KILGOROUND

Progress happens and today, Nov., 5, 2008, marks the beginning of a new era within our nation and among our leaders. History has been made by the outpouring of those ready and willing to face a change. May God be with us as our newly elected leaders step forward to accept the challenge that lies before them.

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History was also made last weekend in Kilgore when Bob Bustin stepped away from calling Bingo at the Lions Club Carnival for the first time in 42 years. Mike Coston, president of the club, stepped in to attempt to fill his shoes. "He did a wonderful job, telling funny stories throughout the evening," said Ronnie Spradlin.

"This was a big thing," said Randy Renshaw. "I have listened to Bob call those numbers ever since I was a small child. The Li-

ons Club hosts the longest continual running carnival in the area," he added.

"This year has been the most financially successful year that we've had," said Renshaw, treasurer of the organization. "It enables us to help more kids at Christmas, and that's what we are all about."

Instead of holding their regular meeting on Thursday, the Lions Club has chosen to attend the East Texas Oilman's Chili Cookoff in support of their efforts to help the Kilgore Community Crisis Center.

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"It looks like it's going to be a terrific time," said Eugene Davis, director of the Crisis Center. "There have been 85 teams sign up for the cook-off — more than ever before," he exclaimed.

This will be the first year for Davis to participate in this worthwhile event, where the oilfield companies and employees rally to help with the finances of the crisis center, which operates on donations and partial funding from the government. It has lost more than 25 percent of that government funding this year. The chili cookoff has been the major fund-raising event over the years and the cutback has brought it to the forefront, even more so to help bring the crisis center up to par.

Sale of wristbands to get in the cookoff will begin at 10:30 on Thursday morning and the serving will begin at 11:30. Winners of the cookoff will be announced at 1 p.m. Just $5 will allow you to eat chili from all 85 booths, if you dare, and to participate in the People's Choice judging. All proceeds go to the Kilgore Community Crisis Center, which serves the citizens of Gregg, Rusk and Harrison counties.

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"I had my grocery money in my left front pocket," said Bobbi Harris, "and when I went to pay for my purchases the money was gone…" Thus the search began last Saturday at Wal- Mart where her son had taken her shopping. They had parked on the north side by the garden center and Bobbi retraced every step. The loss took place between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. In desperation, Bobbi even excused herself to the ladies room where she stripped with hopes of finding the money — to no avail.

"The money lost was $141 or $121," said Bobbi, "with a $100 bill on the outside of the fold. "Someone has picked it up and evidently made the decision to keep it."

She works for CSI and recently her hours were cut back. Bobbi allows herself $20 a week to spend on groceries. "Perhaps whoever found it isn't able to survive on $20 a week. If so, they deserve the money more than me," she said. "And perhaps, they just don't know how to return it and make sure it gets in the right hands."

Bobbie can be reached at 903-983-2832 or P.O. Box 442, Kilgore, Texas 75662

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Helping Hands need volunteers to work three to five hours once a week or once a month. The work involves following a shopping list to bag a family's food.

"Even if you can only give an hour, please contact us," said Susie Prater. "This is a great way to serve your community."

Call 903-984-1796 between 9 a.m. and noon Mondays through Fridays.

Celebrating being another year older today are Cathy Geese, Lauren Elrod, Arthur Coleman, Camilla Ballard, Kenneth Autry, Joseph E. Taylor, Justin Chambers, Victor Firdel Tyeskie, Robert S. Peek Jr., Daron Scott Trull, Chris Logan, Minnette Luis, Akin Harris, Tina King, Michael Bynum, Blake Messer, W.C. Rodgers, Nelda Graham, Kit Kirk Laird, Meachell Bell, Steven Gleaton, Gertrude Marshall, Melvin Caskey, Isabel Trejo, Erica Trejo, Vicki Clayton.

Celebrating being together another year today are Wesley and Betty Lou Stone, Robert and Eloise Green.