DIBOLL, ANGELINA COUNTY AND BEYOND
History Center Press Clippings . . . . Events from the pages of The Free Press
A Public Service of The History Center

THIRTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK Ben Anthony, one of Diboll's oldest and most colorful citizens, passes from this earthy life at 97. "Mr. Ben- The Amazing Mr. Ben," was truly a legend in his own time. He was involved in developing real estate, promoting the finer arts of outdoor sports and in being the amiable host at the old Boggy Slough clubhouse for many years. Mr. Ben was a retired real estate manager for Temple Industries and Sabine Investment Company.

ONE YEAR AGO

Mrs. Norma Weeks retires as church secretary after 50 years of dedicated service to Ryan Chapel United Methodist Church in Burke.

U.S. Army Private Charles C. Woolman of Huntington graduates from Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Pvt. Woolman earns distinction as an honor graduate.

Lufkin High School Alumni Association's 2 Annual Chili Bowl commences at the LHS cafeteria with the entertainment provided by the Lufkin High School Choir.

U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady is honored by the Deep East Texas Council of Governments with the "Legislator of the Year" award.

New officers of the Memorial Health System of East Texas for 2007-2009 are Trey Henderson, chairman; Jay Shands, first vice chairman; and Jack Sweeny, second vice chairman.

FIVE YEARS AGO

The Lufkin Angelina County Chamber of Commerce launches its newly designed websitewww. lufkintexas.org

Diboll Booster Club distributes 2003-2004 allocations from this past year's Diboll Day campaign. Some organizations listed include: Katherine Sage Temple Children's Day Care Center, $74,000; Lottie & Arthur Temple Civic Center, $40,000; Diboll Youth Baseball, $38,000; T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library, $34,000: The History Center, $5,000; Boys & Girls Club, $19,000; and Diboll Cub Scout Troop 128, $1,900.

Construction is progressing smoothly for Burke's First Apostolic Church at the intersection of U.S. 59 and FM 2108 near the Angelina County Airport.

Dr. W.R. Schrank, director of the Science & Mathematics Division at Angelina College signs joint engineering curriculum agreement between Angelina College and Texas A & M University.

Ima Weisinger provides sparkling cider for residents of Trinity Mission of Diboll to toast the New Year. The residents wore hats, blow horns, whistles and danced to bring in 2003.

The Angelina Arts Alliance host the purist patriotic of all Broadway musical, "George M!" at the Temple Theater located on the campus of Angelina College.

TEN YEARS AGO

Robert Galindo and Celia Ramirez of Diboll take home Angelina County's New Year baby, named Brandon Ray, from Memorial Health System of East Texas in Lufkin.

Angelina County Precinct 2 Commissioner I.D. Henderson announces he will not seek 6th term.

Local Justice of the Peace Harold Crager, Precinct 5 Judge, seeks re-election and draws opponent, 65-year-old Dibollian Helen Holcombe, retired deputy clerk in the county tax office.

Local weather observer Robert Ramsey of Diboll records 4.7 inches of rainfall during 48-hour period in his rain gauge.

Diboll City Council approves the re-appointment of Levy Ellison as the city's representative on the Angelina County Appraisal District board of directors.

T.L.L. Temple Memorial Library in Diboll offers free training for the internet. Darrell Thornhill, local student at Stephen F. Austin State University, assists patrons with oneon one instructions.

TWENTY YEARS AGO

Forest Haven Cemetery in Diboll receives $13,460 grant from the T.L.L. Temple Foundation to further landscape the cemetery grounds.

After six years and 4,710 mobile homes, Sunrizon Homes, Inc. is phasing out operation of its Diboll plant. Total shutdown will be finalized within the next few weeks.

Mr. and Mrs. Warren Hopkins of Zavalla celebrate 60th wedding anniversary with reception at their home hosted by their children.

Diboll Police Officer Kent Havard demonstrate the art of fingerprinting to Temple Junior High School students as some of an officer's duties as part of a career exploration class field trip.

The Texas Forestry Museum in Lufkin presents exhibit covering the heritage of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

THIRTY YEARS AGO

DEMCO Mfg. Company of Diboll purchase land and building adjacent to it that were formerly occupied by Rector's Garage and Auto Parts. DEMCO owner Charles Schmidt says the new area will be used for future expansion.

The Angelina College Roadrunner women's team makes history as they defeat Henderson County 85-53 in the first conference game played by the AC women's team.

Ben Anthony, one of Diboll's oldest and most colorful citizens, passes away at age 97.

Newly elected officers of the Diboll 4-H Chapter include: Lisa Burkhalter, president; Randy Cook, vice president; Suzie Burkhalter, secretarytreasurer; Gina Donovan, reporter; Cary Cheshire, council delegate; and Lil Sweeny, Earl Stanford and Dick Donovan, adult counselors.

U.S. Marine Corps Private Isaac L. Hines of Diboll graduates from Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California.