Cherokeean/Herald (Rusk, Tex.), Vol. 141, No. 51, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 25, 1990 Page: 1 of 24
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erokeeaif/Herald
Established Feb. 27, 1850 as the Cherokee Sentinel — Texas' Oldest, Continuously Published Weekly Newspaper
Historical Caddoan
Indian Mounds
Vol. 141, No. 51 - 12 Pages
Thursday, January 25, 1990
Rusk, Texas 75785 25 cents
Sky view V psychiatric hospital is dedicated
Sky view V, a psychiatric hospital
at the Texas Department of Crimi-
nal Justice unit in Rusk, was dedi-
cated in the presence of more than
300 persons Saturday.
James I. Perkins, Rusk banker-
and civic leader, presided at the 10
a.m. ceremonies in the Castner
Building. Earlier plans for an out-
door program were canceled due to
the weather.
State Senator Bill Haley offered
congratulatory comments on com-
pletion of the facility and cited credit
to former state officials, State Sena-
tor Roy Blake, Rep. Cliif Johnson
and Cherokee County Judge
Emmett Whitehead.
"Because Rusk State Hospital wu
becoming past tense at that time,
one day we may look back on these
three with admiration for what they
accomplished," he said.
"This is a labor intensive institu-
tion and we are on the cutting edge
of what the penitentiary is becom-
ing, specializing in a new form of
incarceration. We can see this as a
blessing, rather than as an alterna-
tive. This is a real beginning, in the
forefrontofone of the most labor in-
tensive institutions, significant in
state services," said Sen. Haley.
He pledged his commitment to
the future growth of the facility
because "of what is already here,
done and because of its acceptance
by you."
Keynote speaker Andy Collins is
director of the TDCJ Institutional
Division. He said, "This reality was
a monumental test, simply put. We
were afraid three years ago that it
couldn't be done. Today we have a
model for the nation in this facility."
He credited Rusk State Hospital
Superintendent Dr. Allen Chitten-
den and TDCJ Warden Joe Collins
for their efforts in working together
since the plan's inception.
Collins also praised every staff
person involved for making the new
structure a reality.
He expressed hope that plans for
expansion will develop in the fu-
ture. "We have been run off from
other placeB and the way you have
welcomed us, and with the resources
available, I see no reason why we
can not add to what has been be-
gun," said Director Collins.
The speaker was introduced by
Senior Warden Jóe Collins.
Cherokee County Judge Emmett
Whitehead gave the official wel-
come. He expressed appreciation on
belhalf of the Commissioners Court
and all citizens of the county to the
Texas Department of Criminal
Justice for this significant commit-
ment in service at Rusk.
He also praised former state offi-
cials Sen. Blake and Rep. Johnson
for their untiring efforts to work
with county leaders in securing the
unit at a time when Rusk State
Hospital's future was in doubt.
Judge Whitehead noted the eco-
nomic value of the facility to the
area with its $15 million payroll,
along with the RSH payroll of more
than $20 million.
"This is truly a great day for all of
us and a blessing to the entire East
Texas area," he said.
Master of ceremonies Perkins
recognized distinguished guests.
They included Mamie Moore Proc-
tor of Houston, member of the TDCJ
board, who cut the ribbon to open
Skyview V; Dr. Charles Alexander,
deputy director for TDCJ-ID Health
Services; Jim Reily, assistant direc-
tor of Health Services; Senior War-
den Joe Collins; Wayne Scott, Cen-
tral Regional Director; Assistant
Warden Jerry Murphy.
Also chief Justice for the 12th
Court of Appeals Tom Ramey and
Mrs. Ramey; 2nd Judicial District
Court Judge Morris W. Hassell;
369th Judicial District Court Judge
Bascom Bentley; former State Rep.
Elton Bomer; Cherokee County
Commissioner Bob Gregg, and his
wife Mary, who is president of the
Jacksonville Chamber; Commis-
sioner F.E. Hassell and Commis-
sioner Billy McCutcheon; Rusk
Chamber President Robert
Gonzalez; Texas State Railroad
Superintendent Curtis Pruitt; As-
sistant Superintendent of RSH Lou
Furlong; Sheriff Jimmy Dixon;
Justice of the Peace Archie Cook;
County Attorney Bob McNatt; Rusk
Mayor Maurice Higgins.
Also Art Mosley, assistant direc-
tor for Personnel and Training;
Charles Brown, assistant director
of Public Information; Sharron
Dishoughn, administrator of Psy-
chiatric Services; Joan Davis, direc-
tor of nursing, TOCJ Institutional
Division; Warden Jim Peterson,
Ellis 7 Unit; Tom Woolridge, re-
gional psychiatric director of nurs-
ing; Carl Jeffries, assistant director
for Classification and Treatment;
Michael E. Slater, assistant super-
intendent Rusk Skyview Unit; Rusk
City Council members Mike Ciysup,
Gloria Jennings and Walter Ses-
sion.
The openinginvocation was given
by TDCJ Chaplain Bill Pittman.
Following the program and rib-
bon cutting, tours of the new build-
ing were conducted until 4 p.m.
Several hundred persons took the
walking tour of the two story struc-
ture. Its 83,000 square feet of space
includes four x-shaped housing
areas connected by corridors. Each
x-shape unit houses 50 inmateB in
individual cells. Staff offices are
located in connecting corridors. The
Medical Department is located in
the South side of the building. This
department consists of an emer-
gency room, exam rooms, X-ray, two
dental chairs, a dental lab and two
holding rooms.
Early arrivers had the opportu-
nity for visitation during a pre-pro-
gram reception in the Skyview V
Conference Room.
The 58 acre tract on which
Skyview V is located was made
possible by local leaders through
the Rusk Industrial Foundation.
Key leaders in the planning were
Whitehead, Perkins, Joe Terrell and
Bruce Stovall.
Cherokee Civic Theatre presents 'Cinderella'
Cast selectión made
AMONO PAmOPMm at ceremonies Saturday morning for the Rusk
Texas Department of Criminal Justice Skyview Unit's new $7 million building were
from left, Senior Warden Joe Collins; Mamie Moore Proctor, Houston attorney and
TDCJ Board Member; Jim Perkins, Citizens Bank President, who served as master of
ceremonies; 8tate Sen. Bill Haley of Center; and Andy Collins, Director of the Tezaa
Department of Criminal Justice and keynote speaker, staff phot
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THESEAREFDVEFOLRSl Jack White, right, teDs banquet attenders as he announced
Dr. Jerry and Anita Ocker as recipients of the annual coveted Citizen of the Tear
Award. White praised the young couple for their many untiring hours of community
service. Seated at left, is George Smith, banquet speaker, staff photo
Cast members have been selected
and are making ready for the Fri-
day, Saturday and Sunday, Feb.
23, 24 and 25 presentations of
Cherokee Civic Theatre's produc-
tion of "Cinderella."
Curtain call will be at 7:30 p.m.,
Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m.
on Sunday afternoon,according to
Marcelette Broussard, director.
There will be no reserve seats and
tickets go on sale Feb. 12. Cast
members include Chad Wootton as
Harold, the misplaced rabbit; Dana
Baker as Gladys, the Fairy God-
mother; Susan Porter as Cinder-
ella; Brittney Nichols, as the
Cloakmaker; Melissa White as the
Dressmaker; Katie Crysup, Shoe-
maker; Sherilyn Luke as the Hat-
maker, Joanne Goldfarb as the Step-
mother; Jeremy Ament as Pierre;
Teri Sands as the Queen; Gabe
Wootton as the King; Mitch Ballew
and Kristin Pickett as Trumpeters;
Chris Crouch as the Prince; Matt
Wilkerson as Blanche, a stepsister;
Jason Chastain as Agnes, a step-
sister.
Townspeople will be Mandy Gar-
ner, Scot Crispin, Bess Goldfarb, P.
O. Ford, Maria Murray, Andrew
Jackson, Amy White, Rodney Kelley,
Brian Lawson and Curt Porter.
The Mice will include Andrew
Jackson, Tiffany Ballard, Kayla
Jackson, Wendy Boone, Erica Le-
wis, Neal Bowen, Kerry
Pickett,Benjamin Clark, Jonathan
Richey, Lindsey Clark, Tara Richey,
Jill Cleaver, Sriram Srinivasan,
Holly Holcomb and Joy White.
The Soldiers will include Brandi
Ballard, Betsy Bowen, Jessica
Brooks, Heather Childs, Tiffftny
Rusk Chamber holds 49th banquet
Robert Gonzalez assumed reins
of office as president of the Rusk
Chamber of Commerce and Anita
and Jerry Ocker were named Rusk
Citizens of the Year" at the 49th
annual Rusk Chamber of Commerce
Banquet Thursday evening at the
Rusk Junior High School Cafeteria.
Theme for the banquet was "Into
the Future Through the Past."
George S. Smith, Marshall newspa-
per publisher and community pro-
moter challenged banquet attenders
with his motivating comments on
the slogan that each person "Can
Make A Difference."
Entertainment for the evening
was provided by Christy Cox, Kandi
McDuff and Sheila Cox from the
Rusk High School Choir.They were
accompanied by David Cheatham,
choir director and Kevin Gently,
who. assisted with the sound.
Greeters included members of the
Rusk High School Student Council
Julie Raiborn, Maria Murray, Susan
Porter, Katie Crysup, Brandi Byers,
Stacey McCann, Sesil Chavez, Mi-
chael Harris, Julie White, Grace
Youn apd Bettv Turney. sponsor.
Arrangements for the event were
under the direction of banquet
committee, composed of Flossie
Nixson, Nell McNatt, Larry Long,
Dan Lade, Mary Buchanan, Jeny
Ocker and Shelly Norman.
Last year's Citizen of the Year,
Jack White, introduced Dr. and Mrs.
Ocker. He sited the eouple for long-
time leadership and being caring,
giving and dedicated citizens.
Dr. Ocker, a Rusk dentist, is a
\
RUSK rHAMITfílt O¥
Gonzales gives Stephanie Caveness a
pat on the back during festivities Thursday evening
at the 49th annual Rusk Chamber of Commerce
Membership Banquet. Mrs. Caveness. outgoing
president, admires a plaque Just presented to her by
member of the Rusk School Board.
He is involved in little league and
soccer, the Kiwanis Club, Cherokee
County Junior Livestock Show and
the Cherokee Civic Theatre and
others.
Mtb. Ocker has been involved in
the Arts and Crafts Fair, "Make It
Happen," church, sorority, the the-
atre, soccer and extension service,
as well as a number of other activi-
ties.
Dr. Ocker in making the accep-
tance speech for the couple, said
that near the completion of dental
school, they began to look at differ-
ent places to settle. "We decided we
would just come home and we are
proud that we did. We love the people
and the community." He noted that
it would be hard to watch others
coach your kids in little league and
soccer. "And, we are just trying to
following the steps of our parents
(Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Hassell and Mr.
and Mrs. Joe Ray Ocker)."
President Gonzalez credit Outgo-
ing President Stephanie Caveness
as being the author of a video on
Rusk presented earlier in the eve-
ning. He thanked Emmett and
Marie Whitehead, his employers,
for providing the equipment to film
the video, produced by John Robin-
hawk and his wife, Penney Hawk-
ins. featured in the video were Nell
and Bob McNatt, TDCJ Superin-
tendent Joe Collins, Maty Buchanan
and Alice Bice. The video is being
used as a promotion to draw people
to the community.
A retreat had been attended by
community leaders in August,
Gonzalez said. Resources were
named, which can be drawn from to
make the community a better place
to live. He said the list includes low
crime, low taxes, Rusk State Hospi-
tal, Texas Department of Criminal
Justice Skyview Unit, good ambu-
lance service provided by East Texas
Emergency Medical Services, Ch-
erokee Medical Center, lakes, Texas
State Railroad, Rusk State Park,
Jim Hogg State Park. There were
63 things in all, he noted.
"The 80s were filled with turmoil
and change. The 90s are ahead of
us. Just a few years ago, we started
to lose a Rusk State Hospital. Due
to the foresight and influence of a
few men, the hospital is still here
and because of their efforts we got
TDCJ. Look what happens when
two state agencies share resources
in one community. They are right
here in Rusk—two large state agen-
cies working together for a common
goal, serving the people of Texas.
"Rusk State Hospital generates
*See CHAMBER, p. IS
Clark, Erin Hodges, Cecilee George,
Jennifer Hubbard, Paige Kelley,
Natalie Moore, Cristin Parker,
Sarah Scallon, Elizabeth Sorrell,
Leslie Tarrant and Robin Tarrant.
Guest at the Ball include Sesil
Chavez, Whitney Graham,
Shawnna Huttash, Jenna Jackson,
Rhonda Maddox, Grace Youn, Scott
Crispin, P.O. Ford, Andrew Jackson,
Rodney Kelley, Brian Lawson and
Curt Porter.
Mrs. Broussard is assisted by
Gloria Dotson, music director and
Jill Swink, choreography.
NEWS BRIEFS
I
Fish Fry scheduled
The Alto Lions Club is hosting a
Fish Fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday,
Feb. 2 at the Alto Lions Club build-
ing on Hwy. 21 W in Downtown
Alto. Tickets are $5.50 in advance
or $6 at the door for all you can eat.
Kids under eight eat free. There will
be homemade desserts for sale by
the Alto Art League. Those needing
more information can call Lion Jeff
Fatheree, 409/858-3346.
Wells Lodge to meet
A called meeting will be held at
Wells Lodge 915, AF & AM Friday
evening, Jan. 26, for the purpose of
conferring the Master Mason De-
gree. Master Masons are invited to
attend.
No time was indicated for the
meeting on the news release pro-
vided. Telephone numbers on the
release are (409)867-5221 and (409)
867-4292.
AARP meeting set
The Local chapter of AARP will
meet Thursday, Feb. 1, at Rusk
Federal Savings and Loan Commu-
nity Room. Those wishing to play
games can bring lunch and meet at
11:30 a.m. The business meeting
will begin at 2 p.m. Charlie Burfoot
will bring the program on "saving
energy."
I
AARP sponsors
55/Alive
Defensive Driving
The AARP is sponsoring 56/Alive
Defensive Driving Course from 1 to
4 p.m. Feb. 8 and 9 at Rusk Federal
Savings and Loan Community
Room.
The cost is $7, however, you are
entitled to a discount on your auto-
mobileinsurance. Ruth Jenkins will
be the instructor. H
Those interested in enrolling can
call Ruth Jenkins 683-6721 or
Maycell Black 683-4442.
Feb. 11
is Deadline
for
Voter Registration
I
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Cherokeean/Herald (Rusk, Tex.), Vol. 141, No. 51, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 25, 1990, newspaper, January 25, 1990; Rusk, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth151940/m1/1/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Singletary Memorial Library.