The Mirror continues its review of some of the events of 2009—that was the year that was.

This segment covers July through September.

July—The Gilmer ISD Summer Food Program was a success, serving about 450 meals a day.

A large grassroots Upshur County TEA (“Taxed Enough Already) rally was held on July 4 on the courthouse lawn. Speaker was retired U.S. Navy Commander Charles Stackhouse, who had been a prisoner of war for six years during the Vietnamese War. More than 200 are believed to have participated in the rally.

Shudarrell Cain, then 40, of Gladewater was sentenced to 25 years in prison for evidence tampering for throwing methamphetamine from a vehicle which was being pursued. His sentence was enhanced because he was a habitual offender.

The First United Methodist Church of Gilmer held a grand reopening for its Education Building. The building, a wing of the church, had been gutted and completely remodeled and refurbished.

Gene Bunn grew a 30-pound Bidwell Casada canteloupe at his place in the Latch Community.

John Edward Dean, well-known Gilmer businessman and lumberman, died at the age of 92.

In contrast to other parts of the state, East Texas had a good peach crop, but prices were fairly high.

Camp Gilmont, located off Hwy. 155 about eight miles northeast of Gilmer, broke ground on a new 6,000-square-feet conference center which, upon completion set for later in 2010, will seat 300 campers.

Charles Hollis and Johnny Davidson grew a 78-pound Carolina Giant watermelon off of Cherokee Trace.

Thousands lost electrical power as thunderstorms accompanied rains that caused a summer wetter and cooler than normal. The weather trend would continue throughout the year.

Gilmer Eye Care Center debuted the optomap, a state-of-the-art retinal eye exam giving optometrists the ability to detect eye disease and abnormalities earlier than ever before.

Pct. 1 Constable Richard Harris, elected a Democrat in 2004 and reelected without opposition in 2008, announced he was switching his affiliation to the Republican Party.

August—A suspect’s arrest led to the clearing of some 100 burglaries in Upshur and surrounding counties and recovery of much property. The name of the suspect was not revealed at the time, as the investigation continued into possible accomplices.

The First United Methodist Church’s Clothes Closet had its biggest day ever—nearly $1,100 came in from items which cost only a few dollars each or less. Some observers thought it was a sign of the worsening economy.

The Pritchett Community held its first Okra Festival, and Longview News-Journal reporter Christina Lane was crowned the first Okra Queen.

The festival was named in honor of James Cox, who first suggested the festival years earlier.

New Diana High School began the 2009-2010 school year with several career programs.

These included Advertising Design and Graphic Disign, working with a new print shop in the school; Health Science Technology, which also included Pharmacy Technology and EMT certifications. The program was so designed that three years in the EMT program could lead to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.

A NCCER safety certification was offered, as well as certifications in welding, structures, tractor safety and tractor operations and equipment.

There were also business courses and advanced technology programs.

All were designed to help the student who wants to go right into the work force after graduation.

The September edition of Texas Monthly came out in August with a story listing the East Texas Yamboree as one of the top 11 festivals in Texas.

September—The Upshur County Commissioners Court adopted a $17.2-million budget for fiscal year 2009-2010.

Two felony indictments were dropped against former long-time Gilmer lawyer Wayne Toliver after he paid restitution to a former client.

In a talk to Gilmer Rotarians, Steve Dean spoke about Col. Robert “Fox” Stephens and other Air Force heroes who came from Upshur County.

Jean Oliver Chappell’s Smart Car was the subject of a feature story in The Mirror.

Jimmy Henley and a Touch of Grass presented a popular bluegrass concert at the Gilmer Civic Center.

Randy Duke, a Gilmer High School graduate, returned to Gilmer as a loan officer at Gilmer National Bank after a career with Brookshire’s Grocery Company.

Two women, Keisha Bradley and Patti Harris, each received a settlement of $25,655 in their wrongful termination suit against Upshur County and the Upshur County Clerk’s Office.

As 2009 continued wet, heavy rains caused flash flooding and road closures in Upshur County.

George Richards of Gilmer displayed pumpkins he grew which ranged from 42 to 63 pounds each. He had planted only five seeds.

A wagon train departed from Diana on a trip to Hamburg, Ark. The route covered about 220 miles one-way.

Long-time Gilmer businessman and former city councilman Harry Aldredge died. He was 97.

Gilmer banker, school board member, play-by-play broadcaster for for the Buckeyes, and civic leader Matt Camp succumbed to cancer at the age of 38.