Looking back at 2023 - part two

By News Staff on Wednesday, January 3, 2024
  • A look back at the last six months of 2023.
    A look back at the last six months of 2023.
  • Brenda Baumert and Sandra Hammons, nieces of World War II veteran Noel Shoup, will be able to welcome their uncle back home after he went missing in action after his plane was shot down in France on Feb. 28, 1944. Due to the ef-forts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Shoup’s remains are being returned home for burial.
    Brenda Baumert and Sandra Hammons, nieces of World War II veteran Noel Shoup, will be able to welcome their uncle back home after he went missing in action after his plane was shot down in France on Feb. 28, 1944. Due to the ef-forts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Shoup’s remains are being returned home for burial.
  • Eager movie watchers gathered outside the Dublin Public Library July 7, 2023, to watch “Super Mario Brothers.” With the sound of ‘Peaches, Peaches, Peaches’ patrons of the Summer Reading Club were able to munch on free popcorn. The Summer Reading Club and movie were funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
    Eager movie watchers gathered outside the Dublin Public Library July 7, 2023, to watch “Super Mario Brothers.” With the sound of ‘Peaches, Peaches, Peaches’ patrons of the Summer Reading Club were able to munch on free popcorn. The Summer Reading Club and movie were funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
  • Kids of all ages enjoyed a week of art camp in July 2023 led by instructor Sarah Warner Svadlenka at the Dublin Public Library last week. Svadlenka opened up the world of water-colors, leading them through themed exercises like space scenes and encouraging them to work on original pieces in between exercises.
    Kids of all ages enjoyed a week of art camp in July 2023 led by instructor Sarah Warner Svadlenka at the Dublin Public Library last week. Svadlenka opened up the world of water-colors, leading them through themed exercises like space scenes and encouraging them to work on original pieces in between exercises.
  • Dublin Volunteer Fire Department saw an uptick in fires in July 2023. A 90-day burn ban was put into effect July 24, 2023, by the Erath County Commissioners Court.
    Dublin Volunteer Fire Department saw an uptick in fires in July 2023. A 90-day burn ban was put into effect July 24, 2023, by the Erath County Commissioners Court.
  • Volunteers helped students pick out free backpacks at the Dublin Public Library’s Back-to-School Fair July 29, 2023. Though organized by the library, the community comes together each year to make sure students are ready for school and to ease the burden on families financially.
    Volunteers helped students pick out free backpacks at the Dublin Public Library’s Back-to-School Fair July 29, 2023. Though organized by the library, the community comes together each year to make sure students are ready for school and to ease the burden on families financially.
  • Dublin Elementary students shared excitement and gifts with their educators during Meet the Teachers Aug. 7, 2023. Parents and kids flooded the halls of each campus as they got to see their classes for the new year.
    Dublin Elementary students shared excitement and gifts with their educators during Meet the Teachers Aug. 7, 2023. Parents and kids flooded the halls of each campus as they got to see their classes for the new year.
  • Dublin Lions rush a Hamilton Bulldog ballhandler from the front and back to take him down in the scrimmage in August 2023 at Dublin High School’s Bob and Norma Cervetto Field.
    Dublin Lions rush a Hamilton Bulldog ballhandler from the front and back to take him down in the scrimmage in August 2023 at Dublin High School’s Bob and Norma Cervetto Field.
  • Dublin Volunteer firefighters along with Harbin and Lingleville were gifted with more than 500 cases of water and Gatorade through a water donation drive at Brookshire Brothers in Dublin. The store collected water and Gatorade drinks for area fire departments and distributed them Aug. 22, 2023.
    Dublin Volunteer firefighters along with Harbin and Lingleville were gifted with more than 500 cases of water and Gatorade through a water donation drive at Brookshire Brothers in Dublin. The store collected water and Gatorade drinks for area fire departments and distributed them Aug. 22, 2023.
  • Residents enjoyed the 2nd annual Rylan Strong Network Chrome for a Cause Car and Bike Show at Celebration Park Aug. 26, 2023. The event raised more than $10,000 for the nonprofit in about three hours.
    Residents enjoyed the 2nd annual Rylan Strong Network Chrome for a Cause Car and Bike Show at Celebration Park Aug. 26, 2023. The event raised more than $10,000 for the nonprofit in about three hours.
  • Dr. Vernon Williams and Rodeo Heritage Museum director Carolyn Harbin introduced the honorees on the museum walk of honor Sept. 2, 2023, as part of the museum’s 20th anniversary celebration.
    Dr. Vernon Williams and Rodeo Heritage Museum director Carolyn Harbin introduced the honorees on the museum walk of honor Sept. 2, 2023, as part of the museum’s 20th anniversary celebration.
  • A flag is removed from the coffin of First Lt. Noel Shoup, a World War II veteran from Erath County, by the Honor Guard from Ft. Cavazos on Sept. 11, 2023. Shoup’s remains were recently returned to his family after more than 79 years.
    A flag is removed from the coffin of First Lt. Noel Shoup, a World War II veteran from Erath County, by the Honor Guard from Ft. Cavazos on Sept. 11, 2023. Shoup’s remains were recently returned to his family after more than 79 years.
  • Erath County opened its new County Annex building  in September 2023, and the brand new building will accommodate the growth the county is needing for now and in the future.
    Erath County opened its new County Annex building  in September 2023, and the brand new building will accommodate the growth the county is needing for now and in the future.
  • Dublin volunteers and Boy Scouts work to cut up a tree as part of Revitalize Dublin’s first project, a home in need of extensive yard work and TLC located on the corner Blackjack and Harrell.
    Dublin volunteers and Boy Scouts work to cut up a tree as part of Revitalize Dublin’s first project, a home in need of extensive yard work and TLC located on the corner Blackjack and Harrell.
  • Young girls enjoy riding a mechanical bull at the annual Hispanic Heritage Festival Sept. 30, 2023, hosted by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The event showcased a day of fun including boxing, more than 60 vendors, tasty food, games, a rodeo with escaramuza and a cabalgata (trail ride).
    Young girls enjoy riding a mechanical bull at the annual Hispanic Heritage Festival Sept. 30, 2023, hosted by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The event showcased a day of fun including boxing, more than 60 vendors, tasty food, games, a rodeo with escaramuza and a cabalgata (trail ride).
  • The Stephenville Area Elks Lodge Drug Awareness Program hosted its annual Educational Fishing Day at Proctor Lake in October 2023 offering youth the chance to get some free fishing in with beautiful fall weather.
    The Stephenville Area Elks Lodge Drug Awareness Program hosted its annual Educational Fishing Day at Proctor Lake in October 2023 offering youth the chance to get some free fishing in with beautiful fall weather.
  • Students look at the annular solar eclipse Oct. 14, 2023, outside the science building at Tarleton State University in Stephenville. Many people throughout the area took the opportunity to see the partial coverage of the sun during the eclipse.
    Students look at the annular solar eclipse Oct. 14, 2023, outside the science building at Tarleton State University in Stephenville. Many people throughout the area took the opportunity to see the partial coverage of the sun during the eclipse.
  • A firefighter battles a blaze at Veldhuizen Cheese Oct. 20, 2023. The machinery shop was a complete loss and according to Erath County Fire Marshal Tommy Shelton, fire was accidental. Departments including Dublin VFD, Erath County VFD, Lingleville VFD, Selden VFD, Stephenville Fire Department, Dublin EMS, Harbin VFD, State Troopers and Erath County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the fire as smoke could be seen all the way into Dublin. The retail space was undamaged and remains open.
    A firefighter battles a blaze at Veldhuizen Cheese Oct. 20, 2023. The machinery shop was a complete loss and according to Erath County Fire Marshal Tommy Shelton, fire was accidental. Departments including Dublin VFD, Erath County VFD, Lingleville VFD, Selden VFD, Stephenville Fire Department, Dublin EMS, Harbin VFD, State Troopers and Erath County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the fire as smoke could be seen all the way into Dublin. The retail space was undamaged and remains open.
  • Dublin Elementary students, teachers and staff took to the Memorial Stadium track on Oct. 31, 2023, for the annual Spook Parade as it was invaded by a sea of Spider-Men, plenty of princesses and more. See next week’s Dublin Citizen for pictures of Halloween night events and the results of the costume contest sponsored by the Dublin Citizen and Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
    Dublin Elementary students, teachers and staff took to the Memorial Stadium track on Oct. 31, 2023, for the annual Spook Parade as it was invaded by a sea of Spider-Men, plenty of princesses and more. See next week’s Dublin Citizen for pictures of Halloween night events and the results of the costume contest sponsored by the Dublin Citizen and Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
  • Darrell Curry of Team C2 called out to his partner Kayla Conner during their routine at the 2023 Big Brothers Big Sisters Dancing for the Stars fundraiser Nov. 9, 2023, at the Tarleton rodeo arena.
    Darrell Curry of Team C2 called out to his partner Kayla Conner during their routine at the 2023 Big Brothers Big Sisters Dancing for the Stars fundraiser Nov. 9, 2023, at the Tarleton rodeo arena.
  • A second work day was  set for 432 N. Park for the community renovation project in insulating and installing new siding for the family who lives inside. More than two dozen volunteers responded to the first work day Nov. 4, 2023.
    A second work day was  set for 432 N. Park for the community renovation project in insulating and installing new siding for the family who lives inside. More than two dozen volunteers responded to the first work day Nov. 4, 2023.
  • Dublin Lions from the boys athletic department helped carry out boxes and shelving in November 2023 as the Dublin Public Library got ready to close for a major renovation project that was underway.
    Dublin Lions from the boys athletic department helped carry out boxes and shelving in November 2023 as the Dublin Public Library got ready to close for a major renovation project that was underway.
  • Many nonprofits would be lost without their volunteers but for the Dublin Public Library that is especially true as they have been undergoing a major renovation project. 
    Many nonprofits would be lost without their volunteers but for the Dublin Public Library that is especially true as they have been undergoing a major renovation project. 
  • The 2023 Toy Ride headed into Dublin on Patrick Street Dec. 2, 2023. The ride provided toys and financial support for the Double N Cowboy Church’s Angel Tree. Several motorcycle clubs participated in the event starting at Red Barrel Bar and Grill.
    The 2023 Toy Ride headed into Dublin on Patrick Street Dec. 2, 2023. The ride provided toys and financial support for the Double N Cowboy Church’s Angel Tree. Several motorcycle clubs participated in the event starting at Red Barrel Bar and Grill.
  • The Haby family had some interesting ‘reindeer’ dressed up on their goat float in the Dublin Chamber of Commerce’s Parade of Lights Dec. 2, 2023. The parade featured a wide variety of floats, bands and other participants to kick off the holiday season.
    The Haby family had some interesting ‘reindeer’ dressed up on their goat float in the Dublin Chamber of Commerce’s Parade of Lights Dec. 2, 2023. The parade featured a wide variety of floats, bands and other participants to kick off the holiday season.
  • “She’s top of the top. There’s nobody higher than her.” These were the works Dublin FFA sponsor Derek Dunlap used to describe Vanessa Pantoja after the DHS junior took first place in Sr. Creed Speaking at the state Leadership and Development Event competition in December 2023.
    “She’s top of the top. There’s nobody higher than her.” These were the works Dublin FFA sponsor Derek Dunlap used to describe Vanessa Pantoja after the DHS junior took first place in Sr. Creed Speaking at the state Leadership and Development Event competition in December 2023.
  • Dublin Goodfellows and First Methodist Church volunteers were joined by Dublin High School students in loading up 1,625 canned and boxed items gathered in the annual Dublin Elementary food drive in December 2023.
    Dublin Goodfellows and First Methodist Church volunteers were joined by Dublin High School students in loading up 1,625 canned and boxed items gathered in the annual Dublin Elementary food drive in December 2023.
  • Band directors Ronny Luedke and Matt Asebedo got into the holiday spirit at the Christmas band concert Thursday, Dec. 14 along with their students.
    Band directors Ronny Luedke and Matt Asebedo got into the holiday spirit at the Christmas band concert Thursday, Dec. 14 along with their students.

July 2023

Brenda Baumert and Sandra Hammons, nieces of World War II veteran Noel Shoup, were be able to welcome their uncle back home after he went missing in action after his plane was shot down in France on Feb. 28, 1944. Due to the efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Shoup’s remains are being returned home for burial.

Eager movie watchers gathered outside the Dublin Public Library July 7, 2023, to watch “Super Mario Brothers.” With the sound of ‘Peaches, Peaches, Peaches’ patrons of the Summer Reading Club were able to munch on free popcorn. The Summer Reading Club and movie were funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Kids of all ages enjoyed a week of art camp in July 2023 led by instructor Sarah Warner Svadlenka at the Dublin Public Library last week. Svadlenka opened up the world of watercolors, leading them through themed exercises like space scenes and encouraging them to work on original pieces in between exercises.

Dublin Volunteer Fire Department saw an uptick in fires  in July 2023. A 90-day burn ban was put into effect July 24, 2023, by the Erath County Commissioners Court.

August 2023

Volunteers helped students pick out free backpacks at the Dublin Public Library’s Back-to-School Fair July 29, 2023. Though organized by the library, the community comes together each year to make sure students are ready for school and to ease the burden on families financially.

 

Garrett Dale Reeves, 23, was sentenced to 30 years in prison last week on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against a family member. The charges following a grueling week-long trial were for the shooting of his father, Kent Reeves, who serves as Erath County Auditor. The charge is a First Degree felony and carries a punishment of five to 99 years and up to a $10,000 fine. The trial was held in the 266th Judicial District Court with Judge Donald R. Jones presiding. Kent was shot 19 times with an AR-15 and a 9 mm handgun on April 9, 2022 at the Reeves home.

Dublin Elementary students shared excitement and gifts with their educators during Meet the Teachers Aug. 7, 2023. Parents and kids flooded the halls of each campus as they got to see their classes for the new year.

Dublin Lions rush a Hamilton Bulldog ballhandler from the front and back to take him down in the scrimmage in August 2023 at Dublin High School’s Bob and Norma Cervetto Field.

Dublin Volunteer firefighters along with Harbin and Lingleville were gifted with more than 500 cases of water and Gatorade through a water donation drive at Brookshire Brothers in Dublin. The store collected water and Gatorade drinks for area fire departments and distributed them Aug. 22, 2023. In an already busy fire season with extremely high temperatures, the drinks aid the firefighters when battling grass and other fires or calls. Customers purchased the drinks when checking out at registers for the past few weeks at Brookshire Brothers.

Residents enjoyed the 2nd annual Rylan Strong Network Chrome for a Cause Car and Bike Show at Celebration Park Aug. 26, 2023. The event raised more than $10,000 for the nonprofit in about three hours.

September 2023

Dr. Vernon Williams and Rodeo Heritage Museum director Carolyn Harbin introduced the honorees on the museum walk of honor Sept. 2, 2023, as part of the museum’s 20th anniversary celebration. Bricks were unveiled in recognition of: Dublin Rodeo Board members Fred Fletcher and Joe Fletcher, Johnny Byler, rider and rodeo producer Ralph Collier, famed country musician Johnny Duncan, Erath County historian and Rodeo Band member Tom Rogers, and roper, rider and bulldogger Monroe Tumlinson. Other honors throughout the day included Linda Evans Martin, granddaughter of C. Buck Evans, who was recognized at the rodeo Saturday night and was picked as the grand marshal of the parade. Harbin was also recognized at the rodeo for her tireless work in service of the museum and Dublin’s rich rodeo history. New brands were added to the branding wall at the museum. Live entertainment welcomed visitors to the Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum.

A flag is removed from the coffin of First Lt. Noel Shoup, a World War II veteran from Erath County, by the Honor Guard from Ft. Cavazos on Sept. 11, 2023. Shoup’s remains were recently returned to his family after more than 79 years.

 

Erath County opened its new County Annex building  in September 2023, and the brand new building will accommodate the growth the county is needing for now and in the future. The building currently known as County Annex No. 2 is located at 222 E. College Street, right down the road from both the current courthouse and current annex. Voters registration, county voting, the County Clerk land records office and the tax assessor collector’s office are located in the new building.

Dublin volunteers and Boy Scouts work to cut up a tree as part of Revitalize Dublin’s first project, a home in need of extensive yard work and TLC located on the corner Blackjack and Harrell. More than 30 volunteers participated in the project Sept. 23, 2023.

October 2023

Young girls enjoy riding a mechanical bull at the annual Hispanic Heritage Festival Sept. 30, 2023, hosted by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The event showcased a day of fun including boxing, more than 60 vendors, tasty food, games, a rodeo with escaramuza and a cabalgata (trail ride).

The Stephenville Area Elks Lodge Drug Awareness Program hosted its annual Educational Fishing Day at Proctor Lake in October 2023 offering youth the chance to get some free fishing in with beautiful fall weather.

Students look at the annular solar eclipse Oct. 14, 2023, outside the science building at Tarleton State University in Stephenville. Many people throughout the area took the opportunity to see the partial coverage of the sun during the eclipse.

A firefighter battles a blaze at Veldhuizen Cheese Oct. 20, 2023. The machinery shop was a complete loss and according to Erath County Fire Marshal Tommy Shelton, fire was accidental. Departments including Dublin VFD, Erath County VFD, Lingleville VFD, Selden VFD, Stephenville Fire Department, Dublin EMS, Harbin VFD, State Troopers and Erath County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the fire as smoke could be seen all the way into Dublin. The retail space was undamaged and remains open.

November 2023

Dublin Elementary students, teachers and staff took to the Memorial Stadium track on Oct. 31, 2023, for the annual Spook Parade as it was invaded by a sea of Spider-Men, plenty of princesses and more. See next week’s Dublin Citizen for pictures of Halloween night events and the results of the costume contest sponsored by the Dublin Citizen and Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

Darrell Curry of Team C2 called out to his partner Kayla Conner during their routine at the 2023 Big Brothers Big Sisters Dancing for the Stars fundraiser Nov. 9, 2023, at the Tarleton rodeo arena. Four teams competed but it was ultimately Scott and Sherrie Evans (below) that took top honors. BBBS Erath County Executive Director Sarah McNeal-Weaver shares smiles and the stage with Jeff and Kimberly Hutchins as they receive their scores. Brayden and Brittany Lack wowed with a Britney Spears-inspired routine.

A second work day was  set for 432 N. Park for the community renovation project in insulating and installing new siding for the family who lives inside. More than two dozen volunteers responded to the first work day Nov. 4, 2023.

Dublin Lions from the boys athletic department helped carry out boxes and shelving in November 2023 as the Dublin Public Library got ready to close for a major renovation project that is underway. The library will be closed until Dec. 9 as it receives new furniture, paint, carpeting and reorganization. Many volunteers and civic groups have stepped up to make the move possible and the library is so grateful for their help.

Many nonprofits would be lost without their volunteers but for the Dublin Public Library that is especially true as they have been undergoing a major renovation project. Several teens have been integral to the library’s success and they have been putting many hours into the renovation project. Avery Sieperda, a freshman at Dublin High School, has donated more than 140 hours over the past year doing myriad projects for the library including aiding with the Summer Reading Club. Also helping out are home schooled students Isaac, 16, Isaiah, 16, and Ean Sprouse, 13.

December 2023

The 2023 Toy Ride headed into Dublin on Patrick Street Dec. 2, 2023. The ride provided toys and financial support for the Double N Cowboy Church’s Angel Tree. Several motorcycle clubs participated in the event starting at Red Barrel Bar and Grill.

The Haby family had some interesting ‘reindeer’ dressed up on their goat float in the Dublin Chamber of Commerce’s Parade of Lights Dec. 2, 2023. The parade featured a wide variety of floats, bands and other participants to kick off the holiday season.

 

“She’s top of the top. There’s nobody higher than her.” These were the works Dublin FFA sponsor Derek Dunlap used to describe Vanessa Pantoja after the DHS junior took first place in Sr. Creed Speaking at the state Leadership and Development Event competition in December 2023.

Dublin Goodfellows and First Methodist Church volunteers were joined by Dublin High School students in loading up 1,625 canned and boxed items gathered in the annual Dublin Elementary food drive in December 2023. The items were collected for the FMC food pantry to go towards filling the needs of the community and donated by Elementary students and families in recent weeks.

 

Band directors Ronny Luedke and Matt Asebedo got into the holiday spirit at the Christmas band concert Thursday, Dec. 14 along with their students. The all-bands concert provided a wide range of Christmas songs from the 6th grade band, Junior High and High School bands and was followed by a dessert dinner fundraiser.