November 22, 2019 16 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION
STAMFORD
American THE NEW
Stamford and Haskell Hospital Districts Sign Innovative Partnership Widely known as rivals during Friday Night Lights, the health care communities of Stamford and Haskell have put aside the high school rivalry to form a partnership that will provide accessible, affordable health care for the Big Country. Stamford Hospital District’s Board of Directors and Haskell Memorial Hospital have entered into an inter-local management agreement under which Haskell Memorial will manage the operations of Stamford’s rural health clinic, Stamford Family Health Center. The organizations have also signed a letter of intent as part of their due diligence as Haskell Memorial explores options to assume operations of this clinic. SEE HOSPITAL. PG 6
Sheriff Jimenez Announces Filing For Sheriff
Stamford and Haskell Hospital Districts Change the Landscape of Rural Health Care with Innovative Partnership THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 11, ISSUE 27 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 98, ISSUE 33 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 114, ISSUE 34
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My wife, Linda, grandchildren, Alejandro and Antonio, and I are excited to announce that I am running for Sheriff of Jones County. I have been blessed to serve our county for the past 11 months as Sheriff. I humbly ask for your support and vote to be elected as your Sheriff. Turning the tide and improving the Sheriffs’ Office and the county is not something that occurs in just a few months. I have worked diligently to establish or improve community partnerships with the schools, churches and other government entities. In the coming weeks if you have questions for me or want to voice a recommendation or critique, please do so directly to me. My office door at the Sheriffs’ Office has always been open. Please call, email or come by. PAID POLITICAL AD BY DANNY JIMENEZ
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MARK THE DATE... NOV 22
RETIREMENT PARTY: There will be a retirement party for Henry Lopez at the Police Department on November 22, 2019 at 10am.
DEC 2
TRAINING: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office in Jones County will be hosting a Turfgrass Management Training December 2nd, in Anson at the Jones County Commissioner Courtroom in the courthouse in Anson. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the program begins at 10 a.m. and end at noon. The program is open to anyone, and ideal for those who care for athletic fields, golf courses, city parks, or have an interest in managing turf grasses. Due to limited seating, interested participants are encouraged to RSVP by calling the Extension office at 325-8232432. There will be a $10 registration fee for those attending. Please RSVP by calling the Extension office at 325-823-2432.
THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST
Center Training Room, located at 402 2nd Street in Anson. This workshop will assist producers in understanding changes to the 2018 Farm Bill, along with providing information that will help them make decisions on which programs are best for their operations. The program is free to attend, however, those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP by clicking the button below or calling the Extension office at 325-823-2432.
Friday 53 | 33
Saturday 62 | 38
Sunday 68 | 44
Monday 70 | 48
Tuesday 61 | 36
Wednesday 57 | 39
Thursday 60 | 37
The weather is provided for you by Country Drug Store. We’re here for you Rain or Shine.
FEB 8
SMORGASBORD: Swedish Smorgasbord will be Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Avoca, (Ericksdahl Community) Texas. Tickets are $25.00 (sold in advance only). Available Seating Times are 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. For tickets contact Annette Wilson (325)773-2104 or Tena Tankersley (325)668-2796.
DEC 3
FARM BILL WORKSHOP: The Texas A&M Agrilife Extension office in Jones County will be hosting a Farm Bill Sign-up Workshop December 3rd, at the Jones County Law Enforcement
Callie Metler-Smith | Publisher callie@americannewspapers.net Kay Spears | Editor kay@americannewspapers.net Gayle Lovvorn | Office Manager office@americannewspapers.net
SHS Principle Chase Seelke presented the Student of the Month award to Isaiah Gonzales and Teacher of the Month to Theasa Lefevre for the month of October at November’s School Board meeting.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES Within Haskell, Jones, and Stonewall Counties: $30 Within Texas: $32 Within the United States: $35 DEADLINE
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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
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Stamford FFA Ag Issues Team Presents at City Council Meeting BY KAY SPEARS The second meeting of the Stamford City Council was held on Monday, November 18, 2019 at Stamford City Hall. Mayor James Decker opened the proceedings with Councilman Jimmy Doan giving the invocation and leading those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. There was a full complement of City Council Members except for the Precinct 4 chair, which has been vacant for over a year. Other Councilmen in attendance were Robert Wingrove, Ken Roberson and Paul Wright along with City Manager Alan Plumlee, City Secretary Kim Bryant, City Attorney Raymond Hollabaugh, CFO Karen Lou Graham and Chief of Police Darwin Huston. No one was scheduled to make a public comment and the Consent Agenda was approved. These items consisted of the minutes of the last Regular City Council Meeting on November 4, 2019 and the following entity property demolitions. Demolition of entity property located at S 115’ of Lot 2, Block 20, Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (303 E. McHarg Street). Demolition of entity property located at Lots 1 and 2, Block 113, Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (301 E. Handlan Street). This was identified as a burned out property. The Council moved on to the Regular Agenda, which had no item withdrawn from the Consent Agenda. Two people were approved as Commissioners to the Stamford Housing Authority, Gary Coppedge and
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The Stamford, Texas FFA Ag Issue Team presented pros/cons of the issue of allowing guest laborers to work in the US. Team members are Brett Patterson, Sean Thane, Cade Lefevre, Carson Carver, Lane Patton and Bryson Holt. Patsy Womble. The Housing Authority Commission consists of three people each serving a two year term. City Manager Plumlee gave an update regarding Code Enforcements. Vehicles not meeting the City Code are being tagged. He did not know how many vehicles have been tagged at this time. Properties considered for involuntary condemnation are to be presented to the City Council for approval before any demolition action is carried out. Plumlee stated, “Some of the burn-outs have already been targeted for demolition, some of them are still in possession of people and some are still even actually paying taxes on the house.” There may be a hearing on
a property that the taxes are being paid on. Mayor Decker gave the example of a burn-out structure at 409 N. Wetherbee, where there were back taxes owed. He also stated there are condemnable properties with structures and the “full freight” taxes are being paid. Concerning tagged vehicles, Plumlee stated there is a warning period with citations issued after the warning period runs out. If the citations are not addressed, the vehicle will be towed away. A vehicle may be parked behind a fence or building, “out of site” of the public and not be tagged. If the vehicle is in plain view and is inoperative, does not have a valid registration and inspection sticker then
it can be tagged. Mayor Decker wanted to clarify that the owner has ten days to move the vehicle after being tagged and before a citation is issued. On the thirty-first day the City calls a wrecker to tow it away and Plumlee stated, “Then it’s between that wrecker and the owner at that point in time.” The Mayor stated there had been complaints of cars being parked in nondesignated parking areas, in front yards and the Code Enforcement Officer has been seeing to this matter, “giving encouragement.” There is an ordinance against parking in front yards, however it has been a while since this ordinance has been enforced. SEE COUNCIL. PG 5
Stamford Hosting First Christmas Car Show, 5k and Festival Mark your calendars, because Santa Claus is coming to Stamford! The Stamford Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first Holly Jolly Christmas Classic on December 7th on the downtown square, benefiting the children and families of the Noah Project. The Santa Chase 5k Run will kick off the day’s activities at 10 a.m. All ages are welcome to enter and participate. At noon, the car show will begin, along with other activities such as a Santa Meet & Greet and Christmas Decorations Competition among the businesses on the square. Food, shopping and music will also be available to enjoy throughout the afternoon and into the evening. A special car cruise will wind the car show events down at 4:30 p.m., followed by music guests Finis Smith and Holt Jones at 6 p.m. Those who would like to participate in the 5k run or car show can contact the Chamber for more information. There are also a few vendor spots still available, as well as sponsorship opportunities for those who wish to support the event. As part of the festivities the Chamber is also holding a Christmas raffle. For every $10 you spend at participating businesses you will get a ticket. Each tickets is a chance to win gift certicates the day of the festival. You must be present to win. Businesses giving out tickets are: Tractor Supply, Stamford Floral, Stamford American/ Noteworthy, Martin Brothers Motor Pool, Big Red’s Liquor, Quenchers, Farmers Insurance, Buffalo Gals, KP’s Welding, 4 Star Agri Center, Hunters Ammo and Camo, Unperfect Fried Pies, Bearden Photography, Stamford Insurance, Stamford Tire and Appliance, Aarons, Scissor Tales, Pates, Jiggity Jig, and Duggans Parts Plus. Contact the Chamber at chamberdirector@stamfordtx. org or 325-773-2411 for more information on any of these events.
ROTARY CLUB NEWS Stamford High School Counselor LeeAnn Mueller talked to the Club about herself and about what she strives to do in her position. She began her teaching career as counselor at Oliver school in 1997 and was selected for the high school position when Tracy McMeans retired in 2016. Her responsibilities include advising students as they are making decisions on where they want to go to school and what possible career choices they may wish to pursue in life. She works to address any problems that the students may have. In the classroom she helps with solutions and possibilities, in academics she is in charge of testing programs, skills to contribute to society and with assistance from Workforce on skill building. Her goals are to see that every student is connected in some way to build self esteem and be prepared for the real world when they graduate. LeeAnn is so talented and an asset in our schools.
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JONES COUNTY ARRESTS 11/10/2019 6:59:00 PM Rebeca Villarreal - Warrant - X3 Fail To Appear 11/11/2019 2:46:00 PM Diana Joy Acquesta - Disorderly Conduct Mc 11/11/2019 6:33:00 PM Mia Marie Armstrong - Warrant Criminal Mischief 11/13/2019 9:13:00 AM Katey Marie Thackerson - Warrant Court Commit 11/13/2019 1:37:00 PM Arik Max Burleson - Warrant - Midland Co - Burglary Of Vehicle MA 11/14/2019 1:38:00 AM John Paul Weaver - Evading Arrest Detention MA , No Insurance Mc, Poss CS Pg 1 >=1g<4g F3 , Warrant, Warrant, Warrant, Warrant(S) Other Status= Driving While License Invalid MC No Insurance MC, Theft Prop >=$100<$750 Mb, Driving W/Lic Inv W/Prev Conv/Susp/W/O Fin Res Mb , Poss Del Drug Parap 11/14/2019 9:06:00 AM Samantha Barnes - Warrant - Court Commit 11/14/2019 3:01:00 PM David Gregory - Display Fictitious Motor Vehicle Registration MB 11/14/2019 9:00:00 PM Patrick Henry Gonzales - Driving While Intoxicated/Open Alch Container MB 54040009status = Pre-Dispo 11/15/2019 12:10:00 PM Kevin Baldwin 11/15/2019 10:01:00 PM Michael Cargal - Man Del CS Pg 1 >=1g<4g F2, Man Del Cs Not In Pg Dfz Iat FS, Poss Cs Pg 3 < 28g MA, Poss Cs Pg 1 >=1g<4g F3, Poss Cs Pg 3 < 28g Ma, Driving W/Lic Inv W/Prev Conv/Susp/W/O Fin Res MB
JONES COUNTY CALLS FOR SERVICE
Alarm 1 Animal Bite 1 Animal Control 2 Case Follow Up 8 Civil Complaint 2 Civil Process 6 Criminal History 1 Criminal Trespass 1 Grass Fire 4 Harassment 1 Information Only 4 Intoxicated Motorist 1 Livestock Out 4 Medical/EMS 5 Motorist Assist 6 MVA 5
Prisoner Transfer 5 Public Service 4 Pursuit 1 Reckless Driver 6 Request Officer 9 Road Hazard 3 Routine Patrol 3 Shots Fired 1 Suicide/Suicide Threat 2 Suspicious Activity 1 Suspicious Vehicle 2 Theft 2 Traffic Stop 31 Wanted Subject 1 Welfare Check 1
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OBITUARIES
Mabel Bigham Daffern
Addison Franklin “Frank” Corbitt
Mabel Bigham Daffern, 106, of Stamford, Texas, passed away November 13, 2019. She was born near Abilene, Texas on August 20, 1913 to George H. and Annie B. Bigham. She married Harmon Daffern on July 15, 1932 in Clovis, New Mexico. She graduated from Plainview High School in Plainview, Texas in 1932. She worked for many years at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company with her husband in Stamford, Texas. She was a gifted china painter, an excellent seamstress, loved to bowl, was very competitive at bridge and all card games. She was a gracious host and a wonderful cook, welcoming visitors to her home almost daily. Mabel Daffern was preceded in death by her parents, George and Annie Bigham; her siblings, James Merl Bigham, Josie Perl Bigham, and Orene Lucille Bigham Sanders Nelson; and her husband, Harmon R. Daffern. She is survived by her children: Bob Daffern of San Antonio, and Pat Herring of Kerrville; five grandchildren: David Daffern; Joe Herring Jr. and wife, Carolyn; Sue Daffern Casteix and husband, Heath; Judy Herring Alexander; Jennifer Daffern Clark, and husband, Ron; 16 great-grandchildren; and 21 great-great-grandchildren, with another expected shortly. Private graveside services were held on Sunday, November 17, 2019, at Highland Memorial Gardens in Stamford, Texas. Memorials may be given to the Meals on Wheels program in your community. The family wants to extend our sincere thanks to the caring staff of Hilltop Village, Kerrville, and to her kind roommate there. On line condolences can be made at www. kinneyunderwoodfuneralhome.com
Addison Franklin “Frank” Corbitt, 87, entered eternal peace on Monday, November 18, 2019, at the Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, TX. Frank was born on October 7, 1932, a son of the late Delbert and Elsie Boggs Corbitt. He graduated from high school in Hollis, OK and moved to Amarillo, TX where he worked for Spradlin Service Station until entering the Army. He served from March 4, 1953 until January 27, 1955 in the Army during the Korean Conflict. After returning from the war, he became a letter carrier for the postal service in Amarillo, TX, where he would stay until he retired and moved to Lueders, TX. Frank married Greta Olson on December 17, 1977 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in the Ericksdahl. Frank was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Bethel Lutheran Church and a former member of the VFW at Lueders. In his retirement, he enjoyed family gatherings, reading, spending time with Greta traveling in their RV, bluegrass music festivals, and his dogs; Scooter and Max. Preceded in death by his parents, 1 son – Mark Corbitt and 1 sister – Bobbie Ann Smotherman. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 42 years, Greta Corbitt of Lueders; daughter and son-in-law Shannon and Roger Gibson of Amarillo, TX; stepdaughter, Barbara Bade of Houston, TX; 4 grandchildren, Jeffery Corbitt and wife Christine of Ft. Worth, TX, Olin Gibson and wife Michele of Amarillo, TX , Dallas Gibson and wife Andi of Land O Lakes, FL and Ross Bade; 6 great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family will be receiving guests at Tankersley Funeral Home (807 Columbia) in Stamford, TX on Friday, November 22nd from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2019 with Rev. Richard Strait and Don Heller, PLM officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com.
DEATH NOTICE Charles Walter Murphree, 56, of Stamford passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2019. Cremation services were selected with Tankersley Funeral Home in Stamford. No other services will be held at this time.
Well this week has been up and down with the weather, one day is cold and windy and the next day is pretty and no wind, ( a nice yard day.) I will be so glad when all the leaves blow away. When we had all that rain back in the spring, it made all the trees leaf out so full and pretty, but now I don’t like all of them piled up in my yard. I suppose the football season is just about over with, just a few play offs and then in the basketball court. Sports occupies a lot of family time, but that’s good, more togetherness with friends and school. Our Senior Citizens Dance that was supposed to be on Monday evening was canceled due to the bad weather. It was so cold and some moisture fell that it was dangerous. Maybe next month will be better. Mittie Dunham and daughter, Shelly Waldon, drove to Lubbock on Tuesday for appointments. While they were there they had lunch with Mittie’s grandson, Shelly’s son, Colton Hill, in Lubbock and had a great visit. They also visited with a friend, Keana Serin. Mittie stated it was a little late when they arrived home and were so glad
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Glen and to be home Helen Pierce as they saw enjoyed havlot of deer ing family between Post members visit and Jayton. with them and On Sunday, help celebrate (today) Mittie birthdays. and Shelly Kambryn drove back to Lubbock to OLD GLORY NEWS Pierce and her friend, Carson help Colton By Anita Dozier Rowlett, from celebrate his Texas Tech 27th birthcame on Friday. They atday evening and stayed till tended church with Colton Sunday afternoon. Wes and and then all had lunch Tracy Pierce from Nocona, together. They all enjoyed Matthew Pierce from Stamthe day very much. ford Lake, Jami Wilde of Gerral Waldon spent the Knox City and her grandweekend at his deer lease son, Crete Briggs from so he missed out on the Haskell and Kim Lowack fun in Lubbock. and Kelly of OG all came Little Hazelee New of on Sunday. They all had a Haskell spent a week with nice day celebrating Granny her grandparents, Dale and Helen’s 88 birthday and Carm Letz. Wes’s 49th birthday and We still have a lot of sick enjoyed two big birthday folks that we need to put cakes plus other goodies. on our prayer list. Phyllis Happy Birthday to Helen Letz had shoulder surgery and Wes. on Monday in Abilene. Betty Weise of Haskell, Debbie Vahlenkamp is due Verlene Corzine of Stamto have major surgery on ford and I accompanied Tuesday in Abilene. Ed Gladys Vahlenkamp to Wolsch is in the hospital Aspermont to attend the very ill. Lord’s Acre luncheon and Several are ill with fever, auction at the First United cough and congestion. We Methodist Church following have a brother that lives in church services in Sagerton. Denton who is also seriSure enjoyed the meal and ously ill. Let us keep these the fellowship. folks in our prayers.
Since the papers will be coming out early next week I will not have a news article next week so I want to wish all of you, my dear readers, a VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND A SAFE ONE. BE THANKFUL. Thought for the week: “I think the next best thing to solving a problem is finding some humor in it.” (F.Clark, 1960) Happy Birthday Wishes go to David Hertel, Craig New, Danny Baldree, Jennifer Mrazek, Carli Lefevre, James Martin, Doug Terrell, Debra Price, Billy Jenkins, Kris Kupatt, Helen Lammert, Rachel Ciomperlik, Dean Quade, Jeffrey Martin, Farris Letz, Mindy Meier, Tomzie Steele, Reva Kester, Skylar Steele, Cori Lehrmann, Roy Smith, Wendy Flowers, Fleicitias Castro, Emily Fouts, Autumn Martin, Brenda Ettredge, Zachary Heidenheimer, Ketih Corzine, Stephanie Bly, Allison Martin, Jonas Griggs, and Barbara Harrison. We wish you many more. Anniversary Greetings go to Jamie and Karen Wolsch, Larry and Darla Nehring, Fred and Tami Baitz, Kenneth and Debbie Corzine and Bruce and Michelle Toney. Have a wonderful day.
COUNCIL: Continued From Page 3 The optimum word is yard. He stated that if you pave over the area in front of your house, that would make it a designated parking area. Plumlee stated the City is starting to clean up the curbs, gutters and streets beginning with the area around Oliver Elementary School. He went over other areas of Stamford that is in their plan. The City Manager’s Report has been covered and he stated the water treatment plant is progressing. He gave the Council Members paperwork regarding the budget. The 2019 Stamford FFA Ag Issue Team gave a presentation squaring off on the pros and cons of having guest laborers from other countries work in the United States. The team consists of Brett Patterson, Sean Thane, Cade Lefevre, Carson Carver, Lane Patton and Bryson Holt and their Vocational Agriculture Teacher Brad Bevel. The young men gave an infor-
mative, well prepared and organized presentation concerning how immigration affects American farmers. The three young men supporting a guest worker program were Brett Patterson, Sean Thane and Cade Lefevre. They sited the following three points: 1) A revised guest worker program will improve our national security. 2) A modified guest worker program will provide American agriculture a consistent and reliable workforce. 3) A reformed guest worker program is the right thing to do. The three on the opposing side of a guest worker program were Carson Carver, Lane Patton and Bryson Holt. Their three opposing points: 1) Been there, done that. Guest worker programs do not work. 2) Guest worker programs increase illegal immigration. 3) This guest worker program eliminates innovation. Each of the pro and con points were explained before
the question segment was opened. The audience and City Council Members asked relevant and challenging questions, to which the Ag Issues Team Members gave thoughtful and informative answers. It was stated the main issue is to be able to edit the program to make it more efficient without taking out the necessary security checks and making sure good workers will enter the US agricultural workforce. The Team put forth the choice to import our workers or import our food. Mayor Decker adjourned the meeting after the presentation was completed.
SHS 2ND SIX WEEKS HONOR ROLL 9TH GRADE A: Laylonna Applin, Riley Paige Carver, Emily Patterson, Cameron Shoemaker, Dominic Vega A/B: Jameson Bell, Esmeralda Burciaga-Deleon, Cruz Cantu, Kayla Cantu, Truett Ekdahl, Madison Escamilla, Melanie Gonzalez-Green, Doralynda Guerrero, Konstance Jimenez, Simon Kruckner, Samuel Milford, Nicole Moreno, Isaiah Olson-Gonzales, Destinie Pardo, Madison Proffitt, Chloe Ratheal, Nickolas Richard, Alysha Sanchez, Lance Terry, Harry Thurman, Tyler Whitworth, Madison Woolf
10TH GRADE
A: Jacelyn Bell, Tylee Bevel, Audrey Brewer, Madison Bryant, Macy Detamore, Citlaly Gutierrez, Gabby Lintini, Tate Mathis , Shandlee Mueller, Thalia Ponce, Addison Reel A/B: Bresha Applin, Jacoby Castro, Candace Clayton, Jesus DeLeon, Dylan Faulks, Isaiah Gonzales, Savana Gonzales, Chloe Hall, Wyatt Heathington, Orlando Moreno, Hailee Richardson,
Garrett Sanchez, Jessica Sarmiento, Dalton Womble
11TH GRADE
A: Jaelynn Bryant, Kristian Cantu, Carson Carver, Bryson Holt, Taylor Jimenez, Houston Koenig, Cato Macias, Paris Menchue, Laramie Terrell, Luke Thane A/B: Kelvinasjia Calicutt, Brennon Day, Danny Guerrero, Zhawn Holden, Katilyn McClintock, Scott Moreno, Gracie Oliver, Natalie Roden, Nicholas Roden, Sean Thane, Tyler Wheeler
12TH GRADE
A: Austin Brewer, Sadie Cole, Mallory Copeland, Carlee Dancer, Lesly DeLeon, Macie Fernandez, Kenadee Gann, Storey Gomez, Madysen Jimenez, Alexis Johnson, Cade Lefevre, Stephanie Pardo, Lane Patton, Brett Patterson, Trace Price, Endia Pryor, Abree Ramos, Keith Richards, Korey Villanueva, Jackie Yang A/B: Joseph Chavez, Marcus Gonzales, Rabecca Womble
December 7th Stamford Downtown Square
10:00 am 12:00 pm 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 6:00 pm
Mayor’s Santa Chase 5K Car Show Santa Meet & Greet, Shopping & More Christmas Decoration Contest & Open House Christmas Cash Drawing Grand Theatre Classic Christmas Movie Car Show Awards Classic Car Cruise Music by Finis Smith & Holt Jones
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the children and families of the Noah Project Presented by For more information, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at chamberdirector@stamfordtx.org
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Jones County Burn Ban in Effect November 12, 2019 The Jones County Commissioners Court finds that circumstances present in all or part of the unincorporated area of the county create a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning and has extended a burn ban for the next 90 days. The burn ban restricts any outdoor burning consisting of an exposed flame. Violation of the Court’s Order is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00 This prohibition is for 90 days from the date of adoption of this Order, unless the restrictions are terminated earlier based on a determination made by the Texas Forest Service or this Court. This Order is adopted pursuant to Local Government Code §352.081, and other applicable statutes. This Order
does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that are authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for: (1) firefighter training; (2) public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining operations; (3) planting or harvesting of agricultural crops; or, (4) burns that are conducted by a prescribed burn manager certified under Section 153.048, Natural Resource Code, and meets the standards of Section 153.047, Natural Resource Code. The outdoor burning of any waste, whether household or not, is prohibited unless it is contained within a covered barrel. There are NO agricultural exemptions under this burn ban. Private outdoor cooking is allowed if restricted to a covered, enclosed cooking devices such as smokers or gas grills.
Private outdoor cooking is also allowed only if adult supervision is provided and such cooking device is not left unattended for any reason. Private outdoor cooking is allowed is the cooking device is stationary and not located in an area containing easily burned materials such as grass or brush. Private outdoor cooking is also allowed only if water is available and the area around the cooking device is soaked before use. Fire, coals, or other burning embers should be extinguished when cooking is completed. Jones County requests its citizens to exercise extreme caution regarding the potential fire hazards existing in Jones County. Person responsible for causing fires may be held personally responsible for any damages caused by a fire.
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HOSPITAL: Continued From Page 1 “Partnering with Haskell Memorial Hospital just makes sense,” said Stamford Hospital District Board Chairman Kevin McCright. “Our rural health clinic is vital to this community, and this collaboration will benefit our patients moving forward. Both of our communities will reap the benefits of this merger.” The rural health care climate is changing, as rural community health care systems are making tough choices and smart partnerships to survive. The partnership between Haskell Memorial Hospital and the Stamford clinic will provide more health care options with an expanded network of choices that are close to home. “This collaboration aligns seamlessly with Haskell Memorial Hospital’s vision to improve the health of our region and reduce the cost of health care. Stamford Hospital District shares this vision and I look forward to partnering to provide superior, local health care that is accessible to all in our region,” said Chris Strickland, Haskell Memorial Hospital CEO. “Together we will create a high-quality, patient centered, affordable health care experience close to home.” Rural hospitals and clinics face mounting pressures including shrinking profit margins, declining insurance reimbursements, difficulty recruiting physicians or other providers, and an aging population that requires a higher level of care. Other challenges include the increasing costs of operating a health care facility, a declining rural population, and the availability of more providers and more specialized care in nearby urban areas. Brad Holland, President & CEO of Hendrick Health System, added, “Rural health care continues to struggle with various industry headwinds, but the recent collaboration between Haskell Memorial Hospital
and Stamford Family Health Center creates incremental economic value that larger organizations, like Hendrick, are not eligible to participate in presently. I applaud the boards and leadership of both organizations for looking to preserve vital health care services in their communities by creating this new and meaningful partnership. Each community and health organization will continue to have the support of Hendrick Health System, as we consider both as part of our larger virtual health care network and look forward to continuing to work to keep health care local and vibrant.” This collaboration will create a higher level of localized care and will help keep those patients close to home, which will benefit the patient, the organizations, and the entire region. “We’re encouraged to see regional collaboration among rural health care providers aimed at maintaining access to care and controlling health care costs, and view it as a model for other regional rural groups to follow. We hope to see more of this type of cooperation across the state,” said John Henderson, President and CEO of Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals (TORCH). Strickland echoes this sentiment and hopes that other rural health care facilities across the state will follow suit. “This is the first of many opportunities to change the landscape of rural health care, said Strickland. “It is my hope that we can further collaborate with other health care systems to form additional alliances that benefit us all.” This partnership will be of great benefit to not only the Haskell and Stamford communities, but to the entire region. Providing health care services close to home relieves the burden of travel to larger medical centers and allows these
organizations to do what they do best – care for our communities. “Jesus said the two greatest commandments are to first, love God, and second, to love our neighbors. It’s an honor for the community of Haskell to show our neighbors in Stamford that we care for their wellbeing, and we look forward to partnering with Stamford Hospital District to continue providing high-quality health care through the clinic in Stamford,” said Robbie Peiser, President of Haskell Memorial Hospital Board of Directors. “Health care is changing, and the success of rural health care is in the hands of those willing to partner to find solutions. I am excited about this partnership and I look forward to the future of our organizations.” The transition of the Stamford clinic’s operations to Haskell Memorial Hospital is underway, and both organizations look forward to being stronger together. State Representative Stan Lambert agrees, and said, “As rural hospitals continue to face closure across the state and the nation, we must find creative solutions to address the health care needs of our citizens. Innovative partnerships and regional collaboration are the future of rural health care. This agreement between two fine health care institutions will utilize shared resources and ensure positive medical outcomes for the people living in Jones and Haskell counties.”
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Bulldogs Close Out Season With 40-6 Bi-District Loss To Seymour Panthers BY JENNIFER CRAIG The Stamford Bulldogs finished out their football season with a 40-6 loss to the Seymour Panthers Friday night at Archer City in Bi-District action. The Bulldogs were unable to overcome five turnovers and a powerful Seymour rushing game. The Dogs’ lone score came on a 60 yard touchdown run by senior D’Marcus Barber. The Bulldogs finish their 2019 season with a 6-5 record. The Panthers took the opening kickoff and used an eleven play drive to move 68 yards for their first touchdown. The big play on the drive came when senior quarterback Nick Slaggle pulled the ball down and scrambled for 39 yards on a third and nine. Slaggle scored his first of five touchdowns on a one yard plunge. Grant Wright added the extra point to give Seymour all the points it would need. After a three and out by the Bulldogs, the Panthers ate up the rest of the first quarter and into the second with another ground eating drive. This time Seymour took 15 plays to drive 69 yards. Slaggle went through the middle for the final four yards and Wright added his second PAT to put the Panthers up 14-0 with 11:20 left in the second quarter. Bryson Holt fair caught the ensuing kickoff at the Bulldog 42. Shavaris Cooper was stopped for no gain. Josh Mueller made a nine yard catch at the Stamford side line to leave the Dogs facing a third and one from the Seymour 49. Barber got the call on third down. He was stopped but a face mask penalty against Seymour gave the Dogs a first down at the Panther 34. A pass from Trace Price to Lane Patton moved the ball to the 28. The drive ended abruptly the next play when Caden Gilbreath picked off Price. Slaggle completed a five play 65 yard drive with a 37 yard burst. The PAT kick was no good but the Panther lead had been extended to 20-0 with 7:00 left in the half. Stamford started in Seymour territory courtesy of the kickoff going out of bounds. Zhawn Holden came in at quarterback and kept for four yards to open the drive. A pass to Cooper was good for a yard. Holden kept again for three yards, leaving the Dogs a yard short. Holden was stopped just short of a first down on fourth and one. The Panther’s relentless drive to the goal line started at their own 35 and ended seven plays later when Slaggle broke 36 yards for a touchdown. Wright again added the extra point. The Dogs started at the Seymour 48 and began moving toward the goal line. Price hit Barber on a short pass and then found Patton on consecutive plays (seven and eight yards) to give Stamford a first down at the Seymour 34. Barber was stopped
for a two yard loss but an 18 yard pass to Dylan Faulks notched another first down that moved the ball to the 18. A pass for Patton in the end zone was ruled caught out of bounds. Barber was head tackled by Joseph Trepanier for a yard loss. On third down Price dropped back to pass but was caught for a seven yard loss. Price found Mueller for a 13 yard pass and run on fourth down; however 18 yards were needed and the ball went over on downs. Seymour just took a knee to kill the final ten seconds and went into halftime with a 27-0 lead. The Bulldogs received the second half kickoff and mounted a ten play drive. Barber got the action started with a 13 yard run after a swing pass from Price. Passes to Mueller and Holden moved the ball to the Seymour 39. Barber broke free to inside the Panther eight yard line on the next play but a holding penalty negated the run and left the Dogs facing first and 19 from the 48. Barber gained back four yards before Price was sacked for a seven yard loss. A third down pass to Holden was stopped for a loss leaving the Dogs facing fourth and long. Holden lined up to punt but passed toward Mueller instead. The pass fell incomplete; but the Panthers were flagged for pass interference to keep the drive alive. Cooper went wide for a four yard loss then threw incomplete. Holden’s pass for Mueller on third down was defended by Jordan Dixon. On fourth down Slaggle made an interception at the 18; in a rare mistake Slaggle’s pick cost the Panthers 23 yards of field position. Seymour was able to gain a first down but the drive stalled after an incomplete pass on third down. Hagan Jones punted for the only time for the Panthers to push the Bulldogs back to the Stamford 34. A pass for Ryheem Smith was tipped away. Price and Smith connected for a six yard gain on second down. Barber got the call and took off down the Seymour sideline. Sixty yards later the fleet senior was in the end zone with no flags. A pass to Faulks was good for a two point conversion or so it seemed. A penalty negated that pass and a second attempt was stopped short. With 2:46 left in the third quarter the Bulldogs were finally on the board. Michael Strickland recovered the onside attempt to set up the Panthers at their own 49. The drive took six plays with Carson Hardin taking a pass from Slaggle the final 17 yards. Stamford took over at the Bulldog 47. The drive started inauspiciously when Faulk was hit for a six yard loss as soon as he caught Price’s pass. A second down pass fell incomplete. Price was rushed on third down and he fumbled as he was hit with a Seymour recovery. The Panthers took over at the Bulldog 34.
Jones carried the first three plays of the drive. Slaggle converted a fourth and two with a four yard run and closed out the drive with another four yards for the score. An attempted two point conversion failed leaving the score 40-6 in Seymour’s favor. Despite the score the Bulldogs continued to fight. Barber gained 24 yards to the Seymour 40. Cooper went for twelve more yards on a jet sweep. A pass intended for Barber was knocked away in the end zone. Cooper was hit immediately on his next reception. Price tried to find Barber in the end zone again. The pass fell incomplete; but the Panthers were hit with a 15 yard penalty for pass interference. (The ball wasn’t placed at the two yard line because the play started outside the 17. Section 3 Article 8) A pass for Mueller in the end zone sailed long. Price lost ten yards on a mishandled snap. The fourth down pass for Cooper in the end zone was intercepted. The Dogs would get one last chance after Blue’s defense stopped the Panthers for no gain on a fourth and two play from the Seymour 33. Barber went wide left for nine yards. A pass to Smith was good for seven yards and a first down at the 17. Price threw into the end zone but Jordan Dixon was there for Seymour. All the Panthers had to do was take a knee to run out the clock on their BiDistrict victory. Seymour (6-5) will face Stinnett West Texas (9-2) in the Area Round. The 13 Bulldog seniors did not finish their season as they would have liked; but they played a hard fought game and season and are to be congratulated for their efforts. Now it’s on to basketball and another playoff run. Stamford 0 0 6 0----6 Seymour 7 20 7 6--40 First Quarter Sey – Nick Slaggle 1 run (Grant Wright kick) 7:33 Second Quarter Sey – Slaggle 4 run (Wright kick) 11:20 Sey – Slaggle 37 run (kick failed) 7:00 Sey – Slaggle 36 run (Wright kick) 2:50 Third Quarter S – D’Marcus Barber 60 run (pass failed) 2:46 Sey – Carson Hardin 17 pass from Slaggle (Wright kick) 0:28 Fourth Quarter Sey – Slaggle 5 run (pass failed) 7:01 First Downs
Stamford Seymour 10 19
Rushing Yds Passing Yds Total Offense Comp-Att-Int
17-79 60-335 103 51 182 386 19-33-4 4-6-0
Punts 1-26 Fumbles-Lost 1-1 Penalties-yds 7-43
1-22 0-1 7-70
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing - Stamford: D’Marcus Barber 7-94, TD; Shavaris Cooper 3-8; Zhawn Holden 3-8; Trace Price 4-(-31). Seymour: Nick Slaggle 29-231, 5 TDs; Hagan Jones 24-94; Cody Fite 4-18; Grant Wright 1-2; Team 2-(-10). Passing - Stamford: Trace Price 17-27-2, 102 yds, TD; Zhawn Holden 2-42; Shavaris Cooper 0-1-0. Seymour: Nick Slaggle 4-6-0, 51 yds, TD. Receiving - Stamford: Josh Mueller 3-31; D’Marcus Barber 5-21; Lane Patton 3-21; Ryheem Smith 2-13; Dylan Faulks 2-12; Zhawn Holden 2-4. Seymour: Carson Hardin 1-17, TD; Hagan Jones 16; Grant Wright 1-12; Cody Fite 1-6. Last Week’s Games District 3-2A, Division I: Seymour 40, Stamford 6; Hawley 58, Chico 15; Ozona 45, Alvord 0; Lindsay 26, Winters 7. Others: Albany 56, Miles 7; Friona 37, Anson 22; Hamlin 64, Menard 16; Eldorado 30, Haskell 14. Six Man: Throckmorton 74. Lueders-Avoca 65. This Week’s Games District 3-2A, Division I: Hawley (110) vs. New Deal (10-1), 7 p.m. Thursday, Snyder; Post (11-0) vs. Ozona (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday, Stanton. Others: Albany (8-3) vs. Windthorst (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday, Graham; Hamlin (8-2) vs. Quanah (5-6), 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Seymour. DISTRICT 3-AA, DIV I STANDINGS Overall Hawley 10 0 487 193 Ozona 7 3 414 203 Stamford 6 4 269 325 Winters 5 5 274 243 Forsan 3 7 168 283 DISTRICT 3-AA, DIV I STANDINGS District Hawley 4 0 231 86 Ozona 3 1 132 120 Stamford 2 2 108 148 Winters 1 3 68 127 Forsan 0 3 64 122
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The paw print
Photos by Michael Marugg
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Federal Funds To Assist County In Buying Out Flood-Prone Properties Land Commissioner George P. Bush on Nov. 14 announced the Texas General Land Office’s approval of $21,155,575 in Hurricane Harvey funds for Fort Bend County to conduct a buyout program. In the late summer of 2017, record-heavy rainfall brought by Hurricane Harvey catastrophically flooded streets and homes. Fort Bend County will use the funds to conduct a buyout program targeting approximately 100 homes most vulnerable to flooding. The funds come from a much larger pool of federal assistance. Bush was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to lead Hurricane Harvey housing recovery efforts funded by $5.7 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Hurricane Harvey devastated communities across the Texas Coast,” said Bush. “These recovery funds are critical to protecting lives, homes and businesses from future storms. We continue to work with our partners in communities across the region to leverage these resources efficiently and effectively to benefit Texans affected by Hurricane Harvey.” COURT STAYS EXECUTION The execution of a Texas death row inmate incarcerated since May 1998 was stayed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Nov. 15. The court order came five days before Rodney Reed, 51, was scheduled to be executed by lethal injection. A number of Republican and Democratic federal and state lawmakers and celebrities called on Gov. Greg Abbott to prevent the execution as motions for the reexamination of DNA and other evidence and the introduction of new witness
CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Ed Sterling
statements gained publicity. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles voted in favor of granting a 120-day reprieve of the execution. In 1998, Reed was convicted in the 1996 murder of Stacey Stites, a 19-yearold grocery store clerk. Both Reed and Stites were residents of Bastrop when Stites’s body was found. Reed, who had dated Stites, was arrested as a suspect and taken into custody. LAWMAKER IS CHARGED State Rep. Poncho Nevarez, D-Eagle Pass, on Nov. 14 was charged with possession of a controlled substance and released on $10,000 bond. In September, Nevarez was observed on Austin airport security cameras dropping an envelope containing some 2 grams of cocaine. A conviction for possession of that amount of cocaine is a third-degree felony that could result in a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Nevarez has announced he will not seek reelection to a fifth term as the state representative for District 74, an enormous district that includes the counties of Brewster, Culberson, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Kinney, Loving, Maverick, Pecos, Presidio, Reeves, Terrell and Val Verde. Nevarez serves as chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety; as vice chair of the House Select Committee on Mass Violence Prevention & Community Safety; and
as a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources. AG WARNS OF SCAM CALLS Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Nov. 14 warned Texans about scam callers falsely claiming to be members of the Attorney General’s Crime Victim Services Division and attempting to obtain personal and financial information. Fraudulent callers attempt to obtain personal identifying information from the call recipient and ask for money transfers or bank details after baselessly claiming the call recipient’s Social Security number has been compromised. Fraudsters use local numbers and sometimes provide a false case number during the call. Paxton is encouraging those who receive such calls to notify his office’s Consumer Protection Hotline toll-free at 1-800-621-0508 or to file a complaint online. Paxton also said his office’s true Crime Victim Services phone number is toll-free 800-983-9933 and local number 512-936-1200. ABBOTT DECLARES DROUGHT Gov. Greg Abbott on Nov. 8 issued a declaration certifying that exceptional drought conditions pose a threat of imminent disaster in 53 of Texas’ 254 counties. As stated in the disaster declaration, “Significantly low rainfall and prolonged dry conditions continue to increase the threat of wildfire across these portions of the state.” The declaration authorizes the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with the disaster.
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Stamford Hospital and Haskell Memorial Hospital Districts Partner Up BY KAY SPEARS The Board Room at the Stamford Hospital in Stamford, Texas was packed on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, 1:00pm for the Stamford Hospital District (SHD) Board Meeting. The main topic on the agenda was the partnership being implemented between the Stamford and Haskell Hospital Districts. One of two items the SHD Board of Directors approved was the Letter of Intent from Haskell Memorial Hospital District regarding Stamford Hospital District’s Rural Health Clinic. The second item approved was the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for Clinic Services between Haskell Memorial Hospital District and Stamford Hospital District. There was little discussion before the two separate votes, this would have happened during the many executive sessions the Board has convened in their meetings over the past few months. The SHD Board was represented by their whole complement of members which included Kevin Corzine, Gary Decker, Mark Lundgren, Kevin McCright, Chuck Muehlstein, Wyatt Oakley and Sutton Page. Interim CEO William “Dee” Haddock, Administrative Assistant Cheyenne Bereuter, Billing Manager Nancy Clark, Lab Director Bill Lee and Nurse Practitioner Jennie Rhymes were in attendance. State Representative Stan Lambert was at the meeting with his District Director Robyn Wertheim and Jones County Republican Party Chair Dub Harrison. The Haskell Memorial Hospital District was represented by Chris Strickland, Tom Long and Robbie Peiser with Director of Regional Services Kirk Canada representing Hendrick Medical Center of
Abilene. Stamford Mayor James Decker and Jim Astin, Director of the Development Corporation of Stamford (DCOS) were on hand to witness the beginning of the partnership. Kevin McCright, Board President, acknowledged the positive efforts Interim CEO Dee Haddock has given to the SHD and recognized that this would be his last Board Meeting as his last day in the position is Thursday, November 14, 2019. During the brief discussion of the Interlocal Agreement, Board Member Gary Decker stated, “This is really an important day, I think, for this hospital district and our rural health clinic. We’re excited about the partnership we’re forming with Haskell and being able to merge our two entities together through the clinic process that is going to be, I think, an asset for our community as well as theirs. And this is what it is about, a win-win. We’re looking for a win-win opportunity. I’m very appreciative of Haskell coming and willing to be a part.” He acknowledged Hendrick Medical Center being “in the mix” and the help given by Haddock, Representative Lambert, his office, and Haskell Memorial Hospital. Haddock and Decker acknowledged the need for changes in medical services. Decker stated it is imperative that “we’re all working together as one,” rather than trying to do it individually. “That is why this is so important.” Board Member Oakley brought the attention of the Board to Dub Harrison and Jim Astin stating, “There are two gentlemen sitting here that have been real instrumental in this. They have done a lot of footwork and groundwork that we have not seen.” “I want to
recognize both them and thank them for the work they have done.” Chris Strickland from Haskell Memorial Hospital reiterated the need to work together in the rapid and ever-changing world of healthcare. “Hospitals are losing power left and right. For us to be able to keep our facilities, to keep our resources, we need to start working together.” He also stated what is being done now between Stamford and Haskell Hospital Districts and with Hendrick Medical Center will hopefully “set a precedence for the healthcare in the state of Texas. And hopefully that ripple effect will affect healthcare nationally.” He stated it warms his heart “to see that everyone is coming together to do what’s best for the community and to do what’s best for our patients.” Mayor James Decker brought up the aspect that if a community is going to thrive, the towns and communities around it need to be healthy as well. He stated, “It’s important we all work together.” “This is an awesome day for everybody.” SHD Billing Manager Nancy Clark stated she is coming from a long-term employee’s perspective and stated that the hope has always been there, that they get the chance to “grow again. And I think this addresses that hope.” Jim Astin, DCOS Director stated the Board has had a difficult task, shown leadership and has “done the appropriate things necessary.” He also said the DCOS has a clinic building for lease. Kirk Canada representing Hendrick Medical Center stated they believe collaboration is key for this entire region. “We view this as two strong communities coming together to create
something even better. Hendrick has always tried to be a friend to rural healthcare, and we are going to continue to do that for the communities of Stamford and Haskell. We look to support you in whatever way we can to make sure you have strong and vibrant healthcare here and you have a growing healthcare community here.” Representative Stan Lambert commended the Board stating, “It’s really been amazing to me to see where we were 12 months ago, 18 months ago and to see that you’ve come this far, to explore all the options and to make sure you’ve covered all the bases.” “Making sure that residents in this area have good quality healthcare. And that takes a commitment from the entire
State Representative Stan Lambert, Stamford Mayor James Decker and SHD Board Member Gary Decker were present for the approval of the partnership between the Haskell Memorial Hospital and Stamford Hospital Districts on November 13, 2019 in Stamford, TX. community.” With the Haskell partnership accomplished, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting is
scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2019, 7:45am.
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Every Veteran, Every Story Last year on Veterans Day, I wrote about World War I. As you likely know, Veterans Day originally arose out of Armistice Day, which began in 1918. Armistice Day celebrated the end of World War I, the ghastly “war to end all wars.” In 2018, Veterans Day coincided with the 100th anniversary of the end of that war, hence my inspiration. This year, I want to talk about every veteran’s story. Everyone has a different perspective on what it means to have served. Those who served, and their spouses and families, have the foremost perspective of all, one that is difficult for the “rest of us” to truly comprehend. If you didn’t serve, your perspective is colored by the era in which you grew up. As a child of the 1980s and 1990s, I grew up largely
ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker in peacetime. I watched and learned as the country celebrated the 50th anniversary of D-Day and the term “Greatest Generation” come into vogue. The concept of military service was noble and to be honored. As I studied history as a child, I learned of America’s complicated relationship with the Vietnam War and the less-than-noble manner in which Vietnam veterans were treated in some
quarters. Something I wrote last time, and something I’ve been thinking about on multiple levels, is the idea that every person’s story is valid and important. One person may face challenges in life and another person may face more severe challenges. Someone else’s challenge doesn’t invalidate your own challenge. They’re both challenges, just different ones. Each challenge and each story matters. I think about that same concept with regard to the service of our veterans. Today, we have living veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and numerous other actions around the world. Some were injured, from minor injuries to life-changing, permanent injuries. Some faced life-threatening situations on the battlefield.
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Some served in wartime but did so in non-combat settings. Some served in peacetime. Some returned home to adoration. Some returned home to scorn. The stories are as varied as the personalities of the men and women who lived those stories. But every one of the stories is valid and worthy of our honor on Veterans Day and throughout the year. If we all lived the same story and did the same things, then the world would be a pretty ineffective place. A society works because of the different people in it, each with different skills and personalities, pursuing their own interests, all of which make up the tapestry of our society. I look at our veterans the same way. We are all awed by the stories of war heroes like Audie Murphy, who took death-defying risks that would make even the greatest action movie stars blush. But those ac-
tion heroes don’t exist in a vacuum. Those stories don’t happen without the participation of every other person involved in putting those soldiers onto that battlefield at that point in time: the supply corps, cooks, medics, intelligence units, radar crews, training officers back home, and so many other unsung heroes that weave the tapestry of our armed forces. So to every veteran, Veterans Day is for you. Whether you served in wartime or peacetime, whether you served on the front lines or in a support role, your service matters. Your service was integral to weaving the tapestry of our armed forces and of our American society. And for that, I say thank you. James Decker is a lawyer, farmer, and mayor in Stamford, Texas, and the creator of the forthcoming “West of 98” podcast and website. He may be contacted through Facebook at facebook.com/james.decker.
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
VIP MENU NOVEMBER 25-29 Monday Spaghetti & Meat Sauce, Garden Salad, Garlic Bread, Baked Apple Tuesday Taco Salad, Refried Beans, Hominy, Melons Wednesday Ham & Cheese Sandwiches With Fixings, Chips, Beets, Ice Cream Thursday CLOSED Friday CLOSED
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
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St. John’s United Methodist Church Pastor John Erwin 201 S Ferguson 325-773-2561 AM Worship: 10:50 Solomon Temple Baptist Church Rev. Donnie Massey 315 N. Haskell St. 325-773-2213 AM Worship 11:00
Temple Baptist Church Jesse Morton 309 E Campbell 325-773-2550 AM Service: 11:00 Trinity Church Dr. Robert Wingrove 220 E. McHarg
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This is a column I wrote a decade ago (how time flies) in response to a question about what is the best fruit tree to plant. I’m assuming that the question applies to fruit trees being planted in a yard or some other maintained area and not for orchard plantings. Trees planted in orchards for commercial production are chosen and handled much differently than they are in landscape type settings. Not including nut trees such as pecan, the available fruit trees include Pomegranate, Peach, Apple, Pear, Apricot, Persimmon, Plum, and Figs. There are a very few cherry trees that can grow in Texas, and probably some other fruits that don’t come immediately to mind, but I think that covers most of the fruit trees that can be successfully grown in the Big Country. As far as hardiness of the trees goes, the American persimmon (Dyospyros virginiana) tree is nearly indestructible and is actually a good shade tree. The problem is that these trees are invasive and not a lot of people like persimmons. The Texas persimmon (Dyospyros texana) is more of a small shrub type tree but it is also invasive. The Japanese persimmon is a different story, it is a small growing tree similar in shape and size to a redbud, and bears a fruit about the size of an apple that is supposed to be tasty. I’ve never tried one so I can’t offer a personal opinion on the taste, but the Japanese persimmon (Dyospyros khaki) will grow and produce in the Big Country. For dependability of fruit production I would go with pear trees. There are many different varieties of pear trees, such as Kieffer or Bartlett that will bear fruit in our Big Country climate and the trees themselves seem to live much longer than the apple, peach, and apricot trees. In fact, a good pear tree will bear so many pears that what to do with all of them could be a problem. Many varieties of peaches will grow here and produce some pretty good peaches. A
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news@americannewspapers.net that are couple of the rated for favorites are our area, Ranger and but my exLoring. Peach perience is trees are generthat getting ally short lived apples out small trees, of them is and they have hit or miss. a lot of insect Pomeand fungal isgranates are sues. I feel the certainly best approach WEST TEXAS TREES easy enough with a peach AND LANDSCAPES to grow and tree is to not there are try treating all By Bruce Kreitler and several vaof the things that attack the KWKC Green Team rieties that will reliably the tree, but produce instead water, fruit in our area. Since the prune, and fertilize the tree plant is a large shrub instead as needed and collect the of an actual tree, they need to peaches that you can before be planted in an area where birds or insects get them. Althe spread of the plant won’t most all commercial growers do a lot of spraying and treat- be an issue. They have a brilliant orange flower in the ing of orchards to produce spring that is worth looking their crops, but peach growat and if a person likes pomeers get to do a lot more of it. granates, this might be the That’s a battle that’s just not way to go. I don’t eat them, worth fighting on the scale of so I don’t know how good the a tree or two. local ones are. Plums can be a good choice Don’t plant figs with the exfor a fruit tree that is planted pectation of being able to get in the yard. The Methley variety seems to be a favorite. figs off of the tree. Instead, plant figs because you like One of the big problems with the plant and if you happen fruit trees is the mess that to get some figs off of it that the large fallen fruit makes would be nice. For the most around the tree. A plum can part, if you get a variety of fig have some of this issue, but that will produce here, and generally nothing like the there are some that will, it is amount of litter that can extremely difficult to get ripe accumulate around a prolific figs before birds and other peach, pear, or apple tree. wildlife gather them ahead Apricot is another dependof you. able fruit tree. The apricot I haven’t named a lot of vatree is much hardier and lives rieties of the different trees. longer than the peach trees The best source of informaand although they have a lot tion, and this is the people of the problems that peach that I would ask first, for trees have, it is on a much more varieties of these difsmaller scale. The largest ferent fruit trees best suited problem that I see with aprito the area you live in is your cots is that they can be very County Extension Agent. The fickle about bearing fruit on Extension Agents will either a regular basis. While some know the varieties for the of them bear year after year, many others seem to produce only occasionally or not at all. The variety of apricot that I see planted the most is Royal, maybe it will turn out to be a steady producer. I generally recommend against apple trees. I have nothing against the trees, and I like apples a little more than the next guy, but it is difficult to get an apple tree to produce fruit in the Big Country. There are several varieties
local region or they will direct you to the best source for that information. As far as the best time for planting, that would be from now on through the winter, but the sooner the better, especially if you are planting bare root fruit trees. The drawback to planting now is that a lot of the trees that we have discussed are going to be hard to find in a retail setting much before spring. Retail garden centers will start stocking fruit trees after January 1st. that of course means that you probably are going to wind up planting just before spring. I know that this has been a long answer to a short question, but growing fruit in the Big Country isn’t as easy as growing it in say the Rio Grande Valley, and it is knotty problem when you have to decide on which one is going to work in your yard. 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.
AFTER UPS AND DOWNS, FARM GROUPS LOOK FOR FINALITY ON TRADE As lawmakers become more vocal in criticizing Trump tariff payments, U.S. farm groups increasingly are quiet on trade issues. The reasons range from weariness to uncertainty over what’s to come, say analysts and farm group officials. DID ALASKA TIMBER INDUSTRY USE USDA FUNDS TO LOBBY USDA? The top Democrats overseeing the Forest Service asked the inspector general on Monday to investigate whether USDA grant money to Alaska was used by the timber industry to lobby for more logging in the Tongass National Forest. HEMP FARMING MAY BE MORE PIONEER LIFE THAN WILD WEST For all its Gold Rush aura, hemp farming may
KASN AG REPORT With Richard Kemp be more like life on the frontier, where everything must be built from the ground up, said advocates of industrial hemp on Thursday. Hemp can require a lot of manual labor to keep weeds under control, it’s hard to find processors for the crop, and marketing networks are rudimentary.
COTTON BALES GINNED AT AREA GINS as of 11/20/19 Ericksdahl Coop Gin - 3,539 Farmer’s Coop Gin-Stamford - 10,271 Farmer’s Coop Gin-Anson - 2,156 Farmer’s Coop Gin-Radium - 2,170
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Embrace Your Inner Child This week I want to talk about nostalgia. Yes, I have talked about this in previous articles and urged us to “not live in the past”; however, I have also stated that it is okay to embrace nostalgia every now and then, just don’t let it control your life and use it to remember good times in your life. Well, as many of you very well know nostalgia came rushing in like a THOUGHTS FROM tidal wave this past week with the official launch of the Disney+ UNDER THE CAP service featuring films, series, and even classic shorts all the Will McClure way back to the 30s with the first full-length film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I will happily and unashamedly admit that I signed up for this service about a few weeks before it launched after getting a look at what would be on it and my inner child jumped up and down with joy when I saw films and series that I have not seen since I was a kid and I immediately started humming the themes to Darkwing Duck (the very first thing I turned on and I am not ashamed to admit it!), Goof Troop and, naturally, DuckTales. So, when the service officially launched this past week my other streaming services went a bit neglected as I dived into what Disney+ had in store. Now, I know what you may be thinking: isn’t this just a service for kids and families? Technically, yes it is, as you will more than likely not find any “edgy” content as we see today on network television (unless you count Star Wars, but that is kind of tame by comparison as well as The Simpsons). However, practically everyone I have talked to about the service from colleagues at work to friends to even my teenage students, everyone seems to light up when talking about their favorite things about Disney and what shows and movies they watched as a kid or what they will watch now, I even know some of my friends with children that have showed their kids the things they watched as a kind of “bonding” moment. There are even many adults like me that had subscribed for just themselves as a way to “rewind the clock” so to speak and just sink into nostalgia after a long day of being an adult. I know this week sounds like just a big advertisement for Disney+, but ultimately I do believe that it is important to embrace our inner child every once in a while, especially now more than ever. With all of the negativity in the world today that we have read or even I have discussed here, it is nice to just escape back to our memories to get away from it all sometimes. As a result, we end up using entertainment to embrace the things that we once loved as kids and have those same feelings all over again. In the same way we may like networks like TV Land and MeTV for the classic shows like The Andy Griffith Show, I Love Lucy, Happy Days, The Brady Bunch, etc., we try to find ways where we can escape and become that child once more when things, at least to us, were simpler. “The real world” can be mind-numbing, disheartening, stressful, and downright mean at times when we let it, but when we can let our inner child out every so often we can take on what the world dishes out a bit better because we are happier and we inevitably find things as adults that we do enjoy so we do not have to rely on our inner child and nostalgia as often. However, whether we truly need it or not we should embrace nostalgia at times and just make sure that we never overdo it so that we can keep moving forward. We need to let our inner child out every once in a while so we can at least face the world with a smile. After all, you can never be too old for a good cartoon. Until next time, dear reader, my cap’s off to you!
Listening To Northeast Texas I always like to be in Northeast Texas in the fall because it usually has outstanding autumn color. This year it didn’t. Mother Nature didn’t cooperate. People said it has been dry and windy and the leaves came down early. But that didn’t keep Winnsboro from holding its annual Autumn Trails Festival, which features a month of activities including trail rides, rodeos, entertainment and food and merchandise booths. Winnsboro has a part of downtown called the Bowery that houses the impressive Center for the Arts, unique restaurants and interesting shops. Winnsboro has been designated a cultural oasis by the Texas Legislature. While in the city I interviewed Lottie Foster, owner of KWNS Radio, which airs Southern Gospel Music. I had a special treat in Winnsboro when I interviewed Bob Haydon, a banjo virtuoso. He’s also an artist and author of 2 published books. When he was in high school in Dallas, he and Steve Miller formed a band.
Boz Scaggs played bass. Bob’s compositions Suzanne and Collage made the charts and his band toured with the Beach Boys. He has played at bluegrass festivals all over the south. My first stop on my Northeast Texas interview trip was to Sulphur Springs. I visited with Sheriff Lewis Tatum about the farm maintained by inmates from the Hopkins County jail. The farm raises vegetables, pigs and chickens and saves the county at least $200,000 a year. Sheriff Tatum is proud of the fact that his county has one of the lowest crime rates in the state. “It’s because everybody works together here,” says Sheriff Tatum. “All law enforcement, first responders and residents help keep our community safe.” He was chief inves-
tigator before taking over as sheriff. My second interview was with Clayton McGraw who helped establish the million-dollar veterans monument in Sulphur Springs. When he was serving in the Army during the Korean crisis, he saved a fellow soldier from drowning in a river with a strong current. “I just jumped in and pulled him out,” he says. He was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for that effort. Sixty years later he met the man whose life he saved. They had a reunion in Washington, DC. I interviewed Jim Dial who plays bagpipes for weddings, funerals and other events. He wears kilts and occasionally
TUMBLEWEED SMITH
BIRTHDAYS Nov 28 - Marc Lovvorn Know someone who is having a birthday? Please remember to call us at 325-773-5550 and let us know!
plays his bagpipes on the downtown plaza in Sulphur Springs. When I interviewed the mayor of Pittsburg, David Abernathy, he greeted me holding a tumbleweed. His father was mayor 52 years. David and his father built fire trucks. Also in Pittsburg I visited with Sabin Warrick who manufactures hot links. He helped put on a hot links festival this year and 3,000 people showed up. Another is planned for next April. His sister Salina has a hot links restaurant. Fanny Hively of the museum in Pittsburg showed me a replica of the Ezekiel Airship, designed originally by a Baptist preacher, Burrell Cannon, who got the idea from the book of Ezekiel (Chapter 1, verses 16-19) that mentions flying wheels.
Classifieds
HELP WANTED
Sagebrush Living Center is accepting applications for Direct Support Staff. Contact Karen Wolsch or Doug Stanley. Contact Kathy Phillips at 325773-2791 at Sagebrush Living Center, 1101 Columbia St., Stamford, TX. Throckmorton County Memorial Hospital is now accepting applications for a full time night shift RN and PRN LVNs. Please call Kinsi Voss at 940-849-2151/940-256-0430 for more details. Resumes may also be emailed to vossk@ windstream.net Stamford Residence & Rehab Center Is Now Hiring Seeking motivated employees filled with integrity who are compassionate, dependable, proficient, team players looking to serve our loving residents and fellow co-workers. Open positions: PRN LVN, CNA, Laundry. FT CNA and Kitchen Aide. Apply today at: 1003 Columbia, Stamford, Texas 79553, 325-773-3671
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Stamford American welcomes letters to the editor on any subject. Letters to the Editor will be published with the name of the writer, should be limited to 300 words, signed, and should include a telephone number for verification. The editor reserves the right to edit any letter for any reason and to reject letters for publication for any reason. Letters deemed libelous and/or not for the public good will be rejected. Letters to the editor reflect the opinion of the writer and not necessarily that of The Stamford American.
NOVEMBER 22, 2019 15
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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
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.
8603 FM707 TRUBY RANCH Fantastic Home w/ a pool 126± acres...$975,000 HWY 277 Hawley Faith over Fear home, barn w/horse stalls 51± Acres!.............$460,000 1105 New Hope Road 2/2 brick Great Location!................... IN CONTRACT 703 Columbia Nice 3 bedroom 2 bath on a corner lot w 2 car garage!......$72,000 716 E Oliver 4 bedroom/ 2 baths quiet area..............................................$68,900 New 1315 Hudson Rd 3/1 w CHA Great location!................................$39,900 712 E Vanderbilt Gorgeous 1910 2 story Victorian home...... IN CONTRACT 1502 Compton Stamford 3/2/2 Ranch home 1.6± AC!......Reduced! $126,500 519 Commercial Ave, Anson- 3/1 Rock home w Metal shop...............$49,000 Sagerton 3 bd 1 bath with fireplace and out buildings on corner lot!........$35,000 1215 Wesleyan Nice 3/2 home with Fireplace!......................................... SOLD
COMMERCIAL
1303 Swenson - 25,000 sq ft building 1631 17th St, Anson - over 4,000 sq. ft, restaurant equip....... IN CONTRACT 901 Commercial ANSON- 12,600 Sq. Ft. parking lot, HWY Frontage$175,000 The Hamlin Elevator, 423 E Lake Drive, Hamlin
FARM & RANCH
FISHER COUNTY
480± AC SE of Roby Tank, water well 170± Ac SE of Rotan Pasture w/ Shinnery Paved Rd frontage IN CONTRACT
CALLAHAN COUNTY
1,015± AC Great Sock Farm or Hay farm SOLD 10 ac Old Peanut Co-op Property
HASKELL COUNTY
126 ac cult. N.380 Rule 782± AC N of Neinda Mostly Cultivated farm 227± AC N of Rule Good combo place Pasture and cultivation! Great Hunting! 160± AC – The Kittley Irrigated Farm Northwest of Rule! 271± AC SE of Weinert Dry land farm w/ pasture, tanks and creek! 619± AC N of Lake Stamford pasture and tanks!
JONES COUNTY
NEW 377 ac on Hwy 277 Pasture/Cult. Coop water 1,764± Ac Near Lueders Great Hunting! 323 Ac Creek, Cultivation and Hunting! 663± AC Great combo place w/ fence, pens, water well and tank 20± AC Near Ft. Phantom OAK TREES w/ Electric and rural water! 220± AC Cultivation on California Creek and US HWY 6 RD Frontage 1,170± AC TATE RANCH pasture, pens on US HWY 180/FM 600 IN CONTRACT 247± Stock Farm, IN CONTRACT 389± AC Cultivation, Rural water and Electric N of Merkle 160± AC south of Avoca IN CONTRACT 139± AC- Farrington Cotton Farm Prime Cultivation 50± AC Cultivated farm and great hunting! 230± AC Ft. Phantom River Ranch, Excellent Hunting!
KENT COUNTY
925± AC-Panther Canyon Ranch-Native pasture w/ food plots, springs on Panther Canyon and Croton Creek on the north Boundary!
DICKENS COUNTY
1,450± AC Fantastic Hunting, Shinnery, Large Stock Tank
SCURRY COUNTY
1,421± AC - Impossible Canyon Ranch Deep Canyons & Fantastic Hunting! IN CONTRACT
SHACKELFORD COUNTY
440± AC North of Abilene Cultivation and pasture w/ Spring, Rural Water and 3 tanks!
STEPHENS COUNTY
85± AC Native pasture w/ house
STONEWALL COUNTY
330± ac cult. & pasture, good stock farm 5,900± AC- Seven Diamond L Canyon Ranch two creeks and salt fork river 2,082± -AC- Double View RanchSpectacular views, River, 4/3 Home and Barns, rural water! 800± AC - White Ghost River Ranch - Salt Fork of the Brazos! Views of the River Canyon! 320± AC – Hall River Ranch River Frontage w/ 2 story home and additional acres for lease! 330± AC- Great View of Double Mtns. w/ scenic deep canyons, large neighbors, hunting! 130± AC- Youngers 130 Good Cultivation and great Hunting! 332± AC – Canyon West Ranch Great Views! Water, Electric & Secluded! 133± AC S of Swenson Brushy w/ HWY 380 Frontage Electricity on site!
TAYLOR COUNTY
5± Acres Off of HWY 351 No Restrictions Reduced $32,500 Taylor Ridge Estates- 20-80 Acre rural tracts Call for info. 707 Ranch 10-12± tracts IN CONTRACT 20± Acres White Mines Road Creek, Hunting, No Restrictions $140,000
THROCKMORTON COUNTY
460± AC Morning Star Game Ranch High fenced turnkey w/ Hunting Ranch 160± AC Cultivation and Pasture w/ 3BR Home west of Woodson
16 NOVEMBER 22, 2019
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SMS 2ND SIX WEEKS HONOR ROLL 6TH GRADE
“A” HONOR ROLL: Kennalea Clifton, Emma Follis, Brayden Jimenez, Kagen Logan, Panhabone Mao, Mason Mueller. “A/B” HONOR ROLL: Alek AlvaradoHernandez, Adan Andrade, Marco De Leon, Nicholas De Leon, Madison Hallford, Cecileigh Hernandez-Cardenas, Chloe Hickman, Gideon Horn, Dylan Muehlstein, Wesley Muehlstein, Taegen Pimpton, Tristan Reilly, Jessica Silguero, Hayden Strand, Bobeigh Suitor, Lillian Terry, Gabriella Torres, Kadyance WestMcGough, Hannah Wilson.
7TH GRADE
“A” HONOR ROLL: Case Beeson, Allie Caddell, Ariel Corzine, Ariana Dippel, Braden Faulks, Hope Flores, Alex Guzman, Cash Koenig, Panhabouth Mao, Gabriel Mendez, Caden Moreno, Santana Moreno, Alex Ponce-Serrano, Kaston Vega, Raylan Villanueva. “A/B” HONOR ROLL: Deborah Calicutt, Ariel Corzine, Carla Dela Rosa, Christian Duran, Kolton McCright, Sandra Mueller, Ethan Rhymes, Logan Romero.
8TH GRADE
“A” HONOR ROLL: Chance Birdsong, Ellanie Clifton, Chambree Lefevre, Lainee Lefevre.“A/B” Honor Roll: Kindra Adkins, Ethan Arendall, K’Leigh Beltran, Caylee Ender, Paulina Flores, Shylie Flow, Jay’Lynn Hatley, Deavine Hoadley, Emily Muehlstein, Quinten Pryor, Valerie Silguero, Kayleigh Suitor, Alina Villanueva, J’Kain Whitaker, Macie Zuber.
THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
Paint Creek Student of the Week
Alexa Yanez - 4th grade
Mark Hall - 8th grade
Paint Creek ISD offers a Gifted and Talented (G/T) Program in addition to regular education programming for grades K – 12. The G/ T Program is designed to meet the needs of students demonstrating exceptional skills in academic and intellectual areas. Anyone wishing to refer a child believed to be an intellectually or academically gifted learner is encouraged to come by the office at Paint Creek School pick up the necessary forms. The office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Those students referred will go through a screening process that requires special testing. At the time of referral, parents will be requested to grant permission for this test. Nomination period for Paint Creek ISD is November 1222, 2019. All completed referral forms are due back in the Paint Creek School office by 12:00 p.m. Friday, November 22, 2019. For further assistance, contact Valiene Bullinger during school hours at 940-864-2868.