On the Deans List

January 28, 2010 - Jordan C. Riley of Leonard, who is majoring in Criminal Justice and Tiffany Gunn of Bonham, Spanish, were named to the Deans List at Sam Houston State University for the fall of 2009.

The Deans list at Sam Houston consists of all full-time students having grade point averages of 3.5 and above. A perfect record (A) averages 4.0. For more information about Sam Houston State University, go to the web link, www.shsu.edu.

Clinton Hinsley, Amberly Woods Engagement

October 22, 2009 - Kolby Wayne Hinsley would like to announce the engagement of his parents, Clinton Blake Hinsley and Amberly Diann Woods. The wedding is set for March 20, 2010 at Webb Hill Country Club in Wolfe City.

Amberly is the daughter of Kim and David Fields of Bailey and Earnest E. Wright of Randolph. She is the granddaughter of Billie and Damon Panell of Bailey, Lloyd and Judy Woods of Grandbury, Janie Wright, the late Luther Earnest Wright of Randolph and the late Harold Dean Fields of Leonard. She is a 2005 graduate of Dodd City High School and is employed with Plano Womens Health Care.

Clint is the son of Becky and Ken Hinsley of Leonard. He is the grandson of Otta Lee Langford of Alba, Texas, the late John D. Rushing of Leonard, Bertha Hinsley of Hugo, Okla. and the late Calvin C. Collier of Durant. He is a 2006 graduate of Leonard High School and is employed with Ari-Tex Electric in Allen.

The couple and their son will reside in Leonard.

Jerry and Marilyn Gill to celebrate Golden Anniversary

September 10, 2009 - Jerry and Marilyn Gill, Leonard, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, on September 13th.†† Jerry and Marilyn were married on September 13th 1959, at the First United Methodist Church in El Dorado, Kansas.†† The family of Mark and Karen McLaughlin †will be hosting a celebration in honor of their 50th anniversary at the Cedar Mills Resort. Cards of congratulations can reach the couple of 7846 County Road 1139, Leonard Texas 75452.† Their family includes Karen and Mark, Greg and Linda, and David and Tela and grandchildren.

Justin Lee Carroll and Cassandra Rae Oden wed in June ceremony

September 3, 2009 - Justin Lee Carroll and Cassandra Rae Oden, both of Leonard,†were united in marriage on Saturday, June 6, 2009. Family and friends gathered for the†outdoor wedding on a beautiful summer night at Heritage Gardens in Bonham.

Cassie is†the daughter of Greg and Margie Oden.†She is a 2004 graduate of Leonard High School. She graduated from Grayson County College School of Nursing in 2008 and is currently employed at Methodist Dallas Medical Center as an RN in the emergency department.

Justin†is the son of John Carroll and Carol Patric. He†is a 2005 graduate of Leonard High School. He is a graduate of the NTTA Fire Academy and is certified as an EMT. He is currently employed by Certified Roofing of Leonard, Whitewright EMS and is a Leonard Volunteer Fireman.

The bridal party included Chelsey Oden, maid of honor†and sister of the bride; Bethany Russell, matron of honor†and sister of the†bride; Jessica Price, bridesmaid†and sister of the groom; Ashley Russell, bridesmaid and†niece of the bride; Grace Price, junior bridesmaid and†niece of the groom; Arianna Russell, flower girl†and niece of the bride; and Hannah Price, flower girl and†niece of the groom.

The groom's party included Carl Hudgins, best man†and friend of the groom; Whit Price, groomsman and†brother-in-law of the†groom; Jason Carroll, groomsman and†brother of the groom; Greg Oden, groomsman and brother of the bride; Ryan Russell, junior groomsman†and†nephew of the bride; and Caden Russell, ring bearer†and nephew of the bride.

Dewey Watson officiated the ceremony. Honored guests were Mildred Oden, grandmother of the bride, and Marilyn Patric, grandmother of the groom.

The bride wore a strapless white gown with a medium train, layered with beads and lace. Her mother designed a beautiful bouquet of orange roses, green orchids, stephanotis with rhinestones and purple hyacinth flowers. The bridal party wore formal dresses in a hue of purplish-blue called Riviera Sky. The groom's party wore tuxedo jackets and boots. The western theme carried over to the wedding cake, which was designed as layers of cake and white icing topped by a statue called "Two Trails Become one Road" that depicted riders on horseback holding hands.

As the sun set, the wedding moved into a lively outdoor reception with music provided by friends Mike and Terri Cheakas' band Sabine.

It was a wedding to remember and the family thanks all who joined them for the celebration, and those who were there in spirit.

The couple honeymooned in the Bahamas before making their home†near Leonard.

Cecil, Henderson engagement announced

September 3, 2009 - Charley and Lori Cecil of Hayden announce the engagement of their daughter, Rachelle Cecil, of Craig, Colo. to Jared Henderson, also of Craig, Colo., the son of George 'Butch' and Marilynn Henderson of Leonard.

Rachelle and Jared plan to be wed January 2, 2010, at the Steamboat Springs Art Depot at 1001 13thSt., Steamboat Springs, Colo. A reception will take place immediately after the ceremony.

Rachelle graduated from Green River High School in 2003 and earned a degree from Scottsdale Culinary Institute in 2005.

Jared graduated from Leonard High School in 2003, and earned a degree in 2008 after attending Texas State University and WyoTech. He works as a load-out operator for Links Freight Management.

Bridal shower honors Marti Callies

August 27, 2009 - Marti Callies, bride elect of Richard Gregory Oden, Jr. of Leonard, was honored with a kitchen bridal shower/brunch on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 11:30 a.m. in the home of Dewey and Glenda Watson in Leonard. Hostesses for the event were Glenda Watson, Kelly Gilbert, Jana Wood, Paulette Eudy, Karen Murphy, Jane Blackerby, Ava Barlow, Dawn Miller, Sue Wren, Rachelle Woodruff and Joyce Buchanan.

The couples event was attended by about 30 women and seven men, all friends and family.

Out of town attendees were mother and sister of the bride, Mary and Kristen Callies from Norman, Okla.; Danielle Kelly, friend of the bride; cousins of the groom, Grant and Rosalyn Baumbach and family; and sister of the groom, Bethany Russell and children from McKinney. Other family members in attendance were Margie and Greg Oden, Sr., Justin and Cassie Carroll and Chelsea Oden, all of Leonard.

The wedding is set for Sept. 5 at the Wedding Chapel of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano at 2 p.m. Both the bride and groom are on staff at Prestonwood Baptist Church and will make their home in Plano after the wedding. Richard Gregory ìGregî Oden, Jr. is a 2000 graduate of Leonard High School.

Kimberly Martin and Nick Campbell engaged

August 27, 2009 - Mr. and Mrs. Billy Wayne Martin and Mr. and Mrs. Dwain Campbell would like to announce the engagement and approaching marriage of Kimberly and Nick. The ceremony will take place at the Bois Dí Arc Cowboy Church on Hwy. 121 at Edhube on Sept. 5, 2009 at 7 p.m. All family members and friends are invited.

Richard Owen, Misty Miller set Oct. 3 wedding

August 13, 2009 - Judy Burns announces the engagement of her daughter, Misty Miller, to Richard Owen, son of Lucy Owen.

The couple will wed October 3, 2009 in Leonard. Misty is employed with Kwik Chek in Leonard and Richard is employed with Fannin County. After the wedding, they will reside in Trenton.

Friends and family are invited.

Megan McCord and Meredith Hamilton marry

August 6, 2009 - Megan McCord and Meredith Hamilton of Leonard were united in marriage on June 18, 2009 in Cobo San Lucas, Mexico at the Riu Palace resort. A few family members joined the couple for a beautiful beach side ceremony including the brideís parents, Rick McCord and wife Leslie of McKinney and Becky McCord of Leonard and Michele Peirson, the brideís aunt. The groomís family attending were his parents, Mark and Sommer Hamilton and his brother, William of Lago Vista, Texas.

Maid of Honor was Ashley McCord, sister of the bride of Addison. The brideís cousin, Brianna Peirson of Allen served as bridesmaid.

The groom was attended by his dad, Mark Hamilton and Brad Peirson of Crandall and William Hamilton was ringbearer.

The couple will make their home in Leonard where Megan is employed at Hair Central as a stylist. Meredith is employed as head football coach at North Dallas High School. He is also the son of Mike and Beverly Rowlett of Irving.

Grandparents are Janie Peirson, Gerald and Peggy McCord of Leonard and John and Charlene Rackley of Plano.

Marti Michelle Callies and John Greg Oden announce engagement

July 30, 2009 - Marti Michelle Callies and John Gregory Oden announce their engagement and plan to wed Saturday, Sept. 5 at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano.

The bride-elect is a graduate of Little Axe High School in Norman, Okla. and has her bachelorís degree in music education from Southern Nazarene University, and a masterís degree in vocal performance from Oklahoma City University. The groom-elect is a graduate of Leonard High School and specialized in sound engineering at Collin College.

The couple met at their place of employment and the location of their wedding, Prestonwood Baptist Church. Greg is an audio engineer at the church, and Marti is director for the School of Fine Arts.

Marti is the daughter of Harold and Mary Callies of Norman, Okla. Also celebrating in the announcement are Jim and Cherrie Hampton of Oklahoma City. Greg is the son of Greg and Margie Oden of Leonard.

Their engagement is celebrated by family and friends who look forward to a blessed, beautiful wedding day.

Jo and Jack Ross: Reception to honor Jo and Jack Ross on 60th anniversary

July 16, 2009 - Jo and Jack Ross will be honored at a come-and-go reception for family and friends on July 25th from 2 to 4 p.m. in the reception hall at Five Rivers Motel in Leonard to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.

They were married on July 29, 1949 at the First Baptist Church in Bonham. Jack Donald was born in Randolph, the son of Jack Ross and Bill Ross. Jack is a graduate of Leonard High School. Annie Jo was born in McKinney, daughter of Floyd and Gerida Tyler. She is a graduate of Bonham High School.

They lived and raised their children in Leonard for the most part. They have three sons, Randy, Ricky and Robin; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The family will be hosting the anniversary reception and requests no gifts be given. We couldnít ask for better parents. We love yaíll and Happy 60th Anniversary!

Love, Randy, Ricky and Robin

Jessica Stapleton and Justin Rushing united in June Ceremony

Jessica Marie Stapleton of Trenton and Justin Glenn Rushing of Leonard were united in marriage Saturday, June 6th 2009 at First Baptist Church of Leonard. Bro. Dewey Watson of First Baptist Church of Leonard officiated at the double-ring ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Tommy and Rhonda Stapleton of Trenton. She graduated from Trenton High School and Texas A&M University of Commerce with a Bachelor of Science in Photography. She is a photographer and owns "Exposures by Jessica".

The bridegroom is the son of Mike and Donna Rushing of Leonard. He graduated from Leonard High School and Texas A&M University of Commerce with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology. He is employed by Frisco ISD.

Attendants for the bride were Sonya McTee (bride's aunt) of Blue Ridge , Matron of Honor, Nicole McCullough (bride's sister) of Leonard , Matron of Honor; Bridesmaids were Teresa Nixon (groom's sister) of Leonard and Crystal Schwankl (best friend of bride) of Frisco. Flower girls were Brooke Woodson of Frisco, Laura Simpson of Leonard and Kaley Schwankl of Frisco. Blayne McTee of Blue Ridge, Charlie and Jackson McCullough of Leonard were ring bearers.

Best man was Noel Nixon (groom's brother-in-law) of Leonard. Groomsmen were Hayden and Ryan Reed Nixon (groom's nephews) of Leonard and Patrick Fields (friend of the couple) of Greenville.

Ushers were Michael McCullough of Leonard, Ryan McTee of Blue Ridge, Clint and Tyler Hinsley of Leonard. Wedding songs were presented by John Darling of Allen.

A reception was held in the fellowship hall of the First Baptist Church of Leonard following the ceremony, with the bride's parents, Tommy and Rhonda Stapleton as hosts. Members of the house party included Alicia, Bethany and Rachel Nors of Trenton, Kelly Gilbert of Leonard, Dee Cunnings of Wylie, Michelle Woodson of Frisco, Amanda Chafe of Commerce, Angela Darling of Leonard, Tim and Lindsey Berryman of Greenville.

The bridegroom's parents, Mike and Donna Rushing were hosts to a rehearsal dinner on June 5th at Big Boys Bar-B-Que on the Leonard Square.

Grandparents of the bride are Patsy Shew of Trenton, Tom and Elizabeth Stapleton of Nobility and the late Jackie Eugene Cox. Grandparents of the bridegroom are Ethel Taylor, Otta Lee Langford, the late Otis Taylor, the late John Rushing and the late Vergie Mahan.

The couple will be at home at Trenton after their honeymoon to Jamaica.

Stephanie Armstrong weds Danny Edwards in May ceremony

Danny Edwards and Stephanie Armstrong, both of Leonard, were wed May 16, in Wolfe City at Webb Hill Country Club. Officiating was Jim McIntire.

The bride is the daughter of the late Vickie Armstrong. She is a 2003 graduate of Leonard High School and a 2007 graduate of Grayson County College in Denison. She is employed by Wilson N. Jones Medical Center in the surgical intensive care unit.

The groom is the son of Pokey and Connie Edwards of Wolfe City. He is a 1999 graduate of Leonard High School and a 2001 graduate of ITT Technical Institute in Richardson. He is employed by American Bank in Leonard.

Maid of honor was the bride's sister, JJ Eldridge. Bridesmaids included Jessica Branscome, Christy Hames and Kathi Dick.

Best man was Brandon Smith. Groomsmen were Jason Fuller, Casey Wren and Lance Williams.

Flower girls included Regan Eldridge and Hannah Pemberton. The ring bearers were Holten and Hunter Pemberton.

Pre-wedding events included a bridal shower hosted by JJ Eldridge, Connie Edwards, Jessica Branscome, Christy Hames and Kathi Dick.

Wedding music was provided by Discjockey Clifton Daniel.

The couple resides in Leonard after a trip to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

Hampton and Peterson to marry

Fred Hampton and Tracey Peterson, both of Leonard, will wed July 4, 2009, at the Leonard City Park at 2:30 p.m.

Friends and family are welcome.

Elizabeth Jane Barlow and Michael Alan Kidd wed in May 16 ceremony

Elizabeth Jane Barlow of Leonard and Michael Alan Kidd of Fate, Texas were united in marriage on May 16, 2009, at The Dairy Manor in Greenville in a 4 p.m. ceremony. The officiates of the double-ring ceremony were Dewey Watson, Youth Pastor of First Baptist Church in Leonard and Andrew Barlow, Associate Pastor of Coastal Oak Church in Rockport. The bride is the daughter of Jimmy and Ava Barlow of Leonard. She graduated from Leonard High School in 2002 and currently works for Calhar Construction in Melissa. The bridegroom is the son of Karen Kidd of Fate. He graduated from Mesquite High School in 2002 and served five years in the U. S. Navy. He is employed by L3 in Greenville.

Attending the bride was Matron of Honor Lisa Wood of San Marcos, and bridesmaids Betsy Blevins of Leonard and Lindy Walker of Woodville. Flower girl was Allison Blevins of Leonard with Aubrey Barlow and Taylor Blevins serving as honorary flower girls. The ring bearer was Zane Wilson of Allen and Riley Walker served as honorary ring bearer.

Best man was Marques Daniels of Irving with Darius Adams of Dallas and Brian Walker serving as groomsmen. Ushers were Jesse Congleton of Garland, Shaune Warner of Fate and Jason Blevins of Leonard.

The bride wore a white strapless A-line gown with a chapel length train. The bodice and train were decorated with metallic thread and beads and she carried a bouquet of white roses. The groom chose his U. S. Navy dress whites for his wedding attire.

A reception was held at The Dairy Manor following the ceremony with the bride's parents, Jimmy and Ava Barlow as hosts. Members of the house party were Melanie Wilson of Allen, Penny Minor of Mesquite, Crystal Schwankl of Frisco, Mary Barlow of Rockport, Chantel Anderson of Nacogdoches and Brandy Thomas of Leonard. Other house party assistants for the buffet were Glenda Watson of Leonard, Jan Kendall of Georgetown, Iris Hensarling of Woodville, Frances Baker of Warren, Dorothy Powell of Woodville, Stanci Hensarling of Woodville, Susan Lewis of Leonard, Jana Wood of Leonard, Jimi Bratt of Greenville, Barbara Williamson of Pineland and Betty Pattillo of Pineland and Rosemary Clemons of Leonard. Anjanette Barger of Spring registered the guests.

PUSH Audio of Leonard presented wedding songs during the ceremony and reception. During the reception the bride danced with the groom and later her father, while the groom danced with his mother.

Brittany Anderson of Leonard arranged the bride's bouquet of white roses and the Movie Star roses for the attendants and others in the wedding party. These coral roses accented the Oasis and Pool knee length gowns worn by the Matron of Honor and the bridesmaids. Kandi Emerson of Hobbs, New Mexico styled hair for the wedding party.

Mother of the groom, Karen Kidd hosted the rehearsal dinner on Friday, May 15 at The Dairy Manor.

Grandparents of the bride attending the afternoon event were Dorothy and Sherman Powell of Woodville and Betty and George Pattillo of Pineland. Grandfathers of the bride are the late Charles O. Britnell of Woodville and W. W. "Boob" Barlow of Pineland.

Grandparents of the groom attending were Leon and Jean Russell of Keller. Grandparents of the groom not attending are the late John Alden and Myrna Jane House of Dallas and the late John and Gwendolyn Kidd of Mesquite.

Other special guests in attendance were Craig Kidd, father of the groom and Andrea Minor of Mesquite.

Elizabeth Jane Barlow and Michael Alan Kidd wed in May 16 ceremony

June 11, 2009 Elizabeth Jane Barlow of Leonard and Michael Alan Kidd of Fate, Texas were united in marriage on May 16, 2009, at The Dairy Manor in Greenville in a 4 p.m. ceremony. The officiates of the double-ring ceremony were Dewey Watson, Youth Pastor of First Baptist Church in Leonard and Andrew Barlow, Associate Pastor of Coastal Oak Church in Rockport. The bride is the daughter of Jimmy and Ava Barlow of Leonard. She graduated from Leonard High School in 2002 and currently works for Calhar Construction in Melissa. The bridegroom is the son of Karen Kidd of Fate. He graduated from Mesquite High School in 2002 and served five years in the U. S. Navy. He is employed by L3 in Greenville.

Attending the bride was Matron of Honor Lisa Wood of San Marcos, and bridesmaids Betsy Blevins of Leonard and Lindy Walker of Woodville. Flower girl was Allison Blevins of Leonard with Aubrey Barlow and Taylor Blevins serving as honorary flower girls. The ring bearer was Zane Wilson of Allen and Riley Walker served as honorary ring bearer.

Best man was Marques Daniels of Irving with Darius Adams of Dallas and Brian Walker serving as groomsmen. Ushers were Jesse Congleton of Garland, Shaune Warner of Fate and Jason Blevins of Leonard.

The bride wore a white strapless A-line gown with a chapel length train. The bodice and train were decorated with metallic thread and beads and she carried a bouquet of white roses. The groom chose his U. S. Navy dress whites for his wedding attire.

A reception was held at The Dairy Manor following the ceremony with the bride’s parents, Jimmy and Ava Barlow as hosts. Members of the house party were Melanie Wilson of Allen, Penny Minor of Mesquite, Crystal Schwankl of Frisco, Mary Barlow of Rockport, Chantel Anderson of Nacogdoches and Brandy Thomas of Leonard. Other house party assistants for the buffet were Glenda Watson of Leonard, Jan Kendall of Georgetown, Iris Hensarling of Woodville, Frances Baker of Warren, Dorothy Powell of Woodville,  Stanci Hensarling of Woodville, Susan Lewis of Leonard, Jana Wood of Leonard, Jimi Bratt of Greenville, Barbara Williamson of Pineland and Betty Pattillo of Pineland and Rosemary Clemons of Leonard. Anjanette Barger of Spring registered the guests.

PUSH Audio of Leonard presented wedding songs during the ceremony and reception. During the reception the bride danced with the groom and later her father, while the groom danced with his mother.

Brittany Anderson of Leonard arranged the bride’s bouquet of white roses and the Movie Star roses for the attendants and others in the wedding party. These coral roses accented the Oasis and Pool knee length gowns worn by the Matron of Honor and the bridesmaids. Kandi Emerson of Hobbs, New Mexico styled hair for the wedding party.

Mother of the groom, Karen Kidd hosted the rehearsal dinner on Friday, May 15 at The Dairy Manor.

Grandparents of the bride attending the afternoon event were Dorothy and Sherman Powell of Woodville and Betty and George Pattillo of Pineland.  Grandfathers of the bride are the late Charles O. Britnell of Woodville and W. W. “Boob” Barlow of Pineland.

Grandparents of the groom attending were Leon and Jean Russell of Keller. Grandparents of the groom not attending are the late John Alden and Myrna Jane House of Dallas and the late John and Gwendolyn Kidd of Mesquite.

Other special guests in attendance were Craig Kidd, father of the groom and Andrea Minor of Mesquite.

Meagan Jones, Matt Scribner announce engagement

April 30, 2009 - Mr. and Mrs. Tony Dockery and Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Jones of Trenton announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Meagan Rae to Matthew Wayne Scribner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Scribner of Anna and Mr. and Mrs. Tim Kindle of Van Alstyne.

Meagan is the granddaughter of Susie Deel and the late Morrell Deel and the great-granddaughter of the late Ellis and Lillie Deel.

The couple will exchange vows Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 7 p.m. at the Bingham House located at 800 South Chestnut Street in McKinney. Friends and family are invited to attend.

Clifton and Betty Evans celebrate Golden Anniversary

Clifton and Betty Evans of Leonard will be honored on Sunday, Oct. 12 with a 50th wedding anniversary reception. The reception, open to family and friends, will be from 2 until 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Leonard.

The Evans were married Oct. 11, 1958 at the First Methodist Church in Trenton. The Rev. H. V. Caraway performed the ceremony. Attendants were Corene Short and Jackie Sheridan.

Betty Evans was born in Randolph, the daughter of Lonnie and Imogene Butler. She graduated from Trenton High School. She moved to Dallas and worked as a long distance operator for Bell Telephone before she married and moved to Leonard. She attended East Texas State University, where she received Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Vocational Home Economics. She teaches at Blue Ridge High School, where she has taught for the past 26 years.

Clifton Evans was born in Leonard, the son of Archa and Dolly Evans. He graduated from Leonard High School and attended East Texas State University for a year before working for the state highway department. He began working for Ling Temco Vaugh in 1957, then transferred to Temco at Greenville in 1958, which later became E-Systems and then Raytheon, where he worked for 40 years. After retiring from Raytheon he has continued his farming and ranching business.

The Evans’s are long-time members of the First Baptist Church in Leonard. She teaches the ladies 65-70 Sunday school class.

They have two children, Vicki and David. David was killed in a car accident in 1991. Vicki is married to Andy McAngus. They have two grandsons.

Hernandez-Connors plan Oct. wedding

Cindye Dodd of Leonard announces the engagement of her daughter, Roslynn Hernandez to Kevin R. Connors, son of Kevin and Brenda Connors, all of Savoy, Tex.

The bride elect is a graduate of Leonard High School and has earned a Certificate in Nursing. She is employed with Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health in Sherman. Roslynn works in the office.

The bridegroom is a graduate of Pearland High School in Pearland, Tex. and is also employed with Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health. Kevin is the medication delivery driver.

They will wed on Oct. 18, 2008 in Sherman.

Angela Grimes, Timothy Neatherlin announce engagement

August 21, 2008 - Angela Dawn Grimes and Timothy Mathew Neatherlin, both of McKinney, will wed Sept. 27 at the Surry House and Gardens in McKinney. Officiating will be Rev. Harvey Neatherlin of Pike Baptist Church and father of the groom.

Angela is the daughter of Mac and Patsy Grimes of Leonard. She is a graduate of Leonard High School and Grayson County College, and is employed at Tranquility Dental in McKinney as a dental assistant.

Timothy is the son of Rev. Harvey and Connie Neatherlin of Pike. He is a graduate of Andrews High School and Texas Tech University of Lubbock. He is employed by Pinnacle Graphics in Addison.

Westbrook completes basic training in USAF

August 21, 2008 - Vincent Matthew Westbrook, son of David and Tammy Westbrook of Leonard, completed basic military training “BMT” for the United States Air Force at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Tex. He has also completed his education in job training and will become a Logistics Planner with the 37th Logistical Readiness Squadron, “37th LRS”, beginning on August 20, 2008. He will begin his military career stationed at Lackland AFB.

DeFratus-Burden Engagement

August 7, 2008 - Denise Danielle DeFratus and Sean Michael Burden, both of Denison, will wed Aug. 23, 2008 at Central Church of Christ in Denison. Officiating will be Everette Hodges.

DeFratus is the daughter of Sidney and Elane DeFratus of Denison. She is a graduate of Denison High School and is employed with Happy Days Child Development Center in Denison.

Burden is the son of James and Linda Burden of Leonard. He is a graduate of Sherman High School and is employed at Target in Sherman.

Leonard student named to honors list

Sylvia Gaulden of Leonard was named to the Special Academic Merit List at Northeast Texas Community College in Mt. Pleasant for the Spring 2008 semester. To be named to the Special Academic Merit List, a student must have taken between seven and eleven hours and earned a 4.0 grade point average.

Nicholas Fritts Graduates

Nicholas Fritts graduated with the Class of 2008 from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. At the time of graduation, Nick accepted his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Nick, the son of Bob and Myra Fritts of Richardson, Tex., and the grandson of Bill and Frances Simmons of Bailey, Tex., is a 2001 graduate of J. J. Pearce High School in Richardson.

Nick received awards for his studies in Computer Security and Information Warfare. During his time at the academy, he worked on an independent study project about using artificial intelligence to build a computer program that could learn on its own. It used a model of the human brain called a “neural network”. The system could watch the world and learn how things worked.

After a 60-day leave period, 2nd Lieutenant Nicholas Fritts will be attending graduate school at the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson Air Force.

Babers to celebrate golden anniversary

June 19, 2008 - The children of Mackie Don and Georgann Babers would like to invite friends and family to their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary celebration on June 21st, 2008 at First Bank of Celeste. The reception will be held from 2-4 p.m. in the community room. Bring your memories and stores; no gifts, please.

Barlow, Kidd set May wedding date

June 19, 2008 - Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy W. Barlow of Leonard are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Elizabeth Jane to Michael Alan Kidd, the son of Ms. Karen Kidd of Fate. The bride is a 2002 graduate of Leonard High School and is presently employed as a Cashier Supervisor with Kohl’s Department Store in McKinney. The groom is a 2002 graduate of Mesquite High School, has served six years in the Navy and is presently employed with Urban Fire Protection in Mesquite.

The wedding is planned for May 16, 2009 at Dairy Manor in Greenville.