Local News
Elkhart ISD voters handily OK $16M bond
The Elkhart Independent School District will be getting a new high school after its voters approved a $16 million bond election Saturday.
A total of 630 votes (63.5 percent) were cast “for” construction of the new high school, while 362 voters (36.5 percent) went “against” the bond.
The new high school, with an estimated cost of $19 million, will be constructed on U.S. 287 on property currently owned by the school district. Existing funds will offset $3 million of the high school’s cost.
EISD voters had rejected three bond issues in recent years, with the last of those coming in November 2007.
EISD officials say the average homeowner in the district will see their school taxes increase by $8.71 per month.
“It will be a new high school on (U.S.) 287,” EISD Superintendent Mike Moon said Saturday after the results had become official, “and it will meet the needs of our students for many years to come.”
There also were a pair of contested board elections on the EISD ballot, and one of those will be decided by a runoff next month.
In a three-way battle for Place 7, Charles McShan (338 votes) and Dale Crane (293 votes) were the top votegetters and will meet in next month’s runoff, according to Moon.
Randy Smith ran a close third in the race with 261 votes.
Michael Hampton won the Place 6 post on the board by gaining 457 votes (58.6 percent), while Gary McShan had 323 votes (41.4 votes).
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Paul Stone may be contacted via e-mail at pstone@palestineherald.com
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About $50,000 damage to Texas cemetery
CORSICANA, Texas (AP) — Three Corsicana men face charges after vandalism at a cemetery damaged more than 80 tombstones and caused at least $50,000 in damage.
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Free computer classes for job seekers
Free classes to improve computer skills for job seekers will be held in Palestine in March and April. The classes are sponsored by the Palestine Public Library, Workforce Solutions East Texas and Workco Staffing.
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Sacred Heart to hold Spring Festival
Sacred Heart Catholic Church will put on its third Spring Festival Saturday in conjunction with the first weekend of the Dogwood Trails Celebration.
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Will the dogwood blooms be ready?
A season of cold weather will delay the coming of the dogwood blooms this spring, but Anderson County AgriLife Extension Agent Mark Price said they should be abundant the last two weeks of the Dogwood Trails Celebration.
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People warned to watch out for census scammers
As census workers take to the streets soon around East Texas Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor is warning people to be aware of the potential for fraudsters.
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Meals on Wheels hosting Children’s Fair
Meals on Wheels of Palestine Senior Activity Center will host a Children’s Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday as part of the first weekend of the Dogwood Trails Celebration.
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NEIGHBORS: Pilot, bank president among St. Philip’s rector’s many hats
The Rev. Ted Welty has worn various hats over the years — Air Force pilot and instructor, bank president, seminary staff member and now rector for St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Palestine.
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Volunteers lay foundation for area ramp project
On Saturday, a group of six volunteers did more than build a wheelchair ramp in Elkhart. They laid the foundation for bringing the Texas Ramp Project to Anderson County.
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Car show celebrating 25 years
The Cars of Palestine People’s Choice Car Show, will be celebrating 25 years at the Dogwood Trails Festival this year.
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Sheriff’s Office gets crime scene van to help with investigations
Thanks to the generosity of some local entities, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office now boasts a fully-outfitted crime scene van which will allow the agency to more easily work major investigations.
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About $50,000 damage to Texas cemetery
