Coffee group honors Kyle Bates

The “Morning Coffee Group” members who meet at Charburger Stockade Restaurant on Kilgore Street enjoyed an unusual celebration with cake and sausage biscuits with their usual coffee Thursday morning.

Kyle Bates turned 100 years old on Nov. 11. As usual he drove his Buick to the restaurant and was surprised by the festive spirit awaiting his arrival. Johnny Wade, owner and operator of the restaurant, presented Mr. Bates with a plaque to note the occasion and furnished the goodies for everyone. A dozen close friends of the coffee group were present and sang their own rendition of Happy Birthday.

Mr. Bates also received a $100 bill — $1 for each year of his life.