Suzanne Hassell-Grubbs loves Whataburger.

Saturday night, the hungry new bride and her groom, Adam Grubbs, went to the Whataburger on SW Wilshire Boulevard following their wedding reception.

“We really didn’t get to eat at the reception,” Hassell-Grubbs said. “We were too busy.”

Luckily, bridesmaid Paige Kolesar gave Suzanne a Whataburger gift card at a bridal shower. The friends are teachers at Collins Middle School in Lake Worth.

Tucked in with the gift card was a note “use this card for after the reception. You know you won’t get to eat.”

The note was prophetic.

Although there was plenty of food to be had, the bride and groom couldn’t find time to get more than a nibble during their reception at the Lost Oak Winery.

So around 11 p.m., the newlyweds, decked out in the white wedding gown and tuxedo, headed to Whataburger. The drive-thru was packed so they decided to go inside and dine in.

Any other night, the pair would have easily been the best dressed in the place. However, Burleson and Centennial High School’s prom were also that night and Whataburger was packed with prom-goers.

It was an interesting sight.

“We blended in,” Suzanne said. “I’m standing there holding my dress and two girls – they are just beautiful and way taller than me because I’m wearing flats and they are wearing heels – walk by and I tell them ‘Oh my gosh you all look pretty.’”

Hassell-Grubbs, 26, said she wasn’t sure the girls realized she was in her wedding gown or if she had just failed high school numerous times, but they told her “you look pretty, too.”

The bride ordered a No. 1 meal while the groom got breakfast on a bun with grilled jalapenos off Whataburger’s "secret menu."

The food hit the spot and was a perfect ending to a memorable day.

Unfortunately, the couple forgot to save a hamburger and freeze it, a tradition to eat on their first anniversary.

“We didn’t think of that,” Suzanne said. “We’ll probably be celebrating our anniversary's at Whataburger though.”

There will be no Whataburger on the honeymoon.

The couple, along with Kolesar and her husband, will be going on an Alaskan cruise.

After the honeymoon, the couple will reside in Burleson.

The odds are good, however, their first stop after returning home will be Whataburger.

A Burleson golf professional has earned the rare opportunity to compete with professional golfers in one of the most prestigious events in the game.

Greg Gregory, assistant pro at Hidden Creek Golf Course, is one of 20 golf professionals who will compete along with 136 professional golfers in the 99th Professional Golf Association Championship, Aug. 10-13, at fabled Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C.

Gregory, 44, qualified for the tournament – considered one of the Tour’s four major tournaments – by finishing tied for ninth place among the 312 players at the 50th PGA Professional Championship June 18-21 at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon. 

The PGA reserves the top 20 spots at the Professional Championship for entry into the PGA Championship, a chance to win the Wanamaker Trophy and a share of $10.5 million in prize money.

The PGA Professional Championship is for those who earn a livelihood in the business of golf such as public or private golf course head pros, assistant pros, teaching pros and college head coaches, Gregory said. (Visit pga.org, employment, career planning.)

“There are a lot of good golfers out there, they just don’t play on Tour,” Gregory said. “Although the winner in Oregon, Omar Uresti, played on Tour.”

Uresti, 48, a teaching pro in Austin, earned a first-place prize of $50,000 and became the second-oldest PGA Professional Champion, behind only Sam Snead, who was 59 when he won in 1971.

Gregory had rounds of 70, 73, 71 and 74 for a four-day total of 288, even par, even though he bogeyed two of the final three holes. He qualified for Sunriver at Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas.  

“I am very thankful to the city of Burleson and the staff at Hidden Creek for accommodating my request to play in Oregon,” Gregory said. “There was a lot of shuffling of schedules so I could be away and I am grateful to (director of golf) Dave White and (head pro) Mike Krsnak for making it happen.”

The HC staff are happy for Gregory.

“It’s an amazing accomplishment,” Krsnak said. “We’re all very proud of him.” 

Earning a birth in the 2017 PGA also qualifies Gregory for the 2018 PGA Championship next August at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis.

Fellow Texan Jimmy Walker is defending champion of the PGA Championship. Other previous winners include Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan.

Gregory’s parents, Sheri and David Gregory, live in Burleson and are planning to be in Charlotte.

Gregory, who lives in Joshua with his wife, Kristi, was born and raised in Everman and attended elementary and high school there. He played golf at the University of Texas at Arlington for four years while earning a degree in marketing.

He turned pro in 1996 on the same day as Tiger Woods and, at Q School, missed qualifying for the PGA Tour by one shot. He started playing mini tours, played on the Web.com Tour from 2000-2003, then stepped away from the game for six years to be home with his daughter.

Expenses on the Web.com Tour are about $1,000-$1,500 or more per week for caddie, air fare or gas, accommodations and food, Gregory said. 

“Entry fees at the lower levels are very high because there are no corporate sponsors,” he said. “Players are competing for their own money. At the big leagues, the sponsors are corporate.”

Gregory stopped playing golf for five years, returned to the Web.com Tour, then decided to enter the business of golf and give back to the game as a club pro.

He became an assistant pro in Fort Worth in 2009 and was friends with former Hidden Creek assistant pro Chase Smith. When Smith went to a head pro position in Houston, Krsnak contacted Gregory about the opening in Burleson

The business side of golf, known as golf professionals, also requires PGA certification and includes directors of golf, tournament directors, teaching pros, pro shop managers, food and beverage managers, and others who serve the business of golf and are eligible to play in the PGA Professional Championship.

It took Gregory five and one-half years to qualify as a Class A professional, which made him eligible to play in tournaments held Monday and Tuesday throughout North Texas. 

“It was tough, like going back to college,” Gregory said.

The Monday and Tuesday tournaments have higher entry fees because the golf professionals are, again, playing for their own money, Gregory said.

“The higher you go on the tournament scale, the lower the entry fee because the Tour tournaments have corporate sponsors,’ Gregory said. “There are no sponsors for the Monday and Tuesday tourneys.”

The PGA Championship is considered the best field in professional golf, Gregory said.

“It’s even stronger than The Masters or the U.S. Open because it includes the top 136 Tour pros,” he said.

Gregory has never visited Quail Hollow, but will be able to play practice rounds Sunday through Wednesday prior to the first round on Thursday, Aug. 10.

He is eligible for a share of the record $10.5 million in prize money.

“You don’t go thinking about the money or trying to make money,” Gregory said. “You go there just trying make shots. You just try to play the best you can, make golf shots the best you can and get around the course without any distractions. If you make money, that’s great. If not, it’s a great honor to play.” 

Gregory must still decide on a caddie.

“I am agonizing on that one,” he said. “I’ve already received my player packet and noticed that each player gets a Mercedes courtesy car.”

When Burleson police responded to the report of a one-vehile accident at about 1 a.m. Tuesday in the 1800 block of FM 917 near Joshua, officers instead found two gunshot victims.

According to information provided by police spokeswoman DeAnna Phillips, officers found Joann Gaytan, 34, and Marco Gaytan, 32, inside the car.

Tthe Tarrant County medical examiner’s office ruled Joann Gaytan’s death was a homicide and her husband’s was a suicide.

Joann Gaytan was pronounced dead at the scene. Marco Gaytan was taken to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, where he died about an hour later.

The medical examiner listed a Joshua address for Joann Gaytan. An address was not listed for her husband.

Following are calls reported by the Burleson Fire Department Aug. 28-Sept. 3. In order to retain anonymity, specific street addresses are removed.

Monday, Aug. 28
3:55 a.m. – 400 block Oak Street, medical assist
5:07 a.m. – 1400 block Lauren Drive, medical assist
9:54 a.m. – 500 block NW Renfro Street, EMS call
11:06 a.m. – 500 block Memorial Plaza, EMS call
11:54 a.m. – 100 block Elk Drive, EMS call
1:56 p.m. – 800 block Burleson Retta Road, no incident found on arrival
4:35 p.m. – 2600 block SW Wilshire Blvd, motor vehicle accident
4:56 p.m. – 1100 block Clairemont Lane, EMS call
6:41 p.m. – 1300 block NW Summercrest Blvd, alarm system sounded
7:42 p.m. – 100 block E Tabb Street, HazMat release investigation

Tuesday, Aug. 29
1:49 a.m. – 2300 block S Burleson Blvd, good intent call
3:06 a.m. – 900 block Tara Drive, dispatched but canceled en route
3:38 a.m. – 600 block NW Summercrest Blvd, medical assist
6:53 a.m. – 6900 block E FM 917, medical assist
12:14 p.m. – 900 block NW John Jones Drive, EMS call
1:54 p.m. – Vicksbury Lane and NE Alsbury, motor vehicle accident
3:38 p.m. – 200 block NE Murphy Road, Electrical wiring/equipment
5:47 p.m. – 900 block SW Wilshire Blvd, dispatched but canceled en route
5:48 p.m. – 400 block Parkview Drive, medical assist
6:45 p.m. – 1800 block Coleman Road, EMS call
7:27 p.m. – 100 block SE Robert Street, medical assist

Wednesday, Aug. 30
1:04 a.m. – 1200 block S Burleson Blvd, medical assist
10:15 a.m. – 2600 block SW Wilshire Blvd, dispatched but canceled en route
10:52 a.m. – 300 block SW Gamble Street, assist invalid
12:33 p.m. – 1800 block Coleman Road, assist police
1:59 p.m. – 300 block Pin Cushion Trail, EMS call
2:11 p.m. – 400 block Parkview Drive, medical assist
6:53 p.m. – 2600 block SW Wilshire Blvd, motor vehicle accident
8:59 p.m. – 2700 block Chimney Road, smoke detector activation

Thursday, Aug. 31
1:40 a.m. – 500 block Laurelwood Road, EMS call
3:18 a.m. – 300 block Elk Drive, medical assist
5:36 a.m. – 600 block Old Fort Worth Hwy, medical assist
10:23 a.m. – 200 block SW Wilshire Blvd, dispatched but canceled en route
10:45 a.m. – 1800 block E Renfro Street, system malfunction
12:36 p.m. – 200 block Laura Drive, medical assist
1:11 p.m. – 500 block Laurelwood Road, EMS call
2:13 p.m. – 13000 block southbound I-35W, medical assist
4:07 p.m. – 700 block NE Alsbury Blvd, extrication and rescue
4:22 p.m. – 1000 block Brown Street, EMS call
4:52 p.m. – Old Fort Worth Hwy and E Rendon Road in Crowley, motor vehicle accident
5:00 p.m. – 500 block SW Thomas Street, false alarm or false call
7:31 p.m. – 1100 NW John Jones Drive, EMS call
9:35 p.m. – 100 block Elk Drive, medical assist
9:36 p.m. – 5700 block Highpoint Pkwy, alarm system sounded

Friday, Sept. 1
5:10 a.m. – 10000 Redwing Court, smoke detector activation
5:23 a.m. – 300 block Elk Drive, assist invalid
7:33 a.m. – 700 block Hampshire Drive, EMS call
7:52 a.m. – 600 block Old Fort Worth Hwy, dispatched but canceled en route
8:44 a.m. – 600 block Peach Lane, medical assist
12:19 p.m. – 2600 block S Burleson Blvd, dispatched but canceled en route
12:27 p.m. – 600 block Sue Ann Lane, person in distress
12:53 p.m. – 400 block southbound I-35W, motor vehicle accident
2:42 p.m. – 600 block Old Fort Worth Hwy, dispatched but canceled en route
2:57 p.m. – 1000 block SW Wilshire Blvd, EMS call
6:42 p.m. – 600 block Maple Ave, medical assist
7:01 p.m. – 400 block SW Gordon Street, cooking fire
7:44 p.m. – 1000 block NW Summercrest Blvd, water or steam leak
8:58 p.m. – 100 Elk Drive, EMS call
9:49 p.m. – 1900 block SW Wilshire Blvd, motor vehicle accident
10:31 p.m. – SW Hulen Street and SW Wilshire, motor vehicle accident

Saturday, Sept. 2
4:53 a.m. – 100 block NW Suzanne Terrace, medical assist
6:33 a.m. – 300 Elk Drive, EMS call
11:57 a.m. – 800 block NE Alsbury Blvd, medical assist
4:42 p.m. – 800 block Graham Drive, EMS call
5:28 p.m. – 3200 block S Burleson Blvd, dispatched but canceled en route

Sunday, Sept. 3
3:48 a.m. – 500 block northbound I-35W, motor vehicle accident
5:35 a.m. – 700 block NW Hillery Street, assist invalid
6:12 a.m. – 300 block Elk Drive, EMS call
9:02 a.m. – 100 block Elk Drive, medical assist
11:36 a.m. – 300 block SW Thomas Street, medical assist
3:50 p.m. – 2100 block Jana Lane, medical assist
6:03 p.m. – 700 block Pecan Street, EMS call
6:34 p.m. – 700 block Daughters Drive, EMS call

Following are calls reported by the Burleson Police Department Aug. 28-Sept. 3. This report is presented as a reminder to always lock your vehicles and home, and to report any suspicious activity to the Burleson Police Department at 911.

Monday, Aug. 28
7:06 a.m. – Burglary of a vehicle, 700 block Creekview Drive
8:19 a.m. – Burglary of a vehicle, 700 block Creekview Drive
9:48 a.m. – Burglary of a vehicle, 300 block SW Lena Lane
9:49 a.m. – Theft of property valued between $750-$2,500, 400 block NE Wilshire Blvd.
12:10 p.m. – Burglary of a vehicle, 300 block SW Lena Lane
1:03 p.m. – Burglary of vehicle, 300 block SW Lena Lane
5:31 p.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 100 block NE McAlister Road

Tuesday, Aug. 29
3:47 a.m. – Assault to cause bodily injury to a family member, 600 block NW Summercrest Blvd.
7:07 a.m. – Burglary of a vehicle, 700 block Sunnybrook Drive
7:14 a.m. – Burglary of a vehicle, 300 block SW Lena Lane
7:18 a.m. – Burglary of a vehicle, 700 block SW Sunnybrook Drive
8:07 a.m. – Credit or debit card abuse, 400 block NW Charlyne Drive
10:41 a.m. – Theft of property (motor vehicle parts and accessories) valued between $2,500-$20K, 700 block W Hidden Creek Pkwy.
1:21 p.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 700 block NW Charlyne Drive
3:07 p.m. – Harassment by threats, 700 block Ruby Court
3:46 p.m. – Theft of property (shoplifting) valued less than $2,500 with previous conviction, 900 block SW Wilshire Blvd.
7:30 p.m. – Theft of property valued between $2,500-$30K, 600 block Gracie Lane
7:58 p.m. – Fraudulent use of possession of identifying information, 1300 block Highcrest Drive
8:29 p.m. – Theft of property valued less than $100, 600 block Gracie Lane
8:48 p.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 300 block NW Jill Ann Drive
10:00 p.m. – Unauthorized use of vehicle, 800 block S Burleson Blvd.

Wednesday, Aug. 30
7:47 a.m. – Theft of a firearm (from a motor vehicle), 800 block Forest Court
6:11 p.m. – Possession of a controlled substance, 2700 block S Burleson Blvd.

Thursday, Aug. 31
12:00 a.m. – Assist other agency, 600 block Sydney Lane
8:14 a.m. – Possession of a controlled substance, 300 block SE John Jones Drive
10:55 a.m. – Criminal mischief valued between $100-$750, 2600 block Buffalo Run
11:08 a.m. – Possession of a dangerous drug, non-narcotic, 100 block Elk Drive
5:36 p.m. – Burglary of a vehicle, 300 block W Ellison Street
7:05 p.m. – Theft of property valued between $2,500-$30K, 3200 block SW Wilshire Blvd.
9:44 p.m. – Burglary of habitation, unlawful entry with no force, 800 block Cedar Ridge Lane
10:39 p.m. – Assault, family violence with offensive contact, 1100 block Hidden Meadow Drive
10:48 p.m. – Theft of property valued between $100-$750, 900 block SW Wilshire Blvd.

Friday, Sept. 1
8:35 a.m. – Assault to cause bodily injury, 2600 block SW Wilshire Blvd.
1:35 p.m. – Theft of property valued between $100-$750, 900 block NW John Jones Drive
2:24 p.m. – Theft of items valued less than $100, 2300 block SW Wilshire Blvd.

Saturday, Sept. 2
12:35 a.m. – Deadly conduct, discharge firearm, 1100 block Cardinal Ridge Road
6:06 a.m. – Criminal mischief valued between $750-$2,500, 2000 block W FM 917
4:53 p.m. – Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, 1100 Hidden Lake Drive
5:07 p.m. – Burglary of a habitation, unlawful entry with no force, 900 block Irene Street

Sunday, Sept. 3
6:41 a.m. – Theft of property valued between $750-$2,500, 300 block SW Wilshire Blvd.
8:56 a.m. – Assault, family violence with offensive contact, 800 block Peach Lane
9:30 a.m. – Assault to cause bodily injury to a family member, 200 block SW Taylor Street
12:36 p.m. – Theft of property valued between $100-$750, 100 block NW John Jones Drive
1:06 p.m. – Theft of property valued between $100-$750, 1600 block SW Wilshire Blvd.
5:00 p.m. – Theft of service valued less than $100, 1000 block SW Wilshire Blvd.
6:58 p.m. – Credit or debit card abuse, 800 block NE Alsbury Blvd.
7:36 p.m. – Assault to cause bodily injury to family member, 700 block Pecan Street

Following are arrests reported by the Burleson Police Department and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office of Burleson, Alvarado, Joshua and Keene residents Aug. 28-Sept. 3. Sheriff’s Office arrests are in italics. An arrest does not mean the individual is guilty of the offense.

Monday, Aug. 28
2:04 a.m. – Javon Espadron in 600 block NE Alsbury Blvd, possession of marijuana
4:47 a.m. – Jayson Ryan Fortson of Burleson, theft of property valued between $100-$750
7:40 a.m. – Ryan Rhodes in 200 block SW Wilshire Blvd, violation of supervision
8:00 a.m. – John Wesley Provence of Burleson, driving while intoxicated, second offense
9:05 a.m. – Aron Alexander Downing of Alvarado, possession of marijuana, less than 2 ounces
1:38 p.m. – Venancio Camacho-Marquez of Joshua,Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold
2:24 p.m. – Evan Michael Johnson of Burleson, failure to maintain financial responsibility
4:09 p.m. – Logan Caldine Culbertson of Burleson, assault to cause bodily injury
7:18 p.m. – Tomas Paredon of Joshua, driving while intoxicated
7:53 p.m. – Daniel Belmares Gallegos of Cleburne, possession of a controlled substance
9:10 p.m. – Kevin Dwayne Gates of Cleburne, speeding
9:10 p.m. – Trevor Lee Smith of Cleburne, possession of a controlled substance and failure to appear

Tuesday, Aug. 29
12:23 a.m. – Deandre Trim in 900 block Walnut Street on warrant from North Richland Hills PD
12:46 a.m. – Breanna Wheat in 900 block Walnut Street on warrant from Arlington PD for no valid driver’s license
3:47 a.m. – John Roberson in 600 block NW Summercrest Blvd, assault to cause bodily injury to family member
2:25 p.m. – Jessica Nicole Norris of Burleson, credit or debit card abuse
2:45 p.m. – Natalie Paige Smith of Alvarado, possession of a controlled substance
3:06 p.m. – Dylan Stephenson in 200 block Taylor Street, expired driver’s license
3:30 p.m. – Kassadee Brinkley, 1100 block SW Wilshire Blvd, failure to appear
4:05 p.m. – James Webb in 900 block SW Wilshire Blvd, theft of property valued less than $2,500
5:25 p.m. – Amanda Lea Tomlinson of Cleburne, theft of property valued between $50-$500
7:03 p.m. – Stephanie Anne Tatum of Joshua, criminal trespass
10:00 p.m. – Chad McLain, 800 block S Burleson Blvd, unauthorized use of a vehicle
10:42 p.m. – Terry Don Ford of Cleburne, public intoxication

Wednesday, Aug. 30
1:50 a.m. – Delisa Corrine McMurray of Joshua, display expired vehicle registration
2:03 a.m. – Stephen Brian Askins Jr of Cleburne, driving with an invalid driver’s license with previous conviction or suspension
2:14 a.m. – Robby Carroll Hill of Cleburne, following too closely
9:15 a.m. – Angelah Carson, 800 block S Burleson Blvd, speeding
12:01 p.m. – Annie Laura Woods of Cleburne, theft of property valued less than $100 with previous conviction
12:15 p.m. – Diamond Dianne Chapa of Alvarado, abandonment, endangerment of a child, criminal negligence
2:39 p.m. – Garrett Richard Gene Owen Bullard of Alvarado, theft of a firearm
3:38 p.m. – Christopher Teague, 800 Pine Mountain Drive, warrant from Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, child neglect
3:54 p.m. – Armando Padilla-Adame, in 800block NE Alsbury Blvd, on warrant from Fort Worth PD for continued violence, assault
6:11 p.m. – Talbert Porter, 2700 block S Burleson Blvd, prohibited weapon, knuckles
9:52 p.m. – ChristopherJoseth East of Cleburne, possession of marijuana, less than 2 ounces
10:35 p.m. – Delisa Corrine McMurray of Joshua, unlawful consumption of alcoholic beverage by a minor
Lori Lee Smith of Alvarado, possession of a controlled substance, less than 1 gram

Thursday, Aug. 31
4:00 a.m. – Jose Chavez Andrade, 800 block NE Alsbury Blvd, public intoxication
5:16 p.m. – Ashlee Horton, 300 S Burleson Blvd, on warrant from Haltom City PD for driving with an invalid driver’s license

Friday, Sept. 1
11:23 a.m. – Donna Salazar, 2600 block S Burleson Blvd, warrant from Eastland County Sheriff’s Office for possession of a controlled substance
12:22 p.m. – Anthony Salazar, 2600 block S Burleson Blvd, possession of drug paraphernalia

Saturday, Sept. 2
11:10 p.m. – Curtis Carraway, 1000 block SW Wilshire Blvd, on warrant from Fort Worth PD for assault, family violence

Sunday, Sept. 3
2:45 a.m. – Juan Vazquez, 100 block S Burleson Blvd, public intoxication
3:19 a.m. – Michael Pena, 200 block S Main Street, public intoxication

Attorney General Ken Paxton today encouraged Texans who want to donate to the victims of Hurricane Harvey to give both generously and carefully. Beware of scam artists who use natural disasters to take advantage of the good intentions of others.

“Texans are known for opening their hearts and wallets to others in times of need,” Attorney General Paxton said. “By doing a little research, well-meaning Texans can ensure their dollars actually go to a legitimate charity or organization providing victim and community support, rather than funding fraudulent scams set up to capitalize on a disaster.”
Attorney General Paxton shared the following tips to guard against fake charities and other donation scams:

• Be cautious of requests for donations by unfamiliar organizations or people, especially anyone calling and asking for donations by credit card or requesting personal information.

• When donating money, consider directing your help to a recognized disaster-relief charity, such as the Dell Foundation’s collaboration with the OneStar Foundation for the Rebuild Texas Fund at www.rebuildtx.org.

• Research the charity before you donate money by using Charity Navigator at www.charitynavigator.org and the resources provided by the Office of the Texas Attorney General at https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/disaster-scams.

• Don’t fall for high-pressure tactics and demands for an immediate donation. A legitimate charity welcomes background checks on their operations.

• Avoid charities or fundraisers that refuse to provide detailed information about their identity, mission, costs or how your donation will be used.

• If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a fraudulent charity or donation scam, file a complaint online with the Consumer Protection Division of the Texas Office of the Attorney General’s office at https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/apps/charitable-trusts-complaint-form/.

Pathway Church of Burleson challenged its congregation to do what it could to ease suffering along the storm-torn Gulf Coast by asking for a special offering.

The offering, said director of outreach Roxnne Ancy in a press release was combined with an undetermined lump sum from Birthday Gift to Jesus. She said funds will dispersed through a South Texas churches.

The church is also collecting twin bed sheet sets for shelters and hurricane victims. To show their love and support, church members also signed a prayer banner which will be transported to the coast.

“Draw close to God. Draw close to others and allow God to use you to declare to the world, God is good, God is at work, God will turn our tragedies of suffering into triumph and we are in this thing together,” senior pastor Rick Owen said.

Ancy said the church is planning ongoing relief as well. Teams are heading to Houston throughout September and October. If you are interested in going, you can register at the Pathway Church website events page.

For those unable to go to the coast, Ancy says there are local opportunities to serve. She recommends contacting the Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center 817/531-6348, which is set up to accommodate Hurricane Harvey refugees.

In addition, Ancy said Carter Bloodcare will in the Pathway Gym from 3-7 p.m. Sept. 11 to take blood donations. No appointment is necessary.

“Future trips are in the works, so stay tuned via our website pathway.church. Search emergency response activities for updates on the when and where,” Ancy’s release read.

Giving Johnson County an avenue to help with emergency relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey and future disasters in the south, OpenDoor Church Pastor Troy Brewer has mobilized church resources to form ODC Emergency Relief Operation.

“This is about unity,” said Brewer at a hastily called community meeting last Thursday in which about 50 citizens and a handful of local officials attended.

“We want to provide a coordinated effort by partnering with area churches, businesses, civic groups, schools, and government entities to bring relief efforts in this and future disasters that will hit Texas and its neighbors. Churches, join us. There is a place for you with us.”

Brewer said OpenDoor has been blessed with much of the infrastructure for ODC ERO because of its large food bank warehouse in Joshua, and relief efforts to Mexico and around the world.

“We are also calling on an amazing group of people in our midst,” said Brewer of the former military, police, firefighters, teachers and housewives already working in ministry. “If you want organization, coordination and people with contacts, here they are.”

Retired Arlington firefighter, Barry Gee, of Burleson, is the volunteer director of ODC ERO. He likened the church’s plan to fighting a fire.

“Our goal is to fight this fire in one place. Fix the problem then move on to the next ‘hot spot.’ We want to activate God’s people to rescue the perishing both physically and eternally,” he said while addressing the crowd.

Gee said the church already has eight teams identified and skilled volunteer leaders who have jumped into action.

“Do you have the skills and expertise to help with any of these things?” Gee asked. “Because we need you.”

Volunteers are needed for the following assignments now and for future disasters.

• Donation Team

• Fundraising Team

• Communications Team

• Food and Cooking Team

• Community Liaison Team

• Hotline Volunteer Team

• Transportation Team

• Resource Team

Brewer and Gee both stressed this is a way for Johnson County and the surrounding area to make a difference without getting in the way of government and other relief efforts.

“We pledge to work with major relief efforts and government agencies – not against them. We want to complement their efforts, not hinder them,” Gee said.

“We believe the church is rising up united for such as time as this,” said Brewer. “We at OpenDoor Church will stand in the gap with our brother and sister churches, community and government agencies [local and beyond] to put our foot on the neck of evil and see Jesus Christ and His church come together to bring heaven to earth. This effort is not about us. It’s about answering evil with good in the name of Jesus.”

Brewer stresses that because this effort is completely volunteer run, 100 percent of money donated will go toward relief efforts.

“Nobody is or will be getting paid,” he said. “It is only about helping people get what they need.”

OpenDoor Church, said Brewer, has already sent three truckloads of food to the Houston area from donations and the OpenDoor Food Bank. Cooking teams have been feeding victims and first responders for more than a week, Gee said, and more are being sent. The church also sponsored a swift water rescue team that has pulled more than 70 people to safety.

“We’d like to send more, but we want to give the community and other churches and organizations the opportunity to join us. We can do so much more together,” Gee said.

To volunteer for ERO rescue efforts, cooking teams or relief work, call 817-357-5654 or go to ero@opendoorexperience.com for contact and volunteer information.

To donate food and necessities, a drop-off truck is parked at 301 S. Dobson Street, Burleson, or call 817-357-5654 to coordinate larger items and amounts.

To donate money to fund this effort, or to fund a swift water rescue team, log on to Facebook ODC Emergency Relief Operation and click on the “Donate” tab.

“Remember, we are all volunteers. 100 percent of your donation will go toward disaster relief,” said Brewer.

Not sure how to help? Gee and Brewer invite all to talk with a Hotline Volunteer who can help find a place in this effort.

“You are the perfect person to bring hope and healing to the hurting of this tragedy,” Brewer said. “Again, join us.”

Burleson Police Chief Billy Cordell said some of the sights he witnessed during his deployment to the Texas Gulf Coast area for relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey were unbelievable.

Cordell, along with three others from the Burleson police and fire departments, deployed to the area with a mobile command unit that is used by both the police and fire departments.

Travelling first to a staging area in San Antonio with Cordell and the Burleson Incident Command Center were Burleson Police Sgt. Bob Sherman, Fire Marshall David Butler and firefighter James Pribble.

The team and the Burleson Incident Command Center were deployed twice to areas hit hard by Harvey’s wrath. First, they were sent to Katy Mills Mall and later moved to Beaumont.

In both locations, they supported other units with communications.

“We were never going to be the ones out doing rescues,” Cordell said. “We were deployed as a communications platform to support another group if they needed it. That’s always the plan. That’s why we have that mobile command post.”

The group returned to Burleson early Friday morning and was demobilized on Sunday. The possibility exists they could be called back at a later date if needed.

“We did our part in areas that were completely devastated,” Cordell said. “We were proud to be down there representing Burleson. We didn’t do a whole lot, quite frankly but we may end up going back at some point in the future. If we are called to return we will be proud to go back.”

Driving to Katy from San Antonio and later to Beaumont were eye-opening for Cordell and others on the trip.

“The devastation caused by the water was amazing,” Cordell said. “We were driving into Katy and both sides of the road that were normally grass land are lakes. The amount of water everywhere was unbelievable. There were cars at an intersection near Katy Mills Mall that were sitting in water halfway up their sides.”

The trip to Beaumont was fraught excitement.

While servicing the vehicles in Crosby, a call came over their radios to leave the area quickly.

There was trouble at a chemical plant in Crosby and where they had stopped was too close tothe plant. The fear of an explosion and the venting of possible deadly chemicals had them leaving the area quickly.

About 20 miles from Beaumont, the group had to drive through high water in the city of Nome.

“We were sweating that out pretty good for about two miles,” Cordell said. “Along the way to Beaumont we passed a fifth-wheel trailer park and the trailers are in a lake with the water halfway up on the trailers.”

With Texans needing help, Burleson answered the call and will answer the call if needed, Cordell said.

A gas line leak has forced the closure of a road and buildings in Burleson.

The Burleson Fire Department has closed Johnson Avenue is closed in both directions from Tarrant Avenue to Newton Drive. Fire crews are waiting for Atmos crews to begin repair work according to Burleson Marketing and Communications Director DeAnna Phillips.

The leak has forced the closure of the Burleson Post Office, Burleson Public Library, and Senior Center. These facilities will remain closed until the line is repaired.

According to Phillips, Kerr Middle School has not affected by the leak and is still open.

History buff John Duke Smith recently reached into his treasure trove of local Halloween stories from the past while he was a guest on the Burleson Star Live Internet radio show.
But please be warned – the stories Smith retrieved are not exactly Stephen King-level tales of horror.

Smith said after consulting with some “seniors around town,” he managed to put together some small stories revolving around local Halloween chicanery:
• Throwing paper sacks filled with water at cars was a very popular prank.
• At least one person didn’t remember having Halloween activities at all.
“But this was before commercialization,” Smith explained. “None of them had uniforms or little suits (costumes) or that stuff.”
• One resident who was born in Burleson and went to high school here years ago told Smith she could recall making candy before halloween and then going to somebody’s home to play games and eat the candy.
“That was a big, big thing,” Smith said.
• Another resident said she specifically remembered local mischief such as boys climbing up on the water tower.
“Also, she remembered ’Spin the Bottle’ being the big thing around town,” Smith said.
• The son of the night watchman in Burleson for 18 years before law enforcement had an established presence remembered a few things.

The night watchman was the only law enforcement in the area at this time, Smith said.. He carried a German luger with a 12-inch barrel.

“He didn’t run into much trouble,” Smith  said. “The kids pretty much respected everything he said.”

On this particular Halloween long gone by, the boys in the Burleson community were particularly rambunctious.

The night watchman “told them, ‘Have your fun, but don’t break anything,’” Smith said.

The local youths then went about undertaking a bunch of mischievous activities, including switching one store’s box of bread with another’s.

Also, the boys retrieved cedar posts from the local hardwood store and placed them in front of every building.

“They had a big time,” Smith said. “They decided to come back to the scene around 6 a.m. to see the expressions of the people they had pranked. … But when they got there they realized someone had put everything they had moved back the way it was.”

As it turns out,  the night watchman  cleaned up the boys’ mess.

He returned everything to its natural state before 6 a.m.– to the chagrin of the young pranksters.

“They were disappointed they had done all that work for nothing,” Smith said.

For Centennial High School senior Reagan Ellison, 4-H has brought a lot of opportunities. Most recently, after winning a state 4-H competition, the teen traveled to Washington, D.C., with a group of other 4-H competitors, where she was selected to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Winning the state competition and getting the chance to represent Johnson County and travel to the nation’s capital was a huge honor for Ellison.

“I got the chance to go on this leadership conference by winning state for my record book, which is based on citizenship,” Ellison said. “That has been my main project for 4-H, besides raising cattle and showing pigs.”

According to Ellison, citizenship is where her roots lie.

“It’s about being a good citizen, fulfilling your duties by voting, doing community service, respecting the members of our military,” said Ellison. “I try to be involved with the community and give back.”

It’s that notion of service above self that caused Ellison to be selected to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The tomb was dedicated in 1921 when Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier from World War I (www.arlingtoncemetary.mil). Since then, soldiers from World War II, Korea and Vietnam have been buried there.

“Four of us were selected to lay the wreath,” Ellison said. “Three of the kids had family members who were in the service. I was selected, but no one told me why. I didn’t want to take this away from anyone. I later found out I was selected because of my citizenship book.”

It felt ‘surreal’ walking up to the Tomb, Ellison said.

“The importance behind it was so significant,” she said. “The guards, which stand watch 365 days a year, 24-hours a day, take their job very seriously. Seeing them and the looks on their faces as we were lining up, that’s when it really hit me.”

The teens were instructed how to walk to the Tomb in formation and carefully place the wreath on the grave, Ellison said.

“Actually laying the wreath made everything else seem so small,” said Ellison. “It made all other problems seem irrelevant. I’m blessed that these people volunteered for me and my rights.”

However, it wasn’t all seriousness for Ellison and her cohorts on their trip. The group of Texas teens were treated to a tour of the capitol by Senator Ted Cruz’s office, a twilight tour of the monuments, a tour of the Pentagon as well as the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and the Ford Theater.

Ellison, who hopes to one day go to law school, also got to speak with senators aides.

Ellison is hoping that all of her hard work with 4-H will pay off in the form of a college scholarship.

“I’ve been accepted to Texas A&M University, where I want to get my undergraduate degree in agricultural economics,” she said. “I then plan on going to the Bush School of Government and getting a master’s degree in public affairs, then going on to law school.”

Ellison chartered her chapter of 4-H in Burleson and the payoff has been big.

“Ours wasn’t the first group, but it was the most recent,” said Ellison. “I got people involved and we are based on community service, not animals. There is so much more to 4-H than animals.”

The trip to Washington D.C. has been the highlight of the teen’s 4-H career.

“Texas 4-H has opened up the door for me and my future,” Ellison said. “It’s given me so many opportunities. Laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns will be something I remember forever.”

What if your Christmas gifts brought freedom and hope to a child slave in India, Nepal or Belize?

Thanks to the Dec. 9 One Girl Craft Fair and Business Expo at OpenDoor Church, your holiday shopping list can do just that – free young girls from the horrors of sexual trafficking around the world.

“OpenDoor Church has a reputation for the unique,” says expo organizer Patricia “Ami” Boyles. “All funds raised from the sale of booths will go to Answer International – our non-profit that pays off the debts of sexual slaves, mostly young girls, and gives then hope and a future through Jesus Christ.”

Boyles says hand-made gift ideas include woodworking, glass art, home decor, jewelry and many more unique items from the imaginations of local crafters.

“This is not your ordinary craft fair,” says Boyles. “This one has a purpose. There are more slaves in the world today than all other time periods combined. This is where we draw the line and set however many we can free.”

Boyles says there is still space available for craft vendors. The booth fee is $50.

“We also have booth space for business owners to promote services or sell their products. For $20, they can display their business cards for people to take,” says Boyles.

Boyles says Answer International is a cause that runs deep in her spirit. Because the Bible says, “It is for freedom’s sake that Christ has set us free,” freedom is a big deal to God.

Boyles says that because Jesus brought freedom, she feels the need to do the same.

To rent a booth, contact Boyles at odccraftexpo2017@gmail.com or call 815-742-4492 and leave a message.
 

Population in the Metroplex, currently 7.2 million people, will increase to 10.7 million by 2040, with the average motorist spending 114 hours annually in delay because of road congestion, according to Vic Suhm, executive director of the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition.

Suhm and Burleson Mayor Ken Shetter, who is chair of the TRTC board of directors, addressed Johnson County Commissioners during the presentations portion of the agenda Monday at the Johnson County Courthouse.

Founded in 2004, the TRTC advocates for sustaining mobility in the western half of the Metroplex, Suhm said.

TRTC membership includes 33 cities, five counties, 20 business and 17 miscellaneous organizations and individuals. It’s annual budget is $275,000.

“The Dallas-Fort Worth area is the fourth largest metropolitan region in the country,” Suhm said. “Population and job growth continue to define the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The region’s population and employment are expected to grow by 53 percent and 47 percent, respectively, between now and 2040.  This growth will increase demand on the region’s already congested transportation system.”

The region would need to invest $431.5 billion by 2040 to eliminate the worst levels of congestion but will have only $118.9 billion available to invest, meeting less than 30 percent of the regions transportation needs, Suhm said.

Johnson County Judge Roger Harmon expressed appreciation for the TRTC’s work and suggested that Suhm and Shetter return on a quarterly basis to present reports to the court.

Commissioners immediately supported a motion by Precinct 1 Commissioners Rick Bailey, seconded by Precinct 2 Commissioner Kenny Howell, to pay the county’s annual dues of $5,000 to the TRTC.

In other items under new business, commissioners approved in interlocal agreement with the city of Keene for road construction and repair on CR 414 that lies withing Keene’s city limits, and supported a motion by Precinct 4 Commissioner Larry Woolley to appoint Grandview resident Darla Dudley to the Johnson County Economic Development Commission board for a two-year term.

Bailey seconded Woolley’s motion, which was approved unanimously.

Although the agenda for new business action contained only seven items, considerable time was devoted to a workshop to consider multiple commercial building on a singular or contiguous tracts of property owned by a single owner for the purpose of sharing the use of a private sewage facility.
Representatives of the cities of Alvarado, Burleson, Grandview, Keene and Rio Vista were present and spoke against the idea of permitting such septic systems.

“Allowing multiple buildings on one septic system leads to lots of uncertainties,” Alvarado City Manager Clint Davis said. “I am concerned about what happens when those properties are sold, and what if taxes aren’t paid.”

Readers and watch proceedings online at www.johnsoncountytx.org. Click on Commissioners Court, then navigate to “meeting video.”

The next regular scheduled meeting of the Johnson County Commissioners Court will be 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 22, in Room 201 of the Johnson County Courthouse in Cleburne. 

Burleson’s sales tax revenue continues to exceed expectations, although just barely.

The city received $8,959 more sales tax revenue in April than it did in the same month last year, according to figures released last week by State Comptroller Glenn Hegar.

Burleson was one of only four Johnson County cities that received an increase as Hegar sent Finance Director Rhett Clark $1,191,112, an increase of 0.75 percent more than the $1,182,153 it received in April of last year, according to Hegar’s figures.

“We’re a little disappointed,” Clark said. “However, for the year, we’re right on. I think the numbers will pick up as we get into spring, especially with home improvement. But April was a vanilla month.”

For the calendar year, Burleson has received $5,753,423 in sales tax revenue, an increase of 4 percent more than the $5.5 million it received through April of 2017, Hegar’s report indicates.

The city budgeted $17,235,000 from sales tax revenue, Clark said.

Burleson’s sales tax is 2 percent. The city receives half of that ($8,368,000 for the general fund) and the other half ($8,368,000) is shared by the Business 4A Economic Development Corporation (called Type A) and the Burleson Community Services Economic Development Corporation (called Type B).

The allocations are based on sales made in February by businesses that report tax monthly, Hegar said. The monies are collected in February, counted in March and distributed in April, he said.

County-wide, Alvarado is up 2 percent on revenue of $133,649 compared to $131,031 last April. Godley is up 17 percent on revenue of $48,076 compared to $41,223 last year. Joshua is up 15 percent on revenue of $92,927, compared to $80,723 last year, and Venus increased 10 percent on sales tax revenue of $37,971 compared to $34,200 in April of last year.

Five Johnson County cities were down. Briaroaks experienced a decrease of 26 percent ($1,044 from $1,410), Cleburne fell 12 percent on revenue of $838,106 from $954,953 last April, Grandview decreased 7 percent with revenue of $55,326 from $59,510, Keene decreased 12 percent on revenue of $53,416 from $60,630 in April of 2017, and Rio Vista is down 8 percent on revenue of $10,518 compared to $11,489 last April.

Statewide, Hegar announced he will send cities $419.4 million in local sales tax allocations for April, a 5.4 percent increase over April 2017.

If you hate litter as much as we do, you are going to want to join us for the city’s semiannual litter cleanup.

Find your boots, round up your friends, and sign up for the Burleson Trash Bash slated for Saturday.

All you need is a commitment of two hours, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and a strong dislike of trash.  

Volunteers of all ages meet at Warren Park, 301 S.W. Johnson Ave. (across the street from the library) at 9 a.m. to get their trash bags and litter picker uppers.

Then you will head out to remove litter and debris from retail corridors, waterways, drainage channels, streets, parks, and other public areas. Youth participants are enthusiastically welcomed, but must have adult supervision.

Then stick around and celebrate Earth Month with us. There will be a raffle, activities booths and more at Warren Park until 3 p.m. Even if you didn’t pick up litter you are still welcome to join us for the celebration.

You are going to get some great cardio and you are going to feel so good, just like Mother Earth does after you rid her of the litter.

Jennifer Huffman is a busy mother of four. She has been actively involved in the parent teacher organization and served as president for two years. For these reasons, she feels she would be a great fit for school board Place Six.

“My children attend Bransom Elementary,” Huffman told the Star. “I feel that I have built a lot of trust with the current teachers and administrators in the district.”

Huffman also serves on the facilities advisory council and helped develop and present the 2017 bond package.

“Through all of that I am very up-to-speed on the current state of our district,” she said.

Huffman was appointed to her temporary position on the school board in December 2017, when Beverly Powell stepped down to run for Texas State Senate. Huffman believes she has accomplished a lot while serving in this position and gave a lot of input into the design of the new schools being built.

“After that, the board put a lot of trust in me,” Huffman said. “I have the current endorsements of Ken Shetter and Dan McLendon and other community leaders.”

Though Huffman herself is not an educator, she comes from a line of teachers and said she respects and admires all educators. She is also the parent of a child with special needs and offers a unique perspective in that regard to the board.

“I understand what both the students and parents go through on a daily basis, in regards to making sure they are receiving the right services they need,” Huffman said. “Not only that, but being the parent of a child with special needs comes with its own challenges. Understanding that and how it incorporates into the school, is vital.”

Overall though, Huffman wants to see BISD become the best school district it can be.

“Burleson is the type of place where when students graduate, they come back and when they are planning their families, they want their kids to go to BISD schools,” Huffman said. “I want to help keep it that way.”

Could Burleson be the next destination for film producers? “Vindication”, an award-winning production by local director Jarod O’Flaherty was filmed in different locations in Burleson and Johnson County and premiered its first four episodes at Venue 510 late March.

“Vindication” is a film series that follows Detective Travis, played by Midlothian resident Todd Terry. The series explores a different investigation that Travis is working on in each episode. This style of storytelling keeps each episode fresh and attention-grabbing. O’Flaherty wanted it that way.

Episode One of “Vindication” started as a short film. O’Flaherty sent the film to various competitions and film festivals, where “Vindication” quickly garnered attention. The episode was an official selection at the Hill Country Film festival, San Antonio Film Festival, and Fort Worth Indie Festival. It was named best short film at the 2017 Christian Worldview Film Fest, the 2016 KingdomWood Film Festival and the 2016 Churches Making Movies Film Festival.

“Pretty soon after all that, we got a distribution offer and we got some streaming deals,” O’Flaherty said. “We got the push to do more because there was a demand.”

“Vindication” follows the same theme each episode but explores a new topic.

“Each episode has its own plot line,” O’Flaherty said. “In the first episode, the audience doesn’t know what the crime is or if the man being investigated is guilty or innocent.”

Through a series of flashbacks, O’Flaherty said, the man describes what happened and by the end of the episode, the audience has a pretty good idea of what happened.

While each episode of “Vindication” is different, the common theme is Det. Travis. As you watch more of the episodes, you are able to see what is going on in Travis’ life with his family and daughter and he quickly develops his own plot line.

“Travis has his own struggles going on in his life,” O’Flaherty said. “You see that played out pretty quickly and that just adds to the story.”

Though “Vindication” follows a police investigator and tells stories involving crime, O’Flaherty started the series as a ministry project for Retta Baptist Church, where he is a member. O’Flaherty wanted to tell the stories in “Vindication” without coming across as overly Christian.

“Each episode does have a faith element, whether it’s a matter of salvation or themes that are common to biblical teachings,” O’Flaherty said. “One of our goals was not to be too in your face with a sermon.”

Det. Travis isn’t a believer himself, but encounters the “thumbprint of God,” in each episode, O’Flaherty said.

“My thought was that when we did each episode, I wouldn’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable if I showed it to a neighbor or friend who doesn’t go to church,” he said. “I know it’s still there, but it’s a good story, a real story.”

“Vindication” was filmed in Burleson and Johnson County. O’Flaherty is from the Burleson area himself and met his wife at Retta Baptist Church.

Cinematographer Ron Gonzalez is also from Burleson. Episodes were filmed at Venue 510, a Burleson apartment complex, local residents’ houses and Villa Diana restaurant.

“Even though this is a Retta project, several local churches opened up their facilities and let us film there for free,” O’Flaherty said. “The story is set in a small town so it made sense to film in this area and Burleson was very open to us filming here.”

The first episode of “Vindication” is free to view on Amazon. If you have an Amazon Prime account, if you do not have an account, you can still watch the episode with ads. Future episodes will be released as the series wraps up.

April is child abuse awareness month and when you look at the number of cases of abuse throughout the county, state and country, the task of getting these numbers down can seem daunting. One in four girls  and one in six boys will be sexually abused by their 18th birthday. Additionally, in Johnson County, less than 2 percent of abuse is made by a stranger. Most of the time, it is a family member or person known to the child, according to Tammy King, executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Johnson County.

“Abuse is widespread,” King said. “It does not touch one socio-economic class or race. Every walk of life is affected.”

The CAC handles all levels of abuse cases and sees sexual abuse, physical, emotional and neglect cases on a daily basis. King wants to see members of the community step up for children and act as advocates. Not just during April, but throughout the whole year.

“If you see something that is out of place and wrong, and it’s a child you’ve observed for a long time, you can be a voice for that child,” King said. “You can play a key role and help us find kids who haven’t been found yet that we know are out there.”

King further said that if you suspect abuse is happening, the observer can make a ‘good faith report’ to the child abuse hotline, the CAC or your local police department. If a person makes a report in good faith and abuse is ruled out, the reporter does not get in trouble. However, if you know abuse is happening but do not report it, and is later discovered by authorities, you can be prosecuted.

“I really feel like we are doing a better job here in Johnson County,” King said. “Cases have been very successfully prosecuted and that has sent a strong message that we don’t tolerate abuse. This past year, I don’t remember a case of shaken baby syndrome, which is really good.”

However, King said that she continues to see cases of parents being in drug-induced states and falling asleep and suffocating their baby or toddler.

“Because they were in such a drug-induced state, they didn’t move or wake up, so their child died,” she said. “It’s very sad.”

King has also seen extreme cases of abuse and neglect, such as children being starved and locked in closets for years at a time. One child the CAC worked with was released from a closet to go to school during the day, but then spent the rest of her life locked up.

“When that child came home, she was forced to urinate and defecate in the closet,” King said. “She survived, but the damage had been done. She had what’s called reactive attachment disorder. She can’t bond and attach with people because of what occurred at such a young age.”

There is a mistaken perception that if children experience abuse at a young age, they will forget about it and grow up just fine. However, the first five years of a child’s life are the most formative years when bonding and feelings of trust and love are established.

“If abuse happens during those first five years, especially long-term abuse, a child will have a harder time coping later on in life than say a teenager who experiences abuse short-term,” King said.

Additionally, the rate of incest-type abuse is “incredibly high,” in the county, King said.

“The vast majority of our cases the child knows the person that hurt them or is a member of the family.”

Brandon Morris, licensed social worker and program director for the CAC, said sexually abused boys can have an especially hard time when they come to the CAC.

“It can be very confusing,” Morris said. “Children say, ‘These people are supposed to protect me, and they’re hurting me.’ There is also a shame factor when it comes to boys being sexually abused.”

King agreed.

“Males are ‘supposed’ to be macho, protectors. So when they can’t even protect themselves, that really damages how they view themselves. It can be very hard for them.”

Moreover, Morris said there is an additional layer of confusion for boys who may have been sexually abused by another man. It can be hard for boys to disclose that they have been sexually abused by a male. This can lead to an identity crisis and questioning if they themselves are homosexual.

King, who has worked at the center for 18 years, said that boys who have been abused as pre-teens have a harder time processing what has been done to them.

“It can be hard for them to understand and accept that what has happened to them doesn’t have to identify them.”

However difficult their jobs may be, both King and Morris said they are thankful for the support of the community and county. The CAC is in the process of expanding its facility, and while King is happy that they are getting the chance to help more children, that also means that more children need help.