January 25, 2019 - Stamford American

January 25, 2019 20 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION

STAMFORD

UIL PICTURES AND RESULTS.....

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American THE NEW

Denise Dennis was interviewed by KTAB for the "Big Hearts in the Big Country" segment which aired Thursday, January 17.

Pictured are Skeet Dennis, Denise Dennis, Noah McKinney (KTAB Photographer) and Gayle Lovvorn. See Full Story Page 3 TTHE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 10, ISSUE 36 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 97, ISSUE 42 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 113, ISSUE 43

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Pickrell Wrecking Service tow truck after it was hit by two 18 wheelers on SH 92 west of Stamford, TX on November 30, 2019. Move Over/Slow Down law was not followed. See Full Story Page 2

SEE PROJECT GRADUATION INFORMATION.................................PAGE 3

2 JANUARY 25, 2019

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MARK THE DATE...

FEB 7TH OPEN HOUSE: First Bank Texas-Stamford will have Open House on February 7th from 11:00-3:00.

FEB 14TH

VALENTINE TEA: The Cowboy Country Museum will host a Valentine Tea Social Thursday, February 14, from 3-4pm. Come drink tea with us and reminisce about past Valentines. All ages are welcome. Please come join us! If you have any questions, call us at 773-2500.

FAMILY NIGHT: The Cowboy Country Museum will be hosting Family Night from 5:00-6:00pm (notice the new time) on Thursday, February 14. This month’s theme is “Spring Roundup”.

Listen to cowboys dem-

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST onstrate the work that is involved during a Roundup.

Also, we will make “Crazy Cow” sculptures. 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.

FEB 21ST

GENEALOGICAL MEETING: On Thursday, February 21, the Cowboy Country Museum will host a 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.

Have an item for our community Calendar? Call 325773-5550 and tell us about it or email it to office@americannewspapers.net

Stamford ISD Superintendent Search The Stamford ISD Board of Trustees would like your input on the qualifications of the new superintendent. A link on the district’s webpage will take you to a profile for you to complete. www. stamford.esc14.net The Board would like to thank you in advance for giving input to them on this very important decision.

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

Friday 54 | 37

Saturday 52 | 35

Sunday 63 | 42

Monday 53 | 27

Tuesday 45 | 28

Wednesday 52 | 33

Thursday 60 | 39

The weather is provided for you

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

Move Over/Slow Down!

BY KAY SPEARS A highway tragedy happened on November 30, 2018 on the two lane (State Highway) SH 92 between Tuxedo and Stamford, TX (Hwy 277). The sequence of events began when Dylan Thomas Pietrzyk, 26, was driving in the eastbound lane and having car trouble.

He pulled over on the shoulder of the road to await a tow truck. David Pickrell of Pickrell Wrecker Service in Sweetwater was dispatched to help the stranded motorist.

In an interview with the Stamford American, Pickrell stated the shoulder was “good” and they were completely off the highway.

It was a little before 6:30 pm and getting dark. He said visibility was good, he “could see 2-3 miles in either direction.” He recalled seeing the car’s flashing lights from over a mile away as he drove toward it

in the eastbound lane. He had a reflective vest on and engaged the emergency lights on his tow truck to further alert, warn other drivers of their location.

Pickrell stated he was in the process of loading the car onto his flatbed

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.

tow truck when a semitruck with trailer drove up behind them and “ran over the top of the car and the tow truck.” He said he thinks he was hit by debris which threw him into the middle of the road. He reported that his face and

left shoulder were damaged from the impact and he had bruising across his chest area.

SEE MOVE OVER, PAGE 5

NOTICE

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

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

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

KTAB Recognizes Denise Dennis

BY KAY SPEARS

Denise Dennis has been collecting cans and turning them into money for at least 40 years to show her appreciation when she gives the money to the West Texas Rehab Center in Abilene, TX. This year she donated $2,170 from cans and another $2,000 in donations. Denise has Cerebral Palsy and was helped by the West Texas Rehab Center for 11 years.

She began when she was two years old working with Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapies.

KTAB aired her story on Thursday, January 17, 2019. They quoted her as having said, “I help Momma a lot. I don’t know how to do a lot of things. I’m learning each day how to do something different.” This is the essence of the work West Texas Rehab does with and for those in need of their services. Dennis presented her money on the West Texas Rehab 49th Annual Telethon Saturday, January 19, 2019.

Project Graduation to Hold Fundraisers Project Graduation has several events scheduled to raise funds for the end-of-year activities for graduating seniors. On January 29 at the basketball games, we are doing a 50/50 drawing. One for the Stamford side and one for Haskell. Trying to make it a contest to see which side can get more money in their 50/50 drawing.

On February 5 we are doing the “Famous Bakers” auction of baked goods and food. We are not totally sure on names and items but will know more next week. We will also be doing another 50/50 drawing at that game.

All support for Project Graduation is appreciated.

NEWS BRIEFS

Denise Dennis made her annual donation on the West Texas Rehab Telethon on January 19.

SHS 1ST SEMESTER HONOR ROLL 9TH GRADE

A HONOR ROLL: Jacelyn Bell, Tylee Bevel, Madison Bryant, Dylan Faulks, Gabby Lintini, Tate Mathis, Shandlee Mueller, Addison Reel A/B HONOR ROLL: Bresha Applin, Jaylen Bailey, Jesus De Leon, Macy Detamore, Isaiah Gonzales, Savana Gonzales, Citlaly Gutierrez, Chloe Hall, Orlando Moreno, Thalia Ponce Serrano, Hailee Richardson, Garrett Sanchez, Jessica Sarmiento, Jacob Whittle

10TH GRADE

JANUARY 25, 2019 3

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A HONOR ROLL: Jaelynn Bryant, Carson Carver, Bryson Holt, Gracie Oliver, Laramie Terrell, Luke Thane, Sean Thane A/B HONOR ROLL: Imajen Andrade, Kelvinasjia Calicutt, Kristian Cantu, Seth Castro, Xavier Cedillo, Brennon Day,

Zakary Elkins, Mariah Fletcher, Zhawn Holden, Taylor Jimenez, Destiny Karg, Houston Koenig, Catarino Macias, Angel Martinez, Katilyn McClintock, Mystical Medina, Paris Menchue, Scott Moreno, Natalie Roden, Nicholas Roden, Shelby Stone, Cierra Stoner, Tyler Wheeler

11TH GRADE

A HONOR ROLL: Honesty Davis-Spotwood, Mallory Copeland, Carlee Dancer, Macie Fernandez, Kenadee Gann, Storey Gomez, Alexis Johnson, Cade Lefevre, Brett Patterson, Lane Patton, Endia Pryor, Keith Richards, Korey Villanueva, Jackie Yang A/B HONOR ROLL: Adrian Cedillo, Sadie Cole, Shavaris Cooper, Sterling Cullen, Lesly De Leon, Reagan Detamore, Madysen Jimenez, Josh Mueller, Stephanie

Pardo, Abree Ramos

12TH GRADE

A HONOR ROLL: Quinton Adkins, Nolan Baker, Peyton Bevel, Zachary Duran, Kaleb Flick, Riley Gomez, Carson Holt, Quincy Johnson, Marissa Kelley, Carli Lefevre, Andrianna Pardo A/B HONOR ROLL: Garrett Arendall, Brandon Campbell, Clayton Castro, Jared Cowen, Demarcus Downs, Trace Edwards, Candice Frohn, Julian Jimenez, Lyric Johnson, TJ Kuenstler, Brittany Macias, Tre Mitchell, Nicole Parks, Cameron Poulton, Melanie Ratheal, Erica Rosas, Daydn Titus, Brooklyn Woodard, Angel Zarate

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

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

Grades 6-12 welcome to attend.

DONATE: Denise Dennis is still collecting aluminum cans for recycling to raise

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

TUTORING: SMS Tutoring every Thursday from 6:007:00 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.

Have an item for News Briefs?

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

BIRTHDAYS JAN 31 - Carlos Vega, Joe Walton FEB 2 - Walter Bolin (Bingo) FEB 3 - Jewellee Kuenstler Know someone who is having a birthday? Please remember to call us at 325-773-5550 and let us know!

4 JANUARY 25, 2019

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2019 Jones County Stock Show Results MARKET BARROWS JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP: Wesley Muehlstein, Jones County 4-H BOPB: Alyssa Wyatt, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 2; Riley Moore, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 3 DUROC RESERVE BREED CHAMPION: Dylan Muehlstein, Jones County 4-H CLASS 103: Alexis Williams, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 1 CLASS 104: Dylan Muehlstein, Jones County 4-H, 2 HAMP CLASS 105: Emily Muehlstein, Jones County 4-H, 1 CLASS 106: Wesley Muehlstein, Jones County 4-H, 4 WOPB BREED CHAMPION: Dylan Muehlstein - Jones County 4-H; Reserve Breed Champion: Jacob Jarvis Lueders-Avoca FFA CLASS 107: Dylan Muehlstein, Jones County 4-H, 1; Jacob Jarvis, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 2 YORK BREED CHAMPION: Mattie Barnes - Lueders-Avoca FFA CLASS 108: Mattie Barnes, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 1; Riley Moore, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 2 CROSS BREED CHAMPION: Wesley Muehlstein - Jones County 4-H CLASS 111: Wesley Muehlstein, Jones County 4-H, 1; Alyssa Webb, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 3; Wyatt Moorefield, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 5

CLASS 112: Mattie Barnes, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 5 CLASS 114: Riley Moore, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 4 MARKET LAMBS RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION: Kristen Johns, Lueders-Avoca FFA; Senior Showmanship: Kristen Johns, Lueders-Avoca FFA FINE WOOL CROSS: Kristen Johns, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 2, Reserve Breed Champ; Class 203: Kristen Johns, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 1, Breed Champ; Kristen Johns, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 3 FRYER RABBITS CLASS 405: Jacob Hammond, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 3 CLASS 407: Alyssa Herrera, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 1; Brittney Villanueva, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 2; Emily Muehlstein, Jones County 4-H, 3; Landon Abney, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 4; Evan Lopez, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 6 CLASS 408: Heather Huggins, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 3 CLASS 410: Alyssa Wyatt, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 5; Scotty Eggleston, LuedersAvoca FFA, 8 BROILERS SENIOR SHOWMANSHIP: Ethan Lieb, Lueders-Avoca FFA, Tyler Huggins, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 7; Zabrian Mays, Lueders-Avoca FFA, 8; Ethan Lieb, LuedersAvoca FFA, 9 BREEDING GILTS: Riley Moore, Lueder-Avoca FFA, 1

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

HELLO FROM COWBOY COUNTRY By Jewellee Kuenstler I have a confession. It’s rather embarrassing and I hesitate to bare my weakness to the public, but here goes. I am a history nerd.

Certified, obsessed, devoted, passionate, hooked, a little unbalanced, History Nerd. I know this is not normal, because when I tell my friends about history trivia, I can literally see their eyes glaze over and their brain sending their consciousness to their “happy place”.

(Being a former teacher, I know this look well!) Once, I said to a friend, “Hey, you know what?” Her response was, “Don’t tell me, someone from history died here!”, and rolled her eyes.

Yep, I’m that friend you avoid at parties, because I might share my latest research project with you in great detail.

But this week I found out that I am not the only one afflicted with this addiction. In fact, sixteen other “history nerds” showed up to our Genealogy Meeting on Monday night, January 14th! I was so excited! And what did we discuss? Not our kids or grandkids. Not current events. We talked all about people from the past. We talked about HISTORY. It was a great night.

(I must confess, I was just hoping at least two people would show. We actually ran out of chairs. It was great!)

Since then, I have received several phone calls from others that are interested.

They all ask the same thing.

What exactly are you doing?

So, I want to give a brief description of our intent.

This first meeting was just to get together and see how much interest there was. The Museum also got to show the archives and resources we have here that people can use.

The meeting is for people who are interested in their family trees. (I have to warn you, it can become addicting!) We have a wide range of experience, from the beginners to the experts.

It is a chance to come together, learn something new, and possibly get some help in locating an ancestor. We also make a list of names that each person is researching, because you never know when, during your own research, you just might stumble upon someone else’s relative.

Our next meeting will be Thursday, February 21, at 5pm. If you can’t make it right at 5, come when you can, we are here until 6:30. During our February meeting we will learn about Census Records and what information you can glean from them. In March, we will learn about the website Find-A-Grave. Lucky for us, we have two experts in the field in our Genealogy group. April’s theme will be the website Fold3. This is a website for researching military veterans. Abstracts and Deeds will be our theme for May, and again we have two experts in this field to show us how to

read these documents and what information we can extract from them. In June, we will look at the website, Newspapers.com. This website has newspaper archives from all over America.

Also, if you sign up at the Library, you can use the Library computers to access the genealogy website, Geni.com. It is a lot like Ancestry.com, but it is free through the Library.

At our Family Night last Thursday, January 17th, we taught students about making their own family trees and why it is important to record this information.

But I warned the students, beware of who you might uncover. As you research, you could find that a relative might be famous or infamous, a banker or a bank robber, a law man or an outlaw. No matter what, it is so important to document your family for the future generations. So, if you are interested, stop in during our next meeting and check it out.

A shout out to Jeanne Black for furnishing the

delicious cookies for Family Night. And thank you to the student volunteers that helped out and participated!

Important dates coming up: Thursday, February 14 – Valentine Tea Social from 3-4pm: Come join us for a tea party and relive Valentine Day’s thru the Stamford American archives. All ages are welcome.

Thursday, February 14 – Family Night from 5-6pm (notice the new time): This month we will focus on the Spring Roundup and demonstrate the work involved with the cattle. We will also make a Crazy Cow Sculpture!

Thursday, February 21 – Genealogy Meeting. Theme: Census Records 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.

Upcoming Events at the Museum Thursday, February 14 – Valentine Tea Social from 3-4pm: Come join us for a tea party and relive Valentine Day’s thru the Stamford American archives. All ages are welcome.

Thursday, February 14 – Family Night from 5-6pm (notice the new time): This month we will focus on the Spring Roundup and demonstrate the work involved with the cattle. We will also make a Crazy Cow Sculpture!

Thursday, February 21 – Genealogy Meeting. Theme: Census Records

LA 3RD SIX WEEKS HONOR ROLL A HONOR ROLL: Aydenn Cervantez, Summer Davis, Noah Nieves, Christina Quinn, Cami Clinkinbeard, Savannah Mooney, Gage Wilcher, Cora Davila, Alyssa Webb, Ethan Lieb, Alyssa Herrera, Alyssa Wyatt, Clara Hammond, Tobi Crane, Logan Hearn, Moritz Lutz A-B HONOR ROLL: Sevreth Barnes, Solee Dubowik, Hayden Falney, Eli Lira, Ellen Tabor, Shelby Huggins, Dakota Jeffcoat, Emma Acosta, Harlie Barnes, Zurrie Taylor, Nicholas Quinn, Michael Acosta, Cole Clinkinbeard, Jacob Gaspar, Montana Pratt, James Gaspar, Zaebrion Mays,

Jaydon Mooney, Landon Abney, Jacob Hammond, Hope Ruiz, Brittney Villanueva, Johnathan Williams, Courtney Webb, Wyatt Moorefield, Faith Ruiz, Nathan Villanueva, Lexi Williams, Tatum Crawford PERFECT ATTENDANCE: Emma Acosta, Michael Acosta, Harlie Barnes, Ariel Barton, Cole Clinkinbeard, Summer Davis, Jacob Gasper, Bailee Henderson, Jaxson Jarvis, Morgan Lopez, Jaydon Mooney, Rody Neal, Ellen Tabor, Sevreth Barnes, Cami Clinkinbeard, Cora Davila, Solee Dubowik, James Gaspar, Daniel Jarvis, Jaylie Jeffcoat, Zaebrion Mays, Savan-

nah Mooney, Christina Quinn, Johathan Tabor, Matthew Willis, Mary Moon, Jase Tabor, Gage Wilcher, Hunter Wylie, Ellen Wilcher, Landon Abney, Autumn Barnes, Mattie Barnes, Gwen Clayton, Tobi Crane, Elijah Flores, Scott Eggleston, Clara Hammond, Jacob Hammond, Alyssa Herrera, Heather Huggins, Evan Lopez, Gloria Moorefield, Lexi Williams, Faith Ruiz, Hope Ruiz

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

JANUARY 25, 2019 5

SHS 3RD SIX WEEKS HONOR ROLL

Jones County’s loss is Taylor County’s gain as Kim Miles, County Extension Agent, receives a promotion. A reception was held for her at the office in Anson.

MOVE OVER: Continued From Page 2 When asked how far apart the trucks were to each other, Pickrell said he just had enough time to stand up and get himself back to the side of the road before the second semitruck & trailer ran over the two vehicles. According to the TxDot Accident Report each of the semi-trucks “rolled over and came to rest on the right side.”

Pickrell stated that in his opinion speeding wasn’t a factor but neither truck put on their brakes.

The accident report listed Willard Paul Beckelhiemer, Jr., 75, as driving the first semi-truck & trailer and Glendon Thomas King, 71, as the driver of the second semi-truck & trailer, each owned by Ray Sharp Trucking, Ada, OK. Both men and Pickrell were taken to Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene for medical attention. Pickrell stated the second driver was hurt

worse than the first truck driver.

The tragedy is that Pietrzyk, the drive of the car, did not survive. During the horrific crash he had been hit and was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:50 pm. Pietrzyk was from Norman, OK, and had been driving home. Pickrell said he knows he is lucky to be alive. When asked how he was doing, he said he has nightmares and reacts to “things that bring back a memory,” which is on top of his physical healing. He said there were active law suits and that “everybody is suing everybody.”

Pickrell is very concerned that the truck drivers did not move into the other lane, failing to obey the “move over law.” Information from January 31, 2018 Dept. of Public Safety (DPS) News Release states, “The law, originally passed in 2003, requires motorists

to move over or slow down when certain vehicles – including police, fire, EMS, Texas Dept. of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks – are stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated.”

It was on September 1, 2013 that the “Move Over/ Slow Down” law was expanded to include TxDOT workers and vehicles, according to a TxDOT news release. The Texas law states, “Vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road (if the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction), or slow down 20 mph below the speed limit. (If the speed limit is below 25 mph, the driver must slow down to 5 mph.) Drivers should only move over if they can do so safely and legally; otherwise, they should slow down.”

The January 31, 2018 DPS news release indicated there would be a “ramping up” on enforcement, quoting statistics from 2017 as having issued more than 10,650 warnings and citations of violations of the Move Over/Slow Down law. Perhaps it is time to ramp it up another notch and change warnings into tickets with a monetary consequence and include all vehicles on the side of a road.

There doesn’t have to be a law in place to use common sense and common courtesy when traveling on highways and local streets or roads. Might doesn’t make right but a car is no match for a truck of any size. Be aware of your surroundings, look ahead, assess the situation. The Move Over/Slow Down law makes sense whether there are flashing lights or not. Be safe out there!

9TH GRADE A HONOR ROLL: Jacelyn Bell, Tylee Bevel, Citlaly Gutierrez, Gabby Lintini, Tate Mathis, Shandlee Mueller, Addison Reel, Jessica Sarmiento A/B HONOR ROLL: Jaylen Bailey, Madison Bryant, Jesus De Leon, Macy Detamore, Dylan Faulks, Savana Gonzales, Chloe Hall, Wyatt Heathington, Orlando Moreno, Thalia Ponce Serrano, Benjamin Rhymes, Hailee Richardson, Jacob Whittle 10TH GRADE A HONOR ROLL: Jaelynn Bryant, Taylor Jimenez, Gracie Oliver, Laramie Terrell, Luke Thane, Sean Thane A/B HONOR ROLL: Imajen Andrade, Kristian Cantu, Carson Carver, Seth Castro, Xavier Cedillo, C J Cerda, Brennon Day, Zakary Elkins, Zhawn Holden, Bryson Holt, Stephon Johnson, Tameka Johnson, Houston Koenig, Catarino Macias, Angel Martinez, Katilyn McClintock, Paris Menchue, Scott Moreno, Nicholas Roden, Shelby Stone, Cierra Stone, Bobbie Villereal, Tyler Wheeler 11TH GRADE A HONOR ROLL: Mallory Copeland, Carlee Dancer, Honesty Davis-Spotwood, Reagan Detamore, Macie Fernandez, Kenadee Gann, Storey Gomez, Alexis Johnson, Cade Lefevre, Brett Patterson, Lane Patton, Endia Pryor, Keith Richards, Korey Villanueva, Jackie Yang A/B HONOR ROLL: Amaya Berger, Adrian Cedillo, Sadie Cole, Shavaris Cooper, Sterling Cullen, Lesly De Leon, Madysen Jimenez, Josh Mueller, Stephanie Pardo, Abree Ramos, Maribel Rosas 12TH GRADE A HONOR ROLL: Quinton Adkins, Nolan Baker, Peyton Bevel, Nikita Bhakta, Zachary Duran, Kaleb Flick, Candice Frohn, Carson Holt, Marissa Kelley, Carli Lefevre, Amanda Roden A/B HONOR ROLL: Garrett Arendall, Brandon Campbell, Clayton Castro, Jared Cowen, Hailie Crawford, Trace Edwards, Riley Gomez, Julian Jimenez, Lyric Johnson, Quincy Johnson, TJ Kuenstler, Brittany Macias, Ethan Medina, Tre Mitchell, Jonathan Ortiz, Andrianna Pardo, Nicole Parks, Cameron Poulton, Melana Quiroga, Melanie Ratheal, Roy Sanchez, Dakota Sanders, Erik Silva, Brooklyn Woodard, Angel Zarate

6

JANUARY 25, 2019

THE WINTER MYSTERY: By Faith Martin Jenny Starling trudges through the deep snow drifts down the unplowed lane to the English countryside farmhouse. She has been hired as a temporary cook

by Stan Kelton. The Kelton family has an iron-clad tradition that the eldest son will READING REVIEW always inherit the land. It will be passed down through his eldest son whether or not Martha Jarred the child is legitimate. Stan is technically the second son, but his strong personality overshadows his older brother, Sid, who is in poor health. Stan runs the farm and rules his family like an uncompromising tyrant.

His children, Bert, Bill and Delia, appear to detest their father as does grandson Jeremy. They are all planning ways to escape Stan’s clutches. Bert’s wife was driven away years earlier, and Stan continues to destroy all cards and letters from her to her husband and son. Apparently, there are no redeeming qualities whatsoever in the domineering brother.

Mrs. Jarvis also hates Stan with a passion. He purposely rerouted the creek that supplied the Jarvis farm’s water. When Mr. Jarvis died suddenly of a heart attack brought on by the stress of losing his land, Stan bought the Jarvis place. He made an offer whereby Mrs. Jarvis could stay in her home and work as a daily housekeeper for the Kelton household. Of course, he took “rent” from the top of her salary. On the contrary, everyone loved kind-hearted Sid, especially Pooch, the sheepdog, who does not like to be around sheep.

The family members thoughtlessly track mud continuously into the kitchen, so Jenny spends almost as much time mopping the nasty floor as she does cooking. Six-foot tall Jenny is a talented cook who is also an amateur crime-solver. Who knew there would be a murder for her to solve during her stay with the Keltons?

Although the police are called in, they basically follow Jenny’s leads.

THE WINTER MYSTERY follows other seasonal mysteries in this British cozy series with a touch of humor.

Clues are liberally scattered throughout the story regarding both the motive and the identity of the killer in a maze of possibilities. This book was previously published under the title, A FATAL FALL OF SNOW by Martin’s pen name, Joyce Cato. By either title, it is a fun read on a wintery day.

Mystery titles 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, 940-864-3072, for more information.

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

The Virtue of Extremism Last year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I brought you an essay on Dr. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and his frustration with inaction. This year, I want to expand on that letter in new ways, to move us forward as rural community leaders.

On April 16, 1963, Dr. King was sitting in jail in Birmingham, Alabama after being arrested for marching against racial segregation.

He was given a newspaper with “A Call For Unity.” This open letter, published by eight white clergymen, essentially told Dr. King and other protestors to tone it down, seek their rights through legal channels, and wait for time to run its course. Dr. King was sick of hearing “wait,” knowing that it “has almost always meant ‘Never!’”

Dr. King called it a “tragic misconception” that the flow of time would “inevitably cure all ills.” He observed that time is merely neutral and “it can be used either destructively or constructively.” He wrote that: “Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of

white modersocial stagate. He goes so nation. We far as to state must use time that the great creatively, in stumbling the knowledge block towards that the time progress is is always ripe less the Ku to do right.”

Klux Klan Dr. King ESSAYS FROM WEST and more the then turns to white modthe criticism OF 98 erate who of his activity prefers order as “extreme.”

James M. Decker to justice, who At first, he accepts the was disapabsence of tension (a “negapointed. Then he came to tive peace,” he termed it) be satisfied with the label. over the “positive peace” of He wrote: “Was Jesus not justice. In short, the white an extremist for love: ‘Love moderate preferred the your enemies, bless them comfortable to the uncomthat curse you, do good fortable, right and wrong be to them that hate you, darned. and pray for them which The white moderates despitefully use you and failed their African-Ameripersecute you.’” He then can brethren in the 1960s. named off a list of other By refusing to step out of extremists: the prophet the comfort zone to help Amos, the apostle Paul, those seeking freedom, libMartin Luther, John Bunerty, and justice, the white yan, Abraham Lincoln, and moderates actually enabled Thomas Jefferson. the immoral actions of the Today I pose to you what Ku Klux Klan and their ilk.

Dr. King asked his readWe’ve heard many times in ers: “so the question is not this country about a “silent whether we will be exmajority,” as if it’s a good tremists, but what kind of thing. I am writing today to extremists will we be. Will we be extremists for hate or tell you that silent majorities are rarely a good thing. for love? Will we be extremA silent majority is nothists for the preservation of injustice or the extension of ing more than a group of people who are unwilling justice?”

Throughout Dr. King’s let- to stand up and be counted when it actually matters. ter, he takes issue with the

Today, I ask you: what are we doing to improve the lives of those around us in rural America? Are we acting as extremists for love and the extension of justice? Are we working through our churches, our community organizations, our businesses, and our elected positions to ensure that all of our people prosper and are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve, no matter their net worth, skin color, or religious affiliation? Are we extremists like Dr. King and Jesus? Or are we the modern day descendants of the white moderate? Do we prefer an absence of tension to a positive peace, satisfying ourselves that we are a “silent majority” hoping for the flow of time to cure all ills, while we remain comfortable and inactive?

We can use our time constructively or destructively, and if we don’t use our time at all, we’re using it destructively. Now is the time to heed the words of Dr. King: the time is always ripe to do right.

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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2nd Grade Music Memory: Norah Andruch, Steven Conway, Morgan Woolf, Easton Hernandez, Braisyn Dillard, Bradley London. Teacher-Amber Corzine.

2nd Grade Chess: Kiley Crowson, Easton Hernandez, 1st Place-Braden Logan, 3rd Place-Bradley London; 1st Place Team. Teacher-Regina Lively

2nd Grade Creative Writing: Braisyn Dillard, 6th Place-Braden Logan, 5th Place-Morgan Woolf, CJ Gomez. Teacher-Heather Wilhelm.

3rd Grade Ready Writing: 3rd Place-Caroline Shoemaker, 6th Place-Miles Follis, Karsten Hall, 5th Place-Jace Patterson. Teacher-Joni Patterson

2nd Grade Oral Reading: Steven Conway, 5th Place-Braden Logan, 4th Place-Easton Hernandez, 2nd Place-Norah Andruch. Teacher-April Lefevre

3rd Grade Oral Reading: Karsten Hall, 2nd Place-Quincy Page, 1st Place-Caroline Shoemaker, 5th Place-Jace Patterson. Teacher-Loren Wright

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3rd Grade Chess: Ace Martinez, Cooper Wilhelm, Joseph Cervantes, 1st Place-Miles Follis; 1st Place Team. Teacher-Regina Lively

3rd Grade Music Memory: Christiana Weathersbee, Brennan Armstrong, 6th Place-Miles Follis, Karsten Hall, 1st Place-Jace Patterson; 2nd Place Team. Teacher-Amber Corzine

3rd Grade Spelling: 1st Place (tie)-Jace Patterson, Quincy Page, 1st Place (tie)-Miles Follis, 4th Place-Karsten Hall; 1st Place Team. Teacher Linda Anders.

4th Grade Spelling: Jordan Burns, Zayne Lefevre, Amber Dutchover. Teacher-Linda Anders.

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4th Grade Ready Writing: Raymond Cervantes, 5th Place-Levi Vahlenkamp, Krailyn Becker, Khloe Cantu. Teacher-Joni Patterson

4th Grade Oral Reading: 2nd Place -Zayne LeFevre, 6th Place-Madalyn Mueller, 1st Place -Levi Vahlencamp. Teacher-Shannon Bell

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FARM-STATE REP. STEVE KING VOTES FOR RESOLUTION THAT ADMONISHES HIM FOR RACIST REMARKS Majority-party Democrats called the vote a day after House Republicans barred Rep. Steve King of Iowa from serving on any comKASN AG REPORT mittee. King had sparked the rebuke by questioning

By Richard Kemp why the language of white supremacy had “become offensive.”

FARM SECTOR IN PLAINS IS IN ‘PROLONGED DOWNTURN,’ SAYS KANSAS CITY FED CHIEF In a speech, the president of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank said “the farm sector is in a prolonged downturn as a result of declining agricultural prices, made worse by retaliatory tariffs on U.S. farm products.”

DIET FOR A HEALTHY PLANET: HALF THE RED MEAT AND SUGAR, MORE GRAINS, NUTS, PRODUCE A three-year collaboration by three dozen experts in nutrition, agriculture, economics, and the environment says it has solved one of the world’s great challenges: how to feed an expected 10 billion people at midcentury without imperiling future food production. The answer is the “planetary health diet.”

USDA OPENS LOCAL OFFICES FOR THREE DAYS TO WORK ON EXISTING FARM LOANS About half of the USDA’s local offices will be open for three days, beginning Thursday, to deal with existing farm loans and provide tax documents to farmers and ranchers. USDA employees will not consider applications for new loans, the new dairy support program, disaster relief, or Trump tariff payments.

POWERHOUSE DEMOCRATS PROPOSE ‘BLUE CARD’ FOR UNDOCUMENTED FARMWORKERS Democratic lawmakers from the House and Senate unveiled bills on Thursday that would give undocumented farmworkers “blue card” status, allowing them to work legally in the United States and gain the chance to become permanent residents, with an eventual path to citizenship.

FARMERS BORROWING MORE MONEY, PAYING HIGHER INTEREST RATES Ag bankers are charging higher interest rates and asking farmers to pledge more collateral in the face of a rising demand for loans, the Federal Reserve said Thursday in its quarterly Agricultural Finance Databook.

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WEST TEXAS TREES AND LANDSCAPES

By Bruce Kreitler and the KWKC Green Team One of the things that I sometimes tell people about trees, and tree pruning, has to do with other people noticing their trees.

Usually, this is when we are discussing pruning, and how trees should look after pruning, and goes something like this, “when somebody walks, or drives by, after pruning, we want them to notice the tree(s) because they look good, not look at them and say wow, those trees sure got trimmed”.

Granted, most people probably don’t look at trees as much as I do when they go by them, but the point of that statement is that, given the right opportunity, a properly trimmed tree should just look good, not look like it just got “a real trimmin”. Anyway, whether or not people do, or don’t, notice nice trees, that are well cared for, there are some times where people definitely do notice someone else’s trees, and want something done about it. Those times are when trees impede, or appear to impede, a road or other drive area.

I talk a lot about how necessary it is to keep tree canopies up over a roof,

without contacting the roof, but I don’t talk quite as much, about the necessity of keeping tree canopies up over streets. Interestingly enough, the reason to keep trees off houses is mostly to prevent damage to houses, but keeping trees up over streets has more to do with damage to the trees than it does with anything else (remember, I’m a tree guy, not a traffic guy). So, what needs to be done with trees that hang over streets, who should be responsible for it, and is any of this really important?

To start with, most communities have some kind of ordinance about how much distance there should be between a road bed and any trees overhanging it. Usually that required clearance is going to be something along the lines of fourteen feet. While those ordinances exist, my experience is that enforcement is very sporadic, sometimes to the level of capriciousness.

As nearly as I can tell, you come to the attention of your community on this kind of thing, if someone complains, there is some kind of event that involved your tree, or…, and this is the worst case, someone at “the city” decides you need their personal attention.

Additionally, I think most of us appreciate a shady, tree lined, street. We especially appreciate those shaded streets along about June, July, and August, when the ambient outdoor temperatures are often in the hundred degree range.

It’s not just that shade on streets makes us feel cooler. When streets are that hot, they generate and reflect, a lot of heat that can

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be felt for some distance.

Anything that interrupts that process is a huge benefit. One of the reasons that urban trees are so desirable, is that cities are naturally heat islands, and canopy cover is one of the most efficient ways to fight that. As you can imagine, canopy cover that is over pavement does a lot more to reduce the heat island effect, than canopy cover hanging over a yard full of turf does.

Unfortunately for us, here in the Big Country, our growing conditions dictate that we are just not going to be able to easily grow trees, next to streets, that can habitually reach a tall enough height to shade a street, without their lower canopy being a hazard to navigation. Yes, trees that grow next to streets can be, and are, a public benefit, but the interaction with traffic, and any potential hazards they might create, have to be dealt with.

And, that “dealing with” is usually the responsibility of the tree/property owner, whether they think it should be, or not.

Personally, I find a mandatory height of fourteen feet to be unrealistic, and sometimes just unnecessary. On busy nonresidential streets, Fourteen feet, or even a little more, is needed. In larger communities, where there is a lot of truck traffic, you can see trees over main arteries that look like they have been purposefully cut in a “square” shape over the street. That’s not what happened. Those trees are contacting semis that come down the street, and getting “squared” by the

ninety degree corners of the semi-trailers. That’s not good for the trucks, traffic, or the trees, and should be properly dealt with.

On the other hand, while residential streets do need to be able to accommodate large RV’s, moving vans, and large delivery trucks, very often, that kind of access can be achieved by leaving enough open area, on one side or the other of a street, without having to clear the street like it’s going to handle the traffic of an interstate highway, on a daily basis.

Trees along streets provide real physical, and aesthetic benefits, but like anything else, those benefits come with some potential problems that need to be seen to. Such trees are definitely worth planting, having, and maintaining, and a little common sense in that maintenance (you can’t count on common sense from every driver that happens by), can be very beneficial, to all concerned.

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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State’s Top Elected Officials Take Oaths Of Office At Inauguration Public officials and private citizens gathered at the south steps of the state Capitol on Jan. 15 to for a day’s worth of inaugural events, most notably the administering of oaths of office to Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who were reelected to four-year terms in November.

In his inaugural address, Gov. Abbott predicted the 86th regular session of the Texas Legislature, which convened on Jan. 8, would be “transformative.”

He said that with the help of Lt. Gov. Patrick and newly elected House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, leadership would “usher in a new era for children, teachers and taxpayers.”

“We must finally rein in skyrocketing property taxes in Texas,” Abbott said. “To fix this, Texas must limit the ability of taxing authorities to raise your property taxes. At the same time, Texas must end unfunded mandates on cities and counties. And taxpayers should be given the power to fire their property tax appraiser.”

Abbott touched on a list of other topics, such as job growth, the state’s low unemployment rate, the importance of public education and public education reform, the need for teacher pay raises and better teacher retirement, enhanced school safety and progress in natural disaster recovery efforts.

LT. GOV. DELIVERS REMARKS Patrick echoed Abbott’s call to operate as a unit with Speaker Bonnen.

“The people of Texas didn’t elect us to be silent on things that matter,” Patrick said.

“They elected us to work together and do what is right for the people of Texas. We have a moment in time, right now, to set the stage for an even greater Texas for future generations. It is within our grasp.

The elections are over for now — we will have them again in two years to air out our differences — but for right now, it’s time for us to work together for all of the people of Texas. I intend to do my part.”

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Sterling

Patrick announced that Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, has filed Senate Bill 3, which he called “the first across-the-board pay increase for Texas teachers in nearly 20 years.” SB 3, he said, would give every one of Texas’ 350,000 teachers a $5,000 raise beginning in the next school year, and that would be the first step in increasing the base pay of teachers by $10,000.

Patrick added that Nelson also had filed Senate Bill 1, the state budget, legislation that includes $3.7 billion to fund the teacher pay raise.

PANEL CHAIRS ARE NAMED Patrick, who presides over the state Senate, on Jan. 18 made public his selection of 16 committee chairs and members of each panel.

The appointments, he said, “reflect the proven leadership, commitment, solid work ethic and wide range of expertise of the 31 senators who have been elected by the people of Texas to represent them.” Complete lists of panel members may be found at www.senate.texas. gov. These are chairs and vice chairs for each panel: — Agriculture: Kel Seliger, RAmarillo, and Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso; — Administration: Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, and Pat Fallon, R-Prosper; — Business & Commerce: Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, and Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville; — Criminal Justice: John Whitmire, D-Houston, and Joan Huffman, R-Houston; — Education: Larry Taylor, RFriendswood, and Eddie Lucio

Jr., D-Brownsville; — Finance: Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, and Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; — Health & Human Services: Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, and Charles Perry, R-Lubbock; — Higher Education: Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, and Royce West, D-Dallas; — Intergovernmental Relations: Eddie Lucio Jr., and Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown; — Natural Resources & Economic Development: Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, and Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo; — Nominations: Dawn Buckingham, R-Lakeway, and Kirk Watson, D-Austin; — Property Tax: Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, and freshman Angela Paxton, RMcKinney; — State Affairs: Joan Huffman, and Bryan Hughes; — Transportation: Robert Nichols and Kelly Hancock; — Veterans Affairs & Border Security: Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, and Bob Hall, R-Edgewood; and — Water & Rural Affairs: Charles Perry, and Brandon Creighton.

JOBLESS RATE STAYS LOW December was the 104th consecutive month of positive employment growth, the Texas Workforce Commission reported Jan. 18.

Texas gained some 38,000 seasonally adjusted non-farm positions during the month, pegging the unemployment rate at 3.7 percent and maintaining the same historic 43year low the state has enjoyed since October 2018.

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded December’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a non-seasonally adjusted rate of 2.1 percent, followed by the Amarillo MSA and Odessa MSA, which tied for the second lowest with a rate of 2.6 percent. The Austin-Round Rock MSA recorded the third lowest rate of 2.7 percent.

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JANUARY 25, 2019

Light is important, without it we would not be able to see clearly. I don’t know about you but I struggle in the dark. Not being able to see in front of me has never worked out very good. In darkness we become lost and confused, but when given light we all of sudden become more aware of our surroundings. Light is a necessity and God has given it to us from the beginning of Creation.

The Creation account in Genesis begins by telling us that darkness covered the earth. “Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light ‘day’ and the darkness ‘night’. And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day”(Gen. 1:3-5). God goes on to tell us that the light is good and that there is a clear separation between the light and

darkness. This separation between light and dark is a common theme throughout the Bible and is very evident in our world today.

If you continue to read through the Creation account you will read that on the fourth day God created the sun, moon and stars (Gen. 1:14-19). Many like myself will continue to read on into the fifth day of creation and so forth. However for some this may ring a bell! Recall that in the first day of creation, God said, “Let there be Light”. How can it be, that it wasn’t until day four that He placed the sun, moon and stars into line? What was the light source for the first three days of creation? What light is God talking about in the first few verses of the Bible?

When He said, “Let there be Light”.

These are great questions, and I am so glad you asked them, because I too, have wondered this very

“Let There Be Light” Light”. thing. As we Before we go through continue, the Bible there I think it’s are plenty safe to say of instances that we live where we find in a dark God’s glory world. If we revealed. And open up the in nearly every newspaper occurrence we or turn on get the picture the television of a radiant

By Dalton Mathis more than light surroundlikely we will ing God’s find some type of evil going Majestic Holiness (Ezek. on in the world. The world 1:27-28, 10:4). We read that is dark, but there is light the great servant Moses and we find this great truth experienced God’s Glorifrom the very beginning. ous Presence for forty days Yes any 1st grade student on Mount Sinai, and when could tell us that the sun, he came down from the moon and stars give off mountain his own face light. And they are exactly was shining brightly (Exod. right, for the Bible tells us 34:29). This tells us that that in Genesis 1:14-19. But God’s Glory is bright and is there is something more greater than we could ever than just what our eyes can comprehend. Hence the see. common saying “I saw the

PASTOR’S PEN

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

The apostle John said that Jesus the Son of God is the one who is the true light (John 1:9). Jesus is the light and He has been the light from the very beginning! He once said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12).

When we put our hope in Jesus we are given the light that leads to life. The Word tells us that, “God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all” (1 John 1:5).

When we follow the Lord with all of our heart and soul, we will find ourselves filled with His wonderful light. There should be no darkness in us, but instead light that shines bright for his glory (Matt. 5:14-16).

His Glory radiates light, so when we have Him living in our hearts our lives should reflect His light. I think it’s really interesting that the light that God talks

about in the first few verses of the Bible can be found in His Son Jesus and therefore can be found in us as His Children (2 Cor. 4:6-7). We are the light of this world!!!

I encourage you to choose the light for it leads to everlasting light (Rev. 22:5).

There has always been a separation between light and dark, and in eternity there is going to be an even greater emphasis on this great separation. People who choose to walk in darkness on this earth will spend eternity in darkness.

Our actions and choices today not only have costs and benefits in this life but also in the life to come! CHOOSE THE LIGHT!!!

Respect the Blood, Dalton Mathis

LOCAL CHURCHES Avoca Baptist Church Rev. Les Mims 773-3531 AM Worship: 11:00 Avoca United Methodist Church Dennis Huffaker 773-3909 AM Worship: 9:45 Bethel Church of God in Christ Pastor Session 407 W Handlan 325-773-5730

Central Presbyterian Rev. Dr. Kelly Pigott 601 Rowland 325-773-3381 AM Worship: 11:00 Common Ground Youth Ministry Paul Wright 219 S Swenson 325-773-3604 Faith Chapel Gerald Spalding 501 W. McHarg 325-773-2866 AM Worship: 10:00

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

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

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

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

Nugent Baptist Church Craig Thames 228-4457 Worship: 11:00 Nugent Church of Christ Nugent, Texas Ron Ballard, Preacher Sun. 10 Bible Classes 11 Morning Assembly Orient Street Church of Christ Wes Horn 510 S Orient 773-3419 Worship: 10:30 Paint Creek Baptist Church Pastor Tony Grand 940-864-3358 AM Worship: 11:00

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

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

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

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

Trinity Church Dr. Robert Wingrove 220 E. McHarg

Solomon Temple Baptist Church Rev. Donnie Massey 315 N. Haskell St. 325-773-2213 AM Worship 9:30

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Boy, it got just downright cold again. For a few days we have some nice weather and then it turns on us again. Friday the temperature got up into the seventies and then it hit. I tell you what wasn’t tied down went to the coast. That wind was crazy and then the temperature dropped 30 degrees. It’s just no wonder everyone stays ill. It was just too cold yesterday to do anything. Lots of folks still attended the Rehab Telethon in Abilene. So glad they raised so much money, they do such a great service.

Tomorrow is another holiday, so no mail again.

Just want to remind everyone that we will have a musical on Saturday evening (Jan.26). Maybe the weather will be nice and we will get to see all of you at the musical. The concession will open at 5:30 P M and the program starts at 6 P M. See you there.

The Hobby Club met at the Sagerton Community Center on Thursday afternoon with Vickie Wilhite, Anita Dozier, Dorothy Toney, Cheryl Hertel, Joyce Lefevre, Tomzie Steele,

My sympathy Nan Sublett to the families. and Joann On ThursDoss present. day, Helen Tomzie called Pierce’s nieces the meetfrom Abilene, ing to order, Sue Callicoatte had roll call, and Patricia minutes, Martinez came treasurer’s visit her report and OLD GLORY NEWS to and Glen and then continhad lunch with ued on with

By Anita Dozier them. Helen business. stated they reThe ladies ally enjoyed their visit and discussed the Christmas the goodies they brought.

Party and decided it was Sunday visitors of Glen good, might make a few and Helen Pierce were famadditions, but everyone ily members, Jami Wilde thought it was very nice from Knox City,, Wayne and fun. The ladies talked and Kara Briggs and Crete about projects for each of Haskell and Kim Lowack meeting for the year and and Kelly of OG. Congatulamore details will follow at tions to Kelly on winning a the next meeting. They also first place and a third place discussed what to have on her swine in the Stonefor the bazaar, items to wall County Livestock show sell chances on. Vickie was in Aspermont on Saturday. hostess for the day and Danny and Phyllis Letz served delicious refreshwere in Abilene on Thursments. Joyce won the door day and while there they prize. A few of the ladies went by to take daughter, worked on cleaning out a Jana, some books for her cabinet in the storage room classroom. to end the day.

On Saturday, Danny and I was saddened to hear of Phyllis were in Sweetwathe passing of some dear ter and had dinner out friends, Dorothy Clay and and then went to the VFW Bill and Wanda Green, all where Danny and his band former residents of Anson.

played for the dance.

Kirk Williamson and Shawna Kiser of Roby met Dale and Carm Letz and Doug and Debbie Vahlenkamp in Abilene to attend the Rehab Telethon on Saturday evening.

Rodney and Tracy Dunham of Hamlin stopped by to visit with his parents, Pide and Mittie Dunham, on Saturday on their way to Aspermont as Rodney was auctioneer for the Livestock Show.

Gerral Walden and Shelly Dunham were in Dallas on Saturday to celebrate Gerral’s birthday.

I enjoyed having daughter, Marcie Tucker, from Hamby here for a weekend visit.

Thought for the week: “The right to do something does not mean that doing it is right.”

Happy Birthday wishes go to Billie Dillard, Lindsey Rash, Fern Rash, Henry Groves, Bruce Elmore, Brailea Epley, Jeff Zell, Crystal Malone, Rebecca Galloway, Slaloren Serafine, Dwayne Hertel, and Morgan Dixon. We wish you many more.

Anson: Water/Sewer Rate Hike and the Empty Prison Debt

BY KAY SPEARS

The Jones County Corrections Department, a prison facility in Anson, TX, has been unoccupied since it was built in 2010.

It was built after winning a proposal from the state of Texas the year before.

Just ten days after the prison was built, the state informed the county that the beds would not be used. This left a hefty debt for the county and for the City of Anson after providing infrastructure to the property.

Sonny Campbell, Anson City Manager, explained that the USDA made loans to the City of Anson in the amounts of $2.5 million and $750,000 to complete the wastewater plant, the

water lines and the sewer lines to the prison. The revenue from the prison was counted on to make those payments, but since the prison is not operational, the City has to pay the debt. Campbell stated, “It takes revenue away from everything else to try to pay that.” This is going into the ninth year.

The USDA has raised the rates and the payments the City makes have increased.

To offset this increase it was necessary to raise the wastewater or sewer fee by $2.00.

And the prison sits there unused. Campbell stated it is up to the state of Texas to fill the prison, the county’s hands are tied.

He said it needs $1 million worth of upgrades in order

to be populated. “It is a minimum to top security.

Porcelain toilets are no longer legal to put in a detention setting. They would all have to be replaced. Other issues because of not being populated is the stoppedup drains and the out dated equipment.”

Campbell stated that back when we were in a drought a $10 million plant was built in Breckenridge, TX to treat Possum Kingdom water, which would have been an alternate source for Anson’s water supply in case the drought continued.

Since there is no drought at this time, that plant is inactive but there is still the debt to be paid. “Some of the increase in the water helps pay this debt.” The water rate is being raised by

$1.50.

“The revenue is just not there,” said Campbell. He listed water lines are getting older, power charges are going up, as is insurance, liabilities, equipment maintenance. “Overall everything is increasing,” he noted.

The charge for trash pickup is increasing by $1.00 because the trash hauling company, KWS, is raising its rates. To summarize: The City of Anson water rate is up $1.50, the sewer rate is up $2.00, and the trash charge is up $1.00. This equals $4.50 added to the “water bill” each month.

Campbell states this is needed to bring up revenue to meet expenses.

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Bulldogs Rout Cross Plains, Defeat Hawley The Stamford Bulldogs faced the Cross Plains Buffaloes in Tuesday night’s district contest. Stamford showed out with an 80-43 victory, with Peyton Bevel and Trace Edwards completing 4 three-pointers each.

The Bulldogs trailed 23-16 at the end of the first quarter, but they held the Buffaloes to just 20 points the rest of the game. Top scorers were Bevel with 23 points and Edwards and D’Marcus Barber with 20 each. Others scoring were Zach Duran with 7 points, Keyven Mueller with 5, Quincy Johnson with 3, and Nolan Baker with a free throw.

Stamford 18 17 23 22 -- 80 C’ Plains 23 5 4 11 -- 43 The Bulldogs defeated Hawley on Friday night 53 to 48 in a close contest. Stamford jumped out to a 22-10 first quarter lead, were outscored 21-9 in the 2nd making the score tied at halftime. The score was still tied going into the 4th quarter, but the Dawgs put the game away in the fourth thanks to completing 9 free throws.

Duran led the scoring with 12 points. Bevel and Johnson each had 11, Barber 10, and Edwards 9.

Stamford 22 9 8 14 -- 53 Hawley 10 21 8 9 -- 48

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What’s Your Word?

Recently, I and my colleagues at school decided to do a department-wide assignment for our students and that was simply to find out what their word was. What do you mean by this you may ask? Well, we asked our students to reflect on their interests and lifestyle and find the one word that defines who they are and can motivate them for the future.

Needless to say, the assignment turned out with some good, inspiring words overall and got Will McClure me thinking about how one simple word can make such an impact in one’s life. The best part is that the word can be pretty much anything one wants just as long as it is a good fit. While for many of us we can think of that word naturally, for others it does take some time. A few of my students wrote down their interests and traits that they represent, but had a difficult time bringing it all together to discover their word.

After asking them to take a moment and explain why they like and represent certain things, eventually you could see the light bulb come on in their mind as they discovered a word that defines them and that they were happy to share.

This got me thinking about what my own personal word could be and, after milling it over for a bit, I came up with “determined.” As I look at my own interests and the life I have lived thus far, I find that I tend to admire and cheer for people that pursue a goal or dream as well as root for the “underdog” consistently. On reality competition shows that I watch like Survivor and Big Brother where big alliances are made that try to pick off the few that are not a part of it, I tend to lean towards those few individuals and hope that they can overcome a dominant threat. I get excited when watching a sport where the team I am rooting for comes from behind to seal the victory. I guess it is also the reason why I became a Denver Broncos fan at a young age after John Elway joined the team. The team overcame the odds to win back-to-back Super Bowls, but then fell off for many years, but they were the underdogs and I kept rooting for them despite them not doing very well. Even in my own life, when I set a goal I do my best to achieve it. Sometimes I do put things off and I get frustrated, but I keep pushing forward to overcome the obstacles, thus making “determined” a perfect word for myself.

I know I tend to draw from my life a lot in this column from time to time, but I always want to paint a clear picture of what I am trying to say and I want to bring it back to you, the reader. So this week I have a simple challenge for you: find your word. Think about the things that you enjoy doing, the entertainment you lean towards and your life in general, particularly the points you enjoyed the most. Then bring everything together, write them down if you have to, and discover the things that they all have in common. You may end up with a few words at the end, but you will have narrowed it down enough where you can look at your word list and see the one that leaps out at you and can help you guide your life from this day forward. Whatever that word is, make it your own and challenge others to discover their own personal word. Be proud, be bold, and be inspiring to others as you seek to live out your word day in and day out. I will end this week with one final word and it is a word I think we can all agree on that will help each one of us find our word like I did and choose to try to embody that word in any way that we can: believe.

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

THOUGHTS FROM UNDER THE CAP

The Mitchell County Voice Is Silent

Jim Baum had a weekly road kill report on his radio station, KVMC in Colorado City. Every Saturday he would update the number of cats, dogs, birds, porcupines and skunks that had been killed by vehicles within a mile of the station. First he would give the most recent weekly number followed by the yearly total.

Listeners loved it. When travelers from Midland and Odessa headed east for the metroplex on weekends they would time their trip so they could hear the road kill report.

He always remembered listeners’ anniversaries and birthdays. When he would be on the air with the list of people celebrating and the phone would ring, he answered it on the air. The listener would say, “Jim I just wanted you to know my daughter Carolyn is 19 years old today.” Jim would quickly reply, “Holy smoke, Carolyn, I didn’t realize we were the same age.” Jim was about 75 at the time.

He was one clever dude.

He did a program titled Community Closeup, which featured interviews with people from Colorado City. If Jim asked you to be on that program, he made you feel that you were special. He told me one time he had such a backlog of programs he could run 18 years before airing a repeat program. It is outstanding oral history.

Jim was a recognized historian of Mitchell County and Colorado City. He wrote 8 books on local topics. Jim served as mayor of Colorado City 21 years and held that office longer than anyone else.

He ran against Charles Stenholm for Congress.

From a slate of 12 candidates, Jim placed 3rd.

Stenholm said if he hadn’t been running he would have voted for Jim. Growing up in Abilene, Jim fell in love with base-

ball. In the mid 50’s he played 2 seasons with the Pittsburg Pirates farm club and always felt he should have played longer. His baseball card is on the wall of the station.

His collection of baseball cards numbers in the hundreds of thousands.

Whenever he had a free moment, he fiddled with his cards.

I met Jim in 1964. I was leaving a job as news director at a radio station in Big Spring and Jim was hired as my replacement. We became lifelong friends. When I came back to Big Spring in 1967, Jim had taken a job with

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

another station in town.

We competed against each other for news stories but always kept the friendship at the forefront of our relationship. Our kids grew up together, and they became lifelong friends.

Jim had an opportunity to buy the Colorado City radio station and left Big Spring. He became immensely popular practically overnight and stayed that way until his death in December. At his funeral the church was filled and the eulogy, delivered by Jim’s friend Tom Carlock, was humorous. He pretended he was Jim giving a newscast.

I know of only a handful of radio broadcasters who had as much fun and promoted their community as much as Jim Baum, The Voice of Mitchell County.

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Classifieds HELP WANTED

PUBLIC NOTICE

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.

THE ST ATE OF TEXAS To any Sheriff or any Constable within the State of Texas, GREETINGS: YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to cause to be published, ONCE, not less than ten days before the return day thereof, exclusive of the date of publication, in a newspaper printed in Jones County, Texas, the accompanying citation, of which the herein below following is a true copy: CITATION BY PUBLICATION *** THE STATE OF TEXAS: TO ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF: BENNY C. WHITAKER, DECEASED CAUSE NUMBER 18-7358 PROBATE COURT OF JONES COUNTY, TEXAS REPPY VON WHITAKER, ap-

Quarry help needed at Lueders, TX Full time, good pay. Call Bruce at 512-7341849 Se necesita ayuda en Quarry en Lueders, TX Trabajo de tiempo completo, buena paga.

Interesados llamar a Bruce al 512-734-1849

REAL ESTATE Owner Finance - 1302 E Landon in Stamford. Spacious 3 bedroom, needs TLC. Bad credit-no problem. 325-5188128

plicant, filed in the Probate Court of Jones County, Texas, on January 11, 2019 an Application to Convert Temporary Administration to Dependent Administration and for Issuance of Letters of Administration and Determination of Heirship upon the Estate of BENNY C. WHITAKER, deceased, and their respective shares and interests in this estate.

Said application can be heard and acted on by said Court as early as 10 o’clock A.M. on the first Monday after the expiration often (10) days from the date of publication of this citation, at the Jones County Courthouse in Anson, Texas.

All persons interested in said estate are hereby cited to appear before said Honorable Court at said above mentioned time and place by filing a written answer contesting such application should they desire to do so. The officer executing this citation shall promptly serve the same

according to requirements of law, and the mandates hereof, and make due return as the law directs.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF SAID COURT of the office in Jones County, Texas, on January 11, 2019.

LEEANN JENNINGS, COUNTY CLERK COUNTY COURT, JONES COUNTY, TEXAS /s/ Leeann Jennings SHERIFF RETURN Came to hand on the 11th day of January, 20 I 9, at 4:30 o’clock PM., and I executed the within citation by publishing the same in The New Stamford American, a newspaper published in the County of Jones, in the State of Texas, on the 11th day of January, 2019, and a printed copy thereof is returned herewith.

FEE: $125.00 DANN Y JIMENEZ, SHERIFF JONES COUNTY, TEXAS /s/ Randy Ford, Deputy

TexSCAN Week of January 20, 2019 ACREAGE 24.53 Duval County. Well, electricity. Thick mesquite and brush cover. Deer, feral hogs, javelina, turkey, quail, doves. Additional tracts available. $4,250/ac., owner financing for 30 years, 5% down payment.

866-286-0199, www.ranchenterprisesltd.com.

AUCTION 264 CR 169 O’Brien Nice Home and Barn on 10± Acres!........... Reduced.$161,000 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

34th Annual DeWitt County All Breeds Bull & Female Sale, Sat., Jan. 26, Cuero Livestock Commission Co. Bulls sell at 11 a.m. Females sell immediately following. Approx. 35 bulls and 300 females. 361-275-0816.

CHARITY Donate a boat or car today to Boat Angel. 2-Night Free Vacation. Sponsored by Boat Angel Outreach Centers to stop crimes against children. 800-700-BOAT, www.boatangel.com.

CAREER TRAINING Airline Mechanic Training - Get FAA certification.

Approved for military benefits. Financial aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance, 800-475-4102.

EMPLOYMENT Now Hiring: Journeyman Electricians $24-$26/hr., $85 per diem; 361-987-5210; Houston Controls. Apply at 1303 Hwy 35 S, Point Comfort, TX 77978.

EVENTS San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Feb. 7-24. For entertainment lineup and tickets, go to sarodeo.com.

210-225-5851.

OIL AND GAS RIGHTS We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing and producing including non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation. 806-620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@ gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, Lubbock, TX 79408-1800.

JANUARY 25, 2019

15

FEB. 7 24 For entertainment lineup and tickets, go to

sarodeo.com

For more information: 210.225.5851

SAWMILLS Sawmills from only $4,397.00 – Make & Save Money with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In stock, ready to ship! Free info/ DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com. 800-567-0404, Ext.300N.

HUNTING GOT LAND? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ to hunt your land. Call for a FREE info packet & Quote. 1-866309-1507. www.BaseCampLeasing.com.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE Roundup®, a common weed and grass killer, may be linked to the development of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in farm workers and employees in garden centers, nurseries, and landscapers. Call 800-460-0606 for professional insight or visit www.RespectForYou. com/NHL.

ROOFING Rubber Coat your RV Roof. Amazing 25-year formula – 100% industrial silicone – cools & insulates up to 30° cooler. Seals water leaks. Work done at your location in 2-4 hour process. 25 years experience. No money until we’re done. $3.99 sf. 10% Off Military-Seniors-Law Enforcement. Smart Roof, 956-371-0382.

TRUCK DRIVERS CDLA Regional Drivers. Run in OK, AR, LA and TX! Home weekly, earn $1100-$1300 plus great benefits!

Rider and Pet program. Call 888-537-0273 today!

Be Your Own Boss! Get Paid to See the Country!

Quality Drive-Away is looking for CDL Drivers to deliver new trucks. www.qualitydriveaway.com, 574-642-2023.

WANTED I Buy RVs – Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels, Goosenecks, Bumper Pulls. In Any Area, Any Condition – Old/New, Dirty or Clean! I PAY CA$H. No Title – No Problem, we can apply for one. ANR Enterprises, 956-466-7001.

FREON R12 WANTED: Certified buyer will PAY CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 312-2919169; www.refrigerantfinders.com.

16 JANUARY 25, 2019

news@americannewspapers.net

Jones County Stock Show 2019 Sponsors

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FEBRUARY 22

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Big Country Electric Co, Junior Showmanship Buckle, Roby Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union, Abilene Adams-Ray Funeral Home, Hamlin Ag Crop Insurance Agency, Stamford Burke Law Firm, Junior Showmanship Buckle, Abilene Central Texas Farm Credit, Grand Champion Buckle (6), Coleman Cooper Insurance Agency, Hamlin Norman J Dozier, MD, Abilene Farmers Coop Gin of Anson, Anson Faulks Refrigeration, Inc, Stamford First National Bank of Anson, Anson Deanna Gruben, Roby Haechten Crop Insurance, Veribest Horn Livestock - Brandon & Brek Horn, Anson Jackson Brothers Feed & Seed, Abilene Leonard Water Services, Ltd, Abilene Russell & Wanda May, Rotan Stamford Insurance Agency - Randy & Betty Murphree, Stamford Stamford Tire & Appliance, Stamford Z-Bar Cattle & Royalty Co - Charles & Sara Guernsey, Anson Anson Chamber of Commerce, Anson Anson Veterinary Hospital, Anson Donnie & Teresa Kiker, Anson Fisher-Jones Title Co, Junior Showmanship Buckle, Anson John Bill, MD & Belinda Oman, Avoca Quality Implement Co, Stamford Rollins Oil Co, Stamford Turner Seed Company, LLC, Breckenridge Abilene Ag Service & Supply Inc, Abilene California Creek SWCD No 545, Anson Capital Farm Credit, FLCA, Hondo Kevin Carlton, DDS, Abilene Lawrence Hall Chevrolet, Anson

Mayo Insurance Agency, Hamlin Plains Cotton Coop Association, Lubbock Rotan Veterinary Hospital Inc, Rotan Stamford Civic Club, Stamford Thomas Hicks Construction, Inc - Joe & Teresa Woodard, Abilene Vista Bank, Hamlin Stephen & Shawnda Scitern, Senior Showmanship Buckle, Anson J.B. Howard, Stamford Creative Awards & Trophies, Senior Showmanship Buckle, Fredericksburg Chad Cowan & Family, Senior Showmanship Buckle, Anson The Stamford American/Noteworthy, Stamford Lawrence Hall Ford, Senior Showmanship Buckle, Anson Anson FFA, Anson Merkel Veterinary Clinic, Merkel Curt & Naomi Muehlstein, Junior Showmanship Buckle, Avoca Wylie Implement, Lubbock West Texas Veterinary Clinic, Abilene Jones County Farm Bureau, Anson Steve & Rebecca Estes, Senior Showmanship Buckle, Sylvester Hawley FFA Wranglers, Hawley JK Water Well, Junior Showmanship Buckle (2), Anson Danny & Melinda Hisey, Senior Showmanship Buckle