nisd news: volume 2

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October 5 - October 18

Highlights Henderson-Shumate gives back to community P3 Tanner Dean –Dean of Kicking P5 NHS Theatre P7 Fans to honor former Dragon coaches P9 McMichael Middle School defeats Whitehouse P17 Lady Dragons sweep Jacksonville P21 Key people in Education - Mike Claude P22 Senior Hamilton makes calls for Dragons P25 Q&A: Ford returns to Marshall as head coach P26 Exemption to be explained in public hearings P32 Frizzell named 2011 HP Scholastic Junior All-American P36

Wednesday October 5

Impact games on schedule in 14-4A Standings could shake up following Friday’s results The District 14-4A standings have a chance to get really interesting after Friday’s games. The fourgame slate features two contests that could drastically affect the top of the race, another game that will put a winless team back in the mix, and the final game will likely feature the district favorite cruising to an easy victory over the team expected to finish without a win.

Here are this week’s 14-4A games. Whitehouse (2-3, 2-0) at Nacogdoches (1-4, 1-1): The overall records make this look like just another game, but this contest is huge. The Nacogdoches Dragons have their two throwaway games out of the way — an easy win over Pine Tree and a loss to John Tyler. Those two games are the two that every team in the district can count as a win and a loss, most likely. Now, the real fun starts, as Nacogdoches will have five games, starting this week, that will determine its playoff fate. This matchup has the potential for a lot of scoring. Nacogdoches has only had one game with more than 40 points, but a lot of that has to do with the

schedule. Whitehouse is averaging 38 points per game, led by quarterback Hunter Taylor, who has

thrown for 1,924 yards and 22 touchdowns on 136of-252 passing this season. On the flip side, the Wildcats are allowing 45.6 points per contest. This should be an entertaining game. Kilgore (3-2, 2-0) at Jacksonville (1-4, 1-1): Kilgore is the surprise of the district, so far. Jacksonville joined Kilgore by upsetting Marshall last week, a 50-38 victory by the Indians. A team that had only scored 61 points through its first four games, Jacksonville scored 50 points last week. Kilgore is coming off a 35-13 win over Pine Tree. Quarterback Riley Toler was 11-of-17 for 223 yards and two touchdowns for the Bulldogs in that game. This game could have an effect on the playoff race when it’s all said and done. Marshall (1-4, 0-2) at Hallsville (1-4, 0-2): Hallsville was expected to be in this position. Marshall, on the other hand, was predicted as one of the top teams in district, and many envisioned the Mavericks starting 2-0 in district, not the other way

October 4 – October 18 NISD NEWS 2011

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around. Hallsville dropped a 35-24 decision to Whitehouse last week, and Marshall fell to Jacksonville, 50-38, both games that weren’t decided until late. This is a big game for these two squads. A win will revive playoff hopes, while a loss will create an uncomfortable situation. John Tyler (2-3, 2-0) at Pine Tree (0-5, 0-2): This is not an ideal match-up for either team. John Tyler is loaded with athletes and has won the first two district games by scores of 65-6 and 55-17 against Hallsville and Nacogdoches, respectively. Pine Tree is a team trying to find its identity under first-year head coach Derek Fitzhenry and has lost its first two district contests by a total of 43 points. Look for John Tyler quarterback Greg Ward and wide receiver Fred Ross to have a big night in a game that should be decided by halftime.

SWIMMING Nacogdoches falls to Tyler Lee The Nacogdoches swim team came up short in a meet against Class 5A Tyler Lee on Sept. 29 at the Boys & Girls Club in Nacogdoches. Swimmers of the meet were Daniel Morgan and Miranda Cheever. Other results: 200 Yard Medley Relay: Girls: 2nd place: Mita Coker, Taylor Adams, Alexa Srader and Miranda Cheever; 4th place: Emily Shaw, Marin Sandoz, Jessy Hughes and Rachel Lopez; 5th place: Cecilia Morones, Rebecca Fedun, Natalie Frederick and Nandy Romero. Boys: 2nd place: Christopher Nett, Luke Scoggins, Sam Verret and Daniel Morgan; 4th place: Brendon Hughes, Brannen Mullican, Levi Stovall and Justin Tanhui; 5th place: Austin Irwin, Daniel McClinton,

Lyle Nelson and Nick Creasey. 200 Yard Freestyle: Girls: 2nd place: Mita Coker; 4th place: Jessy Hughes; 6th place: Cloey Hammonds. Boys: 1st place: Daniel Morgan; 3rd place: Charles Mize; 5th place: James Young. 200 Yard IM: Girls: 4th place: Taylor Adams; 5th place: Alexa Srader; 6th place: Nandy Romero. Boys: 4th place: Christopher Nett; 5th place: Luke Scoggins; 6th place: Levi Stovall. 50 Yard Freestyle: Girls: 3rd place: Miranda Cheever; 5th place: Marin Sandoz; 6th place: Allison Jeffrey. Boys: 2nd place: Lucas Kahn; 3rd place: Ryan Ewing; 4th place: Sam Verret. 100 Yard Butterfly: Girls: 3rd place: Jessy Hughes; 5th place: Rachel Lopez; 6th place: Natalie Frederick. Boys: 2nd place: Charles Mize; 3rd place: Sam Verret; 5th place: Levi Stovall 100 Yard Freestyle: Girls: 3rd place: Marinda Cheever; 5th place: Allison Jeffrey; 6th place: Nandy Romero.

Contributed photo Nacogdoches swimmer Sam Verret swims in a recent meet.


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Boys: 2nd place: Lucas Kahn; 3rd place: Ryan Ewing; 4th place: Justin Tanhui. 500 Yard Freestyle: Girls: 3rd place: Carmin Willis; 4th place: Emily Shaw; 5th place: Cloey Hammonds. Boys: 1st place: Daniel Morgan; 5th place: James Young; 6th place: Justin Baker. 200 Yard Freestyle Relay: Girls: 2nd place: Mita Coker, Miranda Cheever, Alexa Srader, Taylor Adams; 4th place: Allison Jeffrey, Cecilia Morones, Rachel Lopez, Nandy Romero; 5th place: Jessica Brown, Carmin Willis, Landry Allen, Cloey Hammonds. Boys: 1st place: Christoper Nett, Charles Mize, Ryan Ewing, Lucas Kahn; 3rd place: James Young, Levi Stovall, Justin Tanhui, Sam Verret; 4th place: Brendon Hughes, Austin Irwin, Luke Scoggins, Justin Baker. 100 Yard Backstroke: Girls: 2nd place: Mita Coker; 3rd place: Alexa Srader 4th place: Emily Shaw. Boys: 3rd place: Christopher Nett; 4th place: Austin Irwin; 5th place: Brendon Hughes. 100 Yard Breaststroke: Girls: 2nd place: Taylor Adams; 4th place: Marin Sandoz; 6th place: Rebecca Fedun Boys: 2nd place: Luke Scoggins; 5th place: Brannen Mullican; 6th place: Daniel McClinton. 400 Yard Freestyle Relay Girls: 3rd place: Marin Sandoz, Rachel Lopez, Emily Shaw, Jessy Hughes; 4th place: Allison Jeffrey, Carmin Willis, Cecilia Morones, Rebecca Fedun; 5th place: Cloey Hammonds, Landry Allen, Natalie Frederick, Jessica Brown. Boys: 1st place: Daniel Morgan, Ryan Ewing, Charles Mize and Lucas Kahn; 3rd place: Brendon Hughes, Justin Tanhui, Austin Irwin and James Young. 4th place: Ethan Stovall, Justin Baker, Lyle Nelson and Nick Creasey.

The team will face Whitehouse and Longview on Oct. 11 at home.

KEY PEOPLE IN EDUCATION Henderson-Shumate gives back to community Editor’s note: This is the second installment of a series of articles profiling the seven members of the NISD board of trustees. “Key People in Education” is produced through a partnership with the Nacogdoches High School Alumni Association and The Daily Sentinel. BY MEAGAN O’TOOLE-PITTS [email protected] As a social worker at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital, Almarie Henderson-Shumate says she knows how to deal with stressful situations, making her the ideal vice president for the Nacogdoches ISD board of trustees. “I’m trained to assess a situation and collect the data that will enable me to make an informed decision,” Henderson-Shumate said. “Once the decision has been made, I re-evaluate to make sure the decision was in the best interest of the district.” This is Henderson-Shumate’s fourth year on the board, previously serving as board secretary. Born and raised in Nacogdoches, Henderson-Shumate said she joined the board because she wanted to give back to her community. “For whatever reason, a lot of our minority young people feel that in order for them to be successful, they have to leave Nacogdoches,” she said. “I’ve had many young people in the past say that they did not get the encouragement or support that they felt they needed from the district in order to succeed. By being on the board, I would like to see all children on a level playing field.” Henderson-Shumate holds a bachelor of applied arts and sciences degree and a master of social work degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. She

mailto:[email protected]�


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has spent more than 30 years in health care, joining Memorial in 1984 and serving as a social work adjunct instructor at SFA for the past three years. “My desire is to be an example for our young people and to let them know that Nacogdoches does have opportunities,” she said. “But there can never be change if all of our up-andcoming stars flee the community.” In 1976, Henderson-Shumate graduated from Nacogdoches High School. “I was one of those students who the teachers felt would never amount to anything,” she said. Growing up, her father, Amos Henderson Jr., was a bus driver and a preacher, and her mother, Joshie Mae Salter, was a maid and a teacher’s aide at Head Start. “Therefore, the expectation was not high that I would amount to very much,” Henderson-Shumate said. “But it was that attitude that made me determined that I would get an education and prove them all wrong. It helped that I had parents who pushed me and encouraged me and made me feel that I could do and become whatever I wanted to.” Henderson-Shumate has also served on the boards of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Salvation Army, Children Trust Fund Family Pride Council and Indigent Health Care

Commission Advisory Board for the State of Texas.

To honor the leadership efforts of “Key People in Education,” Gound Chevrolet has made an annual contribution to the Nacogdoches High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. The NHSAA is a 501 (c) 3 organization. Membership is open to all people interested in supporting student

scholarships and honoring the pride and history of Nacogdoches High School.

Andrew D. Brosig/The Daily

Sentinel

Nacogdoches Independent School District Trustee Almarie

Henderson Shumate poses Tuesday outside her office at

Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. The District I

representative and board vice president has served as a trustee

since 2001.


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Thursday October 6, 2011

Dean of kicking Senior finds his sport, a spot on Dragon football team BY BRANDON OGDEN [email protected] Tanner Dean had spent a lot of his life playing soccer. In high school, he attempted basketball and golf. Playing football had never crossed his mind, though. One day, Dean said he and some friends were playing some 7-on-7 for fun, and he attempted a field goal just to see if he could make it. After the kick, starting Nacogdoches Dragon safety Cole Banner told Dean he should try out for the Dragons’ football team. “I decided to give it a shot,” Dean said. Dean went and met Nacogdoches head coach Scott Ford, who had Dean attempt some kicks before giving him a spot on the team. “I guess I was halfway decent,” Dean said. Dean, a senior, has been more than halfway decent in his first five games with the Dragons. “He’s meant a lot,” Ford said. “He changes field position and has also made some big field goals. It’s amazing as a senior to be able to come in and be game ready and perform the way he has.” Dean made a 31-yard field goal to give Nacogdoches a 3-0 lead over John Tyler in the last game. He’s also been a contributor on kickoffs, consistently putting the ball inside the 10-yard-line. When he first started, he said he had no idea he could kick the football that far, but now he expects it.

“I want to put every ball in the end zone,” Dean said. “The main thing is to not try to muscle it. I have to be smooth and remain focused on every kick.”

Adjustments for Dean have been kicking the ball off a tee and being in the spotlight of the Friday Night Lights, which he’s handled in an impressive manner. “He’s been a good intangible,” Ford said. “He’s risen to the occasion. He doesn’t let pressure affect him. He goes out and does his job.”

Andrew D. Brosig/The

Daily Sentinel

Senior

placekicker Tanner Dean,

right, taps a field goal past

the John Tyler defense

on Friday to put the

Dragons on the board in

Tyler.

While playing high school football is something that Dean never imagined he would be doing, he’s glad the opportunity came around. “It’s been a humbling experience,” he said. “It’s been fun, though. I’ve enjoyed being surrounded by the guys in a team-built environment.” Dean hopes to kick the Dragons (1-4, 1-1) into the Class 4A playoffs and possibly earn the opportunity to kick at the collegiate level. “I’m just going to take it one day and one game at a time,” he said. “I just have to let the course play out.” Nacogdoches hosts Whitehouse at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Dragon Stadium.



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Q&A: Ford, Dragons host Whitehouse BY BRANDON OGDEN [email protected] The Nacogdoches Dragons host Whitehouse in a big District 14-4A game at 7:30 Friday night at Dragon Stadium. Nacogdoches head coach Scott Ford answered some questions regarding his team leading up to the game for the Dragons (1-4, 1-1). Q: Whitehouse is a team that averages 50 pass attempts and 384.4 passing yards per game. What does your team have to do to slow down the Wildcats’ passing attack? A: We’ll need to be very disciplined in our coverage. When a team throws the ball that much, there will be a few opportunities for turnovers, so we need to take advantage of any opportunities we get. Q: How important will turnovers and defensive stops be in a game featuring two offenses like Nacogdoches and Whitehouse? A: Turnovers, obviously, are important in any game, and we need to be at a plus margin in that category Friday. We were able to move the ball effectively last week, but we must finish off drives with touchdowns this week in order to have success. Q: What’s been the bright spot of your team through the first five weeks of the season and two district games? A: We’ve had more injuries and setbacks than we could have imagined, but the bright spot has been the team has fought through those things, and we all feel we are going to make a playoff run. Q: With games against Pine Tree and John Tyler out of the way, how do you view the stretch run, and what will it take for the Dragons to capture a playoff spot?

A: To be a playoff team, we will need to play better defense, finish off drives with touchdowns and continue to win the battle of special teams, which we have the last few weeks.

Banner, Johnson earn weekly honors Two Nacogdoches Dragon football players were rewarded for their efforts in Friday night’s 55-17 loss to John Tyler. The Outstanding Defensive Dragon Player of the game was Cole Banner. The senior safety made several tackles for the Dragons. Tipton Ford will donate $100 to the Nacogdoches High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund in Banner’ name. The Outstanding Offensive Dragon Player of the game was Damion Johnson. The senior quarterback rushed for 131 yards and threw for another 96 yards and a touchdown. Allsport Dynamics and Karczewski Bradshaw Law Firm will donate $100 to the Nacogdoches High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund in Johnson’s name. Congratulations to both players from the Nacogdoches High School Alumni Association, Tipton Ford, Allsport Dynamics and Karczewski Bradshaw Law Firm.

Banner / Johnson



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NHS THEATER PROGRAM

The Nacogdoches High School theater program will be painting faces at Friday’s home game against Whitehouse. Face painting will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the north side of the stadium near the scoreboard. The cost will be $1 for face paint, adornments like face and hair glitter can be included for an additional 25 cents each. All proceeds will benefit the drama club and the one-act play. Donations accepted.

ROTARY Club accepting applications on youth exchange program The Nacogdoches Rotary Club is accepting applicants for the youth exchange program of Rotary International District 5910. Area students could have the opportunity to live and attend school in another country for a school year, or they could exchange short-term visits (about three weeks) during the summer with a student from another country. Both short-term and schoolyear applicants will be considered.

Students must be between the ages of 15 and 18½ at the time of departure. They should be of good character, emotionally stable, able to adapt to new situations and have a personality appropriate for serving as a good ambassador for our country. Short-term students exchange visits with a matched student from another country for about three weeks during summer. Long-term students live as a member of host families and attend school in another country. Students are hosted by a local Rotary Club. The host club selects host families, arranges school and provides a counselor for students. The host club also provides an allowance of about $75 to $100 per month for schoolyear students. Since the Rotary volunteers who operate this program are not paid, the cost is less than half that of most other exchange programs. Countries that have hosted students from this area in recent years include Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Sweden. Exchanges with other countries are also possible. School-year students usually depart for their host countries in late August, although for countries in the southern hemisphere, they sometimes depart in January. Short-term exchanges are arranged during school vacation in the summer, usually on an individual basis. Applications for schoolyear exchanges should be submitted by Nov. 15. Shortterm applications (three to four weeks) are due Nov. 30. Late applications will be considered, but opportunities are somewhat reduced. For information and application forms, contact Dave Wallace, Nacogdoches Rotary Club coordinator, at 936-569-1670 or: [email protected]; Doris Lockey, outbound coordinator, RYE, D. 5910, at 936-525-9638 or: [email protected]; or Glen Mattingly, youth exchange officer, RYE, D. 5910, at 936-295-6606 [email protected].





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Friday October 7, 2011

Getting a ‘Jump’ on reading Mayor reads to Head Start kids as part of campaign BY MEAGAN O’TOOLE-PITTS [email protected] With black-framed eye glasses on, sky blue collared shirt sleeves rolled up, and sitting on a carpeted floor, Nacogdoches Mayor Roger Van Horn got acquainted with his youngest constituents — preschoolers at Head Start.

Van Horn read “Llama Llama Red Pajama” to a room of nearly 100 children, ages 3 to 5, Thursday coinciding with mayors, governors and educators nationwide for Jumpstart’s Read for the Record. “What is momma doing?” Van Horn read, accentuating an onomatopoeia in the story. “Baby llama starts boohooing. Boohoo!” Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, presented in partnership with the Penguin Group and the Pearson Foundation, is a national campaign to initiate early learning for children in lowincome neighborhoods. The same book is read to children on the same day

throughout the country. More than 2 million children were read to last year. And Jumpstart campaign leaders are hoping to break “ that record this year. “Reading to children before they set foot in a classroom sets them up

for success in school,” said Bridget Moynahan, ambassador for Jumpstart’s Read for the Record 2011. “But sadly, many children in lowincome neighborhoods do not even have one book in their home. In fact, in some neighborhoods there is only one book for every 300 children.”

Andrew D. Brosig/The Daily Sentinel

Mayor Roger Van Horn, left, points to one of the illustrations in a story

book while reading to students at the Greater East Texas Community Action Program Head Start Learning

Center on Thursday in Nacogdoches. Launched in 2006, the Jumpstart Read for the Record program aims to promote literacy by

reading to children across the nation on the same day.

According to Jumpstart, children in low-income neighborhoods start kindergarten 60 percent behind their wealthier peers. “When children don’t have (early language and literacy skills), they fall behind and stay behind,” said Jumpstart CEO James Cleveland. In addition to Van Horn’s visit to Head Start, faculty members in the college of education at



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Stephen F. Austin State University read to children in the Nacogdoches, Lufkin, Central Heights and Wells school districts and SFA’s charter school and early childhood lab. “More than 450 children were read to,” said Pauline Sampson, program coordinator for SFA’s department of secondary education and educational leadership. Readings were organized by the SFA chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Head Start in Nacogdoches has participated in the campaign, which began in 2006, for the past three years. In 2009, Van Horn read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to the tots. “A good book is really important,” he said. “You can learn a lot about anything by wanting to read, and if we can encourage them to enjoy reading with an event like this, it’s worth it.” Llama Llama Red Pajama” by Anna Dewdney, the story of a young llama who cries for his mother’s attention, teaches preschoolers to have patience, Van Horn said. “I think it’s important to teach those young kids that ‘Mommas are busy, but they still love you,’” he said. After turning the last page, the children shouted “Thank you” in their tiny voices and huddled closer around Van Horn for the chance of a second reading. By helping to educate America’s youth, today’s leaders also learn a thing or two, Van Horn said. “No one is immune to the attention they give,” he said. “They just love you.” Individuals who read “Llama Llama Red Pajama” to

children on Thursday are asked to register at www.jstart.org. A count of this year’s participants is expected in November.

NHSAA Fans to honor former Dragon coaches BY RICK STILL Class of ’65 A group of dedicated mostly aged, fans will gather at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at Dragon Stadium, to posthumously honor former Dragon head football coaches Gean B. Hale and L. H. Mathews. This event will feature the unveiling of the “Hale -Mathews Tribute,” which is a monument picturing and describing the coaching accomplishments of these two fine men. In part, the monument will read: Tribute to Coaches Gean B. Hale L. H. Mathews Nacogdoches High School had won only one game in the two years prior to the arrival of Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Gean Hale and his assistant, L.H. Mathews. Coach Hale served as the Dragons’ Athletic Director and Head Coach from 1952 through 1965. Coach L. H. Mathews served in the same capacity from 1966-1969. They were the longest tenured and most successful football coaching duo in NHS school history. During those eighteen years, NHS had only two losing seasons, while compiling 111 victories, 65 losses and 5 ties. From 1962 through 1969 their team won or shared four of the nine district championships (1962, 1965, 1966 and 1969) that NHS won in the first century of Dragon football (1911-2011). During the 1960s, their teams averaged winning 7 of 10 games per year (70 wins, 30 losses total), easily the highest winning percentage (70 percent) of any decade in NHS school history.

http://www.jstart.org/�


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Their 1962 Dragon team remains the only undefeated team in Dragon football history (9-0-1), and the 1967 Dragons were the only team in school history to have been ranked No. 1 in the state by football polls. In those days only the district champion could advance to the state playoffs, but based upon current University Interscholastic League rules, sixteen of their eighteen NHS teams would have qualified for the playoffs. In the 1960s both coaches served on the Board of Directors of the Texas High School Coaches Association. Later during the 1970s, Gean Hale and L. H. Mathews were elected to the Texas High School Coaches Hall of Honor as the first two coaches so chosen who coached together at the same school. They positively touched the lives of hundreds of young men who later became good husbands, parents and community leaders. Their efforts to instill sportsmanship, honesty and integrity are manifested by the players they coached. They will forever be respected, revered and loved by the entire Nacogdoches community. Dedicated October 21, 2011 By Former Students and Players The monument will be placed just inside the homeside south ticket booth, and was paid for by generous donations of former players, students and friends of these two wonderful coaches.

Hale / Mathews

WHITEHOUSE AT NAC By Brandon Ogden Whitehouse (2-3, 2-0) at Nacogdoches (1-4, 1-1) 7:30 tonight, Dragon Stadium Coaches: Nacogdoches’ Scott Ford; Whitehouse’s Randy McFarlin. Last week: John Tyler 55, Nacogdoches 17; Whitehouse 35, Hallsville 24. Key players: Nacogdoches — QB Damion Johnson. He had 227 total yards last week and helped the Dragons move the ball against John Tyler. If he can move the football and help keep the ball away from Whitehouse, the Dragons’ chances of a victory increase. WR/S Cole Banner. A versatile weapon, Banner has the ability to help the Dragons on both sides of the football. K Tanner Dean. In a game that has the potential to be high-scoring, extrapoints and field goals could play a huge role, which means Dean could be the key for the Dragons. Whitehouse — QB Hunter Taylor. There is no doubt he will put up eye-popping numbers, but if the Dragons can pressure him into a few turnovers, the momentum will likely shift to the home team’s favor. WR Jonathan Aldridge. Taylor needs a primary target, and Aldridge fits that role. He has 36 catches for 777 yards and 11 touchdowns. DB Patrick Mahomes. The son of former Major League


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Baseball pitcher Pat Mahomes, he has been a solid player as a sophomore for the Wildcats. Mahomes has 20 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Radio: 107.7 FM. On the Web: Updates from the game can be found on The Daily Sentinel’s Facebook page and at twitter.com/ bmo84. Prediction: Nacogdoches 49, Whitehouse 42.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Dragons host 2-0 Wildcats BY BRANDON OGDEN [email protected] The Whitehouse Wildcats enter Dragon Stadium tonight with plans on to set up a first-place showdown with John Tyler next week. The host Nacogdoches Dragons will try to spoil those plans when the two teams square off at 7:30. “This is a five-game stretch we’ve been pointing to,” Nacogdoches head coach Scott Ford said. “It’s exciting that it’s finally here. Now, all we have to do is go out and win, starting with this home game against Whitehouse.” Whitehouse (2-3, 2-0) comes in with a reputation of an air-raid passing attack and a suspect defense. The numbers support that reputation. Hunter Taylor is 136-of-252 passing — an average of 50.4 attempts per game — for 1,924 yards — an average of 348.8 yards per game — with 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. “Their offense is definitely the strength of their team,” Ford said.

“Our offense has to do its job and to be the best offense on the field. Our defense has to play better, and we have to dominate special teams.” “With as many times as they throw the football,

there will be opportunities for turnovers. Winning the turnover battle is always important, and this game is no different.” Whitehouse has allowed 45.6 points per game this season, but has shown improvements on defense in the first two district games, allowing just 22.5 points per contest in two victories. The Dragons (1-4, 1-1), who have averaged 29.5 points and 394 yards in their first District 14-4A games — hope to continue their offensive efficiency tonight. “We have a lot to play for,” Ford said. “It’s an opportunity to be 2-1 in district. It’s also a home game and a ‘Blackout’ game. The kids will be fired up. We just have to go out and make sure we execute our game plan.”

Saturday October 8, 2011

1940 alum honored during game Swearingen, Mangham, Hawkins recognized for accomplishments BY MEAGAN O’TOOLE-PITTS [email protected] Trekking through the deepening mud on Birdwell Field. Rain permeating their worn leather helmets. One chance to claim a victory over Lufkin High School for the first time in nearly a decade. More than 10,000 eager eyes waiting in anticipation at that field on the Stephen F. Austin campus. On November 11, 1939, the Nacogdoches High School football team, a group of 24 rowdy, yet well-mannered, boys of the Great Depression, fought hard and defeated the Lufkin Panthers, 8-6, earning a permanent place in Dragon history. Nearly all of the men on the team went to war. Six never returned.

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NHS 1940 graduates Joyce Swearingen, A.L. Mangham and Buddy Hawkins gather at The Jones House on Friday for Mayor Roger Van

Horn’s proclaimation honoring Hawkins, a WWII veteran and quarterback who helped lead the football team to victory over Lufkin

in 1939.

Today, Thomas Marion “Buddy” Hawkins, the quarterback who led the team’s 11-man lineup coined the Iron Men, and A.L. Mangham Jr., No. 30, are the only remaining members of the team. Hawkins, who was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII in 1942, was honored Friday morning with a proclamation from Mayor Roger Van Horn, and he was also honored as the NHS distinguished alumnus at the Dragons game Friday. Hawkins, referred to as the team’s starting quarterback, knew an NHS and a Nacogdoches that is much different from today. During Hawkins senior year, NHS was housed in a then new building on Mound Street now home to Thomas J. Rusk Elementary. Nacogdoches had a population of 7,000. Appleby Sand Road was made of sand. And a movie ticket cost 12 cents. “There wasn’t many of us in school back in those days,” said Hawkins, 90. “We all worked hard. Most of us had some kind of a job. It might have been anything — cleaning up streets and anything else to make a dollar.” Mangham said he picked cotton at age 7 and delivered The Daily Sentinel when he was 14.

At the time, a man graduating from high school either wrangled some college scholarships or set his sights on military service, Hawkins said. After the Dragons trumped the Panthers, on August 10, 1940, Hawkins played in the sixth annual Texas High School Coaches All-Star game in Austin. Nearly 50 athletes from across the state competed in the game. Hawkins became the first Dragon to play on the elite team and he earned notoriety when his team,

the North, beat the South, 14-7. A month later, Hawkins entered the Schreiner Institute, a preparatory school in Kerrville, to finish high school and prepare for college. He continued his passion for football and completed two years of college before being drafted. During his time in the Army Air Corps, Hawkins served as a cryptographer coding and decoding messages. When members of the Womens Army Corps were taught cryptography, servicemen, such as Hawkins, ran at the chance to return to the football field. Hawkins played on the All Stars team at Patterson Airfield in Dayton, Ohio. “There were lots of boys in the Army who had played football for colleges that they went to, and we said ‘Hell, just get out there and play a little bit with us,’” Hawkins said.

A.L. Mangham. left, and Buddy Hawkins are shown in their high school football gear. Mangham, Hawkins and Joyce Swearingen were

honored during the Nacogdoches Dragons game Friday for their accomplishments. All three are 1940 NHS graduates.


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In 1946, Hawkins was discharged and returned home to Nacogdoches. At Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College, Hawkins lent his expertise as an assistant football coach. He graduated in 1950. The next year, Hawkins retired from coaching and moved to Odessa to become a business owner. Today, he and his wife, Lady Lou Hawkins, reside in Odessa, but the pair said they still reminisce about the Nacogdoches of their youth. “They all love Nacogdoches,” Lady Lou said. “This is home.” The bonds built by members of the NHS Class of 1940 are still alive more than 70 years later, said Joyce Swearingen, 88, who was the Halloween Queen in 1939. “People who went to school in those days have a great camaraderie,” she said.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Shoot-out setback Dragons’ fast start not enough in 49-28 loss BY BRANDON OGDEN [email protected] In the first half, it was Dylan Cantrell that kept Whitehouse in the game. In the second half, it was Whitehouse capitalizing on Nacogdoches’ mistakes that helped the Wildcats pull away to a 49-28 victory over the Dragons in District 14-4A football action Friday night at Dragon Stadium. The Dragons (1-5, 1-2) held a 14-0 lead and had the ball in the second quarter. An 8-yard touchdown pass from Damion Johnson to Tim Williams, followed by a 24-strike from Johnson to Antwon Wallace helped the Dragons build their early advantage.

Johnson finished the game with 161 yards rushing and a touchdown on 23 carries and was 18of-30 through the air for 150 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. On the drive, Nacogdoches moved the ball, but was stopped on a fourth down in Whitehouse territory. Whitehouse (3-3, 3-0) capitalized by scoring four plays later on a 44yard touchdown pass from Hunter Taylor to Cantrell — a connection that became pretty familiar — to cut the score to 14-7. The Dragons then turned the ball over two plays into the next possession on a lost fumble. It was the only lost fumble by the Dragons, despite 11 total fumbles in the contest. Three plays later, Taylor found Cantrell again, this time for a 23yard touchdown to tie the game at 14 with 5:32 left in the second quarter. Taylor completed 24-of-34 pass attempts for 418 yards and five touchdowns. Four of those touchdowns were to Cantrell, who caught 15 passes — 11 in the first half — for 218 yards. The Dragons and Wildcats traded touchdowns in the final 2:30 of the half — a 4-yard run by Derrick Fields and an 8-yard pass from Taylor to Cantrell — to go into halftime with a 21-21 score. The Dragons got the ball first in the second half and moved into field goal range, but failed to convert on a fake run. Whitehouse turned the ball back over to Nacogdoches with a fumble that was recovered by DeAndre Foster, and the Dragons turned it into their final touchdown of the game, a 1-yard run by Johnson. Whitehouse responded with 28 unanswered points — 21 in the fourth quarter — to close the game. The turning point came when Nacogdoches stopped Whitehouse on the next drive, but was backed into its own end zone with a 3rdand- 13 at the 2-yard-line. The Dragons faked a punt that turned into an interception by Isaiah Burton, who returned it 10



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yards for the gametying touchdown. The Wildcats then forced the Dragons to punt for the first time of the game and turned it into a 77yard touchdown pass from Taylor to Justin Bloom to give Whitehouse the lead for good.


Quarterback Damion Johnson (15) slips a tackle and faces down the

Whitehouse defensive line as he scrambles for yardage during the first half Friday at Nacogdoches High School.


DeAndre Foster (12) wraps up Whitehouse sophomore ball carrier

Coleman Patterson on the stop during the first half Friday at Nacogdoches High School.

Bloom had five catches for 136 yards in a game that had 913 total

yards — 503 for Whitehouse and 410 for Nacogdoches.

Wallace had six catches for 74 yards for the Dragons, who travel to Marshall next week.


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OVERLINE Whitehouse sweeps Nacogdoches BY KEVIN GORE [email protected] A big start for the Nacogdoches Lady Dragon volleyball team didn’t translate into a match win against Whitehouse. Despite zooming out to a 7-0 lead in the opening match, the Lady Dragons dropped three straight sets to Whitehouse by scores of 25-23, 25-10 and 25-20 at Dragon Coliseum Friday. The loss drops Nacogdoches to 3-6 in District 14-4A competition and 15-18 overall. “We were up 7-0 and missed three straight serves,” coach Ben Belshaw said. “You can’t give a team free points, especially to a team like Whitehouse.” The Lady Dragons were coming off taking Hallsville to five sets in a loss Tuesday. Whitehouse came into the match in third place in the district. “We still have a chance at the playoffs,” Belshaw said. “We have to win the matches we are supposed to win and, hopefully, a few more.” The Lady Dragons are on the road next week, against Jacksonville on Tuesday and against Marshall on Friday. Charity Page had seven kills in the match. Ashton Brown had four kills and two blocks. Ashley Laird had two aces, and Sydney Watson collected 10 assists. Cami Guicustro added two blocks, and Victoria Hetrick had 11 digs.


Lady Dragon junior Charity Page, right, drives the kill past a pair of Whitehouse defenders during the first game of the match Friday at

Nacogdoches High School. After jumping out to an early lead, Nacogdoches dropped the first game 25-23, with Whitehouse

eventually sweeping the match 3-0.

Sunday October 10, 2011

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL The Dragons have unfinished business The Nacogdoches Dragons have shown the ability to make big plays in the first half. It’s their inability to finish games that has them sitting at 1-5 overall and 1-2 in District 14-4A football play after Friday



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nights’ 49-28 loss to Whitehouse at Dragon Stadium. Looking at the score, it appears as if Nacogdoches was blown out by the visiting team, but in reality, it was a game the Dragons were in control of for a while. It’s hard to say one thing led to the outcome, so here are a few numbers and plays that can be circled. ¦ Whitehouse receiver Dylan Cantrell had 15 catches for 218 yards and four touchdowns. Three of those scoring plays came in the first half on 11 catches for 180 yards that accounted for all of the Wildcats’ first-half points. At some point, the defense has to take that option away, which the Dragons did a better job of in the second half. ¦ A fake punt on third down deep in their own territory that turned into a Pick Six. With a 28-21 lead late into the third quarter and possession of the ball, the Dragons seemed to be getting closer to a victory. Then with third down and 13 yards to go at their own 2-yard-line, the Dragons threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Isaiah Burton to tie the game. That set up a string of 28 unanswered points by Whitehouse, including a 21-0 fourth quarter. ¦ The Dragons also had two fourth down tries — one a fake field goal — that Whitehouse stopped and turned into points. ¦ In a game where Nacogdoches had 410 total yards, 28 points and 21 first downs, only 78 of those yards and four first downs came in a scoreless fourth quarter. ¦ The Dragons also had 11 fumbles and three turnovers in the game, to go along with four costly 15-yard penalties in the second half, one that erased a 49-yard touchdown pass that would have tied the

game at 35 in the fourth quarter. There were bright spots for the Dragons, who didn’t punt until the fourth quarter. Damion Johnson accounted for 311 total yards and three touchdown. Antwon Wallace caught six passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Chandler Hamilton also had a good game on defense. Nacogdoches travels to Marshall (1-5, 0-3) — which dropped a 24-21 decision to Hallsville Friday — Oct. 14. Other District 14-4A results Friday were Jacksonville 27, Kilgore 20; and John Tyler 52, Pine Tree 14.


Dragon Antwon Wallace (23) sprints away from a Whitehouse

defender on his way to a first-quarter touchdown Friday at Dragon Stadium.


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SPORTS IN BRIEF McMichael wins games The McMichael Middle School football teams defeated Whitehouse this week at McMichael. McMichael eighth grade took a 44-14 victory over Whitehouse Thursday night. Standouts for McMichael were Kevin Ramirez, Xavier Cruz, Riley Perry, Kerry Rivera, Dorian Williams, Alex Gregory, Marco Santoyo and Damien Yabrough. McMichael (2-2, 2-0) will play at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in Marshall. McMichael seventh grade Black took a 24-6 win over Whitehouse. Standouts were Jaylon Douglas, Antoine Holcomb, William Timmons and Joshua Norman. McMichael seventh grade Gold took a 14-0 win over Whitehouse. Standouts were Devonte Johnson, Odiyecee Lathan, Phillip Jones, Tyler Hall and JaKevin Tolbert. The seventh grade teams will be at Marshall on Tuesday.

OBSERVANCE October is for Head Start Awareness Nationwide, Head Start Awareness is observed and celebrated in October. The Greater East Texas Community Action Program Head Start traces its beginnings to 1968 in Nacogdoches, then serving 90 children. That program now serves five counties with 652 children, including infants, toddlers, as well as expectant mothers. Head Start is a comprehensive program that offers early childhood education for infants and preschoolers. The local community action program also engages parents as the first and most important teachers of their children. Families are encouraged and supported in setting goals and developing strategies to reach those goals. What began more than four decades ago as a small summer program has grown to serve 273 infants, toddlers, preschoolers and expectant families in Nacogdoches County. Head Start graduates rank higher in language, literacy, social conduct and physical development than their non-Head Start peers and are significantly more likely to complete high school and attend college than those who did not participate in the program, according to Patrick Sanders, social services specialist. “With more than 10,000 alumni to date, GETCAP Head Start is making a positive impact on the lives of low-income children in Nacogdoches County,” Sanders said.


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Monday October 10, 2011 NISD-TV schedule set This Week on NISD TV Cable Channel 2 (SFA) Monday through Friday 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. Inside NISD Traci Barnes, principal Fredonia Elementary Judy Justus, principal, Martin Center Bulletin Board ——— 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Dragon Athletic Show Coach Scott Ford, football ——— 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. La Conexion Hispana Norman Edwards, Harvest House ——— 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Brick Street News Tim Hayward, CEO, Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital Dr. Kimberly Childs, dean, science and math SFA

Wednesday October 13, 2011

Fair fun gets started Rabbit competition, baking contest kick off event BY ROBBIE GOODRICH [email protected] The 34th annual Piney Woods Fair officially opens today. But on Tuesday, hundreds of local youth entered their best breads, cakes and cookies in the youth baking contest at the Courthouse Annex, and 4-H and FFA students brought their best bunnies to the Expo Center for the market and junior breeding rabbit shows. With five full days of fair fun on tap, the midway opens at 4 p.m. today, but a variety of activities are under way early beginning with broiler arrival and sifting starting bright and early at 7 a.m., followed by market barrow arrival at 8 a.m. at the Expo. The top contenders in rabbits were decided Tuesday night, with the grand champion market rabbit pen

exhibited by Jami Matlock with Garrison FFA and the reserve champion pen exhibited by Sydney Williams with Livestock 4-H. Judge Frank Farrow of Lufkin, a certified judge with the American Rabbit Breeders Association, said picking the three show rabbits is the hardest part of the competition because “you want all three to be just exactly alike.”

“You want them to feel the same, be the same height and depth and width,” he said.

Photos by Andrew D. Brosig/The Daily Sentinel Hope Rodriguez, 10, fetches her market pen of three rabbits from the

display cages during the Piney Woods Fair rabbit show Tuesday at the Nacogdoches County Expo Center. Hope is a member of

Nacogdoches 4-H.

Judge Gina Chianese reacts favorably to one of the items she’s

sampling during youth baking judging Tuesday in the Courthouse Annex, the first event of the 2011 Piney Woods Fair. The gates open

today at the County Expo Center for the fair’s annual five-day run.

Farrow described each entry in detail as anxious students and their parents watched, explaining the issues with each rabbit that cause the pens to be “off



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balanced.” “In this pen, I have three different rabbits,” Farrow said of one of the entries. “I have one that’s a little narrow in the shoulders, fair loin but a little flat over the hind quarters. The next rabbit has good shoulders, good loins and hind quarters, and it’s the best of the three, but it’s a little narrow of the shoulders. The third rabbit doesn’t match up at all. It’s way narrow in the shoulders and lacks fullness in the lower hind quarters.” Some exhibitors had brought their entries in fancy compartment pens while others transported them in pet carriers or cardboard boxes. The top bucks and does in the rabbit breeds will be announced later in the week. Earlier on Tuesday, more than 200 students from Nacogdoches County schools brought their entries for the youth baking contest to the Annex Tuesday morning. At one point, three buses from Central Heights ISD were lined up in front of the building, dropping off students carrying their entries and accompanying recipes for the contest. Human sciences students from Stephen F. Austin State University served as judges, according to contest chairwoman Alison Thorn, family and consumer sciences teacher at Central Heights. When the judging was over, Hannah Scoggin of Douglass was declared the junior sweepstakes winner, and Madalyn Najvar of Douglass was the senior sweepstakes winner. First place winners in the various categories included: Junior division — Cameron Watson, Chireno, cakes; Hannah Scoggins, Douglass, cookies; Emma Bennett, Chireno, quick breads; Bailee Hudson, Central Heights, yeast breads; and Janil Pyle, Douglass, creative use of convenience foods. Senior division — Madalyn Najvar, Douglass, cakes; Jessica Sneed, Zavalla, cookies; Brianna Hammack, Central Heights, quick breads; Connor

Owen, Douglass, yeast breads; Kayse Loving, Central, creative use of convenience foods. A complete list of winners in all competitions will be published as space allows. A highlight of tonight’s opening entertainment at the fair is the annual cheerleading contest, which gets under way at 5:30 p.m. today. A second phase of the contest is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Tonight also features KTRE Ride-A-Mania with a $5 discount on armbands to ride all carnival rides. Armbands are $12 with three canned goods for a food drive, or $17 without canned goods. Armbands are sold between 5 and 9 p.m. only. The midway is open until 11 p.m. Wednesday. Clowning with Jonezy the Clown takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. Fair admission is $5 per person, and children under 4 are admitted free of charge.

OUR TURN: Toasts For reading to kids, Relay for Life fundraising and helping a family in need To community leaders across the nation who participated in the annual Jumpstart’s Read for the Record campaign. Locally, Mayor Roger Van Horn took part in the event last week by reading to more than 100 Head Start children. Launched in 2006, the Jumpstart Read for the Record program aims to promote literacy by encouraging reading to children across the nation on the same day. ... to those who have already signed up for and are making plans to participate in the upcoming Relay for Life fundraiser on March 30-31. A tailgate event last week at the city recreation center kicked off next year’s event, generating enthusiasm for the fundraising efforts that will soon be under way. ... to the faculty, staff and students of Woden ISD and residents of the Woden community who gathered furniture and household items for the


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family of Cassandra Washington after their home was destroyed by fire early last week. Washington and her children will put those collected items to good use in a home where they will live rent free through the end of this month, thanks to Barham Properties. ... to the city of Nacogdoches and the Center for Regional Heritage Research at Stephen F. Austin State University for providing public access to the restored train depot at the corner of West Main Street and Old Tyler Road. The newly opened historic landmark will be home to historical displays and public events. ... to the members of the Nacogdoches High School Class of 1940 who were recently honored at a reception. NHS 1940 graduates Joyce Swearingen, A.L. Mangham Jr. and Buddy Hawkins were recognized last week at the Jones House when Mayor Roger Van Horn read a proclamation honoring Hawkins, a WWII veteran and quarterback who helped lead the Dragon football team of 1939 to victory over Lufkin. ... to Dr. James Kroll, a forest wildlife professor at SFASU, for being appointed by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker as white-tail deer trustee for that state. Kroll is director of the Institute for White-tailed Deer Management and Research at SFA, where he has conducted research for the past 40 years. He is also Henry M Rockwell Chair of Forestry, hosts and co-hosts two TV shows on deer management and has written hundreds of articles and several books on the topic.

Answer week in 14-4A Whitehouse hosts John Tyler in first-place battle by Brandon Ogden This the week for answers in District 14-4A football. Is John Tyler unbeatable, or can Whitehouse make its claim for the district title? Will it be Nacogdoches, or will it be Marshall that steps up to make a push for a playoff spot?

Will Jacksonville win a game its supposed to and stay in the hunt for a district title? And will Kilgore bounce back from its first district loss, or will Hallsville spoil the party with a road win? Here are this week’s games. John Tyler (3-3, 3-0) at Whitehouse (3-3, 3-0): The records indicate that fans are in for an epic battle. Both teams come in with three straight victories after 0-3 nondistrict marks, but this game is going to come down to which defense can make more stops. The numbers point to John Tyler being the team that makes enough defensive plays to become 11-0 — counting last season — since joining 14-4A competition. Whitehouse has an explosive offense, which showed with 503 yards — 418 through the air — in last week’s 49-28 victory here in Nacogdoches. The Wildcats also allowed 410 yards to the Dragons and don’t seem to have enough defense to stop John Tyler’s offense, which is led by the duo of quarterback Greg Ward and receiver Fred Ross. Whitehouse’s quarterback-receiver duo of Hunter Taylor and Dylan Cantrell showed they are pretty good, as well, hooking up for 15 completions for 218 yards and four touchdowns last week. Nacogdoches (1-5, 1-2) at Marshall (1-5, 0-3): There’s no mistaking the importance of this game. Marshall, picked to finish second in the district before the season, is in danger of falling to 0-4 with a home loss to the Dragons. Nacogdoches, a 42-21 winner over Pine Tree in the district opener, has lost two straight games and could use a big road win to strengthen its playoff case. This matchup features two athletic quarterbacks — Nacogdoches’ Damion Johnson, who accounted for 311 yards and three touchdowns against Whitehouse, and Marshall’s


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Alandric Tutt. Hallsville (2-4, 1-2) at Kilgore (3-3, 2-1): These are two teams everyone is still a little unsure about. They both have beat Marshall, and Hallsville has had the tougher schedule to begin district, having already played both John Tyler and Whitehouse, neither of which Kilgore has played. Kilgore needs this win more since those two teams still remain on the schedule, while a win for Hallsville could give the Bobcats a lot of confidence in their hopes of reaching the playoffs. Pine Tree (0-6, 0-3) at Jacksonville (2-4, 2-1): The Indians picked up a big win over Kilgore last week, while the Pirates surprised some people by playing John Tyler close for a half. This is a game Jacksonville is supposed to win, and needs to win, in order to prove it can contend for one of four playoff spots. Pine Tree is just looking to reach the win column for the first time under new head coach Derek Fitzhenry.

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL Nac sweeps Jacksonville

The Nacogdoches Lady Dragons swept Jacksonville (25-23, 25-20, 25-20) in District 14-4A volleyball action Tuesday night in Jacksonville. Charity Page led Nacogdoches with 14 kills, and Sydney Watson had 19 assists. Other standouts for the Lady Dragons were Morgan Farrell, three digs and one ace; Ashton Brown, five kills and three aces; Camilla Giucastro, five kills and two blocks; Victoria Hetrick, nine digs; and Taylor Layton, seven digs. The Lady Dragons will face Marshall at 4:30 p.m. Friday in Marshall. The Nacogdoches junior varsity defeated Jacksonville (25-22, 25-15), and the

Nacogdoches freshmen defeated Jacksonville (25-12, 15-25, 25-22).

Schools sue state over ‘unfair’ funds AUSTIN (AP) — A coalition of more than 150 Texas school districts said Tuesday it has filed a lawsuit against the state over a school funding system it says is unfair, inefficient and unconstitutional. The coalition represents more than one in 10 Texas districts. It accuses lawmakers of turning a blind eye to the state’s troubled school financing system for years and exacerbating the flaws this summer when they slashed public school spending by more than $4 billion to close a massive budget gap. “Some districts really wanted us to file last year, but we thought, ‘We’ll give the Legislature one more chance to do the right thing, to fix this broken system we have and fund schools properly,’” said Lauren Cook, a spokeswoman for the Austin-based Equity Center, which organized the lawsuit. “But they didn’t. They cut $4 billion in core funding. As a result of that action they took, there’s really just no other option for schools at this point.” The Texas Education Agency and the Texas comptroller are among the defendants named in the lawsuit filed Monday. Republican Gov. Rick Perry, who is running for president and signed the state budget that included the education cuts, is not.


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KEY PEOPLE IN EDUCATYION Chief Investigator explains why he is a part of NISD BY AUSTIN KING [email protected] Editor’s note: This is the third installment of a series of articles profiling the seven members of the NISD board of trustees. “Key People in Education” is produced through a partnership with the Nacogdoches High School Alumni Association and The Daily Sentinel.

Since 2008, Chief Investigator Mike Claude for the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Department has served on the NISD Board of Trustees. This position certainly isn’t his first public service. For more than 20 years, Claude has served the law in Nacogdoches and his hometown of Kirbyville. “I always wanted to be a cop growing up,” Claude said. “In my hometown, I was part of a group called the ‘Junior Police,’ which was for children.” Claude chose to attend SFA for a degree in agriculture education. Despite his scholarship in agriculture, Claude managed to gain a sponsorship to work with SFA Campus Police. “I got my first job at UPD and never looked back,” he said. After making his start with SFA Campus Police, Claude moved to the Nacogdoches Police Department for six years. He then returned home and served Kirbyville’s Police Department for six years. Now, he’s returned to the Nacogdoches Sheriff’s Department. “I look to the Bible in Romans Chapter 8, verse 28 to tell why I chose to do this,” Claude said. “It says, ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’” As part of his work on the NISD Board of Trustees, Claude works with the facilities committee. The facilities committee coordinates with the superintendent and staff to

make recommendations to the board on funding projects, such as construction or security.

Claude said his experience with law enforcement allows him to make ethical decisions.


District IV trustee Mike Claude was first appointed to the

Nacogdoches Independent School District Board of Trustees to fill a vacant seat in 2008. As chief investigator for the Nacogdoches

County Sheriff’s Department, Claude believes his experience in law enforcement helps him make fact-based decisions based on the best

interest of students and the district.

“I believe that I have learned to listen to both sides of a situation and arrive at a logical solution,” Claude said. “Every decision I make involving the district hinges on what I believe is in the best interest of the district and the children we serve, and is based on the facts at hand.” Claude is the father of two children. Both children will attend NISD schools. This was a major factor for joining the NISD board. “I have very young children who are, and will be attending school in this district, and I wanted to help improve the district for the kids we serve,” Claude said. “Being on the board was a way that I could learn and have an impact at the same time.”



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Claude has also served with the East Texas Peace Officers Association, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Child Welfare, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, Child Fatality Review, Adult Protective Services, Texas Municipal Police Association and National Narcotic Detector Dog Association.

——— To honor the leadership efforts of “Key People in Education,” Gound Chevrolet has made an annual contribution to the Nacogdoches High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. The NHSAA is a 501 (c) 3 organization. Membership is open to all people interested in supporting student scholarships and honoring the pride and history of Nacogdoches High School.

Carpenter Elementary

Carpenter Elementary students are learning how to read sight words “by the scoop.” The students are participating in the “Sight Word Scoop Reading Program.” Principal Lynn Harris said that “it matters” that all students at Carpenter use a variety of reading skills to become lifelong readers. Sharon Bratton and Nancy Steagald (reading interventionists) say that recognizing sight words is a very important reading skill that helps students become successful readers.

Thursday October 13, 2011 Cheer fans come out in big numbers BY ROBBIE GOODRICH [email protected]

Despite having a somewhat soggy beginning, Wednesday’s opening of the Piney Woods Fair kicked off in high-energy fashion with the cheerleading competition bringing out large crowds that braved dark clouds and drifted onto the midway later in the night. The bright lights of the midway lit up the night sky as the sound of excited children on rides and the scent of corn dogs, cotton candy and caramel apples

permeated the air. “It’s going well,” interim Expo Center Manager Anita Scott said Wednesday night. “Always on the first night, there are some ‘kinks’ that you have to work out, but otherwise, I feel like it’s a success.” Rain earlier in the day caused some mud puddles in parking areas and driveways, but it also “knocked down the dust,” Scott said, and the skies

cleared just in time as the rides cranked up. “If you would have told me you wanted rain, I just could have planned a fair,” she said with a laugh. “Just plan a fair, and we can get rain.” The new parking plan seemed to work well on the first night, Scott said. “I actually had a lady stop me and thank me; she liked it,” she said. Scott said she is amazed at the many people who step up each year to help plan and operate the fair. “I’m thankful for the people in this community who



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pull together to make things happen,” she said. “Putting on an event of this magnitude takes a lot of people, and that’s when you find out how many people care about this community. It’s a group effort, and I think it’s paying off.” A favorite event each year at the fair, the cheerleading and dance competition brings teams from neighboring East Texas communities to compete before judges who are looking for precise, sharp performances from the cheer squads and dance teams, according to event chairwoman Venetia Lunsford of Venetia’s Studio and American Cheer Elite. “They look for appearance, enthusiasm, choreography, tumbling, difficulty of stunts and cheer formations,” Lunsford said. “And timing and rhythm are important. Wednesday night’s winners in the Class 3A and above junior high cheer competition included: Diboll, first place; Center, second place; Huntington, third place; Central, fourth place; Mike Moses Middle School, fifth place; and McMichael Middle School, sixth place. Winners in the 3A and above junior high dance category were: Diboll, first; Mike Moses, second; Huntington, third; Lufkin Middle School, fourth; and McMichael, fifth. Winners in the 3A and above high school cheer were: Diboll, first; Center, second. Winners in the 3A and above high school dance category were: Huntington, first; Center, scond; Diboll, third; and Huntington dance officers, fourth. Nacogdoches High School squads did not enter the competition this year. A second phase of the cheerleading and dance competition for the Class 2A and below schools will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Earlier Wednesday, the market broiler show resulted in the entry of Casey Mangan of Woden FFA

winning grand champion honors and the entry of Taylor Tillis of Chireno FFA earning reserve champion broiler.


The McMichael Middle School team performs a kick line routine during warmups Wednesday before the annual cheerleading

competition at the fair.

Among today’s fair highlights are the arrival of the market lambs and beef heifers starting at 4 p.m. Midway rides open again at 4 p.m. followed by a performance of the Twirlerettes at 5 p.m. and the market barrow judging at 6 p.m. Tonight’s featured midway event is KETK TV Buddy Night from 6 to 10 p.m. where one person pays and one person rides for free with a KETK Buddy sticker, which are available at the gate. Jonezy the Clown entertains on the main stage at 6:30 p.m., and the A.C. Singers take the stage at 7 p.m. Fair admission is $5 per person with children under 4 admitted free of charge. For more Piney Woods Fair information, go to www.nacexpo.net

http://www.nacexpo.net/�


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Defensive QB Senior Hamilton makes calls for Dragons BY BRANDON OGDEN [email protected] “He’s our quarterback.” That’s what Nacogdoches defensive coordinator Corey Chancellor said about senior linebacker Chandler Hamilton. “He’s the one who makes all the calls for us,” Chancellor said. “He does a great job of getting everybody lined up. He’s a huge asset to our defense.” Hamilton is coming off a big game against Whitehouse when he was in on several tackles and forced a fumble that was recovered by the Dragons. “We talked about it at halftime,” Hamilton said. “We knew we had to force a turnover and get the ball back to our offense. The opportunity came open, and I was able to make the play.” The Dragons dropped a 49-28 decision to the Wildcats, but that doesn’t take away from Hamilton’s solid play. “He had a good game against John Tyler, and we knew we would need his athleticism against Whitehouse’s passing attack,”

Nacogdoches head coach Scott Ford said. “He’s been playing through pain with a hurt shoulder. He’s a true team player.” Hamilton has also contributed to the offense, catching nine passes for 101 yards, including a five-reception, 55-yard performance against John Tyler. “It wasn’t really hard,” Hamilton said of playing

both sides. “I’ve spent most of my career as a linebacker, but I had played some receiver last year. Coach had asked me to move over for a few plays to help the team, and I was willing to do whatever needed to be done.”

Hamilton has also been a plus in special teams as a reliable ball-catcher on short kicks. “I just have to keep playing hard and focusing on what I know I have to do to help the team,” Hamilton said. “He has an extremely high football IQ,” Ford said. Hamilton and the Dragons return to the field Friday night to face Marshall, a team built more on the run, unlike Whitehouse. “I just have to play downhill,” Hamilton said. “I know our main focus is to stop their run.” The game is at 7:30 p.m. in Marshall.


Dragon linebacker Chandler Hamilton (5) gets his hand in to bring down Whitehouse receiver Justin Bloom during the first half Oct. 7 at Dragon

Stadium. Hamilton, a senior, earned defensive player of the game honors for his play in the home contest last week.



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Q&A: Ford returns to Marshall as head coach

BY BRANDON OGDEN [email protected] The Nacogdoches Dragons face Marshall in a key District 14-4A tilt Friday night in Marshall. Nacogdoches head coach Scott Ford, who played high school football at Marshall, answered some questions leading up to the game. ——— Q: What’s been the message to your team about moving on from two straight losses and focusing on the game against Marshall? A: Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. We don’t always get what we want, but most of the time we do get what we deserve. We lost the game the other night because we made too many mistakes and didn’t take advantage of some opportunities. Q: How surprising is it that Marshall is off to an 0-3 start in district? A: Pretty surprising because they had 16 starters back off a playoff team and have had a strong tradition. They are still a talented and dangerous team. Q: How important would be it be to get a road win at Marshall and basically eliminate the Mavericks from the playoff picture, along with helping your team’s position? A: It would be important for us because we need to win a game and it’s a game that can get us back in the hunt for a playoff spot. Q: What is it like going to coach a game as an opponent at the school where you played your high school football? A: It should be interesting returning to the

stadium/field house where we built a program. However, the truth is I haven’t lived in Marshall in over 20 years. Nacogdoches is our home now. My focus will be on our football team. It will be a short trip to the game for my parents, though, as they still reside there.

SPORTS IN BRIEF

Lady Dragons hosting clinic The Nacogdoches Lady Dragons basketball coaches will host a free skills and drills basketball clinic Saturday in the Nacogdoches High School Competition Gym. The clinic, which will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is over girls in grades third through sixth. The clinic is to raise awareness and participation in girls basketballl, as well as to encourage participation in Little Dribblers through the city’s recreation center, according to Lady Dragon coach Deatrick Stigall. Students can sign up with their P.E. teachers at their local school, but walk-ups are welcome.

Friday October 14, 2011

School districts go up against state

Nacogdoches, Woden: School funding formula is flawed BY MEAGAN O’TOOLE-PITTS [email protected] More than 200 property poor school districts statewide, including Nacogdoches ISD and Woden ISD, have filed suit against the state in an attempt to fix what they call a flawed school funding formula. “Texas school children, which includes Nacogdoches, and our taxpayers are being treated




27

unfairly by the current public school finance system,” said Mike Green, NISD associate superintendent of business and operations. The lawsuit was filed in the 200th state District Court in Austin. The districts are members of The Equity Center, an advocacy organization that has nearly 700 members in Texas. In the suit, the Texas Taxpayer and Student Fairness Coalition claims the school finance system is unconstitutional. Districts that are similar in size, tax rate and locality differ in the amount of state funding they receive. And that is the problem, Green said. “Some districts can get as much as $5,000 per student, whereas other districts can get as much as $12,000 per student,” he said. “That’s not equitable.” Tax rates among Texas school districts range from 70 cents per $100 valuation to $1.17 per $100 per valuation. NISD and Greenwood ISD both have a tax rate of $1.17. But the districts differ in state funding. NISD generates $5,147 per student per year. Greenwood generates $5,872 per student per year. Funding discrepancies are statewide. With a $1.04 tax rate, San Antonio ISD generates $5,313 per student for the 2011-12 school year, while Alamo Heights generates $6,682. Since filing the lawsuit Monday, more than 50 districts have joined and more are joining every day, said Equity Center Communications Director Lauren Cook.

“We’re getting new notices about new districts that have joined,” Cook said. “Just because the lawsuit has been filed absolutely does not mean that that’s going to be the total group of districts that we have. The coalition is growing every day. We heard

from about 20 new districts (Tuesday).” The Equity Center represents districts that are considered property poor. “We represent districts that are underfunded by the system,” Cook said. “We’re representing those districts that, over the past five years, have not been treated fairly by the system.” In 1993, Texas lawmakers passed a school finance law, later known as the Robin Hood plan, that required property wealthy districts to share their revenue with property poor districts. “Since that ruling, we’ve receded back into a system where the gaps are too big,” Cook said. “Considering the history of school finance litigation, we know there are problems on many levels and those problems need to be addressed.” Making the school finance system equitable is especially important because, despite a district’s funding, all students are upheld to the same academic standards, Cook said. The nearly 200 districts joined in the fight to make an equitable school finance system do not have a quick fix for the problem, she said. “At this point, there’s nothing that we can point to and say ‘That’s the solution,’” Cook said. “It’s more of, we have to get the Texas Supreme Court to rule this current system unconstitutional so we can put it back together again and make it a much more fair system.” Not all districts feel a lawsuit is the best solution. The Central Heights ISD board gave serious consideration to joining the lawsuit, said CHISD Superintendent Jeremy Glenn, but decided against it.


28

“While we recognize that there are significant equity issues surrounding our current system, we also recognize the significant budget deficit the state of Texas currently faces,” Glenn said. Due to the $5 billion cut from Texas public education this biennium, the CHISD 2011-12 budget was cut by $900,000 compared to last year. “It was extremely disheartening to see our district revenue decline this year, especially considering the fact that CHISD is a property poor school district with a target revenue well below the state average,” Glenn said. “However, we also understand that education makes up a majority of the state’s budget, and when legislators are faced with budget cuts school districts will be affected.” Although the equity issues surrounding school finance should be resolved, Glenn said the board doesn’t want a “burden placed on the backs of taxpayers” while in the midst of a recession. “It is our belief this possibility exists if the state is forced to generate additional funding through litigation,” Glenn said.

Wealthy districts plan to file Equity Center suit BY MEAGAN O’TOOLE-PITTS [email protected] A group of property wealthy Texas school districts, members of the Texas School Coalition, are planning to file a lawsuit against the state in an effort to fix what they say is wrong with the current school finance system. The lawsuit would be the second brought against the state for inadequate funding of public education. More than 200 property poor districts statewide, including Nacogdoches ISD and Woden ISD, joined the Equity Center in a lawsuit filed this week. “Districts, whether they’re large, small, urban, rural,

no matter where they are, whether they are classified as property poor, middle wealth or property rich are all saying the same thing — ‘The Texas school finance system is broken. It is not working,’” said Texas School Coalition spokesman Rickey Dailey. However, Texas School Coalition members differ from Equity Center members in their proposal for fixing the problem, Dailey said. “While we support equity, we think equity should be achieved by bringing all students and districts up to an adequate funding level,” he said. “We don’t want to see districts brought down in their funding level.” The amount of state funding generated per student, per year ranges from $5,000 to $12,000 among districts. Rather than make funding more equitable for Texas districts at the current amount of state funding for public education, Dailey said, the state should provide more funds to bring districts up to the higher end of $12,000 per student per year. “If you argue that we should make all the school districts equal but at a lower level, then you’re bringing school districts down,” Dailey said. If funding is made available, revenue for all districts should be upped, said Equity Center Communications Director Lauren Cook, but the likelihood of the state filling the funding gap is low. “If you want to give those districts at the bottom new money to rise them up, you have to have new money to do that,” Cook said. “Otherwise, where’s the money going to come from?” For the first time since 1949, the Legislature has failed to fund enrollment growth in Texas, cutting $5 billion from public education this biennium. Creating a fair system cannot wait for the event in which the Legislature produces an additional $5 billion for public education, Cook said.



29

“If there’s no new funding, we have to look at the way the existing funding is being distributed to school districts and make sure that it’s being distributed fairly,” she said. Equity Center members argue that because two districts that have identical tax rates differ in revenue the system in inequitable. But the districts may differ in revenue for good reason, Dailey said. “That argument only tells half of the story,” he said. “When you do that you fail to take into account outdated school finance formulas, the differences in cost of living ... Austin is one of the most expensive places in the state to live, so as a school district your dollar doesn’t go as far. You have to pay your teachers more because the cost of housing is more.” Property wealthy districts will contribute $1.2 billion in local taxes to the state education budget this year, Dailey said. Of the more than 1,000 school districts in Texas, 354 are property wealthy districts. Since 1993, these districts have added more than $15 billion to the state public education budget. The lawsuit filed by Equity Center members will deter taxpayers in property wealthy districts from voting for tax increases, Dailey said. “For taxpayers in (property wealthy districts), if 40 percent or more of the money that they’re raising for local taxes goes to the state, they will not support tax increases,” he said. “That’s already happening.” Members plan to bring two claims against the state: a state property tax claim, arguing that districts lack meaningful discretion in setting their tax rate, and an adequacy claim, arguing that districts lack sufficient funding to provide students with the education needed to meet rising academic standards. “(Property wealthy districts) are effectively taxing at the maximum rate to pay for the basics,” Daily said. “They don’t have any local control.”

The Equity Center-led lawsuit stands alone in making an equity claim. “What we’re saying is ‘How come all these other districts that are being funded $1,000 or $2,000 less per student shouldn’t have the same opportunities that those other districts have? Why are those kids worth more than the districts that are in our coalition?’” Cook said. The Texas School Coalition, which has 120 members, passed a resolution to hire Haynes and Boone, LLP to challenge the constitutionality of the school finance system. It is uncertain when or how many members will file suit, Dailey said. “I think what you will see is not only the Texas School Coalition members bringing a lawsuit but maybe one or two other groups,” he said. “What is likely to happen is that all of these lawsuits will be consolidated into a single lawsuit.” None of the nine districts in Nacogdoches County are members of the Texas School Coalition.

PIONEER LIVING More Fredonia photos on page 36.

Andrew D.Brosig/The Daily Sentinel

Jeremy Sowell, 8, left, gets a lesson in pioneer living with the help of

volunteer Whitney Ray, right, pushing a hand plow Thursday at Millard’s Crossing Historic Village. Each fall, school children flock

to the historic site to learn about pioneer living in the 1840s, from


30

plowing by hand and grinding corn to toy making and education.

Nac travels to Marshall in 14-4A Ford returns to his alma mater as coach BY BRANDON OGDEN [email protected] Scott Ford played many high school football games at Maverick Stadium as a student at Marshall High School. Tonight, Ford will return to Maverick Stadium for the first time as a head coach when his Nacogdoches Dragons take on the Marshall Mavericks at 7:30. Ford isn’t too concerned with the homecoming, though. His focus is solely on leading the Dragons (1-5, 1-2) to a victory in a key District 14-4A tilt. “In all honesty, I haven’t thought much about it,” Nacogdoches head coach Scott Ford said. “I haven’t lived in Marshall in more than 20 years. Nacogdoches is my home now. They have a completely new staff from when I was there. But at the time, I never envisioned I would one day be coaching a game there.” The Dragons and Mavericks have a lot of similarities when it comes to offensive numbers. Both teams are led by a senior quarterback — Damion Johnson for Nacogdoches and Alandric Tutt for Marshall. Johnson has rushed for 710 yards and seven touchdowns on 120 carries, and he’s thrown for 640 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions on 65-of-121 passing. Tutt is 72-of-122 for 904 yards with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions, and he’s rushed for 623 yards and two touchdowns on 102 attempts. “We have to keep him contained,” Ford said. “It’s probably the same thing their coaches are saying with Damion. We don’t need to let him beat us. We have to put a hat on him and be aware of what he’s

doing on every play. “We also have to make them throw the football. They want to run, so we have to disrupt their running game and make them put the ball in the air.” Ford also wants to see more consistency from the Dragons, an area that hindered the team in last week’s 49-28 loss to Whitehouse. “We have to do things in the game like we do in practice,” Ford said. “We also have to do the things we do well throughout the entire game. We haven’t been consistent enough, and that has to change against Marshall.” Marshall is 1-5 on the season and 0-3 in district, despite returning 16 starters from last year’s team that reached the playoffs. Nacogdoches assistant coach Dennis Parker used to be a head coach at Marshall. Tonight’s game will likely help the playoff chances for one team, but could crush the playoff hopes of the losing team.

Saturday October 15, 2011

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Dragons stumble, 39-21 Mavericks rushing game plows through ’Doches for 503 yards BY BRANDON OGDEN [email protected] MARSHALL — The Nacogdoches Dragons normally feature an offense that runs for nearly 200 yards per game, led by senior quarterback Damion Johnson. Johnson was held




31

to 23 rushing yards on 19 carries — well below his average of more than 100 yards per game — and the Dragons totaled just 165 yards — 50 on the ground — in a 39-21 setback to the Marshall Mavericks Friday night at Maverick Field. On the flip side, Marshall dominated on the ground with six different ball carriers combining for 503 yards on 61 attempts and five touchdowns. Quarterback Alandric Tutt led the way with 163 yards and two scores on 20 carries. Mario Adkins rushed for 155 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. On the first play of the night from scrimmage, the Dragons turned the ball over to the Mavericks, who threw a touchdown pass on the first play that was called back by a holding penalty. Nacogdoches took advantage of the penalty and held Marshall to a 27-yard field goal by Roberto Casas. Casas made another 27-yarder on the Mavericks’ next drive to make the score 6-0. Marshall was threatening to extend its lead early in the second quarter when Jacques Yarbrough


Dragon Derrick Fields (3) slips the Maverick defense for a gain in the second quarter Friday at Marshall.

intercepted a pass by Tutt and returned it 87 yards to give Nacogdoches a 7-6 lead. The Mavericks used a late 8-yard run by Tutt to take a 12-7 lead into the break. Marshall (2-5, 1-3) dominated the time of possession in the first half — 18:19 to just 5:41 for

Nacogdoches. The Mavericks ran 48 plays in the first half. The Dragons only ran 16 plays for 39 yards for only two first downs and lost two fumbles. In the second half, Marshall extended its lead with a 1-yard run by Keith Biggs to make it 19-7. The Dragons cut into the lead with a 6-yard run by Johnson to make it 19-14 midway through the third quarter. The Dragons then forced Marshall’s only punt of the game, but ended up punting despite being at the Maverick 36-yard-line. The Mavericks then scored 20 unanswered points to lead 39-14 with 2:19 left in the game. The Dragons added a touchdown with less than a minute on the clock on a 28-yard pass from Johnson to Tim Williams. Williams had six catches for 88 yards for Nacogdoches. Johnson was 7-of-15 for 106 yards. Tutt was 10-off-22 for 79 yards with two interceptions for the Mavericks. Both interceptions were picked off by Yarbrough of the Dragons. Nacogdoches (1-6, 1-3) will host Kilgore next week. Marshall will travel to John Tyler.

Andrew D. Brosig/

The Daily Sentinel

Dragon

defender Jacques

Yarbrough (9) pulls in an

interception near his own endzone late

in the second quarter Friday

at Marshall.


32

SPORTS IN BRIEF Nac volleyball team takes win The Nacogdoches Lady Dragon varsity volleyball team defeated Marshall 25-12,25-19 and 25-17 in a District 14-4A match in Marshall Friday. Charity Page had seven kills and four aces. Taylor Layton had eight kills and six digs. Camilla Giucastro added seven kills and a block, and Ashley Laird had four aces. The Nacogdoches junior varsity won 25-13, 25-13.

Sunday October 16, 2011

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Dragons now short on time and victories

By Brandon Ogden Time is running out for the Nacogdoches Dragons. A team that has had to battle through injuries, position changes and young players at key spots, the Dragons find themselves at 1-6 overall and 1-3 in District 14-4A play after Friday night’s 39-21 loss to Marshall Friday night. Despite being on the losing end of the scoreboard for most of the season, Nacogdoches has still shown improvement in each week leading up to the game against Marshall. During the radio broadcast, one of the announcers said that it appeared the Dragons had taken a step

back, which is hard to argue with. Nacogdoches’ offense hasn’t had much trouble moving the football this season, with the exception of the game against Class 5A power Lufkin. But in all the other contests, the Dragons’ pretty much ran up and down the field, even if it didn’t always lead to points. Against Marshall, then Dragons never got in an offensive rhythm. In the first half, Nacogdoches only held the ball for just more than five minutes and was held to 39 yards — only three of which came on the ground. Yes, Marshall is known for its strong defense that returned eight starters from last season. But this is also a Marshall team that was winless in district before this game and had been scored on a bit in the first three district games. Despite Marshall having control of the ball throughout the first half, Nacogdoches trailed just 12-7 at halftime. The Dragons’ only first-half score came on an 87-yard interception return by Jacques Yarbrough, one of two picks he had in the game. The other interception came in the final seconds of the first half. Nacogdoches kept the game close throughout the third quarter, trailing 19-14 with the ball in Marshall territory. However, some missed opportunities, mixed with Marshall’s running game and defense, helped the Mavericks put the game away. Marshall ran for 503 yards and five touchdowns on 61 carries. Nacogdoches was held to just 165 total yards — 50 rushing. Some bright spots for the Dragons were Yarbrough, Cole Banner, Geoffrey Deckard, Marquee Shankle and Anton Mosley on defense, and Tanner Dean and Patrick Ledet on special teams. The Dragons now need to shift their focus on winning the last three games, beginning with a home contest Oct. 21 against Kilgore.


33

Exemption to be explained in public hearings Changes do not currently apply to any businesses in Nacogdoches BY ROBBIE GOODRICH [email protected] Local taxing entities will likely be holding public hearings in the near future that relate to comprehensive changes the Texas Legislature made earlier this year to the goods-in-transit tax exemption by passing Senate Bill 1. For a tax year that begins on or after Jan. 1, 2012, a taxing unit may not tax goods-in-transit unless the governing body takes official action on or after Oct. 1, 2011, to provide for the taxation of goods-in-transit, according to information from Deborah Cartwright, director of the Property Tax Assistance Division for Comptroller Susan Combs. While the definition of goods-intransit as it applies to SB 1 does not currently apply to any Nacogdoches County business or industry, it could in the future, County Judge Joe English said, and in these challenging economic times, no opportunity for tax revenue of any kind will be overlooked. “There are no companies that qualify at this point,” English said. “But, if there are companies down the road as we try to encourage businesses to come here, and we don’t do this now, we won’t have the opportunity in the future.” Official action to tax the property must be taken before Jan. 1 of the first tax year in which the governing body of the taxing unit proposes to tax the property. Before acting to tax the exempt property, the entity must conduct a public hearing as required by the Texas Constitution. Goods-in-transit made subject to taxation by a taxing unit remain so by that taxing unit until the unit by official action rescinds or repeals its previous action to tax the property,

according to Cartwright. Goods-in-transit consist of “tangible personal property stored under a contract of bailment in a public warehouse that is not owned or controlled by the owner of the personal property for 175 days or less,” according to the comptroller’s office. Bailment, according to en.wikipedia.org. describes a legal relationship in common law where physical possession of personal property, or chattel, is transferred from one person (the ‘bailor’) to another person (the ‘bailee’) who subsequently has possession of the property. It arises when a person gives property to someone else for safekeeping. If such a taxation opportunity becomes available locally in the future, a public hearing would have to have been held after Oct. 1 and before Jan. 1, 2012, according to Nacogdoches County Chief Appraiser Gary Woods. “You have to have a public hearing in order to take action to tax it or not tax it,” Woods said. “But the public hearing has a time frame.” Nacogdoches ISD is the first taxing entity that will take the matter before its board this week. The board will consider passing a resolution to “tax tangible personal property in transit which would otherwise be exempt pursuant to the Texas Tax Code, Section 11.253.” “This is merely putting into local tax policy the desires of the school board if in the future such an opportunity were to arise,” said Max McCarley, controller for NISD. County commissioners will also conduct a public hearing at a future court meeting, English said. “This is merely putting into local tax policy the desires of the school board if in the future such an opportunity were to arise.


http://en.wikipedia.org/�


34

PERFORMING ARTS SERIES ‘Let’s Go Science Show’ targets area students Kindergarten through eighth-graders welcome to attend

Teachers and parents can still purchase tickets to the 12:30 p.m. “Let’s Go Science Show” Friday, Oct. 21, in W.M. Turner Auditorium. The one-hour show, targeted at students in kindergarten through eighth grade, is a presentation of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts’ Children’s Performing Arts Series. “Our 9:30 a.m. performance has already sold out, but we can still accommodate large and small groups for the 12:30 p.m. show,” said Diane Flynn, director of the series. “We encourage patrons to call soon, however, as we expect to sell out the afternoon performance, also.” The nationally touring show, starring Professor Smart and Ms. Knowitall, teaches physics concepts through theatrically based experiments and demonstrations. According to the show’s website, audience members “will learn about air pressure, figure out flight, see awesome optical illusions, be shocked by static electricity, see experiments with falling masses, grasp gyroscopic properties and get a handle on the scientific method.” “Our science shows are always immensely popular,” Flynn said. “We are pleased to bring a new one to East Texas.” Tickets are $6 for individuals and $5 each for groups of 20 or more. For tickets or information, call 468-6407.

Professor Smart and Ms. Knowitall will

present the “Let’s Go Science Show” at

9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, in W.M. Turner

Auditorium as part of the SFA College of

Fine Arts’ Children’s Performing Arts

Series.

THURSDAY ‘LIGHTS ON AFTERSHOOL’ GALA SCHEDULED ■ Solid Foundation “Lights On AfterSchool” benefit gala, 7 p.m. at the Fredonia Hill Baptist Church Family Life Center on South Street. Call 936-212-6852.

HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS NHS up beat going into 14-4A event District to be held in Tyler BY BRANDON OGDEN [email protected] The Nacogdoches Dragons enter this year’s District 14-4A tennis tournament with an entirely different outlook than a year ago. After an 0-7 mark in the 2010 regular season, that district tournament was more of a building block for this season. This year, the Dragons enter the event with optimism after going 3-4 in the regular season. “We are very capable of winning the whole



35

tournament,” Nacogodoches tennis coach Patrick Howard said. “It’s all in our hands. We just have to be focused and ready to play.” The Dragons open against Pine Tree at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at Tyler Tennis and Swim in Tyler. Nacogdoches defeated Pine Tree 13-6 in the season opener. The Dragons’ second match will come against Kilgore, a team it dropped a 10-9 decision to, the closest score possible. “Both matches were very close,” Howard said. “We will just have to see what transpires. We will need different people to step up. We are still a young team, but we’ve grown a lot throughout the season.” Two of the team members — sophomores John Ramos and Jacob Herzog — who play boys’ doubles together, know what they have to do in order to be successful. “We have to be mentally strong,” Herzog said. “We have to go out and do what we know how to do. It will take a lot of teamwork.” “Communication is key,” Ramos said. We have to remain confident and focused.” If Nacogdoches wins its two matches on Tuesday, it will advance to the final match Wednesday, which will be for second place in the district. Hallsville went 7-0 in district play to automatically earn first place and will not participate in the event.

Tuesday October 18, 2011

Dragon golfer earns prestigious honor Frizzell named 2011 HP Scholastic Junior All-American BY BRANDON OGDEN [email protected] Colin Frizzell has been impressive on the golf course during his first two years at Nacogdoches High School, winning two straight District 14-4A titles.

His stellar golf play, mixed with his hard work in the classroom, recently earned Frizzell a prestigious honor — being named a 2011 HP Scholastic Junior All-American.

“It’s quite an honor,” Nacogdoches golf coach Brent Harris said. “I’ve been coaching golf for a long time, and I’ve never even heard of it. You learn

Dustin Anderson/The Daily Sentinel

Nacogdoches sophomore

Paul Ramos serves during practice at the NHS courts

Thursday.


Nacogdoches High School golfer Colin Frizzell, 16, was recently named to the HP Scholastic All-America Team by the American Junior Golf Association. Frizzell was the only high school junior among 12 boys

across the nation named to the team, based on a high grade point average and a Top-10 finish in an AJGA-sanctioned tournament.



36

about these types of honors when you have the opportunity to coach a kid like Colin. He is quite the combination of talent on the golf course and being a great student.” “I thought I had a chance to be selected, but I never thought it would actually happen,” Frizzell said. “My mom text me and said she got a call that I made the team. I didn’t believe her, at first, because it was a week sooner than it was supposed to be official. There are a ton of good young golfers, and being from a small town like Nacogdoches, I thought I might be overlooked.” Frizzell, a junior at NHS, is one of just 24 high school students in the country — 12 boys and 12 girls — selected to the list. He was also the only junior and the only person from Texas selected in the group of boys. “It’s nice for Nacogdoches to be recognized because of his individual accomplishment,” Harris said. “This is something that will benefit him when getting looks from colleges.” Frizzell finished 10th in the Elbit Systems of America Junior Championship. As a student, he has a 104.40 cumulative GPA and is ranked No. 3 out of 421 students in the Class of 2013 at NHS. “There are not a lot of kids out there like Colin who can excel on the golf course and in the classroom,” Harris said. “He’s always on top of his game and his schoolwork. He’s been a pleasure to have, and I’m glad to be able to coach him for two more years.” “Time management is a big thing,” Frizzell said. “I have to make sure to get some homework done before I go to the course, and then after practice I have to do some more. I have to be very efficient with my time. It’s nice to rewarded and recognized.” Frizzell and the other 23 students who made the list

will be honored at the Rolex Junior All-America Awards Banquet Nov. 20 at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Each player is also eligible to participate in the Polo Golf Junior Classic Nov. 19-25. Former HP Scholastic Junior All-Americans include Casey Martin (1989), Matt Kuchar (1994) and Scott Langley (2005). Frizzell, who began playing golf around the age of 7, said he used to compete in a lot of sports, but eventually narrowed it down to just golf.

Colin is the son of Kevin and Terri Frizzell.

PIONEER LIVING


Daisy Crabtree, 8, a third-grader at Fredonia Elementary School, practices penmanship with a quill pen Thursday at Millard's Crossing

Historic Village in Nacogdoches. Each fall, school children flock to the historic site to learn about pioneer living in the 1840s, from

plowing by hand and grinding corn to toy making and education.

http://dailysentinel.com/news/article_d4b13a90-f5b3-11e0-a4a6-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=image&photo=%27�


37


Third-graders from Fredonia Elementary School in Nacogdoches get a taste of pioneer living in the 1840s on Thursday as they clean up at

a hand pump at the Millard's Crossing Historic Village in Nacogdoches. Each fall, school children flock to the historic site to learn about pioneer living in the 1840s, from plowing by hand and

grinding corn to toy making and education.

nisd news: volume 2

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