Category: Howe News Bulletin

Howe’s online news source had a lot to celebrate as the 2015 year came to a close.  The final data management numbers from Google Analytics reported that HoweEnterprise.com had a total session (visits) count of 167,754 for 2015.  That’s an increase from 2014’s total of 70,142.  The number of users (people visiting) was recorded at 80,714.  That number is up from the 30,774 from 2014.  The page views totaled 232,744 which is a good number considering that it reflects each weekly publication as one page instead of the typical 16 pages.  A conservative true estimate would be in the 2 million page view range.

“80,714 of you have visited howeenterprise.com in 2015. That says that what we’re doing is pulling a whole lot more people than just the population of Howe alone.” said Monte Walker, owner of The Howe Enterprise.  “That number represents 67 percent of Grayson County visiting the site in 2015. This news source was created, in part, so that small businesses could advertise at an affordable price to not only stay in business, but thrive in business. The Howe citizens answered the bell by shopping local and the advertisers took advantage of the 75,000 readers from elsewhere and introduced their business to them. Due to this “shop local” success story, the City of Howe set a record in sales tax revenue in 2015 with a 12.44 percent increase which is the largest from any city on US 75 from Denison to Dallas. When this venture was established, this is exactly what was intended. I can’t thank you enough for continuing to support the small local businesses not only in Howe, but our surrounding communities.”

The Howe Enterprise was founded in 1963 as a traditional hometown weekly printed newspaper.  In 1997, the name was changed to The Texoma Enterprise for more of a regional flavor.  In 2011, the weekly publication went to an online-only version.  In 2014, the company was sold from Dale and Lana Rideout to Monte Walker and the name changed back to The Howe Enterprise.

The past owners of The Howe Enterprise are:

A.P. “Pop” Sloan, 1963-1966
Bob Walker, 1966-1974
Jim and Nita Echols, 1974-1977
Dale and Lana Rideout, 1977-2014
Monte Walker, 2014-current

2015 Sessions:  167,754
2015 Users: 80,714
2014 Sessions:  70,142
2014 Users:  30,774

by A.P. "Pop" Sloan

by Bob Walker

by Dale and Lana Rideout

When Abby’s Restaurant opens for business on Monday, you might notice a different look.  Due to flooding in the recent weeks, water was able to get into the building and get between the concrete and the laminate flooring.  That flooring will be removed and the concrete will be stained in the early stages of 2016.

David Russell, who is seeking the office of Sheriff of Grayson County, posted to his Facebook page this morning announcing his resignation from the Sheriff’s Office.  There was no information about whether he would continue his campaign or not – until tonight, when his campaign camp cleared things up this evening about his resignation.

This statement was posted on his campaign page:  “Attention Supporters! Just want to clear up any confusion that may be out there: While David Russell is no longer with the Sheriff’s office, he is still running for Sheriff! He is 100% committed to winning the office of Grayson County Sheriff and will be spending all of his time on the effort. Thank you for your continued support!”

Earlier this morning, this statement was posted to his regular Facebook page:

“This morning I resigned from the Sheriff’ Office. During the past week an incident occurred that presented several alternatives. I made the decision to resign or drag out an investigation. Two parties involved, two different stories. I didn’t deceive anyone; however the Grayson County Sheriff’s doesn’t need anymore dramatics. I have enjoyed my service to the Sheriff’s Office since 2003. I want to thank my supporters and the ones, that loved me. I know I’ve let you down, but I assure you the pain runs deep into my veins. I truly am sorry. I don’t expect an phone calls and I will shut facebook down at the close of this message. May our God bless each of you.”

Grayson County Sheriff Candidate David Russell released a statement on his Facebook page this morning that stated that he has resigned his duties with the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office.

“This morning I resigned from the Sheriff’ Office. During the past week an incident occurred that presented several alternatives. I made the decision to resign or drag out an investigation. Two parties involved, two different stories. I didn’t deceive anyone; however the Grayson County Sheriff’s doesn’t need anymore dramatics. I have enjoyed my service to the Sheriff’s Office since 2003. I want to thank my supporters and the ones, that loved me. I know I’ve let you down, but I assure you the pain runs deep into my veins. I truly am sorry. I don’t expect an phone calls and I will shut facebook down at the close of this message. May our God bless each of you.”

***UPDATE***

9:03 pm, 12/30/15

David Russell, who is seeking the office of Sheriff of Grayson County, posted to his Facebook page this morning announcing his resignation from the Sheriff’s Office.  There was no information about whether he would continue his campaign or not – until tonight, when his campaign camp cleared things up this evening about his resignation.

This statement was posted on his campaign page:  “Attention Supporters! Just want to clear up any confusion that may be out there: While David Russell is no longer with the Sheriff’s office, he is still running for Sheriff! He is 100% committed to winning the office of Grayson County Sheriff and will be spending all of his time on the effort. Thank you for your continued support!”

Earlier this morning, this statement was posted to his regular Facebook page:

“This morning I resigned from the Sheriff’ Office. During the past week an incident occurred that presented several alternatives. I made the decision to resign or drag out an investigation. Two parties involved, two different stories. I didn’t deceive anyone; however the Grayson County Sheriff’s doesn’t need anymore dramatics. I have enjoyed my service to the Sheriff’s Office since 2003. I want to thank my supporters and the ones, that loved me. I know I’ve let you down, but I assure you the pain runs deep into my veins. I truly am sorry. I don’t expect an phone calls and I will shut facebook down at the close of this message. May our God bless each of you.”

On December 25 at approximately 10:00pm, Officer Jordan Clark responded to a report of a reckless driver on US Hwy 75 southbound.  Officer Clark reported that he located the vehicle and stopped it on the Valero gas  station parking lot at Haning and Collins Freeway.  Officer Clark stated that the driver, a 27-year-old Plano, TX man, was arrested for DWI after failing a sobriety test.  The suspect was taken to a local hospital where he consented to a blood draw before being booked into the Grayson County Jail.

On December 26^th at approximately 6:00pm, Officer Jordan Clark responded to a reckless driver call on US Hwy 75 southbound.  Officer Clark located the vehicle and stopped it on Hwy 75 near Farmington Road after observing multiple traffic violations.  Officer Clark stated that the driver, a 33 year old Wylie, TX man, had the odor of marijuana emitting from his person, and that a subsequent search revealed less than two ounces of marijuana in his possession.  Officer Clark reported that he then searched the man’s vehicle and located approximately 6 grams of Heroin and $745.00 in cash.  The currency was seized and civil forfeiture proceedings will be initiated against it.  The suspect was arrested for Possession of Marijuana < 2oz and PCS PG1 > 4g < 200g and was booked into the Grayson County Jail.

As of 11:30 am Sunday, Grayson County Precinct 1 Commissioner Jeff Whitmire has announced that Luella Road is now closed due to flooding over Choctaw Creek. 

Tornado Warning including Celeste TX, Blue Ridge TX, Westminster TX until 7:45 PM CST

The National Weather Service is reporting a tornado has been seen near Interstate 35E in Lancaster.

The twister was spotted near Bear Creek Road and I35E and is believed to be moving north toward the Dallas area. Authorities are urging everyone to seek shelter in the DeSoto and Lancaster areas.

Flights departing from Dallas Love Field Airport are currently delayed. Incoming flights are also being held on airborne delays of at least 15 minutes. Passengers in the airport have been moved away from the windows, officials said. No word on how long those delays are expected.

Flights departing from DFW International Airport to Amarillo have been canceled due to storms in the panhandle.