Malakoff

Malakoff, Cross Roads Make ‘Reward Schools’ List

By Michael V. Hannigan

The U.S. Department of Education released its list of Reward Schools last weekend, and two county schools earned the top designation.

The list identifies High Performing Schools and High Progress Schools based on 2013 accountability reports.

High Performing Schools are schools that have received “distinction designations based on math and reading performance, and at the high school level, is also among the Title I schools with the highest graduation rates; or (2) has exceeded (Adequate Yearly Progress) for two or more consecutive years.”

Henderson County schools named High Performing were: Malakoff Elementary and Cross Roads Junior High. Also on the list is Martin’s Mill High School. Continue reading “Malakoff, Cross Roads Make ‘Reward Schools’ List”

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”

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.”

Around the Town: Who Loretta Wants to be Like When She Grows Up

By Loretta Humble/Around the Town

I had a birthday this last week. Birthdays get you to thinking. I am now 76 years old, closer to 80 than to 70. That’s pretty old. I don’t feel that old, especially since I got my knee fixed. I’m ever grateful to the people living with me here in senior living in Florida, because their jocundity is contagious and they never make me feel old.

I got a lot of nice things. I got some doors, and some tomato plants, and some flowers, and a watermelon, and some money. And three birthday parties, got sung to way too many times, and was wished happy birthday on Facebook about a hundred times. I also got a card from Angie Miller, saying she wants to be just like me when she grows up. I’m not sure either one of us will ever grow up, but I loved the sentiment. And actually I wouldn’t mind being more like Angie, who is a super person herself.

I had already been thinking for some time about who I want to be like. The latest one is Betty Pogue, one of my favorite residents at Cedar Lake Nursing Home. Betty is almost exactly 10 years older than me. Betty has some infirmities which HIPPA laws forbid me to talk about, but overall she is doing great. I want to be like Betty in 10 years. She is definitely still in charge of her own life. She nearly always has a smile on her face, unless she is mad, and then that doesn’t last long. She keeps busy every day making things which she gives away, and is always on the lookout for good she can do. But she doesn’t mind straightening us out here at the nursing home when she thinks we get on the wrong track. And she prays for us. Her kids love her, and come to see her because they want to, not because it is their duty. I admire her spirit so much I’ve asked Celene Terry to use her as a model for a spunky old lady in her series of paintings of women who live their lives well. Continue reading “Around the Town: Who Loretta Wants to be Like When She Grows Up”