Plumbing 
Diane Causey
Correspondent
In the last years of my teaching career my students interviewed many of Utopia’s senior citizens and compiled a little book of their stories. One of the most memorable interviews took place in 1999 when veteran Ed Jones came to visit my classroom.
Jones brought his grandson to hear his story that had never been told and he hoped to never tell it again.
Following his graduation from Utopia High School he joined the Air Force and soon found himself on a B24 Liberator as a lower ball gunner. After many bombing missions the plane was hit over the Alps in Austria by a German ground rocket. The soldiers were able to parachute from the plane and were later captured by German soldiers.
At this point Jones’ demeanor changed completely as he told of the horrific treatment dealt to the American captives for the next six months. The students were in disbelief as they heard how he survived on one boiled potato a day and a slice of black bread three days a week.
This combined with the cruel treatment from the guards at the prison camp left every soldier hanging on to life with the hope of rescue soon. General Patton’s Army did march into the grounds and the American tanks saved what was left of the American prisoners.
Jones showed the students a portrait of him at the end of his imprisonment in contrast to his basic training photo. Every student, along with their teacher, was wiping tears.
A week following his rescue Jones boarded a ship for home on what was his 21st birthday. He related that the sight of the Statue of Liberty was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen at that point in his life.
It was a moment that my students would never forget as the bell rang to end the class period and nobody moved. Then, one by one, the students walked by Jones to offer their thanks for his service and his story.
Although Ed Jones came home from WWII a part of his soul was never the same. Many of his company were not so lucky and on this Memorial Day we remember all those who lost their lives or some of their spirit in the line of duty fighting for freedom.
Student athletes
The Utopia High School tennis team competed at the state meet, where Meagan Cole and Kinsley Cox won the girls’ doubles championship and Luke and Lawson Leavelle claimed the boys’ doubles championship.
This is a repeat state championship for both teams and coach Stacey Keeney.
All students who competed in contests beyond the district level were recently presented to the Utopia Independent School District board of trustees for recognition. Fifty of the 80 students in high school were included in this group.
Slade Bomer Day
The family of the late Slade Bomer will honor his memory on June 8 as they raise funds for the scholarship named in his honor. The day will include a bouncy house, cornhole games, a silent auction, a barbecue lunch and team roping. The fun all begins around mid-morning and lasts into the evening.