KILGOROUND
KATHRYN MARTINEZ

There is a new addition to my family this week. I am the adoptive mother of a new "fur baby." My new addition is an almost eightyear old Schnauzer.

I was talking to Bruce Stanton, News Herald columnist, recently about his little Schnauzer, when he told me about a family in Wills Point that was looking for a loving home for their little bundle of joy. I went to wills Point and met her. It was love at first sight. Her name is Diva - but she doesn't answer to that. I call he Prissy and that seems to suit her; and boy is she ever. But, on the other hand, she is also curious, hyper and noisy!

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well it is that time of year again. Although school is out letters are still pouring in from universities, touting the successes of many of Kilgore's college scholars. At Stephen F. Austin Kilgore's Sarah Hale, Natalie Mc- Caffiety, Tara Powdrill and

Lacy Waldo were all names to the Dean's List;

At West Texas A&M University Kerry Riley graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies; and,

At Sam Houston State University, James Cureton II made the Dean's List and graduated with a Master of Science.

Bryce Lippitz also made the Dean's list and James Williams Jr. Made the President's Honor Roll and the Dean's List.

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The United Nations says there are over one billion people in the world living in poverty housing, and in the United States home foreclosures are hitting crisis levels, reportedly up 150% from just two years ago.

That kind of news is overwhelming - but one group of inspired cyclists believes the headlines of tomorrow can change. And they are out to raise awareness and funds for groups all over the country willing to take on the task of addressing affordable housing in their own communities, including right here in the Kilgore Area.

Inspired by Habitat for Humanity founder, Millard Fuller, and sponsored by his new non-profit housing organization, The Fuller Center for Housing, cyclists began The Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure on June 14th in San Diego, CA, and will conclude their trek in Savannah, GA on August 8th. As they come to places like Kilgore which has recently established a Fuller Center Covenant Partner, they intend to bring attention to its work and a message of hope during the housing crisis, as well as to help raise funds to further the local work. In some cities, riders will also stop to put their hands to work by building at some of the projects.

National Trip Leader, Ryan Iafigliola, invites anyone interested to join the adventure. "We will have about forty days of faith and purpose driven cycling, and I truly believe it will be the adventure of a lifetime. I feel privileged to further this important movement in this creative and exciting way." Riders may join for the entire route, just a portion, or even just a day. Interested cyclists or donors may visit HYPERLINK "http://www.fullercenterbiketrip. com" www.fullercenterbiketrip.com or send an e-mail to HYPERLINK "mailto:bike@fullercenter. org" bike@fullercenter. org.

There will be an information meeting on Saturday July 19 at 3:30 pm at the First Christian Church in Kilgore to welcome the riders and to receive more information about the Piney Woods Heritage Fuller Center for Housing which is being developed in the Kilgore Area. Call 866-375-3036 for more information.

The Fuller Center for Housing is an ecumenical, Christian, non-profit organization dedicated to building and rehabilitating homes for people in need. Through innovative partnerships with individuals and community organizations throughout the world, The Fuller Center brings people of all faiths and backgrounds together in an unrelenting quest to provide safe, adequate housing for the world's poor. Founded by well-known humanitarian Millard Fuller, The Fuller Center believes decent shelter should be a matter of conscience and action with people everywhere. For more information, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.fullercenter. org"

Celebrating birthdays today are Aleene Hassell, Ray Green, Marsha Campbell, Tommy McPherson, Penni Perkins, Steven Martin, Bob Bradberry, Gabrielle Samples, Bob Daniel, Louise King, Kathy Barnhill, Mrs. J.P. Haynes, John Gardner, Kim Reynolds.

Celebrating anniversaries today are Cecil and Nancy Cornelison, Pamela and Floyd Lusk, Gary and Kellie Huffman.

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Blowing out the birthday candles on Saturday are Joe David Clark, Louis Hall, Opal Stewart, David Cates, John Wilbert Foster, Marcus Jones, Kirk Kirkland, Juanita Collins, Donald Gene Webb, Debbie Nicholson, Jena Laird, Kevin Walsh, Helen Herd, John C. Russell, Barbara Long, Evelyn Banda, Donna Yancey, JaneAn Harrington, Brett Forbes, Mark Rosen, Paul Lohr.

Happy Anniversary on Saturday to Mr. and Mrs. Jim Leach, Harold and Bonnie Hart, Steve and Shirley Daniel.