December 14, 2018 - Stamford American

December 14, 2018 20 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION

STAMFORD

American THE NEW

SEE BASKETBALL PHOTOS AND STORY...................PAGE 10 AND 11

See More Snow Photos Page 4 and 5 Barbara Thompson at her wall of remembrance in her Avoca, TX home. Her uncle, Dayton Masters, was killed at Pearl Harbor.

TTHE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 10, ISSUE 30 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 97, ISSUE 36 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 113, ISSUE 37

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SEE APPLICANTS FOR SHERIFF...................PAGE 3 SEE ASTIN RETIRING FROM BANK..............PAGE 7

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THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST

MARK THE DATE...

DEC 17TH

DEC 20-22

BAND CONCERT: The Bulldog Bands will hold their Christmas Concert December 17 at 7:00pm at the SHS auditorium. The public is invited!

CHRISTMAS BALL: The annual historical reenactment of the original 1885 Cowboys’ Christmas Ball will be held December 20, 21 & 22 in historic Pioneer Hall at Anson.

DEC 20-22

CHRISTMAS BALL: The annual historical reenactment of the original 1885 Cowboys’ Christmas Ball will be held December 20, 21 & 22 in historic Pioneer Hall at Anson.

DEC 22ND

BENEFIT: Benefit for Thurman (Buddy) Thomas - December 22nd from 10 AM to 8 PM at the American Legion Hall at the east city limits of Lueders on Highway 6.

A BBQ brisket sandwich meal, drinks and desert for $7.00. This benefit is to help defray the medical and other associated costs concerning his illness.

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JAN 14TH

GENEALOGY MEETING: The Cowboy Country Museum will be hosting a Genealogy Society meeting on Monday, January 14, 2019 at 5pm.

If you are interested in learning more about your family genealogy or you want to see the resources that are available at the Museum for research, please plan to attend. All ages are welcome and it is free of charge. If you have any questions, call us at 773-2500.

Have an item for our community Calendar? Call 325-773-5550 and tell us about it or email it to office@americannewspapers.net

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

Friday 56 | 34

Saturday 63 | 42

Sunday 63 | 41

Monday 62 | 39

Tuesday 61 | 43

Wednesday 62 | 42

Thursday 61 | 43

The weather is provided for you

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

31st Annual Christmas Dinner The Christmas Season is a special time to love, share and give to others. St. John’s United Methodist Church in Stamford will be hosting their annual Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, December 25th, 2018. Anyone needing a meal or simply wanting to fellowship with others is welcome to come.

This traditional meal will include turkey, ham, dressing, green beans, sweet potatoes and pie. If you wish to eat at the Fellowship Hall, serving will begin at 11:30am and will continue until 1:00pm. Take-outs will be available from 11:00am-1:00pm. Meals will be delivered beginning at 11:00am. Please call (325) 773-2561 ahead of time for deliveries.

This free meal is made possible by a vast host of volunteers from the Stamford Community. They help prepare, serve and deliver meals. It is truly a community effort. Last year, over 700 meals were served.

The Christmas Dinner has over 100 volunteers giving their time to make this celebration happen. We encourage everyone to call (325) 773-2561, or come by St. John’s United Methodist Church this 25th of December.

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.

Oliver Students to Present Christmas Program Oliver Elementary students will be having an all school Christmas Program Monday Dec. 17th at Trinity Baptist Church, 220 E. McHarg. Due to limited space we will have two performances. PK, Headstart, Kindergarten and 1st performances will be-5:15-5:45. 2nd,3rd,4th,& 5th performance will be 6:00-6:30.

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

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

A Local Connection to Pearl Harbor

BY KAY SPEARS AND GAYLE LOVVORN

Barbara Thompson was just three years old when her uncle, Dayton Monroe Masters, was killed on December 7, 1941. Masters was a Gunner’s Mate, Third Class on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when the Japanese bombed it and seven other battleships on that peaceful morning.

The ships damaged or lost amounted to twenty-one and amazingly all but three were able to be repaired, returning to service during WWII. Masters, along with 2,402 other servicemen, women and civilians were killed when 353 Japanese planes carried out the surprise attack on the US forces, thus causing the US to enter the war against Japan, Germany and their allies. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was correct when he called it “a day that will live in infamy.”

Numerous Jones County men and women left their homes to serve in the

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military before and after the US entered WWII. Some of them never returned to their homes. This devastated their families for the rest of their lives.

Thompson remembers seeing her grandmother crying and her grandfather holding her. At three years old she didn’t understand and was mad at him for hurting her grandmother.

Over the years she began collecting articles and pictures of her uncle to keep his memory alive.

Dayton Masters was born in 1919 in Hood County, TX and moved to Avoca with his family in 1925. He was the son of Archie and Woolena Masters. He graduated from Avoca High School in May, 1939 and enlisted in the Navy on November 8, 1939. Thompson stated her uncle wanted to see the world. He attended boot camp and was assigned to the USS Arizona on January 25, 1940.

The chaos of the Pearl Harbor attack resulted

in Masters being listed as Missing in Action and the family received that telegram dated December 21, 1941. News of the fate of the USS Arizona reached the family and there was a memorial service held at the Avoca High School Auditorium on January 2, 1942. They didn’t know exactly what happened to him until the official death notification telegram arrived on February 1, 1942.

On January 12, 1944 his family received his medal, Dayton Monroe Masters’ family was given the Purple Heart he was awarded posthumously. In 1946 The Stamford American reported that the local American Legion post name was changed to include the name of Dayton Masters, “first Jones County casualty of World War II.” One wonders about what his life might have been like had he returned to the Avoca community at the end of the war. Would he have worked with his brother at

the service station here in Stamford. Would he have married and had children and grandchildren? We’ll never know but we do know that we are all able to live in this country and enjoy the freedom to pursue our jobs and have families because of the sacrifice of Dayton Masters and many others like him.

Sheriff Applicants Named

BY KAY SPEARS

The Jones County Commissioners Court met at a regular meeting, Monday, December 10, 2018. The meetings are open to the public and are held on the third floor of the Jones County Courthouse, Anson, TX. In attendance were Judge Dale Spurgin, County Commissioners James Clawson, Steve Lefevre, Ross Davis, Joe Whitehorn with Deputy County Clerk Titania McGee recording the proceedings. The minutes of the last meeting held on Monday, November 26, 2018 were approved by the Commissioners.

The following Trust Property Bids were approved: A bid submitted by Melvett Ford and Bonnie Ford for the

purchase of (R28820), being Lot Two (2) in Block one hundred seven (107) of Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $300.00 with no court costs.

A bid submitted by Jennifer Berger for the purchase of (R14734), being part of Lots 12 & 13 in Block 111 of the Original Town of Stamford, Texas; being that property more particularly described in General Warranty Deed recorded in Volume 291, Page 575 in the Deed Records of Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $100.00 with no court cost.

A bid submitted by First Baptist Church Anson for the purchase of (R11815), 70’ X 100’, .16 Acres, A0605 2 T and No-1, Tract 605-4, City of Anson, Jones County, Texas. The Bid

Amount is $600.00 with no court costs.

A bid submitted by Zelma Mason & Samuel Byrd for the purchase of (R21453), Lot 2, Block 37 of the Original Town of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $750.00 with no court costs.

A bid submitted by Jerry Wayne Macek for the purchase of (R28952), Lot 7 in Block 10 of the McGaughy Addition to the City of Anson, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $150.00 with not court costs.

An update was given by Judge Spurgin regarding FEMA, TDA and TDEM Forms and Requirements.

SEE SHERIFF, PG 17

NEWS BRIEFS DONATE: A Winter Weather Wear Drive is being sponsored by the Stamford Rotary Club. Please donate your new or gently used coats, hoodies, gloves, scarves, and socks! Monetary donations can be mailed to: The Stamford Rotary Club, Attn: Winter Wear, 109 E McHarg St, Stamford, TX 79553. All donations are kept locally. A donation box is at the Stamford American and several locations throughout town.

CODE CLUB: Stamford Carnegie Library CODE CLUB every Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 pm.

Grades 6-12 welcome to attend.

DONATE: Denise Dennis is still collecting aluminum cans for recycling to raise money to donate to West Texas Rehab Center. You can drop them off at her house on the corner of Reynolds & Vassar. You can also drop off cans or monetary donations for her here at the Stamford American or mail to Stamford American, P O BOX 870, Stamford, TX and note on the check it is for Denise Dennis.

TUTORING: SMS Tutoring every Thursday from 6:00-7:00 at Common Ground. This is an opportunity for your child to get extra help on their school work. Please have your children take advantage of this help. For more information, contact Paul Wright at 773-3604 or 370-6378.

RENT: The TCR Old Timer’s Association rents the Bunkhouse and Roundup buildings. The new manager is Ann Heathington, and she can be reached at 325-7738057. Please leave a message and she will return your call.

(You will be reaching a business called From Scratch.)

The price for the Bunkhouse is $50 deposit and $250 for a one day rental. The price for the Roundup is $150 deposit and $325 for a one day rental.

FLU SHOTS: Shots are now available at Stamford Family Health Center, 1601 Columbia St., for only $25.

Open Monday – Thursday 7am – 6pm & on Fridays 8am – 5pm.

Have an item for News Briefs?

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

BIRTHDAYS Dec 11 - Tracy Kuenstler Dec 12 - Jeanie Mueller Dec 13 - Deborah Huggins Dec 14 - Virgil Stone Dec 15 - Austin (Buddy) Bolin Dec 18 - Glen Gilbreath Dec 19 - Lawton Terry, Travis Dean Dec 20 - Alan Plumlee Know someone who is having a birthday? Please remember to call us at 325-773-5550 and let us know!

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4W Ranch, Wallace Family

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Snow Day!

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HELLO FROM COWBOY COUNTRY

By Jewellee Kuenstler

Lately, I have realized how blessed I am. It really doesn’t take much to make me happy. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article on the Shoe Leather Express about Harry Haynes and his time as a German POW at the end of World War II. I am so excited to report that people do actually read my stories! I know they aren’t much, and very random, and I write like I talk, but I was just tickled to death that people actually take time to read them.

How do I know this? Well, I got a lot of response from that story. One lady told me that her grandfather had been in that same POW march in Germany and she wrote a paper about his experience in high school.

Then I got lots of comments about Harry Haynes and

his service in World War II. History is never cut and dried, or black and white.

You pull a thread in this great tapestry of colors and it leads to another thread, and another, and another… well, you get the idea. That is why history is so exciting. It is all connected and one event always leads to another.

Today, I’m going to follow a thread from the story about Harry Haynes’ POW experience. This story details how he became a POW in the first place, and let me tell you, it is just as riveting as the Shoe Leather Express story. Jim Astin suggested an on-line article, “Jesse and the Tremblin Gremlin,” by Otis Lee Early. Since this is a weekly article, you are only going to get the Reader’s Digest version, but if this

Upcoming Events at the Museum January 14 – Genealogical Meeting at 5pm January 17 – Family Night from 5:30-6:30pm January 22 – Social from 3-4pm

story interests you, take time to look it up or stop by the Museum and read a copy here. Here we go!

They say war can make the most unlikely group of people closer than brothers.

This was true for the closeknit, ten-man crew of the Tremlin’ Gremlin, a World War II bomber. The crew included the 20-year-old pilot, Lt. Rosencrans from Ohio; the co-pilot, Lt. Windham from Pennsylvania; engineer and waist gunner, Cpl. Houck from Ohio; tail gunner, Sgt. Martin from Vermont; radio operator and waist gunner, Cpl. Jesse Whisenant from Texas; top turret gunner, Sgt. Anthony from Alabama; nose gunner, Sgt. McCullough from Illinois; ball turret gunner, Sgt. Harry Haynes from Stamford, Texas; navigator, Lt. Jaros from New York; and the bombardier, Lt. Besser from California.

To give a some substance or humanity to these names, let me tell you a little about them. The pilot, Lt. Rosencrans, was very young but extremely talented. He had already replaced the nose gunner on his crew before they shipped overseas, because the original nose gunner, who was 23-years-old at the time, refused to salute the then 19-year-old Rosencrans. The new nose gunner, Sgt. McCullough respected Rosencrans and had no problem saluting his pilot. Sgt. Martin was nicknamed “Pappy” because, at 24-years-old, he was the oldest man on the crew. Cpl. Jesse Whisenant, 19-years-old, was the fifth son in his family to enter military service. He was also considered the best shot out of all the gunners on the crew. Whisenant and Haynes, both boys from Texas, immediately became fast friends.

The crew had picked up their brand new B24J bomber in Lincoln, Nebraska and christened her the “Tremblin’ Gremlin”.

Crew of the Tremlin’ Gremlin: (front row l to r) Cpl. Houck, Sgt. Martin, Cpl. Whisenant, Sgt. Anthony, Sgt McCullough, Sgt. Haynes; (back row l to r) Lt. Jaros, Lt. Windham, Lt. Rosencrans, Lt. Besser After takeoff, the pilot opened the orders and only then did they discover their destination, Italy.

Once the Tremlin’ Gremlin landed in Italy, their work began. By August 23, 1944, the crew had seen twenty missions over enemy territory, some missions more strenuous than others. But the plane took a rather brutally beating during the 20th mission. So brutal, in fact, that on the morning of August 23, after having breakfast together, the crew was informed that the plane they had come to value as another crew member, was too beat up to make the trip that day.

They were forced to choose from two “substitute” bombers. Bomber crews were notoriously superstitious, so this did not bode well for the forthcoming mission.

Another “bad omen” that occurred that same morning had to do with Sgt. Haynes. While breakfasting with the crew, Haynes realized he left his dog tags in his quarters. The crew ribbed him about running back to get them, but always in the back of their mind was the possibility of their plane going down and becoming a prisoner of the enemy. If you were cap-

tured without dog tags, the enemy force would shoot you on sight as a spy and be justified in executing you. This same troubling thought must have been lingering in the minds of others, because Lt. Jaros took a precaution he had shrugged off during the first twenty missions. After every briefing, the junior officers were encouraged to purchase Major insignias to keep on their person in case they were shot down and taken captive. Apparently, the Germans looked down on junior officers and tended to treat them poorly. So, just the day before, Lt. Jaros bought Major insignias for himself and his best friend, Lt. Rosencrans, pilot of the Tremlin’ Gremlin. As Sgt. Haynes hustled back for his dog tags, Lt. Jaros sidled up to Lt. Rosencrans and passed him the Major insignia.

Rosencrans gave a nervous laugh and remarked that he wouldn’t need them. But Jaros made him take them just the same.

They had their pick from two substitute planes, but after inspecting the first one, they found that four of the guns did not work.

They did not want to be over enemy territory without fire power, so they opt-

ed for the second choice.

As the crew stood gazing at the sad looking bomber that was to be theirs for the mission, they knew only time would tell if this plane was actually the better of the two. Early put it so well in his article, “Nevertheless they had a mission to fly, so they set about to make the best of the situation, with a plane they neither knew, nor fully trusted.” While the crew settled in to their stations, the pilots “muscled the tired old bomber into formation.” Their mission today was a bombing run over the Markersdorf Airfield in St. Polten, Austria.

An area that was heavily defended by German fighter planes and anti-aircraft guns.

Sadly, that is where I must leave you this week.

But stay tuned next week for a perilous air battle that will have dire consequence for Sgt. Haynes and his crew.

As always we love for you to stop by and visit with us.

If you have any information or just want to say Hi, email us at cowboycountrymuseum@yahoo.com or call us at 325/773-2500.

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AgriLife Extension Annual Interpretation Presented at Jones County Commissioners Court

BY KAY SPEARS Steve Estes, County Extension Agent and Kim Miles, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent presented the AgriLife Extension Annual Interpretation to the Jones County Commissioners Court on Monday, December 10, 2018. Steve Estes stated, “basically our jobs are to provide education to the people of Jones County, whether by formal or informal methods.” The formal methods include educational seminars, events people come to, and the informal includes working with people one on one or in groups.

Estes described the 2018 formal programs that included the Cotton Conference held in Stamford in January, Aerial Applicator CEU Training working with area crop dusters, Wheat Field Day and working with the Wildlife Alliance of Jones, Fisher, Stonewall and Haskell Counties, and providing Auxin Herbicide Trainings.

Overall for 2018 educational opportunities were with land management operations, crop budgeting & commodity marketing, livestock & wildlife management, variety selection, weed control, soil/water/ forage testing, insect identification & management, and technology management.

Miles described her role in Family & Community Health as working in the county in the areas of health & nutrition. In 2015 there was an Issues Identification project and she has been concentrating on food, nutrition education and health & wellness.

Walk Across Texas is an eight week fitness program in the Spring for anyone interested in getting or staying active. There are eight person teams walking the 830 miles across Texas in the eight weeks. The goal

Steve Estes, County Agent, Kay Spears & Denise Roberts, volunteers with Kim Miles, County Agent after Commissioners Court presentation. is that after the eight weeks those individuals continue the lifestyle of staying physically active.

Better Living for Texans is a nutrition education program helping participants make informed decisions about the food they eat. Primarily increasing fruit and vegetable intake, increasing physical activity, cooking healthy nutritious meals for themselves at home.

Regarding Retail Food Management before 2016 it was required to have one Food Manager per establishment and now there has to be a Certified Food Manager on site at all times and anyone working in the food industry has to have a minimum of Food Handlers Certification and that certification is good for two years. Miles stated, “I have done quite a few of Food Manager classes and Food Handler classes for Jones County and surrounding

areas just keeping those individuals up to date on their certifications required by the state.”

Miles works closely with the local Texas Extension Education Association, a volunteer driven/lead organization. They work in the communities and partner with the county extension service.

Miles presented the Commissioners Court with a check of $38,632.04, which is the value of the Texas Extension Education Association’s volunteer hours and service. A volunteer hour is calculated at $27.50 per hour, plus mileage and monetary donations to the community.

Judge Spurgin asked for a report concerning programs for schools.

Miles reported going to the Anson Elementary School and providing lessons to all of the PE classes. One was on Nutritious Drinks

which included how much sugar is in soda, chocolate milk, other drinks and the benefits of water. One was on the USDA guidelines to eat healthy with fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, grains and the last class was on the importance of physical activity.

Estes wrapped up the presentation by describing youth programs including 4H, water education, and agricultural education. In Jones County there are 129 members and 99 volunteers.

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Astin Retires from First Bank Texas First Bank Texas is announcing the retirement of Jim Astin as Branch President of First Bank Texas in Stamford. Mr. Astin has served in this capacity since August of 2002 and has more than 35 years in banking. Under his leadership and direction, the First Bank Texas staff has excelled in serving the community of Stamford.

Prior to his employment at First Bank Texas, he returned to Stamford in 1974 to farm with his father in the family farming operation. With the unexpected death of his father in February of 1975, he continued farming and went into partnership with Guy, Randy, and Ronnie Denson in 1977. In January of 1981 Jim accepted an opportunity and began his banking career with First National Bank in Stamford.

Mr. Astin had also worked for Home State Bank of Rochester and now First Bank Texas. His career has been very rewarding from the associations with community leaders and the high level of banking associates that he has been fortunate to work with, along with the many valued customers over the years.

Astin has been active in the Stamford Community, serving on the City Council, Stamford School Board, and the Development Corporation of Stamford in various capacities. He also has been a member of the old Stamford Exchange Club, Rotary Club and for a short time the Kiwanis of Stamford. Jim also attends St. John’s United Methodist Church, where he serves on the Administrative board and finance committee as well as over the years teaching Sunday School for 4th-5th grades, Jr. High, Sr. High, and Adult classes.

Jim’s great-grandfather Joseph P. Astin moved to Stamford in 1901 and established the family in Stamford and the area with the purchase of land. Jim has two children, a daughter Emily, and a son Evan that died in 2017, and he is extremely proud of their accomplishments.

Jim intends to continue his community service in retirement and help make Stamford the best it can be.

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OBITUARIES

Claude Philip “Butch” DeBusk

Stamford Healthcare Systems hosted a Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 6th.

Benefit for Thurman (Buddy) Thomas It will be held on December 22nd from 10 AM to 8 PM at the AMERICAN LEGION HALL at the east city limits of Lueders on Highway 6. A BBQ brisket sandwich meal, drinks and desert for $7.00. This benefit is to help defray the medical and other associated costs concerning his illness. We look forward to your support for Thurman (Buddy) Thomas.

Tony R. Escobedo

February 15, 1938 - December 9, 2018

September 3, 1942 - December 5, 2018

Claude Philip “Butch” DeBusk lived his life with a love for adventure and exploring God’s creations. He especially loved the water. On December 9, 2018 at the age of 80 yrs, he took his final adventure on earth surrounded by his loving family and began his final journey to his eternal home. Butch chose cremation with his ashes being spread over the waters.

Memorial services will be planned at a later date.

Butch was born February 15, 1938 in Laredo, Texas.

He was one of four boys born to Acie Dow DeBusk and Marjorie Judith (Claflin) DeBusk. He was raised in Alice, Texas where he spent his formative years and graduated from Alice High School prior to serving his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1955-1959. While enlisted, Butch was chosen to study Radar Technology at MIT. After serving his country he worked as a mechanic along Houston ship channel then took up farming in West Texas.

Butch married Barbara Stephens Oman on July 18, 1980 in Stamford, Texas sharing 38 years together. Years later, he returned to the mechanic field as engineer on the boats along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, from there he worked as a shop foreman then eventually worked as a fuel injection specialist in Longview (East Texas) before retiring.

In June 2016, Butch returned to Stamford Texas. Butch was a man with many talents and interests including drag racing, hunting, fishing, woodworking, dancing and spending time on the water.

He was preceded in death by his parents Acie Dow and Judy DeBusk.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara DeBusk of Stamford, Texas; children Philip Creg DeBusk of Seabrook, Texas, Lisa Rhea Threet-Jenkins and husband Billy of League City, Texas and Cindy Oman Smith and husband Greg of Rusk, Texas; grandchildren, Asa DeBusk of Seabrook Texas, Brandon Threet of Austin, Texas, Tanner Smith of Kilgore, Texas, Robert Smith of San Antonio, Texas, Rex Smith also from San Antonio, Jared Smith of Nacogdoches Texas; brothers, Mike DeBusk and Gwyn of La Porte, Texas, Dennis DeBusk and wife Dora of Hebbronville, Texas and Randy DeBusk of La Porte, Texas and a host of many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite charity.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com

Tony R. Escobedo, the son of Panfilo and Teresa (Reyna) Escobedo was born on September 3, 1942 in Scott City, Kansas. He passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the age of 76.

A rosary service was Friday, December 7, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at Tankersley Funeral Home, at 807 S. Columbia, Stamford, TX. Tony was remembered during a funeral service Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home chapel with Pastor Paul Wright officiating. Burial followed in Highland Memorial Cemetery.

Tony was a lifetime resident of Stamford where he attended St. Ann’s Catholic Church and served as an altar server. He graduated from Stamford High School in 1959.

Tony worked as a Motor Electrician in Brownwood, TX. from 1968–1974. He then went to work for Kinney Furniture Store where he discovered his passion for furniture repair, a trade that would be his future business. Mr. Escobedo enrolled in the Modern Upholstery Institute and graduated in 1974, opening his own business, Escobedo Upholstery and Furniture Repair.

On August 2, 1971 he married the love of his life, Casimira (Susie) Escobedo in Frederick, OK. Tony and Susie owned and operated Escobedo Upholstery and Furniture Repair for 44 years.

Tony will be remembered for his love of music, dancing, boxing, football, fishing, but more than anything he will be remembered for the love he gave to each & every member of his family, but most especially his grandchildren who were the light of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Panfilo and Teresa Escobedo, 2 sisters, Fernanda Escobedo and Janie Escobedo, and one grandson; Justin Villa.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years: Casimira (Susie) Escobedo of Stamford, 2 daughters: Irma Salas and husband Juan Coronado of Stamford, and Elvia Villa of Stamford, one son: Joe Salas and wife Gayla of Stamford, two special daughters (granddaughters): Angie Fuentes and husband Rudy Fuentes of Stamford, and Deborah Salazar and husband Eric Roque of Stamford, 13 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren, two sisters, Nora Macias and husband Jesse of Rule, and Louise Moreno and husband Alex of Abilene, one brother; Phillip (Kelly) Escobedo and wife Connie of Stamford, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends

DEATH NOTICE Gregory Don “Pastor Greg” Taylor, Sr. , 52, of Stamford, passed away Friday, December 7, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Mackenzie Trail Cowboy Church in Stamford. Burial followed in Howard Cemetery in Haskell County, Texas under the direction of Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home in Stamford. Family and friends had a visitation from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at the funeral home. Online condolences may be given at www. kinneyunderwoodfuneralhome.com

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DECEMBER 14, 2018

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A Celebration for a Centurion From Jones County

Leta Faye Touchstone Leta Faye Touchstone was born December 13, 1918, in Merkel, Tx, daughter of Andrew and Leta May Barbee from Noodle, TX. Leta May, her mother was in the 1st class at Abilene Christian Collage, now Abilene Christian University.

Leta Faye graduated from Merkel High School, was selected as Most Beautiful and rode in rodeos, winning many barrel races within the West Texas rodeo circuit. Leta Faye married the late J.E. Touchstone and had two children Terry Touchstone and Christi Harris Touchstone, both graduates of Anson High School. J. E. Touchstone farmed and ranched and was the Jones County Commissioner (Precinct 4) for over 28 years. The family lived on their farm about

7 miles from Anson until their home burned to the ground. They later moved to Anson. Finding the perfect family home and turning ‘the rock house’ at 1521 15th Street into a beloved place for family and friends to come, eat J.E.’s bar-b-cue, attend showers and weddings and church parties was supported by all. Their family were members of Anson Church of Christ.

Leta moved to Dallas in 1983 to be near her adult children. She worked for Christi Harris Cosmetics for many years, being the house mother of 65 employees. She retired in 1996, traveled, continued painting, and was a faithful member of Preston Crest Church of Christ, yet continues with her advice and encouragement to women.

Arrington on Farm Bill Conference Report

Great health has been a God send throughout most of her years. The past 1½ years she broke her hip and shoulder by falling, out shopping with Christi.

Then in rehab she broke her other hip. This time last year she was released to Independent Living with a wonderful full time caregiver, Minnie. She lives at the Conservatory Senior Living in Plano. She attends exercise class every morning and has recuperated well from her last surgery 11 months ago. She continues to walk and exercise, juice carrots and celery, and be a mentor to all who come in contact.

Her two facts of life that

she continues to preach are these: Treat a man like he is eight years old and you will never have a problem.

It is easy to be a woman, but harder to be a ‘lady’.

Ladies go farther.

A little powder and paint make a gal look like what she ain’t.

She has lived by these impeded rules and they seem to have worked for her.

The photo was recently made at her apartment after church, Nov. 11, 2018.

WASHINGTON – Today the Farm Bill conference committee, on which Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) serves, signed the conference report for the 2018 Farm Bill.

“After two years of work, hundreds of meetings in the district and in Washington, and months of negotiating on the Farm Bill conference committee, I joined my colleagues in signing the 2018 conference report,” Arrington said.

“I am pleased to report that we significantly improved the agriculture safety net and made much needed investments in rural infrastructure, which will provide struggling producers with certainty, strengthen rural communities, and ensure America can provide a safe and affordable food supply to our families independent of foreign countries.

“While we were not able to implement the bold welfare-to-work reforms led by House Republicans, 18 of the 21 House-passed reforms to the Food Stamp program are reflected in the final report, which will strengthen the program’s integrity, provide needed oversight, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.

“Nothing has been more important to our district than getting a strong and reliable Farm Bill passed, and I am proud to support a conference report that is a win for our hardworking farmers and families in rural America.

“By getting the Farm Bill done now, we provide immediate certainty to agriculture producers and also, avoid Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats rewriting the bill next Congress.”

10 DECEMBER 14, 2018

Bulldogs Defeat Eula The Bulldogs faced off against the Eula Pirates on Tuesday, December 11, at their home gym. The game was tied at the half but Stamford posted an awesome 42 points in the second half to seal the win.

Leading the scoring were Zachary Duran and Trace Edwards with 26 and 19 points respectively. Peyton Bevel contributed 7 points and De’Marcus Barber and Quincy Johnson had 4 points each.

Stamford 16 2 20 21--59 Eula 9 9 12 22--52

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DECEMBER 14, 2018

2018 Bulldogs Basketball Team #1 D’Marcus Barber #2 Zachary Duran #3 Quincy Johnson #10 DeMarcus Downs #11 Peyton Bevel #12 Keyven Mueller #14 Trace Edwards #22 Keith Richards #31 Nolan Baker

Lady Bulldogs Beat Eula The Lady Dawgs took on the Eula Lady Pirates on Tuesday, December 11.

Stamford started off slowly, trailing at the half 21-15, but they came on strong in the second half, defeating Eula 38-34. Multiple Lady Bulldogs contributed to the scoring. Brooklyn Woodard had 12 points, Macy Detamore 8, Tylee Bevel 7, Gracie Oliver and Kennadee Gann scored 4 apiece and Shandlee Mueller had 3.

Stamford 7 8 11 12--38 Eula 9 12 10 3--34

11

12 DECEMBER 14, 2018

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Faith… It’s a word that is very familiar to the ordinary ear. We all have heard the word used before in some type of form or fashion. Faith is more than just a word however, it is a way of life. The writer of Hebrews gives us a great definition of faith, he writes, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Heb. 11:1). When we say we have faith, we are declaring that we believe what we cannot see and we trust a Higher Power to act on our behalf. The Greek translation of the word faith is “total reliance”. Having total reliance in something is completely trusting and believing with no doubt in mind. To have faith we are to have total reliance. The early believers in the 1st-century church age set the bar quite high on this term that we so easily toss around in our present-day society. If we

December 17-21 Monday Stuffed Bell Pepper, Corn , Mac & Cheese, Chocolate Pudding Tuesday Chicken Enchilada Bake, Salad , Spanish Rice, Coconut Pudding Wednesday Cheese Burger with all the fixings, French Fries, Pea Salad, Ice Cream Thursday Salmon, Butter Beans, Coleslaw, Hushpuppies, Ambrosia Friday Chicken Pot Pie, Salad, Strawberries

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Keys to Faith truly do have faith in God, then we are saying that we are fully relying on Him and Him alone. Yes, that can become difficult, but trusting in His promises is what He calls us to do (Rom. 4:21).

Faith is not just a sweet lyric to a song or a cute sign that hangs up in your living room; no faith is the only way to Eternal Paradise. The Word tells us that; “We are made right with God by our faith in Jesus Christ” (Rom. 3:22).

Our faith and the measure of it is what determines our eternal destiny. We also read that, “It is impossible to please God without faith” (Heb. 11:6). So in order to be on good terms with the One who created us, we must not have weak faith but faith that is in full out reliance on His

PASTOR’S PEN

By Dalton Mathis

promises.

Sometimes it’s hard to have faith in a world where the enemy is always looking to destroy our trust in God. But without a doubt, the people who have faith till the end are the ones who will be saved (Matt.

24:13). Below are 7 key points that can strengthen your trust so that you will truly have faith to follow

the Savior!

1. Remember that God created you in His image, special and unique (Gen. 1:26, Ps. 139: 13-17). There is no one else like you in this world and there never will be. You are who God says you are!

2. Watch over your heart.

To watch over your heart, you must rely on His help by getting into His Word and seeking His presence through prayer (Pro. 4:23).

3. Know that you will fall short (Rom. 3:23). You will make mistakes, but Christ will be there to pick you up and enable you to press on (Phil. 3:14).

4. Always recall that faith involves the knowledge that God will make all things work together for the good of those who love Him (Rom. 8:28).

5. Keep seeking God’s

purpose in your life. Remember that whatever He a has placed in your heart is s bigger than fear and doubt i i (Ps. 37:4). t 6. Look beyond what you can see and trust Him t in both the high and low t times of your life (2 Cor. n t 5:7).

I 7. God requires you to be faithful, not successful.

If you are faithful, you will a end up being successful in s W His eyes (Matt. 25:23). t If you can trust Him with something as big as y your Eternal Security, can’t G you also trust Him with something as small as your h earthly needs? (Matt. 6:25- R 34). Fight the Good Fight of T C Faith!!! o Respect the Blood, Dalton Mathis S h t

LOCAL CHURCHES Avoca Baptist Church Rev. Les Mims 773-3531 AM Worship: 11:00

Central Baptist Church Pastor Bud Akins 301 E Moran 773-2577 Worship: 11:00

Avoca United Methodist Church Dennis Huffaker 773-3909 AM Worship: 9:45

Central Presbyterian Rev. Dr. Kelly Pigott 601 Rowland 325-773-3381 AM Worship: 11:00

Bethel Church of God in Christ Pastor Session 407 W Handlan 325-773-5730

Common Ground Youth Ministry Paul Wright 219 S Swenson 325-773-3604

Bethel (Christ) Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 1024 E. Vanderbilt 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 9:00

Faith Chapel Gerald Spalding 501 W. McHarg 325-773-2866 AM Worship: 10:00

Bethel Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 10707 N. FM 600 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 11:00

Faith Lutheran Church Sagerton, Texas 940-200-0723 AM Worship: 10:30

First Assembly of God Family Worship Center Pastor Randy Rawls 1214 Compton 325-773-2435 Am Worship: 10:45 First Baptist Church John Ward 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 AM worship 11:00

Heart of God Church 114 E Campbell Joanne Ochoa AM Worship 10:30

Paint Creek Baptist Church Pastor Tony Grand 940-864-3358 AM Worship: 11:00

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

St Ann’s Catholic Church Father Angelo Consemino 1001 S Swenson 325-773-2659 AM Mass: 11:00

Orient Street Church of Christ Wes Horn 510 S Orient 773-3419 Worship: 10:30

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

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

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

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Boy did it get cold again, but wasn’t the snow so beautiful? That is surely a sign Christmas is coming. I was so glad to see the sun come out today, being stranded in the house for a few days is not on my happy list. I like to go some place as long as I am able.

It seems everyone is in a rush these days. Better stop and smell the roses!!!!

When you hurry it makes the time pass faster and you get old quicker!!!!!

Sara Castleberry from Grapevine visited with her grandmother, Bernice Rhoads, last weekend.

They enjoyed going to the Craft Show in Aspermont on Saturday.

Thanks to daughter, Rita Stephens, of Abilene for her visit on Monday and the work she did for me.

Gladys Vahlenkamp was very glad to have several family members spend some time with her this past week. They were having their Thanksgiving and Christmas together.

Enjoying their time together were Nancy Vahlenkamp of Edmond, Oklahoma, Larry and Kelley Brown from Birmingham, Alabama, Bill Brown and Alina from Waco, Texas, Ty and Desiree Munro and Cain from Woodway, Texas, Janie Bailey from

news@americannewspapers.net hosted Edmond, the sibling Oklahoma, Christmas at Jackie Andrew their home from Waco, on Saturday.

Texas and Enjoying the Marvin and day together Brenda were Doug Vahlenkamp and Debbie from Aspermont.

OLD GLORY NEWS Vahlenkamp of OG, John They all had and Celinda a wonderful

By Anita Dozier Allison form time being Gardendale, together with Shawna Vahlenkamp lots of food to enjoy. Doug and Kirk Williamson and Debbie Vahlenkamp of Roby. They enjoyed stopped by for a short games, plenty of food and visit. exchanged gifts.

Phyllis Letz was in Following church Hamlin on business, services in Stamford, Dale while there she met Danny and Carm Letz drove for lunch. Later Phyllis to Abilene where they gave a lady in need some attended the Ballet Recital useful items to help her in which granddaughter, out.

Darbee was a dancer.

Friday evening, Danny After the recital, Dale and and his band played at Carm, Micah and Lacey Brooks Diesel Service in Sweetwater for a Christmas New, Darbee, Jaylee, and Hazelee had dinner Party. together in Abilene.

Visiting with Pide Following church and Mittie Dunham on Sunday were Pide’s cousins services this morning at the Faith Lutheran Church David Dunham from in Sagerton everyone Beaumont and Rommy enjoyed a delicious Pot Renfro from Gunterscille, Luck lunch. In the evening Alabama. They had a great a large group enjoyed the visit.

Bell Choir I enjoyed having the presenting a beautiful domino gals at my Christmas Program in house on Wednesday. It the Fellowship Hall at the was a fun day. Later we all Faith Lutheran Church. attended Advent services Those in the Bell Choir at the Faith Lutheran were Michael and Tomzie Church in Sagerton.

Steele, Nancy Griffin, Dale and Carm Letz

Tristan Steele, Cherrye Stegemoeller, Skylar Steele, Kathy Teichelman, Dorothy Clark, and Clyde Stegemoeller, with Director Karen Lehrmann. Ray Clark led the singing for those attending, Clyde also played the piano and Pastor Cannon read the scriptures. It was a very enjoyable program.

Members of the Bell Choir served refreshments for everyone following the program.

Thought for the week: “A friend is a person who knows all about you but likes you anyway.”

Happy Birthday wishes go to Ed Wolsch, Will Smith, Jonnie Crowson, Gary Hertel, Joshua Smith, Renee Dudensing, Clay Gentry, Casey Letz, Cody Green, Jill Sharp, Mark Combs, Charles Letz, Sheila Cowan, Kase Lawson, Carolyn Teichelman, Shayla Groves, Carla J. Lehrmann, and Mary Ulmer. We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to Gary and Carolyn Teichelman, Valton and Beatrice Schmidt, Marshall and Gail Slimp, Andrew and Leigh Vahlenkamp, and Lee and Aubrey Jo Edwards. Have a wonderful day.

DECEMBER 14, 2018

13

Hope Our good word for today is HOPE. This is a good word for us as we begin the holiday season. I truly believe that mankind was in a hopeless situation until that first Christmas morning when Hope was born in a manger. In the immortal words of Alexander Pope “Hope springs eternal in the human breast; Man never is, but always to be blessed: The Bill Hillier soul, uneasy and confined from home, Rests and expatiates in a life to come.” To take this quotation literally is to find that man really is hopeless. It implies that we are forever hoping for things that will never come to fruition.

We can converse at great length for what we might hope to achieve but never quite reach that lofty goal of being truly blessed. But we have some words of encouragement from God’s Word. Jeremiah 17:7 (KJV) 7 “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” We can truly be blessed if we trust in the Lord and not ourselves. We can reach lofty goals, have great achievements, and find happiness and contentment simply by walking by faith. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (KJV) 13 “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” Faith, hope and charity are a trinity just like the Holy Trinity. You are hopeless without faith and faithless without love. God loves you so go ahead and hope and have faith and you will (I Hope) have a blessed day.

A GOOD WORD FROM BROTHER BILL

14 DECEMBER 14, 2018

MISTLETOE MIRACLES:

By Jodi Thomas Jaxon O’Grady is walking in the hills surrounding his cabin near Crossroads, Texas. He suddenly hears the screech of brakes and sees a car careen off the highway. He runs to help. By the time he reaches the accident scene, other cars have stopped, and an ambulance is speeding the injured driver to the hospital. Jaxon READING REVIEW happens to hear a puppy’s whimper. It had been thrown Martha Jarred from the vehicle and is seriously hurt. Jaxon wraps up the little collie and takes it to his cabin. Before his accident, Jaxon had been a fireman.

The last two years, however, he has become a self imposed, isolated hermit. Jaxon learns the collie’s owner is in the hospital and had suffered a beating before the accident. When she is able to travel, Jaxon arranges for Mallory Mayweather to move to his hidden cabin. Jaxon, with the help of the guard-puppy, will protect her from her abusive ex-boyfriend, Curtis. As she recovers, Mallory’s friendship helps to heal Jaxon’s emotional wounds. They both know she is in grave danger. Curtis will not rest until he tracks her down, but this time, he intends to kill her.

The three Holloway brothers’ ranch borders Jaxon’s land. They are facing losing the land that has been in their family for generations. Their only hope is to marry someone with money. Griffin asks two elderly sisters for help. They happen to know the perfect young lady.

Sunlan Krown has a spread of her own in Colorado for her horses and her family’s Texas ranch. She has problems of her own and consents to marry Griffin strictly as a business deal. When tragedy strikes her Colorado operation, Griffin and his brothers fly to help. Sunlan and Griffin learn to rely on each other, soon becoming more than just business partners.

Wyatt Johnson should have asked for directions as he drove the rental car through the Shepard Air Force Base gates. He only wants to find a hotel since he is exhausted from the long overseas flight. Wyatt continues to drive into the rainy night. After several hours, the car slides off the road hitting a fence. Wade stumbles on down the road until a police deputy finds him. Seeing his name is Johnson, the deputy takes him to the lake house of high school drama teacher, Jamie Johnson, assuming he is her husband returning from the army.

Jamie is away sponsoring a school trip, so Wyatt collapses on the bed. Jamie had told everyone she was married to avoid any uncomfortable situations. Even though his arrival is a surprise, Jamie agrees to let Wyatt bunk at her house during his leave to carry on her ruse.

Titles by Jodi Thomas can be found at Henderson Book Store. Please call Martha Jarred, 940-864-3072, for more information.

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December 8th, the American Legion Auxiliary in Lueders hosted a Christmas party for the Veterans and the Lueders VFD. They also collected items for the area Noah Project. Even though the weather wasn’t at its best, the Veterans, Auxiliary Members and members of the Lueders VFD enjoyed turkey, ham and all the fixings, a few door prizes, and singing Christmas Carols.

(L to R) ALA President Joyce Olson, LVFD members -Allen Smith Jr., Victor Kimbrough and Misty Stevens.

I w i m m f o g d t l o s i before, that is neither i practical nor possible. But t as I’ve learned about the en-m thusiasm for the Grand, the “good old days” isn’t about f a specific era. It’s about the a big picture ideal. It’s about p p the feelings that people have for the community in f the era that they remem- t ber. It’s about people being f fondly connected to their i community and wanting to t keep those feelings alive, or w t if needed, revived.

Those feelings still exist i n in our communities and f about our communities. t Whether it’s a theatre renovation, the restoration m i of another historic piece a of our community, or an entirely new business that w creates new jobs and new enthusiasm, we can give people a reason to view this era in our community just as fondly as the eras of the past.

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.

The Good Old Days Again The Grand Theatre reopened in Stamford on November 23, 2018. After being dark for the better part of the last decade, the neon lights of the theatre marquee again light the downtown skyline. Downtown parking spaces have more demand on weekend evenings than they used to.

Since the theatre’s reopening, excitement has been palpable. In reading comments on Facebook and hearing discussion in town, I’ve noticed that the excitement transcends generations in an interesting manner. From teenagers to the elderly, each age group is excited based on *their* memories of the theatre.

The youngest groups remember the theatre in the last period before it closed.

They grew up with it open, and its closure took one of the most notable forms of social entertainment from their community. My generation remembers its re-opening when we were children, when the abandoned downtown theatre suddenly came alive. We frequented it growing up,

the “good and we used old days” it as adults are a compliuntil it closed. cated thing.

Generations Memories of before us the theatre remember the span eight theater as a decades. Each staple of their generation childhood and remembers teenage years. ESSAYS FROM WEST a different They rememOF 98 version of the ber it closing theatre, each the first time, James M. Decker of which took in the 1980s, place in a difand their joy ferent era of the town’s hisof its 1990s reopening. The tory. But to that generation, oldest generations rememtheir memory is the “good ber the theatre in its early old days,“ and guess what? days. They remember a Each group is exactly right. booming post-war comEach generation rememmunity of over 5,000, with bers a different time period, the Grand and multiple but they all remember other theatres helping the same big picture ideal make downtown Stamford (whether they realize it a teeming hub of business or not). They remember a and social activity. thriving social hub, which I’ve written in the past attracted people from miles about the inherent flaws around, that gave each of of the “good old days” them something fun to do, discussions. Which ones and made their community were the actual good old the “place to be.” days? Are your memories When we talk about revioverly tinged by nostalgia? talizing our communities, it Were they actually good for is human nature to desire everyone? bringing a specific era back The Grand Theatre to life. As I have written beautifully sums up why

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Perdue Completes Overhaul Of School Food Rules In 2017, on just his sixth day in office, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue made chocolate milk safe for schools again, along with white flour and salt, in the name of “regulatory flexibility” for school food programs. On Thursday, the USDA said it will make those changes permanent.

WEST TEXAS TREES AND LANDSCAPES

By Bruce Kreitler and the KWKC Green Team

One of the things that I usually mention in the winter, is that it (winter) is a great time to remove mistletoe from trees. Since mistletoe is green, trying to find all of it and get it out of a tree, that is also full of green leaves, can be a little difficult. However, when all those green leaves fall off, leaving only mistletoe on otherwise bare branches, suddenly, mistletoe loses its natural camouflage, and is a lot easier to subject to a search-and-destroy mission.

Mistletoe is an unusual fungi, because it is green, and can actually accomplish the photosynthetic process, and create its own food. Unfortunately, it robs the materials to do that from the tree it’s inhabiting, which is not helpful to the host plant. By the way, while we tend to think of trees as being “dormant” in the winter, you will notice that mistletoe infesting trees doesn’t seem to suffer any shortage of moisture or nutrients during the winter. While trees are never truly dormant in winter, seeing trees full of

DECEMBER 14, 2018

Un: Global Food Prices Are Lowest In 30 Months Led by “much weaker” vegetable oil, dairy, and grain prices, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s index of global food prices fell to its lowest level since May 2016. The price of vegetable oil dropped to a 12-year low.

lush, green, mistletoe that is obviously not suffering for materials in the winter, makes me wonder if the mistletoe doesn’t do something to a tree to make it do more gathering and moving of materials than it would normally do in the wintertime.

The picture that goes with this column is of a hackberry tree that is thoroughly infested with mistletoe. That picture is a wintertime picture, where there are no leaves on the tree, at all. One hundred percent of the foliage on that tree, at the time of the picture, is mistletoe.

In a case like that, if I was asked about mistletoe removal, I would say that the tree is so infested that the cost of the removal, would

be prohibitive, compared to the results. As most of us know, “removing” mistletoe doesn’t actually get rid of it, it just sets it back, and keeps it small, until it can re-grow. As far as trees such as pictured here, the best thing to do is to prevent such a large infestation, rather than try to deal with it after it’s become that bad. This is why I, and a lot of other people just like me, recommend looking your trees over in the winter, and getting rid of mistletoe, before it gets out of control.

Despite the fact that some researchers say mistletoe doesn’t actually do any harm (they’re wrong), mistletoe is a parasitic, leafy green plant, that harms every plant

that it grows on. Given the opportunity, keeping it out, or at least limiting its spread, is definitely the way to go, and I heartily recommend it.

If you have any landscaping, landscape maintenance, or tree questions you would like answered in this column, submit them care of cmetler@stamfordamerican.net or info@BrokenWillow.com.

Wary Democrats Slow Path For Usda Civil Rights Nominee The Senate Agriculture Committee cleared three USDA nominees for a floor vote on Wednesday, but significant Democratic opposition could prevent a confirmation vote this year on Naomi Earp, President Trump’s pick to be the agency’s assistant secretary for civil rights.

Trade War Side Effect: Smallest Ag Trade Surplus In 12 Years Although ag exports are consistently larger than ag imports, that trade surplus is forecast to narrow to $14.5 billion in fiscal 2019, which would be the smallest surplus since the $12.2 billion of 2007, say USDA economists.

Status-Quo Farm Bill Nears Victory difications After

15

KASN AG REPORT

By Richard Kemp months as an ideological flashpoint, a toned-down farm bill is on track for bipartisan passage in Congress this week, short of a proposal for stricter SNAP work requirements.

Enactment won’t end debate over the status-quo legislation.

Opposition Mounts As Arkansas Moves To Roll Back Dicamba Ban The Arkansas State Plant Board voted to roll back restrictions on the drift-prone herbicide dicamba late last week, over the objections of a coalition of sustainable agriculture and conservation groups. The board denied, without a hearing, an organic farmer’s petition to uphold the restrictions.

The Future Looks Grim For The Industrial Egg California’s Prop 12, which prohibits the sale of eggs in the state from chickens housed in battery cages, along with the arrival of the first viable egg substitutes, deliver a one-two punch that could mark the beginning of the end of the industrial egg, writes Rowan Jacobsen in the latest story, published with New Food Economy.

16 DECEMBER 14, 2018

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Texas, Nation Mourn Death Of Former President

Gov. Greg Abbott on Dec. 3 proclaimed Dec. 5 as an official day of mourning across the Lone Star State in honor of former President George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, who died in Houston on Nov. 30.

In the proclamation, Abbott encouraged Texans to “gather, assemble and pay their respects to the memory of George Herbert Walker Bush through ceremonies in homes, businesses, public buildings, schools, places of worship or other appropriate places for public expression of grief and remembrance.”

The proclamation also allowed state employees to attend such observances. State agencies, offices and departments were closed on that day, with general government operations and services maintained by reduced-size work crews.

The former president’s body lay in state in the U.S. Capitol rotunda. Crowds viewed the casket and a 21gun salute was performed.

Official funeral services were conducted at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and the body was transported to Bush’s longtime home church, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, for funeral services.

Crowds lined the railroad tracks as a funeral train carried the former president’s body to College Station and its final resting place at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library on the Texas A&M University campus.

Pablos Resigns From Post Secretary of State Rolando Pablos, Texas’ chief elections officer, has resigned from office, effective Dec. 15.

In his Dec. 6 letter of resignation, Pablos wrote to Gov. Abbott: “With the midterm elections successfully behind us and the 86th legislative session around the corner, I believe this would be a good time to begin the process of transitioning out of my position and passing the baton to the next secretary of state.

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Serving Texans as secretary of state has been the opportunity of a lifetime, but I feel the need at this time to turn my attention to my private practice.”

Abbott said Pablos “has been a dedicated public servant who has done an exceptional job upholding the integrity of our election system. He has strengthened Texas’ standing on the international stage by fostering our cultural and economic ties with countries around the world. The State of Texas is better for his service. I thank Rolando for his commitment to our great state and wish him and his family all the best.”

Before serving as secretary of state, Pablos served as chair of the Texas Racing Commission, as a member of the Public Utility Commission and as honorary consul to Spain. He also was founding chief executive officer of El Paso-based Borderplex Alliance and Uriel Americas, a renewable energy company.

Ag Joins Anti-Robocall Group Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Dec. 6 announced he had joined 40 state attorneys general in an effort to stop or reduce “irritating and potentially harmful robocalls” that telemarketers and political campaigns may use to autodial the telephone numbers of private citizens and deliver recorded messages.

“Unwanted phone calls are both a nuisance and an invasion of privacy, and growing robocall scams could cost

Texans anywhere from a few dollars to their life savings.

This coalition is dedicated to protecting citizens from these risks and engaging telecom companies in a nationwide effort to put an end to these intrusive calls,” Paxton said.

Revenue Total Increases Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Dec. 4 said state sales tax revenue totaled $2.998 billion in November, 7.7 percent more than the amount reported for November 2017.

“While slower than the double-digit pace of recent months, state sales tax revenue growth in November was strong,” Hegar said.

“Increased tax collections continue to be led by remittances from oil- and gas-related sectors, but at a slower pace than in recent months.

Growth from retail trade and restaurants, the sectors most dependent on consumer spending, was positive, but comparatively modest.”

The sales tax is the largest source of state funding for the state budget, accounting for 57 percent of all tax collections.

DSHS Promotes Flu Shots The Texas Department of State Health Services, in conjunction with National Influenza Vaccination Week, reminded Texans on Dec. 4 to protect themselves and loved ones by getting immunized.

“Last flu season was severe, and the U.S. saw a record number of flu-related hospitalizations and pediatric deaths,” said Dr. Jennifer Shuford, DSHS infectious disease medical officer. “We have no way of knowing if this flu season will be milder or just as severe as last season. We are recommending all Texans six months of age and older get their flu vaccine as soon as possible.”

Texans may visit texasflu. org or contact a health care provider for more information.

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Judge Spurgin texted Greg Gotch at the Texas Dept. of Public Safety asking for an update on the Presidential Declaration.

The response indicated conversations with FEMA were continuing.

Judge Spurgin told the Commissioners, “you better not do anything until we get a Presidential Declaration on any permanent repairs.”

He stated it is obvious they have to get closed roads back open and do emergency repairs but that for any major expense they need to be mindful that if a Federal Declaration is not forthcoming, “there’s not going to be any assistance for that damage and I don’t know how long it will be before they come to some kind of decision whether it will be declared or not, they are still in discussions.”

Judge Spurgin gave an update on the TDA grants, stating the first TDA grant has been closed due to being completed and the records need to be kept for three years. The Judge provided the required information on the second TDA disaster to TDA. “Regarding the TDEM, Texas Dept. of Emergency Management, we’ve had correspondence regarding the Precinct 2 bridge that’s on California Creek.

They are going to work to include it into the 4269 Disaster. Commissioner Lefevre has provided me with updated pictures and GPS coordinates to file a claim against that disaster to see if we can get that bridge damage that was not discovered at the time of the event, covered under that.” Judge Spurgin indicated he would work with Commissioner

Lefevre to prepare a budget or estimate along with requested information.

Precinct 1 is involved with 4255 Disaster and needs to continue to submit project reports in order to file a claim and request reimbursement from the December, 2015 disaster.

The next item on the agenda was to discuss and take action on Deputation of Limited Service Deputy Clerk and Deputy Clerk for Tax Assessor Collector.

The following names were approved from the remote sites in Hamlin, Hawley and Stamford, TX. Margaret Lovvorn, Millicent Spears, Callie Metler, Cindy Villanueva, Donna McCoy, Crystal Hall, Amber Jennings and Rexene Davis.

Judge Spurgin gave an update on the Courthouse Chiller stating it will go through a bid process in the Spring, 2019. One proposal is to replace the existing large chiller and not to repair the current compressor due to the age.

The estimate is a little over $49,000 for a four stage, more efficient, chiller.

There are other related issues in the basement of the Courthouse and he is continuing to gather information to bring to the Court.

Next was to discuss and take action on a No Loitering Policy. This concerns the trial scheduled for January, 2019. A motion was approved to have the County Attorney review the No Loitering Policy and have ready to enact if it is needed on a temporary basis.

It was then approved to purchase a year’s worth of Forever Stamps for County use at the beginning of

DECEMBER 14, 2018

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SHERIFF: Countinued From Page 3 January, 2019. This would save the County money since the Forever Stamps cost will be raised by 10%, to .55, at the end the end of January, 2019.

It was approved to update the fee schedule for court appointed attorneys.

Judge Spurgin informed the Commissioners that Judge Hagler redid the felony court appointed fees, laying out specific minimum and maximum fees per hour.

This includes Capital Cases.

The misdemeanor fee

schedule stays the same.

Judge Spurgin stated there has been no correspondence concerning the Anson Solar Center Tax Abatement or Anson Solar Center Road Use & Maintenance & Crossing Agreement.

The Treasurer’s Report, Line Item Transfers and Pay Bills were all approved.

The annual AgriLife Extension Interpretation Presentation was presented

by Steve Estes and Kim Miles.

After the presentation Judge Spurgin stated that 20 minute interviews would be in Executive Session on Monday, December 17, 2018. Judge Spurgin drew the names from a container giving the order of the interviews. The order of the applicants to be interviewed will be: David George, Danny Jimenez, Robbie Wedeking, Zacharia Soliz, Marcus Lively, Sarah Alfaro, and Christopher Levens.

A decision or vote is scheduled for the last

Commissioners Court of 2018, which will be Wednesday, December 26th, the Wednesday after Christmas. Judge Spurgin asked for a motion to have a Called Meeting on December 17, 2018. The motion was made and approved to begin the meeting at 9:00am.

The Commissioners Court went into Executive Session for discussion.

After the Executive Session the Court was adjourned.

18 DECEMBER 14, 2018

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Sacrificing for Family

As I am writing this column this week, it is officially 16 days until Christmas and will be just 11 when this reaches you.

I’ve said it before but this year has gone by very quickly and I am sure that we are all looking forward to that special day of the year. When you are a child, it seems like an eternity before December even rolls around, but as an adult it just sneaks up on us. Regardless of age, it is still a magical time of year.

However, this is also the time Will McClure of year where we think about those that have to scrape and struggle just to get by. Sure, we have the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots that help during this time of year and I myself even make an effort to donate to these causes, but we still tend to overlook those that struggle to make sure that their family even has a Christmas each year.

The reason my thoughts this week are somber is that just the day before I was speaking to my girlfriend and she shared with me that a friend of hers told her that she may not be able to have a Christmas for her 4-year-old son this year, who is at that age where he does not understand living paycheck to paycheck and only knows that Santa Claus is supposed to come on Christmas Eve. This friend is currently in school and trying to find a better job to take care of herself and her son, but as we all know these jobs are difficult to find in this economy. It was heartbreaking to hear and knowing that this child who is still trying to understand the world may have to face a harsh reality makes it all the more saddening. How can you respond to something like that? We all know that one person in our lives that has had to look their children in the eyes and have to explain why Santa was not able to make it to their house that year. For children, it is a memory they do not want to have, but ultimately the sacrifice will be all the more worth it in the end.

Personally, I really hope that this mother will be able to have Christmas for her son. However, we do know that there are many families that will definitely not have a Christmas at all because money is so tight. No matter what we can do to help, it will never seem like enough especially when it is someone that is close to us. We make sacrifices every day for ourselves and our family to make sure that we can all have a better future, but it just makes things so much more difficult to take in when young children have to face the same reality.

Children should be able to be children for as long as possible and not face the realities of sacrifice, but we should all know that as these children grow older they will learn to appreciate the things that they have and the sacrifices that their parents made for them to have food on the table, clothes on their backs and a roof over their heads. It may be sad memories growing up, but it is growing to understand when it will make the sad memories worth it. This single mother to this 4-year-old boy has more than likely had to make sacrifices every day to get to the point where she is now and may feel like she may let her son down, but the thing to remember is that it will all be worth it in the end to have a better life.

It may seem like heartbreak now, but the sacrifices made to make sure that her son has a good life will pay off, even if a Christmas may be missed. Parents make sacrifices every day for their children and while it may be hard, seeing them grow up healthy, happy and strong can, and will, actually be the greatest Christmas gift they can give.

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

THOUGHTS FROM UNDER THE CAP

The Lavender Mermaid Michelle Smith had a career traveling coast to coast in the mortgage and software development industries. Thirteen years ago she bought 30 acres of land south of Pittsburg, Texas, hired a contractor to build some guest cottages, hired a forester to plant dozens of pine trees, opened a bed and breakfast facility and named it the Lavender Mermaid.

“We had a lake house on Lake Cypress Springs east of here for 18 years. We bought a statue of a mermaid for the lake house.

Then we bought another. Friends who came to see us would bring us mermaid memorabilia and we have plenty of it now, hundreds of items in fact. We love the smell of lavender, the healing aspect of it and I cook with it.”

The Lavender Mermaid can sleep 10 comfortably in 3 individual cottages and one duplex. All have private porches that look out on the piney woods. The place has received some good publicity from East Texas publications. County Line Magazine calls it the best B&B. Piney Woods Life calls it the most romantic B&B. It has been featured on television, radio and in Texas Highways magazine. Guest books in the cottages are full of praises from satisfied customers. The majority of the guests come from Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. Some come from as far away as Alaska and England. The usual stay is 2 or 3 nights, although some guests stay a week or more.

Michelle has adapted to life in the woods. “When I came out here I left Dallas and big corporate America and became a country girl. I found a whole new way of life and I love it.”

Her bed and breakfast is just up the road from Los Pinos Winery. “We’re right in the middle of the Piney Woods wine trail,” says Michelle. “There are 10 wineries within an hour from here.”

Nobody ever leaves hungry. She delivers breakfast to your door every morning. “It’s typical to get brown crusted quiche, fresh fruit salad swirled in lavender syrup, homemade granola, homemade blueberry lime jam made from blueberries that grow here, fresh blueberry scones, and honey made from beehives on the property. I make chocolate lavender truffles that have just a hint of lavender. I put those by your bed at night so you’ll have sweet dreams.”

The B&B is remote. It’s easy to miss the sign giving directions to it, even though you’re going slow because of the narrow rough road. It has a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. And the smell of lavender growing along the walkways is intoxicating. There is a pastoral reverence about the place. “People come here to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. They sit on the porch and smell the pines, hear the birds and other country sounds. It’s a real relief from everyday life.”

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

ROTARY CLUB NEWS Stephanie Carver, SHS English teacher, had her class read “Same Kind of Different as Me”, a book about a homeless shelter in Ft. Worth. The students had collected over 425 items that they donated to Love and Care Ministries in Abilene. Mrs. Carver took the 25 students in the class to Abilene to help with the serving of their Thanksgiving dinner and give the students an opportunity to visit and interact with the people. She

told about the trip and brought Amaya Buerger, Alexis Johnson and Maribel Rosas to tell about some of their experiences, conversations and observations. This was an interesting opportunity for the students to broaden their outlook on what goes on outside the classroom.

Stamford is fortunate to have special teachers that do much to make their classes more exciting.

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Classifieds Send ads and news articles to: office@americannewspapers.net or FAX 325-773-5551 Deadline 10 a.m. Monday 325-773-5550

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

New Listing! 264 CR 169 O’Brien Nice Home and Barn on 10± Acres!......$162,000 1502 Compton 3/2/2 Ranch home w/room for horses! hardwoods, Fireplace!...$129,900 1501 Hudson Rd Over 2,800 Sq. Ft. 3/2/2 rock home w a 3/2 apt.IN CONTRACT 1611 N Swenson Previous Cliff House Restaurant in great location............... $79,000 1217 Compton Gorgeous Stone home w/ 2 bedrooms, 1 bath....... Reduced.$68,900 716 E. Oliver 4 BR, 2 bath with 2 car garage in quiet neighborhood.................$69,900 1310 Hudson 3 Bd, 2 bath w/carport close to country club......................................SOLD 1609 Swenson 1,200 sq ft metal building............................. Reduced $29,500 Jones County

FARM & RANCH

Stonewall County 800± ac on the Salt Fork of the Brazos!

108± ac Shinnery near River! REDUCED 4,743± Ac Patterson N Ranch 165± Ac livestock/hunting CONTRACT548 ± Ac Pasture, Cul. Great Hunting 155± Ac LIVE WATER! SOLD 483± Ac Half Cultivation SOLD 512± ac Top of Flat top CRP, 2 wells 65± Ac Pasture w hunting E of McCaulley 704± Ac Clear Fork, Cult. & Pasture SOLD

Haskell County 640± Ac Mule Creek Ranch Great Hunting w Nice Cabin!

512± ac Top of Flat top CRP, 2 wells 65± Ac Pasture, hunting E of McCaulley

Fisher County 631± Ac All Pasture! Rough Creek 370± Ac Canyons, Springs, Hunting 178 ± Ac Shinnery, Fantastic Hunting 1423± Ac Canyons

Shackelford County 200± ac Quarry income, Good Hunting!

Kent Co 789± Ac Improvements w Hunting!

SOLD

DECEMBER 14, 2018

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20 DECEMBER 14, 2018

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