Igo family honored with Elementary school
Richards News
Wednesday was like a breath of fresh air as rain suddenly and unexpectedly made its way through our area. The smell of rain was heavenly and refreshing. The showers were scattered across the county with some folks reporting rain and others receiving none. Some even reported strong wind and downed trees. Continue to pray for rain, we certainly need more.
Although some were blessed with showers, a countywide burn ban was implemented Wednesday, Aug. 14. Please do not burn trash or brush piles. Please report any issues to 936-873-2151.
The Richards Civic Club Meeting is held the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. On Aug. 13, the Richards Civic Club met but it was a brief meeting due to lack of power. A membership drive is underway for anyone over the age of 18 who would like to become a member. According to the bylaws in order to vote you must be a due paying member. The dues for 2019 are $10. The Richards Community is invited to come and be part of this great group of people who are doing things to help our community.
Come be a part of the Shiro Seniors Luncheon Wed, Sept. 18, from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. Beef and cheese enchiladas, rice and beans along with salad, and dessert will be served.
Lee and I were invited to a presentation in Jarrell unveiling their new elementary school.
Lee‘s first cousin and very close friend growing up was Larry Igo. I have very fond memories when Larry and Joan would come to stay with us. Larry also had friends that they would meet up with in Montgomery. Larry and his wife Joan along with their twin sons and daughter were victims of the tornado that killed 29 people in Jarrell several years ago. Joan taught school at the Jarrell Schools where her children also attended. The boys were active in sports. Audrey was a very talented singer and sang a solo at school a short time before the tornado hit. Joan and Audrey were meeting with Larry and the boys who were together at his place of business. They all rushed home to be together because the weather was getting bad and that’s when the tornado hit.
More than 300 community members gathered Aug. 10, to celebrate the opening of Jarrell ISD’s second prekindergarten through fifth grade elementary school. Principal Jack Wilson welcomed everyone to the event and reminded the crowd that as beautiful as the school is and as nice as the campus is, the heart and soul of the school are the students and staff who will call it home. During his remarks Dr. Bill Chapman JISD Superintendent recognized local dignitaries, including family and friends of the schools’ namesake, the Igo Family.
On May 27, 1997, an F5 tornado struck the Jarrell Community. All five of the Igo family (Larry, Joan, Audrey, twins Paul and John) were among those who lost their lives in the storm.
The board of trustees of Jarrell ISD voted to name the school after the Igo Family in February 2019. Larry Igo’s sister Joan shared remarks on behalf of the family. The San Gabriel Masonic Lodge #89 performed a keystone ceremony. The event concluded with the ribbon cutting hosted by the Jerrell Chamber of Commerce.
Aunt June Igo, who was Larry’s Mother, died with cancer right after the tornado. Uncle Louis Igo died last year. I told his daughters that I wish they would have known before they died that the school would have been named Igo Elementary. They would have been so proud.
Life is short handle it with prayer! Pray for our country, our leaders, rain, and pray for all who are sick and hurting. Pray for safety for all the students and faculty as schools begin a new year.
Send news to bjigo78@yahoo.com or 979-324-7803.