Category: Howe News Bulletin

Memories of Howe will always be a special part of our lives. From the times we were there working under Coach Fryar, till the special years of leading the Bulldogs as head coach. We remember each special moment, and will hold these memories close to our hearts forever. Howe has a special tradition, and we were proud to be a small part of the years we were there. Our girls were in K and first grade there the first year, and when we returned, they were in 2nd and 3rd grade. They are now 33 and 32, so many years have gone by. Needless to say, we have grown older also, and although we are getting older, and grey hair is setting in, or no hair at all, ha! , our memory of the spirit of the Black and White, will always be at the top of our list of places we have lived. Remember the Bulldog Magic? It was there always in that stadium, and followed us through the playoffs many times!

Along the south part of Howe at Blythe Road and US 75, a master plan is being developed by Tomlin Investments that will create a large amount of new housing for the expected growth to this area over the next few years.

Scott Norris, of Tomlin Investments has been in discussions with the City of Howe for quite some time now and there are a few technical details to work out between engineers and attorneys, but all appears that Howe will soon have their own new housing district in the near future.

The 469 acre plan includes room for a new elementary school, public park, neighborhood pool and other amenities for the home owners.

Full story in Monday’s Howe Enterprise

Sep 14 – At approximately 4:30 pm, Officers Ozuna and Milks arrested a 36-year-old Denison man at his place of employment in Sherman on outstanding Howe traffic warrants.

Sep 14 – At approximately 2:40 pm Officer Ozuna and Milks arrested a 36-year-old Sherman man at his residence on several outstanding Howe traffic warrants.

Sep 10 – Howe Police Officers Ozuna and David Morris arrested a 31-year-old Howe resident at her home on nine outstanding warrants for Forgery of a Financial Instrument.

Sep 9 – At approximately 10:30 pm, HPD Officer Clark was on patrol when he heard vehicles crash on Hwy 75 near Haning Street. He responded to the scene along with a Grayson County Sheriff’s deputy. A 41-year-old Howe man was determined to be the at fault driver in the rear end collision, and Officer Clark found him to be intoxicated. He was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. Officer Clark obtained a consensual blood draw from the suspect and charges will be filed on the man for DWI. The 43-year-old and 18-year-old occupants of the other vehicle were not injured.

Beginning September 14, Howe Police Officers will begin actively serving warrants on behalf of the Howe Municipal Court for unresolved traffic, city ordinance and penal code violations. If a person received a citation and did not pay their fine or appear before the judge, a warrant has been issued for their arrest.

Warrants never expire and in some cases, these warrants may be several years old. Individuals are subject to arrest at their home, school or workplace, but can avoid arrest by contacting the Howe Municipal Court to dispose of their cases immediately. The court can be reached at 903-532-5571, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Large Cowboy painting.  Donated by Steel Magnolia

$50 gift certificate to Steel Magnolia.  Donated by Steel Magnolia

Howe Centennial Cookbook. Donated by Linda Wall.

Victorian Carved Sofa with Tapestry Upholstery. Donated by Dan and Carolyn Cunningham.

Yoga session for 10, plus two yoga books. Donated by Pat Colonna, Yoga Denton.

$30 gift card to Olive Garden.  Donated by Olive Garden

Original Sonic in Howe menu boards.  Donated by Sonic in Howe

Tiger Painting. Donated by Oscar Blankemeyer.

Howe Centennial Bowtie. Donated by Howe Historical Society.

Covered Handmade Pottery Tureen. Donated by Howe Mercantile.

AudioSource Soundbar.  Donated  by Cavender Home Theater

Shampoo, cut, style with Donna Tate. Donated by Salon 101

Multiple DVDs. Donated by Lifeway Christian Book Store

$250 Tax Preparation Services (5).  Donated by Smith-Garner, PC

Manicure. Donated by Amanda’s Nails.

Canvas print. Donated by Janie Finney.

Photography session. Donated by Kristen Fletcher Photography.

Art photo. Donated by James Hefley.

Photography. Donated by Vickie Langdon.

Two Pet Grooming Sessions. Donated by A-1 Grooming.

Two Photographs In and About Howe. Donated by Mark Hansen Photography.

Wire Grapevine Wine Rack with Five Bottles of Wine. Donated Brett Jones and Gayle Strange.

Green Pottery with Mother-of-Pearl Candlestand with Candle. Donated by Howe Mercantile.

Floral Green-glazed Ceramic Vase. Donated by Ann’s Finds at The Antique Gallery, Denton.

Italian Cream Cake. Donated by Jean Norman.

$25 Gift Certificates. (4) Donated by Abby’s Restaurant.

Set of Six Handmade Quilted Burlap Placemats. Donated by Richard and Genie Davis.

Designer Pet Carrier.  Donated by Ross and Carol Phillips.

Noelle the Bulldog. Written and autographed by Gloria Estefan with her CD single “Noelle’s Song.” Photograph of Estefan at her book signing included.

Donated by Georgia Caraway.

Hammond Organ. Donated by Benny and Tina Hood.

Soapstone Sculpture by Roland Beyale. Donated by Dee at Sunflower Thrift, Van Alstyne.

Native American Art by Ioyan Mani (2). Donated by Sunflower Thrift.

15-minute Airplane Ride over Texoma. (3) Donated by Jimmy Finney.

Figural Art Pottery Vase. Donated by Texas Home Emporium.

English Saddle, Pad, and Reins. Donated by Divine Equine Therapeutic Riding Center.

Display Television sets (6). WalMart.

Refrigerator.  Donated by Bill and Bonnie J. Smith

Family Heritage Preservation Video. Donated by Heritage Preservation Studios.

Set of Stainless Kitchen Knives with Sharpener.  Donated by Howe Mercantile.

Installed Chain Link Fence, 50′ of 4′ tall. Donated by Ace Quality Fencing.

BBQ Dinner for 20 with all the fixins at Oak Meadow Ranch. Donated by Watt Wealth Management, Allan and Renay Watt.

Framed Cowboy Print (2). Donated by Watt Wealth Management, Allan & Renay Watt.

California Shiraz Rex Goliath Wine. Donated by Pamela Daly and Thad Finley.

Blue Moon Oregon Reisling Wine. Donated by Pamela Daly and Thad Finley

White Storage Cabinet. Donated by Pamela Daly.

White Plant Stand/Side Table. Donated by Pamela Daly.

Party Package: 2 hours up to 75 people, Unlimited Shaved Ice. Donated by Chill Out Shaved Ice

1945 Antique Bed, Dresser, Armoire, and Bench. Donated by Donna Wormsbaker.

Manicure. Donated by Ms D’s Nail Designs

Model Kubota Monster Tractor. Donated by Grayson County Equipment

One Massage Session at The Loft Day Spa. Donated by The Loft Day Spa.

One case of Sweet Mild Summit Salsa. Donated by Summit Salsa Company.

One case of Sweet Hot Summit Salsa. Donated by Summit Salsa Company.

Family Photo Shoot. Donated by Faith and Love Photography.

Shinners & Mahler’s Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas. Donated by Howe Mercantile.

Tips, Tools & Techniques for Caring for Your Antiques and Collectibles by Georgia Kemp Caraway (2)

I Love Paris Basket. Donated by Howe Mercantile

Texas, Our Texas Basket. Donated by Marilyn & John Kubalak, Howe Mercantile

Drinkin’ Wine, Wine, Wine. Three bottles of wine. Donated by Gayle Strange, Denton.

Victorian German China Bowl. Donated by Brett Jones, Texas Home Emporium

Howe, Texas Christmas Bunting. Donated by Howe Mercantile

Crystal Candlestick with Candles. Donated by Howe Mercantile

Designer Doll. Donated by Howe Mercantile

Lenox Handpainted Candlesticks. Donated by Howe Mercantile

Pink Hippo Snuggy Bug. Donated by Howe Mercantile

Six-month Ad: One Business Card-size in Howe Enterprise. Donated by Howe Enterprise (3)

Two-month Ad: Half page in Howe Enterprise. Donated by Howe Enterprise

$20 Gift Certificate. (5) Donated by Rapid Refill Ink.

Custom-made Cross. Donated by LeeAnn Winkler.

German Chocolate Pie. Donated by Mama Suzy’s Sweets & Eats.

Exotic wooden heirloom box. Donated by Ernie Martin.

Handcarved Ink Pen. Donated by Beverly Martin.

Coach Wallet. Donated by Georgia Caraway and the Sanger Wednesday Study Club.

Adobe Rose Cowhide Vest. Donated by Howe Mercantile.

Snowman Cake Plate. Donated by Howe Mercantile.

Christmas Tree Cake Plate. Donated by Howe Mercantile.

Rowdy’s Night Before Christmas. Donated by Howe Mercantile.

Vintage Glass Serving Bowl. Donated by Mr. and Mra. Bill French.

Quart of Junk Gypsy Chalk Paint and Furniture Painting Class. Donated by Salvage Junky.

Tea and Bulldogs T-shirt, plus Retro Bulldog Country T-shirt. Donated by Salvage Junky.

Basket of Fair Goodies. Donated by North Texas State Fair & Rodeo, Denton.

IN KIND DONORS

Wal-Mart, 20 briskets

Sunny D, 200 Sunny D drinks

Bill Smith, Howe Mini Storage, $300

Metal Masters, $1,000

Great Days of Service, labor and supplies

Keep Howe Beautiful,  labor and supplies

The Siding Man, Inc., $2,800

AAA Guardian Foundation Repair, $2,500

Brice Harvey, bbq cook

Dick Smithwick, bbq cook

Don Anderson Auctioneer

Howe Enterprise, advertising

Van Alstyne Leader, advertising

Donna Wormsbaker, beans for fundraising dinner

Bev Martin, bread for fundraising dinner

Mary Jo Wrenn, bread for fundraising dinner

Georgia Caraway, tea for fundraising dinner

Jean Norman, coleslaw for fundraising dinner

Mama Suzy, 20 doz. Sugar cookies for fundraising dinner

Mary Stonebarger, 8 doz. Chocolate Chip cookies for dinner

Sherry Folks, potato salad for fundraising dinner

Grayson County Blood Bank, free blood pressure checks and radio ads

FINANCIAL DONORS:

Collins Memorial, $24,350

Howe Historical Society, $14,500

Georgia Caraway, $2,880

Oscar Blankenmeyer, $1,420

Nortex Field Services, $1,000

Advantage Business Machines, $200

Anonymous, $200

Waldo Funeral Home, $100

Scoggins Funeral Home, $100

M.E. Curtis, $100

Monty Ulmer, $100

Carolyn Monroe, $60

Children and citizens of Howe, $41

Ray Selby, $20

Glenn Hegar, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts released information from Texas Transparency that showed that the City of Howe’s debt ratio has improved steadily since 2009 when the city passed a bond of $1,550,000. The numbers reflect authorized but unissued tax-supported debt as of August 31, 2014. The current tax supported debt listed showed Howe to be at $1,320,000.

With a 2,614 population reported in 2014, that gives Howe a $505 tax supported debt outstanding per capita.

Other cities similar in Howe’s size differ greatly but show Howe to be in a pretty healthy state. The City of Merkel has a population of 2,601, yet have a tax supported debt outstanding of $6,919,000 which equates to a $2,660 debt per capita. The City of Seymour, population 2,634, has no outstanding debt.

How does Howe compare to other local cities? Van Alstyne shows a debt of $3,705,000 or $1,150 debt per capita. Anna, who has had over 100 percent population change recently, has a debt of $16,409,000 with a ratio of $1,552.

Howe’s $0.69 proposed tax rate to be approved this month includes $0.179513 on each $100 valuation of property for the purpose of principal and interest on bonds and certificates of obligation.

The committee is putting the final touches on the big homecoming reunion this Friday night. The Howe Ex-Students Association will be welcoming back students of all ages who at some point attended Howe ISD at any time in their life.

Festivities will begin on Friday night at the homecoming game with Howe vs. Ponder. Kickoff starts at 7:30 pm and the high school will be open at 8 pm for those who want to quieter place to reconnect with former classmates. There will be refreshments available at the high school at that time.

On Saturday morning, starting at 9 am, the doors will open again at Howe High School and ex-students will be able to gather for coffee and donuts in the commons area. That will lead up to the luncheon which starts at 11 am where this will serve as the main event for the reunion. McAlisters Deli is providing sandwiches for those who have already paid for their lunch tickets. There will be only a few limited lunches available at the door. Former teachers are expected to be on-hand as well as students.

In 2010, the last all-school reunion, former teachers in attendance included Norman Bennett, Bettye Mullins, Donna Jarma, Larry Macon, Betty Cordell, Arthur Boyle and many others.

To cap off the reunion will be a Beatles tribute band playing at the high school starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25 and all of the proceeds go towards the Howe ExStudents Association’s scholarship fund. The organization has been able to give $600 scholarships a Howe student for the past five years after raising enough money from the “Elvis” concert by Kraig Parker.

People drive by it every day and very few people know the history and legacy of one of the most historic trees anywhere around. The tree that sits in front of Howe’s former high school and middle school and now administration building is the direct descendant of the huge pecan tree that shades the south corner of the yard of the Huntsville home that Sam Houston loved so well and resided for 20 years.

Former Howe Superintendent Charles R. Thompson told news reporters years ago that the tree that has provided shade and pecans for several generations was planted in 1934 when he was principal of the high school, which was located at the same site of the 1938 building that sits there now.

Thompson told the reporter that some individuals came through Howe and gave him three pecans of the Houston tree and said they were distributing them to schools around Texas. Blunt Brinkley, the school’s custodian took the three pecans home and planted them in his yard. All three came up and a year later were transplanted to the present site. Of the three, only one of them lived and that is the one that is 81-years-old – one year older than Howe’s football program.

Thompson said at the time that he didn’t give any thought to the fact that they were planting it under the telephone wires. As a result, the tree has been cut back numerous times, including this winter, by utility companies.

The constant trimming, however, has caused its foliage to thicken and spread out, turning it into an excellent shade tree for kids for many years. But now, the kids are gone as the building it stands in front of remains empty.

Each year the tree bears thousands of small pecans which probably would be considered too small as a commercial pecan, but that doesn’t stop people from passing by and picking them up.

For some 50 years after its maturity, Howe students gathered up, shelled and ate every last pecan.

The tree from which the Howe pecan sprang is an immense pecan that was reportedly planted by Sam Houston himself in 1847.

His granddaughter, Mrs. Jennie Morrow Decker of Houston, said that her grandfather was returning from a trip and had a need of a buggy whip to spur his lazy horse. Having no whip, he stopped beside the road and pulled up a small pecan sappling, which served his purpose well.

Arriving at his house, he saw that the roots were still intact, so he planted the sappling in the yard and it grew.

According to the book, “Famous Trees of Texas,” published by the Texas Forest Service, the Houston pecan tree “produces a fruit which is small but quite delicious.” A lot of Howe residents over the years can testify to that statement. Now that everyone knows the story, the question is, who is going to take the pecans from the Sam Houston Jr. tree and try for grandchildren?

Maybe this should be a library project by Howe Community Library Director Becky Hogenson. I think this project has her talents written all over it.

Many thanks to the former Sherman Democrat for their article written many years on this.