PHOTOS: 2020 in the Houston Herald
- Houston Herald • news@houstonherald.com
- 0
Photos that appeared in the pages of the Houston Herald in 2020 (in Houston, Mo.).
The first baby of 2020 Everleigh Hall is held by her father, Brent Hall, and with them, from left: Reece and Lana Bucher, TCMH Auxiliary members, Garyn, the baby’s brother; Whitney Hall, PA-C, the baby’s mother; and the baby’s sisters, Kameron and Elesyn. (Submitted photo)
During a period of wintry weather that lasted several days, big, wet snowflakes fall last Thursday in downtown Houston. While areas in the county at higher elevations received two or three inches of snow and roadways became covered with white stuff, the amount in town was less and pavement mainly remained wet.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
Connor Clifton Memorial Coyote Hunt volunteers Jonathan Clifton, left, and Russell Gaither await weigh-ins at the conclusion of the event on Sunday, Jan. 19 outside the community building at the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Fairgrounds.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
The Summersville branch of the Texas County Library held its seventh annual Princess Tea Story Time on Saturday, Jan. 18. Princess Rachel McGregor reigned during the event and read stories to those attending. Door prizes were awarded and dainty cakes and pink lemonade were served. (submitted photo)
During a recent study on community helpers, the Houston Head Start took a trip to the Houston fire station. The kids toured the station, sat in several fire trucks, learned about the different equipment firefighters use and visited with Fire Chief Robbie Smith. With the students are teacher Sheena Postlewait, family advocate Tiffany Miller and teacher aides Dorothy King and Kerry Brown. (Submitted photo)
Houston Police Department Chief Tim Ceplina, left, and Sgt. Matt Woodmansee stand in front of the agency's new 2019 Dodge Charger patrol vehicle. Both officers are sporting the department's new look, complete with new bullet-proof tactical vests and lightweight long sleeve shirts, along with updated body cameras and radios.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
The Houston Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday of last week at the McDonald's restaurant in Houston. The event coincided with an open house showcasing the completed remodeling of the store's interior. Along with chamber personnel, attendees included City of Houston employees (including Mayor Willy Walker, who read a proclamation to the group), McDonald's officials and employees and other members of the community. McDonald's opened in Houston in April 1993.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
Houston mayor Willy Walker signed paperwork for a USDA Rural Development grant for a new fire truck during a ceremony at city hall Thursday morning. Seated, from left, Houston city council member Joe Honeycutt, local USDA Rural Development office representative Emma Hohenberger, Walker, Will Wheeler of Sen. Roy Blunt's office and Jenni Riegel of Rep. Jason Smith's office. Standing, Houston city administrator Scott Avery, city clerk Heather Sponsler, economic development director Rob Harrington and fire chief Robbie Smith.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
Cpl. David Kidwell stands with family members during a fish fry lunch in his honor hosted by the City of Houston last Friday at the city electric department shed on Oak Hill Drive. From left, Kidwell's grandson Wesley Hohlt, his daughter Jackie Hohlt holding his other grandson Warren, Kidwell, his mother Karen Kidwell and his wife Cheryl Kidwell.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
At the annual banquet hosted in March by the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce, several women donned dresses appropriate for the event’s “Gone with the Wind” theme. From left, JoAnn Adey, Amber Stone, chamber director Angie Quinlan, Cassie Gunter, Christina Lane and Beverly St. John.
A color guard quartet from the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Mo., performs as part of an event last Friday marking the opening of the Texas County Historical and Military Museum in downtown Houston. The group has had success in regional competition and is expected to be a contender at this week's nationals.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
Houston School District officials stand together Tuesday afternoon during a ground breaking ceremony for the district's new gymnasium construction project. From left, Superintendent Dr. Allen Moss and board of education members Jeff Gettys, Leon Slape, Jo Holland, Stacie ely, Jennifer Scheets, Christie Koch and Darren Ice.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
Owners and staff of Piney River Ford and Romines Motor Co. and family members. From left, Shelbi Dixon, Josh Dixon, Lisa Dixon, Rick Dixon, Lydia Dixon, Tyler Romines, Barbra Romines, Don Romines, Kane Roth, Kayla Roth, Rocky Gilbert, Brittany Gilbert, Lynn Loveland and Jay Loveland.
- SUBMITTED PHOTO
In a meeting last Wednesday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas County emergency management director Clint Schwarz addresses a gathering including members of the Houston Miniserial Alliance and leaders from churches in other parts of Texas County, along with fire department personnel and leaders of other public organizations in the county. Schwartz answered questions and various attendees shared strategic suggestions related to coronavirus.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
During a meeting about coronavirus Friday afternoon at the Texas County Justice Center, Texas County emergency management director Clint Schwarz, left, addresses a gathering including City of Houston and Texas County officials, along with members of local law enforcement agencies and other entities. Representatives of the Texas County Health Department and Texas County Memorial Hospital also spoke.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
Texas County emergency management director Clint Schwarz discusses matters during a meeting Tuesday at the Texas County Health Department. Listening are Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey and officials from several county fire departments. Schwartz is now conducting briefings via conferecne calls to comply with government officials' calls to limit gatherings to 10 people or fewer.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
Mike Jones, of Mobile Auto Glass in Simmons, prepares to replace a windshield on a 2012 Ford Focus Thursday morning at Piney River Ford. All but four of the vehicles on the dealership's lot sustained damage from the major hail storm that passed through part of the area on Friday, March 27.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
Houston resident bobby Bell accepts a meal from Roberto Garcia Jr. at the Liilia's Taqueria pickup window in the alley on the east side of Gradn Avenue in downtown Houston. Some area restaurants remain open with drive-through or pickup service only.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
A pair of employees mans the specially roped-off area at the entrance to the Houston Walmart. During the COVID-19 situation and the subsequent social distancing standards, management said the store is maintaining a maximum number of 269 people inside until further notice.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
A parade of vehicles rolls past HHS baseball team seniors during last Friday's "Drive-By" event. Lights in Tiger Stadium and at Carter Field can be seen shining in the background, as part of the nationwide "Be The Light" campaign.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
The American flag in the middle of the Lone Star Plaza in downtown Houston waves in the breeze last Thursday afternoon behind fencing adorned with brightly colored waterproof ribbons. Dozens of the ribbons were produced and donated by D&L Florist in Houston and placed on businesses' doorways and other locations as a way of recognizing Houston High School seniors whose school year was cut short by COVID-19.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
City of Houston employees install a polypropylene surface Friday morning on the city's half-court basketball facility between Walnut Street and Main Street. City parks and recreation department director Stetson Evetts said the court is now ready for use. A similar surface will soon be installed on the full-court facility at Emmett Kelly Park that was recently enlarged.
- ISAIAH BUSE | HOUSTON HERALD
Banners depicting Houston High School graduating seniors hang from pole in the Lone Star Plaza. The City of Houston put up banners honoring all of the graduates whose school year was cut short by COVID-19. Each banner shows a different kid on each side.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
Residents of Houston House Nursing Center sit in the facility's parking lot during a "drive-by" salute last Thursday morning. The procession on Industrial Drive featured about 50 vehicles, including some from various law enforcement and emergency response agencies, and dozens of cars and trucks containing children and relatives of the residents and other people wanting to wish them well. As the vehicles slowly drove by, residents applauded and people yelled out statments of encouragement and love. Due to COVID-19, Houston House has been on lockdown for about two months, with no visitors allowed inside and residents allowed only limited movement.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
Workers with Westport Pools (out of Maryland Heights, Mo.) install coping on Wednesday of last week at the City of Houston's new municipal pool at West Side Park. City officials expect the facility to be ready for public use sometime this summer.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
City of Houston economic development director Rob Harrington and Houston Industrial Development Authority (IDA) board president Carl Honeycutt prepare last Thursday to sign paperwork for a $260,000 USDA Community Facilities Grant benefiting the Piney River Technical Center. Also present for the signing were several IDA board members and others with important roles related to the grant funding. Front row, from left, Honeycutt, Harrington and IDA board members Tom Dunn and Dr. Justin Copley. Back row, Houston Schools Superintendent Dr. Allen Moss, Texas County Memorial Hospital healthcare foundation director Jay Gentry, IDA treasurer Brad Rees and TCMH CEO Wes Murray.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
The Houston Lions Club recently recognized the Houston School District Teachers of the Year. From left, Greg Huffman (high school), Veronica Douglas (elementary school) and Sandra Haney (middle school). At right is Lions Club president Bennie Cook. "We are blessed to have some great teachers in our area," Cook said, "and the Lions Club officers and members appreciates everything they do."
- SUBMITTED PHOTO
Texas County Memorial Hospital personnel deal with a lone person in a car at a free COVID-19 drive-through testing event Tuesday morning at the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce fairgrounds. Officals said test results would take up to 10 days to receive.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
The Houston Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting last Friday at Piney River Ford in Houston. The ceremony was part of a customer appreciation event that included free ice cream, cookies and lemonade. The dealership's co-owner Rick Dixon and general manager each addressed the sizable crowd that had gathered.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
On its first day of operation Monday morning, Security Bank of the Ozarks president Brad Williams accepts the key to the new Houston branch from Gary Gentry of Gentry Construction. From left, Summersville bracn vice president David Barnett, Houston branch vice president and branch manager Jay Williams, senior vice president Dorothy Williams, president Brad Williams, Gary Gentry and executive vice president Jeff Williams.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
A group of flags including the American flag and those of the five traditional U.S. military branches was recently installed below the pavillion at the city of Houston's Pine Lawn Cemetery. The array was in large part donated by the family of the late Don Tottingham, who was mayor of Houston from 2011 to 2019. The military branch flags include, from left, Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Army. The array is visible from U.S. 63 and Emmett Kelly Park on a hill to the east of the highway.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
Houston High School prom held its annual event Friday at the community building at the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Fairgrounds. The event was postponed earlier due to the coronavirus. Pictured areQueen Baylee Weaver and King Dakota Burchett. JOE WARD PHOTOGRAPHY
American Legion Post 41 in Houston recently conducted its annual installation of officers. From left, Post Commander Robert Joens, Post Adjutant Glen McKinney, First Vice Commander Jerry Wildhaber, Second Vice Commander and Chaplain Robert Simpson and Finance Officer Tyler DeHart. In front is District 16 Commander Marilyn Hirsch. Not shown: Sergeant-at-arms Robert Demitry. Post 41 also celebrated its 83rd anniversary.
- SUBMITTED PHOTO
As a huge crowd watches, cars and drivers mix it up last Saturday night in the arena at the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Fairgrounds during the second night of the second annual "Show Me Smash" demolotion derby hosted by the chamber.
- SUBMITTED PHOTO
A building is demonlished late last week on property on Pine Street recently purchased by the Houston School District. The spacew will be used for parking for the school and downtown business district. The site over the years was used for an eatery that catered to school students, then later as a beauty salon and apartments. The work was performed by Jared Smith Hauling and Excavating. DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
On Wednesday of last week, workers remove soil abnd rock from the bank of Coyle Branch at Emmett Kelly Park in Houston to make way for a rock-filled gabion basket wall designed to prevent erosion. the City of Houston project is largely begin funded by FEMA.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
It was a big day for students at Houston Elementary School as the doors opened district wide for the first time since spring. Students gather just before the doors are opened. Special protocols are in place to keep staff and students safe. BRAD GENTRY | HOUSTON HERALD
Employees with Gaebe Contracting (of Pacific, Mo.) work last Wednesday next to the Storm Shelter on First Street in the beginning stages of the City of Houston's fiber-to-the-home project to bring high speed Internet to residents and businesses within city limits.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
A worker positions a new Ford oval into place last Thursday on the highway sign at Piney River Ford in Houston. The old signage was replaced after being damaged during the storm that dropped huge hail stones around the area on March 27.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
Raymondville Fire Department Chief Mike Jackson accpets a donation from a motorist Friday afternoon as part of the annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Personnel from the City of Houston, Houston Rural and Raymondville fire departments took donations from noon to 6 p.m. at U.S. 63 and Holder Drive. Firefighters across the U.S. have been participating in Fill the Boot since 1954.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
Members of American Legion Post 41 stand at attention during a ceremony recognizing National POW/MIA Day last Friday at the Military Memorial adjacent to the county administrative building in downtown Houston. National POW/MIA Day takes place each year on the third Friday in September in honor of U.S. military prisoners of war and servcie personnel missing in action.
- DOUG DAVISON | HOUSTON HERALD
