Top local news stories of 2023

Dec. 29—Editor's Note: After reviewing the stories that made the local news in 2023, we narrowed down our picks for the Top 10 to include stories that captured the most attention or had a large impact on the community. We invite you to follow along with the news of the day in 2024 through our print and digital outlets: The printed edition of the Jacksonville Progress; our web presence at www.jacksonvilleprogress.com; and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleProgress.

Rusk State Hospital completes new $202M patient complex

The Rusk State Hospital unveiled its $202 million, state-of-the-art patient complex in June. The newly constructed facility features private rooms, common activity spaces, treatment areas and outdoor courtyards.

The new hospital building is a three-story complex that includes a 100-bed non-maximum-security unit and a 100-bed maximum security unit. The overall number of beds remained the same, but with the maximum security beds increased from 40 to 100.

Prior to the construction of the new patient complex, and the administration building completed in 2021, no buildings had been constructed on the RSH campus since 1977.

The Rusk State Hospital, in operation since 1919, offers in-patient psychiatric care to people in 36 counties throughout East Texas, serving an average of 269 people annually.

Jacksonville's National Night Out ranked first

Jacksonville's National Night Out event was ranked first among cities with a population between 5,000 and 15,000 by the National Association of Town Watch. This year was the third time the event was hosted downtown and it drew over 9,000 people.

The event featured food trucks, information booths, games and activities, emergency vehicles, demonstrations and performances by the high school cheerleaders, Charmers, twirlers and drum line. Over 90 participating organizations and more than $45,000 in donations made it possible for all the food and activities to be provided free to the public.

The 2023 award follows a fifth place finish in 2021 and a second place spot in 2022.

DeHart to build permanent facility in Jacksonville

Sharon Marsh, owner of DeHart Veterinary Services, known for its mobile clinics at over 20 locations in East Texas, confirmed plans to build a permanent facility in Jacksonville. She secured a special use permit to bring her mobile trailer to the property, with the understanding a permanent structure will be constructed within two years.

Marsh plans to continue the mobile clinics even after the new facility is constructed, but did say she hoped the permanent building would help strengthen the relationship she has with the Jacksonville Animal Shelter, where a partnership already exists and she is a consultant.

Jacksonville Chamber office returns to downtown

The Jacksonville Chamber celebrated the return of its office to a downtown location, 307 E. Commerce, which is next door to the Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation.

Formerly housed in the Norman Activity Center, the chamber office had to move in 2019 when the city decided to repurpose the building as the city's library. The chamber then rented space near the eastern limits of Jacksonville.

The new office is closer to more of the members it serves and has a larger meeting area and more available parking.

Inaugural Miss, Junior Miss Juneteenth crowned in Jacksonville

The Fred Douglass Community Development Corporation crowned its first ever Miss Juneteenth and Junior Miss Juneteenth is a special ceremony hosted by Seminary Heights Church of Christ. The May event honored Marquicia Robertson, known as Qui Qui, as the inaugural Miss Juneteenth. The title of Junior Miss Juneteenth went to Ja'Leigha Jiles. A $500 scholarship, awarded to each young lady, will be kept in a college savings account and paid directly to the school of their choice once they've enrolled.

Two-year investigation results in major drug bust

A multi-agency operation netted five arrests, with approximately 540 grams of methamphetamine and several firearms seized. Authorities believed those arrested had ties to Mexico, and although no specific link to cartels was confirmed, it was noted that this was one of the largest busts in the area and it involved a large drug trafficking organization.

Agencies involved included the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, Homeland Security, Jacksonville Police Department, Smith County Sheriff's Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigative Division and DPS SWAT.

Local marching bands place at state competition

Three local marching bands advanced to the 2023 UIL State Military Marching Championship, with two placing in the top five. Having earned Division 1 ratings at Region 21, the Bullard Panther Band, Troup Tiger Band and Jacksonville Fighting Indian Band each advanced to the state competition.

The Bullard band placed third among those competing in Class 4A. The Troup Tiger Band finished fifth in Class 3A competition. The Jacksonville band, also competing in Class 4A, finished ninth.

Jacksonville welcomes new design house

John Davenport and Duncan Watson opened the doors of Davenport Home + Design in September.

The couple renovated one of Jacksonville's vacant downtown buildings, which is now home to their design and home furnishing store. Davenport Home + Design features a variety of goods including furniture, home decor, seasonal and gift items. The business also offers services including reupholstery, interior decorating, remodel and new construction design.

Air Boss Outdoors featured on Shark Tank

Air Boss Outdoors, a Jacksonville company, was featured on the ABC business reality show Shark Tank. The program show entrepreneurs presenting business ideas to five venture capitalists called "sharks." Air Boss Outdoor founders Keith Lindsey and Bob Legg presented "The Krapp Strap," a harness device that allow one to go to the bathroom in the woods hands free. The duo received an offer from Daymond John and Lori Greiner for $65,000 and 33.3% of their company, to assist with sales and marketing.

Skylie Myers-Watson named "Outstanding Female of the Year"

Skylie Myers-Watson, a Rusk High School graduate and current student at Stephen F. Austin University, received the Outstanding Female of the Year award from the Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards. The award consists of a trophy, additional gifts and a $2,000 check.

Myers-Watson said she was shocked but proud to have won the award.

Myers-Watson is described by foster mom Kim Woods as a sweet, kind hearted young lady, adding she retains a positive outlook and no negativity despite all she's been through.

Jaclyn Tyler, a member of the Cherokee County Child Welfare Board, said Myers-Watson exemplifies the type of person they desire to nominate — one who beat the odds.