December 8, 2017 - Stamford American

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8, 2017

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 10, ISSUE 29 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 97, ISSUE 34 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 115, ISSUE 34

americannewspapers.net

AmerÄącan THE NEW

STAMFORD

facebook.com/stamamerican

@stamamerican

City Council Meets in Special Morning Session

Avid Students Volunteer at Stamford Memorial Hospital

BY WILL MCCLURE

Several seventh grade AVID students recently volunteered to decorate the Christmas tree in the lobby at Stamford Memorial Hospital.

Students helping are pictured left to right: Amhrye Sea, Brianna Villanueva, Madison Proffitt, Emily Patterson, Ashtyn Holt and Cameron Shoemaker. The staff and patients at Stamford Healthcare System appreciate these students taking time out of their busy schedules to help their community.

The Stamford City Council held a special called session last Monday morning, December 4th to discuss an important time-sensitive item as well as items scheduled for the regular meeting that was to be held the same day. Mayor Johnny Anders called the meeting to order at 10:00 am and asked Councilmember Melinda Smith to lead the invocation. After Councilmember Ken Roberson led the Pledge of Allegiance, the council moved forward with approving the minutes of the November 20th meeting as presented.

The council then looked at two property bids placed by Jones County and Rex Ford, respectively. The council moved to unanimously approve the bids as presented.

The next item was for the council to enter into executive session to consult with the city attorney. When the council returned to open session, no actions were needed to be taken from the matters discussed.

FFA Has A Successful Season Stamford FFA finished out their leadership competition season with a sucessful showing at the District, Area, and State level. The results are as follows.

JR SKILLS: Bryson Holt, Luke Thane, Sean Thane, Carson Carver (1st District, 2nd Area, 3rd State) SR SKILLS: Ben West, Lane Patton, Josh Mueller, Cade Lefevre (1st Dist, 2nd Area, 6th State) RADIO BROADCASTING #1: Carson Holt, Peyton Bevel, Garrett Arendall (2nd Dist, 1st Area, 6th State) AG ADVOCACY: Devin Hughes, Keith Richards, Maison Bickerstaff, Quincy Johnson Jr (1st Dist,2nd Area, State semi-finalist) PUBLIC RELATIONS: Morgan Sanders, Melanie

Ratheal, Nolan Baker, Trace Edwards (1st Dist, 1st Area, State semi finalist) AG ISSUES: Carson Holt, Zachary Duran, Braleigh Hickman, Carli Lefevre, Peyton Bevel, Garrett Arendall (1st - Dist, 3rd -Area) JR CHAPTER CONDUCTING: Brennon Day, Paris Alvarado, Toby White, Imajen Andrade, Houston Koenig, Cato Macias, Kaitlyn McClintock, Laramie Terrell (2nd Dist, 5th Area) RADIO BROADCASTING #2: Braleigh Hickman, Devin Hughes, Morgan Sanders (3rd District) SR CREED #1: Carli Lefevre (3rd District) SR CREED #2: Melanie Ratheal (5th District)

2 DECEMBER 8, 2017

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST Callie Metler-Smith | Publisher callie@americannewspapers.net Heather Sutton | Editor heather@americannewspapers.net Ben Gonzalez | Ad Manager ben@americannewspapers.net Will McClure | Reporter Gayle Lovvorn | Office Manager office@americannewspapers.net P.O. Box 870 102 S. Swenson Stamford TX 79553 325-773-5550 FAX: 325-773-5551 office@americannewspapers.net SUBSCRIPTION RATES Within Haskell, Jones, and Stonewall Counties: $30 Within Texas: $32 Within the United States: $35 DEADLINE The deadline to submit news and advertising is 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Exceptions may be granted only by permission from the publisher.

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

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

The New Stamford American (USPS 025-332) is published weekly at 102 South Swenson, Stamford, Jones County, Texas 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 2017 TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

Friday 59 | 35

Saturday 65 | 33

Sunday 69 | 39

Monday 68 | 39

Tuesday 61 | 41

MARK THE DATE...

VIP HELP: The Stamford VIP Center is in need of volunteer route drivers to deliver Meals on Wheels to our homebound people. It takes about 30 minutes or less to do, but you will bring joy to those you deliver to. Please contact Rita at 325-773-2337 Stamford VIP Center.

DEC 7TH

OPEN HOUSE: Stamford Walk-in Clinic will host a Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 7th from 4-6 PM. The event will be held at the walk-in clinic which is located at 1601 Columbia, inside Stamford Memorial Hospital. Everyone is invited to take selfies with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and treats and drop off your letters to the North Pole. Flu shots will also be available.

For more information, please call 325-773-4888.

DEC 13TH

CLOTHES CLOSET: Children’s Clothes Closet Wed., Dec. 13th 4-6. First Baptist Church.

Open to the public.

DEC 14TH

BAND CONCERT: The Beginner, Middle School, and High School Bands will present their Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 14 at 6:00 in the High School Auditorium. The public is invited!

DEC 14-16

CHRISTMAS BALL: The 83nd consecutive annual historical re-enactment of the Texas Cowboys’ Christmas Ball will be December 14, 15 & 16.

It is a festive family event always open to the public.

The nightly Ball begins at 8 pm and concludes at 12 midnight in old Pioneer Hall, 2300 Avenue G, Anson, TX 79501. It is traditionally held the Thursday, Friday & Saturday before December 25th. The Saturday Ranch Supper begins at 6 pm.

Information and tickets may be obtained from the website at www. ansoncowboyschristmasball. com.

DEC 20TH

RETIREMENT PARTY: Please join us for a Retirement Party Honoring Mary Ann Lovelady, Jones County Tax Assessor, Wednesday, December 20, 2017, 1:004:00 pm in the 259th Judicial Court (2nd Floor), Anson.

DEC 25-26

HOLIDAY CLOSURE: Stamford City Hall will be closed December 25 & 26, 2017 for Christmas Holidays. (last day to pay utility bill, before it reaches nonpayment status, will be Wed. December 27 at 5:00 p.m.)

BIRTHDAYS....

Dec 10 - Callie Smith Dec 11 - Tracy Kuenstler Dec 12 - Jeanie Mueller Dec 13 - Deborah Huggins Know someone who is having a birthday? Please remember to call us at 325-773-5550 and let us know!

Wednesday 69 | 41

Thursday 65 | 38

The weather is provided for you

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

Watts to Present Suicide Intervention Talk for Community Nick Watts will present a talk on Suicide Intervention sponsored by Stamford Healthcare System on Thursday, December 14th in the Stamford High School Cafeteria at 5:15 p.m. Parents and community members are invited to attend. Middle school and high school students will have the opportunity to hear the presentation during a school assembly earlier that day.

Nick lost his nineteen year old son, Jordan, to suicide in May 2013. Jordan suffered from depression. Nick and his wife, Michelle, and their daughters, Kelsie & Macy, were devastated by this loss, but over time, they have made a decision to help others who either know someone who is suicidal, or are suicidal themselves.

Nick’s presentation combines insight learned from mental health professionals since his son took his life, as well as over 30 years in full-time, vocational ministry primarily working with teens and their parents.

The presentation will include information on the following: • The Suicide Epidemic • The Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why” • Myths about suicide • Major Depressive Disorder (depression is the mental condition most associated with suicide) • Warning signs for one who may be suicidal • Suicide Intervention Skills: General & Specific • Help & Hope Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for more than one percent of all deaths.

It is the second leading cause of death among people ages 15-24. Based on data from the 2010-2014 Community Commons, the death rate for suicide in Jones County was more than twice the state and national average.

For more information about the presentation, please call 325.307.3615.

Stamford City Hall will be closed December 25 & 26, 2017 for Christmas Holidays. (last day to pay utility bill, before it reaches non-payment status, will be Wed. December 27 at 5:00 p.m.)

Community

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Shop Blue With Chamber’s Blue Christmas The Stamford Chamber of Commerce kicked-off the holiday season with the first Blue Christmas on Thursday, November 30. The businesses stayed opened late to participate in Blue Christmas by hosting holiday open houses for the community.

“We were happy to see all of the people around the Square and town going in and out of our local businesses,” Caitlin Richards Stamford Chamber of Commerce executive director said.

The businesses included: BBVA Bank, Beyond Faith Homecare & Rehab, Blue Jean Café, Buffalo Gals Boutique, Farmers Insurance, Holy Hair, Little House of Treasures, Noteworthy, Pink Ladies Thrift Shop, Stamford Health Club, Tractor Supply, Unperfect Fried Pies & Gifts and YourTime Fitness.

Each business hosted customers and visitors with a fun holiday activity and treats specific to their business. Additionally, the Cowboy Country Museum was open late to host oldfashioned ornament making and pictures with Santa in front of their original SMS Ranch chuck wagon.

To view the pictures with Santa, visit the Stamford Chamber of Commerce of Facebook page.

“We would also like to say a special thank you to the Stamford Bulldog Band for coming out to help kick off the evening with their musical melodies,” Richards said. “It really made the event even more merrier.”

The Stamford Chamber of Commerce coordinated the event as a way to spread some holiday cheer and promote shopping and spending at Stamford’s local businesses. Blue Christ-

mas kicked off a raffle promotion to shop and support local businesses as part of the effort.

At the participating businesses, visitors and customers had the opportunity to participate in a raffle ticket incentive. The raffle ticket incentives include spending $10, asking for a quote or purchasing a specialty item at the business.

If customers participated, they were given a raffle ticket to enter the drawing.

The raffle prizes include: a $300 cash prize, a $150 cash prize donated by Atmos Energy, a $100 cash prize donated by Wash-Pot, and gift certificates to Blue Jeans Café, Buffalo Gals, Dixie Dog, Little House of Treasures, Makaio & Meme’s, Mi Familia, Noteworthy, Stamford Health Club and Unperfect Fried Pies & Gifts.

Raffle tickets will be available at the participating businesses through Thursday, December 14. For a full list of the businesses and incentives stop by one of the participating businesses (listed above) for a Blue Christmas Guide or visit the Stamford Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page.

Participants will need to drop off their raffle tickets at the Cowboy Country Museum by Thursday, December 14 at 5:30 p.m. to participate in the raffle.

The Museum is open Tuesday – Friday from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. The drawing for the raffle will be on Friday, December 15 at noon. The winners will be contacted via phone. All participants must put their name and phone number on their tickets to enter the raffle.

“It was so much fun to see all of the families taking pictures with Santa and then going around to the

The Chamber of Commerce and Beyond Faith were in the Christmas spirit serving snacks and hot cocoa.

Unperfect Fried Pies and Gifts greeted people as Thing 1 and Thing 2 to spread cheer with cookies and goodies. participating businesses,” Richards said. “We hope everyone enjoyed their time at Blue Christmas and will continue to go out and support our local businesses by shopping ‘blue’ this

Christmas.”

For more information about Blue Christmas or the raffle, contact Caitlin Richards at 325-773-2411 or at chamberdirector@ stamfordtx.org.

DECEMBER 8, 2017

3

JONES COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT The Jones County Sheriff’s Office from November 24th thru 30th responded to 42 calls for service. There were 29 Traffic Stops conducted. The following people were booked into the Jones County Jail during this period: Jeffrey Scott Johnson, Court Commit; Tyler Clayton Paschall, Driving while License Invalid w/previous convictions; Sharon Kay Hollabaugh, Hold for Haskell County; Buffi Louis Hutson, Hold for Taylor County; Holly Deann Reed, Hold for Taylor County; John Shulenberg, Expired Registration; Fail to Maintain Financial Responsibility; No Driver’s License; Bobbie Joleigh Lotter, Warrants x2; Karla Denise Brown, Warrant; John Curtis Hollar, Driving while License Invalid w/previous conviction; Sandy Bernice Hinojosa, Driving while License Invalid; Fail to Maintain Financial Responsibility; Adrian Ray Johnson, Assault Family Violence; Interfering w/an Emergency Call; Resisting Arrest; Mia Marie Armstrong, Warrants x5; Alvin Gardner, Warrants x2; Ronald Mack Rye, Driving while Intoxicated w/Open Container; Rajnesh Marran, Possession of Marijuana; Aleksandr Marshalkin, Warrant; Creighton Crossan, Warrants x2; Patricia Dolores Rice, Driving while License Invalid w/previous conviction; Joe Davie Garcia, Hold for Terry County Summary of calls responded to: Agency Assist – 4, Alarm – 1, Animal Cruelty – 1, Civil Process – 8, Fire – 2, Livestock – 3, Motorist Assist – 1, Motor Vehicle Accident – 4, Public Service – 1, Reckless Driver – 2, Suspicious Activity – 8, Theft – 1, Transport – 2, Warrant Service – 2, Welfare Check – 1, 911 Hang-up – 1 Calls Responded to: 11/26/2017 Deputy Soliz responded to an animal cruelty call.

Calling party stated there appeared to be dogs tied up under a bridge located in Jones County. Deputy Soliz checked the area but was unable to locate any person(s) or dogs in the area.

11/28/2017 Sergeant Alfaro responded to a welfare check call. Calling party stated they had reason to believe that an elderly person could be living in deplorable conditions.

Sergeant Alfaro made contact with the two occupants of the home and determined one was in need of medical attention. Stamford EMS was contacted and transported one; family members and APS were also notified.

11/29/2017 Deputy Zertuche responded to an alarm call.

Calling party stated that rear entry indicator was activated.

Deputy Zertuche checked the property and found no signs of forced entry. No report.

11/30/2017 Deputy Lively responded to motor vehicle accident call. Calling party stated they witnessed an ATV flip with two male occupants. Deputy Lively located the ATV and occupants who stated they were uninjured and would be going home.

ESTRAYS: The Jones County Sheriff’s Office will post Estray notices on the Jones County Website. Please check the website for any Estrays and notify the Sheriff’s Office at 325-8233201 if you have any information on an Estray.

4 DECEMBER 8, 2017

news@americannewspapers.net

Bulldogs Named to Academic All-District Teams Named to the Academic All-District Teams were Rudy Gutierrez Sr, Noah Horn Sr, Caden Mathis Sr, Jared Muehlstein Sr, Quinton Adkins Jr, Peyton Bevel Jr, Zach Duran Jr, Kaleb Flick Jr, Riley Gomez Jr, Carson Holt Jr, Cade Lefevre So, Joshua Mueller So, Lane Patton So, Keith Richards So, Korey Villanueva So, Ben West So, Carson Carver Fr, Brennon Day Fr, Bryson Holt Fr, Catarino Macias Fr, Sean Thane Fr.

Bulldogs Begin Basketball Season The Bulldogs have now turned their attention to basketball. After ONE day of practice, they faced Snyder at Stamford on Tuesday, December 5. The final score was 44-29. The Bulldogs’ scoring was led by Trace Edwards with 14 points.

BALES GINNED AT AREA GINS

as of 12/5/17

Ericksdahl Coop Gin - 6751 Farmer’s Coop Gin-Stamford - 16,572

Farmer’s Coop Gin-Anson 700 Farmer’s Coop Gin-Radium - 5,438

AREA NEWS

BAYLOR COUNTY BANNER: The Busted in Baylor County and MATCO Tools presented the Seymour Meals On Wheel with a $3,000 check on November 17. The proceeds were raised at the 2017 Busted in Baylor County Motorcycle Rally.

DEATH NOTICE Douglas Paul Driskill, 70, of Robert Lee, Texas passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2017 in Robert Lee. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Tankersley Funeral Home in Stamford with Rev. Dennis Huffaker officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Spring Creek Cemetery in Avoca.

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

OBITUARIES

Gladys Louise Carter

James E. Plumlee

Gladys Louise Carter, 94, of Sweetwater and formerly of Stamford, passed away Monday, November 27, 2017 in Sweetwater. Graveside services were held 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 1, 2017 in Highland Memorial Cemetery with Wes Horn officiating and under the direction of Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home in Stamford.

Gladys was born August 23, 1923 in Hodges, Texas, the daughter of the late W.J. and Annie Rae (Hinsley) Copeland. She married E.W. “Jack” Carter in 1940 in Anson, Texas.

Jack preceded her in death in 1990. Gladys worked for Doris Kinney at the Wash Pot Laundry in Stamford and Hamlin before retiring. She moved from Stamford to Oak Point in 1995 and recently had moved to Sweetwater. Gladys was a member of the Church of Christ.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband; a son, Billy Carter; and a daughter, Patsy Carter Dodson.

Gladys is lovingly survived by a daughter, Rita Faye McCraw of Oak Point, Texas, two sons, Marvin Ray Carter and wife Mary Ann of Sweetwater, Jackie Doyle Carter and wife Linda of Stamford; a sister, Lois Hughes and husband Kenneth of Stamford; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Online guestbook entries may be given at www. kinneyunderwoodfuneralhome.com

James E. Plumlee was born on August 27, 1931 in the small West Texas farming community of Avoca, Texas to Raymond F. and Myrtle (Knuckles) Plumlee. He was a member of the Avoca Baptist Church and was baptized in the local river. Jim grew up helping his father with repairs on bull dozers and became proficient in overhauling cars and motorcycles. During high school, he traveled to Kansas with some friends including his high school principal to work on the wheat harvest. He graduated from high school with seven other classmates at the age of 16 and attended McMurray College in Abilene.

After working in a local oilfield construction business, Jim was employed as a roustabout with Humble Oil and Refining. He met Patricia Vaden in February of 1952 and they were married 4 months later. Just a few months later, Jim was drafted into the US Army. He was in Artillery, Fire Direction Center and Rifle Team at Camp Carson, Colorado. Jim later trained troops for Korea at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. After he was discharged, Jim and Pat moved back to Stamford to work in the electrical department and as a pumper and roustabout with Exxon Oil & Gas. During this time, Jim became a member of the Masonic Lodge #853 of Stamford, Texas.

After ten years of marriage, they were blessed with a chosen baby boy, James Kirk who was quickly followed just seven months later by twin brothers, Mike and Mark. In the middle of this wonderful mess of three little boys, diapers and sleepless nights, Jim was transferred to Lafayette, Louisiana and promoted to Production Technician. He ran the first computerized drilling rig which controlled bit weight and drilling speed. Jim was instrumental in developing a method to produce a leak proof joint on tubular goods at the Lab in Pierce Junction for Exxon. He traveled extensively with his computer to the steel mills across the U.S. as an instructor.

Jim was again transferred to the Tyler, Texas District and began training as a field superintendent. He worked in the gas fields in Hawkins, TX and became a Senior Field Superintendent of the New London field near Kilgore, TX. After a 30 year career with Exxon, Jim had the opportunity to work for an old West Texas friend, Max Williams, owner of U.S. Operating in Giddings, TX. He came into the Austin Chalk Boom as a field superintendent and he and Pat lived in the U.S. Operating trailer camp east of Giddings. Then in 1982, Jim, his brother Robert and lifelong friend, Murrel Hall embarked into the hot oil business together. Jim’s sons Mike, Mark, and Kirk soon followed as hot oil truck operators. Through 35 years as a small business owner, Jim was very proud of the lifelong employee and vendor relationships and Texas Hot Oilers and retired to enjoy traveling, hunting, and fishing. He was very active in teaching all of his grandchildren about the outdoors.

Jim loved drinking coffee early every morning, working a crossword puzzle and watching his beloved hummingbirds.

Mr. Plumlee passed away on Monday, November 27, 2017 at his residence in Giddings.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Pat; three sons, Kirk and his wife Charlotte, Mike and his wife Lynane, and Mark and his wife Nancy; grandchildren Rob Rudolph, Blake Rudolph, Brandon Plumlee and his wife Priscilla, Justin Plumlee and wife Amanda, Jennifer and her husband Taylor Creek, Logan and husband Keith Spacek, Corbin Plumlee, and Rush Plumlee; great grandchildren, Bristol Plumlee, Riley Plumlee, Cutter Creek, Cannon Creek, Tess Spacek, Cora Plumlee, and Baby Plumlee; sister, Dicey Brown of Abilene and several nieces and nephews including Stan Brown, Larry Plumlee, Dennis Hickam and Karen Hickam, and many close and loving friends.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, 1048 North Jefferson Street, La Grange, TX 78945 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arthur Michael Culpepper Arthur Michael (Mike) Culpepper was born in Denton, TX on May 15th, 1969 to Art and Charlotte Culpepper.

His family moved to Stamford in 1984. Mike was a 1987 graduate of Stamford High School. After graduating he attended Western Texas College earning an associate’s degree in Golf Course Management, working at several courses in Texas. He eventually returned to Stamford, joining the family cotton warehousing business.

Mike loved sharing his love of the outdoors and hunting with his nephews, Canden and Payton. He was also devoted to his two year old great niece Lyla.

Mike is survived by his parents, Art and Charlotte Culpepper of Stamford, TX, brother John Culpepper and wife Mitzi of Stamford, TX, nephews Canden Culpepper and Payton Culpepper, great niece Lyla Culpepper, grandmother Annette Culpepper of Kennett, MO, and a host of other family and friends. Mike passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2017 in Stamford. Per family request, cremation was selected, and Mike will be privately laid to rest. If desired, memorials may be sent to the Mental Health organization of your choice.

Online condolences may be made and viewed at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

DECEMBER 8, 2017 5

HELLO FROM COWBOY COUNTRY By Luci Wedeking There is something magic in the air around here, and it’s not just Christmas coming! There is a newfound resurgence of energy coming back to the square, can y’all feel it? We saw it last week with the Chamber’s Blue Christmas event, stores lit up into the night, people were out shopping, visiting, and enjoying themselves. And the Grand Theater lights lit up again, like a beacon of continued prosperity yet to come! It felt wonderful, and hinted back at the good old days when downtown Stamford bustled with excitement every weekend.

We had quite the crowd in the museum, too! Santa came, and with him a few hundred people. Children of all ages had their photos taken in his lap next to our historic SMS Ranch chuck wagon. Families made ornaments for our museum tree, and learned about “Christmas on the Frontier” from our brand-new exhibit that will be up all December.

Something magic has happened for me, as well.

For the first time in over a decade, the museum has purchased a new original work of art, direct from one of the Western art world’s fastest rising stars. There are a handful of artists I believed I would only dream of seeing in our gallery, Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Maynard Dixon, N. C. Wyeth. I’d had Mark Maggiori’s name on that short list, the list of dreams, until now. Now it’s actually happened.

My friend, artist Jason Lohmeier recently said, “If you haven’t heard of Mark Maggiori, you must be living under a rock!” and for active Western art fans, that is certainly the case. In a few short years, Maggiori has taken the art world by storm, and is without doubt, one of the new Western masters. He is the recent recipient of the 2017 Sam Houston Award for Painting, the top prize from the Briscoe Western Art

Museum in San Antonio, and has also shown pieces this year at the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles, the Prix de West show at the National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City, and the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis.

A native of France, Maggiori started his career as a photographer, musician, and filmmaker. In just two short years of painting life in the Old West, he has quickly risen through the ranks, solidifying himself a firm position among the most sought-after artists in the Western Art world today. If you look at the gallery on his website (www. markmaggiori.com) it is easy to see why. Known for his larger than life cowboys, backed by jaw droppingly beautiful vistas and cloudscapes, comparisons have been made to his work looking more like a classic John Ford Western movie than a stagnant painting.

His compositions are dramatic, color palette rich and vibrant, and the overall impression is so realistic the viewer easily feels himself a part of each scene.

This month, Maggiori is the featured artist in both Western Art Collector and Southwest Art Magazine, with his second solo show, “Lonesome Souls,” set to open on December 9th at the Maxwell Alexander Gallery in Los Angeles (which will no doubt sell out that same night). It is next to impossible to get one of his paintings, with large works going for $20,000-$30,000 and up, he has a waiting list of three years for commission pieces.

So how did this happen, you say? Magic. I’m telling you, it is in the air! Really, it was a matter of luck, being in the right place at the right time, over two years of research, and constant networking online. About twice a year, the artist makes a few sketches available to his fans, not the bigtime collectors, but for his die-hard fans. I was lucky enough to be privy of this

Original artwork by Mark Maggiori added to the Cowboy Country Museum’s permanent collection. and jumped at the opportunity immediately. As you can see, the best part about the piece we’ve acquired is that it has a rodeo theme, so it’s perfect for us here in Cowboy Country. I won’t say anymore, the photo does it no justice, y’all need come in to see it yourself.

Folks from all over the state will be making a trek this way too, as word gets out we have an original Mark Maggiori here in Stamford. I am ecstatic, there are only a few museums in the whole country who can boast such a claim!

To celebrate, we are having an Art Reception and Open House the evening of December 14th from 6:008:00pm, where the artwork will be unveiled to the public for the first time. Unlike our recent Family Night events, this will be a more formal affair, so please leave the kids at home and come experience an evening of culture and refinement in downtown Stamford.

Before I leave you this week, I would love to thank our museum interns who really helped make Blue Christmas a huge success!

Shelby, Teresa, Alyssa, Damien, Scott, Hailee, Jacoby, Xavier, Brittney, and Travonna, we couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you all for your hard work!!!

As always, readers, we’d love for you to stop by the museum, either to volunteer or to visit. Remember, we are open Tuesday through Friday, 12:30 to 5:30 pm. Have a great week and see you soon!

Neighbors helping neighbors--A small group of local farmers banded together Monday to strip Sammy Nauert’s cotton fields.

6

news@americannewspapers.net

DECEMBER 8, 2017

Teacher of the Week Michelle Gilbert Michelle Gilbert is the 7th grade Reading and Writing teacher and the 8th grade AVID teacher.

She is passionate and loves her students.

In her off time she enjoys reading, running, building legos and playing basketball. Mrs. Gilbert has been teaching for the SISD for all of her 22 year career. She says her goals as a teacher are to work to be a good role model and to do her best as a teacher every day. What she loves about Stamford ISD is the kids and the sense of community and family at all the schools. Mrs. Gilbert says that her proudest moment as a teacher is everyday because everyday kids

are learning and creating.

For this and all that you do for our community’s children, Mrs. Gilbert, is why you are our Teacher of the Week. Thank You

for all that you do, you are greatly appreciated. Please enjoy your Sonic gift card donated anonymously by a caring member of the community.

The weather continues to be great, it does not seem like December. I am sure we will get it one of these days, and it will come at us with a bang. We do need some moisture very badly. Maybe we will get some rain soon.

There will NOT be a Senior Citizens Dance at the Old Glory Community Center on Thursday, December 14. There is not a band available. Please pass the word to your friends and let them know there will not be Senior Citizens Dance at Old Glory this month.

There seems to be so much illness going around.

I do hope everyone is getting better and all the illness is on the decline.

Mittie Dunham was in Aspermont on Tuesday to join Shirlene Sikes for coffee and a visit. On Wednesday, Mittie and Whiz Creighton drove to Lubbock on business. On their way they stopped to visit with a dear friend, LuNell Gribble.

While in Lubbock they enjoyed having lunch with Mittie’s grandson, Colton Hill.

The Letz family gathered at the Old Glory Community Center on Saturday to celebrate their family Christmas. Enjoying the food and the day together were Steve and Linda Letz and Karen of Abilene, Micah and Lacey New, Darbee, Laynee and Hazlee of Abilene, Terry and Laramie Letz and Brody of Sagerton, Casey and Emery Letz and Cale of Stamford, Jana and Albert Hinkle and their three grandchildren of Abilene, Dale and Carm Letz and Danny and Phyllis

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

OLD GLORY NEWS

By Anita Dozier Letz all of OG. My three daughters, Rita, Susan and Marcie, and my son and his wife, Mike and Maxelle, spent the day here with me on Saturday. They worked all day, cleaning the place up and then decorated for Christmas. It was a great day for me, got it all out of the way. Thanks, family, for all your hard work.

Phyllis Letz visited with Elda Mae Bryant on Saturday.

Dale and Carm Letz were in Haskell on Sunday afternoon to attend grandson, Brody Letz’s, piano recital.

Pide and Mittie Dunham had lunch with Steve Duncan of Aspermont and Whiz Creighton in Aspermont on Sunday.

Meta Kupatt, Verlene Corzine, Odene Dudensing and I enjoyed having lunch together in Stamford on Sunday.

Several members gathered at the Old Glory Lodge on Sunday afternoon for their monthly meeting.

President, Doug Vahlenkamp, called the meeting to order. Minutes were read and treasurer’s report was given by Verlene Corzine.

Doug informed members

that the installation of officers will be held in January and each Lodge will be doing their own installation instead of traveling to Abilene as in the past.

All committee reports were given. Meta Kupatt was only member present with a birthday in December.

Verlene Corzine won the door prize. Following the meeting the group enjoyed games and a meal of ham and all the trimmings. The next meeting will be on Sunday, January 3 and the meal will be soup or stew and desserts furnished by the members.

Quote for the week: “Always try to do something for the other fellow and you will be agreeably surprised how things come your way, how many pleasing things are done for you.”

Happy Birthday wishes go to James Branch, Beaty Bryant, Polly Frazier, Wesley Martin, Judy Wilkins, Pat Hill, Herbert Williams, Dorothy Jones, Patty Kittley, Oleta Cornelius, Kaye Swink, Dana Harms, Lisa Schonerstedt, Amber Lackey, Janice Cannon, Trance Rosenquist, Virginia Douglas, Gail Ray, Kellye Teichelman, Bill Tabor, Callie Metler-Smith, Jimlee Baucum, Tracy Kuenstler, Kit Lefevre, Ester Munoz, Marcene Tucker, Lanham Martin, Brody King, Ed Wolsch, Will Smith, and Jonnie Crowson. We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to Ivy and Kaye Swink, Jimlee and Doris Baucum and Gary and Carolyn Teichelman. Have a great day.

SISD MENU December 11th-December 15th Monday Breakfast Pizza, Fruit, Assorted Fruit Juice, Milk Variety Country Pot Pie, Broccoli Bites, Veggie Cup, Snowball Salad, Milk Variety Tuesday French Toast, Sausage, Fruit, Assorted Fruit Juice, Milk Variety Chicken Fajitas, Charro Beans, Lettuce and Tomato, Tiny Tomato Cup, Salsa, Hot Cinnamon Apples, Milk Variety Wednesday Sausage Kolache and Yogurt OR Breakfast

Rounds and Yogurt, Fruit, Assorted Fruit Juice, Milk Variety Cheeseburger, Burger Garnish, Oven Fries, Fresh Veggie Cups, Mixed Fruit, Milk Variety Thursday Breakfast Taquito, Fruit, Assorted Fruit Juice, Milk Variety Chicken Alfredo, Breadstick, Tuscan Vegetables, Garden Salad, Peaches, Cookie, Milk Variety Friday Waffles and Sausage OR Muffin and Yogurt, Fruit, Assorted Fruit Juice, Milk Variety Bulldog Chicken Bowl, Roll, Savory Green Beans, Apple Slices, Milk Variety

The Paw Print

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

DECEMBER 8, 2017

7

Turnovers Take Toll As Bulldogs Fall To Panhandle Panthers

BY JENNIFER CRAIG The Stamford Bulldogs ran smack into Murphy’s Law and a fired up team of Panhandle Panthers Saturday afternoon at Lowrey Field in Lubbock. The Bulldogs had six turnovers (four interceptions and two fumbles) while only forcing one Panther fumble. Two of the Bulldog turnovers occurred in the second quarter to aid Panhandle in scoring 34 points and virtually putting the ball game away. The loss ends the Bulldogs’ football season with a 10-3 mark which is a vast improvement from 2016’s 2-8 record and is well above the last place district finish predicted by Texas Football.

The Bulldogs received the opening kickoff but were unable to move the ball and Tre Mitchell punted the ball over to the Panthers. Panhandle used just five plays

to post their first score.

Junior quarterback Braden Durst broke free of wouldbe tacklers and raced 63 yards for a touchdown. Garrett Barnett added the PAT for a 7-0 Panhandle lead.

Demarcus Downs returned the kickoff out to the Bulldog 41. Bulldog QB Peyton Bevel kept for 16 yards to the Panhandle 43. Lonnie Applin caught a Bevel pass on the next play and carried it down to the Panhandle three before being pushed out of bounds. A run by Steven Johnson worked to the two but a trick play with Caden Mathis carrying the ball was caught for a two yard loss. Johnson got the call on third down but lost the ball out of bounds just before he crossed the goal line. Johnson again got the call on fourth down and he carried in for the tying touchdown.

The Panthers came right

back with an eleven play, 70 yard drive. Durst again got the score as he pulled away from a Bulldog defender and ran 25 yards for a Panhandle touchdown.

The next Stamford drive ended when a pass intended for Tre Mitchell was picked off by Kaden Lynch at the Panhandle 13. The Bulldog defense forced a punt and got the ball at the Panhandle 38 after the return. The Dogs started with Johnson up the middle for a yard. A pass for Applin was overthrown but Bevel called his own number on third down and raced 37 yards for the tying touchdown.

Panhandle used another big play to break the 14-14 tie early in the second quarter when Durst found Luke Ray for a 57 yard. Barnett’s kick was no good but the Panthers had a 20-14 lead with just 30 seconds off the clock in the second quarter.

Barnett would make up for the lost point on the next Bulldog play when he picked up a Bulldog fumble and rumbled 44 yards for a touchdown then added the PAT. In just 18 seconds the Panthers had scored 13 points.

The Bulldogs fumbled again on the first play of their next drive and again the Panthers recovered.

It took the Panthers eight plays to add to their lead with Jayse Edwards getting

the touchdown on a five yard run.

The Dogs couldn’t overcome a ten yard loss on a sack of Bevel so were forced to bring Mitchell in to punt. Blue would get the ball back two plays later when Carson Holt recovered a Panhandle fumble at the Panther 23. Two incomplete passes and two plays for lost yardage ended the drive at the Panhandle 31.

Durst used his arm to move the Panthers to their

next score. The TD came on an eleven yard pass to Mason Reynolds. Barnett’s kick upped the score to 41-14 with 2:21 left in the half.

Bevel used the airways too on the ensuing Bulldog drive. The Stamford quarterback hit Johnson for a seven yard gain before finding Applin with a 42 yard gain to the Panhandle ten yard line.

SEE BULLDOGS, PAGE 9

8

news@americannewspapers.net

DECEMBER 8, 2017

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Bulldogs Named to All District Teams

5 Steven Johnson 5’8 180 Sr RB/DB

Lonnie Applin

Numerous Bulldogs received District 2A Division 1 All District honors.

Steven Johnson was named District MVP, and Lonnie Applin was chosen Defensive MVP. Winners of the Pride Award were Noah Horn and Aggasi Hernandez.

Named to the 1st Team Offense were Caden Mathis, HD Lewis, Joseph Hernandez, Peyton Bevel, RJ Smith. Chosen as 2nd Team Offense were Tre Mitchell, Riley Gomez, Jared Muehlstein, Trace Edwards.

1st Team Defense choices were Tim Chambers, Carson Holt, HD Lewis, Tre Mitchell, RJ Smith. Named to 2nd Team Defense were Austin Ramos, Joseph Hernandez, Quinton Adkins, D’Marcus Barber (Not Pictured), Bonner Voss.

2 Noah Horn 6’0 178 Sr. QB/DB

3 Aggassi Hernandez 5’5 135 Sr. WR/DB

73 Caden Mathis 6’1 200 Sr. OL/DL

55 HD Lewis 6’1 300 Sr. OL/LB

56 Joseph Hernandez 5’6 224 Sr. OL/DL

11 Peyton Bevel 5’11 150 Jr. QB/DB

8 RJ Smith 5’8 148 Jr. RB/DB

12 Tre Mitchell 5’9 164 Jr. QB/ DB

51 Riley Gomez 5’8 200 Jr. OL/DL

64 Jared Muehlstein 5’9 160 Sr. OL/DL

4 Trace Edwards 5’10 145 Jr. WR/DB

15 Timothy Chambers 6’1 180 Sr. WR/LB

34 Carson Holt 5’8 162 Jr. WR/LB

20 Austin Ramos 5’9 195 Sr. TE/LB

13 Quinton Adkins 5’6 153 Jr. WR/DL

Bonner Voss

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

BULLDOGS: Continued Page 7 Johnson broke for eight yards on first down and finished out the drive on the next play. Mathis’ kick cut the margin to 41-21 with one minute left in the half.

The Bulldogs tried an onside kick which they recovered but the football hadn’t traveled the necessary ten yards.

Panhandle started at the Stamford 48. Durst broke for 21 yards on first down before Applin brought the quarterback down. Five plays later the Panthers faced fourth and six from the Bulldog eight with just two seconds left on the clock. Dusty Hughey side-stepped the first tackler and went into the end zone for the score with no time left on the clock.

Panhandle added to their lead just two plays into the second half. Durst dropped a pass over a defender’s head into the arms of Ray who raced into the end zone to complete a 75 yard touchdown play. Just 49 seconds into the second half the Panthers had built their lead to 54-21.

The Bulldogs started driving with a 39 yard pass from Bevel to Applin down to the Panther 15. Johnson went around left end for five yards. Bevel tried to find Applin again but Durst was there to pick off the pass and end the Bulldog drive.

After forcing a Panhandle punt the Bulldogs took over at the Panther 47. A loss on a pass after a scramble and three incompletions turned the ball back to the Panthers at the Bulldog 44. Three runs left the Panthers facing fourth and three but Durst and Ray connected on a 37 yard touchdown pass to push the score to 61-21 with 3:50 left in the third quarter.

Johnson got the Bulldogs started with a 22 yard run out to the Stamford 42 and a seven yard gain to the Panhandle 41. The Panthers had contributed a defensive holding penalty before the seven yard run and added another five for illegal substitution after. Bevel tried to hit Trace Edwards but the pass was knocked away at the goal line. Two plays later Bevel tried to hit Applin but Durst again intercepted.

After forcing a Panhandle punt, the Dogs tried a lateral to Mitchell who then tried a pass. However, Lynch was there to intercept and give the ball back to the Panther offense. A 19 yard run by Durst pushed the football to the Stamford 38 but the Panthers couldn’t overcome a holding penalty and were forced to punt. The punt by Houston Heck went out of bounds at the Stamford one. On third down Bevel was sacked for a safety and the final Panhandle points of the night. With 6:40 left in the game the score was 63-21.

The Bulldogs had the time and the heart for one more drive. A 17 yard pass to Rudy Guiterrez moved the ball to the Stamford 34. Passes to Applin and Johnson picked up eight yards and Johnson secured a first down with a three yard run. Bevel kept for 23 yards and Johnson ran through tacklers for 18 yards down to the Panhandle 14.

A defensive holding call pushed the ball to first and ten at the Panhandle nine. After Bevel was pulled due to an injury, Mitchell stepped in at quarterback and ran the nine yards needed for a Bulldog touchdown. Mitchell passed to Kesler McClintock for the two point conversion with just 25 seconds left in the game.

The Panthers just had to run one play to use up the clock and secure their 63-29 victory. The Panthers will advance to face the 12-1 Stratford Elks in the Quarterfinal round. Stratford defeated Post 48-12 as well as defeating Panhandle 35-31 in overtime when the two faced off during district play.

Stamford Panhandle

SCORE BY QUARTERS

14 7 0 14 34 13

8 - 29 2 - 63

SCORING SUMMARY

First Quarter P – Braden Durst 63 run (Garrett Barnett kick) 9:31 S – Steven Johnson 1 run (Caden Mathis kick) 7:34 P – Durst 25 run (Barnett kick) 4:35 S – Peyton Bevel 38 run (Mathis kick) 1:11 Second Quarter P – Luke Ray 57 pass from Durst (kick failed) 11:30 P – Barnett 44 fumble return (Barnett kick) 11:12 P – Jayse Edwards 5 run (Barnett kick) 7:56 P - Mason Reynolds 11 pass from Durst (Barnett kick) 2:21 S - Johnson 2 run (Mathis kick) 1:00 P – Dusty Hughey 8 pass from Durst (Barnett kick) 0:00 Third Quarter P - Ray 75 pass from Durst (kick failed) 11:11 P – Ray 37 pass from Durst (Barnett kick) 3:50 Fourth Quarter P – Bevel sacked for safety 6:40 S – Tre Mitchell 9 run (Kesler McClintock pass from Mitchell) 0:31 Stamford Panhandle First Downs 15 21 Rushing Yds 25-92 50-200 Passing Yds 166 333 Total Off 258 533 Comp-Att-Int 11-36-4 17-24-0 Punts 2-41 5-33.4 Fumbles-Lost 3-2 1-1 Penalties-yds 2-14 7-65

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing - Stamford: Steven Johnson 13-49, 2 TDs; Peyton Bevel 9-41, TD; Tre Mitchell 1-9, TD; Caden Mathis 1-(-3); Demarcus Downs 1-(-4). Panhandle: Braden Durst 21-182, 2 TDs; Houston Heck 9-10; Jayden Shaver 6-8; Ethan Shadid 2-2; Thane Adams 8-1; Jayse Edwards 2-1; Kaden Lynch 1-0; Team 1-(-4).

Passing - Stamford: Peyton Bevel 11-35-3, 166 yds, 2 TDs; Tre Mitchell 0-1-1. Panhandle: Braden Hurst 17-24-0, 333 yds, 5 TDs. Receiving - Stamford: Lonnie Applin 5-123; Steven Johnson 4-23;Rudy Gutierrez 1-17;Kaleb Flick 1-3. Panhandle: Luke Ray 6-210, 3 TDs; Mason Reynolds 4-29, TD; Jayden Shaver 3-29; Dusty Hughey 2-49, TD; Kaison Kirkland 1-14; Kaden Lynch 1-2.

LAST WEEK’S GAMES

Regional Round: District 4-2A, Division I: Panhandle 63, Stamford 29; Stratford 48, Post 12. Others: Muenster 41, Munday 7; Clarendon 30, Hamlin 19; Comanche 35, Merkel 19; Denton Ryan 49, Lubbock Monterey 28.

This Week’s Games Quarterfinal Round: Stratford vs. Panhandle, Friday 7 p.m., Dumas; Brock vs. Comanche 7:30 p.m. Friday, Shotwell Stadium, Abilene; Albany vs. Muenster, 7 p.m. Friday, Iowa Park.

DECEMBER 8, 2017

9

10

DECEMBER 8, 2017

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Blue Christmas Open Houses

Farmers Insurance hosted an open house and ornament decorating at their office.

Tractor Supply employees Tracy Bell and Peyton Routon greeted customers with popcorn, soda and friendly customer service.

Your Time Fitness was handing out protein and health shake samples for Blue Christmas.

Stamford Health Club was greeting people with an array of healthy snacks for the Blue Christmas event.

Little House of Treasures was decorated in Christmas cheer for Stamford’s Blue Christmas.

Pink Ladies Thrift Store had a beautiful window display and stayed open late to spread cheer during the Blue Christmas.

Buffalo Gals beautiful window display for Blue Christmas. There were goodies for all who entered Buffalo Gals for Blue Christmas.

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

news@americannewspapers.net

Stamford Middle School 6th graders went to see the movie “Wonder.” They read the novel the first six weeks in Mrs. Ekdahl’s class.

The Stamford Kiwanis Club collected canned food from Stamford High School as part of the canned food drive held the last few weeks.

DECEMBER 8, 2017

11

Pate’s Hardware had a Customer Appreciation Day on Friday, December 1st with all their staff, booths and great food and door prizes,

12 DECEMBER 8, 2017

Health

A Primer On The 2017 Flu Season Vaccines

VIP MENU December 11th-December 15th Monday Burrito with Chili and Cheese, Spanish Rice, Salad, Strawberries and Cream Tuesday Salmon, Okra and Tomato, Coleslaw, Hushpuppies, Pears

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Wednesday Pork Loin with Gravy, Garlic Potatoes, Seasoned Green Beans, Rolls, Pecan Cobbler Thursday Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Corn, Salad, Dump Cake Friday Corn Dogs Baked Beans, French Fries, Ice Cream

DR. ROACH WRITES: It is nearly flu season, and I want to discuss the options for vaccines available this year in North America. I do not recommend the nasal vaccine, as expert groups have questioned its effectiveness. There are seven influenza vaccines available.

For most people, any vaccine is acceptable. The usual flu shot offered at your doctor or pharmacy most likely is the standard-dose trivalent or quadrivalent vaccine. The trivalent protects against three strains of flu expected to be prevalent (two “A” strains and one “B” strain), whereas the quadrivalent adds a second “B” strain. If both are available, I’d recommend the quadrivalent, but don’t skip the trivalent if that’s the only one available.

Adults over 65 may benefit more from the high-dose trivalent vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose) or from Fluad, which contains an adjuvant (a substance added to the vaccine to make it work better). Adults age 18-64 with fear of needles might consider the intradermal low-dose quadrivalent vaccine (Fluzone intradermal). This uses a tiny (1.5-mm), ultra-thin needle.

Another option for people with needle phobia is the standard trivalent vaccine (Afluria) using a jet injector device. (It is like the hypospray in “Star Trek.” I have yet to talk to anyone who has gotten this, so please write me with your experience if you get this.) People with severe egg allergies can get the Flucelvax, produced in cultured mammalian cells, not eggs, or Flublok, made with recombinant DNA technology, which comes in both trivalent and quadrivalent.

That’s a lot of choices, but the bottom line is that any of the approved vaccines will give some protection against the flu, which is always an unpleasant experience but can be a life-threatening illness: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are 12,000 to 56,000 deaths from flu in the U.S. each year. Most of these are in people who are not vaccinated.

DEAR DR. ROACH: Uterine fibroids in the right (wrong) place can cause bowel compression and constipation. I wasted a lot of time adding more and more fiber to an already fiber-adequate diet to the point where I developed diverticulosis from bowel pressure. A hysterectomy solved the problem completely. Wish I’d known sooner. -- J.Q. ANSWER: Thank you for writing.

Fibroids are benign tumors of the uterus. They are very common: Up to 80 percent of women over 40 have them, although many don’t have any symptoms.

The most common symptoms are bleed-

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

By Dr Keith Roach, M.D. ing, pelvic pain or pressure, or a pelvic mass noted by the woman. The vast majority of uterine masses are benign: There is a risk of a malignant tumor (sarcoma), but only about two cases per 1,000 women with symptomatic fibroids.

It is not a common presentation, but you are completely right that a fibroid in the posterior part of the uterus can press directly on the rectum. This can cause mechanical pressure, requiring increased straining to void. Fibroids also can bleed, causing anemia, and the iron tablets many women take to counteract this also can cause constipation. Not all women with fibroids need surgery. They usually get smaller after menopause. However, very large or symptomatic fibroids can be treated surgically.

The booklet on constipation explains this common disorder and its treatments.

Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach, Book No. 504, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com., (c) 2017 North America Syndicate Inc., All Rights Reserved.

Opinion

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

The North Pole Of Texas Alan Screws grew up on his family’s dairy farm 4 miles north of Pickton in northeast Texas. He has turned part of the farm into what he calls THE NORTH POLE OF TEXAS which features lighted Christmas scenes and a fifteen minute train ride that goes across a couple of bridges and right through the middle of a toy shop.

“It’ll stop in the toy shop,” says Alan, “which is a twentyfour by forty foot building. “I got the idea from the mine train at Six Flags, which goes through an old saloon. The toyshop has animated elves in it. Every night Santa is there and talks to everybody on the train and gives them a bag of jellybeans. The words “Happy Birthday, Jesus” are printed on each bag. ” The place has become a major tourist attraction. Thirty volunteers help.

“Back in 1997, we built a small train and I thought it would just be to carry children around in our yard at Christmas time. I found out pretty quick that adults like to ride, too.

So we built a bigger train for the adults. We soon ran out of room in our front yard to run the trains so we got permission from the county commissioners to build a bridge over the county road to get to the other side of our property. Soon we built another bridge. The crowds kept growing and we started having two or three hundred a night, then four hundred and six hundred, then a thousand.

We’ve had up to two thousand people ride in one night. Some folks have waited up to two or

God has done so much for us… He created us, He gives us life every day and He loves us so much He made a way for each of us to rest in His paradise. That way, of course, is through His Son Jesus Christ our Lord (John 14:6). A true believer understands the significance of the Cross and the debt that was paid for the world at Calvary. We have literally been given everything we will ever need in this life, and that is the blood of Christ. So the question arises for every firm man or woman of faith, “What can we bring to the Lord?” (Micah 6:6).

Or in other words, “how can we thank God for all He has done for us?”

We can show our appreciation and gratitude in many ways, but I just want to focus on a few key points mentioned by the prophet Micah. The prophet Micah ministered to the people of Judah around 700 B.C. and like most of the prophets his main message was to “repent and believe”.

In the sixth chapter of the prophetic book, Micah speaks

to the people about how to truly worship God. He writes, “O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Instead of repetitive sacrificial worship and rituals, God wants justice, mercy and a humble heart.

God doesn’t want religion and tradition to overtake our minds but instead, He wants an embedded relationship with our hearts. To truly worship God in Spirit and in Truth we must seek relationship over religion.

God calls for three key points of worship in Micah 6:8: The first one is, “to do what is right”. When we do what is right, we are truly following God. Our Lord says “to be holy, for I am holy” (Lev. 20:26), when we do what is right, we are pursuing holiness. Discerning between right and wrong comes from the convictions that are within us.

The Word tells us, “For you are not following your convictions.

If you do anything you believe

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

three hours for a ride. This is our twentieth year. Last year we hit our one hundred thousandth ride. It’s all free. We’ve got four trains now so we can give about four hundred rides an hour.

While people are waiting in line we have big TV monitors that show me reading the Christmas story. We’ve had as many as 800 waiting in line. Commissioners have let us build a by-pass on the county road so traffic can be diverted and people can stand in line on the county road. We have a Christmas cabin where the people can come in and visit with Mrs. Claus and take pictures with her. We have Kim’s hot chocolate factory, Kim’s my wife, where we give away the best hot chocolate you’ll ever want to drink. We always have a live nativity scene. We have a huge Texas-sized sleigh that you can put your whole family

is not right, you are sinning” (Rom. 14:23). We know the difference between right and wrong, and if showing our love towards God is our ultimate goal. Which, it should be for all people who want to call themselves a Christian. Then we must do what is right and not follow the wrong way.

The second thing that we find in this powerful scripture is the command, “to love mercy”. God’s mercy is everything, He forgives us and cleanses from all wickedness. We all should love mercy because without it we would be lost and headed for destruction.

God has shown us mercy and He wants us to do the same to the people we encounter daily (Luke 10:37). When we love mercy, we not only abide in God’s Grace but we share it with others.

The last requirement mentioned by Micah is “to walk humbly with your God”. When we walk in an humble relationship with God, we truly give Him authority in our lives. We bow before the King and He

in and take pictures. ” Alan, who used to race cars and pickups on dirt tracks, is mechanically minded and built the trains. One of the displays features racecars. One on a pond has jet skis.

“The train engine is a Kubota tractor that we built a cab around and put a nose on like a train. We put a smoke machine on the front so it smokes like a train. And it has a bell on it.

Each train has three passenger cars that carry 8 to 10 people each. ” The ride starts Thanksgiving weekend and operates until December twenty-third. It runs from six to nine PM. The address is 227 CR 3378, Pickton.

“It’s an experience. People need to come out and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas with us. ”

PASTOR’S PEN

By Dalton Mathis

is Lord of our life. A prideful heart is one of the quickest routes to the gates of hell. We as God’s creation must realize that we need our Creator in order to live a fruitful life. He is everything and apart from Him we are absolutely nothing (John 15:5). The half-brother of Jesus once wrote, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor” (James 4:10). When we pursue God out of humility, that’s when a deep relationship is created.

This coming week I encourage you to love God with an open heart. Do what’s right even when no one is looking.

Be merciful to others and meditate on the mercy that God gives you. And most importantly humble yourself before the throne of Grace and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you through the journey. God Bless you, my friend.

DECEMBER 8, 2017

13

Failure Can Lead to Success Well, we didn’t want to even think about it, but it happened.

The Bulldogs have been knocked out of the playoffs and will have to wait until next year to try to get to Arlington for that State Championship.

As you all may know, they were not the only ones to fall this past weekend as Hamlin was also knocked out in a dramatic game Will McClure and Post, the only other team left in our district, went home as well. It is indeed heartbreaking to have to go through this after a fantastic year and to see the looks of severe disappointment on the players’ faces, especially those that know that this was their last chance before graduating to try to bring another championship home. However, even though it is difficult to think about now, the players should know that as long as they do not quit, they will never truly fail. What got me thinking about this this week is based on an assignment that I gave to my students this week which included a speech where failure can lead to future success. As I watched the video with my students, I started thinking about the events of the past week, which led me to offer words of encouragement to my students who were athletes. Just from the looks on their faces, they understood exactly what I was saying.

I am sure that I have talked about this in the past, but it does bear repeating as it is a lesson I think we can all learn from. Sure, failure stinks at the end of the day; however, it is what we do about it that determines our next steps. In the video, the speaker gives three items to think about. One that I already mentioned was that failure can lead to success, but there was also never quitting and look to the present and not the past. I think there are a lot of times that we dwell on our past mistakes, which keeps us from moving forward. I’m sure that the players will be mentally kicking themselves for not winning the game, but that is living in the past and not learning.

Eventually, however, the players start to think about what can be done differently next time. We can learn from mistakes instead of dwelling on them, which can be seen as our players improved week after week.

I leave you this week with one final thought, and that is to not ignore failure. Instead, embrace the mistakes made to become a better person. While it may seem like accepting failure is becoming a failure, accepting it is the first step in the growing process. We need to fail from time to time, and we need to find things to improve on. We are not perfect all of the time and even the best individuals can make a mistake from time to time. At the end of the day, it is how we handle failure that will help us move forward. No matter how many times you try, failure can ultimately lead to great success. You just have to be able to get out there and never give up on yourself.

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

THOUGHTS FROM UNDER THE CAP

14

news@americannewspapers.net

DECEMBER 8, 2017

ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

James M. Decker

Other Peoples’ Kids…But Especially Your Own I once heard of a rural resident who said that they encouraged their children to find a job opportunity elsewhere and not come back. The question that was posed to them was: WHY? If a rural community is to be revitalized, it must have new residents—new children in school, new additions to its tax base, and new jobs. If no one new ever moves to a town, the population dies off and the town withers away. New residents can be natives returning back home, or they can be newcomers moving in from the outside.

I’ll put aside those newcomers for a future discussion, but today I ask about your natives. If new residents are the key to survival, how can you expect to attract other peoples’ kids if you don’t even encourage your own kids to return?

We’ve seen national discussion of rural “brain drain”—young, educated workers who either leave rural areas or who get an education and then don’t return home, but it doesn’t require an expensive research project to know that this phenomenon is very real in rural Texas. So, why is it happening and what can you do about it?

Simply put, rural brain drain is about opportunity and welcoming. Is there an opportunity for young people to return home? Are you creating opportunities for them to do so? And are you encouraging, motivating, and welcoming them to do so?

As rural, national, and global economies have changed, the opportunities

available in rural America in 2017 are different than they were 10, 25, or 50 years ago. If you look to provide your child the exact opportunity that you had, you might be discouraged and encourage your child to leave. The economy is different. Job opportunities are different. But your opportunities were probably different than your parents had and surely different than the ones your grandparent or greatgrandparent had. Changing opportunities are the rule in American history, not the exception.

So, what opportunities ARE available or CAN BE available? Are existing, cornerstone local businesses in search of the next generation of ownership?

Are there opportunities to start a business? What opportunity does technology allow you to bring to rural America that was inconceivable 25 years ago? If you think on it, you might be surprised what answers you find.

More importantly, are young people being encouraged to return home and be part of a “brain gain”?

When they ask locals about returning home, do they get encouragement? Or are they dismissed as naïve and foolhardy? Do you tell them that you need them back in town?

Or do you tell them to find a better life elsewhere? Are your chambers of commerce and economic development agencies

considering opportunities to create a better environment for young people to return?

Talented young people will find some place that wants them, whether it be a booming suburb or their rural hometown that encourages them to return.

You might be surprised to find out how many of them WANT to return, if they had the opportunity to do so.

So, with that, I ask: if you can’t attract your own kids back home, how can you ever expect to attract other peoples’ kids? And if you do want to attract your kids, how are you going to make that happen?

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

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

LOCAL CHURCHES Avoca Baptist Church Rev. Les Mims 773-3531 AM Worship: 11:00 Avoca United Methodist Church Dennis Huffaker 773-3909 AM Worship: 9:45 Bethel Church of God in Christ Pastor Session 407 W Handlan 325-773-5730 Bethel (Christ) Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 1024 E. Vanderbilt 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 9:00 Bethel Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 10707 N. FM 600 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 11:00 Central Baptist Church Pastor Bud Akins 301 E Moran 773-2577 Worship: 11:00 Central Presbyterian Rev. Dr. Kelly Pigott 601 Rowland

325-773-3381 AM Worship: 11:00 Common Ground Youth Ministry Paul Wright 219 S Swenson 325-773-3604 Faith Chapel Gerald Spalding 501 W. McHarg 325-773-2866 AM Worship: 10:00 Faith Lutheran Church Sagerton, Texas 940-200-0723 AM Worship: 10:30 First Assembly of God Family Worship Center Pastor Randy Rawls 1214 Compton 325-773-2435 Am Worship: 10:45 First Baptist Church Pastor Jacob West 214 N Swenson 325-773-2781 AM Worship: 11:00 House of God Pastor Bobby Acosta 802 Ferguson St Sundays 11:00am

Lueders First Baptist Church Roscoe McCoy 228-4622 AM Worship: 11:00 MacKenzie Trail Cowboy Church Greg Taylor 325-513-2505 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 Nugent Church of Christ Nugent, Texas

Ron Ballard, Preacher Sun. 10 Bible Classes 11 Morning Assembly Orient Street Church of Christ Wes Horn 510 S Orient 773-3419 Worship: 10:30 Paint Creek Baptist Church Pastor Tony Grand 940-864-3358 AM Worship: 11:00 St Ann’s Catholic Church Father Angelo Consemino 1001 S Swenson 325-773-2659 AM Mass: 11:00 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 9:30 Temple Baptist Church Jesse Morton 309 E Campbell 325-773-2550 AM Service: 11:00 Trinity Church Dr. Robert Wingrove 220 E. McHarg

DECEMBER 8, 2017 15

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

325-773-5550

Classifieds HELP WANTED Janitorial Position – Full Time • Jones County Courthouse • Experience preferred • Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and supplies • Integrity and ability to work independently

• Light maintenance duties • Lawn care work Contact Lacey Hanson @ 325823-3731 for more information

PUBLIC NOTICE Legal Notice Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Package Store Permit, a Beer Retail Dealer’s OffPremise License, & a Local Distributor’s Permit by D & D Package Store LLC, d/b/a Quencher’s Liquor, Beer, & Wine, to be located at 1106 N Swenson in Stamford, Jones County, Texas. Randall G. Denson is the President & Manager of D & D Package Store LLC & Mary Denson

is the Vice-President & Secretary-Treasurer of D & D Package Store LLC.

Notice for proposals Notice is hereby given that the City of Stamford will receive sealed, written proposals in the office of the Chief Financial Officer, 201 E. McHarg, City Hall, Stamford, Texas 79553 until 11:00 a.m. on the 28th day

111 E Campbell Historic 3 stories, 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and 6 fireplaces!..$227,900 1220 New Hope Rd 3 br brick home on the outskirts of town!.....................$117,000 712 Vanderbilt Victorian 2 story 3 bd, 2 bath w/ shop!..................Reduced $111,500 HAMLIN 48 AVE B Great family home 3/2/2 on corner lot!........Reduced $89,900 1217 Compton Gorgeous Stone home w/ 2 bedrooms, 1 bath........ Reduced.$69,900 716 E Oliver Great Family Home 4/2 /2 quiet area!.......................List price $59,900 515 Dodson Drive Nice 2 story, 4 br, 2 bath family home!.........Listed price $92,500 516 Dodson DriveGreat income producing property here.3br,1bath w/CHA.............List price $29,900 610 Dodson Drive Charming remodeled 2 bd, 1 bath w huge bk yard...........$59,900 806 DavenportNice brick home 3 bd, 1 bath, 1 car garage w fenced yard and cellar!..... $64,900 916 Wesleyan Great 2 Bd 1 Bath Brick Home w/ CH/A and 2 Car Garage .$54,500 1501 Union RULE nice Brick home w/ 3bd, 1.5 bath and shop!.....Reduced $42,000 1403 Hudson Rd Cute 2 bd w/ 1 car garage and huge bk yard in nice area!...$34,500 248 Hanke Lane 3/1 Cabin on Lake Stamford!............................. Reduced $25,000 1609 Swenson new 1,200 sq ft metal building................................. Reduced $29,500 717 E Campbell great 3/2 on corner lot! Needs TLC!.....................Reduced $24,000

FARM & RANCH

Jones County 152± Ac N of Trent Cultivation 704± Ac Clear Fork, Cultivation and Pasture 165± Ac Great Combo livestock/hunting place!

38± Prime Cultivation near Noodle 155± Ac LIVE WATER! Income & Hunting!

Haskell County 160± Ac North of Rule, CRP 48± Ac Great Homesite & Stock farm!

520± Acres cultivation & pasture Great Hunting!

517± Ac All Pasture and Good Water!

620 Ac Mule Creek Ranch Great Hunting w Nice Cabin!

Shackelford County 181± Ac quail buffer & great fishing! SOLD

Stonewall County 4,743± Ac Patterson N Ranch 118± Ac N of Aspermont 483± Ac Half Cultivation

Commercial Property 44 Storage Units w/ Office!

Fisher County 631± Acres All Pasture! Rough Creek Area 1,561± Ac Hunters Paradise!

161± Awesome Hunting SOLD Kent Co 789± Ac Improvements w Hunting! SOLD

Classified ads: $6 minimum first 20 words Deadline 10 a.m. Monday

Paint Creek Students of the Week

PUBLIC NOTICE of December A.D., 2017 for: 1. Cultivation lease: Being all cultivated land in SECTION 1, BLOCK 4, H&TC RAILROAD COMPANY approximately 445 acres save and except all lands used in connection with the operation of Arledge Field.

Proposals will be opened and read aloud immediately after closing deadline in the City Hall Council Chambers.

This lease will be for an initial term of five (5) years, with option for renewal.

One-half (1/2) of the yearly lease rental payment will be due and payable upon finalization and execution of the lease agreement, with the remaining annual payment due in six (6) months. All subsequent

bi-annual payments due in advance thereafter.

Those wishing to submit a proposal shall inspect the land and understand that the acres are approximate and are not warranted.

No hunting of any kind will be allowed on the leased premises without written permission of the city manager.

For a map showing the location of the property contact Alan Plumlee, City Manager.

The city reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to award the proposal considered to be in the best interest of the City of Stamford.

Alan l. Plumlee, City Manager City Manager

Jenna Scheets - 2nd grade

Haylee Garcia - 9th grade

Wyatt Walburg - 3rd grade

David Gonzales - 8th grade

16

DECEMBER 8, 2017

news@americannewspapers.net

The Oliver Elementary School 2nd Grade UIL Oral Reading Team presented at the Stamford Civic Club on Thursday, November 30.

Pictured are Karsten Hall, Quincy Page, Jace Patterson and Caroline Shoemaker.

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

As a surprise to Stamford residents, The Grand Theater marquee was lit up in all its glory for Blue Christmas.