May 26, 2020 - Stamford American

STAMFORD

American THE NEW

MAY 29, 2020

FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION SERVING STAMFORD AND JONES COUNTY

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The Grand will be having curbside popcorn again this Friday (May 29th)!

TIME:5:30 - 7:00 or until sold out.

BE SURE TO COME EARLY! POPCORN: -Movie Theatre Popcorn With Butter -Sugar Glazed Popcorn (NEW!) PRICE: $5 Per Bag DONATIONS ACCEPTED

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 12, ISSUE 2 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 99, ISSUE 8 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 115, ISSUE 9

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Stamford High Schools Students Austin Brewer, Trace Price, Storey Gomez, Shavaris Cooper, and Josh Mueller received their jerseys and plaques for their being chosen to participate in the FCA All-star games.

2 MAY 29, 2020

JONES COUNTY ARRESTS

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST

Jones County Arrests 5/17-5/23 5/17/2020 11:10:00 PM Tariq Ali Booker, Driving W/Lic Inv W/ Prev Conv/Susp/W/O Fin Res MB 5/18/2020 4:03:00 PM Jackie Moffett, Warrant (Jones) - Poss of Marij Viol of Probation, Warrant (Jones) - Unlawful Carrying Of A Weapon - Viol Of Probation 5/18/2020 9:51:00 PM Jeannie Pardo, Assault Class C 5/19/2020 3:11:00 PM Armando Ramirez-Rodriguez, Driving While Intoxicated 3rd Or More F3 5/19/2020 3:16:00 PM Frank Jason Halayay, Warrant (Jones) Disorderly Conduct MC 5/20/2020 1:47:00 AM Seledonio Pardo, Warrant (Jones) - Assault Causes Bodily Injury MA 5/20/2020 7:23:00 PM Billy Dan Johnson, Fail To Identify Giving False/Fictitious Info MB, Assault Class C, Disorderly Conduct MC, Warrant (Jones) - Speeding MC, Warrant (Jones) No Commercial Driver License, 5/21/2020 1:43:00 PM Jay Allen Reese, Warrant (Callahan Co) Abandon Endanger Child Criminal Negligence FS 5/23/2020 1:56:00 AM Matthew Ian Gibbs, Driving While Intoxicated MB

Friday 99 | 71

Saturday 104 | 73

Sunday 102 | 67

Monday 102 | 74

Tuesday 92 | 59

Wednesday 84 | 64

Thursday 84 | 60

The weather is provided for you

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

Avoca Homecoming Postponed

The Avoca Homecoming that was scheduled for July 4 will not be held because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is being delayed until next year.

MARK THE DATE...

JUNE 14 - FLAG DAY JUNE 21 - FATHER’S DAY JULY 14 - RUN OFF ELECTION

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

Stamford, Texas city workers checking the pressure on the water hydrants around town. What an important maintenance task, to know the water or fire hydrants work if they are needed.

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

Community

MAY 29, 2020 3

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Stamford City Council Approved to Demolish 49 Entity Properties At the May 18, 2020 City Council meeting, it was approved to demolish the following entity properties in Stamford, Texas.

410 S. Hobart (N 5’ of Lot 9 and all of Lot 10, Block 103, Original Town of Stamford) 601 E. McLendon (W 50’ of Lots 5-7, Block 124, Original Town of Stamford) 606 E. McLendon (E 50’ of W 140’ of Lots 1-2, Block 125, Original Town of Stamford) 407 S. McKinley (Lot 4, Block 103, Original Town of Stamford) 409 S. McKinley (Lot 5, Block 103, Original Town of Stamford) 514 N. McKinley (N 100’ of Lots 12-14, Block 95, Original Town of Stamford) 612 N. McKinley (S 80’ of Lots 13-14, Block 115, Original Town of Stamford) 202 E. Davenport (N 111’ of Lots 13-14, Block 62, Original Town of Stamford) 311 E. Davenport (Lot 6, Block 93, Original Town of Stamford) 313 E. Davenport (Lot 7, Block 93, Original Town of Stamford) 407 E. Davenport (Lot 4, Block 94, Original Town of Stamford) 409 E. Davenport (Lot 5, Block 94, Original Town of Stamford) 412 E. Davenport (Lots 8-9, Block 64, Original Town of Stamford) 413 E. Davenport (Lot 7, Block 94, Original Town of Stamford) 604 E. Davenport (Lot 19, Block 118, Origi-

nal Town of Stamford) 614 E. Davenport (Lot 14, Block 118, Original Town of Stamford 204 W. Davenport (Lot 6, Block 89, Original Town of Stamford) 212 W. Davenport (Lot 1, Block 89, Original Town of Stamford) 406 W. Davenport (Lot 5, Block 87, Original Town of Stamford) 409 W. Davenport (Lot 12, Block 57, Original Town of Stamford) 410 W. Davenport (Lot 3, Block 87, Original Town of Stamford) 413 W. Davenport (Lot 14, Block 57, Original Town of Stamford) 506 W. Davenport (Lot 5, Block 86, Original Town of Stamford) 508 W. Davenport (Lot 3-4, Block 86, Original Town of Stamford) 511 W. Davenport (Lot 1-2, Block 86, Original Town of Stamford) 201 E. Handlan (S 160’ of Lot 1, Block 112, Original Town of Stamford) 205 E. Handlan (N 75’ of Lot 3, Block 112, Original Town of Stamford) 209 E. Handlan (Lot 6-7, Block 112, Original Town of Stamford) 212 E. Handlan (Lot 8, Block 92, Original Town of Stamford) 301 E. Handlan (Lot 1-2, Block 113, Original Town of Stamford) 302 E. Handlan (Lot 14, Block 93, Original Town of Stamford) 304 E. Handlan (Lot 13, Block 93, Original Town of Stamford)

306 E. Handlan (Lot 12, Block 93, Original Town of Stamford) 310 E. Handlan (Lot 10, Block 93, Original Town of Stamford) 312 E. Handlan (Lot 9, Block 93, Original Town of Stamford) 409 E. Handlan (Lot 5, W/2 of Lot 6, Block 114, Original Town of Stamford) 205 W. Handlan (Lot 10, Block 89, Original Town of Stamford) 207 W. Handlan (Lot 11, Block 89, Original Town of Stamford) 213 W. Handlan (Lot 12, Block 89, Original Town of Stamford) 303 W. Handlan (Lot 14, Block 89, Original Town of Stamford) 307 W. Handlan (Lot 8, Block 88, Original Town of Stamford) 309 W. Handlan (Lot 11, Block 88, Original Town of Stamford) 311 W. Handlan (Lot 12, Block 88, Original Town of Stamford) 313 W. Handlan (Lot 13, Block 88, Original Town of Stamford) 403 W. Handlan (Lot 9, Block 87, Original Town of Stamford) 405 W. Handlan (Lot 10, Block 87, Original Town of Stamford) 406 W. Handlan (Lot 5, Block 107, Original Town of Stamford) 409 W. Handlan (Lot 12, Block 87, Original Town of Stamford) 410 W. Handlan (Lot 3, Block 107, Original Town of Stamford)

JONES COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CALLS FOR SERVICE AND ARRESTS 5/17-5/23 Abandoned Vehicle 2 Agency Asst 1 Alarm 3 Attempt To Locate 1 Case Follow Up 1 Civil Complaint 1 Criminal History 1 Disturbance 2 Domestic Disturbance 1 Fight 1 Fire Grass 3 Funeral Escort 1 Gas Leak 1 Illegal Dumping 1 Information Only 4 Intoxicated Motorist 1 Livestock Out 6

Major MVA 2 Medical/MS 3 Minor MVA 1 Motorist Assist 5 Public Service 11 Reckless Driver 6 Request Officer 8 Road Hazard 1 Runaway 2 Search Warrant 1 Shots Fired 3 Suicide/Suicide Threat 1 Suspicious Activity 1 Suspicious Person 4 Suspicious Vehicle 3 Traffic Stop 22 Welfare Check 2

ARRESTS 5/17/2020 11:10:00 PM Tariq Ali Booker, Driving W/Lic Inv W/Prev Conv/Susp/W/O Fin Res MB 5/18/2020 4:03:00 PM Jackie Moffett, Warrant (Jones) Poss of Marij Viol of Probation, Warrant (Jones) - Unlawful Carrying Of A Weapon - Viol Of Probation 5/18/2020 9:51:00 PM Jeannie Pardo, Assault Class C 5/19/2020 3:11:00 PM Armando Ramirez-Rodriguez, Driving While Intoxicated 3rd Or More F3 5/19/2020 3:16:00 PM Frank Jason Halayay, Warrant

(Jones) - Disorderly Conduct 5/20/2020 1:47:00 AM Seledonio Pardo, Warrant (Jones) Assault Causes Bodily Injury 5/20/2020 7:23:00 PM Billy Dan Johnson, Fail To Identify Giving False/Fictitious Info MB, Assault Class C, Disorderly Conduct MC, Warrant (Jones) - Speeding MC, Warrant (Jones) No Commercial Driver License, 5/21/2020 1:43:00 PM Jay Allen Reese, Warrant (Callahan Co) - Abandon Endanger Child Criminal Negligence FS 5/23/2020 1:56:00 AM Matthew Ian Gibbs, Driving While Intoxicated

Stamford Clinic was recognized as the Stamford Chamber of Commerce Store Front of the Month.

South Plains College Spring 2020 Deans List South Plains College congratulates Kaleb Flick of Stamford and more than 700 other students who were named to the Spring 2020 Deans List.

South Plains College is a comprehensive, two-year community college that serves the greater South Plains area of Texas with innovative educational programs that span the arts and sciences, technical education, continuing education and workforce development.

Serving a 13-county area that comprises the southern portion of the Texas High Plains, the college’s main campus is located in Levelland. SPC also offers educational programs at two locations in Lubbock - the SPC Lubbock Center and the SPC Reese Center - as well as an extension center in Plainview.

VIP Menu

June 1-5 Monday - Frito Pie, Salad, Refried Beans, Ice Cream Tuesday - Chicken Rice, Casserole, Green Beans, Salad, Spiced Apples Wednesday - Riblets, Ranch Beans, Potato

Salad, Banana Pudding Thursday - Chicken Strips, Baked Potato , Salad, Strawberries Friday - Cheese Burger with all the fixings, French Fries, Brownies

4 MAY 29, 2020

Who Represents You?

U.S. Congressional District 19: Congressman Jodey Arrington Texas House District 71: Representative Stan Lambert Texas Senate District 28: Senator Charles Perry State Board of Education District 15: Mr. Marty Rowley U.S. Senate: Senator John Cornyn U.S. Senate: Senator Ted Cruz

https://wrm.capitol.texas. gov/

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Decoration Day In the spring of 1915, the combatants of the “War to End All Wars” fought the Second Battle of Ypres, a bloody, ultimately inconclusive battle in western Belgium. Ypres was noteworthy as the first incident of troops from a former colony (Canada) defeating an imperial European power (Germany) on European soil. It also marked Germany’s first use of poison gas on the Western Front. On May 7, 1915, Lt. Col. John McCrae presided over the funeral of his friend and fellow Canadian soldier, Lt. Alexis Helmer, who was killed in the battle.

After Helmer’s funeral, McCrae wrote a poem and promptly discarded it.

Thankfully, McCrae’s fellow soldiers retrieved the poem and it was published later that year in a British magazine. “In Flanders

ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker Fields” became one of the most famous literary works to arise from the war. It reads as follows: In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

Moina Michael was a professor at the University of Georgia who volunteered with the Young Women’s Christian Association during the war. In the 1918, she read McCrae’s poem and was inspired to wear a red poppy as a message of remembrance for the valiant men and women who served in the bloody

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

war. In 1921, after observing a need, Michael began to sell silk poppies to raise funds for disabled servicemen. The American Legion Auxiliary and Royal British Legion both adopted the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, creating the widespread use of the poppy on Memorial Day that we know so well today.

The origins of Memorial Day itself are complex and disputed, with dozens of origin stories and locations. Many different communities, both Union and Confederate, began remembrance ceremonies during and after the American Civil War. Many such ceremonies were inspired by the Decoration Day traditions of Appalachia, in which families decorated graves and cemeteries to honor their ancestors. Over time, these ceremonies grew more numerous and coalesced into a national Decoration Day tradition.

After World War II, the

name became Memorial Day and it became a fixed federal holiday in 1971.

Today, on Memorial Day, we honor those who have died in service of America.

Every group and community marks Memorial Day in its own way--from the elaborate to the simple to the individual--which is befitting of a holiday that developed generations ago via countless Decoration Days across the country.

As we mark the day, let us think of the poppy. Let us remember the passion of Moina Michael, the grief of Lt. Col. John McCrae, and the sacrifice of Lt. Alexis Helmer there on Flanders fields, where the poppies blow.

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.

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

Nugent Church of Christ Nugent, Texas Wayne Kitchens, 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

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

St Ann’s Catholic Church 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 11:00

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

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

State of Texas Enters Second Phase of Reopening Plan Gov. Greg Abbott on May 18 allowed restaurants to increase occupancy to 50% and relaxed his earlier executive orders that limited certain other public activities over the last two months to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Reopenings, Abbott said, must adhere to restricted occupancy levels and minimum standard health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Notably, public schools have the option to provide in-person summer school so long as they follow social distancing practices and health protocols laid out by the state health department. Classes may begin as soon as June 1.

“I ask all Texans to continue heeding the guidance of our state and federal medical experts and do their part to protect public health. If we all unite in our resolve, we will overcome this challenge,” Abbott said.

The full list of guidelines, openings and relevant dates is available at gov.texas. gov/opentexas.

Certain counties where there are surges in COVID-19 cases will have their beginning date of Phase II delayed until May 29. Those Amarillo-area counties where a spike in cases has been confirmed include El Paso, Randall, Potter, Moore and Deaf Smith. Governor’s Surge Response Teams are at work in those Panhandle counties to increase testing, maintain hospital capacity and ensure that COVID-19 is contained and mitigated.

Cumulative figures posted on May 21 by the Texas Department of State Health Services showed that some 52,268 people in Texas had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 1,440 deaths resulting from the virus pandemic had been confirmed.

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Sterling

BUDGET CUTS ORDERED Gov. Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen on May 20 sent a letter to state agencies and institutions of higher education directing each of them to submit a plan identifying savings to reduce general revenuerelated appropriations by 5% for the 2020-2021 twoyear budget cycle.

The three highest-ranking state officials urge agencies and institutions of higher education to pursue cost-saving strategies that will not affect the state’s response to COVID-19, such as forgoing capital expenditures that can be deferred, avoidable travel expenditures and administrative expenses that are not mission critical, and keeping unfilled any open positions that are not essential to Texas’ COVID-19 response.

According to the letter, certain agencies and activities are exempted from the directive “given the importance of the state’s response to COVID-19 and the continuity of critical government functions.”

TSTA: IT’S TOO EARLY The Texas State Teachers Association, in a May 20 news release, said June 1 is too early to reopen school buildings for summer school classes and demanded that the state and local school districts agree to enforce a detailed list of safety requirements for school campuses before reopening buildings

to students and school employees.

“With the COVID‐19 pandemic continuing to rage across Texas, the health and safety of students, educators and our communities need to remain our first priority,” said TSTA President Noel Candelaria. “The pandemic has struck in the vast majority of Texas’ 254 counties and more than 1,200 new cases were reported yesterday.

Fourteen people died of COVID‐19 in Dallas County alone, a daily high for Dallas.”

Candelaria said TSTA is demanding adequate supplies of protective gear for everyone in every school workplace, steps that must be taken to enforce social distancing and sanitation practices and strong enforcement. “Half‐hearted enforcement will endanger students and educators, and our members will not stand for it on their campuses,” said Candelaria.

CHILD CARE FUNDING IS CUT The Texas Workforce Commission on May 19 announced the phase-out of a $200 million emergency program to subsidize child care for Texas’ essential workers.

Subsidies were put in place to assist both essential workers and child care centers during limited enrollment. With Texas reopening, essential workers who are already on the subsidized plan will continue to receive child care for the three-month period they were initially approved for under the program.

Effective June 1, the Texas Workforce Commission will reinstate the requirement for parents receiving financial assistance to pay for a portion of their costs.

MAY 29, 2020 5

6 MAY 29, 2020

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Have Patience

This past week I needed to take my dog to the groomer in Abilene for a bath and a much-needed nail trim and I found myself needing to kill time for about three hours while they were taking care of her.

Well, the day I went may have well been the weekend with so many people on the highway and practically everywhere I went. To say that this day was a test of my patience THOUGHTS FROM would be an understatement from the driving to a couple of the stores UNDER THE CAP that I stopped at (Two stores that I like to visit when I get to Abilene Will McClure are thankfully smaller, local ones where there were barely any people.

So that was nice!). However, even with all of the frustration and the burning desire to get back to Sweetwater as soon as I could, I still held it all together, knowing that it was just an after-effect of the shutdown and subsequent reopening and that our essential workers at these stores were facing a lot worse being on the other side of this.

This long exposition brings me to the main point of my thoughts this week. My last stop before getting the call to pick up my dog was a Walmart close by. Naturally, the store was packed but I knew what I needed and if I did need help it may not happen. Well, in the electronics section I saw one employee there helping another customer. Again, I didn’t need the help but I could understand the craziness she would be going through as I had days like that from my days working in retail. At one point when she was going to do something else, another customer stopped her demanding help and asked if she was the only person there. I wasn’t that close, but could hear the exchange as the employee was trying to explain the situation with cut hours, she was helping someone else, etc. while still trying to be nice to this individual. He continued to complain about not getting any help and that he had been there for a while and that it was “ridiculous.” I stepped further away at this point because I knew that I was about to step in and tell the person off as I was getting pretty angry. When I saw the employee walk in my direction to go to the back, I was very close to apologizing on behalf of the rude individual as no one deserves that kind of treatment, especially in the times we live in now.

Throughout the last two months, you may have heard stories about essential store workers being treated terribly from being blamed for something being out of stock to being short-staffed to whatever chip is on a particular customer’s shoulder. Incidents have happened long before this and you may know some stories (I can tell you a lot from personal experience!), but it seems to have escalated over the past couple of months. It is one thing if the employee has an attitude as that would be cause for complaining, but it is quite another when they are trying their best to still give good service and stay safe during this trying time.

Some have stopped working altogether and others have taken on extra hours to make sure customers can get the essential items.

There is no excuse for treating these individuals like dirt because the store ran out of something or there isn’t enough help to go around. These individuals risked, and continue to risk, their health to make sure that communities keep moving forward. We should be more respectful to these people that are just trying to do their jobs and have patience when things take a bit longer or we have to go somewhere else. The world may have stopped for the time being, but the need for common human decency should not stop at all. So, the next time you have to wait in a long line because the store is short-handed, take a deep breath, have some patience and be thankful that you can still go to the store at all.

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

MIDLAND’S FUNNY GIRL Mary Lou Cassidy of Midland has made her living as an oil and gas lawyer. “We had about 15 lawyers on the premises but I was inclined to attract an odd assortment of clients. Sometimes they could walk in the door and the receptionist would greet them and say, ’I’ll bet you’re here to see Mary Lou.’ They would be barefooted and have an Indian headdress on. Later I would ask the receptionist how she knew that was my client.

‘Just a guess,’ she would reply.” Mary Lou is trying to retire but she started doing elder law, helping senior citizens. “They always need something.”

She has been entertaining theater audiences in Midland for a long time.

She has the ability to make people laugh.

“I open my mouth and it comes out. I think you must have a sense of timing, a big thing in comedy. You better be born with it. Either you got it or you don’t.

You have to teach some comedy basics to a good

actor and they could fake it, but I think comedy timing is something you’re born with and I have it.”

She has been involved in theater most of her life.

“When I was a little girl I was loud and boisterous, a tomboy and all this stuff. My parents took me down to the Midland Community Theater, which was in its infancy then, about 1952, or 53 and they had a children’s theater group.

Art Cole, the theater director, would teach the first class. He wanted to work on our accents.

He had us say ‘The light is bright in the night.’

Then we would all shout back at him, ‘The laht is braht in the naht.’ He was from Ohio and couldn’t stand to hear us talk. He finally got someone else to teach the class.”

She has worked with

the Midland Community Theater and 20 years ago started another theater group called The Maverick Players.

At first, shows were presented in a shopping mall and the American Legion building before moving to its current location in the VFW Hall. When they were in the mall, the Maverick Players did 4 shows a year. “Now we can only do 2 because the air conditioning system isn’t too good. We do them in March and November.”

Mary Lou has acted and directed and done just about everything else you can do in the theater.

These days she’s having

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

trouble memorizing. She recalls a recent experience on stage. “I’d look at this actor and have to ask what act we were in.

My Velcro is getting very slick.”

She started a nationwide playwriting competition that brought in some unusual plays like a Zombie Hamlet. “In one, they had 2 window washers on a skyscraper talking back and forth and the dialog was good.

They were having an interesting conversation.

But the writer didn’t know how to end it. He had them blast off into outer space.”

Guess I better get this article over with before we have another storm.

For the last three evenings and nights we have had storm clouds hit us. Lot of thunder, lighting and warnings on T V. (and walking the floor). Thursday and Friday evening I had lot of wind, hard rain, and hail.

Saturday evening I had lot of wind and hard rain, but did not notice any hail that evening. So here we are on Sunday and the weatherman predicted storms for this evening. Sure cannot sleep with all of that disturbance. Altogether I got a little over three inches of rain, which I am so thankful for. Praise the Lord. It seems that wheat harvest time and storm clouds just go together.

Still no activities going on, so not much to say about that. We do enjoy our domino games once a week; that is always fun.

We want to extend our sincere congratulations to Marvin and Brenda Vahlenkamp of Aspermont on their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday the 23rd.

What a blessing!!! Marvin grew up in this community and was a graduate of OGHS, served in the military and is a retired Banker.

Brenda (Dalby) Vahlenkamp

enjoyed grew up in having lunch Aspermont in Stamford and is a retired with Wesley School Teachand Ashton er. The couple Gonzales of got married in Stamford the Methodand Doug ist Church in and Debbie Aspermont.

Helping them OLD GLORY NEWS Vahlenkamp of OG. celebrate on Glen and Saturday were

By Anita Dozier Helen Pierce their son and enjoyed havfamily, Marty ing Kara Briggs and Crete and Megan Vahlenkamp, of Haskell for lunch and a Kyle and Rylee from Miles, nice visit on Saturday. Kim Texas and his mother Lowack was a visitor on and sister, Gladys VahlenSunday. In Mother’s Day kamp from OG and Nancy visitors for the Pierces’ last Vahlenkamp from Waco. week I failed to list Kade They all attended church and Sarah Lowack as a visitogether on Sunday and tor. Sorry about the error. enjoyed a delicious meal On Saturday, Mittie Dunfollowing church. Congratuham and daughter, Shelly lations to the lovely couple Waldon drove to Hamlin and we wish them many to visit with son/brother more. and wife, Rodney and Tracy I enjoyed having daughDunham. Mittie got to see ter, Rita Stephens, of Abilene spend Monday with her two month old great, me and to say thanks for all great granddaughter, Elsie Grace Bolden from Box the yard work she did.

Elder, South Dakota for the Dale and Carm Letz first time. They also got to enjoyed having their three visit with Elsie’s mother, granddaughters, Darbee, Laynee, and Hazelee New of Melanie Bolden. Daddy, Branson Bolden is in the Haskell spend Wednesday, Air Force and could not Thursday and Friday with attend. Also present were them. Their mother, Lacey, Mittie’s granddaughter (the came to get them on Friday baby’s grandmother) Dusty evening.

Dunham and her daughter, Following church in Brook Bolden from Dallas.

Stamford, Dale and Carm

Classifieds HELP WANTED

Sagebrush Living Center is looking for Direct Support Staff all shifts. Please contact Kaye Carter at 325-773-2791 or come by the Facility at 1101 Columbia St. Stamford, TX for an application.

MAY 29, 2020 7

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

On Sunday, Mittie’s nieces from Midland, Debbie Watson and Judy Johnson, were here to visit with Mittie and Shelly and Gerral Waldon.

I enjoyed having daughter, Marcie Tucker, from Hamby come on Saturday afternoon, spend the night and she returned home Sunday afternoon.

Thought for the week: “You can choose the way you feel or act. So choose to feel vigorous, energetic, and purposeful by acting that way and give life all the good things you can.”

Happy Birthday Wishes go to Judy McEwen, Isaac Castro, Jim Tabor, Brody Bly, John Vahlenkamp, Carsyn Sue Allison, Beverly Tredemeyer, Robert Pippen, Peggy Jordan, Bo Creighton, Samlee Collins,Karter Rosenquist, Larry Letz, Tara Callicoatte, Paula Stegemoeller, Ruby Vanderworth, Amber Corzine, and Carole Petty. We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to Justin and M’Lynn Johnson, Bo and Whiz Creighton, Jace and Amy Manske, and Andrew and Shelly Eudy. Have a wonderful day.

HWY 277 Hawley Faith over Fear home, barn w/horse stalls 51± Ac..IN CONTRACT 1308 Elizabeth St Horse Property w/ 2/2 brick home and barn 4.2 acres!....$189,900 10998 hwy 6 Avoca............................................................................. $129,900 1502 Compton Stamford 3/2/2 Ranch home 1.6± AC!......Reduced! $124,900 1310 PORTLAND Great 3/2 remodel! Must See!...................................$114,500 1403 Compton St. three bedroom two bath brick home........................$109,900 1303 Wesleyan 2/2 with extra lot and tank......................................IN CONTRACT 601 E Rotan Great 3/2 with large backyard!.....................................................$69,900 716 E Oliver 4 bedroom/ 2 baths quiet area..............................................$68,900 1207 HUDSON 3 bedroom, 1 bath in a good location!..............................$49,900 McHarg Lots with Barn and wet weather creek!.........................................$32,000 712 E Vanderbilt Gorgeous 1910 2 story Victorian home.........................SOLD 807 Commercial 2/1 2 living areas....................................................Reduced $58,000

10998 STATE HWY 6 Avoca 3/2 w shop and pens on 4.33± Acres......IN CONTRACT 519 Commercial Ave, Anson- 3/1 Rock home w Metal ......IN CONTRACT

#10 Country Cove ALBANY Nice 3/2 Brick home in cul-de-sac!...... $159,900 913 Harold St ALBANY beautiful 2 story Call for details!.....................$129,900 140 Offield ALBANY Blacksmith Shop, Art Studio........................IN CONTRACT 1726 22nd Anson 2/2 Brick............................................................IN CONTRACT 532 Ave Q Anson 3/2 on 1 ACRE!................................................ IN CONTRACT

COMMERCIAL

200 W. Moran 900 sq. ft. metal shop with electric on .75± acre corner lot!.......$42,500 1303 Swenson STAMFORD - 25,000 sq ft building 1631 17th St, Anson - over 4,000 sq. ft, restaurant equip....... IN CONTRACT

FARM & RANCH

FISHER COUNTY

839± AC Secluded w/ Large neighbors and Big Canyon! IN CONTRACT 480± AC SE of Roby Tank, water well 170± Ac SE of Rotan Pasture SOLD 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 160± AC – The Kittley Irrigated Farm Northwest of Rule! SOLD 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!

782± AC N of Neinda IN CONTRACT 663± AC Great combo place w/ fence, pens, water well and tank 402± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 389± AC Cultivation, Rural water and Electric N of Merkle 323 Ac Creek, Cultivation and Hunting!

253± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 247± Stock Farm SOLD 241± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 239± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 230± AC Ft. Phantom River Ranch, Excellent Hunting!

220± AC Cultivation on California Creek and US HWY 6 RD Frontage 160± AC south of Avoca IN CONTRACT 139± AC- Farrington Cotton Farm Prime Cultivation 62± AC N of Merkel, GREAT building Site!

50± AC Cultivated farm 45± Acres Right outside of Town 26± AC FM 2746 S of Anson water well List price $90,000 20± AC Near Ft. Phantom OAK TREES w/ Electric and rural water!

SHACKELFORD COUNTY

440± AC North of Abilene Cultivation and pasture w/ Spring, Rural Water and 3 tanks!

KNOX COUNTY

217± Ac great Hunting! Water well and native pasture 55± Cultivation close to town!

STEPHENS COUNTY

85± AC Native pasture w/ house

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

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!

658± ac Heath Ranch 200FT elevation changes, live spring and exotics!

320± AC – Hall River Ranch River Frontage w/ 2 story home SOLD 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!

1,455± Acres Base of the Double Mountains!

165± Acres All pasture, Great Hunting!

TAYLOR COUNTY

5± Acres Off of HWY 351 IN CONTRACT Taylor Ridge Estates- 20-80 Acre rural tracts Call for info.

707 Ranch 10-12± tracts SOLD 54± AC S of Trent Great Views!

36± AC S of Trent Elec & Water!

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

8 MAY 29, 2020

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Estes joins AgriLife Extension in Taylor County The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service announced Steve Estes has transferred from his position in Jones County to Taylor County as the county’s agriculture and natural resources agent.

Estes has worked for AgriLife Extension for 18 years. He started his career in Fisher County in 2002 before moving to Jones County.

“The transfer to Taylor County has presented me with a good career opportunity, while also being able to stay in my home area,” said Estes. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve new diverse audiences, while also building upon an already strong agricultural program in Taylor County.”

Estes has been recognized for his service over the years. The Texas Association of County Agricultural Agents presented him with a Distinguished Achievement Award for Community Development in 2008 when he worked in Fisher County.

Last year, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.

Steve Estes He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s from Texas Tech University, Lubbock. His undergraduate degree is in agricultural communications and his graduate degree is in agricultural education.

Wheat harvest is about to gear up with the arrival in town of wheat harvesters and their combines and trucks.

Lane Patton - Fighting Heart Award

Josh Mueller - Gene Stuckey Award

Act F.A.S.T. to Prevent a Stroke!

Did you know that 80 percent of strokes are preventable? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a major cause of long-term disability affecting about 795,000 individuals each year. In observance of National Stroke Awareness Month, Dr. Sumathi Venkatesh, a Health Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, offers some insight into stroke risk factors and prevention measures.

Regular blood supply is vital for a healthy brain—an important organ in our body that regulates our thoughts and actions. A stroke occurs when oxygen and blood flow to the brain is prevented either

by a blood clot that is blocking an artery (ischemic stroke) or by the rupturing of a weakened blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). When blood flow to a part of the brain is obstructed, it could affect specific functions corresponding to that region, resulting in cognitive impairment, physical disability, or loss of major body functions. In more severe cases such as a brain stem stroke, paralysis or even death could occur.

One of the main risk factors for a stroke, especially a hemorrhagic stroke, is high blood pressure. When blood pushes the arteries with high force for a prolonged period, it can damage the walls of the arteries, causing them to rupture. Likewise, high levels

of blood cholesterol and blood sugar could damage the blood vessels. Therefore, routine medical monitoring and the maintenance of an ideal weight through physical activity and a healthy diet are critical measures to prevent some of the most important stroke-related comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

You could save a life by learning the F.A.S.T. warning signs of a stroke. If you experience or witness Face drooping, Arm weakness, and Slurred speech, then it is Time to call 911. Other signs of concern are sudden numbness or weakness, confusion or trouble understanding, vision problems, loss of balance and coordination, and sudden severe headaches without any known problems. If you notice one or more of the warning signs, seek immediate medical attention to detect the underlying causes and begin a treatment plan. Visit the American Stroke Association at https:// www.stroke.org/ for more information and resources on stroke awareness and management. For programs on healthy cooking, physical activity, heart health, diabetes, and blood pressure management, contact your Jones County Extension Office at 823-2432 or email jones@ag.tamu.edu.