KILGOROUND
KATHRYN MARTINEZ

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and Kilgore Crisis Center spent some time with children at the new Boys & Girls Club yesterday. Jennifer Johnston, Amy Foster and Jan Brown asked the children to paint a mask to reflect how they feel when they are at home. Many of the masks painted were silly and happy; all were creative.

As a reporter, I found the event interesting; as a Boys & Girls Club Council member I enjoyed spending time with Magen Mumphrey, Christian Isaac (both 8) and Trinity Bradshaw, 6. The three painted very different masks. Trinity's was silly; Christian's was colorful; and Magen's wore make-up and had a pimple!

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Driving around town - as I sometimes do when I am looking for a story - I noticed the lights are going up around the Harris Street Park walking trail. It looks to me like the trail should be fully lighted by next weekend. Mike Green, director of special services, is out of the office until Monday, but I will follow up, so everyone knows when to go walking on the newly-lit path.

+++ The 11-12 CUBS had a rough week. They faced the Rangers twice and lost twice. The team remains optimistic though and looks forward to a great rest of the season.

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On this day in: 1846 - Thornton Affair: Open conflict begins over the disputed border of Texas, triggering the Mexican-American War; 1901 - New York becomes the first U.S. state to require automobile license plates; and in 1944 - The United Negro College Fund is incorporated.

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Born on this day in: 1965 - Eric Avery, American musician; 1969 - Renée Zellweger, American actress; and in 1983 - DeAngelo Williams, National Football League running back.

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Happy Birthday today to Jean Noel, Butch Gossage, Mrs. Karl Baughn, Charlotte Armstrong Culpepper, LaTasha Morgan, Kandi Ridens, Cassie Herron, Kathy Honea, Jean McLaurin, Be Henry, Wayne Chambers, Judy Swiger, Donald Ellis, Valerie Cummings, Fazion Forth, Melissa Tankersley, Jan Kersley.

Happy Anniversary today to Mr. and Mrs. David Hooker.

Blowing out the Birthday candles on Saturday are Mary L. Benson, Marsha Daniel, Linda Bradley, Tony Clinkscales, James Earl Pegues, Latrayl Loyd, Dana Deerinwater, Nuger Mae Jeffery, Baby Doll Boyd, Michael Taylor, Brenda Newsome, Tina Wilkins, Missy Welch, Sharon Webb, Dee Swan, Susan Morton, Wanda Hodges, Sheldon Kirbow.

Celebrating anouther year together on Saturday are Mr. and Mrs. Donald Custer.