News

“This, by far, is one of the strangest things I’ve ever seen.”

Those words came from County Judge Keith Umphress when he saw two tombstones that had been dug out of the ground on Slusher Road, just north of Perrin.

The tombstones were of Alsward Malcolm Hensley (spelled Malcom H. Alsword on the tombstone) and W. M. Turner. Hensley’s tombstone was made after his death in 1956 and Turner’s was made in 1915.

Jacksboro held its first combination run and bike ride, with the event considered a success by participants and organizers alike.

The Du-It Run/Ride, which took place Oct. 12 at 8 a.m, and was held at Live Oak Baptist Church, began with a 5k run, and was followed by a 20k bike ride. People could also choose to do just the run or the ride.

The event itself went off without a hitch, according to race director Brandy Lazarine, solely due to the diligence of the staff and the community.

The Wise Hope Crisis Center held a vigil to honor those affected by domestic abuse to show awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The event was held at the Jack County Courthouse on Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Other vigils were held nearby including one at Nocona and Bowie. A future one will be held in Decatur on Oct. 17.

Karen VanderKaay, a victim advocate for Wise Hope in Jack County, said the vigil is an annual event to bring forth the struggles of people in abusive and violent relationships.

Drew Springer spends more time on the road now than he ever has in his life.

The District 68 Representative said he used to drive 25,000 miles a year going to different events and meetings in his district. As the Chair of the House Agriculture Commission, he said he will easily eclipse that this year.

“I now drive 254 counties,” Springer joked, as part of his 90-minute town hall meeting Oct. 7 at the Faith Community Hospital Board Room. “I’ve gone from representing my district, which I still do, to becoming the voice of the state in agriculture.”

The Annual Lions Club Jump-A-Thon went off without a hitch, providing Jacksboro Elementary students exercise for a good cause when they went to the gym on Thursday.

The Jump-A-Thon raises money for the Texas Lions Camp, a camp for children with physical or mental disabilities which they can attend at no cost to the camper. Lions Club Treasurer Tim Cassle said he has been helping with the event for a very long time.

“Thirty-eight years,” Cassle said. “I’m the chairman of it, and even though the Lions Club started it I’ve been in charge of it every since.”

“It’s fabulous, and terrifying at the same time, how much can be accomplished with technology today.”

Those words, from First United Methodist Church Jacksboro Reverend Samantha Parson, were echoed by parents at a workshop held on Oct. 7 at the church to better explain what their children may have on their mobile devices.

The meeting explained different apps used by children and teenagers, and attendees were given a list of apps not only used by children and predators, but another list of apps that parents can use to make sure their children are being cautious and safe. 

Charles Lowe knows a few things about being a hero, although the police officer from the St. Louis area doesn’t consider himself one. Through going back to his training after being shot in his patrol unit, he was able to survive and ultimately recover from the shooting.

Lowe’s was one of more than 30 stories of heroism were heard Saturday during the 2nd annual Not All Heroes Wear Capes event at the Emergency Operations Proving Grounds, east of Jacksboro. Lowe said it was through the grace of God and going back to his training that he was able to survive.

“It’s just nice to get out and meet everyone in this kind of format.”

Alice Vallejo’s thoughts spoke volumes Oct. 1, as she and her family enjoyed their time at National Night Out at the Jacksboro Middle School. National Night Out has been around for 36 years, but it was unclear on how long the local event had been going on.

Local police, firefighters and first responders came out to make themselves available to the community, showing people the equipment they use on a regular basis, which drew the interest of Maceo Castillo.

Faith Community Hospital board members approved its job description policy during their regular meeting Sept. 23.

Chief Executive Officer Frank Beaman said the policy had been worked on for sometime and it took longer than he had hoped it would but recommendations from the Texas Hospital Association were taken into account.

Detailed descriptions of individual board members, including the board chair, vice chair and individual board members are now provided and can be seen by the general public at any time.