November 29, 2019 - Stamford American

November 29, 2019 12 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION

STAMFORD

American THE NEW

Why Two Different Speeds Around Courthouse?

BY KAY SPEARS Yep, there they are.

When traveling South on the round-a-bout around the Jones County Courthouse in Anson, Texas, there is a 15 MPH sign with a squiggly line to indicate the speed and maneuver needed to drive that part of Commercial Avenue. To be technical, that area is the Courthouse Plaza and before TxDot put in the curves was known as the Courthouse Square.

Traveling North, however, is a different story.

There is no matching 15 MPH squiggly line sign giving direction or correct speed. The last sign posting the speed limit

for North bound travelers is a 30 MPH sign on the East side of Commercial Avenue after passing Anson High School where the School Zone ends.

After that, no change, no slowdown is specified when driving around the East side of the Courthouse. If someone has never been to Anson and is traveling through to get to somewhere else (gasp!), then they would think the Northbound speed around the Courthouse is 30 MPH. This is a daunting proposition when it is an 18-wheeler with a full load coming at you as you are crossing the street. Most big-rig drivers do an amazing job going around the THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 11, ISSUE 28 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 98, ISSUE 34 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 114, ISSUE 35

This single speed limit sign is seen when traveling South around the Jones County Courthouse in Anson, TX. It needs a twin on the opposite side to slow traffic down traveling North.

Courthouse, however it is not possible for them to stop as quickly as a car is able to.

As luck would have it, the Stamford American was covering the November 12, 2019 Jones County Commissioners Court and the TxDOT Safety Specialist for the Abilene District was making a presentation.

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Jill Christie was contacted and is on it. It wasn’t twenty minutes after speaking with Christie before Tanya Brown, Public Information Officer called and stated a work order had been submitted to Kevin Taylor, the Maintenance Supervisor in our area.

SEE SPEED, PG 3

Levens Announces Candidacy for Jones County Sheriff I, Chris Levens, am very excited and proud to announce my candidacy for Jones County Sheriff. My family and I reside in Stamford, my hometown, where our kids attend school and participate in multiple extracurricular functions. My family and I are members of the First Baptist Church in Stamford.

I attended school in Stamford, class of 1999, where I participated in football, track, and FFA. I was raised in a cotton farming and cattle raising family, where I learned at a young age the value and reward of an honest day’s work.

I am currently employed with the Anson Police Department where I have been serving as a patrol officer since June of 2018.

SEE LEVENS. PG 4

Saturday, November 30 - 10:00-3:00 Noteworthy 102 S Swenson, Stamford

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MARK THE DATE...

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.

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 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

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THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST

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 75 | 51

Saturday 64 | 38

Sunday 56 | 32

Monday 58 | 39

Tuesday 66 | 44

Wednesday 61 | 42

Thursday 59 | 39

The weather is provided for you

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

DEC 7

HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS: 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. 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.

Contact the Chamber at chamberdirector@stamfordtx.org or 325-773-2411 for more information on any of these events.

DEC 23-25

HOLIDAY HOURS: The Stamford City Hall will be closed December 23, 24, and 25th. Last day to pay utility bill will be Thursday December 26, 2019 no later than 5 p.m.

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

Students from Stamford High School painting a bale of hay on the Stamford Square. Come see the square all decked out in “Star Wars” hay bales.

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

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

SUBMISSIONS POLICY

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

NOTICE

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

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

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

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OLIVER ELEMENTARY 2ND SIX WEEKS HONOR ROLL A HONOR ROLL

Winners in the Jones Co Food Show: Quincy Page, Stamford 4-H Club; Sayleigh Maberry, Jones County 4-H; Elizabeth Rhymes, Stamford 4-H Club. Not pictured were: Haygen Garcia and Hunter Garcia, Jones County 4-H.

Jones County 4-H Members Compete in District 7 Food Show Jones County was well represented today at the District 7 4-H Food Show on Thursday, November 21st at the Taylor County Extension Office. Competing in the contest were: Senior 4-H member - Haygen Garcia 4th place; Junior 4-H member - Quincy Page 3rd place; Junior - Elizabeth Rhymes 5th place; Junior - Sayleigh Maberry 6th place The object of the Food Show is

the 4-H member chooses a recipe from the contest categories and then prepares and presents it to a panel of judges. During the interview with the judges, contestents will show how they prepared it, the nutrients and ingredients, personal dietary needs, healthy substitutions, and a cost analysis. The 4-H Food Show is one contest that is featured in the food and nutrition 4-H project. 4-H mem-

bers can choose to compete later in the year in the 4-H Food & Nutrition Quiz Bowl Contest and the 4-H Food Challenge Contest.

If you would like more information about the 4-H Food and Nutrition Project, please contact Kelli Maberry, CEA-FCH at (325)823-2432 or kelli. maberry@ag.tamu.edu.

SPEED: Continued From Page 1 That would indicate that a plan will be in place shortly to have a sign letting drivers know the speed limit around the Jones County Courthouse is 15 MPH in both directions.

Not so. Tanya Brown stated on Monday, November 25, 2019, she learned there had been a Ball Bank Study completed by TxDOT and the speed signs will change to 25 MPH around the court-

house. The question to her was, “Did this study take into consideration people crossing the street on the curve?” She is going to look into this.

Judge Dale Spurgin stated the 15 MPH squiggly line sign with the yellow background is actually a warning sign and a suggested speed. There are several signs around the Courthouse with yellow

backgrounds “warning” the driver the road splits up around the three-story building and where the crosswalks are. Then there is a smaller white sign on the East side and one on the West side telling the driver to Yield to pedestrians. These signs are very close to the crosswalk in the middle of the curve.

Hopefully, TxDOT will reevaluate the curve and

speed around the Jones County Courthouse to include the need for pedestrians to cross the street. Twenty-five MPH is too fast to drive, stop for pedestrians, and slow down or stop for drivers turning left on the short side of the round-a-bout while manipulating the curve. At press time, Brown from TxDOT is working the problem.

1ST GRADE: Layton Adams, Shadixx Agraz, Kaelyn Aguilar, Nevaeh Alvarado, Aysin Alvarado, Cadance Andruch, Erma Bell, Garryn Bell, Jaxsyn Bolin, Karsyn Bryant, Carter Cantu, Natalie Carter, Kayden Contreras, Kannyn Cornelius, Robert Delce, Jaycee Escobedo, Ky’Rhyanna Flye, Sophee Garcia, Paisley Huston, Victoria Marquez, David Marsh, Cy Martinez, Karrison McCann, Robert McCoy, Adam Mendez, Preslee Pattison, Jazlyn Sarmiento, Keaton Sells, Haze Strand, Austin Sugar, Ethan Wilson 2ND GRADE: Gary Bell, AJ Brewer, Koasjia Calicutt, Addison Cook, Addison Corzine, Ethan Finley, Kae’Bren Fletcher, Kevin Flores, Esmelina Gomez, Colton Huston, Teagan Lillie, Emerson Moreno, Alexander Raines, Layne Seelke, Addyson Silguero, Pyper Wright 3RD GRADE: Norah Andruch, Steven Conway, Braisyn Dillard, Easton Hernandez, Braden Logan, Isabella Marquez, Krysalyn McClintock, Haileigh Thompson, Morgan Woolf 4TH GRADE: Kash Brattain, Miles Follis, Karsten Hall, Ace Martinez, Quincy Page, Jace Patterson, Caroline Shoemaker, Christiana Weathersbee, Bryson Wilson 5TH GRADE: Khloe Cantu, Jacy Corzine, Ramiro Mendez, Levi Valenkamp

A/B HONOR ROLL

1ST GRADE: Jaden Acosta, Mia Ballesteros, Lake Buzzard, Aydenn Cruz, Jackeline Gomez, Harper Henager, Melvin Henry, Carter Hickman, Jaxen Painschab, Carli Vega, Khys’n Willis 2ND GRADE: Austen Aguilar, Ivan Gallegos, Journee Green, Alexis Harris, Aubrie Holmstrom, Cameron Huston, Luis Ibarra, William Ivy, Za”Brein Kinney, Randa McCrary, Ky’Lynn Pattison, Michael Quinonez, Maricela Resendiz, Micheal Segura, Jordan Silguero, Alika Valenzuela, Natali Ventieno, Emily Wilson, Michael Zapata 3RD GRADE: Cayden Atkinson, Esai Cedillo, Lillian Cervantes, Kiley Crowson, Zamara Flores, CJ Gomez, Jaxon Harris, Michael Ortega, Brooklyn Reed 4TH GRADE: Sara Acosta, Ethan Bailey, Marivella Gonzales, Sutton Milford, Elizabeth Rhymes, Dallas Sanchez, Jennifer Silva, Michael Vasquez, Baelie Womble, Wade Wright 5TH GRADE: Joshua Andruch, Krailyn Becker, Jordan Burns, Cutter Caddell, Mattielynn Clifton, Trey Dippel, Everett Ekdahl, Caitlyn Ender, Baylor Flow, Trinity Green, Hadley Gurley, Zayne Lefevre, Carlee Levens, Kayleigh Lively, M’Kinley Locke, Kree McCright, Amber Miramontes, Aaniyah Montanez, Madalyn Mueller, Christopher Pardo, Crystal Pardo, Joshua Rhymes, Kenzlie Salazar, Aiden Sarmeinto, Erica Silguero

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Lueders-Avoca Raiders Dai’Quan Brown getting some air in a 69-12 win over Trent. (Photo courtesy of Roger Niehaus)

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Jordan Gomez of Spring Market of Anson donated hams for the clients of First United Church of Anson Food Pantry. Also in the photo are Rhonda Boaz, Barbara Berry, Laura and Ron Rice and Curtis Watkins, some of our food pantry workers. We are so thankful for Jordan and Spring Market for this awesome donation! Happy Thanksgiving!

LEVENS: Continued From Page 1 My wife, Misty, is currently employed with the Jones County Sheriff Office as a Corrections Officer since April of 2018.

I currently hold an Advanced Peace Officer license, working on achieving my Master Peace Officer license. I am also a certified TCOLE instructor. My combined years of experience, including my time as a corrections officer, is twelve years. I started as a Corrections Officer with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office in September of 2007. I then attended the

police academy at West Central Texas Council of Governments and became a peace officer in September of 2009. I then left Taylor County and worked for the Tye Police Department as a patrol officer from 2010 until 2012 before returning to Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. I continued working with Taylor County as a Corporal in the jail until January of 2015, when I then took a position with Callahan County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy.

While serving with Callahan County Sheriff’s

Office, I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant within a short period of time. I served as Sergeant for the reminder of my tenure with the agency. During that time with Callahan County, I worked numerous felony cases involving offenses ranging in severity while maintaining a notable conviction rate.

I then left Callahan County to pursue my goal and dream of becoming the Sheriff of Jones County, where home has always been in my heart, taking a job with the Anson Police

Department. I feel I can use my experience, strong morals, honesty, integrity, and work ethic to make positive and lasting changes to better the relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and its citizens.

In the coming months I look forward to meeting and speaking to residents about my plans and ideas on improving the Sheriff’s Office upon being elected Sheriff. I would also like to hear from residents on the current issues they have and feel that need to be addressed with the Jones County Sheriff’s Office that I may not be currently aware of. I graciously ask for your support in voting me, Chris Levens, for Jones County Sheriff and taking a Step in the Right Direction.

MORE SERVICE AND LESS POLITICS FROM A SHERIFF YOU CAN TRUST!!

Political Ad paid for by Chris Levens for Jones County Sheriff, Charlotte Herman Treasurer, 221 W McHarg, Stamford, TX 79553

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Bluebonnet Facility Schedules Tours Before Opening

BY KAY SPEARS The second Jones County Commissioners Court of the month was held on Monday, November 25, 2019, 9:00, at the Jones County Courthouse in Anson, Texas. There was a full complement of County Commissioners in attendance including James Clawson (Pct. 1), Lonnie Vivian (Pct. 2), Ross Davis (Pct. 3), and Joel Spraberry (Pct. 4). County Clerk LeeAnn Jennings, County Treasurer Amber Thompson, County Auditor Gwen Bailey and County Sheriff Danny Jimenez.

Jones County Judge Spurgin called the Commissioners Court to order before the minuets of the last regular meeting on November 12, 2019 were approved.

He then called the Public Meeting on the use of Countywide Voting. County Clerk Jennings reported Countywide Voting went very well when used on November 5, 2019. She stated, “We had several people that were able to vote outside of their location, whether they were traveling to work or from work.” Judge Spurgin stated he thought it was successful and informed the Court that “this is part of that process we have to go through to prove that we successfully conducted a Countywide Voting.” There were no other comments and the Public Hearing was closed. Judge Spurgin read the resolution concerning Countywide Voting and it was approved by the Commissioners.

The following trust property bids were approved as one action item: A bid submitted by Weldon Davis for the purchase of (R27226) Lot 1, in Block 62 in Hamlin Townsite Addition to the City of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $307.00.

Court cost has been waived.

A bid submitted by Weldon Davis for the purchase of (R16093), Lot 8 in Block 31, of the Hamlin Town-

site Addition to the City of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $305.00. Court cost has been waived. Judge Spurgin stated for clarification that the above Weldon Davis is not the same person as Commissioner Ross Davis, whose name is also Weldon.

A separate bid was approved, submitted by Anson Independent School District for the purchase of (R20430) South Sixty Feet of Lots One, Two, Three, and Five in Block Nineteen of the Original Town of Anson, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $100.00.

Court cost has been waived.

Judge Spurgin gave an update on the Disaster Declarations and all items related regarding FEMA, TDA, TDEM. The three Disasters are 4255, 4269 and 4416.

4255 relates to Precinct 1 and 4269 relates to Precinct 2. 4416 is County wide and involves the four precincts.

Specific information was discussed to move these projects forward.

Sheriff Jimenez gave the Court information on the Equipment Purchases needed by the Sheriff’s Department. He is going through Lawrence Hall Chevrolet, Anson, Texas in order to buy local. The specialized equipment will be installed by Defender Supply Company. The 2020 Tahoe will be ready in February or March of 2020 and

will cost $46,925.34 plus $350 for the graphics.

New tasers are needed due to many of them being 10 years old and the batteries will not be made anymore. He is looking to buy 8 new tasers, cartridges and the computer update. The price now is $13,464.00 and will go up 4% next year.

Judge Spurgin asked how many times Deputies have used their tasers in the last 12 months. Jimenez stated only two or three times.

He informed the Court the tasers are bright yellow and are a great deterrent, that no one wants to get tasered.

The Court approved these purchases.

It was approved to accept the Transfer and Donation of Equipment from the Texas Midwest PFC. Judge Spurgin went over the different categories of items from the Detention Facility that have been turned over to the Sheriff’s Office.

What the Sheriff’s Department does not use will be given to the Courthouse and items they are not able to utilize will be put into a surplus sale to the public.

Judge Spurgin stated he did not have any new information on the Sale of Block 5 Original Town of Anson, Jones County, Texas. This is the city block the County owns West of the old jail on 11th St. Commissioner Clawson stated he did not want to sell the property, siting they might need it

for something in the future.

Judge Spurgin stated he would let the parties know that at this time the County is not interested in selling.

It was approved to accept the TxDOT STEP Program FY 2020 and amend the budget for about $1,000 the County would be spending on the benefits for the Deputies providing the overtime. The State will be providing the County with about $4,000 grant to pay overtime for Deputies around the major holidays.

This is a DWI prevention program.

The TxDOT Request and Materials Local Government Assistance Program was approved. Next, an Addendum to the Non-Exclusive License and Services Agreement between Jones County and Local Government Solutions, L.P (LGS) was approved. This company is the software vendor which the District Clerk and the County Clerk utilizes. The County Attorney asked for this to be approved.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by County Treasurer Thompson and approved. The Commissioners approved Amend Budget and Line Item Transfers presented by County Auditor Bailey. It was approved to Pay Bills.

The Jones County Extension Service Report will be presenting their annual interpretation on Monday, December 9, 2019 at the Jones County Activity Center on the West side of the Courthouse Plaza. A luncheon will be served at 11:30am and the program will begin at noon, an RSVP is required.

The Bluebonnet Detention Center, the Texas Midwest Facility, will have a facility premier week, December 2 – 5. Monday, December 2nd, the MTC employees and their families will tour the facility in the evening.

On Tuesday, December 3rd, Anson ISD students will be present at a presentation, coordinated with a Criminal Justice Day. There will

be a media tour 2 – 5pm, with a presentation. From 6 to 8pm the community is invited to walk through the facility. On December 4th there are two Congressional tours in the daytime.

In the evening, 5 – 8pm the community again will be able to tour the facility.

On Thursday afternoon, December 5th, there will be a law enforcement preview.

The facility will be able to receive detainees on December 9, 2019.

Judge Spurgin stated no cell phones with picture taking capabilities will be allowed in the building, leave them in the car.

Everyone taking the tour will go through security and clearance to get in and will be checked in and out of the facility. This is being hosted by the United States Immigration and Custom Enforcement Agency, Dallas Field Office. With no further business to address or discussion items, the meeting was adjourned.

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The paw print

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Lady Dawgs Start Season With a Bang 11-12-19

Stamford 67 Comanche 23 Tylee Jo Bevel 17 pts, Laylonna Applin 16 pts, Audrey Brewer 10 pts, Shandlee Mueller 9 pts, Bresha Applin 8 pts

11-16-19

Jim Ned 54 Stamford 21 Tylee Jo Bevel 4 pts, Citlaly Gutierrez 4 pts, Audrey Brewer 4pts

11-19-19

Stamford 64 Jayton 21 Laylonna Applin 15 pts, Tylee Jo Bevel 14 pts, Shandlee Mueller 12 pts, Citlaly Gutierrez 10 pts, Audrey Brewer 8 pts

11-21-19

Stamford 64 Seymour 38 Tylee Jo Bevel 24 pts, Bresha Applin 11 pts, Shandlee Mueller 9 pts, Audrey Brewer 9 pts, Citlaly Gutierrez 8 pts Stamford 62 Holiday 52 Shandlee Mueller 19 pts, Tylee Jo Bevel 12 pts, Laylonna Applin 12 pts, Audrey Brewer 10 pts

11-22-19

Stamford 53 Benjamin 14 Shandlee Mueller 12 pts, Audrey Brewer 8 pts, Tylee Jo Bevel 8 pts, Bresha Applin 7 pts

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State’s Chief Election Officer Works To Head Off Election Misinformation Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs announced ahead of the 2020 primary and general elections that her office will join fellow members of the National Association of Secretaries of State in #TrustedInfo2020, a social mediabased education effort to prevent misinformation.

Hughs encouraged Texans to look to their state and local elections officials as the trusted sources of election information. “The upcoming 2020 elections will be historic and unlike any before,” said Hughs.

“It is imperative that voters in the Lone Star State are able to count on trusted sources of election information as they prepare to make their voices heard in next year’s elections. I encourage Texans to visit VoteTexas.gov and to follow our verified accounts, as well as those of their local elections officials, to receive the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding our elections,” Hughs added.

Texas — a Super Tuesday state — will conduct its party primaries on Tuesday, March 3. The other states holding elections on that date are Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont and Virginia.

TRUMP VISITS APPLE SITE While the U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence heard testimony at the U.S. Capitol in the impeachment inquiry into President Donald J. Trump on Nov. 20, the nation’s chief executive flew to Austin.

According to a White House news release, Trump met with Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook and held a brief news conference at Apple’s Flex compound. Trump praised Cook and the success of Apple and responded to reporters’ questions

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Sterling

relating to the impeachment hearings and to trade policy with China. Trump’s remarks are posted at whitehouse.gov.

JOBLESS RATE STAYS LOW Texas Workforce Commission on Nov. 15 reported the Lone Star State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.4 percent for the month of October.

This marks the fifth consecutive month of record low unemployment and 3.4 percent is the lowest unemployment rate since series tracking began in 1976.

“October Labor market data is great news for Texas workers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez.

“Their skills continue to be in high demand and more and more individuals are finding employment. These numbers are a wonderful reminder of why I am proud to be a Texan.”

Leading job growth in October was the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry, which added 9,700 jobs, followed by Professional and Business Services adding 6,300 jobs, and Education and Health Services which added 5,300 jobs.

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded October’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a nonseasonally adjusted rate of 2.1 percent, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 2.4. The Austin-Round Rock, College

Station-Bryan and Lubbock MSAs each recorded the third-lowest rate at 2.6 percent.

UPDATE: VAPING ISSUES As of Nov. 19, the Department of State Health Services had identified 189 Texas cases of severe lung disease in people who report vaping before developing symptoms, including one death.

Patients range in age from 13 to 75 years old, with a median age of 22 years.

About one-quarter of the people affected in Texas are minors. Three-quarters are male, and nine in 10 report vaping THC or marijuana, possibly in conjunction with other substances.

Almost all were hospitalized, with many requiring intensive care.

Nationally, 2,172 cases have been reported in 49 states. DSHS is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and other states to gather evidence about what the cases have in common and determine a cause.

LIVES HONORED AT EVENT Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture on Nov. 21 hosted the fourth Annual Texas Agriculture Memorial Day at the state Capitol.

At the event, a crowd recognized men and women who have lost their lives or have been severely injured while engaged in agricultural-related pursuits, and those who passed away due to other causes but had a significant role in the agricultural community, according to the department.

State 4-H and FFA youth leaders placed a memorial wreath on the steps of the Capitol and the Texas Department of Public Safety provided an honor guard with musical accompaniment by a lone bagpiper.

Finding a New Box If you’ve been reading my essays for a while, you know that Stamford has dealt with its fair share of health care challenges. You also know that these issues aren’t isolated to Stamford alone. When Stamford Memorial Hospital closed its emergency room and inpatient care services in June of 2018, it was one of 90 such hospital closures in the last decade. At least 20 of those closures were in Texas. Something like 800 more rural hospitals, onethird of the rural hospitals in America, have been at risk of closure.

In February of 2019, I wrote that rural healthcare was a problem that transcended Stamford. It was a daunting problem with no easy fixes.

Providing healthcare solutions would require more than just “thinking outside the box.” It might

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ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker require throwing away the old box entirely and building a new one. Well, in the Big Country of Texas, we might’ve just built a new box.

Stamford and Haskell are fierce rivals. They’ve met on the football gridiron almost 100 times. The football games can be bitterly contested and the antics between the towns before the games can be just as…enthusiastic. As a

Stamford native, I’ve heard Haskell-related conspiracy theories for years. I’m quite sure that Stamford-related conspiracies abound in Haskell.

And yet, despite that rivalry, Stamford and Haskell are far more alike than they are different. Our towns are 15 miles apart and there’s not exactly a great shift in landscape on U.S. 277 between us. We farm the same crops. We face the same challenges of weather and economics.

Our people live, work, and own business in each others’ towns. We intermarry. We might even be kin.

On November 19, 2019, the Stamford Hospital District and Haskell Memorial Hospital recognized that our similarities greatly outweigh our football rivalries and that the rural

health care climate is more challenging than the outcome of a football game.

The entities formed a new healthcare partnership to merge Stamford’s rural health clinic with Haskell’s clinic and operate their health care services as one.

As set forth in the joint press release by the parties, rural hospitals face difficult profit margins, declining insurance reimbursements, difficulty in recruiting physicians and health care providers, and an aging population that requires a higher level of care. By working together, the communities and their respective health care leaders are better able to meet all of these challenges and offer higher and better levels of services.

John Henderson, president and CEO of the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals stated, “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.”

I’ve said for years that, despite our rivalries, Stamford’s fate is intertwined with that of the communities around us.

We need to work together, because rural communities are not a win-lose scenario.

If Stamford survives and its neighboring communities do not survive, we didn’t “win.” In fact, we lost too. If Stamford is the only community left, that lessens the number of people trading with our local businesses.

In March 2019, I told you I didn’t have a lot of answers about rural healthcare. I also told you that we were starting the conversation to get creative and think beyond

the status quo. Our health care leaders in Stamford and Haskell have done just that and they might have set a precedent for other rural communities to follow. Today, the future of health care in Stamford and Haskell is stronger than it has been in a long time.

Let’s keep thinking beyond the box and building new boxes. There’s no telling what we might be able to accomplish next.

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

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

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

First Baptist Church John Ward 214 N Swenson 325-773-2781 AM Worship: 11:00 House of God Pastor Bobby Acosta 802 Ferguson St Sundays 11:00 am Lueders First Baptist Church Roscoe McCoy 228-4622 AM Worship: 11:00 MacKenzie Trail Cowboy Church AM worship 11:00 Heart of God Church 114 E Campbell Joanne Ochoa AM Worship 10:30 Nugent Baptist Church Craig Thames 228-4457 Worship: 11:00

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

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

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

Trinity Church Dr. Robert Wingrove 220 E. McHarg

10 NOVEMBER 29, 2019

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Giving Thanks This week is once again the time of year when the main thing that is on everyone’s mind (or at least on most, others think ahead to Black Friday but I have already gone on a rant about that one in the past, so I digress), and that is getting together with one’s family and giving thanks for all that we have. No matter if we are able to spend a few days with family or THOUGHTS FROM just the one day on Thanksgiving, being together is one of the UNDER THE CAP first things to be thankful for.

While normally I use this column Will McClure to offer some ideas on issues or even encourage you, the reader, to strive for something, this week I am going to go in a different direction as I would like to use this forum to express my thanks to the many people that have been on this journey that I call life.

I know that this may sound like an “ego trip,” but I know that there are many times where I feel like I have not given thanks enough and the appreciation is not felt. So, I want to take this time to not only give that thanks, but also put it in writing.

First and foremost, I want to give thanks to my family. My parents, Curtis and Debra, my sister and her husband, Brenda and Brice Bolin, and my nephew, Bryson Clay, have seen me at my highest of highs and lowest of lows over the past decade, but no matter what issues may come up they have always had my back and kept pushing me to move forward and follow my dreams.

Even when I felt like I was at rock bottom in between teaching jobs, they never let me give up on myself. My sister even encouraged me to look into Sweetwater a few times on a suggestion from a coworker, which I was at first reluctant to do, but now am glad that I was given that gentle push where I am happy.

Thank you all for your continued support and never letting me give up on myself. Next, I give thanks to Angie Cook and Callie Metler-Smith who both helped me grow in my career in different ways. When I returned to Stamford in 2014 only working a parttime job at HEB, I was able to see a fateful post about an editor job at The Stamford American and Callie gave me a chance to show what I had and can still do weekly in this column. From there, it was an extra boost when I was encouraged to apply at Cisco College in Abilene to become an English instructor and Angie gave me a chance to teach when every other opportunity shut me down because I didn’t have the experience yet. It was a definite learning experience and a challenge at times for both positions (and even doing them at the same time!), but I became more confident and gained invaluable skills that made me who I am today.

I could spend pages thanking everyone that has helped me along the way from my teachers in school that served as the inspiration for me to become a teacher myself from Mindy West, Rick Musemeche, and Paul Wright at Stamford High School to my college professors at Angelo State, such as Dr. Gabriella Serrano, Dr. Ilan Mitchell-Smith, Dr. Terrence Dalrymple, and Dr. Lawrence Musgrove. My many friends I have made along the way are too numerous to thank here, but the continued support and encouragement remind me who they are every day. Finally, I want to thank you, dear reader, for your continued support of this column and this a little over five year journey that you have joined me on with my random thoughts. I have nothing but gratitude for the many compliments and sometimes enthusiastic agreement with what I have written here on a weekly basis.

Words cannot express my appreciation, but I will say that I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon as long as you want to continue coming back.

Until next time, dear reader, have a Happy Thanksgiving and my cap’s off to you!

Fried Pies And Laundry There’s a place in Stamford you just can’t pass by. You have to stop and go in. Big letters on the front of the building spell out Fried Pies. A big sign near the yellow front door advertises fried pies and laundry pickup.

The building used to be a wholesale warehouse that stored candies and tobacco for distribution over a large area. Now it is a big fried pie kitchen.

Burney and Charlotte Herman own the business. In 2016,Charlotte spent some time developing her fried pie recipe.

When she gave Burney a sample, he said, “We could sell these.” So they started selling their pies on Facebook, making them at home. “We had a small trailer with a fryer in it,” says Buney.

“She’d do everything by hand, using a rolling pin to roll out the dough.”

During Stamford’s July 4th rodeo Burney rigged up a trailer on the back of his golf cart and drove back and forth behind the stalls, around the bleachers and sold 300 pies.

Now they have a mobile kitchen where pies can be

made on site. They have seven employees that make the pies and get them to stores and restaurants in Haskell, Albany, Aspermont and Abilene.

The pies are huge: 9 by 4 inches and come in a variety of flavors. Charlotte lists them: “Apple, cherry, peach, apricot, buttermilk chess, strawberry, blueberry, lemon, coconut and pineapple.”

Sometimes they make 800 pies a day. I watched one of their young helpers create a pie by filling the round piece of dough, folding it and crimping it with a fork. Each pie is made that way. “The only equipment we have is a roller to roll our rounds out,” says Burney.

“Everything else is done by hand.”

Since moving into their building last year, business has increased

substantially.

“People see our place and drop in. During the rodeo we’ll sell thousands of pies.

I put some racks in the trailer I pull with my golf cart so I can have a large selection of pies to choose from.”

They make other things besides pies. “She makes a chocolate cake to die for,” says Burney. “We make peanut butter cookies and chocolate chip cookies. During the winter we do frozen casseroles.” Charlotte added: “We do chicken salad every day all day and homemade tortillas on Friday.”

Their place is also a laundry and cleaning drop off point. Like other small towns that don’t

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

BIRTHDAYS DEC 3 - Kagen Logan, Lance Terry DEC 5 - Lillian Terry DEC 6 - Rick Campbell Know someone who is having a birthday? Please remember to call us at 325-773-5550 and let us know!

have a cleaning establishment, Stamford uses Charlotte and Burney’s place as a drop-off place where people take their laundry. It’s picked up and taken to a larger town for cleaning. “The driver shows up every day at 9 AM Monday through Thursday,” says Charlotte. “He picks it up and people get their laundry back the next day. I gave some thought to taking on the laundry, but decided it would be a good draw for the pies.

They’ll come in, drop off their clothes, pick them up the next day and they’re going to buy some pies. That’s pretty much what has happened. Now we have 300 laundry customers. I would not be where I am today had it not been for dirty laundry.”

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 29, 2019 11

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Have an item for our community Calendar?

Call 325-773-5550 and tell us about it or email it to office@ americannewspapers.net

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

12 NOVEMBER 29, 2019

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Stamford 48, Coleman 42

We have so much to offer for gift ideas.

Come by and see us for: Door Prizes!

Special pricing!

OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBE R 30th 10AM - 3P M

Book Signing: Callie Metler Smith: “Ben’s West Texas Snow” ‘How to Babysit a Logan”

Or simply give them a gift card from our store!

102 S. Swenson 325-773-5550 Open Mon.– FRI. 9 a.m.– 5:30 p.m.

The Bulldogs faced Coleman on Monday night and came away with a hard-fought win. Stamford lead by just one point at the half, but a scoring surge in the 3rd quarter gave them the margin needed for the win. Leading the scoring for Stamford

was Austin Brewer with 21 points. Also contributed were Trace Price with 8, D’Marcus Barber with 7, Keyven Mueller 4, Stephon Johnson 3, and Rylee Sconce 2.

After the holidays, the Dawgs will battle Archer City at home.

JONES COUNTY ARRESTS 11/17-11/23 11/17/2019 12:01:00 AM Kimberly Gonzales, Warrant - Warrant(S) Other Status = Pre-Dispo, Warrant - Warrant(S) Other Status = Pre-Dispo, Warrant - Warrant(S) Other Status = Pre-Dispo, Warrant - Warrant(S) Other Status = Pre-Dispo 11/18/2019 11:44:00 PM Tristen Matthew Varner, 49.04(D) - Driving While Intoxicated BAC >= 0.15 MA 54040014status = Pre-Dispo 11/21/2019 10:15:00 AM Jaterell Fisher, 37.09(C) - Tamper/Fabricate Phys Evid W/Intent To Impair F3 48040003status = Pre-Dispo, 38.11(G) - Proh Substance/Item In Corr/Civ Com Facility F3 73990677status = Pre-Dispo 11/21/2019 3:32:00 PM Marilyn Ann Payne, 521.021 Mc - Driver License Required (No Dl) Mc Status = Pre-Dispo, 521.021 Mc -

Driver License Required (No Dl) Mc Status = Pre-Dispo, Warrant - Warrant(S) Other Status = Pre-Dispo 11/22/2019 12:26:00 AM James Allen Ruger Abell, 481.125(A) - Poss Del Drug Paraphernalia Mc Status = Pre-Dispo 11/23/2019 12:54:00 AM Joseph Benavides 11/23/2019 12:59:00 AM Jacinto Limones Rosas, 49.09(B) *** - Driving While Intoxicated 3rd Or More F3 54040011status = Pre-Dispo 11/23/2019 10:40:00 AM Valerie Ann Lozano, 365.012(E) - Illegal Dumping >5 Lbs< 500 Lbs Or>5gal<100cft Mb 62050066status = PreDispo 11/23/2019 6:02:00 PM Angela Christen Meyer, 22.01 - Assault Class C Mc Status = Na, Warrant - Warrant(S) Other Status = NA, Warrant - Warrant(S) Other Status = NA