December 21, 2018 - Stamford American

December 21, 2018 24 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION

STAMFORD

American THE NEW

SEE SANTA LETTERS...................

PAGES 5 - 10

31st Christmas Dinner Tuesday, December 25!

More Information Page 2

At the Texas Rural Education Association (TREA) State Convention, Stamford ISD Superintendent Dr. Shaun Barnett received the door prize of a $1,500 student scholarship to present to a student of his choosing. Dr. Barnett chose Peyton Bevel to receive the scholarship and presented it to him on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.

TTHE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 10, ISSUE 31 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 97, ISSUE 37 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 113, ISSUE 38

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SEE CITY COUNCIL STORY............................PAGE 3 SEE STAMFORD SCHOOL BOARD STORY.....PAGE

2 DECEMBER 21, 2018

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THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST

MARK THE DATE...

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.

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

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

any questions, call us at 773-2500.

JAN 17TH

FAMILY NIGHT: The Cowboy Country Museum’s next Family Night will be Thursday, January 17 from 5:30-6:30pm. This month’s theme is “Your Family Tree”. Come and learn about the history in your family. All ages are welcome. This event is free of charge. (Please note, that all children must be accompanied by an adult.)

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 66 | 45

Saturday 62 | 37

Sunday 54 | 35

Monday 60 | 40

Tuesday 66 | 52

Wednesday 65 | 42

Thursday 57 | 35

The weather is provided for you

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

Helping to Bring Our Community Together

BY KAY SPEARS On Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25, 2018, St. John’s United Methodist Church in Stamford, TX will host their thirty-first Annual Christmas Dinner. Serving will be in the Fellowship Hall at 201 S. Ferguson 11:30am – 1:00pm with take-outs from 11:00am – 1:00pm. Call (325) 7732561 ahead of time if a delivery is needed.

St. John’s United Methodist Church has been helping the Stamford community since 1900 when a small group of people came together to share their Christian beliefs and organize the Methodist Church in Stamford, TX. In those

early days many congregations met where they could before they were able to raise funds to build permanent churches. The Methodists first began meeting in the Sledge Hall building at 124 E. Hamilton, which was the home of the Stamford American newspaper for many years. The China Wok Restaurant now occupies this building.

In December 1900 three lots were bought from the Spencer & Abbott Lumber Company at the corner of North Swenson and East Moran, where the Stamford Tire & Appliance has been for years. According to the History of St. John’s United Methodist Church 1900-1975, “There a neat

frame church building was erected.” An account from a pamphlet of the church history, dated 1950, states that the church building was moved to the west side of Stamford in 1912 and was known as The Ward Memorial Church.

In 1910 the corner stone was laid at 201 S. Ferguson and St. John’s United Methodist Church was ready for occupancy in March, 1912. This is not to say construction went according to plan. Financial depression contributed to the slower than expected progress and a large storm in 1911 demolished parts of the building on the south and north sides. Church services and meetings were

conducted, however it took until 1922 to completely finish the interior. The members worked hard to raise funds over the tenyear period for the work to be accomplished.

Remodeling projects were completed in 1949 and 1961. In 1964 a Texas Historical Marker was applied for and granted. Included on the marker is: “In 1910, this was the highest church building between Fort Worth and El Paso.”

Coming together for a community gathering on Christmas Day is a wonderful opportunity to fellowship, share a meal and enjoy a beautiful building that took so much time and effort to realize.

What is Your Stamford Connection?

Let us know – kay@americannewspapers.net

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

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

SUBMISSIONS POLICY

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

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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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DECEMBER 21, 2018 3

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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.

Santa Claus in his sleigh is still a welcome sight greeting passers-by from high up in the window of Your Time Fitness, formerly Kinney Furniture.

Six Month Evaluation Report on Sold Entity Properties

BY KAY SPEARS Stamford City Council met for a regular meeting on Monday, December 17, 2018 at City Hall in Stamford, TX. Mayor James Decker opened the meeting before Melinda Smith gave the invocation. Also in attendance were City Mgr. Alan Plumlee, City Atty. Raymond Hollabaugh, City Secretary Kim Bryant, CFO Karen Lou Graham, Ken Roberson, Jimmy Doan and Police Chief Darwin Huston. Everyone remained standing to give the Pledge of Allegiance.

There were no Citizen’s Comments and the Council approved the minutes from the Regular Council Meeting on December 3, 2018. No action was taken after the Council discussed the Investment Policy.

Next on the agenda was to discuss Six Month Evaluations of Entity Prop-

erties Sold and take action as needed.

The discussion included six properties owned by local residents and individuals living in other parts of Texas.

City Mgr. Plumlee reviewed the lots and found properties that were not in compliance. He stated the properties owned by local residents had been taken care of and were in compliance.

Ken Roberson brought up sending the offenders a notice letter to let them know the consequences of non-compliance. The City Mgr. stated he would look into the existence of a form letter to cover the situation and bring it to an upcoming meeting. No action was taken at this time.

A property bid had been tabled at a previous City Council meeting and it was approved to remove it from being tabled for action to be taken. The property bid of $300 was approved on Lot 2, Block 107, Original Town

of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (R28820) from Melvett and Bonnie Ford (412 W. Handlan).

The City Manager reported receiving an announcement for a newly elected city officials workshop on January 11, 2019. He stated he had not heard any word on bids on pumps or the water tower and that this may be due to the closeness of the Christmas holidays.

He stated he may not hear anything until after the new year.

Mayor Decker thanked the individuals responsible for their tour of the City Pool and their input. It was agreed to have a discussion about it at the first meeting in January, 2019.

City crews were acknowledged for working on the drainage problem in Harmon Park. Road damage from the heavy rains were discussed.

The meeting was then adjourned.

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 December 19 - Travis Dean December 22 - Michelle Moreno, DeWayne McGary December 23 - Viva Turnbow December 24 - Kevin Whtie December 25 - Holly Terry December 26 - Jerry Terrell December 29 - John Ward, David Fernandez Know someone who is having a birthday? Please remember to call us at 325-773-5550 and let us know!

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HELLO FROM COWBOY COUNTRY

By Jewellee Kuenstler

When last I left you, we had met the crew of the Tremblin’ Gremlin, including local Stamford boy, Harry Haynes. To refresh your memory, 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.

The story ended last week as the crew were on

their 21st mission and were flying over the Markersdorf Airfield in St. Polten, Austria. This was an area that was heavily defended

by German fighter planes and anti-aircraft guns.

All too soon the pilot, Lt. Rosencrans addressed the crew through the intercom, “Watch out for fighters, we’re coming on the target.”

The words were scarcely out of his mouth when the plane was set upon by 60 to 75 ME 109s, German fighter planes. Just as the first wave of fighters flew by, the plane lost its superchargers on the engines. Immediately, the plane slowed down and the pilot and co-pilot were forced to drop out of formation. Safety was found in numbers, and when you were forced to drop out of formation during a mission

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

over enemy territory, your chances of returning to base dropped as well.

Although they were within sight of the target, they had not reached their destination, so Lt. Rosencrans made the decision to jettison the bombs. The B24 crew could only watch as the rest of the bombers continued on to their target, leaving them to limp back to base as best as they could. The B24 bomber was an improvement over the B17, mainly because the guns on this plane were designed to cover and protect from all directions. If just a few enemy fighters had been attacking them, the crew could have protected themselves fairly easily, but these were hunters that were stalking wounded prey, and the crew counted no less than 20 ME 109s prowling around them.

These Germans were strafing the plane from one end to the other. The gunners on the B24 were doing their best to stave off the attack, but almost immediately, Sgt. Haynes, in his belly turret, realized that no gunfire was coming from the tail gun.

Sgt. Martin, the tail gunner, was the first to be hit.

Haynes called up to Sgt. Anthony, the top turret gunner, to help him cover the tail from his position.

(The B24 had a unique twin tail arrangement, so the top turret gunner could shoot almost straight back over the top of the plane without the fear of hitting the tail.)

With Sgt. Anthony covering from the top, Haynes was covering the tail from under the plane. When his turret would not move any higher, he would intercom the pilot and say, “Dive, Skipper,” or “Pull her up, Skipper” to help Haynes get a better shot. Sgt. Haynes shot an enemy fighter plane and watched as the German pilot bailed out. For just an instant, Haynes considered killing the German as he hung in his parachute, but

decided against it. This was a decision that would come back to haunt him.

But at the moment Haynes did not have time to evaluate his decision. A cannon shell and machine gun fire hit the side and bottom of the bomber, shattering the plexiglass turret and inflicting a four-inch long gash on his neck as well as driving a one-and-a-halfinch shard into his right eye. With adrenaline flooding his system, he reached up and pulled the plexiglass shard out from his eye, without much thought. He continued to fire at enemy planes, but realized that he was covered in blood from his neck wound. While checking his neck, he also detected that high-octane aviation gas from the wing tanks were covering the bullet-riddled ball turret.

He could no longer use his guns due to the chance of igniting the fuel and blowing the plane up.

Haynes knew he had to leave his position and climbed out of the belly of the plane. A horrific sight awaited him. Looking around in shock, Haynes saw the body of Cpl. Houck, one of the waist gunners, who was laying on the floor unconscious. Sgt. Martin had crawled his way from the tail gunner position back to the waist of the plane, but was grievously wounded.

Yet, when he sought out his best friend, Cpl. Whisenant, he was shocked.

Apparently when the German fighters were strafing the B24, the bullets amputated one of his legs below the knee. Remarkably, Whisenant was balancing himself on his remaining leg and still firing at attacking Germans. While Haynes was trying to come to terms with the carnage surrounding him, Lt. Rosencrans, the pilot, made the decision for everyone to bail out. He and the co-pilot could no longer control the mortally wounded bomber. As Haynes heard Rosencrans order over the intercom for everyone to bail out, he

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Harry Lee Haynes

shook himself out of his stunned daze and began to help his wounded crew members prepare to parachute out of the plane.

This is where we must leave off for this week. Be sure and read the conclusion of Haynes experience next week. This information came from an on-line article, “Jesse and the Tremblin Gremlin,” by Otis Lee Early. You can look this article up on line or stop by the Museum and read a copy here.

I want to let you know about some great events that we have scheduled at the Museum for the month of January: Monday, January 14 – Genealogical Meeting at 5pm: If you are interested in discovering your family’s roots or you need help getting past a wall in your family tree, please come to our meeting. It is free of

charge and refreshments will be served. All ages are welcome.

Thursday, January 17 – Family Night from 5:30-6:30pm: This month’s theme is “Your Family Tree”. Come and learn about the history in your family. All ages are welcome, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free of charge.

Tuesday, January 22 – Art Social from 3-4pm: During this social, we will focus on two pieces of western art currently on display at the Museum. All ages are welcome. Please come join us!

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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Santa Letters 2018 dongs. Love, Emma Dear Santa, I would like a big dinosaur where the car comes out.

Love, Grayson

PREK MRS. CORZINE Dear Santa, I want a big Minnie Car. Love, Sariah Dear Santa, I want a Transformer that changes into 2 robots and 2 cars. Love, Jase Dear Santa, I want a T-Rex and a Velociraptor chomping action.

Love, Kaison Dear Santa, a wook. Love, Ian Dear Santa, I would like a black car.

Love, Ayden Dear Santa, I would like a cry baby and a bigger house that ding

Dear Santa, I would like a remote control monster truck.

Love, Barry Dear Santa, May I have a beach ball.

Love, Emmett Dear Santa, I would like a big halo set, legos, and a trains set.

Love, AJ Dear Santa, I want Peppa Pig books and coloring books.

Love, Maci Dear Santa, I want a Ninja turtle, bulldog, and legos.

Love, Masen Dear Santa, I want “hescos” with my Dad. I paint and do firetruck with Dad. Love, Brayden

Dear Santa, I want a car.

Love, Lynkon Dear Santa, I want a coloring book with a butterfly, tiger, cheetah, bear, and a reindeer. I want a painting thing, bat girl, and a doll with a bathing suit.

Love, Makenzie Dear Santa, I want legos, train, and a bulldog toy.

Love, Urijah Dear Santa, I want hescos with my Dad. I paint and do firetruck with my Dad. Love, Brayden Dear Santa, I want a real pony to ride on.

Love, Riley Dear Santa, I want a big firetruck.

Love, Malackai Dear Santa, I want a yo-yo.

Love, Jeremiah

Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Kaelyn Aguilar. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me some slime, play-doh, and a Barbie! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Layton Adams. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a race car track, a ninja sword, and a toy sled with a deer and a Santa! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Garryn Bell. I am 6 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a green sword, an Xbox 1, a new TV that you can watch everything on, a Spider man and Iron man costume! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

MRS. SALAZAR

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Karsyn Bryant. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a skate board, a surf board, and a baby doll! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Robert Delce. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me Call of Duty, a Hulk costume, and some stickers! Thank you and

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Izaiah Herrera. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a fire truck, a big red gummy bear, and cars! Thank you and

Dear Santa, I want a unicorn.

Love, Cadence

KINDERGARTEN

DECEMBER 21, 2018

Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Angel Alvarado. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me Pete the cat, dinosaurs, and cars! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is April Cantu. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a Baby doll! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Keaton Sells. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a toy robot, Pete the cat, and a remote-control car! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Jaycee Escobedo.

I am 6 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a surf board, a soccer ball, a LOL doll, and an American Girl Doll! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Shadixx Agraz.

I am 6 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me Dragon Ball Z, Mortal Kombat, and an Iron man costume! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Ethan Wilson. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me some dinosaurs, Sea Animals, and a toy horse! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Isabella Moreno. I am 6 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a Barbie, a scooter, and some roller skates! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

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Dear Santa Claus, My name is Averry Aguilar. I am 6 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me LOL toys, a Barbie, and Barbie clothes! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Aydenn Cruz. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a toy fish and sharks, a fire truck, a trailer, and a Lego mine craft! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

KINDERGARTEN MRS. HERNANDEZ Dear Santa Claus, My name is Khys’n Willis. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, Tx. This year, I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me JoJo Siwa clothes, shoes and action figures.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Austin Sugar. I am 6 years old. I live in Stamford, Tx. This year, I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me action figures, a Santa hat and a secret agent clip.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Isaiah Bruce. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, Tx. This year, I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a whole Power Rangers pack and a Power Rangers base.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Robert McCoy. I am 6 years old. I live in Stamford, Tx. This year, I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a dino with lava land and a raptor with volcano exploding lava.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

6 DECEMBER 21, 2018

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Dear Santa Claus, My name is Cooper Bigbie.

I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, Tx. This year, I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me gloves, a Lego set and a RC car. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Jaelynn Phillips.

I am 6 years old. I live in Stamford, Tx. This year, I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a toy horse, a Barbie and a new tent. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Cadance Andruch.

I am 6 years old. I live in Stamford, Tx. This year, I have been really sweet. I would really like it if you could bring me a chocolate kiss and a new bed. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Kylie Rodriguez.

I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, Tx. This year, I have been really nice. I would really like it if you could bring me a bike, video games and a playhouse. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Cy Martinez. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, Tx. This year, I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me Power Ranger stuff, art supplies, art paper and Fort Night toys. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Ky’Lynn Escobedo.

I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, Tx. This year, I have been really nice. I would really like it if you could bring me a karaoke machine, Nintendo 2 DS and games.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Alijah Titus. I am 6 years old. I live in Stamford, Tx. This year, I have been really sweet. I would really like it if you could bring me a remote-control car, a bike and a phone. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Ricky Cruz. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, Tx. This year, I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a mega robot, a costume and Iron Man gloves.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Paisley Huston.

I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, Tx. This year, I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a baby doll, Barbies and a Barbie house.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Haze Strand. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, Tx. This year, I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a PlayStation 4, a guitar and toys.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

KINDERGARTEN MRS. ENDER Dear Santa Claus, My name is Jaden Acosta. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year, I have been really good.

I would really like it if you could bring me a TV and an ipad.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Jose Aguado. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year, I have been really good.

I would really like it if you could bring toys and an ipad.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Rosie Aguilar. I am 6 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year, I have been really good.

I would really like it if you could bring me a doll house, a Barbie house and a unicorn. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Carter Cantu. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year, I have been really nice.

I would really like it if you could bring me a lot of Packer stuff and tickets to go watch a Packers game. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Kannyn Cornelius.

I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year, I have been really good. I would really like it if you could bring me a baby doll with a. carrier, a unicorn and a toy cat. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Aysin. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year, I have been really nice.

I would really like it if you could bring me a Golden Mario game, a big truck for me to drive that people can ride in the back. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is DJ Marsh. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year, I have been really sweet. I would really like it if you could bring me a PS4 and Roblox games.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Jaxsyn Bolin. I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year, I have been really nice.

I would really like it if you could bring me a skateboard and a TV. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Isabella Finley. I am 6 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year, I have been really sweet I would really like it if you could bring me a doll house, a doll and a doll car.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Harper Henager.

I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year, I have been kinda bad but sweet..

I would really like it if you could bring me a Poopsie Surprise, LOL Dolls, and a real live unicorn. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Adam Mendez.

I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year, I have been really good.

I would really like it if you could bring me a Golden Mario game, Bulldog stuff and a movie. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Jaxen Painschab.

I am 6 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year, I have been really sweet.

I would really like it if you could bring me a DS, a drone and 10 DS games.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus, My name is Carli Vega I am 5 years old. I live in Stamford, TX. This year, I have been really sweet.

I would really like it if you could bring me a Golden Mario game and coloring books.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

FIRST GRADE MRS. WILHELM Dear Santa, My name is Kaeden Brown. I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great time. I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a remote control car and I really need house shoes. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Dear Santa, My name is Z’Niya Brown. I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a Luvabella baby doll and I really need Twinkle Toes shoes. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Z’Niya Dear Santa, My name is Lake Buzzard. I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great day. I have been very good this year.

The one thing I would like for Christmas is a T-Rex robot and I really need underwear.

Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Lake Dear Santa, My name is Natalie Carter. I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great day. I have been very good this year.

The one thing I would like for Christmas is a dog and I really need hair stuff. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Natalie Dear Santa, My name is Addison Corzine.

I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a Winter Polly Pocket and I really need snacks. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Addison Dear Santa, My name is Kevin Flores. I am 8 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great day. I have been very good this year.

The one thing I would like for Christmas is a dog and I really need socks. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Kevin

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Dear Santa, My name is Alexis Rhodes. I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great night. I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a dog and I really need snacks. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Alexis

Dear Santa, My name is Teagan Parker. I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great day. I have been very good this year.

The one thing I would like for Christmas is a skateboard and I really need shoes. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Teagan

Dear Santa, My name is Ethan Finley. I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great time. I have been very good this year.

The one thing I would like for Christmas is a transformer and I really need clothes. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Ethan

Dear Santa, My name is Maricela Resendiz.

I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a baby doll and I really need snacks.

Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Maricela

Dear Santa, My name is Ky’Rhyanna Flye.

I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is Twinkle Toes and I really need shoes.

Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Ky’Rhyanna Dear Santa, My name is Journee Green. I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great night. I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a baby doll and I really need shoes.

Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Journee Dear Santa, My name is Cameron Huston.

I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great day.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a blue robot and I really need a cool toothbrush. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Cameron

Dear Santa, My name is Alexis Rhodes. I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great night. I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a dog and I really need snacks. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Alexis Dear Santa, My name is Michael Segura. I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great day. I have been very good this year.

The one thing I would like for Christmas is a baby kitten and I really need shoes. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Michael Dear Santa, My name is Pyper Wright. I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great year. I have been very good this year.

The one thing I would like for Christmas is a Luvabella baby doll and I really Velcro shoes.

Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Pyper

Dear Santa, My name is Leonardo Villarreal.

I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great time.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a skateboard and I really need socks.

Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Leonardo

1ST GRADE MRS. BRYANT Dear Santa, My name is Erma Bell. I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a baby doll and I really need new shoes. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Erma Dear Santa, My name is Alex Raines. I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I have been good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is whatever Santa wants to give me and I really need a lamp.

Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Alex Dear Santa, My name is Addyson Siguero.

I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is LOL surprise bed clothes.

Love, Addyson

DECEMBER 21, 2018

Dear Santa, My name is Isabella Olson. I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a hatchimal and I really need shoes.

Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Isabella

Dear Santa, My name is William Ivy. I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is an iPad and I really need underware.

Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, William

Dear Santa, My name is Emerson Lam. I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is an elf and I really jeans. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Emerson

Dear Santa, My name is Luis Ibarra. I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is an x box and I really need a jacket. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Luis

Dear Santa, My name is Madi. I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas. I have been very good this year.

The one thing I would like for Christmas is family. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Madi

Dear Santa, My name is Colton. I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas. I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a toy dinosaur and I really need shoes. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Colton

Dear Santa, My name is Karrican McCann.

I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a unicorn and I really need shoes. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Karrican

7

Dear Santa, My name is Esme Gomez. I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a LOL Surprise doll and I really need clothes. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Esme Dear Santa, My name is Sophee Garcia. I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a unicorn and I really need shoes. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Sophee Dear Santa, My name is Stone Dickson. I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a huver board and I really need underware. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Love, Stone

8 DECEMBER 21, 2018 Dear Santa, My name is Darian Cooper. I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a hoover board and I really need shirts.

Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Dear Santa, My name is Koasjie Culicutt. I am 7 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is a LOL Surprise and I really need teacher set. Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

Dear Santa, My name is Austen Aguilar. I am 6 years old and I live in Stamford, Texas. I hope you are having a great Christmas.

I have been very good this year. The one thing I would like for Christmas is shoes.

Say hi to Rudolf for me and have a safe trip Christmas night!

2ND GRADE

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MRS. ANDERS Dear Santa, How are you Santa. Thank you for last yea’s gift I love the presents you gave me can I have a P Xbox 360 and a big drumset and Legos and a Phon and a re car and a littie mordsicel and a iPad. Love, Noah Garza Dear Santa, How are the reindeer Thank you for last year. Thank you for the present’s last year.

Thank you for the forwiller. I want a spider-man game for PS4 and a electric scooter.

Love, Steven Dear Santa, How are the elves? Thak you for my gifts last year could I plea have a Barbie doll and a game? I would like some warm clothes. I want a Barbie house too. I will leave you cookies and milk.

Love, Sierra Dear Santa, How are you? I have ben good.

How are the elfs and thake you for giving us peresints. I want a game and some close and a cupter and nelkks whith a cros and a I Phone.

Love, Ruben Dear Santa,

How are the elfs. I want a fake blue elf. and a Snow Globe. And a grenninja toy with a pikachu. And I want a block builder pikachu with a bulbasur. Love, Cayden Dear Santa, How are you? I have Ben very, very good this year I am so happy that one of yur elvs are here. for Christmas I want a pare of heels, progect Mc Squaie, apple watch, cenputer. thank you I will make shure I spice up cookies for you. Love, Lilly Dear Santa, How are you doing this year? This year I have been good. I want a computer, Huver bord, short sock and despicable me 3. I will leve you milk and cookeis.

Love, Braden Logan Dear Santa, I’ve been very good this year.

Can I have L.O.L. dolls for Christmas? Can you give Jesus a good birthday? Baiby house and a gift card to go to jojo. and Baibys init I will give you cookies and milk Now can you tell me how did elf Jack get up there? And please make my mom forget to do my hair. Please Love, Isabella Dear Santa,

This year how are you and the Elv’s this year I’ve been good I want a fit-bit and a toy race car and src Books and a PS4 and the game shark bite and some short socks and some Christmas cloths I want some games for my PS4 and some gift’s for my family? I will leave you some cookies and milk and I’ll see you at Dotmanio Christmas I love Christmas becase Jesus was born and Sand gives me presents.

Love, Braisgn

2ND GRADE MRS. BEESON Dear Santa, Thank you for the presents last year. I love than so much. I hope the elves and you and Mrs. Claus and the Reindeer are doing well! This year, I want a hover board - can it be rainbow? We had an elf that showed up his name is Jack.

Love, Morgan Dear Santa, How are you doing? Thank you for the easy. I just wanted to ask you for Christmas. can I get a little van and a knew phone. Thank you so much.

Have a great Christmas.

Love, Norah

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Dear Santa, Thank you for the presents santa. You are the best Santa ever. I hope you are haveing a great day. We are being good for Jack. Santa can I have an elf for Christmas.

Thank you santa claes. And can I have a LOL. And a Phone. And I want to be on the god lest. And a Barbey doll. I will give you milk and cookies.

Love, Brookirm Dear Santa, Thank you for my bike last year. have the elf’s being good? For Christmas I want a new bike mine broke. can I have a x box and games for it. Is Mrs. Claus making a lot of cookies for you? I will be good this year. Jack is being a good Boy today . Can I have a t.v. this year?

Love, Michael

Dear Santa, Thank you for all the toys what you gave me last year what I wanted. I want for Christmas is a minecraft chest ten diamonds two TNTs and six emrelds and five gold ingets and twelve iron ingets and one rotten flesh and one iron sword and a stone sword fifty nine cobostone and sixtene dirt and merch shirt of unspeakable gaming and I want the color to be green.

Love, CJ Dear Santa, How is Mrs. Clause doing? Tank you for Chase last year. I just want two things this year. I want a stoft animal named chase and a stoft animal sky.

Thank you.

Love, Lexi Dear Santa, Thanky santa for the good stuff you gave me. This yea I wont a baby doll cresmis. I would like to have a phone!

Love, zyicheah morgan Dear Santa, How aer the rienbeer? Thak you for the toys. I want a i-Phon, a dirtbiek, a TV. How is Mis. Claws. is the elf ok - I want a tree. I now that you are waching me. I am niec. I love you and my sister.

Love, Santos

Dear Santa, Thank you for all you do. Than you for my tv last year. Are your elfs doing Good? Thank you for my messy silly elf. but all I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth because it hurts when I eat. and becaus my daddy is making fun of me. I want to brush my teeth but it hurts. But put my elf on the Naughty List because my elf ate my sonic food and I was realy realy realy realy mad mad mad mad.

Love, Krissy bug Dear Santa, Thank you for last yers presents. I want mor yo Legos. Thay or fun. I allso wont 2 moryo controllers. and battl cattoys. and haow or you dowing good. I have a small Christmas tree.

Love, Jaiden Dear Santa, Are you ok and is comix fine?

I want a pokemon, clothes and a soot just like you. Is Mrs. Claus doing fine? Thank you for last year for all that you did for us. I want a music player and teh ps4 cards.

Thank you.

Love, Silas

2ND GRADE MRS. WRIGHT Dear Santa, Is evey thing ok? I want a Utendo Swech and a PS4 and a vedo game like foitniet and a comptare.

Love, Eddie Dear Santa, How are you doing? Mises Clos? For Crismis I waunt a Mericn doll bakling seld zoo mendoe a plafonea stuff cdbe and hachable.

Love, Carly Dear Santa, Thank you for lst year. I wut LOL and a Hatchable. I wut a cookie make. I will like a big LOL. I will like a fing. Have a marey Christmas.

Love, Leticia Dear Santa, Thank you for last year. I want for crismis is a little cismis tree. and I want a Intido swich. I want a compeder.

Thank you. love, Jaxon

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Dear Santa, Thank you for last year for Cristma I whan LOLS and barbis and tedes and I whant a bike.

We will mack cookis with millk and save some cookis for mises clase so she dose not have to mack cookis for you and her. I reley want to see your raneder and I love my elf on th shelf.

Love, Kilzy Dear Santa, Thank you for the gifts last year. Haw are you? Haw is misis claws? This year can I please have a big Hatchable and a big Barby Van that kids can drive. and a Barby hone with Barby. Mary Christmas.

Love, Autumn Dear Santa, Thank you for last year. I want a Zoomer a Hatch a Baby and a Panda fingerling. how are you Santa? I miss you Santa and your elfs. Thank you for making the toys.

Love, Zamara Dear Santa, Thank you for the presints last yaer. This yaer I want a bard game like monoply chest checkers. I want a drone and a car pack and a elf toy, lagos and a intindo swich and a good chrismas.

Love, Bradley Dear Santa, How is every one in the North Pole? I want a Nerf Gun, football, more tools, and a Drone.

Have a good year!

Love, Easton

3RD GRADE MRS. LIVELY Dear Santa, How are your reindeers? I want two football’s, a Nintendo switch, fortNite stuff and a whoopie cushion. I a D. S. have a good traviling.

Love, Noah Carter Dear Santa, How are your reindeer and what are all they’re names?

I want Sparkie back, lease.

I want a whoopy-cooshen a toy guitare, and a piano. I want most of all hachamals and a real horse for Christmas.

Love, Hailey Phebus

Dear Santa, How are your raindeers? I want to tell you something thank you for the presents. Well this year I want a phone please.

Have a safe trip.

Love, Julian Silguera Dear Santa, How are your elfs? What are your elf’s names? For this Christmas I would like an iPhone 7. I would like a gold case with glitter in it for the phone. Then I would like pink fluffy slime. Last I would like a mini yorkie and an elf. I hope you have a holly Jolly Christmas with your reindeers and elf’s.

Love, Lacy Dear Santa, How are you doing so far?

Thank you for yur hard work lst year. Can you get me a mac book pro, a hover board that is red, a drift cart, a ultimate nerf gun, a dirt bike, and lastly a Nitendo switch.

Be safe on the way to my house.

Love, Kashder Brattain Dear Santa, How are you? Are your reindeer eating candy canes?

Thak you for last years present - we love it! By the way I want a cat wedding, spy stuff real, love detechder small, unicron robot nice, 10 moj mojs, a very big filp-a-zoo and flip-a-zoo slippers. I hope you have safe travels.

Love, Elizabeth Rhymes Dear Santa, How are you doing? Now I’m gonna dive right in I want a D. S., a Nintendo switch, turantula Rocket Ship, Bike.

New football. New every day B-Day, ARCADE, fortnite, forkknife, pencil, mechanical pencil, a tools, I also want a woopie coushin. Happy and safe travels. Be a Goodboy!

Love, Bryson W. Dear Santa, How are your reindeers? Thank you for the gift last year. I really liked it. I would like some outfits for me and my sister.

She would love that. Then I whant some PJs - any kind - I don’t care. Thats all thank you. Have a safe trip.

Love, MJ Vasquz Dear Santa, How are you and your elves? Thank you for all the present from last year. For Christmas I want a Nintendo Switch, a cat, a baby brother, real spy stuff, and love detechders small. I hope you can give me these things. I hope you stay warm!

Love, Christiana Weathersbee Dear Santa, How are you Santa? Thanks you the presents.

What I want for Christmas is an x box and a dog and something for my friend Christiana. I want a robot unicorn and a doll. I will leave you milk and cookies.

Love, Alyia Graicano Dear Santa, How are your elves? Thank you for the present you gave last year. I only whant two things for Christmas. I want a hove board and a intax camera.

Love, Jenni Silva Dear Santa, How are your elfs - are they good? Thank you Santa. I would like an Ipad and a phone and a Reindeer for my family for Christmas.

I hope you have fun making toys. Love, Ashlynn Williams Dear Santa, How are your reindeer? I would like an Apple Ipad please. Also, can I have a soft chair I can read on. The last thing I really want is a van for my Grandpa. Thank you for the presents last year. Have a safe trip. Love, Miles Dear Santa, How are the reindeer? I can’t wait for Christmas! My elf, Lovey is doing great. For Christmas, I want Reindeer fur, squishies, a golden retriever, and a tumbling mat. I hope you have a good time!

Love, Jace Patterson

3RD GRADE

MRS. FOLLIS Dear Santa, How are the raindeer doing?

Thank you for the presents last year. I want a pet lizard and new blue addias and a PS4 game called rocket league and a brand new helmet and blue baseball cleats and a new baseball bag. I would also like tickets to the superbowl and a Kansas City Chiefs cap and a Steelers hat and a Gatorade bottle. And don’t forget to be careful.

Love, Dallas Sanchez Dear Santa, How is my elf? Thank for my gifts last year. I want a Nintendo 3 A. I want to see my elf. I love you. Merry Christmas!

Love, Kameron Gardner Dear Santa, Thank you for every thing that youv’e done. How have you been? have the raindeer been good Now, what I want for Christmas is a speakers, a New PS4 controler and some headphones and PS4 headphones. thank you for evrey thing. Tell everyone hi for me.

Love, Ace Martiez Dear Santa, How have yur rainfeer been.

Thaink you for the things that you got me last year. For Christmas I want foxy plush and a Nintendo swicth. Iill leave milk and cookies.

Love, Austin Watson Dear Santa, How are you doing? Thank you for the gifts last year. This year please bring me good boots, some pants, and a ton of socks and a random toy.

DECEMBER 21, 2018

9

Thank you.

Love, Addison Neatherlin Dear Santa, How are you and your elf’s doing right now? and thank you for the presint that I got last year. these year I want a big fluffy elephent and a make up set and a new born baby doll and a big elephent cover and pilow for my bed and thank you once again for all the presints. Love, Ballie

Love, Brennan Wayne Armstrong Dear Santa, How are the elves? I am in e grade and we play outside at recess. For Christmas I’d like a dog and a cat a doll house for my dolls. Phone and toy’s, and some Christmas books too. Santa as you can see Christmas and I will leve you a cooike milk.

Love, Marivella Gonzales

Dear Santa, How are you doing? I go to elementry. For Christmas I want a Nintendo DS. I want also like a phone. I love you Santa. I will leave you some hot chocolate and cookies and food for the reindeer.

Love, Kyion

Dear Santa, How are the reindeer and how are the elves? I’d like a doll house and I would like bunch of dolls. I would like a iPhone 6 for Christmas. I would also like a puppy. By the way my favorite time of the year is Christmas. The most thing I like about Christmas is my family and love. As you can see I love Christmas.

Love, Sierra Finley

Dear Santa, How are you doing? I am grateful for what you got me last year. I what a new x-box controller and a toy. You know what I want.

Love, Ethan B. Dear Santa, How are you? How are you’re Reindeers? Can you get me a PS4 and RcLamBergini and Nintendo switch and Xbox1 and a drumset? I also want an elf on a shelf. Nerf gun sniper, RC Corvet car. I love you! You are the Best!

Dear Santa, How are you doing? Thank you for the gifts you gave me last year. What I want is a cross necklace, steeler logo /AR/ Maden19, a new xbox controler a tent a deerblined and a new pocketnife. I also want a 25-26 and a IPhone. Mary Christmas Santa Claus!

Love, Cooper Wilhelm

10 DECEMBER 21, 2018 Dear Santa, How are the reindeer? Please bring me an electric Scooter.

I would like a Barbie and Barbie house. Could I have some unicorn shoes? I want my mom to come home for Christmas. I hope that she can come. Thank you, Santa!

Love, Christina Deleon Dear Santa, How are you and Mrs. Claus?

Thank you for the present’s last year. For Christmas I like a journal and a new water bottle and a coloring book and a fluffy blanket and a pilow. Merry Christmas.

Love, Aleena Renee Aguilar Dear Santa, I hope you are doing good!

How are the elves and reindeer? I’ve been good this year so this is what I want for Christmas. A hover board and some shoes and pants and a shirt. I really want my mom to come for Christmas before Christmas eve. I would also like a bell of the reindeer. Thank you for last year presents.

Love, Joseph Cervantes

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3RD GRADE MRS. PATTERSON Dear Santa, I hope you’ve had a good year.

Thank you for my presents from last year, I loved them.

This year I would like LOL suprise, gel pens and paper mde pens and new pj’s. I would also like a handlettering notebook and to go whith it handlettering pens.

I know your’e very buisy right now but I would these presants. I promiss to bring you milk and cookies.

Love, Caroline Shoemaker Dear Santa, How are you doing? So what I want for Christmas is my teeth but just the money. I also want a apple iphone. I want a apple and a dirt bike.

I also want my mom and a batman and some Imaginox and a few different presents.

Love, Ian Dear Santa, How are you? You must be busy this time of year. I will absoultly leave you some ginger bread cookies and egg nog. So what I want for Christmas is not much. All I want is a mini trampling and a tree house but probly you can’t fit on your slay. I would

also like some nice pen and notepads. Maybe in by stocking some craft supplies and candy.

Love, Quincy Page Dear Santa, How are you doing at the workshop with eleves and the reinder? All I want for Cristmas is a hoverbord and legos. I’ll leave some cookies for you.

Love, Westl Garza Dear Santa, How are you doing? I hope you are doing well. How is Mrs. Claus is she doing good?

I hope she is doing wll. Anyway thank you for the presents last year. But this year I want a Big Hero 7 Go Pro and a go cart to go with it. If you can I want the newest go cart please. Have a safe trip I have some cookies and carrots for you and the rain deer.

Love, Wade

and a coller with a leash. And Samsung phone for Christmas.

Love, Alicia Quinonez Dear Santa, How are Mrs. Claus, you and the riandeer? How are you doing? What I want for Christmas is a Harry Potter logo set, an iPhone S, and I also whant stuff to play techers with. A Huver bord, a Harry Potter bed spread and I want a apple laptop too. I want some gel pens and I wish my mom can be there.

Love, Memphis Dear Santa, How are you doing? Tell the eleves I said hi and I will leave you milk and cookies. This is what I want for Christmas, I want a new Ipad because mine broke. And a LOL doll Thats all I want for Christmas.

Love, Sarah

Dear Santa, How are you and the reindeer’s doing? This year I want for Christmas is jewlery and art kits and gel pins and a notebook with a lock. I also want some black wedges. I even want for Christmas is squshys.

Love, Crystal S.

Dear Santa, How are your reindeer? Thank you for last year. Can you bring me a comuter for Christmas? I would also like to have some dinosaur toys. I want blue and black shoes. I will leave you some milk and cookies.

Love, Ismae

Dear Santa, How are you doing Santa?

Your are cool. Want I want for Christmas is a cool washt that can play games on it. I whant a iphoneX and I whant a PS4. I will get cookies our for you Santa.

Love, Jayden

Dear Santa, How are you? Thank you for the gifts last year. This year I really want a Nintendo switch with the pre-ordered game Super Smashbros Ultimate. I want one more thing - a giant stuffed animal Incineroar.

Love, Karsten Hal

Dear Santa, How are the reindeer? How are you doing? Tell Mrs. Claus I side hi. I want smas ball and a slime kit and new shoes

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

LUEDERS-AVOCA ISD KINDERGARTEN MRS. ROBERTS Dear Santa, Please send me a bike, tractor, I want all the toys at my house, a ball a football I mean.

A frog for my window at my house like the one in your window.

Love, Jonathan T. Dear Santa, Please send me maybe Frozen toys, Mickey Mouse, I need a Christmas tree, I need markers, I also need toys and Minnie Mouse.

Love, Jazzy R. Dear Santa, Please send me a car, a mermaid, a big doll and an emoji doll and skates.

Love, Ciana F. Dear Santa, Please send me a guitar, motorcycle, and a truck and a white car.

Love, Kolton K. Dear Santa, Please send me Talking Tom, and for my Nana to feel better, for Mrs. Roberts to get new glasses.

Love, Gracie L. Please send me a tablet, a Barbie doll, Barbie doll house, and a Christmas tree for my Barbie, the game Shark Bite, and a baby that cries.

Love, Ariel B. Please send me a farming set, some Dodge trucks, some planters, a gas trailer that is orange, Maybe a big truck and a Lightning McQueen bike Love, Hunter N.

2ND GRADE MRS. NIEHAUS Dear Santa, I want a box of hot wheels, a dirt bike, a phone and a knife.

Thank you Santa, Eli Lira Dear Santa, I want a dirt bike, a scooter, a racecar, a GTA5 video game and a Nerf gun, a robot, a fast car, a bike and a TV. Thank you, Sevreth Barnes Dear Santa, I want a new scooter, a dollhouse, a van for my Barbie, a Littlest Pet shop, a baby doll that can swim, a dirt bike, a bear but it’s a toy please a toy Santa.

Thank you. I Love you Santa!

Savannah Mooney Dear Santa, I want a doll and a pink, purple and green bicycle for Christmas. I also would like a game called Passman.

Thank you, Solee DuBowik Dear Santa, I want a bike, a hover board, a baby bed for my dolls, a baby bottle with milk in it and a bed for me. I would also like a little car seat for my dolls, a phone, and an RC car.

Thank you!

I Love Santa!

Cami Clinkinbeard Dear Santa, I want a Nintendo Switch, new clothes, new man cave controllers and a new charger for the Game Boy. Thank you, Gage Wilcher Dear Santa, I Love Santa! I want a puppy, a pink bike, some swim flippers and a toy puppy.

Thank you, Ellen Tabor Dear Santa, I want a drone, a Nerf gun, an RC car and boat.

Thank you, Hayden Falany

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

School Principals Give Reports

By Kay Spears

The Board of Stamford ISD met Thursday, December 13, 2018 in the Stamford High School Media Center. Those in attendance were Gwen Baker, Dr. Shaun Barnett, Curtis Birdsong, Jennifer Caddell, Justin Corzine, Cary McClintock, Callie MetlerSmith, Leigh Nauert and Staci Robertson.

Kyle Chambers, Principal, Oliver Elementary School reported to the Board a “great showing at UIL, won for the 6th year in a row”.

He stated how impressed he was with the children’s behavior, their stand out presence at the competitions and, along with their attitudes, they will be successful. He gave credit to the coaches, teachers

and students for all of their hard work to bring about their success.

Kevin White, Principal of Stamford Middle School, began his report with the report of donations of 3035 coats to students who were in need. Presently they are getting the last target assessment completed. The last speech meets occurred last week, coinciding with the UIL meet. At the speech meet, 233 points were scored. Their total UIL score was 849 points, winning by 155. They have now won two years in a row.

Greg London, Principal of Stamford High School, wrapped up the principal’s reports by encouraging the Board to attend the girls basketball games and be a part of their success. Finals in core classes are scheduled in blocks by subjects.

Stamford School Board listens to Principals give their reports.

Beginning last year the elective classes do not have finals. Those teachers help in the core classes finals.

Principal London explained that the movie “To Save a Life“ will be shown on Tuesday, December 18th. A trailer of the movie will be shown along with Principal London speaking to the students. They will then be split up into eight groups, by gender and grade level, with teachers to facilitate groups. He stated, “The research says if a kid can stay focused on what their goal is, then when they start going through a bad day and if we all know that, then we can help them get their eyes back on track”. After watching the movie, the children will go back to their groups and do a brain storming activity.

Principal London stated,

Auditor Gerald Rodgers presents the 2017 - 2018 Audit to Stamford School Board.

“The take away from the movie is that it gives the kids some tools about how they can make the world a better place.”

Superintendent Barnett gave an update on the construction of security doors at the High School.

The Board approved two property bids: Being part of Lots Twelve (12) and Thirteen (13) in Block One hundred eleven (111) of Original Town (R14734).

Lot Two (2) in Block One Hundred and Seven (107) of Original Town (R28820).

The Board approved to use of The Rodgers Group to audit Stamford ISD for 2018-2019.

The Board approved the Accept the Wellness Policy.

Gerald Rodgers presented the 2017-2018 annual Financial Report and the Board approved to accept the report.

The Stamford ISD Board then went into Executive Session to discuss the Selection of a Superintendent which went until 10:30pm.

The Board will meet again on January 7, 2019 at 6:00pm in a Special Called Meeting to continue the topic of Selection of Superintendent.

The meeting was then adjourned.

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A Merry AVID Christmas!

Theasa Lefevre’s Avid students spread Christmas cheer across Stamford this past week as one of their class projects. The class is made up of students in both Stamford Middle School and Stamford High School.

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

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SMS 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. Retired teachers have chosen to give back by pouring their

Congratulations, Stamford Middle School UIL, for 1st Place in District!

heart of love in your child.

Please have your children take advantage of this help.

For more information, contact Paul Wright at 7733604 or 370-6378. We look forward to serving your children.

14 DECEMBER 21, 2018 Farm Bill 2018: Late, Yes, But Not As Late As Some The 2018 farm bill, which President Trump could sign into law as early as next week, is more than two months overdue, largely because of a fight over SNAP work requirements that led Rep. Collin Peterson to say, “I don’t know if we’re ever going to get another one done.” The past decade has provided ample reason for doubt.

China Takes A Nibble Of U.s. Soybeans, But Not Enough To Reassure Growers China made its first major purchase of U.S. soybeans since Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed two weeks ago to try to settle the Sino-U.S. trade dispute, said the USDA on Thursday. The purchase, however, was too small to convince growers that China will return to its role as the biggest customer for U.S. soy exports.

USDA Shutdown Would Likely Delay Trump’s Tariff Bailouts According to a USDA plan developed for the brief shutdown earlier this year, if there is a partial government shutdown at the end of this week offices running the farm program would be closed, which probably would mean that Trump tariff payments would be delayed until the government opened again.

Hog Farming Shifts To Contract Production Some 63 percent of U.S. hogs are raised under contract to a processor, nearly double the 34 percent that were sold under

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KASN AG REPORT

By Richard Kemp contract 20 years ago, said the USDA. With A Few Gop Regrets, House Sends Farm Bill To Trump For Signature United in a bipartisan embrace, the House sent the status-quo 2018 farm bill to President Trump after a landslide 369-47 vote on Wednesday, with only a few Republicans openly lamenting that the bill will not impose stricter work requirements for SNAP recipients.

As Climate Warms, Toxic Algae Blooms Expand Into Arctic In NOAA’s annual Arctic Report Card, scientists highlighted the recent rise of toxic algae blooms in the region. The blooms, common in more temperate climates, are expected to increase in the Arctic, affecting people who depend on wild foods.

USDA Expects To Set Tariff Payment Rates This Month The USDA anticipates it will announce payment rates before the end of this year for the second round of Trump tariff payments, said an agency spokesperson on Wednesday. The news followed a published report that the White House was delaying the payments.

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WEST TEXAS TREES AND LANDSCAPES

By Bruce Kreitler and the KWKC Green Team Over the years, I’ve spoken, and written, a lot about working with trees’ natural growth tendencies, instead of against them. In fact, I’ve done that so often, that I’ve even recently published such a column in this space. As I’ve pointed out so many times, when you do go against how trees operate, you can get some responses, or conditions, that you didn’t want, or were even trying to prevent.

For instance, when trees are “lion-tailed”, which is often done in an effort to reduce the chance of broken limbs, by “lightening the load”, so to speak, but the reality is that lion-tailing trees has the opposite effect, and ac-

tually increases the chance of future limb breakage, particularly as a result of high winds.

To back up a little bit, lion-tailing is simply the practice of removing most, or all, of the smaller limbs that grow on larger limbs, up into the outer portions of the canopy, while leaving that outer edge mostly untouched. If you think about what a real lion’s tail looks like, the name is very descriptive, and you get the idea. Branches need to increase in diameter, and thus strength, at the same time they are extending, and the energy to do that comes from the smaller branches that grow along them. Removing those smaller, mostly interior, branches, greatly reduces the ability of branches to grow in diameter, while they are still going to try to grow longer. However, as interesting as it would be to fully investigate

how lion-tailing moves the dynamic forces that nature exerts on trees, higher into the canopy, where the wood is thinner, and weaker, that’s not the item of “working against, instead of with” that I want to talk about today.

Probably, the best example of doing things that go directly against how trees grow, and is very counterproductive, is the practice of “topping”. Simply put, and this is something else I’ve written a lot about, topping is essentially the practice of making internodal cuts in the larger parts of branches, usually so far back into the canopy that nearly all foliage bearing branches are removed.

If trees survive such heavy pruning, the usual response is explosive sprouting, as a panic reaction from a plant which depends on its foliage for survival. While trees are leafed out, in the spring and summer, some-

times the effects of topping are not readily apparent to casual observation. At this time of year, at least on deciduous trees, it’s a lot easier to see how trees react to topping.

The picture that goes with this column, is of a tree that was quite mature when it was topped, and even years afterwards, it is still, quite obviously struggling to try and recreate itself, with limited success. Any time I see a tree like this, I have to wonder, what would that tree look like if somebody had done it right, and not kept that plant from reaching its true potential.

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.

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DECEMBER 21, 2018

Class Group Pictures!

Juniors

Freshmen

Sophomores

Seniors

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Texas’ Top Lawyer Cheers Court Ruling Against Obamacare

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton applauded a Dec. 14 Fort Worth federal district court decision declaring unconstitutional the U.S. Affordable Care Act, widely known as “Obamacare.”

Ten months ago, Paxton and Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel led a 20-state coalition lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the 2010 health care law, arguing that Congress rendered all of Obamacare unconstitutional by doing away with the tax penalty in Obamacare’s individual mandate when it enacted President Donald Trump’s tax overhaul.

“Today’s ruling halts an unconstitutional exertion of federal power over the American healthcare system,” Attorney General Paxton said. “Our lawsuit seeks to effectively repeal Obamacare, which will give President Trump and Congress the opportunity to replace the failed social experiment with a plan that ensures Texans and all Americans will again have greater choice about what health coverage they need and who will be their doctor.”

Supporters of the health care law said the federal district court’s ruling would be appealed.

TEA RELEASES RATINGS The Texas Education Agency on Dec. 12 released its final 2018 state academic accountability ratings for 1,200 school districts and charters and more than 8,700 campuses.

Preliminary state accountability ratings were announced

by TEA in August. The final ratings include results of an appeals process that provides districts and charters an opportunity to contest preliminary ratings. The Texas Education Agency received 172 school district and campus-level appeals in 2018, compared to 66 in 2017. The ratings are available at www. tea.texas.gov.

REVENUE IS DISTRIBUTED Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Dec. 12 announced he would send cities, counties,

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Sterling

purpose taxing districts some $761 million in local sales tax allocations for the month of December.

The amount is 9.5 percent more than the amount reported by the Office of the Comptroller in December 2017. Allocations are based on sales made in October by businesses that report tax monthly.

ABBOTT, CHAMBER CHAT Gov. Greg Abbott on Dec. 10 participated in a “fireside chat” at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association Committee of 100 meeting in Austin.

The Committee of 100, or C100, is comprised of association executives from across the country that represent industries from energy to health care. Twice a year, C100 members meet to address issues facing the business community.

Abbott and C100 Chair Matt Shay discussed workforce development and strategies that promote economic success.

“CEOs and business leaders continue to invest in Texas because of our high quality workforce and our commitment to low taxes and reasonable regulations,” said Abbott. “However, as the global marketplace shifts to a 21st century economy, Texas must focus on the future. That is why the Lone Star State will continue to diversify its economy and invest in our workforce to ensure we remain a global powerhouse.”

SURVEY REVEALS PRIORITIES Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush on Dec. 11

Land Office results of a regional planning studies survey of citizens, local officials, councils of government and river authorities in communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

Participants in the survey indicated flood control and drainage improvements are the top needs for their communities. Texas General Land Office will use the results of the survey to determine which projects would best address the concerns identified by local input, Bush said.

More information is available at recovery.texas.gov.

TXDOT RECEIVES GRANT The Texas Department of Transportation on Dec. 6 was awarded $50 million in federal grants to pay for critical improvements needed to address safety and connectivity in the booming Permian Basin.

Through its Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation grants, the U.S. Department of Transportation is helping pave the way for Texans and the rest of the nation to have safe and improved access to oil and gas.

“Investments in our state’s roads and highways are an essential part of ensuring that Texas continues to grow and prosper,” said Gov. Abbott.

DPS STARTS SOCIAL MEDIA The Texas Department of Public Safety on Dec. 11 announced the launch of new social media accounts for the Texas Highway Patrol.

The expanded social media network complements existing connections the department already has with communities on topics related to the highway patrol.

DPS Director Steven McCraw said, “We are pleased to announce that now you will also see the Texas Highway Patrol on its own social media channels, where you can follow along and connect with this dedicated group of men and women proudly serving and protecting our state.”

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Stamford Health Club held their Silver Fitness Christmas Party at the home of Jimmy & Dorothy Doan on Wednesday, December 19, 2018. Pictured are (standing, left to right) Dina Beltran, Fred Selby, Janice Allen, Chub Richards, Sharon Selby, Geraldine Wedeking, Jesse James, Charlotte James, Odene Dudensing, Darlene Simpson, (seated, back row, left to right) Kara Cobb, Sandra Villanueva, Phil Swenson, Health Club Manager Diana Sanchez, Monica Prewit, (seated in front, left to right) Camille Combs, Bobby Villanueva, Janet Miller, and Dorothy Doan.

Letters to Santa From Our Archives In combing through the pages of The Stamford Leader and The Stamford American, we found that in the 1920s through 50s, girls asked Santa for a doll, doll bed, doll buggy, apple, oranges, jump rope, or roller skates and boys wanted a train, football, fruit, nuts, tool box, or wagon. In the 60s, kids asked for a Tiny Tears doll, boots, roller skates, record player, view master, Barbie, Troll, BB gun or GI Joe. In the 2009 New Stamford American, we found these Letters to Santa from some current high schoolers our readers may recognize.

Dear Santa, How are you doing? Here are three things I would like, a Snuggie, Puppy DS Game, and Pixoz.

Thank you, Sadie Cole Dear Santa, I want clothes and shoes for Christmas. I would like a pink Barbie. I love you Santa!

Love, Mariah Fletcher Dear Santa, I am going to make you cookies on Christmas. Can you get my mom the same house shoes that Bracken has? Can you make a new I-Pod for Bracken?

Love, Toby White Dear Santa, I want my sister’s old brown guitar. I would like a trumpet. I would like a red and black drum set. I am going to give you a gift. Tell the reindeer hi!

Love, Sean Thane Dear Santa, Please bring me an Xbox or a Play Station 3. I have been very good this year because I have been listening to my mom and dad and taking out the trash.

Your friend, Kaleb Flick Dear Santa, Please bring me an X-Box 360 Live, a PSP, Lego Guitar Hero.

Your friend, Quinton Adkins Dear Santa, How are you? I am in Kindergarten. I would like a Barbie House.

Love, Citlaly Gutierrez

DECEMBER 21, 2018

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SILVER BELLS

By Debbie Macomber Thirteen year-old Mackenzie Lark thinks it is time for her father to find a new wife. It has been three years since his divorce, and Philip works too hard. Mackenzie has even picked the perfect wife, Carrie Weston, from the second floor of their apartment building. Now READING REVIEW Mackenzie must make friends with Carrie.

Mackenzie and her dad Martha Jarred are living in the Seattle apartment building until their new house is finished. Philip cannot wait to move as there seems to be too many eccentric occupants, such as Madame Frederick with her crystal ball; Arnold, the former circus weight lifter who enjoys wearing spandex tights; and Maria who cares for all of the cats in the neighborhood. These quirky folks are all friends of Mackenzie, and now, she can add Carrie to her list.

Carrie teaches Mackenzie how to crochet and bake brownies. Mackenzie shares how she and her dad argue because he does not understand teenage girly things. As Carrie and Philip do not see eye-toeye on very much, their relationship is off to a rocky start. Mackenzie saves her money and tells her dad she is treating him to a meal at a nearby deli. She creates an invitation on a silver bell cutout. She also makes a silver bell invitation for Carrie. Mackenzie plans this as a surprise for both, rather like a blind date; however, neither Carrie nor her dad are amused.

Mackenzie is scheduled to spend Christmas with her mother and her new husband. When her mother changes plans at the last minute, Mackenzie is very disappointed. When Philip comes home from work, Mackenzie is gone. He frantically enlists Carrie’s help to scour the neighborhood looking for Mackenzie. A bit of magic may be needed to make the Christmas bells ring.

SILVER BELLS is a short, entertaining holiday story filled with hope, laughter and love. New friendships are made, leading to a touch of romance. Debbie Macomber is a wonderful storyteller with over 200 million copies of her books worldwide. Many of her tales have been adapted as movies by the Hallmark channel. This heartwarming Christmas story will make the coldest heart believe in the possibility of love.

Titles by Debbie Macomber can be found at Henderson Book Store, located on the Square in Haskell, open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12:00—5:00. Please call Martha Jarred, 940-8643072, for more information.

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On Dec. 13, 2018, some of the Lueders American Legion Auxiliary members of Unit 661 made their annual toy delivery to the Noah Project at the Haskell office. With the help of the Lueders-Avoca School District, the ladies were able to present the Noah Project 337 items including toys, hats, gloves and emergency toiletries for those not just for Christmas but even afterwards. This is a very special project that many of the members hold close to their heart and is an Annual tradition for the community too.

2019 and the Status Quo Today, I’m thinking about 2019. I know it’s still several days away and we’ve all got lots of things to do between now and then (boy do I ever). But as 2018 draws to a close, I think it’s important to reflect on the year that has passed and the year to come.

In 2016, much was made of the importance of rural America and the rural vote in the outcome of the presidential election. For months afterwards, politicians, pundits, and prognosticators from all political stripes waxed philosophical about the importance of rural America. They opined that rural America had been “forgotten” and that we need to repair the frayed relationships between the distinctly rural, suburban, and urban segments of the country. For the most part, America’s talking class just talked. They used “rural America” to justify their pre-established opinions and determined that their pre-determined policy ideas were the perfect solution for whatever ills were troubling the rural folk.

folks on the I’ve also seen ground, dealsome pushback. ing with the Those with little problem, deappreciation cided it was for America’s time to fix formative history the problem. didn’t see the Our forefapoint of helping thers tamed rural America. A ESSAYS FROM WEST the Texas recent column frontier by in the New York OF 98 determining Times espoused it would be the view that James M. Decker their home it might be too and then difficult, if not finding a way to make it safe outright impossible, to for settlement, calling in the “save” rural America.

Quite frankly, I don’t really cavalry when it was needed.

Segregation was ended by care what the talking class people who saw its moral has to say, good or bad, repugnance and took it about the future of rural upon themselves to lead the America. For the most part, charge, asking for help from these folks are looking to outside when it became fill airtime, raise money for their own organizations, and needed.

All of us in local leaderaccumulate their own power. ship—whether elected, Saving rural America is not volunteering, or just an purely their altruistic cause.

And the reality is, we don’t interested citizen—are the ones to decide if we want NEED it to be their altruistic to “save” our piece of rural cause. No problem in AmeriAmerica. Austin isn’t going can history was ever solved by outside helpers determin- to do it. Washington, D.C. isn’t going to do it. We are ing that a problem needed the ones who must do it. to be fixed. Sure, outside I didn’t run for mayor help might be needed along of Stamford because I was the way, but only after those

eager to add another set of meetings to my calendar, nor did I run to preserve the status quo. I ran for office out of a passion for my community and the people within it. I ran out of a desire to ensure those people, and their future generations, have a better community to come home to.

As 2019 dawns, I place that charge on each of you reading this who are also passionate about your community. Are you satisfied with the status quo? If not, what are you going to do about it? If you think you don’t have a voice in your community, how can you make your voice be heard?

Who will it be to improve our local communities? Are we going to wait on “them” to maybe one day get around to thinking about fixing it? Or are we go going to take the lead ourselves?

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.

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Holiday Open Houses

Jim Raughton Agency/ Farmer’s Insurance Your Time Fitness

Decker Capital Partners

DECEMBER 21, 2018

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Benefit for Buddy Thomas There will be a 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.

Thurman “Buddy” Thomas is a lifelong resident of Jones Co. born and raised. Thurman grew up in the Nugent area and started school in Nugent then he completed his schooling at the Lueders campus when Nugent consolidated with the Lueders School. Buddy, as most people have known him by, is a businessman of many years and is involved in electrical contracting in Jones and surrounding counties. He is very active in church and charitable causes. He is a veteran having served during the Vietnam era in the United States Army. He is a member of the American Legion Post 661 in Lueders.

Thurman “Buddy” Thomas ran the Stamford Electric for several years in the City of Stamford before starting up his current business Thomas Electric in Lueders.

Buddy married his wife Margarie in 1990 in Lueders at the very church that he has been preaching in until his health started to get the best of him earlier this year.

He and Margarie have been married for 28 years and live in Lueders. Between the two of them they have 5 children, 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Buddy is a member of the Nugent Church of Christ.

One of my favorite things about the Christmas season is the lights. The colorful decorative Christmas lights are always so beautiful to see in the cool, crisp nights of December. These lights are beautiful to the eye and add a little glimmer to the darkness. When looking at the lights we may think of many things. I, for one, like to remind myself of the One True Light that came down to us over 2,000 years ago.

The light that forever extinguished the darkness, the light that gives life and the light that will forever shine in the hearts of the faithful (John 1:5; 10).

Isaiah, the prophet, whispered about this great light that was to come, he said, “The people who walked in darkness, have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (Isa. 9:2). This light that would shine for all to see was none other than the Creator of the

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Light of the World

Heaven. Howfirst light found ever, it seems in Genesis 1:3. that in America God in human we have sadly exform, Jesus changed that for Christ, the Messtress motivated siah, the true by selfishness. light that forever We have easily testifies to the lost sight of the truth! true meaning of Jesus said, the season be“I am the light cause we are too of the world. wrapped up in Whoever follows unwrapping all me will not walk By Dalton Mathis of the gifts that in darkness, money can buy. but will have As a true Bible believing the light of life.” (John 8:12) Christ believer, we must This time of year is a time seriously watch ourselves to celebrate the light that in order that we might not was given so that we might follow the world. (Gal. 6:1) have life. But unfortunately The beauty of the Incarnation as I carefully examine my deserves to be celebrated in surroundings, it seems that more are walking in darkness peace and from joyful hearts.

We need to all focus on the this time of year that any One who came clothed in huother. Christmas is meant to mility and think less of ourbe a time of peace and joy selves this Christmas. Don’t reflecting on the true peace and joy that came down from lose sight of the manger and

PASTOR’S PEN

the true light that gives life!

Less Santa and more JESUS CHRIST= True Biblical Worship and adoration of the Light of the World!!!

“The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us.” (Ps. 118:27) Embrace the light this Christmas and walk in fellowship with the Glory of the King. (1 John 1:7) Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14-16) Cherish, adore and soak in the light from Heaven this Christmas, but don’t forget it’s your job to reflect that light for all to see!!! Seek the King and His Faithful Promises!!!

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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Well, we got some more rain, but we did not get the snow that we were told we would get. Some folks not far away got a lot of snow and it was so pretty. We almost blew away a couple of days, it was a good thing the ground was muddy, or it would have all blown away. I believe the weather has gotten mixed up on when to arrive.

I want to wish everyone A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, and I hope it is the best Christmas you ever had. Enjoy your family and friends and share your love and caring with everyone.

Life is so short and getting to be such a struggle for so many. Pray for our Country.

Daughter, Marcie, from Hamby was here for a visit on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday evening she and I drove to Aspermont to see the beautiful Christmas display at the home of Ivy and Kaye Swink. My goodness! if you have not seen it, you need to, it is the most beautiful decorations ever. Sure a lot of work put into all of that.

It is nice of them to have that for everyone to enjoy, especially children.

Mittie Dunham drove to Lubbock on Tuesday for a doctor’s appointment and then she visited her grandson, Colton Hill. On her way home she stopped in

news@americannewspapers.net Sweetwater VFW. Dale Post and had Thought for the week: and Carm a coke and “Reach for the stars. You Letz drove a nice visit might not be able to get to Haskell with Theresa them, but you won’t wind on Sunday Anderson. up with a handful of mud afternoon to On Saturday, either.” attend the Charles and Happy Birthday wishes Christmas Betty Sue Day go to Frederick Douglas, Program from Decatur Kayla Allison, Adalyn Kern, came for a OLD GLORY NEWS at the East Sharon Alves, Cato Macias Side Baptist visit with her Jr., Larry Teichelman, Ernie Church. brother, Pide

By Anita Dozier Manske, Leslie Brack, Kris GrandDunham and Nehring, Kristy S. Martin, daughters, Mittie. In the Ricky Lehrmann, Terry Darbee, Laynee, and Haafternoon Pide and Mittie’s Letz, Linda Letz, Viva Turnzelee New took part in the granddaughter, Sonja Dunbow, Daryl Schuhart, Heath program. ham and sons, Dylan and Parker, Gregory Lehrmann, Wayne and Kara Briggs Cooper Lujan and a friend, and Christopher Adler. We and Crete of Haskell Brandon, all of Abilene wish you many more. visited with grandparcame for a nice visit.

Anniversary greetings ents/greatgrandparents, The Hobby Club had go to Don and Pat Pyron, Glen and Helen Pierce on their Christmas Party on Terry and Denise Green, Saturday.

Tuesday evening at the Glen and Helen Pierce, FurKim Lowack visited with Sagerton Community Cenher parents Glen and Helen man and Juanita Metcalf, ter. Attending were James and W D and Lois Ellison. on Sunday. and Vickie Wilhite, Michael Have a wonderful day.

Danny and Phyllis Letz and Tomzie Steele, Vanesdrove to Sweetwater on sa Griffith, Joyce LeFevre, Saturday evening. Danny Michael and Cheryl Hertel, and his band played at the Jack and Peggy Tabor, David and Nancy Griffin, Anita Dozier, Skylar Steele, J B and Dorothy Toney, Dean and Pat Quade, Triston Steele, Joann Doss, and December 24-28 Clayton and Paula StegeMonday moeller. Everyone enjoyed Closed For Christmas the delicious food, the fun Tuesday games, the neat presents Closed For Christmas and a great enjoyable Wednesday evening. Paula had made Tamales, Salad, Refried Beans, Upside Down Cake each one a bag of different Thursday items to put together to Steak Fingers, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Carrots, Cobbler make one’s house smell so Friday nice and it has the smell of Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup, Salad, Crackers, Rosie Pears Christmas. Thanks, Paula.

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SFHC celebrated the season with ugly sweater day. Veronica Moreno made them for some team members. She’s here with Tricia Newby and Lacy Viertel, Physical Therapy Dept, showing them in-style.

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R-E-S-P-E-C-T

This week I want to talk about a topic that seems to have lost more and more weight as the years have gone by, especially in recent years. Something that can help make life so much easier for a lot of people and even possibly make someone’s day. This is the simple topic of respect. What got me thinking about this at this particular time you may ask? Really it has been building up for the last few months with several observations I have made and have Will McClure even experienced. I will not go into any personal stories here in the effort to keep individuals anonymous and, coincidentally, respect their privacy on this somewhat sensitive topic.

Instead, I want to turn my attention to what we see every day with people around us and even see when we look at our cell phones and computers to access social media. What seems to make things worse is that instead of doing something about it, we tend to ignore it or even “egg on” bad behavior.

I have said in the past that I believe the rise of social media and the dependence of using our phones has a lot to do with the problems we face today, and this is even more true when talking about respect. Once again, it is not the sole problem, but it certainly does not help. We use media to keep ourselves entertained throughout the day (when we are not working obviously) and we tend to latch on to things that are deemed “funny” by most, but a vast majority sees it as harmful. However, even if the latter outweighs the former, many will never say a word about it. I saw a video which detailed an experiment where a child was bullied in a restaurant, yet only 12% of people tried to intervene while when their hamburger was “bullied”, 95% said something about it. I know it is comparing apples to oranges, but if you were to stand up for something somewhat trivial when it is against you, why not step in when you see something more serious happening? This idea expands to our youth where when they see something happening, instead of trying to find a way to put a stop to it, they rush over to it and take out their cell phones. This is not respect, and this is not what the future should be about.

You always hear the phrase that respect is earned, not given. While I agree with that sentiment, I take it a step further with “you give respect, you get respect.” I’ve always been taught the golden rule of treating others as you wish to be treated; so if you are rude and short with me, chances are you will not get a good response out of me. However, if you are polite, kind and maybe even a bit cheerful, you will get much better response out of me. Even if I know a person does not like me (can’t please everyone!), they will still get a respectful response from me if they at least show respect towards me.

While I can’t hear you, I am sure that many, if not all, of you feel the same way as I do. Respect is such a small thing, but it can make a big difference. If you see disrespect and you can do something about it, step in before it gets worse. Pass lessons of respect down to the next generation as respect starts at home. If you cannot learn and have respect for your parents or guardians (as some have grown up in broken homes where parents may not even be in the picture), then how can our youth learn to have respect for others when they leave the home? There may be a lot of problems that we are facing in the world today, but let us not let a rise in disrespect continue to be one of them.

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

THOUGHTS FROM UNDER THE CAP

Watch Where You Step On Slippery Rocks If I’ve learned one thing from this ordeal it’s patience.

On October 13th I was at a friend’s house near Junction looking at the Llano River flood damage.

Water had been up near the house but had receded, making everything a muddy mess. The area has large uneven boulders. The bottoms of my tennis shoes had become wet and as I stepped on a slippery rock, I fell down, smashing my right foot hard against the ground.

The instant it happened I knew I had done some damage. The pain was severe and went from my foot to my stomach. I limped back to the house just as supper was starting.

I wasn’t all that hungry but got a bite of lasagna and a little salad. I was holding my right leg straight and someone wanted to know why I was doing that. When I explained, what happened I was given a strong Tylenol. The occasion was a birthday party. During the reading of cards the pain increased and I went to a

couch where I spent the rest of the evening.

We went to our motel and had a sleepless night.

I used the rolling chair in the motel room to get to the car. We drove home and went immediately to the emergency room. The x-rays showed a broken metatarsal. The ER gave me some pain medicine. The next day I went to a podiatrist who took his own x-rays and said he didn’t like what he saw and suggested I go to a foot specialist. I had surgery on October 31st.

The doctor said no weight on that foot for 90 days.

I spent a week in a splint and am now in a cast.

Later I get a boot that will come to my knee.

We had to cancel a high school reunion, an interview trip and a cruise from Barcelona to the Canary Islands.

I have experienced very little pain since the

surgery but have experienced much inconvenience. It’s like I lost my freedom and independence.

Thank goodness I can still work, though I’m wheelchair bound. My wife rolls me from place to place. She is a five star caregiver and never complains. If I want a stick of gum or some peanuts, she is quick to meet my every wish. I am one lucky man.

I’ve always been an early riser. Now I wake up and instead of getting up, I lie there sometimes for hours trying not to disturb her.

I have a tool in my office I’ve wanted to take to the storage room but it’s still there. Sometimes I want to check on something

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

insignificant like hunt for a book or need something from across the room. I have to call Susan to get me over there. Most of the time I don’t ask, thinking it’s not really important.

Our office is separate from the house. On some rare occasions while she’s in the house and I’m in the office, the communication devices don’t make contact and I sit quietly until she comes.

As soon as I told someone at that birthday party in Junction that I hurt my foot the hostess said, ”That’s your driving foot.

I did the same thing and it took 4 months to heal.”

I immediately thought to myself I don’t have time for this. Bu I do. I’m following doctor’s orders because I want this thing to heal. Susan and I leave soon on an interview trip to Northeast and Southeast Texas. It’ll be a special adventure.

ROTARY CLUB NEWS The basketball season began on November 6 for the girls and November 27 for the boys because of the football season playoffs. The boys have had a chance to play in one game and one tournaments. Dean Edwards, coach for the boys basketball team talked to

the Club today. There are 30 boys going out for basketball with nine on the varsity team, eight on the Junior Varsity and the rest in the other programs.

The Varsity team members are small compared to other teams, but they are athletic and fast. They need more

practice, but when district play begins, they should be competitive. He said that they are a dedicated group with a good attitude. We are proud of our coaches and their positive approach as they stress character and prepare out youth for the future.

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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!...$128,900 1210 Landon Nice stone home 3/2 w fireplace! ........................................................$106,000 1501 Hudson Rd Over 2,800 Sq. Ft. 3/2/2 rock home w a 3/2 apt...................SOLD 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 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 202± ac Cultivation N of Rule 10± O’Brien 3/2 family home, barn and tank! List price $162,000 640± 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 Shackelford County 200± ac Quarry income, Good Hunting!

Fisher County 631± Ac All Pasture! Rough Creek 370± Ac Canyons, Springs, Hunting 178 ± Ac Shinnery, Fantastic Hunting 1423± Ac Canyons Kent Co 789± Ac Improvements w Hunting!

SOLD

DECEMBER 21, 2018

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