Looking back at 2023

By News Staff on Wednesday, December 27, 2023
  • A snapshot of 2023 from Jan to June
    A snapshot of 2023 from Jan to June
  • County Judge Brandon Huckabee was sworn into office at a formal ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 by Judge Jason Cashon.
    County Judge Brandon Huckabee was sworn into office at a formal ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 by Judge Jason Cashon.
  • Zander Bullard posed with a red cedar table with swing seats constructed by Dublin FFA students and shown by him at the 2023 Erath County Jr. Livestock Show. Bullard was presented with Reserve Champion in the Ag Mechanics Show and first in Home and Yard Convenience.
    Zander Bullard posed with a red cedar table with swing seats constructed by Dublin FFA students and shown by him at the 2023 Erath County Jr. Livestock Show. Bullard was presented with Reserve Champion in the Ag Mechanics Show and first in Home and Yard Convenience.
  • Dublin EMS Director John Tadlock gave city council members a tour of the current EMS facility in March 2022, showing the desperate need for renovations.
    Dublin EMS Director John Tadlock gave city council members a tour of the current EMS facility in March 2022, showing the desperate need for renovations.
  • A groundbreaking ceremony for Dublin EMS was held Monday, Jan. 23, 2023. City officials, EMS crews and citizens joined in to dedicate land for the new 2,200 sq. ft. building which should be completed in June. It was the first city building to be built since 1975.
    A groundbreaking ceremony for Dublin EMS was held Monday, Jan. 23, 2023. City officials, EMS crews and citizens joined in to dedicate land for the new 2,200 sq. ft. building which should be completed in June. It was the first city building to be built since 1975.
  • Though many Dublin businesses and the school district were shut down due to an intense winter storm from Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2023, USPS did its best to still deliver the mail on snowy roads. Bands of freezing rain, sleet, freezing fog, snow and rain pummeled the area leading to treacherous road conditions.
    Though many Dublin businesses and the school district were shut down due to an intense winter storm from Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2023, USPS did its best to still deliver the mail on snowy roads. Bands of freezing rain, sleet, freezing fog, snow and rain pummeled the area leading to treacherous road conditions.
  • Runners of all ages braved the cold  Feb. 11, 2023, to participate in the annual Love Run for CWJC/Transformation Pathway. The run included a 5K race throughout Dublin and a 1 mile fun run. About 60 people participated in the 5K which benefitted job skills classes that CWJC offers. Overall first place winner was Orlando Sevilla with a time of 23:14, second place went to Luke Reagor with a time of 23:17 and third place was awarded to Dave Bradley with a time of 23:32.
    Runners of all ages braved the cold  Feb. 11, 2023, to participate in the annual Love Run for CWJC/Transformation Pathway. The run included a 5K race throughout Dublin and a 1 mile fun run. About 60 people participated in the 5K which benefitted job skills classes that CWJC offers. Overall first place winner was Orlando Sevilla with a time of 23:14, second place went to Luke Reagor with a time of 23:17 and third place was awarded to Dave Bradley with a time of 23:32.
  • A variety of departments paid their respect to fallen Dublin Volunteer Firefighter and U.S. Marine veteran, Jesse Rollins. The processional took place Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, and the escort traveled from Fort Worth back to Dublin.
    A variety of departments paid their respect to fallen Dublin Volunteer Firefighter and U.S. Marine veteran, Jesse Rollins. The processional took place Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, and the escort traveled from Fort Worth back to Dublin.
  • These five band students from Dublin High School headed to state competition in 2023 with a brass quintet. Students are from left, David Hernandez, Ruby Ortega, Morgan Keith, Grace Luedke and David Nava.
    These five band students from Dublin High School headed to state competition in 2023 with a brass quintet. Students are from left, David Hernandez, Ruby Ortega, Morgan Keith, Grace Luedke and David Nava.
  • Morning Star Ranch hosted 20 local kids in a Spring Break camp in 2023 as campers learned skills in teamwork on the ninja obstacle course, riding in the ring with volunteers and making crafts like suncatchers. Morning Star’s mission is to encourage, engage, and empower children in a ranch environment. Morning Star Ranch is a safe, Christian experience where children can learn life skills by opening their hearts to horses. For more information, visit msranch.org.
    Morning Star Ranch hosted 20 local kids in a Spring Break camp in 2023 as campers learned skills in teamwork on the ninja obstacle course, riding in the ring with volunteers and making crafts like suncatchers. Morning Star’s mission is to encourage, engage, and empower children in a ranch environment. Morning Star Ranch is a safe, Christian experience where children can learn life skills by opening their hearts to horses. For more information, visit msranch.org.
  • Joli St. Germain, a senior at Dublin High School, was presented her sash for winning 2023 Miss Dublin March 17, 2023. 
    Joli St. Germain, a senior at Dublin High School, was presented her sash for winning 2023 Miss Dublin March 17, 2023. 
  • Local leprechaun Orion Gallagher welcomed St. Patrick’s Day and visitors to Dublin as he heralds the annual St. Paddy’s Day parade.
    Local leprechaun Orion Gallagher welcomed St. Patrick’s Day and visitors to Dublin as he heralds the annual St. Paddy’s Day parade.
  • Dublin High School Senior Chris Teten signed with McMurry University, pledging to provide his baseball prowess to the college’s team. Teten signed in front of the DHS cafeteria trophy case in a March 8, 2023, ceremony. He was joined in the celebration by fellow athletes, coaches, friends and family including brothers,  Tim and Alex Teten and parents, Rodney and Tammy Teten.
    Dublin High School Senior Chris Teten signed with McMurry University, pledging to provide his baseball prowess to the college’s team. Teten signed in front of the DHS cafeteria trophy case in a March 8, 2023, ceremony. He was joined in the celebration by fellow athletes, coaches, friends and family including brothers,  Tim and Alex Teten and parents, Rodney and Tammy Teten.
  • Members of the Woman’s Thursday Club of Dublin, along with special guests, attend their 125th anniversary program March 25, 2023, at the Little Church on Grafton Street.
    Members of the Woman’s Thursday Club of Dublin, along with special guests, attend their 125th anniversary program March 25, 2023, at the Little Church on Grafton Street.
  • Dublin School Resource Officer Brandi Hoffman placed a blue pinwheel in the ground in honor of April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month at the Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center in Stephenville. 504 pinwheels were placed outside the center in honor of the 504 cases of suspected child abuse or neglect that occurred in Erath County in 2022.
    Dublin School Resource Officer Brandi Hoffman placed a blue pinwheel in the ground in honor of April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month at the Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center in Stephenville. 504 pinwheels were placed outside the center in honor of the 504 cases of suspected child abuse or neglect that occurred in Erath County in 2022.
  • Dozens of kids ran full tilt to get eggs at the annual Easter egg hunt.
    Dozens of kids ran full tilt to get eggs at the annual Easter egg hunt.
  • Dr. Dwain Mayfield smiles in front of Mayfield College of Engineering. The college is the first named after an individual for Tarleton State University.
    Dr. Dwain Mayfield smiles in front of Mayfield College of Engineering. The college is the first named after an individual for Tarleton State University.
  • Dublin FFA was well-represesented at the State Career and Leadership Development Events (CDE) at Texas Tech in Lubbock in April 2023 with two teams placing high. Placing fifth was the entemology team of Mariana Ortiz and Alma Holguin (12th and 16th individually), NavaLee White and Anabel Phelps.
    Dublin FFA was well-represesented at the State Career and Leadership Development Events (CDE) at Texas Tech in Lubbock in April 2023 with two teams placing high. Placing fifth was the entemology team of Mariana Ortiz and Alma Holguin (12th and 16th individually), NavaLee White and Anabel Phelps.
  • Drago, a most famous bull, is fine after a hail storm that ravaged the area outside Dublin April 26, 2023. When the Clayton family took a short video of hail pummeling their home and swimming pool on County Road 371 near Bunyan they had no idea that their bull, Drago would enter the frame. They also had no idea of the notoriety that would follow.
    Drago, a most famous bull, is fine after a hail storm that ravaged the area outside Dublin April 26, 2023. When the Clayton family took a short video of hail pummeling their home and swimming pool on County Road 371 near Bunyan they had no idea that their bull, Drago would enter the frame. They also had no idea of the notoriety that would follow.
  • Jeff ‘Jackrabbit’ Harris, a professional rodeo clown, kept crowds entertained at the Monta de Toros rodeo May 6, 2023, despite thunderstorms during the event.
    Jeff ‘Jackrabbit’ Harris, a professional rodeo clown, kept crowds entertained at the Monta de Toros rodeo May 6, 2023, despite thunderstorms during the event.
  • Madilyn Loper (also Volleyball MVP), Chris Teten (also Out-standing Defensive Baseball Player)
    Madilyn Loper (also Volleyball MVP), Chris Teten (also Out-standing Defensive Baseball Player)
  • Dublin High School students celebrated at a Masquerade themed prom May 13, 2023, at the Double N Cowboy Church. Many students donned fancy masks for the event. Seniors Madilyn Loper and Dalan Rasberry were crowned as Prom Queen and King for DHS. Lingleville students also celebrated their prom in May 2023.
    Dublin High School students celebrated at a Masquerade themed prom May 13, 2023, at the Double N Cowboy Church. Many students donned fancy masks for the event. Seniors Madilyn Loper and Dalan Rasberry were crowned as Prom Queen and King for DHS. Lingleville students also celebrated their prom in May 2023.
  • Teachers and administrators ‘enjoyed’ a nice ice bath May 17, 2023, at the Dublin Elementary School Field Day. All third grade students who were present during STAAR testing were entered into a raffle to be able to douse the educators with ice cold water. From left is Elementary School Principal Kalley Mitchell and teachers De’Ann Bradford,  Jessica Criswell and Leslee Chapman.
    Teachers and administrators ‘enjoyed’ a nice ice bath May 17, 2023, at the Dublin Elementary School Field Day. All third grade students who were present during STAAR testing were entered into a raffle to be able to douse the educators with ice cold water. From left is Elementary School Principal Kalley Mitchell and teachers De’Ann Bradford,  Jessica Criswell and Leslee Chapman.
  • The Dublin High School Class of 2023 tossed their hats into the air at the conclusion of graduation on Cervetto Field May 26, 2023.
    The Dublin High School Class of 2023 tossed their hats into the air at the conclusion of graduation on Cervetto Field May 26, 2023.
  • Lingleville Senior Skylah Finley read a speech on behalf of all ag students as the Lingleville ISD Ag Building is dedicated to the late ag teacher Scotty Ford who passed away in 2022.
    Lingleville Senior Skylah Finley read a speech on behalf of all ag students as the Lingleville ISD Ag Building is dedicated to the late ag teacher Scotty Ford who passed away in 2022.
  • Golfers from all over the United States flocked to Dublin for the annual Ben Hogan Legacy Golf Series. Participants enjoyed meals catered by Grafton Market and played a round of golf at PAR in Proctor.
    Golfers from all over the United States flocked to Dublin for the annual Ben Hogan Legacy Golf Series. Participants enjoyed meals catered by Grafton Market and played a round of golf at PAR in Proctor.
  • Jesse Weems and Delyn Alexander Spurgin of the Dublin High School Class of 1959 enjoyed looking at a picture album together at the Dublin Area Reunion June 10, 2023, at The Station.
    Jesse Weems and Delyn Alexander Spurgin of the Dublin High School Class of 1959 enjoyed looking at a picture album together at the Dublin Area Reunion June 10, 2023, at The Station.
  • Lifeguards watched over pool goers at the Dairy Queen free swim day June 16, 2023. More than 180 guests took part in the free swim event.
    Lifeguards watched over pool goers at the Dairy Queen free swim day June 16, 2023. More than 180 guests took part in the free swim event.
  • Kids enjoyed making a rainbow with clouds craft at the Dublin Public Library with the STAR Council Bosque Safari Camp held June 21-22, 2023.
    Kids enjoyed making a rainbow with clouds craft at the Dublin Public Library with the STAR Council Bosque Safari Camp held June 21-22, 2023.

    A year in Review for January-June 2023. The last six months will be in the Jan. 4 edition.

    January 2023

    County Judge Brandon Huckabee was sworn into office at a formal ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 by Judge Jason Cashon.

    Zander Bullard posed with a red cedar table with swing seats constructed by Dublin FFA students and shown by him at the 2023 Erath County Jr. Livestock Show. Bullard was presented with Reserve Champion in the Ag Mechanics Show and first in Home and Yard Convenience.

    Dublin EMS Director John Tadlock gave city council members a tour of the EMS facility in March 2022, showing the desperate need for renovations.

    A groundbreaking ceremony for Dublin EMS was held Monday, Jan. 23, 2023. City officials, EMS crews and citizens joined in to dedicate land for the new 2,200 sq. ft. building which should be completed in June. It was the first city building to be built since 1975.

     Dublin again had a dry year with the lowest rainfall amount in a decade occurring in 2022, with a significant drought that contributed into an extreme wildfire season.
    Rainfall for Dublin, as collected and reported by the Dublin Citizen every week on page A4, was at 22.5, much lower than the 40.4 inches in 2021, lower than the 36.75 collected in 2020 and 39.75 in 2019. It is also lower than the historical average of 35.7 inches for the city.

    Throughout Texas and the U.S. law enforcement, officers are being appreciated throughout the month for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Jan. 9, 2023.
    One thing is for sure, the Arlington Police Department is appreciative of the Dublin Police Department after reserve officer Cody Beam helped one of their officers following a hit and run accident Thursday, Jan. 5.
    Off duty, Officer Beam was traveling down Interstate 20 in Arlington when he came upon a crash around 6:30 a.m. with no emergency vehicles present yet.

    February 2023

    Though many Dublin businesses and the school district were shut down due to an intense winter storm from Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2023, USPS did its best to still deliver the mail on snowy roads. Bands of freezing rain, sleet, freezing fog, snow and rain pummeled the area leading to treacherous road conditions.

    Runners of all ages braved the cold  Feb. 11, 2023, to participate in the annual Love Run for CWJC/Transformation Pathway. The run included a 5K race throughout Dublin and a 1 mile fun run. About 60 people participated in the 5K which benefitted job skills classes that CWJC offers. Overall first place winner was Orlando Sevilla with a time of 23:14, second place went to Luke Reagor with a time of 23:17 and third place was awarded to Dave Bradley with a time of 23:32.

    A variety of departments paid their respect to fallen Dublin Volunteer Firefighter and U.S. Marine veteran, Jesse Rollins. The processional took place Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, and the escort traveled from Fort Worth back to Dublin.

    March 2023

    These five band students from Dublin High School headed to state competition in 2023 with a brass quintet. Students are from left, David Hernandez, Ruby Ortega, Morgan Keith, Grace Luedke and David Nava.

     

    Two Dublin High School girls went to the state powerlifting meet on March 16, 2023, following the regional meet held at Dublin. Mariana Ortiz qualified for advancement following a first place finish in the 198 with a total of 945 pounds, 360 in squat, 245 in bench and 340 in dead lift. Carla Saucedo qualified after scoring silver in the 259 with a total of 845—315 in squat, 205 in bench and 325 in dead lift. This was the second consecutive year that both have qualified for state competition.

    Morning Star Ranch hosted 20 local kids in a Spring Break camp in 2023 as campers learned skills in teamwork on the ninja obstacle course, riding in the ring with volunteers and making crafts like suncatchers. Morning Star’s mission is to encourage, engage, and empower children in a ranch environment. Morning Star Ranch is a safe, Christian experience where children can learn life skills by opening their hearts to horses. For more information, visit msranch.org.

    Joli St. Germain, a senior at Dublin High School, was presented her sash for winning 2023 Miss Dublin March 17, 2023.  After a two year hiatus, the Dublin pageants returned in a spectacle of elegance, sparkles and fun. Organized by a subcommittee of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, the Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Dublin ambassador pageants took to the intermediate school stage Thursday, March 16 and Friday, March 17. As this year’s pageants got underway, participants dedicated weeks to practice and selling raffle tickets to aid the pageant funds, including a $1,000 scholarship that Miss Dublin receives.

    Local leprechaun Orion Gallagher welcomed St. Patrick’s Day and visitors to Dublin as he heralds the annual St. Paddy’s Day parade.

    Dublin High School Senior Chris Teten signed with McMurry University, pledging to provide his baseball prowess to the college’s team. Teten signed in front of the DHS cafeteria trophy case in a March 8, 2023, ceremony. He was joined in the celebration by fellow athletes, coaches, friends and family including brothers,  Tim and Alex Teten and parents, Rodney and Tammy Teten.

    Members of the Woman’s Thursday Club of Dublin, along with special guests, attend their 125th anniversary program March 25, 2023, at the Little Church on Grafton Street.

     

    April 2023

    Dublin School Resource Officer Brandi Hoffman placed a blue pinwheel in the ground in honor of April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month at the Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center in Stephenville. 504 pinwheels were placed outside the center in honor of the 504 cases of suspected child abuse or neglect that occurred in Erath County in 2022.

    Dozens of kids ran full tilt to get eggs at the annual Easter egg hunt. The hunt’s main sponsors were the Stephenville Area Elk’s Lodge, Dublin Dairy Queen and the Dublin Citizen. Other sponsors included: First National Bank, Sonic Drive-In, Stephenville Evening Lions Club, Dublin Vet Clinic, Dublin Insurance, Granny Clark’s, M&M Painting, Brookshire Brothers, Higginbotham’s, Dublin Lions Club, Stephenville Nursing and Rehab, Dandi-Lions Drill Team, Terry Cline, Rosemary Bencik, Valley Grove Baptist Church, Harrell Funeral Home, Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Calvary Fellowship, Dublin Police Department, City of Dublin and Dublin Volunteer Fire Department.

    Dr. Dwain Mayfield smiles in front of Mayfield College of Engineering. The college is the first named after an individual for Tarleton State University.

    Dublin FFA was well-represented at the State Career and Leadership Development Events  (CDE) at Texas Tech in Lubbock in April 2023 with two teams placing high. Placing fifth was the entemology team of Mariana Ortiz and Alma Holguin (12th and 16th individually), NavaLee White and Anabel Phelps.

    May 2023

     

    Drago, a most famous bull, is fine after a hail storm that ravaged the area outside Dublin April 26, 2023. When the Clayton family took a short video of hail pummeling their home and swimming pool on County Road 371 near Bunyan they had no idea that their bull, Drago would enter the frame. They also had no idea of the notoriety that would follow.

    Jeff ‘Jackrabbit’ Harris, a professional rodeo clown, kept crowds entertained at the Monta de Toros rodeo May 6, 2023, despite thunderstorms during the event. Jackrabbit wore the same makeup as his hero PRCA Clown of the year Lecile Harris. Jeff “Jackrabbit” Harris had to work Saturday night keeping the Monta de Toros rodeo crowd happy as they waited through random rainfall to watch bulls released into the ring. Fortunately he had decades of experience as a rodeo clown and the inspiration of a legend and friend to draw from. The legend in question was four time PRCA Clown of the year Lecile Harris, dubbed the “Dean of Rodeo Clowns/Bullfighters” and a regular feature on TV’s “Hee Haw.”

    Madilyn Loper (also Volleyball MVP), Chris Teten (also Outstanding Defensive Baseball Player)

    Dublin High School students celebrated at a Masquerade themed prom May 13, 2023, at the Double N Cowboy Church. Many students donned fancy masks for the event. Seniors Madilyn Loper and Dalan Rasberry were crowned as Prom Queen and King for DHS. Lingleville students also celebrated their prom in May 2023. 

    Teachers and administrators ‘enjoyed’ a nice ice bath May 17, 2023, at the Dublin Elementary School Field Day. All third grade students who were present during STAAR testing were entered into a raffle to be able to douse the educators with ice cold water. From left is Elementary School Principal Kalley Mitchell and teachers De’Ann Bradford,  Jessica Criswell and Leslee Chapman.

    June 2023

    The Dublin High School Class of 2023 tossed their hats into the air at the conclusion of graduation on Cervetto Field May 26, 2023.

    Lingleville Senior Skylah Finley read a speech on behalf of all ag students as the Lingleville ISD Ag Building is dedicated to the late ag teacher Scotty Ford who passed away in 2022.

    Golfers from all over the United States flocked to Dublin for the annual Ben Hogan Legacy Golf Series. Participants enjoyed meals catered by Grafton Market and played a round of golf at PAR in Proctor.

    Jesse Weems and Delyn Alexander Spurgin of the Dublin High School Class of 1959 enjoyed looking at a picture album together at the Dublin Area Reunion June 10, 2023, at The Station.

     

    Lifeguards watched over pool goers at the Dairy Queen free swim day June 16, 2023. More than 180 guests took part in the free swim event.

    Kids enjoyed making a rainbow with clouds craft at the Dublin Public Library with the STAR Council Bosque Safari Camp held June 21-22, 2023. STAR Council is a group of skilled, caring professionals who empower individuals, families, and communities to choose a substance free lifestyle. Since 1981, they have provided education in schools and communities to reduce the likelihood of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as counseling to help families find recovery from the devastation of addiction. Part of that mission are camps that explore what it is like to be a leader and activities that address and promote health and wellness for individuals, families, and communities.