August 10, 2018 - Stamford American

FRIDAY AUGUST 10, 2018 THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 10, ISSUE 12 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 97, ISSUE 18 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 113, ISSUE 19

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Hamlin Murder Suspect Arrested

BY KAY SPEARS Alice “Sissy” Brigham passed away at the Hamlin Memorial Hospital on Friday, August 3, 2018 after being beaten at her home on CR 130, east of Hamlin, TX. The press release from Jones County Sheriff, Greg Arnwine, stated that around 2:00 pm the Sherriff’s office received a report of an assault. When a deputy and EMS arrived at her home, they found that Sissy Brigham, 66, had been severely beaten. She was transported to the hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

According to a KTXS article Brigham’s father, James Brigham, he arrived home and found his daughter on the floor. His daughter told

him that (Mitchel Glen) Butler beat her, before she went to the hospital.

A warrant was issued for Mitchel Glen Butler, a white male age 39. On Saturday, August 4th, Butler was traveling when his pickup ran out of gas on I-20 near Eastland, TX. A state trooper stopped to make sure Butler was all right when he recognized him and the vehicle from the description released to law enforcement by the Jones County Sheriff’s Office.

Butler was arrested in Eastland on Saturday, August 4th, at 11 pm.

He was transported to Anson on Monday, August 6, 2018 where he was booked into the Jones County Jail. The release also stated that “the Texas Rangers are assisting in the investigation of this case.”

Mitchel Glen Butler, 39, arrested in the murder case of Alice “Sissy” Brigham.

Alice “Sissy” Brigham, 66, was killed on Friday, August 3, 2018.

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Bearden, New Editor for the American Holly Bearden is our new editor, and we are very happy to have her at The New Stamford American. You may have seen her around town talking about our new Shop Locally package as she is also taking care of our advertising. Many of you may know Holly since she lived in Stamford her whole life until the age of 18 when she left for college. She is the daughter of Tommy and Kim Bearden on Stamford and the granddaughter of the late Carl and Delores Bearden, also of Stamford.

Holly Bearden SEE BEARDEN, PG 4

Council Hears Audit Report and Discusses Budget During Regular Meeting

BY WILL MCCLURE The Stamford City Council held its regular meeting last Monday evening, August 6th to primarily discuss the city’s budget as well as hold a public hearing to allow Stamford citizens to address the council on the budget. Mayor James

Decker called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm with all members except Councilmember Dennis Braden present and led the room in the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Once completed, the meeting formally began with citizen’s comments. However, with there being none, the meet-

ing moved forward with opening the public hearing portion of the evening at 5:16 pm, which would allow any Stamford citizen in attendance the opportunity to address the council concerning the upcoming city budget. However, no one wished to address the council at this time

and resulted in the public hearing closing at 5:19 pm after the three minutes that is required for any public hearing.

The next item was for the annual City Audit Report for the last fiscal year.

SEE CITY, PG 6

Aaron Miller of Condley and Company, LLP presented the annual City Audit Report to the Stamford City Council during its regular meeting Monday evening, August 6th.

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST Callie Metler-Smith | Publisher callie@americannewspapers.net Holly Bearden | Editor holly@americannewspapers.net Callie Metler-Smith | Ad Manager ads@americannewspapers.net Gayle Lovvorn | Office Manager office@americannewspapers.net P.O. Box 870 102 S. Swenson Stamford TX 79553 325-773-5550 FAX: 325-773-5551 office@americannewspapers.net 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

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Friday 97 | 73

Saturday 97 | 74

Sunday 97 | 75

Monday 99 | 76

Tuesday 100 | 77

ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker

Imposing Your Will It’s no secret that I’m a fan of University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban. Perhaps the greatest college football coach of all time, Saban is also a master of leadership and management. Far beyond relying on coaching clichés and wornout motivational tropes, Saban is a student of psychology and management science who truly understands how to make people better for the good of the individual and the larger organization.

Recently, after one of Alabama’s August football practices, Saban told the media something that struck me as particularly meaningful right now. Coaches often talk about their team “imposing their will” on an opponent; that is, the team, not the opponent, dictates the outcome of the game.

Every team strives for this, but as with all greatness, it’s easier said than done. Nick Saban, seeing the big picture, said this: “If you’re going to impose your will on someone else, the first thing you have to do is impose your will on yourself.”

Whether we use this lingo or not, those of us in community leadership desire something akin to a football team imposing its will on its opponent. We have ideas to improve our community that we believe to be worthwhile.

We seek to implement those ideas and influence the community’s future, rather than sitting back and letting others dictate the future.

But before we can influence the future of our community, we have to impose our will on ourselves. Do we have what it takes to actually accomplish our goals? Plenty

of people have great ideas, but do we have the respect and trust within our community that will allow the community to listen to us?

Do we have the confidence in our ideas and the necessary self-discipline to persevere when the going gets tough? There’s a long line of folks who showed up in a new town, or back in their hometown, and, without any respect or trust, their great ideas promptly fell on deaf ears. Others started a great idea, got some support, and then when they hit a wall, rather than persevering, they got frustrated and gave up.

Moreover, do we have the discipline to actually live out the ideals that we’re projecting onto the community? Are we agitating about junked-up properties but somewhat lax about mowing our own high weeds? Are we personally encouraging local business by shopping locally? What if we’re campaigning for people to visit our town and move here, but we personally spend most of our weekends out of town?

These are not easy, comfortable questions. All of us, myself included, can likely stand to improve in some form or fashion. But when we DO live out the ideals we have for our community and when we ARE willing to do what it takes to improve our community, that’s when we start imposing our will on our own lives and great things will blossom around us.

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.

Wednesday 101 | 77

Thursday 102 | 77

The weather is provided for you

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

MARK THE DATE...

AUG 14

MEET THE TEACHER: Oliver Meet the Teacher will be Tuesday, Aug. 14th-5:30-6:30.

AUG 25

CLEANUP DAY: The Stamford Chamber of Commerce is planning a community cleanup for Saturday, August 25. The Chamber would like to invite everyone in the community to save the date and join them. The cleanup will start at 8 a.m. and will go until noon.

SEPT 15TH

5K: The Haskell Lions Club is sponsoring the Warpath 5K, a fun run and walk. The Warpath will be September 15th, starting at 8 AM. The first 100 entries

will receive a Warpath 5K t-shirt.

To request registration forms, contact haskelljazzfan@yahoo. com or any Lions Club members.

All funds raised will be used to benefit local organizations and Lions Club International

SEPT 21-22

BBQ COOK-OFF: Jones County Fair First Annual BBQ Cook-Off Sept. 21-22 located at the Jones County Fairgrounds, 802 23rd St, Anson, Texas. No hookups, self contained. **LSBS Sanctioned.

Entries: Brisket, Pork Spareribs, Chicken-$100. Jackpot Beans & Open Chef’s Choice-$15 (Winner takes all). For more information, contact the Jones County Extension Office at 325-823-2432 or email: jones@ag.tamu.edu

Community

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

AUGUST 10, 2018

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JONES COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT

Bulldog Athletes hit the track and practice fields this week for two-a-days in preparation for fall sports at SHS!

Lueders-Avoca FFA Receives Top Honors at Texas FFA Convention The Lueders-Avoca FFA Chapter was recognized as a silver-level chapter for the esteemed Golden Horizon award in the (single)-teacher division at the 90th annual Texas FFA State Convention held July 9-13 in Fort Worth. Golden Horizon award selection is based on exceptional chapter involvement and activities within the school and community.

The Golden Horizon award recognizes well-rounded chapter involvement that promotes maximum participation in order to deliver all facets of the agricultural education program.

The 90th annual Texas FFA Convention recorded approximately 12,000 members and guests. Members of the state’s largest agricultural youth leadership organization spent the week attending leadership workshops, participating in events and activities, being recognized for their achievements, and serving as the legislative body for the Texas FFA Association.

The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA association with a membership

The Lueders-Avoca FFA Chapter was recognized as a National Superior Chapter at the 90th annual Texas FFA Convention. The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization.

These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards (NQCS) and a Program of Activities (POA) that emphasize growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.

Pictured in Ft Worth are Riley Moore, Jacob Jarvis, Lexi Williams,Gloria Moorefield, Alyssa Wyatt, Mattie Barnes,Alyssa Webb and Jeremiah Jarvis. of more than 123,000. FFA gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real world experiences through local, state and national competi-

tions. For more information about the Texas FFA, visit www.mytexasffa.org.

The Jones County Sheriff’s Office from July 29 to August 04 responded to 68 Calls for service.

There were 19 Traffic Stops conducted. The following people were booked into the Jones County Jail during this period: Jesus Ramirez Martinez, Driving w/open Container; Hold for Immigration; Roger Contreras, Hold for Haskell County; Melissa Rider Fultz, Assault Family Violence; Lesli Erin Garcia, Driving while Intoxicated w/Child Passenger; Tanya Lynn Cogburn, Warrant; Michael Wilson, Warrant; April Johnson, Hold for Haskell County; Nova Nixon, Warrant; Elton Winston Jr, Warrant; Dennis Colin, Disorderly Conduct; Criminal Trespass; Michael Ray Macias, Hold for Knox County; Andres Sotelo, Warrant; Eduardo Munoz, Hold for Haskell County; James Marty Decker, Hold for Haskell County Summary of calls responded to: Agency Assist – 2, Alarm – 4, Animal Bite – 1, Animal Control – 2, Animal Cruelty – 1, Assault – 1, Attempt To Locate – 1, Burglary – 2, Disturbance – 1, Domestic Disturbance – 3, Fire – 2, Investigation – 8, Livestock – 6, Mental Subject – 1, Motorist Assist – 1, Motor Vehicle Accident – 2, Public Service – 12, Reckless Driver – 2, Sexual Assault – 1, Suspicious Activity – 8, Theft – 1, Transport – 2, Warrant Service – 2, Welfare Check – 1, 911 Hang-up – 1 Calls Responded to: 07/29/2018 Deputy Zertuche responded to a residential alarm call. Calling party stated multiple triggers had been activated. Deputy Zertuche arrived on scene and found the home owners inside having issues with the alarm reset.

07/30/2018 Sergeant Alfaro responded to a sexual assault call. Calling party stated that they were sexually assaulted and wants to file charges. The case is under investigation.

08/03/2018 Deputy Soliz responded to an assault call. Calling party stated an assault had taken place and they needed law enforcement.

Deputy Soliz arrived and assisted EMS with patient load for transport. The case is under investigation.

08/02/2018 Deputy Steckly responded to a burglary call. Calling party stated that a building on the property was forcibly entered and items are missing. Deputy Steckly made contact with the home owners and took a report. The case is under investigation.

ESTRAYS: The Jones County Sheriff’s Office will post Estray notices on the Jones County Website. Please check the website for any Estrays and notify the Sheriff’s Office at 325-823-3201 if you have any information on an Estray.

4 AUGUST 10, 2018

OBITUARIES

Alice Brigham Alice Brigham, passed away August 3, 2018, in Hamlin, Texas. Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at North Central Baptist Church in Hamlin, Texas with burial in Fairview Cemetery at Tuxedo, Texas. Visitation was Tuesday, August 7, 2018, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at AdamsFoster-Ray Funeral Home Chapel.

Alice Dathalene “Sissy” Brigham went to be with her Lord and her family in Glory on August 3, 2018. Sissy, as she was known to her family and friends, was born July 5, 1952, to James and Eddie (Decker) Brigham in Seymour, Texas. She was a lifelong resident of the Hamlin, Jones County area. Sissy was one of God’s special children who defied all odds by surviving and had touched the hearts of many in her wonderful life.

Sissy was an avid church member and loved animals, helping her dad on the farm and Vacation Bible School.

Her favorite pastimes were watching old western movies and crocheting. She had many winning entries in local fairs and Best of Show in the Abilene Fair in years gone by. Many of her family and friends have been blessed with receiving some of her exceptional handiwork. She was also happy to donate afghans to the West Texas Rehab Center Annual Auction Fundraiser.

Sissy was preceded in death by her mother, Eddie Pearl Decker Brigham, and her brother, Bobby Vernon Brigham.

She is survived by her daddy, Reverend James Vernon Brigham of Hamlin, Texas, and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Memorials may be made to the church organization of your choice.

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Archival Shelving Arrives in Museum

BY LUCI WEDEKING What a great week it has been! Our museum quality archival shelving, generously provided by a grant from the Tocker Foundation, has finally arrived. This steel cantilever floor to ceiling shelving from Demco was custom made for our space here in Stamford by the Tennsco plant in Tennessee. Once erected, it will provide 294 square feet of vertical storage, able to hold more than 600 standard document size archival boxes. This shelving system will be a game changer in how the museum is able to care for and store some of our most delicate artifacts, including century old historical photographs.

This grant from the Tocker Foundation was made possible with partnership between the museum and the Stamford Carnegie Library.

The Tocker Foundation

has been a loyal supporter of the library, granting a total of $55,624.00 over the last several years. The foundation was also responsible for the digitization of the Stamford American newspaper archives last year, which are now searchable online via the Portal to Texas History at https:// texashistory.unt.edu/ (search “Stamford Carnegie Library” for 8,983 items).

We are thankful for the

continued support of the Tocker Foundation, as well as contributions from a few

individuals, who have made this dream possible!

BEARDEN: Continued From Page 1 Her father, Tommy, was at one time the principal at Stamford High School and since retirement from Region 14 Education Service Center now runs the JonesHaskell Farmers Market at the William-Johnson house on Swenson. Her mother, Kim, has owned Bearden Photography for 29 years.

Holly went to Stamford High School and was involved in numerous activities such as; sports, cheerleading, UIL prose, One-Act Play, NHS and student council and graduated in 2011.

After graduation, Holly decided to follow her older brother, Scott, and join him at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. While in Lubbock, Holly worked at a daycare and taught dance classes as a hobby. While in school, she focused on interpersonal communication and says she loved learning about what exactly makes relationships work, whether they are business, personal, friend-

ships or family related. She received her bachelor’s in Communication Studies with a minor in Advertising in December of 2014. After graduation she wasn’t quite sure what career she wanted to pursue, so Holly decided to apply for graduate school at Texas Tech (Much to the amusement of her father).

Holly says that graduate school was the best choice she made in her life. She made so many friends and had always been interested in conducting qualitative research especially in advertising and social media which she was then able to do. At her time at Texas Tech she correlated research over advertising campaigns, social media positive affirmation and her dissertation was over Mexican-American cultural identity. She taught Pre-K at a private school and church in Lubbock and graduated with her masters in Media and Communication in December of 2016.

After graduating Holly ended up moving to Fort Worth and got a job in social media marketing. After a few months in the DFW area, she realized she was missing the small town life and decided to return to Stamford. She enjoys writing, reading, playing with her dog, Piper, and sitting on the back porch with family and friends.

Holly is very happy to be back home in Stamford where everyone is friendly and one is greeted with a colorful hello. She is thrilled to be working at The Stamford American because she has been a fan since she first learned how to read and is thrilled to learn what is going on in the community that she loves.

Holly is happy to embark on this new journey and write about things she is passionate about which is her small hometown and the relationships with the people in Stamford. She is glad to be around her parents and brother, Scott, and his wife, Sara, who live in Haskell. She says everywhere she goes most people know where Stamford is because of our sports, Lake Stamford, the TCR or James Washington.

Holly believes all four are things to be deeply proud of and make her proud to be from Stamford, Texas.

Welcome, Holly!

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

AUGUST 10, 2018

5

HELLO FROM COWBOY COUNTRY By Jewellee Kuenstler History never gets old!

Last week’s article discussed Native Americans coming to this area 13,000 years ago AND a Billy-club/ tear gas gun from the 1920s. For me, every time I learn something new, it just brings about more questions, and oh, how much fun it is to learn new things, all the good, the bad, and the ugly! (How many people are hearing the movie theme music for The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly?

Sorry, I digress.)

We had some wonderful visitors earlier this year from up north. They are part of the Swenson extended family. Last month, one of the visitors, Dave Cost, emailed the Museum about a panoramic photo he has in his possession. (The picture that I am including in this article does not give it justice.) It measures 6 1/2 x 36”, is black and white, and features 131 mounted World War I soldiers. The caption written across the bottom states, “Field Remount Squadron #302.

Camp Johnston, Fla. Apr. 19, 1918. Capt. A.C. Swenson, Commanding…”

Of course, so many questions are going through my head, “Who were these men?”, “Were they Calvary?”, “How was this Swenson related to S.M. Swenson?”, the list went on and on. So, I am going to give you a Reader’s Digest condensed version of what I discovered.

The United States Army Remount Service actually can date its roots back to 1775. Throughout American history, it has been part of the Quartermaster Department and included acquiring horses for all sorts of tasks, Calvary mounts, pulling wagons, transporting artillery, messenger horses, etc. However, it also includes all the duties that go along with maintaining and caring for the animal, such as finding food, horseshoers/farriers, horse wranglers (includes breaking horses and train-

ing them), and veterinary services, whether professional or amateur.

Later, it also included breeding horses specifically with military functions in mind. Prior to World War I, the Remount Division listed what it required of a good military horse with different purposes in mind, “Calvary mounts for enlisted men should be Thoroughbred or half-bred Saddlebred, Morgan or Arabian geldings, at least three years old, 15.1-15.3 hands, have a deep heart girth and a short back, good withers for a saddle, good leg bone, sloping pasterns for an easy ride with round, hard feet. They must be bay, black, chestnut or sorrel with a minimum of white markings. Artillery mounts must be 15 to 16 hands, 1,200 to 1,300 pounds, light draft or heavy hunter type geldings. Mules 14.215 hands weighing 1,000 to 1,250 were ideal.”

Soon the government began to make contracts with ranches across the United States to find horses that met these criteria, or to find breeding stock for one of their eight remount depots. The SMS Ranch was one that supplied good, quality horse stock to the military prior and during World War I. The Great War (what we now call World War I) was filled with such atrocities that it was called the War to End All Wars. Up until 1938 (the onset of World War II), this conflict was considered the worst war the world had ever seen or would ever see. WWI began in Europe in 1914, but the United States did not become involved until 1917. Prior to entering the war, the U.S. supplied our allies in Europe with good horse stock for their militaries as early as 1910 due to growing tensions and the concern that larger confrontations would arise. Because of this huge demand, the remount depots were filled to capacity with horses and capable

men to train and care for them. Due to this increase, the remount depots went from eight to 39, springing up all over the country.

During World War I in the United States alone, around 571,000 horses and mules were trained and shipped overseas. More than 68,000 were killed in action, with many more dying from starvation, disease, injuries, or lost in transit. On top of that, the United States also installed 33 remount depots in France with a total of 63,500 animals. The total amount of horses and mules used by all nations during the war is staggering. For example, Britain and its dominions, such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa, used a total of 1 million horses and mules in World War I. After researching all these facts, I again look at the photograph with new eyes.

This must have been one of the temporary remount depots because you can see the teepees in the background, presumably set up as housing for the personnel responsible for training these animals for war.

Looking closer, you begin to see other details. It is easy to spot the different types of riders and their techniques. Let me explain. A cowboy has a very relaxed posture when he is astride his mount. Someone from up North that was trained in the English style of riding has a more erect posture.

Now, I do not know these men, but I would be willing to bet that one could pick out the cowboys in this

picture. I refer to them as men, but when you look at them individually, they seem so incredibly young.

The horses appear uniform in stature and color, but upon closer inspection they are as varied and different as the men riding them.

And who was Capt. A.C. Swenson? He was the son of Swen Albin Swenson and the grandson of Svante Magnus Swenson. Considering the SMS Ranch was providing horses to the military at that time, I would like to think that a few of the horses in the photograph were from our area. A.C. Swenson appears full of pride at the head of this Remount Division.

Sadly, World War I tends to be a forgotten war, but this photo fills me with great pride, not only in our men that worked, fought, and died during World War I, but for the horses and mules that also contributed.

In our archive, on loan from the Swenson family, is a 1919 S.M.S. Booklet. These were catalogues mailed every year to promote the Swenson Ranch and the Swenson cattle to potential

buyers. In this book is a Roll Call of all the cowboys and employees from the Swenson Land and Cattle Company that participated in World War I. Several pages show these men, usually in uniform and mounted, posing for the camera. One of the photos is of Grover Hellum, a cowboy from the Throckmorton branch, who was killed in France in September 1918. Frank Hastings commented that when the cowboys began to volunteer or get drafted early in the war, they showed fear, an emotion he rarely, if ever, saw from these men on the ranch.

Finally, he discovered what had them so afraid. Most of these men, if not all, were going into the infantry and were not even given the opportunity to go into the Calvary. In essence, without a horse under them, they felt at a great disadvantage.

Hastings realized that the

cowboy and his horse were a team that made the rider feel invincible. He felt true sorrow for these young men, having to experience war without a trusty mount to see them through. This shows how important the Remount Divisions were to the war effort. Stop in and take a look at this amazing photograph.

Due to the busyness of the month of August, mainly school starting and all that entails, the Museum will not be hosting a Family Night. However, be looking for the date in September.

We are planning a fun Homecoming Family Night!

As always, we love for you to stop by, either to volunteer, or just to visit.

If you have visitors from out of town, bring them by!

Our email is cowboycountrymuseum@yahoo.com or you can call us at 325/7732500.

6 AUGUST 10, 2018 Dear Citizens of Stamford, Your city council and city staff have been hard at work this summer on our city budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year, which begins October 1. I want to update you on our progress, so that you are informed about the work of the folks who have been elected and hired to serve you.

Our current draft budget totals just over $4.3 million in revenue and expenditures. This budget includes NO increases in city property tax or utility rates. We intend to finance our next year of city operations without any such hikes in tax or utility rates on our citizens and taxpayers. In addition to our standard obligations, we are able to, among other things, grant a raise to city employees, plan upgrades to playground equipment at our city parks, and purchase some needed city vehicles and equipment. This budget also includes our annual payment towards our ongoing $20 million water project that will give Stamford the finest, most technologicallyadvanced water production and treatment system in the area.

We will host public hearings on our tax rate on Tuesday, September 4, at 5:15 pm and Friday, September 7, at 1:00 pm. I invite each of you to attend and participate. Your City Council is thinking of many projects, short-term and long-term, both small and large, that we will discuss in coming months and in future budgets, but this 2018-19 budget is a first step towards our goal of a Better Stamford.

I thank you for your confidence in your elected officials, and I am excited about what lies ahead.

Yours truly, James M. Decker, Mayor of Stamford, Texas

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CITY: Continued From Page 1 Aaron Miller from Condley and Company, LLP stepped forward to present the report to the council where he stated that the city had no issues of non-compliance and no significant new governmental audits as he walked the council through the report that summarized the city’s finances including revenue and small variances which ended with a “flat” year for the city. After answering a few questions, Miller concluded his brief report while the council unanimously voted to approve the audit as presented. The next item on the agenda was to review the minutes of the special called sessions on July 9th and July 23rd, with Decker pointing out a misspelled word on the July 23rd minutes. With this noted, the council voted to approve the minutes as presented with the needed correction.

The final item on the regular agenda was the continuation of the budget workshop which

included an updated draft of the proposed budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. City Manager Alan Plumlee noted that the biggest changed was an increase in administrative fees to $70,000, which would help cover about half of his and Chief Finance Officer Karen Lou Graham’s salaries.

In addition, Plumlee presented to the council a revised budget from the Cowboy Country Museum board which included a significant change of Museum Curator Jewellee Kuenstler returning to a 25-hour week part-time schedule at her request, which also eliminates the need to cover health insurance and would take effect October 1st. With this said, later in the discussion the council asked how best to allocate the hours of Museum Director Luci Wedeking, who would continue to work 15 hours a week in the museum in addition to working as Carnegie Library Director for 25 hours a week.

Councilmember Ken Roberson asked if Wedeking could be able to divide the hours over a five-day week to be in every day, which Wedeking, who was in attendance, responded that she allocated her hours based on the need in the museum, noting that she would spend more time on Mondays to collaborate with Kuenstler for the week as well as be flexible to help accept new items to the museum. Decker stated that he would get with the museum board and Plumlee to come up with a final revised budget for the museum.

Another significant item of discussion for the budget was the request by the school district for a school resource officer who would work for the school during the year and

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

then for the city as a patrol officer during the summer months. As such, the agreement would be that the school district would pay 66.5% of the officer’s salary, paid directly to the city for reimbursement, while the city would cover the remaining 33.5%. The resource officer would be an existing officer from the Stamford Police Department who would transfer over to the school during the year, thus requiring the need to hire a new officer to fill the void. As a result of the movement, Plumlee said that after the reimbursement and the eventual new hiring, the expenses would raise to an amount between $6,000 to $8,000, which at the time was not included in the budget. After clarifying how the expenses would work out to the number, Plumlee and the council wrapped up the budget workshop for the evening by noting that the cemetery and airport budgets were indeed finalized.

In addition, the council agreed to meet the following week for a special session to discuss the budget once more before the first official reading on August 20th, setting a date of August 13th at 1:30 pm for the special session.

The meeting then moved forward with the consent agenda, which featured six property bids to be presented to the council. Plumlee noted that five of the bids came from the same bidder, Skyline Real Estate Services, LLC, which is a company based out of California, and noted that he was concerned that the properties would eventually return to the city. After a brief discussion, Mayor Decker asked to formally reject bids for the properties located on three vacant lots, noting that the lots could be combined with neighboring lots to be sold as

whole blocks. With that said, the council voted to reject the three bids as requested as well as accept the three remaining bids for lots located on 406 W. Davenport, 405 S. McKinley and 404 S. Berthelot.

The final item for the evening was the City Manager’s Report, which Plumlee began by stating that he had received a call from Texas Parks and Wildlife who stated that they would be interested in helping the city with a grant that would help the city pay to fix the boat ramp and dock at Stamford Lake. While the city would still need to apply for the grant and be approved, Texas Parks and Wildlife would provide a 75% match to help with expenses.

Plumlee noted that the grant would only cover the boat ramp and dock, but did state that the parking lot would eventually need to be repaired as well.

Next, Plumlee stated that water is now flowing through the new pipeline and is performing well, enough so that the hope is that there could be a possible reduction in the electric bill. Plumlee stated that the next phase of the water project would be to work on the pumps which will possibly be replaced as well as see the electrical work updated.

Plumlee continued by stating that the city is still interviewing for a new EMS director and medical director. While there was nothing final, Plumlee stated that the process was moving forward. Finally, Plumlee concluded his report by stating that he had received a call from Texas Tech University with an offer for Stamford EMS to be a part of a pilot program called Tele-Medicine. The program would see no charge to the city as cameras would be installed into ambulances that will be connected directly to doctors at Hendrick Medical Center which will help paramedics relay information to doctors in route while doctors can also give instructions. There was no word on when the program would begin, but Plumlee said that the city would move forward with the program.

With the report finished and no other business to conduct, the Stamford City Council then adjourned for the evening at 6:45 pn.

Opinion

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Stop Trying to be Viral I’m probably going to start sounding like a broken record with this, but once again there is another “fad” going around that not only borders on stupidity, but it outright overshoots it. I am talking about the fad of singing along to the Drake song “In My Feelings.” Now, nothing wrong with singing, even if you are not that good, but the craze that is taking off is that people are jumping out of their MOVING CARS to dance along to a certain lyrics while they are filming themselves, otherwise known as the “Keke Challenge.” I think at this point Will McClure we need to take a moment to just do a collective facepalm and just scream “WHY?!?!” If I were to rank this fad on a list of stupid internet challenges, this would be close to if not right at the top. And just like every other idiotic craze, it only gets worse when people are sharing the videos and making them go viral, resulting in copycat attempts.

As a result, there have been a lot of people injured over this and police are starting to hand out hefty fines for something that just destroys all common sense. You also know that it is getting bad when a state transportation department (Oklahoma) has to post warnings on roads to tell people to stay in their cars.

If you haven’t noticed by now, this is quickly devolving into a fullon rant over crazes like this, and just like any other stupid craze, thankfully there have been no reports of this happening around here. Well, at least from what I have seen anyway. The internet has really sunk low with these dangerous memes and fads that destroy any measure of common sense because some people want to be famous on the internet or even “fit in.” Trust me, there are many better and safer ways to fit in to a certain generation. At one point, I saw internet fads as a minor annoyance and sometimes actually fun to do when it made sense for one reason or another. Take for example the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge from four years ago. Just about everybody participated in this challenge because it directed attention towards raising money for ALS, it was simple and safe to do and it was fun in the end (I mean, it happened in the summer so any excuse to cool off for a moment was gladly accepted!). A lot of people saw the challenge as pointless like many other fads, but it was something that we could all do and not feel stupid about it later. Four years later and no one is talking about doing a safe internet challenge to help raise awareness for a good cause; instead, people are jumping out of cars to dance for no good reason.

I will end this week by saying that this fad will unfortunately not be the last unsafe challenge to make the social media rounds, as in probably another month or so something else will take over. The fact remains though fads like this should never have been created in the first place, much less shared to millions of people with comments like it is “funny.” I’d like to say that although I have a good sense of humor, I haven’t found anything funny about this. Many years ago there was a show on MTV that saw a group of guys doing stupid stuff like this (I can’t say the title here, but I’m sure you may know), but they made an effort each episode and movie they did to tell people not to recreate the stunts as they would not be promoted and just enjoy the show. Meanwhile, Drake has actually thanked the internet for making his song so popular, but has said little about the challenge. It just makes you want to shake your head. So, if you want to create or join in on a fad, make sure that it is safe. It doesn’t have to have a point, but at least you should never have to hurt yourself to join in. And the next time your favorite song comes on the radio, just stay buckled in, sing along and keep your eyes on the road.

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

THOUGHTS FROM UNDER THE CAP

AUGUST 10, 2018

7

The Milky Way Over Fort Davis If you’ve been to Fort Davis on a night when the moon is barely visible, you know that when you look skyward you see the Milky Way in all its radiance. Fort Davis is one of the darkest spots in the United States so you get a good glimpse of the stars at night.

They really are big and bright.

The darkness is one reason the McDonald Observatory is located just outside of Fort Davis. Scientists from all over the world go there to do research. Residents of Fort Davis are mindful of the need to keep the area dark and seldom use their bright lights while driving at night. All lighted areas in the town have covers on them to make sure the light goes down, not up.

The observatory is one of the main tourist attractions in Fort Davis. On Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights, visitors go there for star parties where they peer through strong telescopes and listen to informal lectures about the stars. Marc Wetzel is an education specialist at McDonald. “We’re a little bit higher than Denver, Colorado. Here our elevation is about 6,500 feet. We’re at a high altitude in a remote area. If you looked at a map of nowhere, we’re right in the middle of that map.

“At the McDonald Observatory we are studying amazing things. We can measure distances to galaxies and can even find planets around other stars.

We can determine the expansion rate of the entire universe here. It’s truly a gem. We have one of the largest telescopes in the entire world and one of the biggest efforts to study the universe and address some of the most fundamentally amazing questions that we’ve had for the length of time humans have been on earth. If you’ve never seen the Milky Way

before, you can see it plainly here in all its glory without using any amplified device.

“I convey the night sky and all the amazing things about it to young children. Try to explain a black hole to a third grader. I train elementary, middle and high school teachers how to teach astronomy in the classroom. We have great evening programs that are really popular and we just try to have the best time looking at the night sky and interpreting what people are seeing.

“There are so many opportunities to make a connection with nature here and understand what we see when we look at the dark sky.”

Nearly 100 people work at the observatory. There are residences in the complex and some employees live in Fort Davis. Nighttime is not the only time people can go to the observatory. It also studies the sun and offers informational programs about the ball of fire.

The observatory, located on Mount Locke 16 miles from Fort Davis, is owned by the University of Texas.

It was made possible by the bequest of William Johnson McDonald, a Paris, Texas banker in hopes that astronomers would find ways to forecast weather, thus helping farmers far ahead of planting time.

Mount Locke is named for the rancher who donated land for the observatory.

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

Jones County Conservation Partners Host Local Work Group Meeting When: August 28, 2018 Time: 1:30 p.m.

Location: Hatahoe, Anson, TX The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas’ Jones County and the California Creek SWCD Soil and Water Conservation District cordially invite the public to attend their 2018 Local Working Group (LWG) meeting August 28, 2018, 1:30 p.m.

The purpose of this annual LWG meeting is to set local conservation priorities and bring

conservation stakeholders together to discuss conservation topics and issues relevant to helping Jones County farmers and ranchers better conserve on-farm natural resources.

The agenda of the meeting is to update attendees on recent conservation efforts and to collect public input to help guide future conservation activities.

Through regular identification of conservation opportunities, effective Farm Bill investment

can continue to benefit Jones County. For more information, please contact Glen Overby, district conservationist,

at (325) 823-3371 Ext-3.

For more information, visit the NRCS Web site at http://www.tx.nrcs. usda.gov/.

8 AUGUST 10, 2018

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Fall Chamber Cleanup With football fans and hunters coming to town, the hustle and bustle in Stamford during the fall only rises. In preparation for Stamford’s visitors and guests, the Stamford Chamber of Commerce is planning a community cleanup for Saturday, August 25.

“The summer cleanup before the Texas Cowboy Reunion was a huge suc-

cess,” Caitlin Richards, Stamford Chamber of Commerce Executive Director said. “We hope by doing multiple cleanups on the Square, throughout the year, we will decrease the work needed to keep the Square looking great.”

The Chamber Cleanup will focus on the Square and other areas in need of cleaning. The Chamber would like to invite

everyone in the community to save the date and join them. The cleanup will start at 8 a.m. and will go until noon. Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, rakes, brooms, tree clippers, ladders and other lawn equipment.

Please contact Caitlin Richards at 325-773-2411 or chamberdirector@ stamfordcoc.org with any questions.

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 Baptist Church Pastor Bud Akins 301 E Moran 773-2577 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 Chapel Gerald Spalding 501 W. McHarg 325-773-2866 AM Worship: 10:00 Faith Lutheran Church Sagerton, Texas 940-200-0723 AM Worship: 10:30

First Assembly of God Family Worship Center Pastor Randy Rawls 1214 Compton 325-773-2435 Am Worship: 10:45 First Baptist Church John Ward, Interim 214 N Swenson 325-773-2781 AM Worship: 11:00 House of God Pastor Bobby Acosta 802 Ferguson St Sundays 11:00am

Orient Street Church of Christ Wes Horn 510 S Orient 773-3419 Worship: 10:30 Paint Creek Baptist Church Pastor Tony Grand 940-864-3358 AM Worship: 11:00 St Ann’s Catholic Church Father Angelo Consemino 1001 S Swenson 325-773-2659 AM Mass: 11:00

Lueders First Baptist Church Roscoe McCoy 228-4622 AM Worship: 11:00

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

MacKenzie Trail Cowboy Church Greg Taylor 325-513-2505 AM worship 11:00

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

Heart of God Church 114 E Campbell Joanne Ochoa AM Worship 10:30 Nugent Baptist Church Craig Thames 228-4457 Worship: 11:00 Nugent Church of Christ Nugent, Texas Ron Ballard, Preacher Sun. 10 Bible Classes 11 Morning Assembly

Temple Baptist Church Jesse Morton 309 E Campbell 325-773-2550 AM Service: 11:00 Trinity Church Dr. Robert Wingrove 220 E. McHarg

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

PASTOR’S PEN

By Dalton Mathis

Relationship Our relationship with God is by far the most important aspect of our time here on earth. When we have the right relationship to the Father we then can truly have healthy and right relationships with those around us. The horizontal relationships with people can only truly be done in love and truth if we are imbedded and devoted to our vertical relationship with the Almighty God. Jesus calls us to love others and He even says that loving our neighbor is as equally as important as loving Him, although he does refer to it as the second greatest commandment and not the first (Matt. 22:39). We are to love God and by doing this we then can love the people that are put around us. Amos the shepherd from Judah condemned the rulers and upper class of Israel because they did not treat the people fairly (Amos 2:6). They had no true vertical relationship with God so therefore they had no horizontal relationship with the middle class citizens that surrounded them. Likewise the Great Shepherd (Jesus) calls us as Christians to love everyone and to do all that we do out of love and devotion towards the Father (John 13:34; 1 Cor. 16:14).

The Bible gives us a great idea of what love truly is and what it is supposed to look like. In order to truly know what love is we must take a look at the One who

is love. For the Word tells us that, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Real love is like God, who is holy, just and perfect in nature. The Father’s love for us goes way beyond the human mind, we cannot understand it fully but we can gain a better understanding the more we seek Him (Eph. 3:19).

The greatest act of love that history has ever known came on an old rugged cross outside the walls of Jerusalem. Many may wonder how God is love if He intentionally killed His own Son Jesus.

How is that love? Think about it for a moment…

Who do you love in this world? Do you have kids, family, and friends? Would you be willing to sacrifice their life? More than likely no, definitely not, I know I wouldn’t! Jesus’s sacrifice is the greatest way that God the Creator could display His love for all of humanity. Jesus died so that you and I may be a part of God’s family. It wasn’t the nails that held Him to the cross; it was His never ending, never changing, all-consuming love for you and me. Now, that is Love!!! Jesus once said “there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Jesus’s love for us is sacrificial and if we truly want to be Christlike then we too must love sacrificially. Love is a sacrifice and in order to love like Christ, we must have Him at the center our

hearts (Eph. 3:17).

God’s love for us is so undeserving. We are sinners and we have all fallen short of the Glory of God (Rom. 3:23). However, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Sometimes it’s hard to love the people in our lives who have wronged us. But that’s what Jesus did for us, so we too should love our enemies and forgive the people who have hurt us in the past (Matt. 5:44). We are to love everyone; especially the undeserving!

When we have the Holy Spirit leading our life we find it way easier to love the people around us.

Love is the first fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:22, and the Apostle Paul’s writes that “three things will last forever, faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13). The Bible clearly reveals that love is very important and we are all called to reflect the love of God into this broken world as a way of worshiping God and expressing our devotion to His Kingdom. In order to have great horizontal relationships, we must first seek a vertical relationship with our Loving Father.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other” (John 13:34).

Respect the Blood, Dalton Mathis

VIP MENU August 13-17 Monday Chili Cheese Dogs, Fritos, Pork-N-Beans, Ice Cream Tuesday Chicken Fried Steak, Baked Potato with Sour Cream, Salad, Pineapple Pudding Wednesday

Goulash, Fried Squash, Salad, Cornbread, Oranges Thursday Beef Fajita, Salad, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice, Lemon Pudding Friday Chicken Strips, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Carrots, Strawberries

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AUGUST 10, 2018

9

10 AUGUST 10, 2018

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

First of all I want to get a message across to every one that usually comes to the Senior Citizen Dances at Old Glory...there will NOT be a Senior Citizens Dance at Old Glory this month due to illness. Please pass the word to your friends, or to any one that might be of interest.

I just want to let everyone know that the Homecoming Committee is working hard on getting the Homecoming going. It will be on Saturday, September the first, so please pass the word to all the former Old Glory people near and far. Let’s make this a great Homecoming as this may be the last.

Here we are into August and still no rain. We need to encourage everyone to PRAY FOR RAIN. Some folks in the US are having such bad floods, if only we could divide that and everything would be better.

The Vahlenkamp family reunion will be held on Saturday, August 11, at the Ford Park.

We are so glad to have Pide and Mittie Dunham home from the hospital in Abilene. Pide is doing much better and Mittie stated that she and Pide will be getting some much needed rest.

Randal and Beverly Kennibrugh of Seymour, Rodney and Tracy Dunham of Hamlin, and Jimmy and Jana Grisham spent last week in Branson, MO for a week of fun. They saw several shows and Samson in the Big Theater. They laughed all the way to Branson and back. They plan to go again next year.

On Saturday evening Doug and Debbie Vahlenkamp, Dale and Carm Letz, Shawna Vahlenkamp and Kirk Williamson all went to the concert and dance at the VFW in Sweetwater.

Doug and Debbie Vahlenkamp and Dale and Carm Letz enjoyed having lunch together following church service in Stamford.

Kara Briggs and Crete visited of Haskell visited with her grandparents, Glen and Helen Pierce, on Saturday.

OLD GLORY NEWS

By Anita Dozier I enjoyed going fishing with daughters, Marcie and Susan, at the Coleman Lake on Saturday.

Bernice Rhoads attended the Thane family reunion held at the Civic Center in Haskell on Sunday. Approximately 60 friends and relatives enjoyed the day visiting, eating, and games. Hostess for the day were Belinda Massey, Mark Thane, Gerald and Scott Thane.

Floyd and Sue Offield of Amarillo was overnight guests of Bernice Rhoads on Sunday. They all attended the Thane family reunion on Sunday.

Phyllis Letz stated she was very proud to get new floors put in her bathrooms. Danny Letz and his band played for a dance in Midland on Saturday evening.

Thought for the week: “You don’t have to look far to see a miracle. What could be more supernatural than a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, an egg yolk into a chicken, or an acorn into a mighty oak. “ Happy Birthday wishes go to Jeanie Tucker, Joan Lain, Amanda Spitzer, Dave Letz, Danny Diggs, David Diggs, Robin Gibson, Gena Wiley, Rachel Berry, Thomas Zell, Jessica Barbee, Hollie Smith, Jay Flowers, Rhonda McDowell, Dalya Hight, Patsy Bivins, Bill Graham, Frances Powers, Jana Conner, Cho Diers, Zachary Kittley, Linda Hagler, Tracy Schuchart, Susan Lefevre, Geary Meador, Isaiah Vahlenkamp, Shane Earthman, Adrianna Hinkle and Gail Moran. We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to Bud and Francene Vahlenkamp, Trance and Candice Rosenquist, Michael and Tomzie Steele, Ronnie and Rebecca Galloway, Jerry and Susan Smith, Bobby and Kim Lowack, Clay and Tammy Gentry, and Jackie and Gail Morrow.

Have a great day.

AUGUST 10, 2018

11

Classified ads: $6 minimum first 20 words

HELP WANTED

Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICE Lueders-Avoca ISD offers career and technical education programs in Agriculture, Family and Consumer Science Education and Computer Technology. Admission to these programs is based on interest and aptitude, age appropriateness, and class space available.

It is the policy of Lueders-Avoca ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

It is the policy of Lueders-Avoca not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national

origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Lueders-Avoca ISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator at bspikes@lueav.esc14. net, 325-228-4211, and/or the Section 504 Coordinator at bspikes @lueav.esc14.net, 325228-4211.

111 E Campbell 3 stories, 3 BR, 3.5 baths, 6 fireplaces!........Reduced $207,900 New! 1006 New Hope Rd 3 BR, 2 bath Brick, 2 car garge, CH/A, Pool.....$92,500 1611 N Swenson Cliff House............................................................................. $89,000 1503 E Wells brick 2± acres by Country Club. 3 br, 3 bath, 2 garage......................SOLD 14022 PR 201 brick w/ 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,500 sq ft barn 1± acre............SOLD 1217 Compton Gorgeous Stone home w/ 2 bedrooms, 1 bath....... Reduced.$69,400 New! 716 E. Oliver 4 BR, 2 bath with 2 car garage in quiet neighborhood....$69,900 1310 Hudson 3 Bd, 2 bath w/carport close to country club.............Reduced $56,500 412 E Handlan Clean 2 br, 1 bath with storage and EXTRA lot Reduced .$24,000 1609 Swenson new 1,200 sq ft metal building...................... Reduced $29,500

FARM & RANCH

Jones County 704± Ac Clear Fork, Cult. & Pasture 165± Ac Combo livestock/hunting place!

152± Ac N of Trent Cultivation 155± Ac LIVE WATER! SOLD 38± Cultivation near Noodle SOLD

Haskell County 620± Ac Mule Creek Ranch Great Hunting w Nice Cabin!

545± Ac Pasture, Cultivation BIG Water!

520± Ac cultivation & pasture 160± Ac North of Rule, CRP 48± Ac Great Homesite & Stock farm!

Shackelford County 248± Ac All pasture, Great Hunting 181± Ac quail buffer & fishing! SOLD

Stonewall County 4,743± Ac Patterson N Ranch 925 ± Ac Pasture, Cul. Great Hunting w/ cabin 548 ± Ac Pasture, Cul. Great Hunting 483± Ac Half Cultivation 118± Ac N of Aspermont Fisher County 1,561± Ac Hunters Paradise!

631± Ac All Pasture! Rough Creek Area 178 ± Ac Shinnery, Fantastic Hunting Kent Co 789± Ac Improvements w Hunting!

SOLD

Stamford Residence & Rehab is looking to hire a Weekend RN Supervisor & PRN CNA’S, LVN’S, & RN’S. Please call for more info. (325)773-3671 Nurses Unlimited, Inc. is seeking attendants in the Haskell area to assist clients in the home with personal care, meal prep and light housekeeping part time. E.O.E. Call 888-8590640.

Weekend Baylor nurse 32/40 and a night shift nurse; Weekend shift differential of $2 hr for nurses and $1 hr for C N A.; $1000 sign on bonus for the two open FT nurse positions. Contact: Marsha Mickler, Director of Nursing; Stamford Residence & Rehab Center, 1003 Columbia St., Stamford, Texas 79533, (325) 773-3671 Looking to fill three positions: supper cook, housekeeper, and evening kitchen help in Hamlin area for hunting camp.

Call 325-773-2457

Drivers Needed--Class ACDL/ Tanker Endorsement. Must be 25+ years old; Requires DOT Drug Screen & Background Check. Apply at Lonesome Dove Transport, 1270 State HWY 222W, Knox City, TX 79529.

Advanced Custom Cabinetry is looking for skilled carpenters to join our team. We offer competitive pay, paid major holidays off and paid vacation.

Please call 325-201-0733 or stop by 320 S. Central Ave. in Hamlin to apply.

Sagebrush Living Center has openings for Direct Care staff for all shifts. Pick up applications at Sagebrush Living Center, 1101 Columbia St, Stamford, 325-773-2791.

SERVICE Buying Junk Vehicles. Must have title. Call or text 325-5140427

12 AUGUST 10, 2018

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Lupie Gonzales reading at the Library Summer Reading Program

Stamford Loves Summer Literacy!

BY LUCI WEDEKING We had a great turn out for summer reading in the library this year, with 108 children attending our summer literacy program!

That’s over a hundred kids who will be ahead of the game when school gets back in session. That’s over 100 kids that know LIBRARIES ROCK! As a music lover, I really loved our Rock & Roll theme. We read some beautifully illustrated children’s books that are all available to check out in the library now. In addition to music and literacy, we learned some history, how the blues paved the way for rock with a book about Muddy Waters, and about Elvis Presley and how his first fan club was right here in Stamford!

There was a heartwarming family story by Rolling Stones rock legend Keith Richards about his granddad teaching him to play guitar. And we learned

about Robbie Robertson’s adventure traveling the nation with many rock stars and creating the Americana genre in rock.

We made our own musical instruments, designed album covers, gold records, guitars, and painted Big Country Rocks. We had two live music performances (which was a welcome treat in a place where one is supposed to be quiet, and I normally have to say “shhhhhh!”) with Rick Campbell rocking us out with some Elvis tunes, and the multitalented Juan Andres Gonzales playing his acoustic guitar, harmonica, and signing some of our favorite rock and roll classics! And I cannot leave out our daily hot potato games led by the amazing Ben Metler. Ben has become my hero (and many of the children’s) in paving the way with his fun game and making it a tradition year after year now.

The Summer Reading Club was a huge success,

and we couldn’t have done it without our helpers! Special thanks to Lupie Gonzales, Clara Carter, Rosa Robles, Rick Campbell, Debbie Campbell, Johnna Page, Anita Marques, Juan Andres Gonzales, Ben Metler, Thalia Ponce, Alex Ponce, Eryana Andrade, “Little G” Mendez, Chloe Hall, and Glenda Standifer for all their help. Together they logged 59 volunteer hours helping our kids and making a difference this summer!

We still have some reading logs in the library for the kids to list all the books they’ve read this summer... and I heard my librarian friend, Mrs. Gonzales at Oliver Elementary, will have something special for our summer readers once school lets back in! So, come in and pick up your reading logs before summer is done, we have lots of wonderful new books to read in the library!