Category: Howe News Bulletin

Proposition Number 1
(HJR 72)

HJR 72 proposes a constitutional amendment permitting an elected municipal judge to serve as a municipal judge in more than one municipality at the same time. Unlike an appointed municipal judge, an elected municipal judge may not concurrently hold another municipal judge office. This amendment would allow an elected municipal judge to serve as a municipal judge in more than one municipality at the same time, in the same manner as appointed municipal judges.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment permitting a person to hold more than one office as a municipal judge at the same time.”

Proposition Number 2
(SJR 79)

SJR 79 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the Texas Water Development Board to issue additional general obligation bonds, in an amount that does not exceed $200 million, for the economically distressed areas program. These bonds can only be used to provide financing for the development of water supply and sewer service projects in those economically distressed areas as defined by law.
The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $200 million to provide financial assistance for the development of certain projects in economically distressed areas.”

Proposition Number 3
(HJR 34)

HJR 34 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing the legislature to temporarily exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of certain property located in an area covered by a disaster declaration of the governor. The proposed amendment would allow the legislature to prescribe the method of determining the amount of the tax exemption and the duration of the exemption and also would allow the legislature to create any additional eligibility requirements for the tax exemption.

The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of certain property damaged by a disaster.”

Proposition Number 4
(HJR 38)

HJR 38 proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting the state from imposing or collecting an individual income tax, including an individual’s share of partnership and unincorporated association income. There is no current constitutional bar on imposing or collecting an individual income tax.
The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual income tax, including a tax on an individual’s share of partnership and unincorporated association income.”

Proposition Number 5
(SJR 24)

SJR 24 proposes a constitutional amendment that would automatically appropriate the net revenue received from the portion of the state’s tax revenue received on sales of sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The legislature would maintain the authority to determine the specific uses of the funds and their allocation between TPWD and THC.
The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment dedicating the revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes that are imposed on sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission to protect Texas’ natural areas, water quality, and history by acquiring, managing, and improving state and local parks and historic sites while not increasing the rate of the state sales and use taxes.”

Proposition Number 6
(HJR 12)

HJR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the maximum bond amount for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) from $3 billion to $6 billion to be issued by the Texas Public Finance Authority. CPRIT was created in 2007 to promote and fund cancer research in Texas. CPRIT uses bond proceeds to award grants for cancer research and prevention.
The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase by $3 billion the maximum bond amount authorized for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.”

Proposition Number 7
(HJR 151)

HJR 151 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing increased distributions from $300 million per year to $600 million per year to the available school fund and also allowing the State Board of Education, the General Land Office, and other entities that manage revenue from land or other properties held in the permanent school fund to distribute certain revenue to the available school fund.
The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment allowing increased distributions to the available school fund.”

Proposition Number 8
(HJR 4)

HJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment creating the flood infrastructure fund as a special fund in the state treasury, using money appropriated from the economic stabilization fund. The flood infrastructure fund would provide additional resources to implement plans to mitigate flood damage. The proposed amendment would authorize the Texas Water Development Board to use money in the flood infrastructure fund for drainage, flood mitigation, or flood control projects. The proposed amendment also would authorize the creation of separate accounts in the flood infrastructure fund as necessary to administer the fund or authorized projects.
The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the flood infrastructure fund to assist in the financing of drainage, flood mitigation, and flood control projects.”

Proposition Number 9
(HJR 95)

HJR 95 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to create a property tax exemption for precious metal held in a precious metal depository located in this state.
The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation precious metal held in a precious metal depository located in this state.”

Proposition Number 10
(SJR 32)

SJR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to allow a state agency or political subdivision to transfer a law enforcement animal to the animal’s handler or another qualified caretaker in certain circumstances. Currently, the Texas Constitution prevents the transfer of certain public property, such as law enforcement animals, to a private person or organization at no cost. This amendment authorizes the legislature to allow the transfer of a law enforcement animal to the animal’s handler or another qualified caretaker at no cost, upon the animal’s retirement or at another time if the transfer is determined to be in the animal’s best interest.
The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment to allow the transfer of a law enforcement animal to a qualified caretaker in certain circumstances.”

Gerald Ned Hickox, a lifelong resident of Grayson County, died on Monday, October 28, 2019 at his residence after a heroic battle with cancer.

Services will be on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the First Baptist Church of Howe at 11:00 AM with Terry Ingram and Rev. Roger Tidwell officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarlawn Memorial Park in Sherman. The family will greet friends on Friday, November 1, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Howe.

Gerald was born on March 16, 1939, the only son of Trula (Perkins) Long and Ted Hickox in Sherman. He attended Sherman schools, graduating from Sherman High School in 1957. Shortly after graduation, he chose to serve in the United States Army. After two years in the military, he returned to Sherman and started work for Grumman Olsen with 27 years of service. He then began working for Magni-Fab Southwest in 1991 and retired in 2008.

Gerald married his first great love, Francine Long of Howe on June 27, 1964. She was a wonderful wife, companion, and mother for 37 years and passed away in 2011. They had two children, Rob and Lisa. Gerald was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Howe, serving as a deacon and supporting his wife as the church organist and Sunday school teacher. They were also active members of the XYZ Senior Club and the church. Together, they dedicated their lives to God and family. Gerald was a sports enthusiast and supported the athletic events for the Howe Public Schools. He had a true passion for golf and played at Woodlawn Country Club for many years. He loved traveling with family and friends.

Gerald is survived by his son, Robert Lynn Hickox and wife Michelle, daughter Lisa Gay Hickox Nix and grandchildren: Michael Ray Huff, Ashley Dawn Nix, Randle Auten Nix, Cameron Cailee Hickox, and Abby Allynn Hickox. He is also survived by a dear friend Lucy Walker and sisters-in-law Phyllis and Dorothy Long. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, his wife in 2011, and brothers-in-law Hubert Long and Sonny Long.

Pallbearers for Gerald will be Dalton Harris, Quinton Harris, Rick Ake, Mark Armstrong, Jack Norman, and Alton Norman. Honorary pallbearers will be Scotty Harris and grandsons, Michael Huff and Randle Nix.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Roque and nurses at Texas Cancer Center as well as the team at Hospice Plus for the love and care they provided Gerald. In addition to flowers, memorials may be made in Gerald’s name to First Baptist Church of Howe, 100 S. Davis St., Howe, Texas 75459.

You may sign the online guestbook at www.Dannelfuneralhome.com.

HOWE – Angela Farrer Garner, 41, a beloved mother, sister, daughter, aunt and she was teacher to many. Angela died on October 24, 2019 after a 7-year battle with a brain tumor. As a young child, she committed her life to Christ and through all her trials, her love for the Lord only grew and became stronger.


Angela was born on July 3, 1978 in Sherman to Jesse P. and Paula Farrer. She is survived by her parents, children, Caden and Kennedy of Howe. Brother, Jesse L. Farrer and wife Brandi of Tom Bean; sister, Clarissia Doty and husband Michael of Howe. Nieces, Jessica Doty, Abby Farrer, Mikayla Doty, Chloe Farrer, and Jentrie Doty.


She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Opal and Julian RL Hill and Jesse and Thelma Farrer.


Angela will be remembered most by all the lives she touched while teaching 1st grade at Howe Elementary and 2nd grade at Van Alstyne Elementary. She had a bright smile that could light up a room and a laugh that was contagious.


Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Scoggins Funeral Home in Van Alstyne. Funeral services will be on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Howe, TX followed by Interment at Cedarlawn Memorial in Sherman, TX.


In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Angela Farrer Garner Memorial Education Scholarship fund set up at Independent Bank in Howe, TX.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Angela Farrer Garner, please visit our Tribute Store.

Betty Ann Cordell passed away on September 12, 2019 in The Woodlands, Texas. Betty was 80 years old born on January 31, 1939 in Fort Worth, Texas. Arthur P and Zora Banks Smith of Dallas, Texas adopted Betty from the Edna Gladney Home. Betty graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas in 1958, attending college at Arlington State College and then East Texas State University graduating with a degree in History and English in 1962. In May 1962, Betty married Carlie Joe Cordell of Sadler, Texas and they were married for 34 years until Carlie Joe’s passing in 1996.

Betty taught at S&S High School teaching English (Freshman-Senior), History, Speech, and Theater class starting in the early 70s. Betty finished her teaching career at Howe High School.  In the mid 70’s Betty was teaching world history at S&S and just so happened to find an article looking for home/host families who would sponsor a high school student, from a foreign country, for a school year. Betty volunteered her family and set off an extended family of children in her home from Denmark, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany. The program was such a success that during a few years there were as many as 10 students from around the world at S&S and surrounding high schools. The end result changed the Cordell family and Sadler for the better. Betty also brought a love of the arts to the two high schools where she taught. Many years were spent instructing students in debate, persuasive speaking and writing and many other literary events to compete in Texas UIL local and up to state competitions. But her was passion was drama. Three times she led troops to the state competition – 1980 The Tortoise and the Hare, 1987 The Magicians Nephew and 1989 The Wizard of Oz. But many of Betty’s former students remember her best for the recitations she made each student learn – that still can be recited today!

When not teaching and on into retirement, Betty loved to travel. Often the response to a trip would be “for how long and when”! During her life, she has seen most of all 50 states and many trips that she would lead to Europe with high school students every summer. Travel with her husband; her daughter; her grandchildren; college friends; co-workers; with strangers doing Elderhostel trips. Trips to Australia, Turkey, Sweden, Greece, Italy, France, to her beloved England and so many places in-between are just too numerous to list in entirety.

Betty was a lifelong, very active Methodist, being a member of the Sadler Methodist Church and was instrumental in the Sadler Methodist Church getting its historical marker in 1977. Betty was also active in many groups, organizations too numerous to include. Before starting her teaching career, Betty worked at Sears in the children’s department – working her way up to head buyer for the store.

In 2012, Betty moved to The Woodlands, Texas to be closer to her family. Betty is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Crystal and Clay Spires of The Woodlands, Texas; Grandson and wife, Austin and Jennifer Spires of Denver, Colorado and Granddaughter and husband, Julie and Chase Miller of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Visitation will be held at Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro on Friday, October 18, 2019 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Graveside services will be held at Sadler Cemetery on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 10:00 AM, officiated by Reverend Doyle Henderson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.

The Howe Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its 3rd Annual Downtown Howe-lloween Festival.  The date is set for Oct. 26 from 6 pm—9 pm on Haning Street.

The idea of a downtown Trunk ‘R Treat type of event began in 2017 when members of FUMC (First United Methodist Church) approached the chamber about combining to make one big event downtown.  The first year saw a great number of people downtown, but last year’s crowd grew exponentially from the first year. 

“This event helps Howe by attracting people to our downtown area and letting people know that we are an active community,” said Robert Cannaday, president of the Howe Area Chamber of Commerce.  “In the past, this event has attracted people from inside and outside of Howe, which is great for bringing awareness to our town and activities. People who might have not known about our downtown and local businesses before are now fully aware of what we have going on here.”

FUMC is still a huge part of the Howe-lloween event as they have eight vendor spaces for games and candy.

“Kids will get to wear their costumes, play games, and collect candy from businesses and vendors,” said Chamber Board Treasurer Sarah Whitt.  “It will be an evening of good old fashioned Halloween family fun.”

Keep Howe Beautiful will host their 2nd Annual Chili Cook-off on the same night on Haning Street in front of the Fire Department.  With sponsorships, KHB raised over $1,800 a year ago with this event which is being used to construct the flower garden at Summit Gardens (formerly the First Christian Church).

Those willing to place their homemade chili in the competition can sign up to do so online at Eventbrite.  The chili cook-off is an Unsanctioned on-site cooking event (any chili, any flavor, floaties, non-floaties), Chili entrants are responsible for supplying crackers, tasting cups, and their tables and chairs.  There’s a two-gallon minimum. (Keep Howe Beautiful will supply the spoons). The entry fee will be returned for the Most Decorated Booth.  Leslie Defrange is the defending chili cook-off champion.

Cannaday says that the Howe-lloween event is not one that makes the chamber a lot of money, but it does great things for exposure to local businesses.

Whitt says that the chamber will be on-site to help organize the event and direct vendors to their location, but her favorite part is handing out candy to the youngsters.

Vendors that have signed up to date are:  Howe church of Christ, Amanda Byrd (pizza), TC Gutters & Home Remodeling, Howe Youth Softball, Fairytale Parties by Sidney, Caterly Couch, Howe Mercantile, Hester Magic, Origami Owl Custom Jewelry, Scentsy by Michelle B, Karen Hernandez, Feathered Indian Designs/Southern Grace Boutique, Maroon Red Soap, Lovely U Beauty Bar, Dusty Rows Farms, FUMC, and Renewal by Andersen.

Those interested in being a vendor can register for $10 per parking space (click here).  No electricity will be provided  – only space.

Jeff Stanley, a Howe High School Graduate was appointed mayor back in April 2009 and has run unopposed each consecutive term since. On Tuesday night at the regular Howe City Council meeting, Stanley resigned from the position of mayor effective immediately citing that he no longer has the time necessary to fulfill the duties.

Upon the city council’s approval, Stanley recommended that the position of mayor be acted upon in favor of Bill French, a longtime council member. The council voted in favor of French with all in favor besides French who abstained.

“I’ve put stipulations on myself that if I could not continue to do the job or did not have the time for the job, that I would step down. That time has come,” said Stanley in open forum at the council meeting. “Over the years, I’ve had to back off of a lot of the jobs that I do and don’t spend as much time at City Hall and I’ve had to step off of boards. This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but it’s time.”

Stanley went on to say that he had talked with French several times over the past year about setting this plan in place.

“We’ve never set a date, but I called him up last week and said, ‘it’s time – if the council would agree,'” said Stanley. “I think it’s time for somebody new.”

Stanley is the longest-tenured mayor in the City of Howe history behind W.P. Thompson, who was voted mayor of Howe for at least nineteen consecutive terms spanning from 1913-1949.

French is a 26-year resident of Howe and has served on the Howe City Council for several consecutive terms and on two separate occasions dating back as early as the 1990s.

KCBD in Lubbock, Texas has reported that former Texas District 364 and Lubbock County Court Judge Brad Underwood, known during his days in Howe as “Steve” died at the age of 65 on Sunday, Oct. 13.

Underwood, a graduate of Howe High School in 1972, North Texas State, Midwestern State and the Texas Tech School of Law, retired from retired as judge of the 364th District Court in 2014 after his appointment in 1989. Prior to that, he was the Judge of the Lubbock County Court at Law No. 2 from 1986 to 1989.

He was the first judge of the 364th District court and after leaving that position he went on to work as a senior judge.

He started his career in 1979 as a law clerk for the Criminal District Attorney’s Office and from 1980 to 1986 served as Lubbock’s assistant criminal district attorney.

He was a past president of the Lubbock County Bar Association and a former member of the Texas Supreme Court Task Force on Foster Care. He was also a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Lubbock County Bar Association.

Underwood worked as a member and director of the Lubbock County Young Lawyers Association and former Director of the Lubbock County Bar Association. He was also a member of the Lubbock Lions Club since 1989.

Underwood also received awards for his charitable work including the One Who Cares Award by KCBD NewsChannel 11 and the Get Involved Award by the Volunteer Center of Lubbock. He also received the Lubbock County Bar Association President’s Commendation for his work on the Bar Association newsletter, the Law Notes.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis, mother Alma, daughter Courtney and granddaughter Lilly, son Jared, brother Tim and wife Mari, and sister Tina and husband Scott.

(Information in this article by KCBD-11 of Lubbock).