Category: Howe News Bulletin

Sherman– Finisar will present a $25,000 check to the Advanced Manufacturing Consortium on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 1:15 PM. The Advanced Manufacturing Program (AMP) was developed by the Denison Development Alliance, Sherman Economic Development Corporation and Workforce Solutions Texoma in cooperation with thirty (30) local employers, Grayson College, and four school districts.  AMP is offered to 10th-grade students who can enroll in dual credit classes. Eligible students may receive free tuition and books.  Graduates of the program will earn Level I and Level II Manufacturing Certificates.

In a time of low unemployment, local employers are excited about the prospect of “growing their own workforce.” This program offers an introduction to the various components of manufacturing. Employers have committed financial resources as well as mentors to ensure the success of each student. Participating employers have agreed to offer internships and preference in hiring to the graduates.

“Finisar is pleased to be an active participant in the Sherman community and to show our dedication to the local workforce by contributing to the Advanced Manufacturing Consortium,” said Jeff Brown, Finisar General Manager of Texas Operations. “The AMP program provides an early introduction to the world of manufacturing and provides young students with a potential career path that can contribute to their future success in life.”

“The Advanced Manufacturing Program is an amazing opportunity for area youth to earn an education and start a successful career track in high school,” stated Mark Anderson, chair of the Texoma Advanced Manufacturing Consortium.   “The Consortium is grateful for Finisar’s support.”

Margo T. Huffman Estep was born February 14, 1947 in Menominee, MI to Ann Huffman and the late James Huffman. She is a graduate of Menominee High School and attended beauty school in Green Bay, WI. She left this earthly world to be with her heavenly father after battling nearly four years of stage 4 colon cancer. She was a resident of Melissa, TX at the time of her passing.

Margo met Bill Estep in 1971. She was in a bowling league at the local bowling alley when Bill, who was on a business trip, happen to walk in. As their eyes met across the room, she would always say, “It was love at first sight.” She married the love of her life, on February 26, 1972 in Jackson, MS and enjoyed 46 years of marital bliss. She became an instant mom to her step-son Michael D. Estep, and shortly after, she and Bill had one daughter, Candace Michelle Estep Simmons. During this time she owned her own beauty shop in Jackson, MS and the family enjoyed horse showing. In 1975, the family moved to Howe, TX and became business owners to a small welding supply company. Together they built their business from one declining location to three companies with a total of five locations, Industrial Welding Products in Sherman, TX, Atoka, OK and Madill OK, Grand Oxygen in Paris, TX and Wichita Welders Supply in Wichita Falls, TX. Together they worked and built the companies into prosperous businesses and sold to Airgas, Inc. in 1995. Shortly after the sale, they began traveling the US with “Ig” in their motor coach, traveling about six months each year for the next 20 years. Along these journeys, they met many friends and shared fond memories. She became a Maw Maw, in 1991, to Devin “Gator” Lynn Hargrove. And in 2016, she became a Great Maw Maw to Easton Lane “Scooter” Hargrove.

Margo was an active member of First Melissa Church in Melissa, TX. She enjoyed participating in activities with her Sunday School Class and helped start the Hope Cancer Comfort Ministry group. She also helped with the Melissa Food Pantry until her health declined. In her spare time, she enjoyed making jewelry; her specialty was beading bracelets. Her jewelry was spectacular, but she rarely sold pieces. She would make a necklace or a bracelet and then give to people, friends, family, and anyone who made an impact on her. It was her way of saying thank you to those she loved.

Margo was known as a loving, caring, nurturing, friendly, Christian woman with a sense of style and known for her beautiful unique hair. She was known for the best potato salad, dill pickles, and homemade ice cream. She enjoyed being outdoors and working in her flower beds and vegetable garden. She enjoyed traveling throughout the years, but one of her favorite things was spending time with her family and especially her grandson and great-grandson.

Margo is survived by her husband, Bill Estep of Melissa, TX; step-son, Michael Estep of Austin, TX; daughter, Candace Simmons and husband Jeff of Melissa, TX; mother, Anne Huffman of Menominee, MI; sisters, Judy Semrau and Gloria Huffman both of Menominee, MI; brother, John Huffman and wife Mary of Menominee, MI; grandson, Devin Hargrove and wife Brittany of Sherman, TX; great-grandson Easton Hargrove; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by father, James Huffman and brother-in-law Gene Semrau.

Margo’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with as well as those she reached but never met. Help her kindness, loyalty and compassion continue by making a donation to or volunteering at the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital in Dallas, TX.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, September 15, 2018 at the First Melissa Church, in Melissa, TX; with Pastor Trey Graham, officiating. Interment will follow at Akers Cemetery, in Sherman, TX. Al Guin, Jesse Hauptrief, Wayne Jones, Tim Lowe, James Simmons, and Ken Swires, will serve as Pallbearers. The family will receive friends Friday, at Scoggins Funeral Home, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Services are under the direction of Scoggins Funeral Home & Crematory, 637 W. Van Alstyne, Pkwy. Van Alstyne, TX; 75495. 903-482-5225.
You may sign the online register book at www.scogginsfuneralhome.com.

Back row boys: Spencer Akins, Devin Porter, Austin Lee, Cameron Blesi, Mason Riggs

Front row girls: Jorie Seibold, Taylor Hartsfield, Calley Vick, Kindle Catching, Mikayla Doty

Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin and Grayson Counties during the week of Sept. 10, 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 complete in Grayson and Fannin Counties. Be prepared for mobile operations as crews are working on restriping the roadways.

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 joint repairs at the bridges within the project limits.

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.

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.

CR 4526 at Tributary to Bois D’arc Creek, Fannin County: CR 4526 is closed at the bridge crossing at the tributary to Bois D’arc Creek while crews are replacing the bridge structure.

The Howe Area Chamber of Commerce and Keep Howe Beautiful will be shutting down both Haning Street and O’Connell Streets in the downtown area on the evening of Oct. 27.  The chamber is hosting the second annual “Downtown Howe-lloween Festival” while at the same time, Keep Howe Beautiful will be hosting the “Howe Texas Chili Cook-Off” as a fundraiser for the outdoor flower garden area at Summit Gardens (the 1893 building that once was the First Christian Church).

The chili cook-off will begin on O’Connell Street at 4 pm while the trick-r-treaters will arrive on Haning Street at 6 pm.  Both events are planned to go to or past sundown.

The chamber is allowing vendors to set up downtown for a $10 fee for one parking space.  There is no charge for patrons.  The chili cook-off will see a $20 entry fee for chili cookers and a $5 tasting fee for patrons.  First, second, and third place trophies will be awarded for the best chili cookers.

Keep Howe Beautiful is seeking sponsors for the chili cook-off at $150 each which will grant them a printed 3’x5′ banner at the event and on the baseball fields during the spring season.

For information on the chili cook-off, contact KHB President Donna Wormsbaker at djwormsbaker@verizon.net.

For information on the Howe-lloween event, contact Monte Walker at mwalker@cityofhowe.org.

(Click Photos for Facebook events).