August 2, 2019

August 2, 2019 12 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION

STAMFORD

American THE NEW

Stamford Clinic Returns to Insurance “Back in Network” Lists

BY KAY SPEARS

The National High School Finals Rodeo took place in Rock Springs, Wyoming July 14th through the 20th. Bonner Voss competed against over 50 other riders in the saddle broncs. He ended up 5th in the nation over all.

TTHE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 11, ISSUE 11 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 98, ISSUE 17 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 114, ISSUE 18

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The Stamford Hospital District (SHD) Board of Directors met at the Stamford Hospital on Tuesday, July 30, 2019.

Board President Kevin McCright opened the meeting and Gary Decker gave the invocation.

In attendance were Board Members Kevin Corzine, Gary Decker, Kevin McCright, Chuck Muehlstein, Wyatt Oakley, Sutton Page, Erick Richards, CEO Sandy Taber, CFO Elizabeth Miller, Lab Director Bill Lee and Accounting Asst. Debbie Walters recording the minutes.

Added to the table were

Dr. Jessica Johnson and Nurse Practitioners Jamie Benham and Jennie Rhymes.

The minutes of the previous meeting on July 12, 2019 were approved.

Dr. Jessica Johnson was introduced to the Board before CFO Elizabeth Miller gave the Financial Report.

Chief Financial Officer Miller reviewed her report of the current financial statistics and the budget reflected in the packets handed out to Board Members. The Board voted to accept the Financial Report as presented.

SEE HOSPITAL, PAGE 7

West Texas Veterans and VA Healthcare.....

See Page 3

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THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST

MARK THE DATE...

MEDICAL FUND: There has been a medical fund account set up for Beth Lawson Green at the First State Texas Bank ere in Stamford.

Please help out with a donation if you desire. God bless you!

DONATE: Denise Dennis is still collecting aluminum cans for recycling to raise money to donate to West Texas Rehab Center. You can drop them off at her house on the corner of Reynolds & Vassar. You can also drop off cans or monetary donations for her here at the Stamford American or mail to Stamford American, P O BOX 870, Stamford, TX and note on the check it is for Denise Dennis.

STAMFORD SWIMMING POOL OPEN: Pool open – Tuesday – Saturday, 1 – 6 pm. June through August.

Free Admission.

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AUG 6TH

MEET THE TEACHER: Oliver will have new student registration Tuesday, Aug 6th 9 to 3 at Oliver Elementary.

Meet the Teacher will be Aug 15th from 5:30 to 6:30.

Friday 102 | 79

Saturday 100 | 75

Sunday 97 | 72

Monday 97 | 73

Tuesday 98 | 74

Wednesday 98 | 75

Thursday 97 | 74

AUGUST 7TH-8TH

The weather is provided for you

by Country Drug Store. We’re here for you Rain or Shine.

REGISTRATION: Aug 7th Middle School New Student Registration at Middle School Office from 8:30am - 3:30pm. August 8th Returning StudentsSchedule and Registration Packet...Pick Up - Middle School Office. 7th Grade..

8:30am - 11:30am, 8th Grade - 1:00pm - 3:30pm

AUGUST 15TH

REGISTRATION: Bulldog Camp for all incoming 6th Graders -schedules and registration packets will be given out for return on the first day of school. 9:30am - 1:00pm in the MS/HS Cafeteria.

BIRTHDAYS July 28 – Larry Bennett July 29 – Landon Terry, Claressa Thornton August 3 – Betty Wood, Skeet Dennis August 6 – Scott Moreno August 8 – Bonnie Stremmel August 10 – Elanie Clifton Know someone who is having a birthday? Please remember to call us at 325-773-5550 and let us know!

Callie Metler-Smith | Publisher callie@americannewspapers.net Kay Spears | Editor kay@americannewspapers.net Gayle Lovvorn | Office Manager office@americannewspapers.net

Now open Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10:00am, the Jones-Haskell Farmer’s Market is located in Stamford on W. Davenport and N. Swenson. Johnny Griffith, Tommy Bearden, Connie Childress, Sandra Reves and others bring in a good variety of just picked veggies plus pickles, sourdough and zucchini breads. It’s great to buy local!

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Within Haskell, Jones, and Stonewall Counties: $30 Within Texas: $32 Within the United States: $35 DEADLINE

The deadline to submit news and advertising is 5 p.m. on Fridays. Exceptions may be granted only by permission from the publisher.

SUBMISSIONS POLICY

The New Stamford American reserves the right to reject unsolicited submissions for any reason. Articles and news items submitted are subject to editing by staff.

NOTICE

Any erroneous reflection upon the character, reputation or standing of any individual, firm or corporation will be gladly corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher.

The New Stamford American (USPS 025-332) is published weekly at 102 South Swenson, Stamford, Jones County, Texas by Clear Fork Media Group LLC. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stamford, Texas 79553. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The New Stamford American, P O BOX 870, Stamford, Texas 79553 MEMBER 2019 TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

102 S. Swenson, P.O. Box 870, Stamford TX 79553 * 325-773-5550 * FAX: 325-773-5551

West Texas Veterans and VA Healthcare

BY KAY SPEARS Geri Massey is the cofounder and leader of the Women Veterans of West Texas. She attended the Town Hall meeting Congressman Jodey Arrington held on July 3, 2019 at the Anson Public Library in Anson, Texas. Arrington invited Massey to participate with him during the segment discussing the Veterans Administration (VA) and healthcare. They both are interested and passionate about improving the healthcare services of U.S. veterans.

Massey stated at the Town Hall meeting that VA healthcare in West Texas covers 57,000 square miles.

She stated that the VA had an “awesome” position back in the 1940’s and 1950’s in helping veterans, but that the need is different now. The closest VA facility is in Big Spring, Texas, but it is no longer a full functioning hospital.

She stated it is a clinic and “they do some recovery there and they have a domiciliary. But you have to be sober before you go to the domiciliary for rehab.”

The domiciliary referred to is the Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program and the VA’s oldest healthcare program, having begun right after the Civil War and referred to as a “Soldiers’ Home.” This

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Jones County Headed in the Right Direction

BY KAY SPEARS

Geri Mercy of the Women Veterans of West Texas was invited from the audience by Jodey Arrington to join him when he spoke about the need for better healthcare for US veterans. The Town Hall meeting was held on July 3, 2019 at the Anson Public Library in Anson, TX. program is now integrated with the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Programs (MH RRTPs).

Arrington stated at the Town Hall meeting that the MISSION Act improved on The Choice Act. “It reformed The Choice Act because the bureaucracy wouldn’t pay the doctors.”

Improvements are being made and at the last meeting of the Stamford Hospital District (SHD) on July 30, 2019, it was revealed that the VA in Abilene, Texas, is

trying to move the approximately 100 veterans in the Jones County area from receiving their healthcare in Abilene to the closer to home and less crowded Stamford Clinic.

Sandy Taber, Chief Executive Officer at SHD, stated that it is most important for the veteran to begin by calling the VA in Abilene and try to obtain their healthcare appointment. If Abilene cannot see them within 20 days, Abilene will refer them to the Stamford Clinic, and they will remain

a patient at the Stamford Clinic from then on.

At the beginning of July, Massey stated that veterans can get their healthcare needs taken care of in Abilene but for X-Rays, they had to travel to Big Spring, Texas. Things are changing. The VA no longer rents space and their doctors no longer travel to the Stamford Clinic. The Stamford Clinic will see to their healthcare and any needed diagnostics, including XRays, after they are referred by the VA in Abilene.

Stamford Middle School Registration Dates August 7th, 2019 (Wednesday) New Student Registration- bring birth certificate, shot records and social security number.

Middle School Office from 8:30am - 3:30pm August 8th, 2019 (Thursday) Returning Students- Schedule and Registration Packet...

Pick Up - Middle School Office.

7th Grade.. 8:30am - 11:30am

8th Grade.. 1:00pm - 3:30pm August 15th, 2019 (Thursday) Bulldog Camp for all incoming 6th Graders -schedules and registration packets will be given out for return on the first day of school.

9:30am - 1:00pm.. in the MS/HS Cafeteria

The Jones County Commissioners met on Monday, July 22, 2019, 9:00am, at the Courthouse in Anson, TX for the second of two regular meetings for the month of July. In attendance were Judge Dale Spurgin, County Commissioners James Clawson, Lonnie Vivian, Ross Davis, Joel Spraberry, County Clerk LeeAnn Jennings, County Treasurer Amber Thompson, County Auditor Gwen Bailey and County Tax Assessor Collector Gloria Little.

The meeting was called to order by Judge Spurgin before the minutes of the last regular meeting, held on July 8, 2019, were approved.

Next, Rick Rogers gave the 2018 Audit Presentation to the Court.

Rogers stated the new software used compares the current year with the prior year data. He stated, “The current environment that all government units are in is a tough environment.”

He stated there are many needs in the county, such as an aging population and an increasing lowincome population. He said the General Fund has increased by $95,000 and he commented that Jones County is “headed in the right direction.” Rogers explained the packet he gave to the members of the Court to review, which included economic factors and demographic data from the year 1900 forward to the present.

He stated this information will help them with

decisions they make in the future. Rogers said they didn’t encounter any difficulties in conducting the audit. It was approved to accept the 2018 Audit.

The audit will be available for the public to see on the Jones County website: co.jones.tx.us.

The following Trust Property Bids were approved in one action item: Welon Davis for the purchase of (R13992), Lot 1 in Block 66 of the Hamlin Townsite Addition to the City of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $201.00 and the court cost has been waived.

Skyline Real Estate Services LLC for the purchase of (R21966), Lot 11 in Block 55 of the Hamlin Townsite Addition of the Town of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $36.00 and the court cost has been waived.

Donazahy Patterson for the purchase of (R27215), Lot 10 in Block 56 of the Hamlin Townsite Addition to the Town of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $100.00 and the court cost has been waived.

Jerry Wayne Macek for the purchase of (R26776), Lot 12 in Block 82 of the Hamlin Townsite Addition to the Town of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $57.00 and the court cost has been waived.

SEE COUNTY, PAGE 12

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First Bank Texas names new Area President of Baird and Clyde First Bank Texas is proud to announce the addition of Rad Eicke as Area President of First Bank Texas, Baird and Clyde locations. Rad has deep roots in West Texas, he grew up on a farm and ranch in Snyder, Texas where the family grew cotton and raised Hereford cattle. Rad is very accustomed to working hard and spending time with family. Rad grew up seeing the sun rise and set the same day many times, either on a tractor or on horseback, hoeing weeds or fixing water gaps, tromping cotton or the tail end of the loading chute.

Rad Eicke graduated from Snyder High School and attended the United States Coast Guard Academy for 2 years.

A football injury ended his Coast Guard days, so he returned to West Texas where he attended college and played football for Hardin-Simmons University. Rad graduated with a degree in Accounting.

Rad has stayed true to his West Texas roots. He’s remained active in the agriculture field of banking.

“Rad’s extensive Ag Loan Officer Experience is a plus for our bank locations in Baird and Clyde. The First Bank Texas family serving; Abilene, Baird, Clyde, Haskell, Munday, Stamford, seek out the very best Bankers and staff for each location. FBT Baird and Clyde are no exceptions, each bank location has wonderful staff who have enjoyed many, many years of serving our customers.” said Mike Rhea, President & CEO First Bank Texas “As Chairman of the Board of Directors, I personally take great consideration for the entire community and First Bank Texas’ role in serving you! Rad Eicke has been part of ‘your community’ for many years, we are looking forward to his leadership and his spirit of helping farm and ranch folks who make our Country Great!” said Zan Prince.

Rad Eicke spends his free time with his children, Jess (girl) who will soon be 11 and Braedyn (boy) who is 16. They all take part in extra circular events, from baseball/softball to stock shows to basketball. They enjoy heading to the lake to ski, to the family tank to float/fish, and hunting.

“The best part of my job is meeting new people and hearing their stories of where they have been and goals of where they are headed. I am excited to be the Area President of FBT Baird and Clyde, meeting all the wonderful folks is my first priority.” said Rad Eicke

news@americannewspapers.net Don’t you all wish it would rain?? I sure do.

This week’s weather has not been all that bad but I think it’s about to be really hot again. July is about to leave us and August is always hot.

Speaking of August, some of the schools will be starting and that really got here in a hurry.

There will be a Senior Citizens Dance at the Old Glory Community Center on Monday, Aug. 5th, from 7 P M until 10 P M with a live band and snacks will be furnished. Everyone is invited to attend, just $5.00.

The Hobby Club will be meeting on Thursday, Aug. 15th at 2 P M at the Sagerton Community Center. Club. Members are collecting the rings of fruit jar lids, new or old, if you would like to give the members some that you may have on hand.

Kambryn Pierce of Nocona came to spend a few days and nights with her grandparents, Glen and Helen Pierce. Kelly Lowack spent a couple of days & night with them also.

Carson Rowlett of Abielne

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Daughter, came down Rita Stephens, for a visit of Abilene, on Wednesspent Saturday and so day with me did Kelly’s and helped me friend, with a lot of Wesley, of things around Aspermont. the place.

Kim Lowack visited on OLD GLORY NEWS Thanks, Rita.

We had a Wednesday great Musical evening.

By Anita Dozier on Saturday Gerral evening at the Waldon, Community Center with Shelly Dunham and Mittie approximately 60 in atDunham were in Aspertendance. Had some of the mont on Wednesday to eat catfish at the fund raiser at best music ever, and sold out of all the good food. the Senior Citizens.

Thanks to everyone for On Friday, Mittie Dunsupporting our concession ham took food and had stand, the donations, the lunch with Susan Martin, who is recuperating from a musicians, and everyone that made the evening so double break in her ankle great. Winning the door due to the restlessness of prizes were Fonda Newton a horse. of Haskell and Dewain PyLater, Mittie drove to burn of Abilene. See all of Jayton and had a nice you on the 24th of August. visit with her sister-in-law, By the way, have you Catherine Dunham. noticed all the beautiful Phylllis Letz was in decorations in our Center.

Abilene on Wednesday to Thanks to Shelly Dunham baby sit her three great for doing all the decoragrandchildren. Jana Hinkle tions. Very pretty, Thanks, was in Lubbock this week Shelly. to attend a teachers InFollowing church service Service. She will be teachon Sunday in Aspermont ing in Lueders this coming Mittie Dunham joined Bob school year.

and Juandel Giles of Spur, Joe and Carol Holland, Charley and Mary Grisham, Mattie Weaver, Edna Anderson, and Johnnie Nell Pittcock all of Aspermont for lunch in Aspermont.

Thought for the week: “The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.”

Happy Birthday Wishes go to Dewayne Monse, Tommy Mrazek Debbie Vahlenkamp, Bubba Mrazek, Frances Howle, Buddy McNutt, Mason Jordan, Bryan Kern, Sue Branch, Stephen Kittley, Corene Lowack, Ashley Click, Darla Jean Kepnew, Betty Wood, Lacie Corzine, Marvin Vahlenkamp, Shane Melton, Dwaine Connally, Betty Hearn, Norma Roberson, Peyton Brack, James Ettredge, Irene Richardson, and Jeff Howle. We wish you many more.

Anniversary Greetings go to Craig and Annette Smith, Warren and Sheila Dozier, Jacob and Mara Vahlenkamp, Robert and Lynette Tribbey, and Mike and Marla Mills. Have a wonderful day.

TCR BBQ Cookoff Results Sponsors: Rike Real Estate, The Haskell Star, The Stamford Star, Kinney Underwood Funeral Home, Cooper Insurance, Ben E Keith Grand Champion: Josh Jackson Reserve Champion: Jeremy Jones Chicken: 1st - Jeremy Jones; 2nd - Josh Jack-

son; 3rd - Justin Ivy; 4th - Adrian Cantu; 5th - Ross & Jacob Ribs: 1st - Bryan Davis; 2nd - Wesley Woodard; 3rd - Josh Jackson; 4th - Tommy Jimenez; 5th Jeremy Jones Brisket: 1st - Josh Jackson; 2nd - Ross Teichelman; 3rd - Justin Ivy; 4th - Jeremy Jones; 5th - Bryan

Davis Beans Jackpot: Scooter Ivy Friday Night Jackpot: 007 Smokehouse, Jason Smart

ROTARY CLUB NEWS Recently a new business opened in Stamford, Martin Brothers Motor Pool. Joey and Josh Martin were asked to bring our program and tell something about themselves, their business and their future plans. They are dedicated to provide quality car care that includes oil changes, State Inspection, rock chip windshield repair, tire rotation and brakes. They have just added the sale of tires, and they also fix flats in order to have a more complete service for their customers. The brothers and other members of their family are here to provide friendly service and take care of our car needs. They are an asset to the community, and it is convenient to have these services available in Stamford.

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Paxton Lauds Ruling Against Preclearance For Redistricting Maps Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton applauded a federal court ruling allowing the state to proceed with redistricting legislation without asking the federal government’s permission.

The July 24 ruling by a threejudge federal court rejected plaintiffs’ petition to require the state to obtain permission from the U.S. Department of Justice or a federal court before redistricting legislation could take effect.

After the San Antonio-based panel ruled on the ongoing voting rights case, Perez v. Abbott, Paxton said, “This court ruling is a win for our Constitution and the right of Texans to govern themselves.”

Paxton called the plaintiffs’ request for “bail-in” — that is, requiring proposed changes to voting laws and redistricting plans to be “precleared” by the Department of Justice — a “baseless challenge.”

The plaintiffs originally brought suit over redistricting plans Texas lawmakers adopted in 2011, claiming that plans were passed by the Republicandominated Legislature to dilute the voting power of minorities.

The Legislature repealed those plans in 2013 and adopted largely court-drawn plans. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 confirmed that the Legislature in 2013 fixed defects plaintiffs alleged to have existed in the 2011 plans.

Furthermore, notably, the high court in June ruled 5-4 that federal courts have no oversight role when redistricting lines are drawn to favor a political party.

BALLOT ORDER IS DRAWN Texas Deputy Secretary of State Joe Esparza on July 23 drew the ballot order for 10 propositions, the proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution that will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.

At least two-thirds of the members of both the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives approved each proposed constitutional amendment for Texans to vote on.

They will appear on the ballot in the following order: —Prop. 1: “The constitutional amendment permitting a per-

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Sterling

son to hold more than one office as a municipal judge at the same time.”

—Prop. 2: “The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $200 million to provide financial assistance for the development of certain projects in economically distressed areas.”

— Prop. 3: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of certain property damaged by a disaster.”

—Prop. 4: “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual income tax, including a tax on an individual’s share of partnership and unincorporated association income.”

—Prop. 5: “The constitutional amendment dedicating the revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes that are imposed on sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission to protect Texas’ natural areas, water quality, and history by acquiring, managing, and improving state and local parks and historic sites while not increasing the rate of the state sales and use taxes.”

—Prop. 6: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase by $3 billion the maximum bond amount authorized for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.”

—Prop. 7: “The constitutional amendment allowing increased

distributions to the available school fund.”

—Prop. 8: “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the flood infrastructure fund to assist in the financing of drainage, flood mitigation, and flood control projects.”

—Prop. 9: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation precious metal held in a precious metals depository located in this state.”

—Prop. 10: “The constitutional amendment to allow the transfer of a law enforcement animal to a qualified caretaker in certain circumstances.”

VOTER REGISTRATION URGED After the proposed constitutional amendment drawing ceremony on July 23, Deputy Secretary of State Esparza reminded all eligible Texans to register to vote in the November constitutional amendment election.

“The future of Texas is and will always be in the hands of Texans. This fall, voters will have the opportunity to directly impact the Texas Constitution, and I strongly encourage all eligible Texans to register to vote so that they can actively participate in shaping the future of the Lone Star State,” Esparza said.

Texans will have the opportunity to approve the amendments with a majority vote.

For more information and resources for voting in Texas, visit VoteTexas.gov.

SALES TAX HOLIDAY IS SET Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar last week reminded shoppers they can save money on a number of items during the state’s sales tax holiday on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 9-11.

The law exempts sales tax on qualified items — such as clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks — priced below $100.

Apparel and school supplies that may be purchased tax-free are listed on the Comptroller’s website at TexasTaxHoliday.org.

Texas’ sales tax holiday weekend has been an annual event since 1999.

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Vacancy and Life My very first essay, written way back in November of 2017, was entitled “On Vacant Buildings and Vacant People.” It was inspired by a national sportswriter’s visit to Stamford, in which the author noted Stamford’s vacant buildings. However, he also noted something more important, something that captivated him—its people.

The people themselves were far from “vacant.” The author found good, hardworking people who support their community and its youth. I concluded that essay with the following: “Vacant buildings can be changed. It’s a lot harder to change a culture of vacant people. When I read over the words in that article, I am energized to ensure that the buildings and economy of Stamford match its people.”

I’ve been thinking more about that lately. Have you ever passed by the same

ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker vacant structure repeatedly for a period of multiple years? I’m thinking of some old farmhouses and barns on long abandoned homesteads, in which the current farmer now lives in town or in a newer house up the road. One day, you look up and that building is gone.

Maybe it had help from a fire or a bulldozer’s blade.

Or maybe it just slowly deteriorated day by day, week by week, year by year. The

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intermittent changes were slow enough to be imperceptible to the passerby.

You didn’t notice the daily decline until the building just quietly sank into a heap on the ground.

There’s something about vacancy that destroys a building. You might’ve learned that if you’ve ever compared the cost of insurance on a vacant building to the cost for an inhabited building. You would think that traffic and wear and tear would be harder on a building. In reality, it’s much more destructive for a building to sit silent and vacant. Vacant buildings deteriorate much faster than inhabited buildings. That’s why vacant building insurance is exponentially more expensive.

This concept randomly came up in Sunday school a few weeks ago. In the second chapter of the Book of James, James admonishes Christians to live out their faith through action.

He asks “what good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?”

What good are we to encourage others in need, but do nothing to actually help their needs? He closes this discussion with this line: “in the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

In our Sunday school discussion, we considered how faith without action is dead just like a building without life is dead. Our buildings deteriorate when they’re not inhabited. So, too, our faith deteriorates when not inhabited by action. In a broader sense, our communities are the same way. Thinking back to the rousing success of the 2019 edition of the Texas Cowboy Reunion, Stamford was full of people and full of life. Even if a person didn’t care about a rodeo, they could feel energized and hopeful by the activity in town. Traffic was on the

streets, restaurants were full of people, convenience store parking lots were packed. Money was flowing through the community in a way that would benefit our businesses and our local governments, and thus, it would benefit each of us.

The Texas Cowboy Reunion lasts only five days out of 365. Other events bring activity, but all of our rural communities struggle to keep a sense of activity and life throughout the year.

During those slowest times of year, particularly vacation and holiday seasons when so many people are traveling out of town, our communities can feel somewhat “vacant” themselves.

Frankly, it can occasionally feel a little bit depressing or gloomy. Just like in other areas, it’s up to us to change that. “They” aren’t going to fix it, because there is no “they” out there of magical elves waiting to help.

Next week, I’m going to talk more about how we

can breathe life into vacant buildings and into our towns year round. But like I said back in 2017, you can fix vacant buildings. It’s a lot harder to fix vacant people. A community of vacant people, lacking life and action, will slowly sink back into the dirt just like that vacant farmhouse. However, even if our communities feel a little vacant now and then, we know better than to think it’s a result of vacant people. Until next time, let us reflect on ourselves to ensure that our personal faith is accompanied by action and that our communities, whether they have vacant buildings or not, have life breathed into them by the passionate, caring people who call the place home!

James Decker is a lawyer, farmer, and mayor in Stamford, and the creator of the forthcoming “West of 98” podcast and website.

He may be contacted through Facebook at facebook.com/ james.decker.

First Baptist Church John Ward 214 N Swenson 325-773-2781 AM Worship: 11:00 House of God Pastor Bobby Acosta 802 Ferguson St Sundays 11:00 am

Nugent Church of Christ Nugent, Texas Wayne Kitchens, Preacher Sun. 10 Bible Classes 11 Morning Assembly

St Ann’s Catholic Church 1001 S Swenson 325-773-2659 AM Mass: 11:00

Orient Street Church of Christ Wes Horn 510 S Orient 773-3419 Worship: 10:30

St. John’s United Methodist Church Pastor John Erwin 201 S Ferguson 325-773-2561 AM Worship: 10:50

Temple Baptist Church Jesse Morton 309 E Campbell 325-773-2550 AM Service: 11:00

Paint Creek Baptist Church Pastor Tony Grand 940-864-3358 AM Worship: 11:00

Solomon Temple Baptist Church Rev. Donnie Massey 315 N. Haskell St. 325-773-2213 AM Worship 9:30

LOCAL CHURCHES Avoca Baptist Church Rev. Les Mims 773-3531 AM Worship: 11:00 Avoca United Methodist Church Dennis Huffaker 773-3909 AM Worship: 9:45 Bethel Church of God in Christ Pastor Session 407 W Handlan 325-773-5730 Bethel (Christ) Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 1024 E. Vanderbilt 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 9:00 Bethel Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 10707 N. FM 600 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 11:00

Central Presbyterian Rev. Dr. Kelly Pigott 601 Rowland 325-773-3381 AM Worship: 11:00 Common Ground Youth Ministry Paul Wright 219 S Swenson 325-773-3604 Faith Lutheran Church Sagerton, Texas 940-200-0723 AM Worship: 10:30 Family Church of Christ 1505 E. Wells St 325-773-5250 Worship: 9:45 a.m.

1st Assembly 1214 Compton Pastor John Shepard Worship: Saturday @ 6:00PM (325)267-0955

Lueders First Baptist Church Roscoe McCoy 228-4622 AM Worship: 11:00 MacKenzie Trail Cowboy Church AM worship 11:00 Heart of God Church 114 E Campbell Joanne Ochoa AM Worship 10:30 Nugent Baptist Church Craig Thames 228-4457 Worship: 11:00

WANT TO SPONSOR THE CHURCH PAGE? Call 325-773-5550

Trinity Church Dr. Robert Wingrove 220 E. McHarg

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AUGUST 2, 2019

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Arrington Appointed CoChair of Ways and Means Committee Rural Task Force

Mini Cheer Camp was held July 29-31 from 10am-12pm at the Stamford High School Gym. The age groups were from 4 years to 5th grade. All who participated had a great time!

HOSPITAL: Continued From Page 1 Chief Administration Officer Taber reported that in June, 332 patients were seen. This number was down by 189 patients compared to June 2018, however last year they were still operating as a hospital.

She stated she received a dozen checks in the mail recently, and they haven’t seen any checks coming in for a year. These checks reflected payments from Blue Cross, Humana and two different Medicaid providers, “which tells me the money is starting to come in.” These checks confirm Stamford Hospital District is “back in network.” Taber is waiting for the official letter from Blue Cross stating that SHD is back in network.

Taber reported the cook at Country Elegance resigned and there will be two openings for “universal” workers soon. Elizabeth Miller has accepted a position at a CPA firm and

will begin there December 2, 2019. She has been working at both the Hamlin and Stamford Hospitals and will be available on a part-time, off-site basis for SHD until another accountant can be found.

CEO Taber went over the sold equipment at the hospital, the health club and Osbornes. Stamford Hospital District is using a new billing company. A contract has been approved and signed for the VA to be a Mission Provider. “The VA will no longer come here.

They will now, as they can’t see patients in Abilene will then recommend that those patients that are around this area, and there are about 100 of them, just come back to our clinic and we are now approved.” Before, the clinic was billing the VA to rent space at the clinic, now they will be able to bill for the patients seen. The patients, once seen at the

Stamford Clinic, will be able to continue being seen there.

This contract will need to be renewed yearly.

The VA process is that the veteran will need to contact the Abilene VA first. If they cannot be seen within 20 days, the Abilene VA will refer them to the Stamford Clinic, and they will then be an ongoing patient at the Stamford Clinic. This includes diagnostic services as well as health care.

The discussion turned to comparing having in-house ultra-sound equipment and a technician or having Stonewall Regional Hospital bring their mobile unit and technician to Stamford on a regular schedule. This subject will be discussed further, no action taken.

Under New District Business, it was approved to accept the credentials for Jennie Rhymes, NP. Next was to approve a previous amendment concerning equipment donated to Silver Fitness. This amendment to

the minutes was approved by the Board. The Osborne building contents was discussed as the next item on the agenda. There are large items left to take to the dump including toilets and large wood doors. It was approved to take the low bid from Donnie Hall to transport these items away from the Osborne building.

Next, the Board discussed and approved hiring a cook and the two “universal” positions at Country Elegance to fill the vacancies.

It was then approved to initiate a contract to partner with Stonewall Mobile UltraSound Services. Next, the Board approved to table action on the CFO position in order to gather more information.

The Board then went into Closed Session and adjourned thereafter. The next meeting is scheduled for August 13, 2019.

Today, Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) was appointed co-chair of the House Ways and Means Committee’s Rural and Underserved Communities Heath Task Force, alongside Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-2), Congressman Danny Davis (IL-7), and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-7). The task force will convene members and experts to discuss the challenges of delivering health care in rural and underserved areas, and explore holistic bipartisan policy options that could improve outcomes and care in these communities. The group plans to convene its first meeting on Thursday, July 25.

“Our nation depends on strong rural communities for its food supply and energy independence. Without access to basic health care, these small towns will not be able to support the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and energy producers. There is no question that our country is facing a serious crisis in ensuring that rural Americans have the same access to quality care and medical services as their urban and suburban counterparts, with over 90 rural hospitals closing their doors in the past three years, including two in my District in the last year alone,” said Arrington.

“That is why, now more than ever, it is critical we develop sustainable solutions to support those living in America’s breadbasket and energy basin so that we, as a nation, can continue to maintain a safe, affordable and abundant supply of food and energy. I am honored and excited to serve as Co-Chair of the Ways and Means Committee Rural Task Force, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance these solutions for the good people of West Texas and rural America as a whole.”

Congressman Jodey Arrington is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives serving the Nineteenth Congressional District of Texas. He serves as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

8 AUGUST 2, 2019

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Be a Neighbor This weekend I went to see the new Quentin Tarantino film Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood (not his best work, but still a fun movie) wherein I got there early enough to see the previews for upcoming films, one of which was entitled A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and is a biopic starring Tom Hanks as Mister Fred Rogers. I had personally not really thought about Mister Rogers in a long time, but THOUGHTS FROM the trailer gave me a warm feeling as Tom Hanks seems to nail Mister UNDER THE CAP Rogers to perfection. After I got home, I starting thinking about the Will McClure impact that Mister Rogers had on the world during his lifetime and I even sought out to find the documentary film Won’t You Be My Neighbor? that chronicles his life and the impact he made not only on television but on the simple act of showing kindness to everyone regardless of beliefs, race, gender, personality, etc. While I have not been able to watch the film yet, I already know that it will be a wonderful representation of one man that showed that a little kindness can make the world a better place.

As I was thinking about Mister Rogers, I also began to think about what he would say about the state of our country today with all of the hate going on everywhere you turn. It seems like every time someone turns on the news or goes onto social media there is always something negative of how one person hates another, the Democrats hate the Republicans, and so on. When you do think about it, Mister Rogers only saw love and humility in each and every person. A moment that stuck out to me when looking up the history of Mister Rogers and the show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was a 1969 episode in which Mister Rogers soaked his feet in a small pool with Officer Clemmons, an AfricanAmerican man, just after the end of the Civil Rights Movement and among the still-hostile mindset surrounding desegregation.

However, there was no grandiose agenda behind the episode or a direct lesson to the viewer, it was Mister Rogers simply showing kindness to his fellow man by allowing him to rest his tired feet along with him. A human being treating another as a human being.

While we can still see older episodes of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and the kindness shown by Mister Rogers himself, I believe that a lot of the kindness that he shared and instilled in so many children over the years has been sorely missing in recent times.

Lately, it seems to be all about looking out for oneself and forget about everyone else. Sometimes it becomes a matter of who needs to step on whom to move forward. It seems to be all about what rude or hateful trend will pop up next instead of stopping to help others and treat each other for what we are: human beings. Now more than ever the divide has gotten wider and wider whether it is about religion, race, gender, LGBTQ rights, etc., and it seems to be all about one getting an advantage over the other at times instead of finding common ground and just, well, being a neighbor to one another. Mister Rogers always ended his show with the same kind words: “You’ve made this day a special day, by just your being you. There’s no person in the whole world like you; and I like you just the way you are.” I would like to think that there is some form of Mister Rogers within all of us; we just need to let him out a bit more, just be a neighbor to others and always strive for a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Until next time, dear reader, my cap’s off to you!

We went to see the movie ROCKETMAN the other day. Matinee.

Didn’t know what the crowd would be like, although we didn’t buy tickets before getting to the theater. The movie had been out a couple of weeks. At the box office, there was a seating chart and we chose to sit in the middle about 3 rows down from the last row.

We usually sit on the back row because otherwise the people sitting behind us keep bumping the backs of our seats.

We were in a huge multi screen movie complex in Midland.

When we arrived in the darkened theater there were only 2 other people there. They were sitting close to the aisle a dozen rows down from us. Then 2 other people came in and sat at the end of our row near the aisle. All the empty seats in this huge theater and here was someone on our row.

Then came the 5th and last person to make up the entire audience of 7.

He sat directly behind us

Bumps At The Movies

just about the time the movie was starting.

He had apparently bought every item the concession stand had for sale and began unwrapping all of his purchases. The sound of crinkling paper carried straight to our ears. So did the sound of his grabbing handfuls of popcorn from a cardboard tub.

He made chewing noises.

Then he fell asleep and started snoring. I whistled real loud and woke him up. When he became fully awake he resumed his unwrapping, grabbing and chomping.

In spite of all that, we enjoyed the movie. We had gone to Las Vegas to see Elton John and loved doing it.

We have experienced small numbers of people at movie theaters before.

When our young son was in high school he worked at our local movie theater. Several times

around sundown he would call us from the theater and invite us down, saying they wouldn’t show the movie unless 10 people were in the audience and only 8 people were there. We saw lots of movies for free, but he always made us buy popcorn.

Getting back to people behind us kicking the backs of our seats: once we were in New York City and bought tickets to see CATS. A woman with her small child was sitting behind us. All during the musical the child kept kicking the

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

back of the seat where my wife was sitting. It wasn’t a gentle bump. It was like the child reared back and took direct aim at kicking the seat. My wife Susan jerked at each kick. At intermission Susan said something to the woman about her child kicking the seat.

She didn’t seem to care.

Her attitude was “that’s your problem.” We had spent a lot of money getting to New York, paid outrageous prices for the tickets and we couldn’t really enjoy what was happening on stage because of this child whose mother apparently would let him get away with murder. That is not the ideal way to see a musical on Broadway.

That’s when we started sitting on the back rows of movie theaters. We haven’t been big fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music since then.

VIP MENU August 5-9 Monday Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, corn, peach dump cake Tuesday Burritos with chili & cheese, salad, hominy, lemon pudding Wednesday

Cod Fish, beans, coleslaw, hushpuppies, peaches Thursday Hamburger steak, baked potatoes, Onions & gravy, pineapple pudding Friday Chicken fajitas, salad, refried beans, Mexi corn, baked apple

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

One of the things that goes with working with trees in landscapes, is discussing the benefits of those trees with their owners. In my opinion, trees are the most valuable plants in a landscape, and it’s easy to see the benefits that they give. However, as an arborist, a very large part of my job is working with trees so that they don’t become overpowering, so that their owners start seeing them as negatives that are becoming more of a problem than a benefit.

Since it’s summertime, and we’ve had, at least up to now, some pretty good rains this year (be-that-asit-may, it’s been a bit and a good rain would be really welcome right about now), turf grasses have done pretty well this year, at least they have where conditions have allowed it. One of the places where turf doesn’t do very well, and it draws people’s attention, is where there is a lot of shade, such as under a nice, thick, shady, tree. As you can imagine, even though I’m not a turf guy, I get to have a lot of discussions with people about their declining grass, and just how culpable a tree might be in that decline. The fact of the matter is that very often the problem with thinning grass does have to do with the shade cast by a tree.

Green plants, such as trees and turf, rely on sunlight to drive the photosynthetic process so they can create the food that keeps them going. When the amount of light starts to decline, so does the ability to support themselves. The more shade, the less photosynthesis, and eventually they just “starve to death”.

Fertilizers aren’t going to change that either. Fertilizers are available nutrients, not plant food, and until the plants pick up those available nutrients, and run them through the photosynthetic process, they are not usable as energy to the plant. Photosynthesis is what it’s all about, and that requires sunlight.

As guilty as trees might

be in cutting the light to the turf below them, it’s not always the tree’s fault, or at least not all the trees fault.

Discussions about trees, grass, and shade are very common, particularly in the grass growing season, but the base unit in all of this is shade, and how much of it, and…, what’s generating that shade. Yes, if there is a lone tree out in a large yard, and there’s nothing else around it for hundreds of feet in every direction, that tree would probably be the lone shade generator, in that spot. But, what if that’s not the case? What if we’re looking at a large tree in someone’s yard, with declining, or already gone, grass beneath it? If the problem with the turf isn’t some kind of disease or insect, and we’re pretty sure it’s a shade issue, is all of that shade coming from the tree above it? While it’s certainly easy enough to blame it all on the tree, the reality is that very often the tree isn’t the only culprit.

Because one really good reason to plant shade trees is to offer shade and protection to homes, parking areas, and outdoor activity areas, a lot of trees are planted close to such things. Additionally, due to the size of most urban lots, sometimes there just isn’t space available, and any large tree is going to be close to the house, simply because of the size of a tree versus the size of the property. In such cases, especially if the part of the property being discussed is on the East or West side of the house, the house itself is going to block either the morning or afternoon sun, as the sun rises and sets.

WEST TEXAS TREES AND LANDSCAPES

By Bruce Kreitler and the KWKC Green Team A lot of places where turf seems to be growing very well, even up to the trunks of shade trees, are properties where nothing blocks either the East or West sun, and that light coming in beneath the trees canopies is enough to sustain the grass.

Properties that face North or South have a little better luck with this than the East West ones.

Another big factor in the “exactly who’s blocking the light” thing is neighbors, or at least neighboring properties. I’ve seen plenty of sites that faced East or West, and had trees that would allow plenty of morning or afternoon sun, except for the neighbors. Tall trees, even if they are across the street, can get in the way of a lot of light. I was in a neighborhood the other day, looking at exactly this issue, on a property where the neighbors on both the East and West sides of the property had really nice, big, trees. No morning or evening sun for the turf under my clients trees, because the neighbor’s trees are intercepting it. I’m sure those trees are enjoying,

and making use of, all that light, but that doesn’t help my clients turf beneath the trees.

When you get right down to it, there are a lot of things on, or around, a particular property, that can be cutting the light to the turf.

As far as the grass goes, it doesn’t care who the guilty party is, or parties are, it just cares how much light it does, or doesn’t, get during the day. Whether it’s a fence, house, the neighbor’s trees or buildings, a big shade tree, or something else, grass needs a certain amount of light, and total day sun exposure below that amount is going to mean thinning and disappearing grass.

Being a tree advocate, as much as I wish it was different, most of the time the only shade creator in the equation, that can be “adjusted” is the tree. Nobody is going to remove part of their house to allow sun to shine on the grass, and I’m pretty sure any neighbors would take a dim view of someone cutting their trees down.

As long as we create and maintain landscapes that contain both trees and turf, we’re going to deal with shade issues. The key is to strike the best obtainable balance, and not unnecessarily damage a tree, or cause a lot of future problems, while trying to strike that balance.

If you have any landscaping, landscape maintenance, or tree questions you would like answered in this column, submit them care of cmetler@ stamfordamerican.net or info@BrokenWillow.com.

AUGUST 2, 2019 9

AS U.S.-CHINA TALKS RESUME, THE BIGGEST U.S. FARM GROUP ASKS FOR AN END OF TRADE WAR TARIFFS The largest U.S. farm group urged trade negotiators “to write the next chapter” in Sino-U.S. relations this week by elimiKASN AG REPORT nating trade war tariffs that are depressing ag With Richard Kemp exports, an important part of farm income. On Monday, the USDA reported an uptick in soybean exports to China, but there was no sign of large “goodwill” purchases on the eve of negotiations in Shanghai.

IN SNAP PROPOSAL, USDA HIDES EFFECT ON SCHOOL MEALS, SAYS HOUSE CHAIRMAN Although a half-million children would lose access to free meals at school under a Trump administration proposal to restrict eligibility for food stamps, the USDA has not published that fact, said the chairman of the House Education Committee on Monday.

ST. ALBANS DAIRY CO-OP MEMBERS VOTE TO MERGE WITH DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA The farmer-members of the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery in Vermont voted overwhelmingly on Monday to merge with the nation’s largest dairy cooperative, Dairy Farmers of America.

WORLD HUNGER UP, AFFLICTS 820 MILLION PEOPLE One in nine of the earth’s population is undernourished and the global hunger rate is creeping up from the low set in 2015, said five UN agencies in a report on Monday.

LABOR DEPARTMENT TO MANDATE DIGITAL H-2A PROGRAM The Labor Department on Monday proposed mandatory electronic filing of job orders and applications for the H-2A agricultural guest worker program, and would change the methods used to determine pay rates for the seasonal workers.

10

AUGUST 2, 2019

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

HELP WANTED

Classifieds HELP WANTED

Hanson Paint & Body Shop in Haskell, Texas is taking applications for the position of auto body paint and repairman. Please apply at 207 S. 1st Street, Haskell, Texas.

Sagebrush Living Center is accepting applications for a weekend janitor and Direct Support Staff. Please contact Kathy Phillips, Mario Cedillo or Doug Stanley Facility Director.

Phone # 325-773-2791.

Portable Oxygen For The Way You Want to Live

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REQUEST YOUR FREE INFO KIT TODAY!

CALL TODAY! 1-855-850-4566 *With a single battery. Š 2019 Inogen, Inc. All rights reserved.

Stamford ISD is seeking applications for maintenance/ custodial position. Must have CDL license with an S endorsement or be willing to obtain one. Criminal background checks, drug testing and driving records will be required for employment. You may pick up an application from the Superintendent’s Office at 507 S. Orient, between the hours of 8:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:00.

Stamford ISD is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

PUBLIC NOTICE No. 19-7386 In Re: Estate of Anna Blinn Glass, Deceased In the county Court in and For Jones County, Texas NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of Anna Blinn Glass, Deceased, were issued on July 16, 2019, in Cause No. 19-7386, pending in the County Court of Jones County, Texas, to William Alexander Glass, Independent Executor.

The residence of the Independent Executor is in Haskell, Haskell County, Texas, and the mailing address of said Independent Executor is c/o Matthew W. Choate, Attorney at Law, P. O. Box 206, Abilene, Taylor County, Texas 79604.

All persons having claims against this Estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

Dated the 26th day of July, 2019 Respectfully submitted, By /s/ Matthew W. Choate Choate Law Firm, PLLC Thomas W. Choate State Bar No 04214500 tomchoate@choatelawoffice. com Matthew W. Choate State Bar No. 24029479 mwchoate@ choatelawoffice. com P.O. Box 206, Abilene, TX 79604 Telephone: (325) 672-5070 Facsimile: (325) 672-5073 Attorney for Applicant, William Alexander Glass

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

AUGUST 2, 2019 11

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PUBLIC NOTICE ORDINANCE NO. 912 (Amending the Zoning Ordinance) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY OF STAMFORD ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION 8.01 ACCEESSORY USES AND STRUCTURES, TO BECOME EFFECTIVE ON THE SECOND AND FINAL READING. A copy of the Ordinance may be picked up at City Hall in the City Secretary’s office at 201 E. McHarg.

1105 New Hope Road 2/2 brick Great Location!.................................$99,900 1215 Wesleyan Nice 3/2 w fireplace and hot tub room!..................$92,500 716 E Oliver 4 bedroom/ 2 baths quiet area!...........................................$69,900 512 Dodson Drive, Great Buy 3/2.........................................................$49,900 712 E Vanderbilt 1910 2 story Victorian family home.......Reduced $129,900 1018 Reynolds 4bd home w/ basement and close to school......IN CONTRACT 1502 Compton Great 3/2/2 Ranch Home on 1.6± AC!....Reduced! $128,900 1210 Landon 3/2 Limestone Family Home w/ Fireplace!....................$106,000 7725 US Hwy 277 Hawley A-frame on almost half an acre!................$68,000 2514 CR 389 Anson. Country living - large 4/2 on 3 acres!.....IN CONTRACT 2325 Ave Q Anson 4/3 Brick home w/ Metal Shop on 6± Acres.......$330,000 1222 Ave L Anson Farmhouse style, 2/2, fenced bk yard...........................SOLD 715 Ave. J Anson UPDATED 3/2 Brick, Sprinkler System......................SOLD 1502 Ave K Anson 1885 sq. ft. separate apartment & metal shop......$184,900 1720 Ave I Anson. Charming 2/1 cottage style home tons of updates..$65,000 519 Commercial Ave, Anson- 3/1 Rock home w Metal shop............$56,000 COMMERCIAL 1611 N Swenson Historic Cliff House Restaurant...................IN CONTRACT 1631 17th St, Anson 4,000 sq. ft, restaurant equip. included....IN CONTRACT 901 Commercial ANSON- 12,600 Sq. Ft. parking lot, HWY Front...$175,000

FARM & RANCH

DICKENS COUNTY

1,450± AC Fantastic Hunting, Shinnery, Large Stock Tank

EASTLAND COUNTY

622± AC All Coastal, Good Water! SOLD

FISHER COUNTY

953± AC IN CONTRACT 130± Ac South of Sylvester on FM 1085 Nice small tract in good area!

CALLAHAN COUNTY

1,015± AC Great Sock Farm or Hay farm IN CONTRACT

COMANCHE COUNTY

735± AC - 4D Game Ranch – Turnkey High Fenced Hunting Ranch w/ Lodge!

HASKELL COUNTY

NEW 227± ac N of Rule Cultivated w.

Pasture NEW 627 ± AC - Mule Creek ranch- live water, cabin, great hunting 202± AC - Box Springs Ranch - Improved Grass, Stock Tank IN CONTRACT 160± AC – The Kittley Irrigated Farm Northwest of Rule!

152± AC - Top Kevil Cotton Farm - Good black land farm w/ 1/2 the minerals! SOLD

JONES COUNTY

NEW 782± AC - Mostly cultivated farm.

Outside of Neinda 512± AC - on Top of Flat Top - CRP, 2 Water Wells and Beautiful Views!

202± AC – 202 Ranch- great hunting West of Stamford 247± AC Stock Farm, Culti and pasture!

160± AC Cultivation south of Avoca 139± AC- Farrington Cotton Farm Prime Cultivation 50± AC Cultivated farm great hunting!

230± AC Ft. Phantom River Ranch, Excellent Hunting!

KENT COUNTY

922± AC-Panther Canyon Ranch-Native pasture w/ food plots, springs on Panther Canyon and Croton Creek on Boundary!

521± AC – The Grove- Shinnery & Mesquite Combination, IN CONTRACT

SCURRY COUNTY

1,421± AC - Impossible Canyon Ranch Deep Canyons & Fantastic Hunting!

SHACKELFORD COUNTY

200± AC - Quarry Income w/ Good Hunting! SOLD

160± AC – All pasture, Great Hunting! SOLD

STEPHENS COUNTY

155± AC Great Hunting, Cabin with 2 Earth Tanks!

85± AC w/ house

STONEWALL COUNTY

130 ± ac Perfect mix cultivation/pasture great combo place!

4,743± AC - Patterson North Camp - 2 Live Creeks w/ Hunting Lodge... A Must See! SOLD 5,950± AC- Seven Diamond L Canyon Ranch two creeks and river 2,082± -AC- Double View Ranch- Spectacular views, River & Cabin!

1,322± AC - Maddie Ola Ranch - Big Water, Extremely Diverse, & Great Hunting!

800± AC - White Ghost River Ranch - Salt Fork of the Brazos! Views of the River Canyon!

668± AC - MZ East Pasture Ranch - Ready to Hunt, Spectacular Views!

320± AC – River Frontage w/ Beautiful 2 story home and additional acreage for lease!

387± AC - Great Hunting w/ Cabin Set Up and Ready to Hunt!

330± AC- Great View of Double Mtns. w/ scenic deep canyons, large neighbors, great hunting!

SOLD 249± AC River Bluff Ranch mile of SFB River, gorgeous bluffs, shinnery, elevations, very diverse!

130± AC- Youngers 130 Good Cultivation and great Hunting!

332± AC – Canyon West Ranch Great Views!

Water, Electric & Secluded!

TAYLOR COUNTY

76± AC - Near Jim Ned School. Motivated Seller!

50± AC White Mines Road-Wylie ISD-No Restrictions! SOLD 5± Acres Off of HWY 351 No Restrictions List Price $40,000 Taylor Ridge Estates- 20-80 Acre rural tracts Call for info.

707 Ranch 10-12± acre rural tracts Call for Info. SOLD 20± Acres White Mines Road Creek, Hunting, No Restrictions List Price $140,000

THROCKMORTON COUNTY

460± AC - High fenced, turn-key hunting ranch

12 AUGUST 2, 2019

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

COUNTY: Continued From Page 1

Workers giving the Stamford City Hall a power wash the week of July 29, 2019.

Jerry Wayne Macek for the purchase of (R13453), Lot 9 in Block 17 of the Hamlin Townsite Addition to the Town of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $56.00 and the court cost has been waived.

Jerry Wayne Macek for the purchase of (R27222), Lots 1, 2, 3 & 4 in Block 60 of the Hamlin Townsite Addition to the Town of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $126.00 and the court cost has been waived.

Jerry Wayne Macek for the purchase of (R15779), Lot 10 in Block 35 of the Hamlin Townsite Addition to the Town of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $60.00 and the court cost has been waived.

Jerry Wayne Macek for the purchase of (R26413), South forty-two feet (S/42’) of Lot 3 and North eight

feet (N/8’) of Lot 4 in Block 35 of the Hamlin Townsite Addition to the Town of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $60.00 and the court cost has been waived.

Next on the agenda was to Discuss and Take Action on Disaster Declaration and All Items Related Regarding FEMA, TDA and TDEM Forms and Requirements.

Judge Spurgin stated the estimates are coming in higher than the preliminary disaster assessments and that the Commissioners will have individual visits with the people assigning the estimates. He emphasized to the Commissioners to be accurate “on the front end” with material descriptions to avoid the assessors being inaccurate with the repair materials and the amounts needed. He suggested going back to the notes they took when the original site visits took place.

Judge Spurgin described the conversation he had with Grant Unell, who will administer the program for the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM). The current disaster, No. 4416, occurred from September 10 to November 4, 2018 and is three times larger than the previous disaster.

Judge Spurgin told Unell there needs to be a timely process for the money to be flowing in for the work to be done. The Commissioners will be working on all the disaster projects plus their regular maintenance duties, damages coming from new weather issues, etc. Judge Spurgin stated it will be a 3 to 4-year project to “dig out from under this.” No action was required.

There were no new proposals received concerning Material and Material Hauling.

The next item on the agenda was to Discuss and Take Action on Equipment Purchase and/or Trade.

It was approved to tradein a motor grader for a

newer one in Precinct 2 and have it as a budget amendment. Commissioner Ross, Precinct 3, reported finding a tractor and boom mower at a lower price than previously reported.

No action was taken at this time.

Judge Spurgin gave an update concerning Courthouse Repairs. He stated there is an open insurance claim which includes repairs to the elevator, electronics, computers, network switches and other items.

The air conditioner “tripped out again. We had a power blip.” On Saturday, July 20, 2019, the compressors were running and tripped both breakers internally.

They were reset on Monday, July 22nd. The big Chiller will be set in place by a crane upon arrival.

Concerning the Rules of Procedure, Conduct and Decorum at Meetings of the County Commissioners Court, Judge Spurgin stated he will draft an order for consideration and official adoption at the next Commissioners Court meeting.

Next, County Treasurer Thompson presented the Treasurer’s Report and it was approved. Amend Budget and Line Item Transfers were presented

by County Auditor Bailey and approved. It was approved to Pay Bills.

The next agenda item concerned the Certified Tax Roll submitted by Kim McLemore, Chief Appraiser for the Jones County Appraisal District, on July 17, 2019. Judge Spurgin stated that compared to last year there was approximately a $50 million increase, which is the first increase in five years on taxable value. “The freeze adjusted taxable, which is what we set a tax rate on for properties that do not have a ceiling or freeze” is up $39 million.

“The properties that have now a freeze ceiling would generate $612,705.60.”

That is up and reflects a “concerning number of additional properties that are going in with a ceiling.”

He stated we have an aging population and as more people turn 65 “they qualify for that and they get it.” Forty-four percent of the residential homesteads have a ceiling on them.

“That’s a reflection of the County.” The Certified Tax Roll from the Appraisal District was approved.

Next, the 2019 Effective Tax Rate is 0.654805, which was down 4 cents from the 2018 Rate of 0.694718 per $100 valuation. This is because of the increased tax base. The Tax Rate will be discussed further at the next meeting. It was approved to accept the report from the Appraisal District.

Judge Spurgin gave the Commissioners the 2019 Budget and Tax Rate Planning Calendar. The proposed Calendar for this Budget Cycle is as follows.

On August 26, 2019 the Court will discuss the proposed tax rate and vote.

If they adopt a proposed tax rate above the effective tax rate, they will schedule the first public hearing for September 9, 2019, which is the first regular Commissioners Court for September. The second public hearing, if needed, will be on a Called Meeting, Monday, September 16, 2019. On September 19, 2019 a notice will be posted of the Budget Hearing to be held on September 23, 2019, the second regular meeting for September. At this meeting they will vote to set salaries, expenses of elected officials, and adopt a budget.

The Court recessed before returning to conduct the Budget Workshop and adjourn the Commissioners Court.