Here is a recap of what was featured in the Wednesday, Nov. 2, e-edition of the Taylor Press. The e-edition is emailed to subscribers and available at www. taylorpress.net.
ONE DEAD AFTER TWO-VEHICLE ACCIDENT
A motorcycle passenger died Saturday night in a collision on the outskirts of Granger.
According to a Texas Department of Public Safety crash report, troopers at 7:49 p.m. rushed to the site of a crash involving multiple vehicles on Texas 95 and FM 972 between Granger and Bartlett.
According to investigators, a 2018 Toyota Tacoma driven by Christopher Munoz, 63, of Georgetown, attempted to turn onto 95 from 972 and was involved in a collision with a 2010 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Olen Hoyt Watson, 62, of Taylor. Watson and a passenger on the motorcycle, identified as Jackie Ilene Pryor, 60, of Taylor, were both thrown from the bike. Pryor was then hit by a second vehicle traveling south on 95, troopers said.
Neither of the victims wore helmets, according to officers. Pryor was pronounced dead at the scene, and Watson was taken to Seton Hospital, according to reports. His condition has not been released. Munoz was wearing
a seatbelt and was not injured, DPS said.
FORMER TAYLOR ISD SUPERINTENDENT TAKES THE HELM OF UVALDE CISD
A former superintendent of the Taylor Independent School District has been named the interim top educator for Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, five months after a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers. Effective Nov. 1, Gary Patterson will take the helm at Uvalde CISD, taking the place of Hal Harrell, who is retiring in the wake of the May 24 tragedy.
Since the shooting, parents have demanded resignations and clamored for answers, even as multiple investigations have been launched after officers waited 74 minutes before breaching the classroom where the gunman waited.
The assailant, 18-year-old Salvador Rolando Ramos also died by gunfire when a tactical team stormed the room.
Patterson was Taylor’s 14th superintendent in the school’s history. Former Taylor ISD Superintendent Mike Caplinger said he could see Patterson’s personality being a good fit for a school district going through several daunting challenges at once, including handling the ongoing investigations, the construction of a new elementary school campus, and a community still in grief.
Officials have not said when they are going to name a permanent superintendent in Uvalde.
SCARE ON THE SQUARE FULL OF FAMILY FUN
Cowboys, ninjas, and even a couple of appliances showed up for the 2022 Spooktacular scare on the square event to celebrate Halloween Oct. 31 at Heritage Square Park.
Hundreds of attendees came to show off their costumes, visit with Sparky the Fire Dog, jump in the bounce houses, and eat lots of candy.
Taylor police and fire departments were also on hand for tours of their vehicles and photos.
Vendors, including Baylor Scott & White, First Baptist Taylor, Taylor Independent School District, and Taylor Economic Development Corporation, handed out balls, other promotional items, and lots of sweet treats.
Library Director Ellis said more than 100 kids participated in the library-sponsored costume contest, which had a dozen winners in different age categories.
HUTTO CELEBRATES SUPERINTENDENT ANNIVERSARY
HUTTO – The Hutto ISD community recently celebrated a milestone for one of their own.
Last week marked a very special moment for the Superintendent Celina Estrada Thomas, who calls herself the Head Hippo.
Thomas celebrated her five-year anniversary with Hutto ISD. She navigated the district through COVID-19 and continues to inspire with her leadership and dedication to our students and staff.
EAGLES END TIGERS’ PLAYOFF HOPES
HEARNE – The Hearne Eagles (5-4 overall, 3-2 District 13-2A) brought an end to the Thrall Tigers’ playoff hopes Saturday with a 34-21 win. “I thought we played well enough in spurts to win the game,” Thrall Coach Aaron Vanecek said. “We won the second half and did it dominating the run game and field position, which were two of our keys to the game coming in.”
The Tigers (2-7, 1-4) will closed out the season Friday against the Schulenburg Shorthorns (0-9, 0-5).
