Milestones

Thirty-one years is a long time to be employed by any one organization, and Grayson County made a point to recognize a retiring employee with that tenure during its regular meeting Dec. 8.
Gena Hackler, who has served as the county’s assessor since 1997, has taken advantage of the county’s deferred retirement plan and was honored earlier this month by the board of supervisors.

A McDonough, Ga.,  resident with ties to Grayson County, has attained the highest rank in the Boy Scouting Program of the Boy Scouts of America.  
JohnAndrew Osborne has achieved the rank of Eagle, joining more than 2 million young men in America to have earned this rare distinction.
Osborne  is the grandson of Elaine and Tommy Osborne of Elk Creek, while his Aunt Jodie Osborne and Cousin Laura Lane Osborne reside in Independence.

The Independence High School Class of 1962 held its 48th class reunion Oct. 9.
The day began with a breakfast in the school cafeteria and a tour of the high school building. After the tour, many members of the class observed the annual outhouse race and fall festival in downtown Independence. A catered lunch was served at the Grayson Recreation Park Pavilion and class members upgraded their classmates on family, education and work since graduation. Comedy skits and classmates picking the guitar and singing kept everyone entertained.

The Independence High School class of 1950 held a reunion at First United Methodist Church in Independence on Sept. 12. Attending were, from left: (front row) Evelyn K. Wright, (second row) teacher Nena Hash, Norman Collins, Cathern Reeves and Avoneal Lester; (back row) Myron McBride, Omar Ross, J.C. Barton, James Hendrix, J.C. McKnight and Tom Cox. Classmates and spouses enjoyed a musical program by Darrell Ritchie and a catered meal.