Friday, June 30, 2006

Direct Social Security


Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise
John Prejean, 86; (clockwise from top) Sandra Rafter, 71; Ralph Osborn, 92; and Priscilla Burrows, 65, play bridge at The Best Years Senior Center in Beaumont on Friday, June 23, 2006. The Social Security Administration wants seniors to apply for direct deposit.


Sandra Rafter, 71, considers her options during a bridge game at The Best Years Senior Center. Social Security Administration officials said it's critical in hurricane-prone areas to keep seniors from having the same problems as those who were displaced by hurricanes Rita and Katrina.


Seniors play bridge at The Best Years Senior Center in Beaumont on Friday, June 23, 2006. During the mandatory hurricane evacuation period, many seniors needed their Social Security payments while out of town. Even when they returned, mail was not delivered until streets were clear and gasoline was available.

Two copy editors/designers needed HERE

UPDATE: Any reporters at The Dallas Morning News are welcome to apply for an open reporter position. The position has not been posted yet, but The Beaumont Enterprise wants to help the folks facing job cuts at DMN. Only reporters from DMN should direct their resumes and cover letters via e-mail to Managing Editor Brian Pearson.

When applying for any job, mention you saw this opening on this blog (PhotoJournalism). One copy editor/designer position is immediately open. The other position needs to be filled by August 1, 2006.

The Beaumont Enterprise, a 60,000-circulation Hearst daily newspaper in Southeast Texas, is looking for copy editors. Our universal desk needs energetic and experienced copy editors/page designers with one to two years daily newspaper experience that can be a vibrant addition to our fast-paced schedule.

The right candidate should be an excellent wordsmith; have experience with Quark and Photoshop; and work well under a two- to three-edition deadline. Knowledge of Illustrator and/or Freehand a plus, but not required. Also, our copy desk has become an integral part of our online operation, so Web experience is a plus.

The ideal candidate will be versatile, able to handle the front page one night and sports the next. Send resume and up to 10 page clips to Managing Editor Ron Franscell, Beaumont Enterprise, P.O. Box 3071, Beaumont TX 77701, or e-mail to rfranscell@hearstnp.com.

FYI, one copy editor became a news editor at another paper while the other copy editor is returning to university to get a masters of arts. So, congrats to both of them. :-)

The paper provides high-quality content and expects high-quality editing and design. Among other awards, it was named as this year's top newspaper in its division at the Texas Press Association Better Newspaper Contest. Awards from only this contest include:

Sweepstakes Winner (1st)
1st General Excellence
1st News Writing
1st News Photo
1st Headline Writing
1st Feature Story
1st Community Service
2nd Page Design
4th Editorials
4th Sports Coverage

Enough for now,
 

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Neches River redfish


Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise
Beaumont resident Leonard Joubert fights a redfish in the Neches River at Colliers Ferry Park in Beaumont on Tuesday, June 20, 2006. Summer officially begins June 21.


Beaumont resident Leonard Joubert nets a 20-inch redfish in the Neches River at Colliers Ferry Park in Beaumont. Recent rains have raised the river's water level this week.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Botanical Gardens at Tyrrell Park


A large grasshopper soaks up some sun at Tyrrell Park in Beaumont on Friday, June 23, 2006. Since Hurricane Rita, the park has planned many renovations to ensure its place as a jewel of Beaumont.


Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise


Palms and other plants grow at the Warren Loose Conservator & Binks Horticultural Center at Tyrrell Park. Hurricane Rita cost an estimated $300,000 to $400,000 damage to the garden center.



Plants grow in the gardens by the conservator and horticultural center at Tyrrell Park. Although many have donated to the center, including a $25,000 donation from the Magnolia Club, the center could still use some help to get its roots firmly planted.


Please read "Gardens' beauty slowly sprouting after ugly storm" by Jennifer Avilla.

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Lamar's season ends


Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise
Lamar's Erick Kanaby (No. 20) dives safely back to first base during a Southland Conference Baseball Tournament game against Texas State at Lamar University in Beaumont on Wednesday, May 24, 2006.


Lamar's Steve Macfarland (No. 31) pitches during a Southland Conference Baseball Tournament game against Texas State.


Lamar's Dan Hernandez (No. 27, right) gets congratulated by teammates after scoring during a Southland Conference Baseball Tournament game against Texas State.

NPPA Summit recap

Mindy McAdams at Teaching Online Journalism attended the NPPA summit, which featured Richard Hernandez of the San Jose Mercury News. She posted her take on how San Jose PJs are adapting to video.

Enough for now,

Monday, June 26, 2006

Super Gold golfer


Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School's Ryan Prejean poses for a portrait at Sunset Grove Country Club in Orange on Wednesday, June 7, 2006. He was named as The Beaumont Enterprise boys player of the year on the Super Gold Golf Team.


Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

He hadn't signed to a college when I shot this. However, he said he'd like to go to UT if he could get a scholarship. ;-)

The best PJ universities

Many folks have asked recently about the best colleges for photojournalism. My answer is always the same:   The university doesn't make the best PJ. The best PJ makes the most of their time at university.

This year's College Photographer of the Year is Casey Templeton. Templeton is a fine example of this philosophy. He is the only award winner in this year's CPOY contest from James Madison University. We'll learn more about him and his education next week.

With this said, the contest can show us some trends to assess the benefit-for-investment with different universities. Obviously, it would be better to track this information for 10 years and perform an aggregate assessment, but the Web site only includes this year's winners.

Realistically, it would be best to track and distill this information from all winners of all major contests from the last 10 years (if anyone is looking for a research project). However, let's use the information we have and draw a few conclusions.

When looking at the winners list, let's ignore who won gold, silver, bronze and honorable mention. I'm not discounting the quality of any winners, but the difference between these ranks is often subjective and could have been different with different judges. Instead, let's simply look at how many individuals from different universities got any awards.

Of these winners, let's eliminate the universities with only one winner (no matter how many awards were won by this individual). Next, eliminate the redundancies on the winners' list.

What remains is a solid guess at the quality of the PJ education at different universities. If nothing else, it shows their ability to teach students to shoot and select quality images for competition. Here's the breakdown by number of individual students who won any awards at this year's CPOY:

14   Ohio University
08   University of Missouri
07   Western Kentucky University
06   Brooks Institute of Photography
04   University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
03   University of Florida
02   NONE

Based on these numbers, I'd bet any of these universities would provide a quality PJ education with a likelihood of landing a decent job upon graduation.

Why am I convinced?

As was proven again this year by Templeton and last year by Gershon, one driven PJ can take all the marbles without cohorts. However, strong programs draw strong students. These students are frequently as demanding on one another as they are on themselves. In other words, critiques in these classes are probably passionate.

I've also included the number of universities who had a pair of winners. The number is zero. However, I'd need to look at the numbers from other years to nail this theory to the door. I do know there is at least one university that's building a trend lately, but it takes more than one winner per year to display educational dominance.

This profession is about scooping the competition and dominating the field. A quality university should understand this and push their PJ students to perform at this level.

If a student is torn between different colleges, demand a track record before signing the dotted line. Ask the journalism department for a list of major award winners from the university. Also ask them for a list of graduates who are currently working as professionals in the industry.

If these universities purport to teach journalism, they'll be able to give a reasonable answer. After all, these universities teach journalism, which is about real-world, real-time research. If they have no real-world knowledge about their graduates, be concerned.

Enough for now,

Please see the 2006, 2007 and 2008 updates.
 

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Crockett Street Pub demolished


Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Excavator operator Tom Hunt with Coastal Demolitions begins demolition of the Crockett Street Pub in Beaumont on Wednesday, June 21, 2006. The pub was closed after Hurricane Rita. Recent, heavy rains made the building dangerously unstable. A separate part of the building houses the second-longest continuously operating business in Beaumont.


Building owner Ralph Night (left) and David Mayer, owner of Champion Construction, (right) talk as an excavator demolishes the Crockett Street Pub. The two-story building was built by German immigrant Frank Sievert sometime between 1890 and the early 1900s. Since then, it's been a general store, a café and a lounge.

Ask a question:   Casey Templeton

Ever wanted advice from a College POY-winning photojournalist? Well, here's your chance again. Casey Templeton won the portfolio award this year. He has agreed to an interview.

Leave your questions in the comment section or drop me an e-mail. I plan on asking the standard questions, but this is a chance for y'all to ask a specific question and get a specific answer.

Please leave your questions by Saturday, July 1, 2006.

Please also see other interviews with previous CPOY winner Rick Gershon as well as Pulitzer Prize winners David Leeson, Michael Ainsworth and Todd Heisler for example questions.

Enough for now,

Casey Templeton 2005 CPOY

Casey Templeton was born in Roanoke, Virginia on October 9, 1983. He is currently based in Washington, D.C. before he starts a 14-week internship with National Geographic Magazine in D.C.

Templeton recently graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. with a degree in Media Arts and Design. He has interned previously at the Staunton Newsleader and The Roanoke Times.

He was named the 2005 College Photographer of the Year.

Additional images can be seen at caseytempleton.com as well as his winning portfolio on cpoy.org.

He resides in Washingon, D.C. and is engaged to be married in June 2007.

Please also see interview Part A and Part B.

Enough for now,

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Tennis golden girl


Kirbyville High School's Salina Aranda poses for a portrait at Brentwood Country Club in Beaumont on Thursday, June 1, 2006. She has been named by The Beaumont Enterprise as a Super Gold Athlete of the Year for tennis.

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise


Kirbyville High School's Salina Aranda practices at Brentwood Country Club in Beaumont.


Kirbyville High School's Salina Aranda practices at Brentwood Country Club in Beaumont.

Friday, June 23, 2006

Gas supplies


Only super unleaded gasoline remains at Savannah Food and Deli in Port Arthur on Friday, May 19, 2006. Although a refinery is nearby, the store is still subject to supply and demand regulating gasoline prices and availability.

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Major photography fields

A camera is a tool. As a hammer might be used by a cabinet manufacturer, a violin maker or even a musician, the camera is used by professionals in different fields. Each field has its own ethical code and use for the camera as well as the resulting images.

With this understood, let's consider the different fields of photography. PJs tend to be the chameleons of photography. Depending on what's needed, we shift our technique to emulate other styles (while maintaining our ethical standards and personal style). In a single day, a PJ may shoot any number of categories on location and in the studio.

Periodically, we're going to explore some of the different professions to appreciate what they do and what we can learn from their experience. But first, we must understand what these genres are.

Major genres of still photography
The broad categories of photography are editorial, commercial, architectural, consumer portraiture, fine art, corporate, public relations and scientific. Within these categories are numerous subdivisions as well as hybrid classifications.

Editorial
The purpose of editorial photography is publication. Editorial photography can be anything that is not overt advertising. Because editorial photographers create content for publications (both consumer and industry), this field encompasses many styles and ethics levels. Photojournalism and fashion photography are subcategories of editorial photography.

Most publications (newspapers and magazines) separate the editorial and advertising sections to avoid conflicts of interest. However, an editorial PJ may shoot for both sections.

This can be one of the lowest-paying fields of photography. However, overhead costs are low after initial investment. Most images in this genre carry a credit line. Digital SLR (or 35mm film) cameras are most common in this field of photography.

Commercial
Commercial photographers create images for packaging and large advertising campaigns. Images are created according to the clients specifications. They're often highly styled and employ advanced lighting techniques, elaborate sets and frequently employ models.

While local advertising is created by publication photographers and use of the images is controlled by the publication or the pub's photographer, commercial images are contracted and handled by the art director of an advertising agency or the purchasing corporation.

This is one of the highest paying fields of photography. Likewise, this field has the highest overhead costs. These images frequently carry no credit line and are provided as part of a finished product to publications and other forms of display (billboards, busses, etc...). Large and some medium format cameras are common in this field of photography

Architectural
Architectural photographers help their architecture and construction clients land the next big job (think million$). Architectural images also have secondary roles for editorial, fine art and commercial uses.

Competition is fierce in this field while jobs are infrequent. Professionals in this field must know how to light interiors to match the exterior and may wait several days for the perfect light.

This is also a high paying field of photography. Depending on use, images frequently carry a credit line. Large and medium format cameras with bellows (for perspective control) are critical in this field of photography. Other photographers that prefer a lighter approach or faster delivery use digital cameras with perspective-control (PC) lenses.

Consumer portraiture
Consumer portrait photographers produce prints to sell to individual consumers. Often, portrait photographers have storefront studios. Much of their profit margin results from auxiliary sales such as frames and albums.

Wedding and public-consumption sports photographers as well as superstore retailers are subcategories of this field.

Income depends on the portrait photographer's ability to get and sell to consumers and keep profit margins. Overhead expenses can be very high. Final images are almost always in print form with the studio's name printed into the paper or canvas. Studio owners keep all copyrights. Medium format, 35mm and digital SLRs and some large format cameras are common in this field of photography

Fine art
Fine art photographers produce museum-quality artworks in print (paper and/or canvas) form. Final prints are commissioned for museums and private collections. Numbered series prints are also sold to art collectors through galleries, art representatives and fine art competition shows.

The artist's name is often the selling point of the image (usually prints) and prints are frequently signed by the artist. Large and medium format as well as SLR (35mm film or digital) cameras are common in this field of photography.

Corporate
Corporate photographers can produce commercial and/or public relations images. They additionally produce images for in-house and corporate annual reports. At smaller corporations, they also produce publications (writing, design and photography).

Income is slightly higher than editorial photographers while having no overhead costs. It's unusual for the corporate photographer to get a credit line outside of an in-house arrangement. Corporate photographers generally have no rights to the images they produce. Digital SLR (35mm range) cameras are most common in this field of photography. The equipment is provided by the corporation.

Public relations (PR)
Public relations photographers help businesses promote themselves. Public relations professionals hire PR photographers to illustrate turn-in articles or document events to create good will for their clients.

Although PR photographers primarily capture images, they frequently must also engage in back-end image activities for the clients (providing prints, pre-press images, etc).

Initial payment is higher than editorial photography. However, the image's purpose is to provide free content to publications. Therefore, aftermarket and stock uses are unlikely. It's unusual for the PR photographer to get a credit line outside of a contractual arrangement with each client. Digital SLR (35mm range) cameras are common in this field of photography.

Scientific
Scientific photographers illustrate and/or document scientific problems, theories and results. These images are primarily used for textbooks, scientific journals and in-house at medical facilities and/or manufacturers. Scientific photographers often must perform public relations and corporate photography roles as part of their employment.

Scientific photographers employed by corporations (often called technical photographers) document processes for patents as well as research and development. Often, these images are closely guarded by the company and are never seen outside of the company and patent office.

Meanwhile, visual sociologists have made several attempts to gain traction as a social science field. As such, its use is primarily limited to documentary work for textbook and grant proposals. Because their work looks similar to photojournalism, most clients outside academics are reluctant to hire (and pay much more for) visual sociologists.

Scientific photographers often have advanced degrees and are paid appropriately, but medical facility staff openings are rare (these jobs also require a strong stomach). Depending on use, scientific photographers occasionally get credit lines. Digital SLRs (35mm range) and medium format cameras with specialized or micro lenses are common in this field of photography. Specialized lighting techniques and equipment are often required to document scientific experiments.

Hybrid photography fields
Because a camera is simply a tool, not all uses of this tool fit into neat categories. Many photographers fall into several categories simultaneously. Oceanographers, who invest in specialized underwater equipment, are immediately scientific photographers. However, the oceanographer's client dictates the genre as well as the images' subsequent uses.

For example, an oil company may hire the oceanographer to document oil rig fittings. However, images from the dive could have uses in publications, textbooks, museums, or in advertising campaigns. The same oceanographer might earn the majority of her income selling prints to beginning divers or underwater wedding parties.

The same holds true for aerial photographers and a host of other similarly specialized hybrid photography styles. Most hybrid photography professions are proprietor operations or freelance.

Deliberate cross genre
Photographers deliberately cross genres. Often, this is done to generate income. Sometimes it's done to keep valued clients.

Editorial photographers often step into commercial and architectural roles to augment income while remaining in a lower-paying field. Some commercial photographer may accept editorial work (magazine illustrations) simply to gain clients through credit line recognition.

Recently, editorial photographers have become prized by commercial portraiture clients (primarily for high-end weddings). Although this cross genre jump is easy from a shooting point of view, industry requirements (taxes, sales negotiations, contracts, up-front payment, expectations, ethics, etc.) are frequently vexing to editorial shooters and may come with significant pitfalls.

Often, changing genre for a day means more than switching hats for the photographer. Commercial photographers, who are accustomed to illustrating their ideal vision with models and sets, may find editorial ethics (i.e. "ugly truth") difficult for their training in visual perfection. However, if they're working as a PJ, they must play by the same ethical rules as a PJ (i.e. don't change the truth).

Why classify at all?
The reason photographers are classified by genre is to set approach rules, clientele, overhead needs and education. The sooner a photographer decides upon a path, the more prepared the photographer will be upon entering the marketplace.

Many PJs avoid large format cameras in college to concentrate on their SLR specialization. Likewise, commercial photography students don't tend to work at university newspapers (breaking news and view cameras typically aren't good companions).

Furthermore, advanced PJ students use summer breaks for internships at newspapers while commercial and architecture photographers participate in mentorships or work as photo assistants for established photographers in their chosen field.

By adhering to a particular specialization throughout the educational process, photographers learn by osmosis the rules of survival in the field. For example, PJs learn not to set up images (negative feedback) while commercial photographers learn how to do it perfectly (positive feedback).

Looking forward
This post is intended as a primer for folks considering photography options. We haven't addressed the need for higher education or the minutia of each genre. Over time, we'll (hopefully) have interviews with top photographers in these other fields to help folks choose a path and/or learn more about each others' camera-totin' professions.

Enough for now,
 

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Lamar baseball hosts Southland Conference


Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Lamar's William Delage (No. 8) pitches against UTSA during the Southland Conference Baseball Tournament at Lamar University in Beaumont on Wednesday, May 24, 2006.


Lamar's Colt Crawford (No. 11) bats against UTSA during the Southland Conference Baseball Tournament at Lamar University in Beaumont on Wednesday, May 24, 2006.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Dauphin center opens


Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Radiologist Dan Karnicki (left) shows new equipment to his wife Liz Karnicki (center) and neuro surgeon Mark J. Kubala (right) during the grand opening of The Dauphin Cancer Screening & Prevention Center in Beaumont on Wednesday, May 24, 2006. The center screens for prostate and breast cancer and offers the only digital mammography in Southeast Texas. The center is named in honor of Charline and the late Sidney "Chief" Dauphin.

Please see Fayrouz's post about breast cancer screening and prevention. If caught early enough, many forms of breast cancer can be treated and stopped before it's too late.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Navy Days


Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

The USS Pelican (MHC-53) arrives at the Port of Beaumont during U.S. Navy Days in Beaumont on Friday, June 16, 2006. The 188-foot-long ship is designed to locate and conduct mine countermeasures, clear routes and conduct underwater search operations. The hull is constructed of a special fiberglass and resin to absorb shocks from underwater explosions.

The ship was originally commissioned in Beaumont in recognition of the area's WWII shipbuilding effort.

Monday, June 19, 2006

Juneteenth Celebration


Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Jack C. with Jack Time of Port Arthur performs during the Juneteenth Celebration concert at Ford Pavilion in Beaumont on Saturday, June 17, 2006. It was the first concert at the pavilion since Hurricane Rita.


Dorcenia Frank of Port Arthur stands and sings along with a gospel choir during the Juneteenth Celebration concert at Ford Pavilion.



A large number of people turned out for the free Juneteenth Celebration concert at Ford Pavilion. It was the first concert in the pavilion since Hurricane Rita.
 

June 2006 iTunes

* Fallin' by Alicia Keys
* Groove Town by Andy Narell
* Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) by C+C Music Factory
* Rockit by Herbie Hancock
* So Alive by Love and Rockets
* Head Like a Hole by Nine Inch Nails
* Silent Lucidity by Queensryche
* East Bound and Down by Jerry Reed
* Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers
* I Knew I Loved You by Savage Garden

Check out the iTunes samples.

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Wakeboard competition


Tony Reyna of Friendswood, Texas performs a maneuver in the Outlaw division during the Mid-Summer Texas Classic wakeboarding competition at a private lake in Rose City, Texas on Saturday, June 17, 2006.


Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise


Jeff Keiser of Houston performs a maneuver in the Outlaw division during the Mid-Summer Texas Classic wakeboarding competition.


Jeff Keiser of Houston prepares for a behind-the-back maneuver in the Outlaw division while judges watch from the boat during the Mid-Summer Texas Classic wakeboarding competition.


Mark Heger of Austin performs a behind-the-back maneuver in the Outlaw division during the Mid-Summer Texas Classic wakeboarding competition.
 

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Wetlands mitigation banking


Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

A Canada goose spreads its wings on a water hazard at DuPont's private employee recreational golf facility in West Orange on Wednesday, April 5, 2006. On March 30, 2006 Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced the definition of wetlands now includes artificially created ponds, such as golf course water hazards and farm impoundments as part of the wetlands mitigation banking concept.
 

Friday, June 16, 2006

Shingled out


Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Jody Reho with Reho Reconstruction of Beaumont works on the tile roof of Larry Groeger in the Old Town neighborhood of Beaumont on Wednesday, May 10, 2006. Many of the neighborhood homes suffered roof damage during Hurricane Rita.


Jody Reho works on a tile roof in the Old Town neighborhood. Traditional roof tiles made of cement or stone are no longer manufactured. Replacement tiles are extremely expensive when they are located.


A roof finial awaits replacement at the home of Larry Groeger in the Old Town neighborhood. Many neighborhood home owners have requested permission from the Historic Landmark Commission to change from traditional roofs to composition shingle roofs (background).

Please read "Broken roof tiles, slate can break bank" by Jennifer Avilla.

Incidentally, Reho is the sibling of Jessica Reho.
 

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Relay For Life


Tyler resident Coby Archa, formerly on the reality-show Survivor Palau, carries the torch of hope to open the annual Relay For Life at West Brook High School in Beaumont on Friday, May 5, 2006. He ran in support of fellow survivor member Jennifer Lyon who is currently battling breast cancer.

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise


Rhonda Butler with The Pit Crew, sponsored by Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, prepares her team's break area before the annual Relay For Life at West Brook High School. Volunteers take turns walking and running around the school's track to raise money for the American Cancer Society.


Cancer survivors carry a banner to begin the annual Relay For Life at West Brook High School in Beaumont.
 

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Prisoner manhunt


Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Newton Country officials leave the Newton County Correctional Center to search for an escaped prisoner in Newton, Texas on Tuesday, June 13, 2006.


Newton Country officials search for an escaped prisoner along Texas Highway 87 in Newton County. Rudolfo Garcia-Lopez, 38, escaped from the Newton County Correctional Center, a the privately operated facility, on Monday and remains at large.


Newton Country officials search for an escaped prisoner in Newton County, Texas. Rudolfo Garcia-Lopez is an Idaho prisoner serving a 20-year sentence for aggravated assault and a 12.6-year sentence for attempted kidnapping.


Newton Country officials search for an escaped prisoner in Newton County. He escaped the prison after protesting, among similar issues, which cable television programs were available at the prison.


Newton Country deputies Scott Duncan (from left to right), Thomas Anderson and Jerry Amburn search for an escaped prisoner along a logging road in Newton County.

Please read "Manhunt scours Newton County woods" by F.A. Krift and Jacqueline Lane.

Update: 15 June 2006
Please read "Newton jail escapee caught" by F.A. Krift.
 

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Thirsty deer


Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

A deer walks on the Steinhagen Lake bed in the Dam B Area off Highway 190 on Thursday, June 8, 2006. Different plans are being considered for the eventual fate of the Neches River's water, which feeds the lake. The lake was drained to kill non-native plants, which were choking the water.
 

Monday, June 12, 2006

Bill Pickett Trail Ride


Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Stacy Mims, 10, of Beaumont warms up his horse before the 2nd annual Bill Pickett Trail Ride at Bassett's Arena in Cheek, Texas on Saturday, June 10, 2006.


Kristina Roberts of Beaumont cinches the saddle on Joe Pete, an 18-year-old quarterhorse, before the 2nd annual Bill Pickett Trail Ride.




(Above) Garrett Williams (right) carries his cousin Emanuel Lewis, 2, (left) before the 2nd annual Bill Pickett Trail Ride.

(Right) Brian Wilson, 8, of Beaumont steadies Lucky, a 2-year-old Palomino, before the 2nd annual Bill Pickett Trail Ride.




(Above) Thomas LeBlanc of Beaumont prepares to spur his horse into action before the 2nd annual Bill Pickett Trail Ride.

(Right) Albert Charles, 82, of Beaumont prepares Bill, a 7-year-old quarterhorse, before the 2nd annual Bill Pickett Trail Ride.



(Left) Ashley Laverne of Cheek has a fun ride on Diamond, a 4-year-old pony, before the 2nd annual Bill Pickett Trail Ride.

(Below) Fred Bibbins of Cheek (left) and Dwain Polk of Beaumont (right of center) participate in the 2nd annual Bill Pickett Trail Ride.


Please also see Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.