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The ladies FUMC president Tanya Walker, HHS seniors Kaden Hill and Abby Starr, and the mens FUMC president Arlie Broadway stand in front of the congregation for the ceremony. Both students were presented a bible, $1,000.00 scholarship from each organization, and prayers for their future success. Reporter

We would like to congratulate the following first recipients of the Ronald Barlow Memorial Scholarship – Bret Procella, William Pay, and Aaron Tate Lane. All three recipients have been active in agriculture and plan to continue contributing to the agricultural field beyond their high school career. Bret Procella, of Hemphill High School, plans on continuing his education at Angelina College where he will begin earning his second level welding certification and start studying diesel technology. William Pay, of Hemphill High School, intends to attend Kilgore College to earn an associate degree in diesel mechanics. And Aaron Tate Lane, of West Sabine High School, will attend Texas A&M University to earn a degree in animal science. We wish these recipients all the best with their future plans. We know that they will make great contributions to the agricultural industry and make Sabine County proud. We would also like to thank everyone that made contributions to this scholarship fund to help make this a reality. Photo Submitted

On Monday, May 30th, 10 members of The Hemphill Little Green Band traveled to Pflugerville, Texas to participate in the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest. Each of these students prepared music or a twirling routine for the region contest in February and qualified for the state competition. The expectations and standards at the state contest are incredibly higher than the region level. Students are judged by a college director based on a rating system that ranges from poor to superior. It's an honor and privilege to qualify for the contest and each student performed remarkably well. In total, Hemphill had two groups and three individuals perform. Autumn Miller, Aryane Merrill, and Yenni Flores performed a majorette group routine as a trio and earned an excellent rating. Yenni Flores performed a majorette solo routine and earned a great rating. Aryane Merrill performed a majorette solo routine earning an excellent rating and a medal. Jordyn Foust performed a tuba solo and earned a great rating. Marisedia Rodriguez, Olivia Lliteras, Rylie Corley, Kiley Ballard, Connor Fenley, and Jordyn Foust performed a brass ensemble and earned an excellent rating. In addition to going and competing, the students had an opportunity to have a little fun and explore Austin, Texas. The Hemphill Band Boosters paid for the students to go to Austin's Pizza Park where they have attractions like mini golf, rock climbing, go carts, laser tag, arcade games, roller coasters, and so much more! Additionally, the students went to Barton Creek Mall and the "The Domain" shopping center which is a unique urban mall experience. Photo Submitted

Spend any time around Toledo Bend, maybe even Sam Rayburn, and you will probably hear TBLA mentioned, perhaps under the full name, Toledo Bend Lake Association. If you bass fish, and fish for big bass, their Lunker Bass Program may be on your radar; crappie hunters may be more familiar with TBLAs sponsorship of lights and anchoring points underneath the Pendleton Bridge, or the artificial reef program. Maybe more important than these programs, TBLAs involvement in the 168’ Initiative, effective in 2007, established the agreement with the SRA which states that the lakes water level will not be lowered past 168’ except for maintenance reasons. The TBLA has been here for 52 years now, and still, very few people are aware of their purpose, their goals, and their involvement in the community. This will be a brief, incomplete rundown of the organization and what they mean to the Toledo Bend community.

The Piney Woods Soil and Water Conservation District hosted a 6th Grade Conversation Day for the students of Sabine and San Augustine counties at the Sabine County Fairgrounds. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our presenters, teachers, students, directors and volunteers who made this possible for these students. Texas Forest Service, U.S. Army Core of Engineers, Texas Game Wardens, and the Sabine County AgriLife Extension Office were the agencies represented. Locally and pictured above far right, Extension Agent Chanelle Svehla and husband, Texas Game Warden Ryan. Photos Submitted

Sabine County is rolling out a new app that will put much more information in the palm of your hand, and it’s called Go Sabine. David Roach, Sabine County Information Technology Coordinator of the Office of Emergency Management, has asked for help in spreading the word about this new app.