The end of an era
When I was told the Neotribune was ending on June 4, 2018, several things came to mind.
Way back when – The Incredble Dr. Dykes
I don’t think you will ever find a child that truly likes to go to the doctor. I cannot imagine any child enjoying getting a shot. When I was a child way back when, I can remember not wanting to go to Dr. Dykes here in Italy. What made it easier was the drawer full of double bubble that I knew he had. I knew if I behaved I could reach in and get that sweet, sugary bubble gum.
Way back when – Life on Hwy 77
As my 68th birthday approaches, I have been thinking a lot about my past, especially my childhood here in Italy and the things and people that made it special. I now call this “way back when” which tells me I might just be getting old.
My friend Tom
I have so much to be thankful for these days. I think it has always been that way, but I never slowed down enough to notice. Now, as I get older, that has changed. I have tried to slow down.
That Ugly Old Lid
I am one of the luckiest people in the world. No, strike that. I am blessed. I am blessed to have been born into the family I have. I also have been blessed with the greatest friends.
Bonding over Gravy
One of my favorite things to do is cook. I enjoy feeding my friends and family members when I can. The majority of them like to eat what I cook which makes me happy.
Land of Lost Socks – Chapter Three
Land of Lost Socks is a story I wrote for my daughter Amy. Amy passed away from Multiple Sclerosis almost two years ago so the story is fiction. But, the amount of love I had for her is real.
Land of Lost Socks – Chapter Two
“Land of Lost Socks” is a story I wrote for my daughter Amy. Amy passed away from Multiple Sclerosis almost two years ago so the story is fiction. But, the amount of love I had for her is real.
Land of Lost Socks – Chapter One
Land of Lost Socks is a story I wrote for my daughter Amy. Amy passed away from Multiple Sclerosis almost two years ago so the story is fiction. But, the amount of love I had for her is real.
Time doesn’t always heal hurt but writing a story did help
On April 18, 2015 my heart broke and a part of me died. It was a day I will never forget nor do I want to. It was a day of intense pain, but it was a day of extreme joy and relief.
Starting a new chapter
I appreciate the folks at Neotrib allowing me to submit articles, especially Karen’s Korner. It has given me a way to share my opinion or write about people that are important to me. It has also given me a platform to vent when things bother me. It has been a rewarding experience to say the least. I have also covered the school, city and happenings around town. I love to write.
Saying Goodbye to an Ellis County Icon
When someone passes away, the loss is felt by their family and friends. Other times when a person dies, because they are well known and loved throughout Ellis County, the loss is magnified.
Karen’s Korner – Sometimes Knights wear shorts
I think that most of you that truly know me will admit that I am very outspoken. There are times that after the fact I regret opening my mouth. But there are other times I need to say things and have chosen to do that in a Karen’s Korner column. I appreciate Neotribune for allowing me to do just that. Just to set the record straight these are always MY opinions and nothing else. You have the right to agree or disagree with me and can read or not read these columns.
A Veteran’s daughter’s memories
Growing up in the Maida household consisted of strict discipline, forced sharing with two sisters, garden veggies, fried bologna and war stories to name a few. My mother met my father in San Diego during WWII. She was from Italy, Texas stationed at Camp Pendleton in the Navy – he was a Marine from Syracuse, New York that had been wounded on Hill 660 and was also at Pendleton. Daddy was born in the country of Italy and had come to America when he was a year old.
Restoring my faith in humanity
In my 64 years on this earth, God has blessed me beyond measure. His goodness is very evident. One of my special blessings is my best friend, Donna Cate. She is always there when I need something or someone. I try to do the same for her. We don’t talk every day – we don’t have to. We laugh together and we cry together. One of the sweetest things she has done for me is share her life and family with me including her four amazing grandchildren. I thank God for Donna Cate.
October is a tough month
October is a very tough month for me. In October of 1990, I lost one of the most important people in my life to a drowning accident. My life has never been the same since that night in October. Losing Rodney Shaw changed my life forever. I miss his smile, his laugh, his jokes and our serious conversations about something or our daily discussions about nothing at all. The truth be told, I miss everything about him. But, at least I know what happened to him and could get closure by attending his funeral. I have friends that have not been given that opportunity to grieve like I did.
It is for you to decide
My mama taught me many things as I was growing up. Several of her lessons I learned the hard way via a plum tree switch or her hand. Others she drove home in other ways via things like grounding. Needless to say she was strict.
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Sometimes things just don’t make sense
Here we go again. Sometimes things just don’t make sense no matter how someone explains them. Sometimes things happen that cause me to scratch my head and go “hmmmm”. This is one of those times.
Is following the law important?
It is my choice to attend city council meetings. I have been doing that for a very long time. I like to hear things first hand. I try to keep up with what is going on and be informed. Because of this, I hear things that sometimes cause red flags to go up. Other times, something might be said that hits home with me for various reasons. The latter happened at a council meeting recently, hence the reason for this writing.
Karen’s Korner – Just my opinion
It has been a while since I have written one of these. My opinion is way too strong on a lot of things. I recognize that is one of my faults. But, on the other hand, sometimes, things need to be brought to light to fix them.
Karen’s Korner — Eminent Domain
Eminent domain is a very touchy subject and understandably so. Government entities, municipalities and even non-profit utility corporations can exercise eminent domain when they need to “take possession” of someone’s land for public use. But, there are legal guidelines that must be followed for this to happen.
For or Against
Right now the voters in Italy and surrounding area will decide to approve or decline a property tax increase for our fire department. I would not ask a doctor to save my life without the proper equipment and I will not ask our fire personnel to do that either.
Karen’s Korner – Being wrong is sometimes not so bad
I hate being wrong, but what I hate even more is having to admit it. As I get older though, admitting my faults gets a little easier.
A special thank you
As Americans, we are blessed to live in the greatest country on earth where freedom is one of our biggest blessings. This freedom is one of the most expensive luxuries we have. It was paid for with the lives of members of our Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. These men and women have given us so much without expecting anything in return. The least we can do is to say “thank you”.
Relay For Life of Central Ellis County Changes Location
The Relay For Life of Central Ellis County will be held on Friday night beginning with the Survivors’ Reception at 6:00 p.m. The event was originally scheduled to be held at the Waxahachie Sports Complex on Hwy 287 and Broadhead Road. Due to the possibility of storms, the event will be held at the Waxahachie 9th Grade Center, 275 Indian Drive in Waxahachie.
Leaving a legacy of life lessons
Jenny Graf has learned many lessons, some through diligent study and hard work and others through life experience. Her mother, LaWanna Graf, was the best teacher anyone could have and left her with a legacy of wisdom and life lessons. LaWanna shared that rich legacy with her daughter – one Jenny treasures every day.
Learning to overcome adversity
David Nance is no stranger to adversity or illness. Growing up as a child, his family did not have much money so he learned very early that anything worth having was worth working for and to have it you had to work for it. He also learned the hard way from personal experience that life can deal some difficult blows.
Missing campaign signs
Over the last few weeks, if you drive around Italy, you would see signs announcing the candidacy of several people. Candidates ask permission to place their signs in yards all over town. Several years ago, Italy Neotribune did an article about the legality of such signs.
Survivors are the reason we Relay
A survivor is anyone who has ever heard the words “you have cancer”. Cancer is one of the scariest diagnosis a person can have. However it does not have to be a death sentence.
A surprise diagnosis and fight for survival
In the summer of 2005, Leddie Lackey of Maypearl was excited to have the summer off. She was raising her two children on her Teacher’s Aide salary, so big elaborate vacations were not in her plans. She had the summer off from her job, so she planned a road trip with her best friend, Jill Talamantez, to Minnesota to visit Jill’s family.
Cancer can strike at anyone, any time, any where
Even though he had been adventurous all his life, Tom Little of Italy did something in 2010 that he thought he would never do. He attended the Relay For Life of Central Ellis County and walked in the Survivor Lap.
Quilting for a Cause
When Suzzy Crowell met and married her husband, Steven, she had no idea that they would one day return to live in his home town of Italy, Texas, but that is exactly what happened. They fell in love and married in 1980.
Relay For Life Planned
The Relay For Life of Central Ellis County is set for May 20-21, 2011. Last year’s event raised $130,000 for the American Cancer Society and there were 701 participants on teams. This year’s goal is 750 participants and $150,000. At present there are 232 participants and $23,055 raised.
A Cancer Diagnosis and the Journey for a Cure
When Homer Uehlinger and Kayrene Thompson married in 1969, they had dreams like most other young couples. They wanted to continue to love each other and start a family. They hoped to spend their lives together, raise a family and then retire to enjoy their golden years.
Memories and Memories and More
It is strange how my mind works sometimes. I can be rocking along and a memory come to mind for no apparent reason. Sometimes something specific will cause one to surface. I have different reactions to memories. I am very fortunate to have been allowed to build such a vast bank of memories from the people that God has blessed me with. Some have stayed for a very long time – others were only in my life for a short period.
A single tear
I know one of the ways I can tell that God loves me is by the people He has placed in my life. I have been blessed to have loved and been loved by so many quality people. I think part of it is because I was born and raised in Italy. We have truly good people here that care about each other and you see it more during adversity than you do at any other time.
Tradition Restored
Everyone that knows me at all knows that tradition is very important to me, especially when it comes to Italy High School. I guess “once a cheerleader always a cheerleader” does apply to me. I love my Gladiators and Lady Gladiators and love Italy tradition.
Karen’s Korner – Italy Gladiators – a winning tradition
I hope everyone enjoyed reading the articles about the 1940 Italy Gladiator football team. That must have been an amazing ride for the coach, players and fans. On September 17, 2010, Italy will play Hubbard at Willis Field for Homecoming. Before the game the surviving five players from the 1940 Gladiators will be honored – 70 years have passed but their legacy lives on.
1940 Gladiators – A Winning Tradition #15
It has been 70 years since the 1940 Italy Gladiators were undefeated and unscored on. This article appeared in the Waxahachie newspaper. The following is the fifteenth article of the season.
1940 Gladiators – A Winning Tradition #14
It has been 70 years since the 1940 Italy Gladiators were undefeated and unscored on. This article appeared in the Corsicana Sun.
1940 Gladiators – A Winning Tradition #13
It has been 70 years since the 1940 Italy Gladiators were undefeated and unscored on. Bill Bryant was a graduate of Italy High School and the Sports Editor for the Italy News Herald. The following is his thirteenth article of the season.
1940 Gladiators – A Winning Tradition #12
It has been 70 years since the 1940 Italy Gladiators were undefeated and unscored on. Bill Bryant was a graduate of Italy High School and the Sports Editor for the Italy News Herald. The following is his twelfth article of the season.
1940 Gladiators – A Winning Tradition #11
It has been 70 years since the 1940 Italy Gladiators were undefeated and unscored on. Bill Bryant was a graduate of Italy High School and the Sports Editor for the Italy News Herald. The following is his eleventh article of the season.
1940 Gladiators – A Winning Tradition #10
It has been 70 years since the 1940 Italy Gladiators were undefeated and unscored on. Bill Bryant was a graduate of Italy High School and the Sports Editor for the Italy News Herald. The following is his tenth article of the season.
1940 Gladiators – A Winning Tradition #9
It has been 70 years since the 1940 Italy Gladiators were undefeated and unscored on. Bill Bryant was a graduate of Italy High School and the Sports Editor for the Italy News Herald. The following is his ninth article of the season.
1940 Gladiators – A Winning Tradition #8
It has been 70 years since the 1940 Italy Gladiators were undefeated and unscored on. Bill Bryant was a graduate of Italy High School and the Sports Editor for the Italy News Herald. The following is his eighth article of the season.
1940 Gladiators – A Winning Tradition #7
It has been 70 years since the 1940 Italy Gladiators were undefeated and unscored on. Bill Bryant was a graduate of Italy High School and the Sports Editor for the Italy News Herald. The following is his seventh article of the season.
1940 Gladiators – A Winning Tradition #6
It has been 70 years since the 1940 Italy Gladiators were undefeated and unscored on. Bill Bryant was a graduate of Italy High School and the Sports Editor for the Italy News Herald. The following is his sixth article of the season.
1940 Gladiators – A Winning Tradition #5
It has been 70 years since the 1940 Italy Gladiators were undefeated and unscored on. Bill Bryant was a graduate of Italy High School and the Sports Editor for the Italy News Herald. The following is his fifth article of the season.
1940 Gladiators – A Winning Tradition #4
It has been 70 years since the 1940 Italy Gladiators were undefeated and unscored on. Bill Bryant was a graduate of Italy High School and the Sports Editor for the Italy News Herald. The following is his fourth article of the season.