For many years it has been a Howe Enterprise tradition to recap the year from front to back in the year-end edition. 2016 was a year that started with a lofty goal set by the EDC of 60 new home building permits. In late April, a devastating tornado ripped through the north side of Howe like a thief in the night to gain national attention, but only to see the town rally like no other. Howe licked its wounds and overcame the horrific destruction by binding together and setting a shining example for other small communities. Howe reached the 60 home goal due to a housing transaction with LGI homes to finish Summit Hill’s phase I. It was a year of all-state band performers, gold footballs, gold basketballs, gold softballs, and FFA state champions. Two Howe schools advanced to state in robotics.
January
Howe’s downtown saw My Estrella change the name and look to Gabriela’s in the first week of the new year. In a heated Sheriff’s race, candidate David Russell resigned from the office, but not the race. The Lady Bulldogs held their own in the Annual Whataburger Tournament and the Bulldogs finished third in the Leonard Tournament. A partnership brings a local food bank to Howe called “Feed My Sheep.” Chamber announces Founders Day will be an evening event and moved back to May. Airianna Smith repeats as All-State band selection. Lady Bulldogs lose in double overtime to Pottsboro. Howe Development Alliance sets goal of 60 new home building permits for 2016. Riley Harvey is named McDonald’s All-American Games nominee. Howe’s Bicentennial Park got new LED lighting to the tune of $18,000 paid for by the EDC. Tanner Hartsfield finished first in powerlifting meet. City Council denies zone change of downtown “hotel” to multi-family. Howe Police Officer David Morris is awarded Officer of the Year for 2015. City spends $47,000 on pump to solve sewer backup issues on Farmington Road area. Caden Garner wins Pinewood Derby. Howe ISD extended the contract of Superintendent Kevin Wilson to make him the longest tenured superintendent at Howe since Charles R. Thompson. Lady Bulldogs lose to Pottsboro again and finish January with a 20-7 record.
February
The UIL realigns the district which creates the renewal of the Silver Spike with Van Alstyne. Renovation of 123-year-old First Christian Church shows original craftsmanship. Lady Bulldogs clinch playoffs with wins over Callisburg and Ponder – their Head Coach Derek Lands records his 350th career victory. First and second grade Lady Bulldogs finish in first place. Well respected Dorchester man, Stanley Stewart dies. Howe Winterguard performs at North Texas competition. Howe Bulldogs clinch playoffs by winning at Whitesboro. TC and Gracie Nelda Carroll celebrated 60 years of marriage. Lady Bulldogs defeat Holliday for their back-to-back-to-back-to-back bi-district title. However, the girls were stopped by a very good Grandview team in the area round and finish 24-8 and close out the Riley Harvey/Darci Foster/Alissa Smith era by going 67-26 in three seasons including 55- 15 in the previous two. Magni-Fab celebrated 45 years in Howe. The Bulldogs start the playoffs with back-to-back wins over Gunter. 154 boys aged five through 14 signed up to play youth baseball. Jean Norman approaches the city council about the future plans for the former First Christian Church. Bulldogs baseball team defeats alumni, 7-5 as Garrett Fulenchek tripled home a pair of runs in the loss. Brennan Ross capped the win with a two-run double. Third and fourth grade Bulldogs win basketball championship. Henrietta defeats Howe in the bi-district round of the basketball playoffs. Nominees for Howe Hall of Honor are released by chamber. They are Jimmy Bearden, J.J. Chisum, Norman Dickey, Fred Holcomb, Sr., Glen Hestand, Otis Lamb, Jean Norman, Steve Simmons and Lowell Thompson.
March
Howe FFA program goes “hog wild” at Loy Lake sweeping the White OPB awards. Community Bible Fellowship relocates from Tom Bean to Howe by purchasing the former Scoggins Funeral Home building that originally housed the Howe church of Christ. Howe Winterguard places fifth out of nine schools at Saginaw High School. Lady Bulldogs move to softball diamond and capture the GCEC tournament championship behind new Head Coach Glen Banker. The Howe Bulldogs start 3-6 after a tough schedule. Roger Luttrell is selected in the Top 100 of “Movers and Shakers” in the insurance business. Bulldogs win Bells track meet thanks in part to Dawson McDonald being the overall point leader by finishing first in the 300m hurdles, second in the 110m hurdles, and second in the triple jump. Jeff Whitmire is re-elected as county commissioner. Joe Brown is reelected as District Attorney, and Tom Watt wins the Grayson County Sheriff campaign. Howe has state qualifiers in powerlifting in Triston Matthews, Andrew Griffin and Jacob Taylor. Riley Harvey sets unbreakable record of becoming 4-time District MVP. Howe FFA Ag Mechanics blows competition away at Loy Lake with three Eagle Scouts working together to build a 24-foot trailer. Bulldogs lose freak game to Pilot Point in lightning delayed game. Lady Bulldogs flood opponents and start 10-1-1 before rain wiped out baseball and softball for the week of spring break. Howe Winterguard finishes in third place in round two at Alvarado. City receives $47,000 pump that was approved earlier in the year to solve sewer backup issues. Griffin Underwood and Levi Mrozinski are named first team all-district in basketball. Alissa Smith and Peyton Streetman grab first team honors for the Lady Bulldogs. Howe Lions Club seeking members to restart the organization which originally started in the 1970s. Hail storm hits Howe in the middle part of the month. Lady Bulldogs walk-off against S&S with a game-winning RBI by Kayla Anderson. Winterguard finishes fourth at state competition. Tori Abner and Brooke Blum became AllAmericans after competing in intercollegiate wool judging. Norman Dickey, Jimmy Bearden and Steve Simmons are selected to the Howe Hall of Honor. Bulldogs pull out win over Callisburg. Lady Bulldogs finish the month at 16-2-1 after beating Pottsboro. Bethel Baptist Church celebrates 50 years in Howe. Howe loses to iconic women in Joan Thornhill and Lucy Wheeler on consecutive days.
April
April started with a house fire at 303 W. Walnut Street. Howe Teacher and Coach Heath Grant organizes a Howe Travel Abroad Program (TAP) and students will be able to travel to Europe later in the year. Triston Matthews finishes 10th in state in powerlifting. New louvers were ordered and installed in the bell tower of the former First Christian Church. Howe Superintendent Kevin Wilson is given Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow recognition. City repairs Memorial Park playground in preparation for spring. Wind damage leads to building repair at Don’s Smokehouse in downtown. Howe EDC finds grant writer Terri Wilson to help with city projects. Palio’s Pizza sign is hung on top of the former Dairy Queen building on Haning Street in Howe ending speculation of what the renovated building will be. However, it would be quite some time before it ever completed construction. Howe Middle School Band receives “ones” at UIL competition. Keep Howe Beautiful holds “Trash-Off” with money hidden among trash. Howe ISD SHAC has another successful run. Howe Middle School students traveled to Washington DC. Lady Bulldogs clinch playoff berth with 20-2-1 record. Howe’s Independent Bank receives “Branch of the Month” for their organization. Howe’s sales tax revenue increases 14 percent in April of 2016 compared to April 2015. A sign was hung on the downtown wall with the picture of Steve Simmons and the phrase “Highly Motivated.” Howe girls golf headed to state. Team members are Cat Little, Peyton Groves, Ashlyn Ellis, Meredith Ross, Anna Counts and Charlsee Carter. Triston Matthews signs with Austin College to play football. Lady Bulldogs complete district championship with win over Pottsboro. Longtime Howe businessman M.E. Curtis dies on April 10. Debbie Lowery is named Howe Lions Club President. Howe ISD wins $15,000 grant with community collaboration. HHS Prom King and Queen are Griffin Underwood and Darci Foster. Nick Wilson and Riley Harvey receive the Norman Dickey Award for athletics. Bulldogs beat Whitesboro and Ponder to clinch playoff berth. Madisyn Hargrove throws a no-hitter against Ponder. Bethany Masters and Sam Akins qualify for regionals in track. A sign is hung on the downtown wall with a picture of Howe’s legendary beautification leader Mame Roberts. An EF1 tornado rips through Howe on Tuesday night, April 26, resulting in massive damage across the north part of the city on both sides of US Highway 75. It was the first time since March 12, 1971 that a tornado of this magnitude roared through Howe. Winds of 95-100 miles per hour damaged Howe High School on its way west to Stark Lane sending four to a local hospital. Howe church of Christ became a “command post” as other churches quickly also became involved working together. Many Howe students were on the scene early Wednesday morning working as a cleanup crew. The story quickly turned from devastation to the relief efforts which saw thousands of dollars raised and massive amounts of sweat equity and pure love from community members. Students took to classes held in local churches. The Lady Bulldogs captured the bi-district championship with a two-game sweep over Henrietta. Madisyn Hargrove went 15 innings to get the win in both games. Lady Bulldogs finish seventh at state in golf. Howe Elementary Assistant Principal Matt Boykin participated in the Boston Marathon.
May
Carolyn Cherry was named Howe’s Citizen of the Year for 2015. Howe’s 30th Founders Day Festival was the best in history with over 60 vendors and hundreds of people and a smash hit of a classic car show. Richard Barrett and Shirley Davis won the 42 tournament and Samuel Cherry took home the lawnmower race championship. Gary White won “Best of Car” with his 1969 Camaro Z28. Due to the national attention from the tornado in April, much attention from media was given to the event. Colby Ake and his family partnered with Mac’s T-shirts in Sherman to distribute over 400 “Howe is Home” tornado relief t-shirts. Lady Bulldogs continued softball dominance by capturing the area championship over Grandview in a three-game series. Bulldogs bow out of playoffs in the first round after a late-inning surge by Bowie. Brennan Ross was named the MVP of the team. New LED lights were placed the top of downtown buildings. Third grader Kelton Denham was the finals champion in 8U roping and fourth in goat-tying and Reserve Year-end Champion at the Lone Star High School Rodeo Association Finals in Athens, Texas. His father, Jeff Denham was elected school board member and Greg Akins was re-elected. Sam Haigis, Georgia Richardson and Darren Foster were re-elected to city council. Erin McCoy was named Howe Middle School Teacher of the Year. Betsy Friedman is announced as Howe High School Teacher of the Year. Howe held a Community Picnic Fundraiser for tornado victims where Walmart and Tyson donated all of the food. The city released information that they had discussed a whiskey distillery in downtown Howe to be owned by former Dallas Stars hockey player Ed Belfour and his son Dayn. The famous hockey family chose Little Elm instead of Howe. The Lady Bulldogs are upset by Peaster in part due to a freak play that saw a bases loaded smash up the middle that would have scored two – hit Kayla Anderson, who was leading off of second. “In 16 years, I’ve never seen a game decided by a ball hitting a player” – Howe Head Coach Glenn Banker. Carolyn Cherry and Riley Harvey graduate from Grayson College – Harvey does so even before high school graduation. Landry Elvington, Dani Ross, Kayla Anderson, Mati Abner, and Kaycie Taylor are announced as National Honor Society officers. Howe’s sales tax nears an all-time monthly high at $35,301. Longtime Howe teachers Doylene Arnold and Tamela Shadden announce their retirement. Howe Mayor and EDC make major announcement stating that Summit Hill will be full of homes due to a purchase of 113 lots by LGI Homes. Construction was to begin immediately. Howe High School Principal Michael Smiley resigned to take the same position at Henrietta High School. James Teafatiller was hired to replace Smiley as the high school principal. Madisyn Hargrove was named District Pitcher of the Year and Kayla Anderson was named Offensive Player of the Year. First team members were Peyton Streetman and Payton Griffin. Howe and Van Alstyne’s rivalry was pushed aside as seen by a moment in an 8U girls softball game between the two towns. Both teams gathered together to pray for the family of Dorothy Loftice of Van Alstyne who lost her life in a car accident between the two cities. Brandy Richards of 920 Maple Street approaches the city council to appeal an ordinance against pot belly pigs and she is successful. Howe Post Office “Stamps Out Hunger.” Scott Renfro officially steps down from the school board after starting in 2007. Mike Rivard is named Howe Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. Dale and Lana Rideout celebrate 50 years of marriage. Sam Akins earns valedictorian honors as Sofia Roberts is named salutatorian. Howe teachers Jackie Dawsey and Josh Rollins take part in a workforce program sponsored by Howe’s EDC. Brennan Ross is officially named 10-3A Player of the Year as Griffin Underwood and Peyton Reagan earn first team awards.
June
Kaylee Dwyer is named drum major for the 2016-17 school year. Howe ISD holds retirement receptions for Library Director Becky Hogenson and Technology Director Teresa O’Dowd, Tamela Shadden and Doylene Arnold. Head Baseball Coach Torrey Ognoskie leaves Howe to be closer to family. City submits new Hall Cemetery interchange to Sherman Denison Metropolitan Organization. Nearly 100 student athletes show up for voluntary summer workouts. Great Days of Service sees many youth volunteer for projects. Howe TAP heads to Europe, Howe 14U heads to state after winning district. Nathan Gray recognized by Keep Howe Beautiful for extensive mowing throughout the city. Howe holds Bulldog baseball camp. A break-in happened at Abby’s Restaurant and Gabriela’s Mexican Cocina. Howe ISD sets 2016-17 budget at $11,429,008. Brennan Ross is selected first team all-state outfielder. Garrett Fulenchek made his first start for his new team – the Class A Hudson Valley Renegades. Terry and Angela Tucker on the run from child molestation charges. Samuel Cherry completes Eagle Project by constructing a carport at First United Methodist Church in Howe.
July
Summit Hill has 11 homes underway. Newspaper editor takes his boy to New York for his 10th birthday and gets stuck there. DISH Network donates $900 to Howe Tornado Relief Fund. Bulldogs football team picked to finish third in District 5-3A. Howe citizens hold prayer vigil for fallen officers in Dallas tragedy. Howe Chamber holds second annual Blue Bell Ice Cream Party sponsored by Cavender Home Theater. Lady Bulldogs hold volleyball camp with Austin College Head Coach Ed Garza. Garrett Fulenchek has his most impressive outing for his new team. Cody Hartelben completes Eagle project by constructing a “Welcome to Howe” sign on the corner of Haning Street and Collins Freeway. Howe denies zone change for a motel on the highway. Howe Development Foundation forms and will be responsible for the operation of the renovated former First Christian Church. Lone Star Hoops Camp returns to Howe and sees 167 young athletes participating. Garren Lankford and Braden Ulmer of Howe are a part of the Frozen Ropes baseball team that finishes second in the AAYBA World Series. The School Zone Academy holds “Cupcakes with Cops.” A new press box is installed on the visiting side of Bulldog Stadium. Salvage Junky closes shop on Denny Street. Howe FFA members Mati Abner, Tanner Hartsfield, Zach Braswell, Josh Van Deren, and Jessica Doty with their Lone Star FFA Degrees. Howe coaching staff hold fourth straight football camp. Peggy’s Porch gets an actual porch thanks to Adam Gregg’s Eagle Scout project. Howe select softball girls finish fourth in USSSA tourney at Disney World.
August
Howe Lions Club was officially chartered with a party at the VFW in Van Alstyne. Howe students Kirstyn Wheeler, Arturo Lowder and Ryan Hough earn honors in Grayson County Historical Society Contest. Over $15,400 was raised and distributed to tornado victims. The money came from t-shirt sales and general donations. The Howe Area Chamber of Commerce held the third annual Back to School Downtown Block Party and featured Jason Elmore. The sweltering heat caused many to stay home, but those were there saw a great performance. City Council agrees to budget of $2,938,672. Bulldog Stadium gets additional seating on each end of the home side bleachers stretching the seating from each 17 yard line. Howe Police Officer Jamie Morris resigns with the force. Samuel Cherry and Joseph Brennan officially earn Eagle at a reception at FUMC. One man dies in a helicopter crash in Luella and Howe man Matt Cavender is seriously injured. Bulldogs score 10 touchdowns in a scrimmage with Paris Chisum. Howe teachers begin orientation. Abbington Meadows apartment complex reaches full capacity. Howe Planning and Zoning and Council approves a zoning change to allow Provider Business Partners to operate a business at the east end of Davis Street. City lowers tax rate to $0.63. Howe Youth Football begins. Bulldogs open season with a 42-14 loss at Gunter. Howe ISD opens with an enrollment of 1,017. Melissa Atchison is welcomed as Howe’s new library director. TxDOT asks input from citizens about the expansion of US Highway 75. Plumbing work begins on the old church. Lady Bulldogs start season with a tough week.
September
Bulldogs take down Bowie, 38-13. City begins seeking grant for 45- acre park. Retirement party held for outgoing Grayson County Sheriff Keith Gary. Howe 8U Lady Bulldogs win softball tournament by run-ruling all of their opponents. The year of Kaylee Dwyer continues as she is named Homecoming Queen 2016. Tim Helpenstell is named Homecoming King. Howe beats a good Muenster team, 37-31. Sixth grader Korie Bouse learns that she aced the STAAR test. Howe Middle School Principal Clay Wilson discovers 1975 Middle School football game film versus Allen and has it developed digitally. Longtime Howe resident JC Waller celebrates 90th birthday. Bethany Masters finishes first in 3200-meter cross country event. Keep Howe Beautiful announces a return of the circus in October thanks to an agreement with Culpepper & Merriweather. Howe keeps rolling with a 44-13 win at Quinlan Ford. Howe Middle School honors First Responders with ceremony. Lady Bulldogs begin district with dramatic win over Lone Oak. Boyd Dunn begins constructing a porch on the front of the former First Christian Church building. Bulldogs move to 4-1 with a victory over Caddo Mills. Mason Riggs has big night with three touchdowns including an 89- yarder. Howe High School ranks in top 4.7 percent in TEA ratings. Wes Hayes of Howe makes first appearance on the “sliver screen” by appearing in Magnificent Seven.
October
Longtime Howe coach Derek Lands reveals battle with cancer. Pottsboro ends Howe’s 7-game home winning streak, 35-7. Bulldogs renew “Silver Spike” with parade. Stark Lane Farms and Stark Lane Inc. open business in Downtown Howe at 105 E. Denny St. Howe JV improves to 6-0. Scout Gage King of Howe completes a “Flag Drop Box” for his Eagle project. Howe citizen Sharron Carroll qualifies for Senior Olympics. Howe Robotics team enters area contest. Pride of Howe Marching Band gets a new trailer wrap. All Howe Youth Football teams advance in the playoffs to the semifinal round. Brian Ross displays new and improved “Dog Horn” at football games. Van Alstyne continues winning streak over Bulldogs with a 39-36 win. A successful fundraising golf tournament was held for Derek Lands. Howe’s 1st and 2nd grade Bulldogs along with the 5th and 6th grade Bulldogs bow out of playoffs just shy of Super Bowl. 3rd and 4th grade make the Super Bowl, but lost to Tom Bean. Howe’s Fall Festival another hit. Howe native Deanna Powell dies in a double fatality car accident. Bulldogs start playing keep away and beat Whitesboro, 28-17. HHS Marching Band receives all “ones” at regional competition. Lady Bulldogs take down Whitewright. Bulldogs clinch playoffs with 31-3 win over Pilot Point. Goblins hit the street for Trick ‘R Treating after Trunk ‘R Treat nights by local churches. Tyler Grisham is Mr. Touchdown and, you guessed it, Kaylee Dwyer is Football Sweetheart.
November
Bulldogs defense dominates Callisburg, 44-17 to close out regular season. Abbington Meadows apartment complex cuts the ribbon and has grand opening celebration. Howe-based Kingdom Country Academy wins area in robotics. Bulldogs Head Coach Zack Hudson gambles with two-point conversion to beat Grandview in the first round of the playoffs. Steve Simmons gives emotional speech at the National Honor Society’s annual Veterans Day Program. Howe Community Library celebrates 35th Anniversary and Jean Norman is recognized for her contributions. Madisyn Hargrove and Kayla Anderson have special signing day as they will play college softball. Emily Sanders is named first team all-district in volleyball. Howe’s sales tax revenue is up 1.25 percent from November 2015. Howe defeats Jefferson in area round of playoffs, 31-7. SPM Partners. LTD discusses plans with city council for a home development in east Howe on FM 902. Lady Bulldogs start basketball season by winning the silver bracket in tournament. Mineola ends Bulldogs season in regional finals, 21-7. Tyler Grisham sets Howe rushing records with 3,044 yards and 43 rushing touchdowns. Howe Coach Dale West delivers Thanksgiving meals to over 1,000.
December
Howe senior FFA student Mati Abner won the state championship in FFA Creed Speaking in the competition at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. It was the second time she captured a state championship as she did so as a freshman in Jr. Prepared Speaking in 2013. Molly Wilson, Kacie Morgan and Jenna Honore finished in the top 20 against 295 teams in Texas in Agricultural Advocacy. Doty, Allie Morgan and Kindle Catching competed in Public Relations. After placing second at area, they were a top 10 finalist of 350 teams in state. Lady Bulldogs finish third in S&S tourney and lost overtime heartbreaker to Princeton. The Bulldogs also finish third in the S&S tourney. Lights are installed in the former First Christian Church building and another fundraiser is planned for April 1. Cody Brussow is recognized at Court of Honor. City of Howe sets a record in sales tax revenue with $317,719.74. Howe’s annual Christmas parade was well attended despite the 40-degree weather with high winds. There were 18 total floats involved in the parade that circled from Beatrice Street through downtown and back to Beatrice Street. Matt Griffin was named District Lineman of the Year, Tanner Hartsfield was named Defensive Player of the Year and Cameron Blesi was named Newcomer of the Year. Other first team all-district football members were Andrew Griffin, Jaden Matthews, Seth Seibold, Brennan Ross, Tyler Grisham, J.P. Queen, and Clay Marshall. Santa Claus visit Howe for Breakfast with Santa for Fire Department and Story time with Santa for the Howe Community Library. Howe Police Department introduces newest officer in Oscar Martinez. Howe ISD ag barns are completed. Mama opens her kitchen on Bennett Road. Skinner Plumbing Supplies opens in the former Salvage Junky building on Denny Street.
Photos of the Year
