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6.7.2015

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Moving the magic Bon Ton owner opens Downtown Waxahachie shop BY NEAL WHITE EDITOR

WISD graduates Waxahachie ISD graduated seniors from Global High, Waxahachie High School and High School of Choice on Friday. STORIES — PAGES 9A & 10A

Her stories are as eclectic and treasured as the vintage items she has sold in her world famous Forreston shop since 1984. Each story is a cherished memory that takes the listener to a distant time, in a different setting. Like the collection of treasures in her shop, Barbra Kauffman never seems to run out of stories, delivering each one gestures. One story leads to the next, more than a few names dropped along

the way. Barbra is a consummate namedropper, but she doesn’t do it to impress as humility and grace exude from her every word. “It’s just my life,” she says. “And I’ve had a wonderful, remarkable life. In fact, I’m so happy I could just live!” Barbra is in the process of relocating her Bon Ton Vintage shop to Downtown Waxahachie. She has already begun the process of moving some items over from the Forreston store to her smaller, rented Photo by Scott Dorsett/The Daily Light

Barbra Kauffman, owner of Bon Ton Vintage in Forreston, “I’m calling it ‘La Petite Bon Ton.’ Get has opened La Petite Bon Ton inside Old Town Village AnSEE BON TON, PAGE 6A tiques & Uniques in downtown Waxahachie.

PHOTO ESSAYS — PAGES 1C & 4C

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /NEWS

Words & Music

WCT’s G.I. Jukebox

Last day of Trail today Visitors flocking to city’s premier tour, events

See a photo page on Waxahachie Community Theatre’s upcoming performance. | PAGE 5C

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /MULTIMEDIA

BY BETHANY KURTZ MIRROR MANAGING EDITOR

Ellis County residents and visitors celebrated the

Mid-Way Pancake Breakfast & Fly-in See a video of the airport’s event held Saturday. VIDEO REPORT | WEB

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /OBITUARIES Gary Blackburn, 59, Missouri Jay Brown, 62, Venus Robert Cabaniss, 82, Waxahachie Jack Crowe, Midlothian Naomie Crowley, Midlothian Mattie Dixon, 93, Waxahachie William Reich, 70, Dallas Jack Spurgeon, 84, Waxahachie PAGE 12A

Photo by Scott Dorsett/The Daily Light

EP to be released in July. Brooks has scheduled a release party at 7 p.m. on July 24 at the Waxahachie Civic Center.

which will be open from

TREVOR BROOKS

3 years after arriving in Nashville, 2010 WHS grad releases first song BY NEAL WHITE EDITOR

Don’t let his youthful appearance mislead you. Trevor Brooks has the chops and has earned his experience one note at a time. Waxahachie High School single, “Talk Me Out of Her” on iTunes. It’s the written and performed by Brooks, scheduled for release in July. For the past three years, Brooks has been living in Nashville — working, living and learn-

ing, while also opening a lot of doors looking for opportunity. “I’ve had a lot of people tell me they could never do what I did, which is basically pack up and move to Nashville to pursue a dream,” he said. “It just felt like the right thing to do and so far, it’s working out very well.” But there were a lot of twists and turns along the way. Brooks, the son of Heather Smith of Waxahachie, didn’t grow up wanting to become a musician. In fact, after graduating WHS, he SEE MUSIC, PAGE 8A

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month by stopping by a myriad of events across the city of Waxahachie. Several of the events will continue on Sunday, including the Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes and

done by the Paint Out artists for the “en plein aire” contest will be on display ers Street in downtown Waxahachie as well. Those that were out and about Saturday also visited Airport for the Pancake Breakfast and Fly-in and the Waxahachie Downtown Merchants Association “Downtown Gives Back Bash,” which provided nonportunity to showcase their services to the community. Here’s an inside look at a little of how Saturday unfolded and what this sunny Sunday still has to offer:

Photo courtesy of Trey Hunnicutt

“Talk Me Out of Her,” Friday on iTunes. The 2010 WHS est” in July. Above is the cover art for the EP. Brooks has scheduled a release party for the community at 7 p.m. on July 24 at the Waxahachie Civic Center.

MONTHS PUZZLES AWESOME PRIZES!

AIRPLANES AND PANCAKES Paul Butler's nephew could hardly stop watching the airplanes outside of the hanger long enough to eat his breakfast. Each year, Butler said SEE TRAIL, PAGE 7A

PUZZLEPALOOZA CONTEST

IT’S HERE! GAME ON! Get your daily puzzle piece INSIDE!

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PAGE 6A | WAXAHACHIE DAILY LIGHT

WAXAHACHIETX.COM/NEWS FARMGIRLS

Here comes the sun

H

Photo by Scott Dorsett/Daily Light

Barbra Kauffman visits with shoppers at her new shop inside the Old Town Village Antiques & Uniques, at 307 S. Rogers St., in Downtown Waxahachie, as one of the vendors inside the mall.

BON TON FROM PAGE 1A

it? Little Bon Ton?” she quipped, as her omnipotent humor and cheer drew others around her. “I can’t wait until she’s here all the time,” said Melissa Brown, owner of Old Towne Village. “Every time she’s here she draws a crowd because she’s one of the people you just want to be around.” Currently, Barbara is in the process of selling her building in Forreston. Until then, she is managing both locations. “Right now, I’m spending most of my time in Forreston because let’s face it, the place isn’t going to run itself. I’m constantly bringing items up here to put on display. Melissa and her staff are always here, so I really don’t need to be.” Barbra said she loves being in Downtown Waxahachie. “There’s an energy here that’s special — and there’s so many wonderful people,” she said. “I love my store in Forreston. You make sure you get that in the paper. But since (my husband) Johnny passed away, I’m just not able to keep it going. It’s too big for me to handle on my own. But there are so many wonderful memories inside that building. It is a magic place. It really is.” Pausing for effect, Barbra takes a deep breath and her eyes begin to sparkle again as an ear-to-ear grin stretches across her face. “I’m just moving the magic to Downtown Waxahachie,” she said. “That’s really all we’re doing. We’re just moving the magic.” While renowned among collectors of all things vintage and movie prop companies, most folks in Ellis County know Barbra and Johnny as the owners sures from the past. “But we weren’t always collectors,” she said. “Wait a minute. OK, we were always collectors. But that was before people would call you a hoarder because you refused to sale anything. Barbra and her husband Johnny were musicians.

“It was our life,” she explained. “We were both musicians when we met and got married 13 days later. We were professional musicians for years and then one day we decided we didn’t want to be musicians anymore.” For the next few minutes Barbra shares the story of her early life with Johnny. When she speaks of Johnny, her eyes dance behind the thick glass of her spectacles perched low on her nose, the omnipresent smile never once leaving her face. “We would have been married 54 years last Saturday,” she said, as a glint of sadness begins to replace the sparkle in her eyes. “We lived on the edge our entire life and we didn’t have any regrets. “None!” she said, putting an exclamation point on the end for added emphasis. “We had a wonderful life together.” Back to the name-dropping. When Barbra and Johnny decided to leave the music business, she was singing at a prominent venue on the East Coast. Two weeks after leaving, she receives a phone call from the booking agent. ‘’’Barbra!’ He says to me over the phone,” she begins the story, placing her hand up to her ear as if she were holding a phone. “’I just wanted you to know that I found someone to replace you.’ He says, adding ‘Her name is Barbra, too, and I didn’t even have to change the sign. Best of all, I’m paying her a whole lot less than I was paying you!’ Do tell, I said, do I know her? I asked. ‘Naw,’ he tells me. ‘She’s a young kid just starting out. Her name is Barbra Streisand.’” The area around Barbra erupts with a cacophony of both laughter and applause. “True story,” she said, holding her right hand up as if she was willing to take an oath. But being replaced by Barbra Streisand wasn’t the takeaway. “Can you believe that I was paid more than she was?” Barbra said, evoking another round of laughter. (The story of how she came to perform on the Tennessee Ernie

ello Sunshine! The FarmGirls have been making up for lost days by installing the over-due landscapes. We needed rain, our ponds are full but if you are a gardener and love to be outdoors it feels like spring was hijacked. If water was standing and the garden could not be planted and spring is gone, what can be planted now? Well we can plant okra, watermelon and cantaloupe, pumpkins and maybe cucumber. Basically, we the FarmGirls missed the boat on most of the spring planting. Ground gardening verses raised beds, this year raised beds won! At our store we have a small ground garden with squash, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. The squash is low producing, the tomatoes are coming along, pepper plants are slow growing and cucumbers, OK. In the four raised beds we have beautiful eggplants loading up with fruit and some greens all tion, knowing how we needed the rain and knowing rain is good for garden, but the outcome was determined on the drainage and timing. Especially in our black clay one garden may another garden drowning and suffering. So here is the deal, it is what it is. If you have the harvest and preserve your food. Then let’s all plan for a great fall garden.

Marilyn & Donelle Simmons FARMGIRLS

Tomatoes and peppers are planted in July for fall harvest. And more fall vegetables are planted in August. If your specialty is peroses then the rain and cooler temperatures may have encouraged a long bloom time. ers for a bouquet and the stems were incredibly long. The Belinda’s Dream, an antique variety rose with a full soft pink bloom had stems 15 inches long. The long stems were very unusual and great for We gathered royal purple indigo spires, lavender walking stick verbena, purple speedwell veronica, ers, long stemmed yellow yarrow, tall white heirloom pincushion and we made a Listen to the FarmGirls Organic Gardening Radio Show on Friday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. on 770AM, KAAM The Legends. Call 214-497-3918 to join our essential oil classes on Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 10 a.m. our gardening classes on Thursday at 2 p.m. Making friends over the garden gate.

COMMUNITY NEWS NOTES Children’s Advocacy Center “Gingerbread House” seeks volunteers Photo by Scott Dorsett/Daily Light

Old Town Village Antiques & Uniques is located at 307 S. Rogers St., in Downtown Waxahachie. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-S; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Ford television is another must hear). “True story. I gave it all up to have the best job in the world,” she said. “The people I’ve met, the friendships I’ve made through collecting and selling once Johnny and I decided to get in the business. Well, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. “OK, I do have some things that I’m never going to get rid of. But everything else is for sale,” perfect place in each of her stories to zip in a oneliner. While both shops are open, Barbra said she encourages folks to visit La Petite Bon Ton when they are downtown, and if they don’t see what they like, visit the main store in Forreston until the building is sold. “At that point, I, along with all the magic, will be here,” she said. Brown said she, along with other shop owners in the village, are ecstatic with the new addition of Bon Ton. “The store itself is just remarkable, there is no question her items are sought after by collectors across the country. But

best part is going to be having her here all the time. Every time she’s here she draws a crowd. People love her. They love visiting her and they love hearing her stories. As far as I’m concerned, this is a major coupe for the entire Downtown Waxahachie,” Brown added. Old Town Village Antiques & Uniques is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 1to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information on Bon Ton, visit: www.bontonvintage.com www.facebook.com/ pages/BonTon-VintageMarket/357636443242 Contact Neal at [email protected] or 469-517-1470. Follow Neal on Facebook at Neal White – Waxahachie Newspapers Inc., or on Twitter at wni_nwhite.

The Gingerbread House is seeking volunteers to be trained as a Family Greeter. A family greeter welcomes the families to the center and will assist with intake procedures. Greeters will supervise and assist children and family members with play activities in the family room. All volunteers are responsible for maintaining cli4-5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday–Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. Contact John Wyckoff at 972-9371870 or [email protected].

Waxahachie CARE Since 1982, Waxahachie CARE has provided food and assistance with utility bills to those in need in Waxahachie and south Ellis County. Waxahachie CARE survives on volunteers, private and business donations, grants and fundraisers. Food and donations are always needed and welcome. If you know someone in need, or would like to help, please contact Waxahachie CARE at 972-923-2273. They are located at 1208 Ferris Avenue. For more information, visit www.waxahachiecare.org and www.facebook.com/waxahachie.care.

Crime Stoppers of Ellis County The Crime Stoppers of Ellis County is in need of volunteers for its organization. The organization meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month at the Parks & Recreation building at 401 S. Elm St. Crime Stoppers is law enforcement to help solve crimes. For more information, visit the Crime Stoppers of Ellis County on Facebook by searching the organization’s name.

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WEDNESDAY

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DAILY LIGHT

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WISD to honor veterans BY BETHANY KURTZ MIDLOTHIAN MIRROR MANAGING EDITOR

Lady Indians take regional quarterfinals

11.11.2015

Local veterans, their guests and the community are invited to join the Ninth Grade Academy and WISD high schools today to honor the sacri-

their country. The Veterans Day program will be from 10 a.m. to noon at the Waxahachie Fine Arts Center in the high school. The ceremony teaches the students about veteran’s day and honors the

military members who attend, said Lisa Minton, a Ninth Grade Academy teacher and event coordinator. “We literally role out the red carpet for the, we have SEE VETERANS, PAGE 5

Maypearl hires new police chief

Reunited.

With former chief indicted on criminal charges, new chief ready to build trust

BREAKING

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /NEWS

BY ANDREW BRANCA DAILY LIGHT STAFF WRITER

Vehice falls off roadway PAGE 5

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /MULTIMEDIA

Homer Wright places his hand atop Johnny Thompson’s head as he recalls the moments he helped Thompson escape from Italy 70 years ago.

70 years after war ends, veteran recalls helping Italian kid escape to America BY NEAL WHITE

“To me, he’s still ‘The Kid.’ I look at him now and I still see that 12-year-old boy that was trying to survive.”

EDITOR

Lady Indians take next step PHOTO GALLERY | WEB

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /OBITUARIES Teresa Noggle PAGE 14

TODAY’S EDITION /WHAT TO DO

Nov. 11 All day

Homer Wright sat on the sofa next to Johnny Thompson, leaned over and put his arm around him in a warm embrace. “To me, he’s still ‘The Kid,’” Wright said during an emotional reunion that took place at Thompson’s in Waxahachie in midOctober. “I look at him now and I still see that 12-year-old boy that was trying to survive. Unless you were there, you would have no idea how bad the conditions were for the Italian people during the war. Everyone, including

— Homer Wright

Johnny, thought his family had been killed during the war. He was surviving doing whatever odd jobs he could for the American GIs. “I remember the outstanding character he dis-

played – his honesty and loyalty,” said Wright, now 91 and living in North Carolina. “I knew I had to do something to help this kid who had done so much to help the American troops occupying Italy.”

Wright doesn’t like to use the word “smuggle.” “But I suppose if that’s how you want to look at it, that’s exactly what I did,” he said, recalling how transport ships were arriving to take Americans back to the states following the end of the war in Europe. In January 1946, Wright’s unit received orders to return stateside. He was determined that he wasn’t going to leave “The Kid” behind. He pretions and if it came down to it, he was going to tell Johnny to get in the bag SEE ESCAPE, PAGE 9

Man to serve 75 years for sexual abuse FROM STAFF REPORTS On Monday, Ennis resident Daniel Hinojosa, 36, was sentenced by an Ellis County jury to 75 years in prison for the offense of continuous sexual abuse of a young child. The same jury previously convicted Hinojosa of the offense after a trial in the 40th District court.

During the trial, jurors heard testimony that Hinojosa repeatedly molested the victim for several years until she was 16 years old. The abuse began when she was 12. The evidence showed that Hinojosa would give the victim marijuana in exchange for sexual favors. Jurors deliberated for about two hours before handing down their

sentence. During punishment, jurors heard evidence of human trafvictim and another minor for sex. Prior to the girls performing sexual acts, Hinojosa would give them cocaine to prepare them. There is no parole on this offense. Therefore, Hinojosa will serve the full 75 year sentence.

MAYPEARL —The city of Maypearl welcomed its new police chief at the Monday night city council meeting. Police Chief Marlin Suell was sworn in by Maypearl Municipal Court Judge Bill Scott and will start work on Nov. 16 “I have always loved serving. After serving 26 years in law enforcement and in county government, I always wanted an opportunity to run a police department. Suell Maypearl was on of those cities and small towns that remind me of home,” Suell said. “I grew up in Center, Texas and it is so familiar with me to come back here to Maypearl especially when I saw the Brookshire I ever had as a young 16 year old kid in high school was working at Brookshire Brothers.” During his career in law enforcement, Suell has served with three counties. He began his career with the Smith in Tyler and served as chief deputy with both the Dallas and Harris County Sheriff ’s a master’s degree in business administration Texas Commission on Law Enforcement as a

Hinojosa

has received training through the FBI National Academy and has received the Governor‘s Medal of Valor. SEE CHIEF, PAGE 5

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PAGE 14 | WAXAHACHIE DAILY LIGHT

TODAY’S FORECAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

TODAY

FORECAST FOR WAXAHACHIE

HIGH: 76° LOW: 46°

A severe a.m. t-storm; breezy with clouds breaking RealFeel: 73° / 46°

THURSDAY

Shown is today's weather. Temperatures are today's highs and tonight's lows.

Lawton 70/37

HIGH: 66° LOW: 45°

McAlester 72/42

Times of clouds and sun

OBITUARIES

Fort Smith 73/44

Teresa Noggle Sept. 23, 1947Oct. 12, 2015

Teresa Noggle, 68, peacefully returned to the arms of her Heavenly FRIDAY HIGH: 64° LOW: 44° Sulphur Father on Sunshine and some clouds Dallas Springs Oct. 12, 77/47 Fort Worth 2015 after 76/47 Abilene RealFeel: 68° / 46° 78/47 her cou73/41 SATURDAY HIGH: 62° LOW: 47° Shreveport rageous Waxahachie Mainly cloudy battle with 76/46 Tyler 76/50 breast 76/47 cancer. RealFeel: 64° / 43° Brownwood Waco Despite her 76/36 SUNDAY HIGH: 57° LOW: 49° 79/45 Nacogdoches illness, she Cloudy with rain tapering off 76/46 inspired Forecasts and graphics provided Noggle her loved AccuWeather, Inc. ©2015 by RealFeel: 54° / 44° ones with the incredThe patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is an exible amount of courage SUN & MOON MOON PHASES clusive index of effective temperature based on eight weather factors. and strength she exuded Today Thursday New First Full Last every day. LOCAL ALMANAC Sunrise 6:53 am 6:54 am Teresa Yvonne Noggle Statistics through Monday Sunset 5:30 pm 5:29 pm was born on Sept. 23, Moonrise 6:41 am 7:35 am High / Low temperatures 68° / 49° Nov 11 Nov 19 Nov 25 Dec 3 1947 to parents WilMoonset 5:49 pm 6:31 pm Precipitation 0.00" lard Jack Stephens and Ollie LaVerne Stephens my action and positive ripples Johnny shook his head and in Breckenridge. Before that it left over the years. I have quickly tried to brush his hair her retirement in 2010, a chance to see how his life has back into place, just like he did FROM PAGE 12 Teresa worked as a title changed and he has changed oth- when he was a kid after acceptcloser in Ellis County for ers. Would I do it again? Absoing the gesture of affection from 34 years and in Tarrant I know my days are running lutely.” an American GI. County for 10 years. She short,” Wright said. “I wouldn’t While Wright said back in 1946 “To me, he is still ‘The Kid,’” married her high school have missed this trip for all the he had hoped Johnny would join Wright said. “We’re both old sweetheart, Tommy Lee world. I’ve been looking forward him in North Carolina where men, I know. But when I look at Noggle on June 3, 1966 to it for some time now. I just he was prepared to adopt him, him all I see is this 12-year-old in Breckenridge with wanted to see him one more time. “Curley” Thompson, who passed boy with great character and much love, strength and “It’s not very often we have the away several years ago, made strength in the face of overdiscipline. chance to see what impact our ac- sure Johnny was well taken care whelming adversity. I wouldn’t A daughter, sister, wife, tions can make on the world,” he of in Waxahachie. have missed this trip for anymother, grandmother and said. “Back in 1946 I just thought “I’m very proud of Johnny,” thing in the world.” friend to many who loved I was doing the right thing by Wright said, reaching over and trying to help a really good kid Contact Neal at [email protected] or Teresa dearly, it is undermusing Johnny’s hair with his 469-517-1470. Follow Neal on Facebook at Neal who had absolutely nothing. stood that to know Teresa White – Waxahachie Newspapers Inc., or on TwitToday, I got to see the results of is to love Teresa. She will ter at wni_nwhite.

Wichita Falls 71/40

RealFeel: 69° / 47°

ESCAPE

3 props pass in Glenn Heights BY RITA COOK DAILY LIGHT CORRESPONDENT

GLENN HEIGHTS – The residents of Glenn Heights have spoken and said yes to all three propositions that were on the Nov. 3 General Obligation Bond Referendum. The propositions totaled $15 million in General Bond Obligations for the city’s capital needs including a proposition for $3.5 million for a public safety building that passed with 248 votes in favor and 137 against, a $3.5 million propositions for a community center, which passed with 258 votes and 124 against and an $8 million proposition for the replacement and expansion of city streets with sidewalks located in both Dallas and Ellis County passed with 318 votes for and 69 against. Glenn Heights Mayor Leon Tate had said be-

“If these items do pass in the November election in exchange, the city will receive modern, tangible roads and facilities and necessary city assets that also promote economic development.” — Glenn Heights Mayor Leon Tate

fore Tuesday’s vote that “If these items do pass in the November election in exchange, the city will receive modern, tangible roads and facilities and necessary city assets that also promote economic development.” Early on, as the council discussed the potential for a bond election, not all residents were in favor. But with the city of Glenn Heights turning 50 years old in 2020, the council saw the need expansion and improvement. “Our quest to move the city of Glenn Heights for-

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ward from good to great is not a destination. It’s a journey,” Tate concluded. “There is a real cost to doing ‘nothing’ and without a new revenue infusion, it’s quite possible that future city leaders in 2020 will be dealing with these exact issues, only with a higher price tag for our citizens.”

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ceremony. Midlothian Funeral Home 200 E. Ave E, P.O. Box 1210 Midlothian, Texas 76065

COMMUNITY NEWS NOTES The Waxahachie Proclamation to “Turn on the Lights”

WSA Presents Virtuoso Concert Organist

The VFW Post 3894 and their Auxiliaries are asking residents to “Turn on their Porch Lights” from 6 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday night, Nov. 11 to show their support for our military veterans.

Friday Book Club The Friday Book Club will meet in the home of Judy Shank in Dallas on Nov. 13. Coffee will be served at 10 a.m. and book review at 10:30 a.m. Susan Boone will be reviewing “The Aviator’s Wife” by Melanie Benjamin.

The WSA will travel to First United Methodist Church for a performance of classical and sacred music for the pipe organ by virtuoso concert organist Bradley Hunter Welch at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. Schedule information and tickets for the Waxahachie Symphony Association are available online at waxahachiesymphony.org.

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be remembered by her kind, loving, and generous heart, her ability to make everyone smile and feel welcome when she entered the room, and her relentless devotion to her family and friends. Teresa is survived by her husband, Tommy Noggle; her children, Steve Noggle and wife, Jenny; Kenneth Noggle and wife, Janice; and Billie Jo Postlewait and husband, Nathan; her grandchildren Jordan, Chris, Meggan, Lauren, Paul, and Jack; many great grandchildren; her brothers, Jack Kenneth Stephens and Dennis Stephens; and her cousins, Norma Jodi Sorelle and Tommy Sorelle. She is preceded in death by her father, Willard Jack Stephens; his parents; and her mother, Ollie LaVerne Stephens and her parents. A memorial of Teresa’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 14, 2015 at Midlothian Funeral Home. The Rev. Otho Junior

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WAXAHACHIE DAILY LIGHT | PAGE 9

WAXAHACHIETX.COM/NEWS ESCAPE FROM PAGE 1

School in 1952. The only difference between Johnny and the other students is that Johnny was a national news story, and updates about his life appeared frequently in national magazines and newspapers. Following high school, Johnny and Oscie Kirkland, his teammate on the Indians football team, joined the Navy. After spending two years in the Navy, both returned to Waxahachie and began careers at the

and he would carry him aboard the transport ship. Instead, he was able to bribe the merchant marine on the quarterdeck who allowed Johnny to board the ship without any questions asked. Nearly everyone in the unit was in on the operation, and Wright said they all shared rations with him and helped to keep Johnny hidden during raising their families. the trans-Atlantic voyage that “We’ve been friends since arrived in New York on Feb. 2, school, and we still are today,” 1946. said Kirkland, who also at“I was just trying to do sometended the October reunion. thing to help this kid,” Wright “Johnny was my supervisor at recalled. “I later found out that I could have been brought up fair, dedicated always willing to on a number of international help out to get the job done. He charges – including kidnapping. was everything anyone would “But you know what, I’d do it want from a supervisor. He’s again,” he said. “Today, I had to been an even better friend.” chance to visit with his family Tears welled in Wright’s and meet his wonderful chileyes as he spoke of “The Kid” dren and grandchildren. They Photo by Scott Dorsett/ The Daily Light he helped nearly 70 years ago all have remarkable characJohnny Thompson (left) visits with Homer Wright (right), the man who changed his life 70 years ago. – only wanting him to have a ter – the same character that better life and an opportunity I remember in Johnny when back to Italy, he became a nafriended the arriving Americans would always stir something up he didn’t think he would have he was just that 12-year-old tional media sensation and his in Salerno, Italy, doing transbut the Texans would always in post war Italy. boy trying to survive a war. I story was featured on magalating services and whatever win.” “I really thought if I could get see his life and the legacy he zines and newspapers throughchores and odd jobs they would After he was granted citizenhim to the States we could get has passed on and yes, I would out the nation. allow him to do in exchange for ship, The New York Daily News him in school, perhaps college absolutely do it again knowing So much, in fact, the Texas scraps of rations or a few cents. bought Johnny a plane ticket after he graduated high school all the risks involved.” Congressional Delegation made Claren, a Waxahachie native, to Dallas, decked out in cowboy and he would go back to Italy,” It turns out getting Johnny to Johnny’s case a top priority in took a shine to the young boy, clothing donated by members Wright said. “I visited with his the shores of America was the Congress, with then Attorney of the 36th Infantry Division. kids today and I realize how easy part. Getting him off the General Tom Clark, a native unit took part in the campaign He arrived in Texas on Feb. 23, blessed he has been to enjoy ship turned out to be the real Texans, dethrough Italy. 1946, where such a great challenge. manding JohnDuring that time, Claren Texas dignitarlife. Looking “I was just trying to The plan was, ny be released promised Johnny that if he ever ies and celebri- “I really thought if I back at my life, according to and allowed to made it to America he’d have a ties, including I’m very proud do something to help could get him to the Wright, that the travel to Texas. home waiting for him in Texas. Claren's mother, I had a hand this kid. I later found troops would In fact, Johnny The two had become so close, A.D. Thompson, States we could get in making that disembark from out that I could have Thompson is Johnny’s English included a met him. him in school, perhaps happen. He is the ship and the only known Texas dialect, so perfect it even While the an outbeen brought up on a college after he gradu- such Johnny would immigrant to made native Texans believe adoption was standing person stay aboard who has made a number of international receive natural- Johnny had lived in Texas his ated high school and until the coast ized citizenship entire life. Italy, Claren tremendous imcharges – including kid- via congressiohe would go back to was clear. As “I didn’t know anything about “Curley” pact on the lives soon as he could napping. But you know nal resolution. Texas,” Johnny said during a Thompson of others here in Italy.” safely get off While Wright previous Daily Light interview Texas.” the ship, he was what, I’d do it again.” was the one in explaining how he came to in Waxahachie Speaking sol— Homer Wright emnly, Wright to proceed to who made become a U.S./Texas and Waxa- and Johnny — Homer Wright Johnny’s trip to hachie citizen. “But I knew they changed his Union Station, said this would call Wright’s America possilast name from be his last visit with Johnny, parents and ble, Johnny’s impact on Ameriwas one of the main guys. He Camera to Thompson. Johnny noting Johnny’s failing health. receive directions on how to can GIs dated back to the fall was 6-feet, 2-inches and about was enrolled at Marvin Ele“I’m 91 years old, and while travel to their house. 240 pounds. I didn’t see anyone mentary School, went on to play I’ve been blessed with a wonBut things didn’t go according Sgt. Claren “Curly” Thompson who could whip him and he sports and participate in all the derful life, to plans. with the 36th Infantry Division. activities just like every other SEE ESCAPE, PAGE 14 Johnny was detained. Believed orphaned and strug- decided I wanted to be a Texan American student. He graduBut instead of being deported gling to survive, Johnny belike Thompson. The Yankees ated from Waxahachie High

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Chautauqua Assembly 2015

History takes flight INSIDE

Tribe downed again

BY ANDREW BRANCA DAILY LIGHT STAFF WRITER

Aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman’s legacy was honored on Friday eve-

The Indians loss to Lake Ridge on Friday drops the team to last place in district 14-5A standings. | SPORTS

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /NEWS

ning at Mid-Way Regional Airport. A plaque was dedicated on airport grounds to recognize the 90th anWaxahachie. While born in Atlanta, Texas, Coleman’s family moved to Waxahachie when she was 2 years old. She later traveled to France and earned her pilots license I921. After Coleman completed her train-

American to receive an international African American decent to earn a pilot’s license. Coleman came back to Waxahachie on Sept. 26, 1925 and which is now the home of SEE COLEMAN, PAGE 2A

The case of the missing safe

60 years of

Healing

Estate sale leads to mystery over missing money BY SHELLY CONLON

4 hurt on U.S. 77

MANAGING EDITOR

In a rollover accident on U.S. 77 Thursday, four people were taken to Dallas hospitals. | PAGE 10A

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /MULTIMEDIA

Seniors celebrate homecoming Midlothian High School students select homecoming king and queen at an assisted living center. PHOTO GALLERY | WEB

WAXAHACHIETX.COM /OBITUARIES Angel Cole, 35, Waxahachie Mary Katherine Carroll, 99, Red Oak PAGE 14A

Photo by Scott Dorsett/The Daily Light

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Dr. John Compton still makes house calls BY NEAL WHITE EDITOR

A lot has changed during the past six decades since Dr. John Compton Ferris Ave., in downtown Waxahachie. The city has grown substantially since that day on Aug. 25, 1955. Medicine itself has changed — point that out. And, he still makes house calls. “Not as much as I used to 60 years ago. Mostly, now I make visits to check on my elderly patients who have trouble getting out. I want to make sure they are OK and doing well,” said the Waxahachie away from celebrating his 90th birthday. practice as a general practitioner/ family physician.

For those who are wondering, he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. “Oh heavens no,” he responded when asked about retirement. “I’d miss my patients too much.” Dr. Compton said he once entertained the idea of retirement. “It didn’t last too long,” he recalled. “The only way I would even consider it is if I could keep the ofthe door open and visit with my patients. I love that interaction.” Describing that characteristic out of place in today’s modern medicine, Dr. Compton said he still takes the time to get to know each patient, learning as much about them as he can. “That’s the way medicine is supposed to be practiced,” he said, noting he recently treated a child for a condition, realizing he also treated his father for the same condition when he was a boy. “There is no substitute for experience — and for

getting to know your patients.” While he was more than happy to share many wonderful memories from the past 60 years of practicing medicine in Waxahachie, Dr. Compton was far more focused on looking forward. hachie was a small, sleepy little town not far from Dallas,” he said. “My wife and I thought this was a perfect place to settle in and raise our family. We could have the country life, yet it was still close enough to drive to Dallas to see a show or go to a nice restaurant, which we liked to do. “But it was the people,” he said, his voice starting to break as he spoke. “I love the people here. I now have patients who are the second or third generation of my original patients — and I’m still treating them as well. No, I don’t have any regrets about choosing to practice medicine in Waxahachie. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Two men. One key. One missing safe. An estate sale divided, with the notion to stand up for what’s right and what’s wrong. Not to mention the safe could have thousands of dollars worth of coins inside. Yes, you read that right. A man from Waxahachie tion order Sept. 18, and is in the process heading toward a breach of contract lawsuit in an atdisappeared during an estate sale on Sept. 17. The order was supposed to keep the safe from Chambers going anywhere while attorneys helped sort out the debacle, but Jeremy Chambers has to track the only key still in SEE SAFE, PAGE 12A

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SEE DR. COMPTON, PAGE 2A

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PAGE 2A | WAXAHACHIE DAILY LIGHT

WAXAHACHIETX.COM/NEWS COLEMAN

Maddox made an appearance at the dedication as Coleman. Maddox told the crowd she was honored to be in Coleman’s hometown for the dedication. “It is such an honor and a privilege to be here to represent a woman such as Bessie Coleman. Bessie Coleman’s story inspires me. Throughout life there are obstacles. There are

FROM PAGE 1A

Southwestern Assemblies of God University. “Well, Bessie is one of our favorite people. She grew up here and, of course, claimed Waxahachie as home. So it is said Chuck Beatty, a Waxahachie city council member. “We have got the state historical marker at the Freeman’s memorial plaza, but we needed something out here at the airport. We do need to tell more of our history, especially to the kids. They need to know that somebody came to Waxahachie and they can inspire to go Bessie.” The aluminum cast plaque is 12 inches by 18 inches and is on a raised pedestal located next terminal building. The plaque features a picture of Coleman and a narrative about her life and contribution to aviation.

Photo by Scott Dorsett/ Daily Light

From left to right, Waxahachie councilman Chuck Beatty, historical actor Joanna Maddox and airport manager Judy Demoney celebrate the 90th anniversary of Bessie Coleman’s

Airport manager Judy Demoney opened up the dedication ceremony. Demoney told the crowd this is something that airport has wanted to do for a long time to recognize the achievements of the wellknown aviator. Mid-Way Airport board chairman David Box shared Demoney’s feelings

DR. COMPTON FROM PAGE 1A

He noted most of his patients want to give him a hug every time they see him. “They say you need three hugs a day to survive,” Dr. Compton said. “My patients give me way more than that every day. I’m a blessed man. I truly am blessed.” In fact, every time he goes grocery shopping at H-E-B, his children make a point to ask, “How many hugs did you get in the store today?” “Usually, it’s more than 20,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s really nice to know that you’ve made that kind of an impact on so many other people. As I said, I’m a blessed man.” Dr. Compton and his wife Lynette raised two daughters and a son in Waxahachie. He and Lynette were married for 58 years before her passing in 2007. “I was going to put an announcement in the paper for our anniversary,” he said, as he turned his shoulders and began

about the impact Coleman has made. “This is a special event for us to recognize the achievements of Elizabeth Bessie Coleman,” Box said. “On behalf of the Mid-Way Airport, it really is my privilege to participate in today’s ceremony as we recognize the achievements of Elizabeth

as he spoke. “She said, ‘No.’ She said we should wait until our 60th anniversary to put it in the paper. “A few months later she was gone,” he said, as his voice began to trail off. Dr. Compton told the story of how he and Lynette traveled to medical conferences. Their favorite location was the annual conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In addition to attending seminars, he and Lynette would visit art galleries and purchase pieces. Standing up from the chair in his ofof his exam rooms, each decorated with themed art pieces the pair collected throughout the years. “She used to tease me for not taking a vacation that included a medical conference. I told her if we did that I couldn’t write off half of the expenses,” he quipped. He still attends medical conferences, including the annual event in Santa Fe. “The kids take turns going with me

Bessie Coleman, which is an recognition that is long over due.” The dedication was in conjunction with the Waxahachie Chautauqua Preservation Society’s annual Assembly, which place on Saturday. The theme of the Assembly was “Celebrate Flight”and historical actor Joanna

her case, there are closed doors,” Maddox said. “Bessie found a way to make her dream come true. Bessie told her mamma, ‘she would never kiss her dream goodbye.’ And she didn’t. She learned French and traveled to France and she received an international pilot’s license June 15, 1921. What an accomplishment for a black woman in those days. So she inspires me and it is a privilege for me to be here today.” Maddox also had the chance to visit with fourth and tell Coleman’s story to them. Maddox said the reception from the students was great and she hopes

that Coleman’s story will inspire them to dream and dream big. Maureen Moore, Program Chair of the Chautauqua Preservation Society, said having Maddox bring Coleman’s story to life helps to keep it alive and pass it on to others. “We hope the story of Bessie Coleman is going to be made better known in Waxahachie and around Waxahachie than it has been in the past. We had a wonderful program today at the schools with about 1,200 and she gave a program,” Moore said. “She (Coleman) is such an inspiring personality for all people and for Waxahachie people in particular. We are just thrilled that her story will be known; the story of hardship and perseverance will make a difference to young people and old people alike” Follow Andrew on Facebook at www. facebook.com/AndrewBrancaWDL or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ AndrewBrancaWNI. Contact him at [email protected] or 469-5171451.

now,” he said. “I know Lynette is still there with us, walking into every art gallery we visit.” In addition to his practice, which keeps him extremely active and busy, Dr. Compton is also involved in programs at St. Paul Episcopal Church in Waxahachie. “Church is so important,” he said, dispensing advice like an experienced physician who can see past the symptoms to diagnose the primary ailment. Medicine is more than charts and scihe said. “It’s about taking care of people,” Dr. Compton said. “How can you take care of someone if you don’t take the time to get to know them,” he asked rhetorically. “I love my patients. Caring for them is a blessing I’m very grateful for.” Contact Neal at [email protected] or 469-5171470. Follow Neal on Facebook at Neal White – Waxahachie Newspapers Inc., or on Twitter at wni_nwhite.

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