Category: Howe News Bulletin

PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that a public meeting is set for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Sherman Municipal Ballroom (405 N. Rusk Street) in Sherman, Texas, to share the latest schematic design for the US 75 Project in Grayson County with the public and other interested stakeholders.

The US 75 Project is being developed to provide long-term transportation and operational improvements on US 75 and US 82 in Grayson County. It follows the agency’s US 75 Corridor Study which assessed safety, maintenance and system efficiency, congestion and freight reliability, environmental sustainability, transportation choices and economic vitality along US 75.

The proposed changes to this important highway are designed to improve safety, address traffic congestion and improve traffic operations, and address deficiencies in this aging roadway. The US 75 Project will run from the intersection of FM 1417 south of Sherman northward to the intersection of FM 120 in Denison. Roadway changes and improvements will be constructed in phases as the project progresses, TxDOT officials said.

The overall goal of the US 75 Project is to reconstruct this portion of the highway to add main traffic lanes, continuous frontage roads and U-turns. Access and egress ramps, bridges, and highway intersections will be reconstructed as necessary, also using phased construction. The proposed highway improvements will include renovation of the US 75 and US 82 intersections, including frontage road lanes and U-turns, and intersection improvements at North Travis Street and Loy Lake Road.

All interested stakeholders are invited to attend the Sept. 6 public meeting to view the latest schematic plans and to provide their input. No formal presentation will be given; the come-and-go public meeting format will provide interested citizens and others a chance to review project details and preliminary construction plans and schedules with TxDOT staff and consultants who are developing the project.

The overall project is valued at more than $161 million in phased construction costs, TxDOT officials said. The target date for phased construction to begin is December 2019.

More information about the US 75 Project and public meeting is available online at these websites:

US 75 Project: http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/paris/us75-corridor-study.html

Public Meeting: https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/get-involved/about/hearings-meetings/paris/090618.html

Judy Crain Bower, aged 83, joined the ranks of angels in the early hours of August 27, 2018. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Lee Crain, Sr. and Kate Crawford Crain; her sister, Mary Francis Hagler; and her husband, Joseph Lynn Bower.

She was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on March 27, 1935. After graduating a semester early from Nacogdoches High School in December 1953, she enrolled at Stephen F. Austin University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in art. While at the university, Judy also met her husband, Joe Bower. They were married March 23, 1955 until the time of his death in 1977.

After college, Judy began her teaching career, which would last over 30 years and stretch across the state of Texas as well as one year in Birmingham, Alabama where she was one of the first white women to teach in an integrated school. Education was her primary passion; so no matter where she went, she poured her heart into instilling a love of the English language in all who sat in her class.

After she retired from teaching in 1988, Judy continued to be a champion for the welfare of children by becoming a caseworker for the Jasper County CPS. On multiple occasions, she even brought displaced children into her home to see that they were properly fed, showered, and clothed before placing them in foster care.

In 1995, Judy returned to Van Alstyne, Texas where she helped found the South Grayson County Republican Club and was actively involved for over 10 years. She also helped establish the Footlighters Community Theater Group in 2001 and the Beacon Hill Quilting Group in 2018.

Judy is survived by her older brother, Jesse Lee “Skeet” Crain, Jr.; her children—Robert Wayne Bower of Monet, MO; Leslie Bower Smith and her husband Kenny of Pottsboro, TX; Drew Bower Stringfellow and her husband Mike of Sachse, TX; Paul Bower and his wife Christine of IL; six grandchildren and their spouses; and 10 great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, and students.

A memorial service will be held at the Howe Church of Christ at 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 30, 2018. Dinner will be served afterward so that guests can share their favorite “Judy stories”. Additionally, out of respect for Judy’s life-long passion for education, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Howe ISD Memorial Scholarship. All donations need to be sent to Howe High School, 200 E. Ponderosa Rd. Howe, TX.

Services are under the direction of Scoggins Funeral Home & Crematory, 637 W. Van Alstyne, Pkwy. Van Alstyne, TX; 7595. 903-482-5225 you may sign the online register book at www.scogginsfuneralhome.com.

Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin and Grayson Counties during the week of Aug. 27, 2018. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.

Sherman Area (Grayson, Fannin Counties): District seal-coating operations are wrapping up in Grayson County. Be prepared for temporary lane closures and flaggers directing traffic when you encounter these work zones.

FM 1417, Grayson County: from SH 56 to SH 11 and from FM 691 to US 82. Watch for mobile operations as the striping crews place striping along the pavement between SH 56 and US 75. Watch for traffic shifts as workers widen the roadway from FM 691 to US 82.

US 75 asphalt repairs, Grayson County: from FM 131 to Shepard Drive. Watch for temporary night-time only lane closures as workers perform pavement repairs.

US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile operations as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the day-time.

US 75 sweeping, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile operations as workers sweep the roadway during the day-time.

SH 289 culvert & drainage work, Grayson County: from Meadowbrook Drive to Fountain Creek Blvd. in Pottsboro. Watch for temporary lane closures and signed detours while workers perform culvert and drainage work.

SH 56 landscaping project, Grayson County: from North Union St. to Center Street in Whitesboro. Watch for temporary day-time only detours as crews are working on curbs, gutters, sidewalks, curb ramps, and installing new vegetation and irrigation.

SH 11, Grayson and Fannin County: from US 69 to SH 121. Watch for traffic shifts and occasional one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.

FM 1629, Fannin County: from SH 121 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.

FM 1752, Fannin County: from US 82 to FM 898. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.

FM 816 & Recreation Road 3, Fannin County: from Fannin-Hunt County line to SH 78 on FM 816, and from FM 273 eastward for two miles on Rec. Road 3 south of Lake Bonham. Watch for temporary lane closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.

Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin and Grayson Counties during the week of Aug. 20, 2018. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.

Sherman Area (Grayson, Fannin Counties): District seal-coating operations are wrapping up in Grayson County. Be prepared for temporary lane closures and flaggers directing traffic when you encounter these work zones.

FM 1417, Grayson County: from SH 56 to SH 11 and from FM 691 to US 82.  Watch for temporary day-time lane closures as workers overlay the pavement between SH 56 and US 75.  Watch for traffic shifts as workers widen the roadway from FM 691 to US 82.

US 75 asphalt repairs, Grayson County: from FM 131 to Shepard Drive. Watch for temporary night-time only lane closures as workers perform pavement repairs.

US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line.  Watch for mobile operations as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the day-time.

US 75 sweeping, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line.  Watch for mobile operations as workers sweep the roadway during the day-time.

SH 289 culvert & drainage work, Grayson County: from Meadowbrook Drive to Fountain Creek Blvd. in Pottsboro. Watch for temporary lane closures and signed detours while workers perform culvert and drainage work.

SH 56 landscaping project, Grayson County: from North Union St. to Center Street in Whitesboro. Watch for temporary day-time only detours as crews are working on curbs, gutters, sidewalks, curb ramps, and installing new vegetation and irrigation.

SH 11, Grayson and Fannin County: from US 69 to SH 121.  Watch for traffic shifts and occasional one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.

FM 1629, Fannin County: from SH 121 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.

FM 1752, Fannin County: from US 82 to FM 898. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.

FM 816 & Recreation Road 3, Fannin County: from Fannin-Hunt County line to SH 78 on FM 816, and from FM 273 eastward for two miles on Rec. Road 3 south of Lake Bonham. Watch for temporary lane closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.

This Saturday is the Annual Howe Community Pep Rally at Bulldog Stadium which will start at 7 pm.  The tradition began in 2011 and has continued with only one year missed (2016) due to rain.   The community pep rally is the kick-off to the new school year and sports season and Friday Night Lights.  Teams from kindergarten through varsity will get to run through the Bulldog tunnel and be introduced in front of the large Bulldog Stadium crowd.

All teams being introduced need to be present at the stadium no later than 6:15 pm for lineup with their team’s jerseys on.  Some teams have been told to be there earlier by their coaches.

The Howe Athletic Booster Club will be raffling and drawing for two reserved seats for all varsity home games.  Little Ernie’s Cafe food truck will be on-site starting at 6 pm.

The evening will begin with the national anthem and flag-raising by the Howe Pack 45 Cub Scouts.  Following will be a Howe Head Coaches Reunion as a tribute to Norman Dickey for his 50+ years dedicated to Howe athletics.  A special passing of the torch from Coach Zack Hudson to Coach Bill Jehling will follow the Norman Dickey tribute.

Recently retired Coach Steve Simmons will be recognized prior to the entrance of all the teams through the tunnel.  The event should make for a memorable evening and a great way to start a new season.

Order of teams:
Raising of the Flag/National Anthem
Norman Dickey Ceremony
Coach Hudson to Coach Jehling
Coach Simmons Intro
1st grade – 2nd grade volleyball
Kindergarten – 2nd grade cheerleaders
Kindergarten – 2nd grade flag football
Kindergarten – 2nd grade football
3rd – 4th grade cheerleaders
3rd – 4th grade flag football
3rd – 4th grade volleyball
5th – 6th grade cheerleaders
5th – 6th grade volleyball
5th – 6th grade football
SPIKE
7th – 8th grade cheerleaders
7th  grade football
8th grade football
Freshman volleyball
JV Volleyball
JV Football
Pride of Howe Marching Band
Varsity Cross Country
Varsity Volleyball
HHS Cheerleaders
Howe Bulldogs Varsity Football

Linda Jo Farrington Keene was born in Lawrenceburg, TN, on March 2, 1948.  She put on her Lord Jesus Christ and was born again on August 16, 1962, when she was baptized for the remission of sins at the Woods St. church of Christ in Sherman, TX. Linda passed peacefully at her home in Quitman, TX, on August 15, 2018, from complications associated with Lewy Body Dementia.

Linda’s family moved to Sherman, TX, in the early 1950’s.  She graduated from Sherman High School and attended Grayson County College. In 1970, Linda graduated from East Texas State University with a secondary English teaching degree.

Linda met Mark Keene at Woods St. church of Christ in 1964, and they married on August 1, 1969.  After marrying, the Keenes moved to Howe, TX, and began their teaching careers. Mark taught math at Howe Middle School, and Linda taught English at Whitewright High School, then later at Howe Middle School.  Between the years of 1972-1976, the couple welcomed three daughters into their home; Casey Dawn, Heidi Janette, and Meg Leigh.  Linda put her teaching career on hold to be a stay-at-home mama to her three girls.  Her children remember her as a kind, patient, and loving mother who, by example, reared them to live godly lives. She was a generous individual who loved dedicating her time and energy to her family and friends.  She especially cherished camping trips and walking outdoors with her husband of 49 years.

Linda was an educator at heart and was greatly appreciated by administrators, co-workers, students and parents. Mrs. Keene taught English for 30 years, however, she left her students with so much more.  One of her first-year students wrote, “My favorite teacher who really seems more like a friend than a teacher,” and a last year student added, “Your high spirits wake me up in the morning…I’ve not just learned English in your class, but many life lessons that I will remember.”

Linda was an active and dedicated member of the Howe church of Christ for 40 years and in 2008, the couple moved to Quitman, TX where she was a member of the Quitman church of Christ until her death.  Over the years, she served the Lord’s church by teaching cradle roll, VBS, visiting the elderly and sick, and preparing meals for those in need.  Linda is dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her Creator.

Linda is survived by her husband, Robert “Mark” Keene; her daughters Casey Dawn Keene Busby and husband Mark Alan Busby of Coke, TX; Heidi Janette Keene Laux an husband Michael Andrew Laux of Camden, TN; and Meg Leigh Keene Day and husband Adam Lyn Day of Ramer, TN; her grandchildren Samantha Meidi Busby, Bailey Mozell Busby, Lexi Mae Busby, Tell Michael Laux, Silas Hugh Laux, Lynleigh Blair Day, Addi Lyn Day, and Russell Thomas Day; and her brother, Mark Steven Farrington.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William Otho Farrington and Josephine Elizabeth Bruton Farrington; her aunt, Betty June Bruton; her uncle, Kenneth Bruton; one baby Keene; and one grandbaby Laux.

A memorial service will be held in honor of Linda’s Christian life at the Howe church of Christ on Saturday, August 18^th, with visitation at 10:00 am, memorial service at 11:00 am, and an additional visitation for one hour after the service. Burial will be in Tennessee at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Linda’s family requests that donations be made to:  Medina’s Children Home, 21400 St. Hwy 16 N, Medina, TX 78055; St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or In Search of the Lord’s Way, P.O. Box 371, Edmond, OK 73083.