Farewell Southeast Texas

To the good folks of Southeast Texas, I sincerely thank you all for allowing me to be part of this community. You have invited me into your homes and shared your lives with everyone. It has been an honor and a privilege.

Images from the last three years are presented in the order they were shot in this slideshow. It's a very large slideshow, so it may take a moment to load.

Chambers House slideshow

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

The C. Homer & Edith Fuller Chambers House in Beaumont is similar to the way it looked when it was first occupied. The house has recently received an historic preservation award from the Garden club of America and will celebrate its first anniversary of public access.

Jonathan Johnson shifts gears

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Jonathan Johnson, former funny car Rookie of the Year, earned his architecture degree from Texas A&M last year and moved to the dirt track with a new outlaw modified race car. He and his crew designed and built the car at his family's garage in Beaumont. Now he races most Fridays at Golden Triangle Speedway Park in China.

Please see the video.

Please read, "Architect mastered straight lines as drag racer; now he's trying curves as dirt track driver" by Fred Davis.

See a larger version of this slideshow.

NYPA spring convention slideshow

Photos © Mark M. Hancock / NewsEagles

I was a guest presenter at the New York Press Association spring convention in Albany, NY on April 4-6, 2008. The images in this slideshow include the 4th Estate Gala at the New York State Museum and a walk around the block in Albany.

Y'all can see the large version here. For an interesting view of this slideshow, it works OK with Metallica's "Enter Sandman."

Wetland Walkway re-opens

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

The Wetland Walkway on the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge near Hackberry, Louisiana had its official reopening on Wednesday, March 19, 2008. The refuge was destroyed by Hurricane Rita and required major reconstruction.

See a larger version of this slidshow.

Please read, "Reopened trail reveals nature's resilience..." by Christine Rappleye.

Lady Cardinals post-season run

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Lamar University's Lady Cardinals advance into the semi-final and championship games of the Southland Conference Tournament at the Merrell Center in Katy. Their post-season run ended when they lost the championship game.

See the larger version of this slideshow.

More than an old Pineland building

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Treasures From The Heart floral design and gift store in Pineland is the epicenter of a pre-Valentine's Day rush on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008. The building has been home for many businesses over the years including churches, a clothing store, an auto parts store, a mortuary and its current incarnation as a floral design and gift store.

People in the images include:   Truitta Short, Rachael Foster, Mandy Hardy, Erica Barlow, constable Jerry Dan Webb and Buel Puryear with Roderick of Texas Floral of Lufkin.

Please read, "Florist occupies Pineland building..." by Jemimah Noonoo.

Krewe of Aurora Grand Parade

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Krewe members prepare for the Krewe of Aurora Grand Parade during the Southeast Texas Mardi Gras in Port Arthur on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008.

See a larger version of this slideshow.

The celebrants include (as appear):   Jennifer Barroeta, Susie Salinas, Laurie Meyer, Renaldo Richard, Bob McNeal, Brittan Chalmers, Dustin Yu, Rhonda Schmidtke, Melissa Evans, Colt Schmidtke, Theresa Guidry, Patti Murphy, Henry Murphy, Arlene Oliver, Garrett Griffin, Joseph Catalina Jr., Reginald Richmond, Tiarra Bob, Brittan McDonald, Tyrone Bolson, Kellie Meaux and Shelley Booker.

MLK Celebrations

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Beaumont celebrates MLK Day with a presentation at MLK Middle School and the dedication of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park as well as the unveiling of a statue in Dr. King's honor on the site.


Video © Mark M. Hancock

Please read "M.L. King statue stands tall..." by Heather Nolan.

Texas trailing phlox slideshow

Photos & music by Mark M. Hancock / photos © The Beaumont Enterprise

Conservation organizations are working with forest management companies and the government to reintroduce the endangered Texas trailing phlox plant in Tyler County on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. The plant is only known to grow in four Texas counties.

Holiday lights

Photos & music by Mark M. Hancock / photos © The Beaumont Enterprise

Please read Quick tips to shoot holiday lights or the more complete (and much longer) How to shoot holiday lights.

TXDOT Memorial

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Family members and co-workers honors nine Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) employees killed in the line of duty during the TXDOT memorial unveiling ceremony at the TXDOT headquarters in Beaumont on Friday, Dec. 14, 2007.

Hurricane Humberto slideshow

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

To make the show play better, CLICK HERE to view only this post.

Hurricane Humberto developed from a tropical depression into a strong Category 1 hurricane in 18 hours. Most Southeast Texas residents went to bed expecting a bad storm and some morning flooding. Instead, Hurricane Humberto hit hard and fast. For residents of High Island and surrounding communities it hit with unpresidented fury.

Luckily, there was only one hurricane-related fatality.

Douget Rice Farm harvest slideshow

Photos and music by Mark M. Hancock / photos © The Beaumont Enterprise

Farmers faced a tough year after extensive rains during planting season and now have been hit by Hurricane Humberto. Rice crops in particular are expected to suffer the most from the recent hurricane.

Please read, "Heavy rains, hurricane put rice crop in jeopardy" by Emily Guevara.

Battle of Sabine Pass remembrance slideshow

Photos and music by Mark M. Hancock / photos © The Beaumont Enterprise

Members of the Edward Lea Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War reenactment group participate in a ceremony honoring Union soldiers lost at the Sabine Pass Battleground State Park and Historical Site in Sabine Pass on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007. It was the first event to take place at the park since Hurricane Rita destroyed it almost two years ago.

On Sept. 8, 1863, 48 men repelled an attack by four warships and 1,200 men of the Union Army and Navy. No Texas defenders were lost in the battle.

Please read, "Union soldier monument marks battle along with Rita recovery" by Rose Ybarra.

Morning Out Club slideshow

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

The Morning Out program allows Alzheimers caregivers a break from their daily difficulties by providing safe, social interaction for the Alzheimers patient. Caregivers drop off their family member with Alzheimers and get work done or relax for a few hours while the family member is in an encouraging social setting.

The program recently celebrated its 3rd anniversary and will expand from once per week to twice per week in September. Activities include a review of current events, music, exercise, games, mission projects, special guests, and weekly devotionals. Volunteers assist participants in the program with activities and provide lunch.

Please read, "Morning Out Club creates a social outlet..." by Rose Ybarra.

Patriot Guard Riders' welcome

Music & photos by Mark M. Hancock / photos © The Beaumont Enterprise

The Patriot Guard Riders started as a counter-protest group for the families of fallen military personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan. The grassroots organization has quickly evolved into one that supports and honors all military personnel and veterans.

Now, local riders provide honor escorts for any fallen veterans and try to welcome home all active military personnel. At the Welcome Home celebrations, they also welcome home all Vietnam-era veterans, who didn't get a proper welcome and thanks for their service.

Spc. Kamisha Jane Block

photos & music by Mark M. Hancock / photos © The Beaumont Enterprise

U.S. Army Spc. Kamisha Jane Block, 20, of Vidor died on August 16, 2007 while serving as a military police officer in an area north of Baghdad, Iraq. She is the first female soldier from Southeast Texas to die in the line of duty.

Please read "...Tears still flow at funeral" by Mike D. Smith and see the Guest Book.

Bridges To Life

Photos & music by Mark M. Hancock / photos © The Beaumont Enterprise

Bridges To Life is a restorative justice program. It allows victims a voice while encouraging convicted criminals to understand the results of their actions through a faith-based program for prisoners who are about to be paroled.

Award winner:
3rd Place, Feature / Multiple, NPPA Region 8 August clip contest


Please read, "Criminals, crime victims share experiences..." by Sarah Moore.


This is my first official published attempt at composing music. The first 30 seconds are meant to be musically disturbing (like prison life). Then, it should become easier on the ears as the inmates and BTL volunteers connect and graduate. Any feedback about the music and/or images is appreciated.

East Orange, La.

The area formerly called East Orange, La. was a strip of casinos, bars and dance halls that existed along old Highway 90 until enforcement of Louisiana gambling laws and the opening of Interstate 10. The area, which was accessible to Texans via a swing bridge over the Sabine River and a mile-long wooden bridge over the swamp, finally came to a conclusion when the bridge burned in 1973.

Please read "TALES: East Orange, La..." by Mike D. Smith.