June 2014 - Henderson County Now

Obituary: Harry Smith

Funeral Services for Harry Smith, 15, of Malakoff are scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at First Baptist Malakoff with Bro. Jody Jones and Bro. Darrell Lindsey officiating. Interment will follow at Athens Cemetery.

Harry went t be with his Lord and Savior on June 26, 2014 in Malakoff, Texas.

Harry Ray Smith was born April 19, 1999 in Athens, Texas the son of Caddo Smith Jr. and Kissie Lynn Guidry Smith. Harry was a vibrant young man who was loved by many, being voted most popular at Malakoff Jr. High in 2013-2014. He was a very talented musician who played the guitar and several other instruments and enjoyed all kinds of music. He loved to skate, spending countless hours at Jake’s Skate Park in Malakoff. He was a loving son, grandson and brother and will be missed by many family and friends. Continue reading “Obituary: Harry Smith”

Justin Weiner Receives Region 4 Volunteer of the Year Award

Justin Weiner, chairman of the Henderson County Child Welfare Board, receives the 2013-2014 Lucille Rochs Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in addressing and raising awareness about issues of abused children. The award spans all volunteers for the Department of Family and Protective Services over a 23 county region and was presented to Justin during the annual awards luncheon Friday in Jacksonville.

Justin has dedicated his life to the defense of abused children. As an Assistant District Attorney for Henderson County, he has earned a reputation as an aggressive prosecutor, successfully prosecuting numerous cases where other prosecutors would have passed on the case due to the difficulty involved. His willingness to accept and ultimately win complicated cases has made a significant impact against repeat offenders in Henderson County.

The Henderson County Child Welfare Board’s mission is to support a network of volunteers and Child Protective Services workers who are concerned with the welfare of children, especially those suffering from sexual violence, physical violence, and neglect. Its purpose is to function as a liaison between the community and the Texas Department of Family and Child Protective Services. For more information contact Justin Weiner at [email protected]

Fourth of July Fireworks at Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

The annual Fourth of July fireworks show at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) will be Friday, July 4.

TFFC will be open for regular paid visitation from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission for the fireworks show will start at 4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to fish in the stocked casting pond until 8:30 p.m. No license is required to fish, and bait and tackle are furnished for free. The fireworks will begin about 9 p.m.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and people are encouraged to bring picnics. KCKL (FM 95.9) will broadcast patriotic music during the show. Continue reading “Fourth of July Fireworks at Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center”

Candlelight Vigil Friday for Harry Smith

A candlelight memorial for Harry Smith has been scheduled for 8:30 p.m. tonight, June 27, at Jake’s Skate Park in Malakoff.

Harry is the 15-year-old Malakoff teen who was hit by a train while crossing the railroad tracks yesterday. He passed away at the scene.

Organizers say the event will include candles and a balloon release.

For more information, contact Mandy Monroe Burkhalter, Tanya Estes Norris, Geneva Kay Downey, Sherri Jarrett or Lisa Moore.

Police Issue Press Release on Malakoff Teen’s Death

The Malakoff Police Department issued a press release this morning concerning the death of Harry Smith, 15.

According to the press release, police received a call about 2:40 p.m. Thursday, June 26, that a pedestrian had been struck by a train in the 200 block of South Terry Street in Malakoff.

When police arrived, it was discovered that Harry had been hit and killedby a westbound freight train.

Investigators said that Harry had been woaking with two friends southbound on Terry Street when they heard the train coming.

According to the press release, Harry told his friends, “Come on, let’s see if we can beat the train across the tracks.” All three started running toward the crossing, but the two friends stopped and yelled for Harry to stop.

Harry continued to run and crossed the tracks in front of the train, where he was hit just as he was about to clear the tracks.

“The Malakoff Police Department and the entire City of Malakoff would like to extend our condolences and prayers to this family in their time of grief,” said Malakoff Police Chief Billy Mitchell. “We would also like to remind the public and our children how dangerous it is to be on or near railroad tracks, especially when a train is approaching.”