Cherokeean/Herald (Rusk, Tex.), Vol. 150, No. 45, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 30, 1999 Page: 3 of 12
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CHEROKEEAN/HERALD of Rusk, Texas—Thursday, December 30,1999—Page 3
Letters
Rusk Deems Itself "Best of the Best
Some times it takes a major cri-
sis in our life to make us slow down
and realize the rich abundance of
blessings we have. I have had
such an opportunity this last
month to review some of my bless-
ings. I have come to realize that
quite a few of my blessings are tied
to the City of Rusk. Although we
have called Rusk home for scarcely
a year I would like to share a few of
my observations during that short
year that make me feel blessed to
call Rusk Home.
Rusk is fortunate to have a Mayor
who is willing to make a decision
in what he believes is in the best
interest of all citizens and act on it.
(Although I don't agree with all of
them, I do respect the decision).
He is willing to stand by that deci-
sion right or wrong. TTiere is no
buck passing when the chips are
down from our mayor. He is a
leader who treats all citizens with
respect and compassion.
Rusk has a City Manager, Mrs.
Mary Daly, who sets an example
in leadership and integrity. Mrs.
Daly's position requires the pa-
tience of Moses and the Wisdom of
Solomon. She must walk a tight
line, balancing the wishes of the
mayor and city council while look-
ing to the best interest of the city
as a whole. Mrs. Daly always has
an open door and a friendly smile
to all our citizens and is respon-
sive to their needs and concerns.
Rusk has a city council, which is
open and fair to all citizens. I have
had the opportunity to attend sev-
eral council meetings this past year
where I have observed citizens with
a variety of issues. All have been
treated with equal respect and con-
cern.
Rusk has a strong Main Street
Program, under the leadership of
Mrs. Martha Neely. We have all
enjoyed the Fair On The Square in
March, seen new side walks and
lamps being installed, and new
life in our downtown, but best of
all, for the second year in a row we
have received awards for the best
National Main Street Program.
That means that our peers have
voted Rusk the best of the best.
Rusk has a Chamber of Com-
merce that actively markets our
city to the rest of the world. Their
production of the "Boxcars, BBQ
and The Bridge" brought a million
dollars of free positive publicity
for our city and received an award
for the best promotion of a city in
Texas. Once again we are the best
of the best.
Rusk has the "'Cherokeean/ Her-
ald" a newspaper that is fair and
unbiased in its reporting of the
news. It reports all sides of an
issue regardless if the views pub-
lished run directly contrary to
those of the owners. Last summer
every news rag from Tyler to Dal-
las to Houston was busy trying to
create a scandal, because of a hu-
man failing in our community. The
editors of the "Cherokeean/ Her-
ald" instead of sensationalizing the
issue, following the crowd, and
selling more papers chose to con-
sider the family involved and what
was best for Rusk. They reported
the issue with compassion and con-
sideration turning a negative situ-
ation into a positive example of a
caring community. A CLASS ACT
that is hard to follow.
Rusk is blessed with an abun-
dance of SILENT HEROES. People
like Mary Holcomb, Frank Mad-
den, Mary Buchanan, Frieda
Melvin, Kay Jordan, Jean Clark,
Skyview Correctional Thanks Local Businesses
The 2nd Shift Skyview Correc-
tional Officers wish to thank the
following businesses for their third
annual family Christmas Party.
Your generous gift and/or contri-
bution was much appreciated.
In Rusk: Chapman Pharmacy,
Marie's Boutique, Wallace Thomp-
son, State Farm Insurance,
B.D.J's, Essex Texaco, J & J Jew-
elry and Mr. Freeze lee Co.
In Jacksonville: Pam's Cleaners,
Top Nails, Travel Station Inc. and
Jacksonville Travel Inc.
In Tyler: Lowes, Marshall's,
Brookshires, Toni & Guy, Regis,
Garden Botanika, Victoria's Se-
cret and Bath and Body Works.
In Nacogdoches: North Street
Flowers & Gifts and East Main
Liquor.
SKYVIEW UNIT
2nd shift
Alto ISD reports continuing growth
in academics, athletics for the year
Dr. Floyd
Worley
By Dr. Floyd Worley
Special to the Cherokeean/Herald
The "Home of Champions"
tradition continued in Alto
for 1999. The hard work of
an excellent staff has resulted in
new ap-
proaches, new
programs and
continued
progress for
both academ-
ics and athlet-
ics.
Alto started
the 1999-2000
school year
with two new
principals,
Mrs. Nita ^
Mitchell at Alto Elementary and
Mr. Tim Brownson at Alto High
School. These two individuals
brought with them new ideas and
approaches that continue to im-
prove the district.
The district has initiated a num-
ber of things to improve the perfor-
mance distriqt-wide. Alto joined a
co-op with Lufkin to provide ser-
vices for our Alternative Program.
The technology program contin-
ues to have emphasis to upgrade
the equipment and to provide in-
service for the staff. In October,
the district started training the
entire staff in the New Jersey
Writing Program to improve the
overall writing performance of the
students.
A few of the things that are hap-
pening at Alto Elementary include
a greatly expanded pre-kindergar-
ten program which made avail-
able educational opportunities to
all four year olds in the district.
The elementary school has greatly
increased their cooperation with
the Access Program. An Access
counselor comes to the school each
week to meet with students for
self-motivation/behavior strate-
gies and to give support to par-
ents, teachers and the adminis-
tration. A Career Center grant
has been approved which will pro-
vide materials that will enable stu-
dents to develop further career
awareness. Music is provided each
week to students by a grade level
leader or by the band director. A
Student Wellness program was
started this year with the counse-
lor meeting each week with each
class to provide an opportunity for
small groups of students to dis-
cuss topics ranging from patrio-
tism, behavior management and
drug awareness.
Alto Middle School started the
1999-2000 year with an orienta-
tion program for all parents of
students entering grade five. The
staff is working cooperatively to
improve reading progress and to
place more emphasis on TAAS
objectives throughout the school
day.
Alto High School, under the lead-
ership of a new principal, re-
vamped the break period and con-
verted it to an advisory period.
This allowed students more time
to work on UIL Academics, SAT,
ACT and TAAS. Advanced Place-
ment offerings were increased from
two to four classes and students
who failed TAAS in the eighth
grade were required to take TAAS
classes in Reading and Math. An
In-School Suspension Class was
started for those students who are
having difficulty in the regular
classroom.
The athletic year began with
Casey Hamilton and Eric Robinson
being named to the All-State Foot-
ball Team. Joel Finley, Michael
Jenkins, Marqúese Tyler and Matt
Hackney won the District 400
meter relay. Andrew Poole won
the state triple jump, setting a
new state record, while coming in
third in the broad jump at state.
The spring sports ended with the
Alto girls winning the State Cham-
pionship in softball. This coined a
new phrase around Alto, "Alto,
where the boys are men and the
girls are state champions."
In the fall, the prowess of the
Alto Yellowjacket football team
continued and the first week of
December the season ended with a
12-2 record in the quarterfinal game.
The academic success continued
in 1999 with the Academic UIL
team winning the District Overall
Championship for the seventh year
in a row. A number of students
qualified for the seventh year in a
row. A number of students quali-
fied for the Regionals with Anna
Mason and Angie Bobbitt going on
to state. Anna won sixth at state
in Feature Writing and Angie won
third in News Writing.
The Peace of Mind That Comes With
Being a Member of Our Family
When the time comes to consider short or long term
care for someone in your family...
Let our family put your mind at ease.
• Well-trained & Friendly Staff
• Attractive, Clean Facility
• Private & Semi-Private Accomodations
• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy
• Medicare, Medicaid & Affordable Private Rates
Alto Care Center
(409)858-2255 • 305 M.iggie Sessions, Alto
Hob Grccmvalt, Karat Sclinan,
Administrator Director of Nursing
It's Your Money
A Gin FOR THE BABY
Pink or blue booties aside, one of the
nicest gifts you can give a new baby is
a proverbial silver spoon-future
wealth from the gift you give now.
There arc even tax breaks to go with
it.
Once the baby gets a Social Security
number, the options are wide. Best
bet is to open a custodial account for
the baby that will hold securities,
cash or whatever. Die advantage is
that all gains
are taxed at
the baby's
low rate (only
earnings over
$1,400 are
taxed at the
parent's rate
for children
under 14).
The only
disadvantage
is that the
child gets full
access to the
gift at 18 or 21 (depending on the
state).
The custodian is usually a parent, or
other adult family member.
Grandparents giving such a gift
generally should not name themselves;
if they die with money still in the
account, it will be included in the
taxable estate. It's smart to file a
return for the baby in order to keep
any income off the parents' AGI.
Congratulations on the new baby! Best
wishes for a happy-and prosperous-
New Year!
Anita L. Woodlee
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
524 N. Henderson
Rusk, Tx. 75785 • 683-1002
Anita L.
Woodlee, CPA
Wayne and Toni Guinn, Dr. An-
thony Holcomb, Kay Hunter, Marie
Whitehead, Judge J.W. and Inez
Summers, Terry Guinn, Angela
Raiborn, Linda Little, Leslie
Hassell, Judy Faye Garner, and a
multitude of others. These are the
people who sacrifice their time,
effort, and money not for personal
glory or gain, but because it's the
right thing to do. These people in
their own ways make every day a
little better for every one in Rusk,
We are proud to call Rusk home
and feel fortunate to be able to
share in its blessings.
I would also like to thank every-
one whose thoughts and prayers
helped and sustained us through
our recent crisis.
Best wishes for a Happy and
Prosperous New Year,
"MR. ED"' JOHNSON
Rusk
i Insurance
For A No Obligation Review, Call Today!
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Loop 343 W
PO Box 87
Rusk, Tx. 75785
Agent
Office: 683-2576
Fax: 683-2152
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— 1 :—
News Deadline: Monday
Ronald Chediak, M.D.
■ Texas Educated
University Of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
■ Common sense approach to medicine for your child
■ Expectant parent consultations
Let Dr. Chediak be there for your newborn
■ Now accepting appointments
Dr. Chediak is located in The ETMC Physician's Clinic
and practices his specialty at East Texas Medical
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Specializing
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East Texas Medical Center
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ETMC Physician s Clinic
205 W. Fifth St., Rusk ■ 683-1797
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Planning Your Political
Campaign
Is As Easy
Cfyerokseaij/Herald
Reach Cherokee County votere like never before with the Cherokeean/
Herald's political calendar. Pay just $75 and your name will be
included on a weekly listing through the first primary. Each candidate will receive
a free picture and story outlining qualifications, biographical Information and
issues important to the office. Statements of intent, if elected, may be included...
however, personal attacks are not acceptable. All submissions are subject to the
Cherokeean/Herald's policies on libel. Candidates involved in a run-off election can
extend the political calendar for $45.
Display ads can be purchased for $4.25 per column inch het, and we do not charge
extra for design work and photos. All political ads must be paid in advance. To
reserve your space, call 903-683-2257 or stop by 618 N. Main in Rusk.
CD 97.7 FM
With a potential target audience of 500,000, CD 97.7 FM and KTLU
AM will blanket the area with your campaign message. Political rates are $9 per 30
second spot between 8 A.M. and 12 P.M. R.O.S. times are $6. A 60 second spot Is
$10 between 8 A.M. and 12 P.M. and $7 for R.O.S. Drive time 30 second spot is $9,
60 second is $10. All rates are net to station. Agencies please add 15% to net rate
for gross billing. Political calendar is $125 for the period of Feb. 1st through
election day. Each weekday, you will receive three name mentions during morning
and afternoon drive and at noon time.
Channel 9
Think you can't afford TV? Think again! For just $2.00 per day, you
can place a campaign message on Rusk's public access Chanel on
Classic Cable, Channel 9. Your message scrolls around more than 100 times dally
on Rusk's most poular news and weather channel.
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Whitehead, Marie. Cherokeean/Herald (Rusk, Tex.), Vol. 150, No. 45, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 30, 1999, newspaper, December 30, 1999; Rusk, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth152457/m1/3/: accessed May 7, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Singletary Memorial Library.