racer Ethan Lade racked up three championships but was also the winner of a new drag racing car in February.
LaPoynor High School students Skylar Feagins and Summer Dennis placed second in a district cross examination debate which qualified them for state competition.
Dustin Holladay ran with the Olympic torch in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. In February of 2018, his son, Davis Holladay, carried the torch his father carried to open the Outreach Olympics at the Frankston First Baptist Church.
National Signing Day was held in February where four Frankston seniors signed letters of commitment to play sports in college. Kaden Loebig signed with East Texas Baptist University for football, Drew Lewis signed with LSU-Shreveport for baseball, Chris Cruz signed with Paris Junior College for baseball and Baylee Williams signed with Hesston College for basketball.
LaPoynor students taking Construction in Geometry continued to build a 222-square-foot tiny home from the ground up to learn math in a real world setting. The house was auctioned in the summer.
Sandy Atteberry was elected by the board to serve as the President of the Brierwood Bay Property Owner’s Association.
The Mighty Indian Band had 17 members advance to state during ensemble performances.
The Frankston City Council approved the use of a dual trained K-9 to join the force after a presentation by police Chief Darren Goodman who said the dog could be purchased from seized funds. The dual-trained K-9 was set to join the force in the summer.
The Frankston Indian basketball team got a win over Elkhart which advanced them to the district playoffs.
The City of Frankston began to look for ways to beautify its newest park, Sallie Austin Park. Many donated money for trees, park benches and the mayor constructed a bridge across the drainage area.
Long-time Frankston Basketball Coach Robert Loper was inducted into the East Texas Playoff Preview Coaches Hall of Fame.
Six Frankston athletes were named to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes All Stars for summer football, baseball, softball and cheerleading events. Taylor McKenzie and Jordan Pace took part in the football game, Callie Cargill represented Frankston as an all star cheerleader, Baseball players Drew Lewis and Chris Cruz played as that sport’s all stars and softball player Bailee Fleming was an all star in softball.
The 20th Annual Gail McElroy Gospel Singing brought groups from the area on Feb. 18 for the event in the Fellowship Hall of the Frankston United Methodist Church.
MARCH
The LaPoynor Lady Flyers again made it to the final four top teams in 2A basketball. Last year’s state finals were the third time in four seasons the Lady Flyers have made it to the top of Texas teams.
After 54 years as a waitress, Heidi Redding announced that she was retiring from Our Country Kettle Restaurant in Frankston.
Local musicians Roger McDonald and Dr. Steve Hicks took part in the 181st anniversary of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence during a day-long festival at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park.
Frankston powerlifter Josh Porter placed first in his class at regional competition and advanced to state after lifting a total of 1660 pounds.
James Glaspie announced that he had purchased 7-B Restaurant in Frankston. Glaspie changed the name to Glaspie Cattle Company and began expanding the menu and entertainment schedule.
Texas Department of Transportation announced the completion of one of the three phases of work on Hwy. 175 between Baxter and Frankston. Phase II, which widened the roadway to a four-lane divided highway between Loop 60 in LaRue and FM 315 in Poynor was completed. The rest of the project is expected to be completed in late 2019.
Janie Bird, AVP/Loan Assistant for Austin Bank in Frankston retired after 22 years of service.
Coffee City began taking information on a home program grant to allow homeowners within the city the opportunity to apply for reconstruction.
The Coffee City Economic Development Corporation voted to purchase two digital signs to advertise the city to passing motorists. One sign was installed at the Coffee City Business Center on Hwy. 155 and the other is in front of the Coffee City Community Center on Pleasant Ridge Road.
Henderson County Precinct 4 voters chose incumbent Ken Geeslin as the Republican candidate for the seat in November. Geeslin beat challenger Kelly Harris with 59.72 percent of the vote.
The Frankston Senior Girl All Star Little Dribbler Team advanced to the National tournament in Franklin.
Ten members of the Frankston Fishing Team advanced to regional competition at Toledo Bend.
Frankston High School One Act Play members took home awards during a district competition including Jesse Owen and Mason Holmans being named to the All Star Cast and Deven Blunt named to the All Star Crew.
Jessie North got a win for Frankston at the team’s first clay competition. He took first in his division for trap and third in his division for sporting clays.
Members of the Frankston First Baptist Church shared their experiences on a trip to the Holy Land during a special service at the church.
Powerlifter Josh Porter returned from state with a fourth place finish after a total lift of 1,660 pounds.
Eight candidates sought seats in the May election for the City of Cuney. Three ran for mayor, two for Place 2 and three candidates for Place 4.
Frankston Superintendent John Allen was tapped to service on a state committee. Allen was chosen by Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath to serve on the Policy Committee on Public Education Information.
Private First Class Taylor R. Carr, graduated from the United States Marine Corps boot camp.
APRIL
Neches celebrated with the community’s annual Heritage Day Festival on April 7.
The City of Frankston, in conjunction with Ameri-Tex Services, hosted a large-item collection on April 11.
Dude, a white Labrador donated to Patriot PAWS by local couple Lynn and Pete deVoogdt, graduated from service dog training after 20 months and was provided to a veteran in need.
LaPoynor’s Te’Aire Hambrick signed with a full scholarship to Tyler Junior College to play basketball for the Apache Ladies.
Two Austin Bank employees, Laurie Adams and Cyndi Sabulsky were promoted. Adams was promoted to assistant vice president and Sabulsky was promoted to operations officer.
The Indian Golf Team took home first place at the 18-3A District Golf Championship.
Frankston Middle School Robotics students all finished in the top 20 out of 95 teams competing.
Brother George Folmar announced a change in the name to the church on the hill. The former Lakeside Baptist Church was changed to Lighthouse Baptist Chapel.
Six varsity track members advanced to Area.
Frankston Mayor Eugene Brooks presented Frankston Volunteer Fire Department Chief Scottie Rodgers the city’s first-ever First Responder Award.
John and Jake McGuffey announced that they planned to put a recreational vehicle park behind Spring Market and Dollar General just off of Hwy. 175.
Frankston’s Trinity Coats was selected to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington D.C. over the summer.
Four members of the Frankston Fishing Team advanced to state including Jet Riley, Ethan Dowling, Jason Stanaland and Jacob Bizzell.
Frankston City Council members began discussing a ballot initiative for the sale of alcohol in Frankston restaurants. The council was approached by James Glaspie, the new owner for Glaspie Cattle Company, who said he would lead the petition and said he hoped to get the item on the November ballot.
The Frankston Maiden Softball Team won the district championship on Friday, April 13 after 9 straight wins.
The Indian baseball team also clinched a playoff spot with a win over Teague in late April.
William D. Albright’s book, “The Pearl of East Texas” was an Amazon Featured Book of the Week. The book is about his late mother Mattie Albright, who served on the Berryville City Council and was a founding member of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
Frankston’s first-ever Art Walk on the Square kicked off on Saturday, April 28, in downtown Frankston. The event was sponsored by the Frankston Economic Development and also included classic cars. The aim of the event was to showcase area talent as well as business space around the square.
Volunteers were pleased with the turnout of the annual I Can Walk for Hunger walk-a-thon on April 21 despite a constant threat of rain.
Katie Roark and Kaden Loebig were named the 2018 Frankston senior prom king and queen on April 28.
MAY
City of Cuney voters selected Jessie Johnson as the mayor. Johnson had previously served several terms as mayor. Elected to the council was Elizabeth Jenkins and Dianne Reed.
The Frankston Maiden Softball team continued to advance beyond any previous team to the regional quarterfinals.
Frankston schools announced that Melanie Blackwell will become the new Frankston Elementary School Principal after the retirement of Melissa McIntire.
A large fish kill on Lake Palestine likely resulted in the deaths of thousands of white bass in mid-May.
The Maiden Softball playoff run came to an end with a loss to Grandview. The Maidens made program history with the advance to the Regional Quarterfinals.
Frankston High School announced the 2018 valedictorian would be Emily Cook and Salutatorian would be Lupe Orozco.
At the annual sports banquet, Frankston High School’s Trinity Boggs was named the girls’ overall most valuable player and Jesse Owen was named the boys’ most valuable player.
Frankston schools announced the High School Principal Edgar Rodriguez will also be the principal at Frankston Middle School.
Coffee City held its annual MayFest with a car show and fishing tournament on May 19.
A Frankston police officer was called away from normal duties and asked to assist with the removal of a 7-foot gator on Hwy. 155 at FM 837.
After 16-years, Dr. Renee Branch announced that she would move her practice to Tyler Internal Medicine Associates. Joel Howell, who had also been in the Frankston clinic, announced that he too would move and join Dr. Larry Burch with Christus Mother Frances in Elkhart.
Cash Gideon was presented the 79th Annual Jeff Austin Award during commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2018 in Frankston.
Katie Roark was presented the 55th Annual W.E. Hoke Moore Award during commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2018 in Frankston.
Frankston High School graduated 58 seniors on May 25.
LaPoynor High School graduated 23 seniors on May 25.
The Coffee City Council accepted the resignation of David Jenkins who filled Place 1. Jenkins wrote to the council that he was moving out of state for family reasons.
Frankston softball player Karley Erickson signed with Trinity Valley Community College to play softball and Frankston’s Callie Cargill signed with Stephen F. Austin University on a cheerleading scholarship.
Clayton Hall announced that his Eagle Scout Project will be to improve a park in Brierwood Bay.
Linda and Gregg Deemer celebrated their 50th Anniversary on May 26.
JUNE
Joe Dale Dickerson’s Caddo Creek Band headlined the entertainment for the 10th Annual Mikey Jones Fish Fry. The event also featured a street dance for the first time.
Family Nurse Practitioner Misty Fergusson began taking patients at the Frankston ETMC First Physicians clinic in Frankston.
Todd Landy and Jodi Brauher announced that they would offer a rolloff service to area contractors and others who need large item disposal with their company 4-L Rolloffs.
Larry Smith was named the new pulpit minister for the Frankston Church of Christ.
Frankston graduate Chelsey Vinzant was named the new college, career advisor for Frankston High School.
Janice Walker was named the one and only Frankston Garden Club Beauty Spot for 2018 with her gardens on Anderson County Road 316.
Frankston Independent School District Trustees approved a separation agreement with Athletic Director Kevin Chase following a closed executive session of the board on June 18.
After two months of discussion, the City of Frankston approved an expansion plan for Mike Bruno and his company Hardrock GCS on East Railroad Circle Street. Bruno told the council he has plans to expand his operation that is housed at the former Frankston Feed Store on Hwy. 155.
The United Methodist Action Reach-Out Mission by Youth (UM ARMY) came to Frankston to improve the homes of the elderly and those with other burdens. Forty-five youth and more than 30 adults stayed in Frankston for a week while making home repairs.
New Hickory House owners Elizabeth and Wes Driver announced they would close the 26-year old Hickory House barbecue restaurant for health reasons. The Drivers took over the business in February and closed in late June.
JULY
Patriots gathered for the annual Community Patriotic Celebration in the Family Life Center of the Frankston United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 1.
After serving 57 years at the pulpit of the Frankston Assembly of God Church, Pastor J. A. Griffin and his wife Elaine announced their retirement. The couple stepped down on July 1, after serving more than a half a century at the same pulpit in the same church. Also retiring were co-pastors Michael and his wife Tammy Griffin who served for the last 15 years.
Former Frankston head basketball coach Robert Loper and former Neches player and Coffee City resident Vicki Barrett-Castleberry were both selected to the 2019 Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame. The two will be honored in May of 2019.
Frankston City Secretary Jan Hamilton announced in June that she plans to leave the post she has held since October of 2007. Hamilton said she was moving closer to family in Odessa, Texas.
The City of Berryville began the process of seeking a Housing and Urban Development Block Grant for streets and water.
Frankston schools announced Paul Gould would become the new athletic director for the schools.
The Frankston Indian 10U baseball team won the District 2 championship in Quitman. The team went undefeated in the tournament and finished the season with a 15-1 record. The boys went on to play in the TTBA State Championship in Jacksonville.
Earl Lang announced that he is retiring after 46 years in the contracting business. Owner of Lang & Mitchell Contractors, Lang said he planned to continue ranching.
Frankston schools had an online survey to gather public input on plans for improving school safety. Following school shootings in Florida and in Santa Fe, Texas, school safety became a national topic. Superintendent John Allen told the board of trustees that the item would be taken slowly and deliberately.
Berryville tackles its stray dog problem with an agreement with the county and the work of Mayor Ron Hewlett and the water department to gather and take the dogs to Athens.
AUGUST
Frankston Assisted Living Senior Executive Director Cindy Guzman said the completely remodeled Frankston nursing home anticipated opening within a few months. After dropping the memory care portion of the facility due to state regulations, Guzman said the center would focus on assisted living. The center was still not open nor had an opening date been announced by the start of 2019.
An 89-year-old building that housed the Glaspie Cattle Company Restaurant on Hwy. 175 in Frankston was completely destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of Aug. 3. Glaspie said that a web page had been established for the out of work employees. By October, owner Glaspie had the lot cleared and it is now for sale.
Frank Serrato was named the new police chief of Coffee City. He was hired by the council in July after the resignation of Chief Scott Medcalf.
Frankston Riding Club handed out awards and prizes for its top riders as the group concluded their summer play days.
Construction began on a new playground park for the community at First Baptist Church of Frankston.
Frankston police made arrests in a counterfeit bill operation that spanned multiple counties.
Four people filed for three seats on the Coffee City Council in August. One seat, Place 1, left vacant when Dave Jenkins moved away earlier in the year, was sought by GeoJan Wright and Edward McDaniels.
Frankston High School students Bailee Norfleet and Jesse Owen attended a STEM Camp at Rice University over the summer.
The City of Frankston approved an increase of just under a penny while preparing a budget for 2018-2019. The city had maintained the same tax rate since 2014, but increased it this year by .0092 per $100 valuation.
Superintendent John Allen told the board that all schools were rated as “Met Standard” and the district was given a grade of “B” by the Texas Educations Agency
SEPTEMBER
The old arbor at Brushy Creek held its 148th Annual Homecoming on Sept. 2.
The community rallied around Bailee Fleming after she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma while starting college. Friends, family and the community found ways to help support the 2018 graduate including making bracelets and holding a prayer rally for Fleming and teacher Sabrina Reynolds, who is undergoing cancer treatments, prior to a football game.
In an effort to raise funds for students trying to get a head start in college, the Young Adult Sunday School Class at the United Methodist Church held a dinner and auction on Sept. 15.
Frankston High School graduate Kendrick Rogers was a star on the national stage playing as wide receiver for Texas A&M when the team took on Clemson. Rogers made several catches to top the sport highlight reels and continued to perform well throughout the season.
Minerva Trujillo was named the retail office manager at Austin Bank.
The Henderson County Sheriff’s office announced that it would be adding a drone to its force.
Frankston teacher Denice Smith who works with students diagnosed with dyslexia, was awarded a $3,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. She said the funds would be used to update technology in her room.
First Baptist Church of Frankston hosted its fall women’s Bible study from Sept. 19 through Oct. 31.
Fishing guide Jim Beggerly announced that white bass seem to be making a return after the large fish kill that happened earlier in the year. Beggerly said it may take a few years for the fish to return to previous population numbers in Lake Palestine.
First Baptist Church dedicated its new playground to the glory of God and in memory of Robert Tidmore.
Frankston Scout Troop 328 held a bake sale and raised enough funds to purchase a bullet proof vest for the police K-9 Borys. The Scouts later presented the money and toured the police station.
Members of the Frankston Church of Christ created cookie baskets to thank members of the community. The volunteers delivered the baskets to city hall, teachers at the school and various other locations.
City Secretary Jan Hamilton was recognized for her 14 years of service during a council meeting in September. Hamilton resigned after deciding to move to West Texas.
Norris and Kathy Carnes celebrated 25 years of marriage on Sept. 18.
Frankston schools began asking for nominations for its Wall of Honor. The Wall of Honor notes the achievements and contributions of Frankston alumni, personnel and volunteers who have made a significant contribution to the community, state, nation or world. Nominees are honored in May.
Frankston businessman Billy Bacon was laid to rest on Friday, Sept. 28. An owner of auto dealerships in Frankston, Jacksonville, Athens and Palestine, Bacon also developed a subdivision in town and was fond of history, trail rides and rodeos. Many lined the streets to see his body taken to the cemetery by a mule-drawn hearse.
OCTOBER
Area cities and their departments joined for the annual National Night Out on Oct. 2. Frankston named Sgt. Jennifer Miller as the Officer of the Year and volunteer fire fighter David Brumit as the firefighter of the year. The event also featured a pumpkin carving contest where Jackson Serrano won first in the age 5-8 category; Axel Serrano won first in the 9-13 age group and Bertha Newman won first in the adult category.
The City of Frankston announced the new City Secretary Kelli Landreth-Smith.
Scout Pack 328 presented a check for $1,200 to the Frankston Police Department for a vest for the new K-9 officer Borys. Handler Jodi Coats said the donation would provide for a vest.
A sneak preview hosted by the Texas Conservation Alliance was given by the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge near Neches.
The 18th Annual Frankston Community Health Fair with more than 30 health related providers took place in the Family Life Center of the United Methodist Church on Oct. 6.
Many events in 2018 were sidelined for rain and the 43rd Annual Square Fair was no exception. For the first time in the fair’s history, it was postponed until Dec. 15. Prior to its being rescheduled, Square Fair Royalty was announced with the winners being Little Miss Beckham Brooks; Little Mister Caleb Austin; Tiny Miss Gracelynn Marie Hanna; Tiny Mister Scout Vinzant; Miss Square Fair Brooklyn Foscue and Junior Miss Square Fair Kaysie Nabors.
The Frankston School District announced that a nature trail had been built on its unused land north of the campuses. The nature trail meanders through hills and valleys and identifies native trees along the walk.
Novali Davenport was crowned the 2018 Homecoming Queen and Peyton Van Deman was selected to represent the senior class as King during a rainy homecoming celebration on Friday, Oct. 19.
James and Judy Tidmore celebrated 50 years of marriage with friends and family.
Five classes including Frankston graduates form 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1980 held a combined reunion in Billy Bacon’s barn on Oct. 20.
Story time returned to the Frankston Depot Library. Although Storytime is geared for pre-school children, the library also began a reading program for school-age children.
Bonny Cook, the daughter of the late Dr. Pepper Man Troy Cook, announced that Dr. Pepper offered to donate 57 cases of the soft drink to give out to Trick or Treaters. Mr. Cook had a tradition of handing out the drinks and Bonny has carried that tradition on since his death in 2011.
The Frankston Indian varsity football game got its first and only win of the season against Quitman on Oct. 26.
The Frankston Economic Development Corporation hosted its first Spooktacular Sidewalk Trick or Treat on Oct. 31. Due to heavy rains, the event was moved indoors to the United Methodist Church Family Life Center.
Dick and Margaret Moorhead joined friends and family to celebrate the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary.
NOVEMBER
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church celebrated its 140-year anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 4.
The Coffee City, Berryville and Moore Station Volunteer Fire Departments honored veterans with a pancake breakfast in the Coffee City Community Center on Nov. 10
Clayton Hall was presented his Eagle Scout Badge in a special ceremony on Nov. 11. Hall is the first Eagle Scout from Frankston’s Troop 328 in more than a decade.
Coffee City Place 1 candidate GeoJan Wright was selected by voters to fill the seat.
Coffee City police officers are once again patrolling the streets of nearby Brierwood Bay.
Frankston schools take aim at energy savings by signing a contract with Ideal Impact with the goal of saving more than $46,000 a year in energy costs.
The Frankston Raiders football team finished third and won the Dogwood Bowl Game 13-0.
The Frankston Mighty Indian Band earned 13 awards and a second place in Class I National Championships Western Division.
LaPoynor and Frankston schools honored veterans with special assemblies around the Veteran’s Day holiday.
The Frankston City Council honored the Frankston Scout Troop 328 for their service to the community with a special plaque.
Frankston police officer Jeff Taylor announced his bid for Anderson County Sheriff in the 2020 Republican Primaries.
LaPoynor Head Basketball Coach Dean Nuckolls earned his 300th win as the LaPoynor Flyers began their 2018-2019 season.
Three executive promotions were announced by Austin Bank including Frankston’s Russ Gideon who was promoted to the bank’s chief operating officer.
The Mighty Indian Band performed a series of concerts in the Dallas area including the Dallas Arboretum and Great Wolf Lodge.
Frankston High School announces a new tool to communicate with parents and students called Blackboard.
DECEMBER
A petition circulated to save the old school clock that was used to ring the bells on the old campus after it was seen for sale in an online surplus auction. Later in December, the school board voted to put the clock on the Wall of Honor.
Berryville held a public hearing to get input on projects to present for a Housing and Urban Development Community Block Grant the city is seeking.
The re-scheduled Square Fair was held in conjunction with Christmas in the Park on Saturday, Dec. 15. The event included a night parade.
The City of Frankston began honoring employees each quarter. The first award went to Municipal Court Clerk Linda Howell.
Brierwood Bay Directors approved a budget for the upcoming calendar year.