Category: Howe News Bulletin

The Howe Area Chamber of Commerce will be accepting nominations for the Class of 2016 Howe Hall of Honor.  Those that wish to nominate someone (living or deceased) can fill out the form below.  If you’re unable to see the form below, you can click here.

Previously inducted members:
Jabez Haning
W.P. Thompson
A.M. Ferguson
Mame Roberts
Charles Thompson
Arthur Boyle
Tony Brinkley
L.B. Kirby
Norma Wallace
Ray Bledsoe
Carrie Waller
Elmer Schenk

A message sent out by CodeRed indicates that residents in Pioneer Valley and Timber Creek will experience low water pressure or water loss for the next few hours as city crews are working on a water main break near FM 902 and US 75.  Water conservation methods will need to be used for the next 24 hours following the restoration of the line. Affected citizens will be notified once water conservation measures can be discontinued.

Underground pipes often experience movement upon drying grounds after flooding periods.

To sign up for CodeRed alerts, please follow this link:  http://www.co.grayson.tx.us/default.aspx?name=oem.cred

Grayson County Precinct 1 Commissioner Jeff  Whitmire says that they had a successful year improving over 42 miles of county roads this year despite the numerous weeks of rains that caused havoc in 2015.   Whitmire also says precinct 1 was able to help the small cities with over six miles of low cost street improvements.

“This is the highest productivity of any precinct. This wouldn’t get done without a great crew, who is committed to the job.” said Whitmire on the Grayson County Precinct 1 Facebook page.

Whitmire says he starts every year with a work plan based on the available materials and budget for the year. The road priorities take into account overall condition and traffic load in comparison to other roads in the precinct. A higher traffic load road will get a safety priority to a lower traffic load road. That plan is great, until mother nature makes changes.

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.”