By Melissa Motes “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:16-17). Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. These powerful words were immortalized by one of my favorite coaches when I was growing up. Coach Jimmy Valvano, was one of the greatest NCAA basketball coaches of all time. I was glued to the television at the age of 15 In 1983, when he led the NC State Wolfpack to a national championship in one of the most unforgettable upsets in college basketball history. The iconic image of Jimmy V running across the court, arms outstretched, looking for someone to embrace after their stunning victory over Houston, remains etched in the hearts of college basketball fans to this day. However, the moment that truly defined Coach Valvano’s legacy came a decade later. On March 4, 1993, while courageously battling cancer, he took the stage at the ESPY Awards and delivered a speech that transcended sports. His words, “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up,” resonated far beyond the realm of basketball, serving as a rallying cry for hope, perseverance, and the unrelenting will to keep fighting, no matter the odds. Sports often mirror life, and let’s be honest—life is hard. There are seasons when the challenges seem too big and too hard and we’re left grappling with questions we may never fully understand. Yet, in those moments, we can take comfort in a profound truth: God sees the end from the beginning. He is sovereign, and we are not. That truth alone should fill us with hope and encouragement. The Apostle Paul is one of my favorite biblical figures because his life exemplifies perseverance. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul recounts his immense hardships—shipwrecked, beaten with rods, stoned, starved, abandoned, and so much more. Yet, despite his trials, Paul never quit. He was steadfast in his mission, fully committed to glorifying God in all circumstances. Paul’s life reminds us that our strength doesn’t come from ourselves but from the God who calls and sustains us. God calls us to keep fighting the good fight. He’s already won the ultimate victory, and He promises never to leave or forsake us. He goes before us, clearing the path and leading us toward triumph. Like the greatest coach on the sidelines, Jesus has equipped us for the battles we face. Our role is to trust Him, press on, and never give up. Victory is already ours through Christ—so let’s keep running the race with endurance. Jesus has already won. Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.

We all have things that some call core memories. Memories that stay with you forever. Memories that leave a mark on your subconscious and often guide us through life. One of those memories for me is the very first time the steep trek was made up to the DeKalb Bears press box. Call me silly, but the memory of that first step into that tiny press box really did leave an indelible impression. It is a memory that runs the gamut from thinking what a small space it was, to the utter awe felt at being there to cover my first high school football game in Bowie County. There were just two chairs for us media folks, and they were right inside the door, and seemingly always in the way of others trying to gain access. But, that first time inside was magical for me. And I remember so vividly what I heard inside that night, and the one thing that stuck out then, and still does to this day, was the voice of the play by play announcer. If you know DeKalb at all, you know who that voice was, and that is what makes this story special. It is special because myself and so many others were blessed, touched and thankful to hear that same voice again, all these years later, back behind the microphone. Except this time, it was not in that tiny press box, but rather, it was in the place that is home to him, the place where God led him, as that impossible to not recognize voice comes from Maranatha Christian Center pastor Steve McMichael. Everyone around here knows that Steve was injured months ago, and has endured months of treatment, surgeries and rehab. But you can rest assured that none of us really knows or can comprehend what Steve has been through. Mechele was there with him every step of the way. This past Sunday morning brought the day that so many of us have prayed for over the last several months, and that was Pastor Steve’s return to his stage, his preaching and his place of leadership. As I watched him bring the Word of God Sunday morning, there it was. He may have been seated, but what came back in my memory was…the voice. The pastor of Maranatha Christian Center was back in the place where he has led a congregation and been a guiding light for the community for decades. His voice rang out with the Word of God as it has thousands of times before and the presence of the Lord was there in that room, as a congregation celebrated the return of Steve and Mechele. At home, in my bedroom watching online, I felt it too. There is simply no other word that fits the day other than miraculous. While most of us do not know the story of all that Steve, Mechele, and their family have gone through since the day of the accident, we do know that having him back preaching is a miracle. Miracles do happen. They may not happen when we want them to, or even when we need them to, but they do happen. Our God is a miracle working God, even when we may not see it. So, for me, to refer back to what he preached on Sunday morning, it was his voice that first guided me to become a DeKalb Bear “fanatic” and it was his voice Sunday morning that reassured me that if we don’t get our priorities right and live as a Jesus “fanatic” then everything else is kinda pointless. Pastor Steve talked about how it feels like time is flying by faster than it used to. I felt that. It really does seem like the days and months are flying by. Perhaps that is because the days we have to reach others for Jesus are counting down, and we need to be busy about the Great Commission. There are so many like myself that were blessed to hear the voice of Steve McMichael back in the place where he belongs, and there is no doubt at all that the one who isn’t rejoicing over it is the one that we all know loses in the end. So, if I may, praise the Lord for the return of the voice that I first heard in that tiny press box that helped make me a Bear fanatic, and thank God that we all can be fans of Jesus. We can all agree, that’s some really good lemonade.

Winston Dale Pinkham, born September 18, 1937, in New Boston, Texas, passed away on August 20, 2026. He lived a life defined by hard work, perseverance, service, humor, and, above all, love for his family. Raised in New Boston, Winston learned the meaning of hard work from an early age. His childhood experiences on the family farm shaped the determined and resourceful man he became. After graduating from New Boston High School in 1953, he attended Texarkana Junior College and later began a long and successful career with IBM. In 1957, Winston married Peggy Moss, the love of his life. Together they shared 55 years of marriage, raised their family, and built a life that took them to Dallas, Texas, Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia, before ultimately making their home in Spring, Texas in 1977. Winston also proudly served as an officer in the 49th Armored Division of the National Guard, including active duty at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After retiring from IBM after almost 40 years, Winston continued working and contributing to his community. He worked at Klein United Methodist Church, Showstoppers Dance and Drill alongside his daughter and H-E-B, where he remained until he was furloughed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Winston was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He took great pride in his family. Later in life he began writing his life story so that his children, grandchildren, and future generations would know where they came from and remember the experiences that shaped their family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Peggy Moss Pinkham; his parents, Thurman Chester Pinkham and Jewel Eitel Pinkham; his brother, Chester Ray Pinkham; and his sister, Patricia Pinkham Parker and her husband, Joe Parker. Those left to cherish his memory include his sister-in-law, Paula Pinkham; his children, Jeffrey Dale Pinkham, Beverly Pinkham Crawford and husband David, and Kathy Pinkham Barry and husband Brett; his grandchildren, Cameron Pinkham and wife Brittany, Garrett Pinkham and wife Alyssa, David Crawford Jr. and wife Anna, Kaitlin Barry Domangue and husband Anthony Austin Crawford, Hailey Barry Byrn and husband Matthew, Allie Barry Tucker and husband Luke, and Braden Barry; ten great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest 5th Floor North Tower, You’re First Home Care, Silverado Hospice, and staff and residents of Paradise Springs for the care, compassion, and kindness shown to Winston and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) in memory of Winston Dale Pinkham.

Dean Alan Olson, 73 of Maud, Texas passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026 in a local nursing facility. Mr. Olson was born March 28, 1953 in Igloo, South Dakota to Orville and Ianne Olson. He was retired from the Texarkana Water Utilities, a United States Retired Army Veteran and member of the American Legion Doyle Williams Post 488, New Boston. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Hazel Olson. Mr. Olson is survived by his daughter, Victoria Chapin of New Boston, Texas, son and daughter in law, Seth and Lori Olson of Maud, Texas, grandchildren Willow Igaz and fiancé Caleb, Lucia Chapin and Deanna Chapin. He is also survived by his siblings, Beth Hawkins of DeKalb, Texas, Terry and Josie Olson of Forney, Texas, Jay and Kelly Olson of New Boston, Texas, Curtis and Sandy Olson of Maud, Texas, Zane and Terri Olson of DeKalb, Texas plus numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M., Thursday, August 27, 2026 in the Bates Rolf Chapel, New Boston. Interment will follow in Ringwood Cemetery, New Boston, Texas under the direction of Bates Rolf Funeral home, New Boston. Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at the funeral home.

Bertie Carolyn Baker, 85, of Hooks, Texas, passed away on August 20, 2026. She was born on September 22, 1940, in Ben Lomond, Arkansas, to Novella King and Robert Meredith. Carolyn spent her working years as a teacher in the Genoa and Hooks school systems before retiring. Teaching was more than a career to her—it was a passion. She loved mentoring her students and remained deeply connected to her school family throughout her life. In her free time, Carolyn was an avid reader and could almost always be found with a book in hand. She also enjoyed keeping the gate at ballgames and being involved in the activities of her community. Above all, Carolyn treasured her family. She cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was lovingly known as “Grammie.” She was a loving and generous woman whose warmth and kindness touched many lives. She was preceded in death by her parents and the love of her life, her husband, Edward Baker. Carolyn leaves behind her son, Steven Baker and wife Becky of Hooks, Texas; three grandchildren, Zachry Baker, Tyler Baker and wife Haley, and Will Baker; and three great-grandchildren, Everlyn, Wrenlee, and Maycie Baker. Visitation will be held from 5:00–8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Chapelwood Funeral Home in Nash, Texas. The family will hold a private burial at a later date. Online registration and condolences may be made at www.chapelwoodfuneralhome.

Jason Albert Singleton, age 53, of Maud, Texas, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026. He was born on February 23, 1973, in Texarkana, Texas to Roy Albert and Viola Marie (Tutt) Singleton. Mr. Singleton was a tradesman at Red River Army Depot. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his family, especially wife and grandchildren. He was the type of man that always had to have a project, his most recent being restoring his Son’s truck for his granddaughter. His family described him as the center point of the family, and a hardworking man who would do anything for the people he loved. He enjoyed working with his hands, and was always planning for greater things, and bigger projects. He was a wonderful and loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Chasen Albert Singleton; and his daughter-in-law, Danielle Singleton. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Tonya Singleton of Maud, Texas; his son, Eric Singleton of DeKalb, Texas; his bonus children, Haley McBride and wife Jessica, Johnny Watson-Mendoza, Aaron Bounds and wife Alyssia; his grandchildren, Aleigha Singleton, Liam, Bentley Anne, Ava, Keleigh, and Zink; mother of his children, JoAnn Lovell; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Charlotte Storey, Darla and Keith Garton, Tammie and Gerald Megason; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Bates-Rolf Funeral Home – New Boston, Texas. Cremation arrangements are being made under the direction of Bates-Rolf Funeral Home.

Robert Daniel Tyson Sr., age 88, of Texarkana, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026. He was born on October 9, 1937, in Maud, Oklahoma, to Carl Ivan Tyson and Opal Mary McPherson Tyson. Robert proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, Robert worked as the type setter and press operator for multiple newspapers and later began a long career with Red River Army Depot, where he worked as the Chief Union Steward for Local 237 plumbers and pipe fitters before retiring. Robert was a proud Mason. His home lodge, Maud Masonic Lodge, No. 859, and he was also a member of Boston Masonic Lodge No. 69. In 2001, he served as the District Deputy Grand Master 1A. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason in Dallas and a member of the York Rite in Tyler. He was also a Shriner and a member of Hella Shrine Temple in Dallas. Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Tyson; his parents; his daughter, Brenda Walker; and his grandchildren, Michelle and Timmy; his brothers, Gary Tyler and Sammie Lynn Tyler. He is survived by his children, Carla and Roger Batchelor of DeKalb, Texas, and Little Bob and Lorna Tyson of Texarkana, Texas; his brother, Richard Tyson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his sisters-in-law, Carolyn Tyler and Faye Tyler; six grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and numerous family members and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory. Robert will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Interment will follow at Woodman Cemetery in DeKalb, Texas. Online registration at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Stanley Jones, age 69, passed away on August 11, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was born on April 14, 1957, to Johnnie Jones Sr. and Opal Jones. Stanley attended DeKalb Schools and, as a young man, attended Oak Ridge Baptist Church in DeKalb, Texas. During his working years, Stanley drove a truck for Eddie Blackmon and later worked for CMP Corp., where he served as a supervisor for many years and at World Water Works as a machinist. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and cherished the time spent outdoors. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie Jones Sr. and Opal Jones; and his siblings, Will Jones, Barbara Jones, Vernon Jones, Johnnie Jones Jr., and Thelma Giddens. Stanley is survived by his wife, Lourann Jones of Oklahoma City; his children, Stanley C. Dockins of Oklahoma City, Antonio Dockins of Oklahoma City, and Brandon Jones and wife Amanda of Oklahoma City; his stepchildren, Latrice Jones, Brandon Owens, and Roy LaBeach; his sisters, Alberta Ellis and her husband, Jimmy, of Idabel, Oklahoma, and Feleshia Jones of New Boston, Texas; his brothers, Benny Jones of Idabel, Oklahoma, and Stevie Jones and his wife, Renee, of Longview, Texas; and his nine grandchildren, Tanae Jones, Tenyce Jones, Brandon Jones Jr., Brenlynn Jones, Bryleigh Jones, Kannon Jones, Stanton Jones, Ervyianna, and Marquavion. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Bates Family Funeral Home in DeKalb, Texas, with Kevin Haywood officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in DeKalb, Texas. Stanley will be remembered by his family and friends for the life he shared with them and the memories they made together. We wish to express our deepest gratitude to Brandon Jones and Dejuan for the unwavering support of their father. Online registration is available at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Robert L. Rayburn, age 87, of Doddridge, Arkansas, died on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at his home in Miller County, Arkansas. Robert was a man of many talents. He enjoyed building craft items and furniture. His favorite activity was working with his honeybees. He raised honeybees for many years, and at one time he had over 100 hives. The most important and precious part of his daily routine was the time he spent with the Lord. He read and studied his Bible every day for many years. His family is at peace knowing he is at home in the presence of his Lord and Savior. Robert is survived by his wife Joan Rayburn, his children Karen and spouse Mark, Kathy, Teresa and spouse Dennis, Robert Glynn and spouse Jenetta, Sandra, John Luke and spouse Courtney. His stepchildren Jerry, Jeff and Jimmy Cain. Thirteen grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a sister, Nancy, and brothers Elmer (GeeWhiz), Douglas, Carl and Melvin. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Lon and Maudie Rayburn; sister Margaret and 4 brothers, Lonnie, David, Walker, and Mike. Graveside Services will be held at the Cemetery at Shiloh Baptist Church, Hwy 82 West, Texarkana, Arkansas, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with Rev. Wallace Edgar officiating.

Jacqueline Lee Brown, age 80, of DeKalb, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on August 12, 2026. She was born on May 3, 1946, in Fremont, Nebraska, to Andrew and Beulah Ogden Westphalen. Jacqueline was a retired secretary for DeKalb ISD. She enjoyed playing Bunco and crocheting, and she will be remembered for the love she shared with her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, John Westphalen; her son, Kelly Joe Brown; her daughter, Beth Ann Willock; her grandson, Mason Willock; and her brothers-in-law, Gary Jones, Chester Harrington, and H.P. O’Mary. She is survived by her son, Jeffery Brown; daughters-in-law, Martha Brown and Lana Walker; son-in-law, Marty Willock; grandsons, Nathan Willock and Colton Brown and his wife; granddaughters, Carly Hawkins and her husband and Codi Brown; many great-grandchildren; her three sisters, Janet Jones, Judy Harrington, and Joan O’Mary; her three brothers, Jim Westphalen, Jerry Westphalen, and Joe Westphalen; along with numerous other family members and friends who will cherish her memory. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in DeKalb, Texas, with Brother Augustine Alaniz and her nephew, Adam O’Mary, officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bates Family Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery. Online registration is available at www.batesfamilyfuneralhome.com.

ARNOLD “BUD” ZIMMERMAN Arnold “Bud” Zimmerman passed away peacefully at his Home in Hooks, Texas on August 9, 2026. Born on February 22, 1947, in Alicia, Arkansas. Bud was raised on the family farm in Alicia, Arkansas where he learned the values of hard work and determination from an early age. Bud proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam war era. After his honorable discharge, he worked for Red River Army Depot prior to his transfer to the Texarkana Federal Corrections Institution (FCI). After retiring from FCI, Bud was self-employed in the local appliance and air conditioning business for many years. He was a faithful member of the Hooks Church of Christ Church. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Shirley Brown Zimmerman, his parents, Fate and Ona Zimmerman, and brother Harold Zimmerman. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved nephew and caregiver Eric Kelley of New Boston, Texas, his sons, Terry Shawn Zimmerman and wife Lisa of Stephenville, Texas, Jason Zimmerman and wife Lisa of Hooks, Texas, and his sisters, Shirley and Margaret. He also leaves behind 4 cherished grandchildren, Tristan, Jaycie, Zane and Tanner along with numerous other loved ones. Bud will be remembered for his faith, dedication to his family, his service to his country, and the countless stories and conversations with those fortunate enough to know him. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Burial service will be held Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. in Gladewater Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Burial is under the direction of Bates Rolf Funeral Home.

By Rylee Freeman The Hooks Community Library is in the works to become a cozy, welcoming environment for families to gather. Emily Thomes is in the process of igniting her passion for reading by turning an old and empty building into a place for families to come together and develop an appreciation and love for books. What began as a Free Little Library outside of her home has turned into what Thomes describes as God’s perfect plan. She had briefly considered and mentioned the idea of bringing the library back to life but had not taken the time to seriously pray over it, thinking the idea was preposterous. However, the last couple of weeks have proven to Thomes that nothing is too big for God. The president of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) received word that Thomes was interested in reopening the library, which was once the Hooks Public Library before closing in 2018. On August 10, Thomes sat down for a meeting with the IDC and made a proposal. Shortly after, she received a congratulatory message stating that she now had a library. Prior to the meeting, Thomes decided to see how interested the community would be in the project because she knew it would take help. She created a Facebook page and after just one post, more than 1,000 books were offered and multiple people expressed interest in reading to children. The Hooks Community Library will be primarily aimed toward children, but a wide variety of books will be available as well. Thomes plans to bring back classic books that the new generation of children may be missing out on. “The thing I look forward to the most is seeing the kids come in, and that they’ll associate reading with the feel of a comfortable place right there on Main Street,” Thomes said. As for activities, the library will offer weekly read-alouds, a summer reading program where children are challenged to read for 15 minutes per day and a craft and board game room where families can spend as much time as they would like to. The library will be free to the community and will have extended hours. Because Thomes lives just a couple of minutes away, she plans to keep it open as often as possible. Thomes hopes to open and begin operations within the next few months. In addition to donations of books and funds, Thomes asks for prayers from the community. The Hooks Community Library is located at 101 Main St. Outside the library is a donation box for books that will be checked multiple times each day.