February 16, 2018 - Stamford American

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2018 THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 10, ISSUE 39 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 97, ISSUE 44 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 115, ISSUE 45

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Amerıcan THE NEW

STAMFORD

SEE CANDIDATES, PG 11

BY ALLISON BIGBIE Steve Lefevre

Lonnie Vivian

Laura Davis

Lacey Hansen

Paul Chaisson, a retired reservist, grew up in Portland, Maine. He came Texas to attend the Nursing Administrative Program in Abilene at ASU from 1998 to 2001. After applying to several Nursing Homes, he ended up with about a dozen job opportunities. Mr. Chaisson accepted the interview at the Stamford Residence and Rehabilitation Center and came out with a job offer. He decided Stamford was the place for him to work and wasn’t far from Abilene, which his wife loved.

As the Administrator, he oversees and takes part in just about everything. He is going through the new rule and regulations book page by page, making sure to follow all guidelines to show the State “we know what we are doing”.

SEE CHAISSON, PG 13

Bulldogs Clinch District Championship On Friday, February 9, the Bulldogs, the Bulldogs fell to Albany 46-42. The second quarter saw the Lions score 18 points to Stamford’s 7.

Even though the Bulldogs outscored the Lions 27-20 in the second half, they could never overcome that first half deficit. Noah Horn and Lonnie Applin led the scoring with 14 and 12 respectively.

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Stamford Welcomes Paul Chaisson, New Residence and Rehab Administrator

“Meet the Candidates” Dinner and Dessert Auction Raises Funds for Local 4-H and EE Clubs The Leadership Advisory Board of Texas A&M Extension Service in Jones County hosted “Meet the Candidates” Dinner and Dessert Auction Fundraiser on Thursday, February 8th. This annual fundraiser benefitted the Jones County 4-H program and the Extension Education Association. The purpose of the evening is to educate those attending of the local, state and national candidates that are running in the Primary Election that will be held on March 6th. Candidates that gave a presentation to our audience were candidates for: U.S. Representative District 19, Miguel Levario; Commissioner of General Land Office, Davey Edwards; State Representative, Sam Hatton; State Representative, Stan Lambert; District Judge, 259th Judicial District, Brooks Hagler; District Clerk, Lacey Hansen; District Clerk, Laura Davis; County Clerk, LeeAnn Jennings; County Tax Assessor, Gloria Little; County Tax Assessor, Whitney Ortega; County Treasurer, Amber Thompson; County Treasurer, Shere Miller;

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Stamford 8 7 13 14--42 Albany 8 18 10 10--46 The Bulldogs took on Hamlin on Monday, February 12, defeating them to win the District Championship.

Hamlin held the Bulldogs close in the first half (24-17), but Stamford bulldozed over them in the remainder of the game with a final score of 60-35. Horn scored 22 points,

and Duran scored 14.

Stamford 11 13 18 18--60 Hamlin 10 7 5 13--35 The Bulldogs will play a warm-up game vs. Borden County on Friday, February 16 at Snyder Coliseum 6:00pm. The Bi-District Playoff game vs. Miles will be at Coleman High School on Tuesday, February 20 at 6:00 pm.

Bi-District Playoff Game - Stamford vs. Miles Coleman High School - Tuesday, February 20 6:00 pm

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

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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.

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Friday 47 | 32

Saturday 55 | 38

Sunday 68 | 48

Monday 73 | 39

Tuesday 60 | 36

Stay In The Chamber Loop Chamber of Commerce has a lot going on this month and wants to make sure everyone stays in the loop. One of the best ways to stay in the loop is to go Like the Stamford Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. However, here are also some important Chamber dates and details.

The Chamber’s Annual Banquet will be Thursday, March 1, 2018 at the Stamford High School Cafeteria. The Chamber is excited to announce that Blue Jean Café will be catering the event with a grilled chicken breast and pasta alfredo plate. The meal will begin at 6 p.m. and the banquet program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the event will be $20 per person. To purchase tickets, come by the Chamber office at 107 E. McHarg Street or contact a current board member. Current board members are: Keith Gilbreath, Jamie Jordan, Cary McClintock, Callie MetlerSmith, Johnna Page, Sherrie Raughton, Michael Steele, Patsy Richards and Luci Wedeking.

A notable part of the Chamber’s Annual Banquet are the awards. This year the Chamber will be recognizing a Business of the Year and a Citizen of the Year. The Chamber is accepting nominations for the two awards until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2018.

To nominate a citizen or business, list the citizen or business and a brief description of why they should be recognized. Descriptions should be no more than 500 words and can be typed or handwritten. Please submit nominations by email to chamberdirector@stamfordtx.org, mail to 107 E. McHarg Street Stamford, TX 79553, or drop them by the Chamber’s office located at 107 E. McHarg Street.

Lastly, the Chamber has four board of director positions to be filled in March of 2018. The Chamber invites committed members to apply to serve on the board.

Applications are available at the Chamber office located at 107 E. McHarg Street or can be sent via email. Submit applications by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2018 via email to chamberdirector@stamfordtx.org, mail to 107 E. McHarg Street Stamford, TX 79553, or drop them by the Chamber’s office.

Please contact Executive Director Caitlin Richards at 325773-2411 or chamberdirector@stamfordtx.org with any questions about the banquet, awards or board of director positions. The Chamber is looking forward to another great year in 2018 and hopes everyone in Stamford will join them in all they have planned for 2018 because we are better together.

BIRTHDAYS February 19 - Barbara Billington February 22 - Chambree Lefevre February 25 - Cary McClintock Know someone who is having a birthday? Please remember to call us at 325-773-5550 and let us know!

Wednesday 64 | 41

Thursday 70 | 38

The weather is provided for you

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

MARK THE DATE...

VOLUNTEER: The Stamford VIP Center is in need of volunteer route drivers to deliver Meals on Wheels to our homebound people.

Please contact Rita at 325-773-2337 Stamford VIP Center.

FEB 20

WOMEN’S FAIR: The 20th annual Town and Country Women’s Fair is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20 in conjunction with the Texas Farm Ranch Wildlife Expo in the Display Building on the grounds of the Taylor County Expo Center. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the event will conclude at 2:00 p.m. The day is free to the public and is filled with educational programs and creative ideas to promote agricultural food and fiber products. You may spend the entire day or pick and choose the sessions you want to attend.

FEB 22

FAMILY NIGHT: The Cowboy Country Museum would like to invite everyone to join us for Family Night, Thursday, February 22, beginning at 5:30 PM. This month’s theme will be Remuda Roundup!

We will have a short presentation about remudas on ranches, instruction on working with clay, and you will get to make your own horse sculpture in clay to be put on display in the museum. So, come and join us, and the best thing is, it’s FREE! (Please note, that all children must be accompanied by an adult.) If you have any questions, call us at 773-2500.

FEB 24

CONCERT: Temple Baptist Church, 309 E. Campbell, Stamford, invites the public

to attend a free concert, presenting Shawn Drewitt, Saturday evening, 7:00pm, February 24, 2018. A love offering will be taken, and each individual can give as they are able. For anyone who needs a ride or more information, call the church – 773-2550 or Jesse Morton, 773-2139. A nursery will not be provided, but the church has a cry-room at the rear of the auditorium that mothers can use.

FEB 24

PANCAKE SUPPER: The Ladies from American Legion Auxiliary Unit 661 in Lueders will be having their Annual Pancake Supper on February 24th, 2018, in the LuedersAvoca Elementary/Jr High Cafeteria from 5:30 -8:00 p.m. The cost will be $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. There will also be a silent auction during the supper.

MAR 1

CHAMBER BANQUET: The Stamford Chamber of Commerce will host their annual banquet on Thursday, March 1, 2018. The theme for this year’s banquet is “Better Together.” The banquet is open to the community and will include a meal, awards and a speaker. Nominations are now being accepted for one business of the year, one citizen of the year and a senior boy and girl.

Tickets will go on sale in mid-February for $20 and can be purchased at the Chamber office at 107 E. McHarg Street or from any board member. Contact Caitlin Richards at 325-7732411 or chamberdirector@ stamfordtx.org with any questions.

Community

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Smorgasbord 2018 The Swedish Smorgasbord at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ericksdahl was held February 10, 2018.

A great crowd was on hand for all three seatings.

(Photos courtesy of Loren Lundgren Wright)

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OBITUARIES

Tommie Collins, III Tommie Collins, III, 53, lifetime resident of Stamford, passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2018 in Stamford.

Homegoing celebration for Tommie will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2018 at St. John’s United Methodist Church with Bishop Marshal Harris officiating. Conductor for the service is Pastor Paul Wright, and participating are Rev. Jesse Hooper, Rev. Donnie Massey, and Bobby Acosta. Interment at Highland Memorial Cemetery will follow the celebration.

Tommie was born on September 30, 1964 in Stamford, Texas, the son of Tommie Collins, Jr. and Marie Dillard Collins. Tommie graduated from Stamford High School, Class of ’83. While in high school, Tommie excelled in football, basketball and track. After graduation, he married Marlene Willis and began working at the Rule Compress for several years. Tommie was active in the organization of the annual Juneteenth Celebration held in Stamford, liked to play dominoes, and visit with family and friends. Tommie continued to follow his beloved Stamford Bulldogs in all of their athletic competitions. He truly loved going to church and attended Solomon Temple Baptist Church and the House of God. Tommie was always encouraging people by sharing scriptures with them.

His parents; and two sisters, Mary Jo White and Dorothy Bailey, preceded him in death.

Tommie is survived by four daughters, Cushena Dever of Haskell, Whitney Collins, Brittney Collins, both of McKinney, Alecia Smith of Longview; five grandchildren; five sisters, Betty Brown, Peggy Johnson, both of Abilene, Martha Hawkins, Jackie Collins, Janetta Collins, all of Stamford; a brother, Odell Griggs of Stamford; special aunts, Lucinda Dean of Stamford, Jimmie Lee Gray of Alamagordo, N.M.; special uncle, Johnny Goodwin of Stamford; and numerous other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Online memories may be shared at www. kinneyunderwoodfuneralhome.com

DEATH NOTICE Melvin Lee “Tex” Neatherlin, 70, of Colorado City, passed away at his home on Sunday, February 11, 2018. Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at Kinney-Underwood Funeral Chapel.

Interment followed in Spring Creek Cemetery under the direction of Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home in Stamford. Online condolences may be given at www. kinneyunderwoodfuneralhome.com

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AVID Showcase

Stamford AVID students showed off their goals and future asperations as part of an AVID showcase held at Stamford ISD Media Center, February 8th. More photos of projects are on the Stamford American Facebook page.

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HELLO FROM COWBOY COUNTRY By Jewellee Kuenstler Last week we talked about celebrating our heritage and discussed the heritage we all share with the Swenson family because of our tie to the Stamford community. Again, the information that I am imparting to everyone is from Mary Whatley Clarke’s book, “The Swenson Saga and the SMS Ranches.” This is a wonderfully written book, and although I am using her timeline of events, I just don’t have enough room to tell all the entertaining stories that she includes in her book.

So, if you get a chance, you should read it.

When we left off, Svante Magnus Swenson had married the widow of his late financial partner, Jeanette Long, in 1843. S.M. was very happy and looking forward to a great future.

His happiness grew with the arrival of his favorite uncle, Svante Palm, in 1844.

Svante Palm was S.M.’s mother’s youngest brother.

(Got all that?!? You might have to say it to yourself once or twice to get it down.) He was quite the gentleman, something that stood out in the rough and tumble frontier of Texas.

Svante had been born in the same province as S.M. As a young man, he moved to Kalmar, Sweden to become a newspaper reporter. He enjoyed some success until he incurred the displeasure of the Swedish government when he criticized Sweden’s king. Because of the government’s displeasure, Svante decided to visit Texas. (Later this takes an ironic twist, for in 1884, Svante Palm returns to Sweden to be knighted by the Swedish king!!)

Ever generous, S.M. helped Svante become a partner in a mercantile business in La Grange.

The store was called Palm and Flack. Svante began to put down his own roots in Texas, by becoming postmaster of La Grange for several years.

Uncle and nephew often conversed about the future prospects of Texas.

Especially since Texas was annexed into the United States of America in 1845.

S.M. believed that land was the best commodity in Texas. Currently, it was cheap and practically tax free. He felt that the price of land would only go up, as more and more settlers

came to Texas. Svante did not quite agree. He felt that cheap labor was essential to making the land in Texas profitable. Like S.M., he did not agree with the slave system and felt that its days were numbered.

But practically speaking, he did not see how Texas land could grow in value without a cheap labor force to help work it. Svante felt that once the inevitable occurred, and slavery was abolished, the value of Texas land would go down.

Missing home, S.M. decided to visit his homeland of Sweden in 1847. The S.M. that stepped back on the shores of Sweden was quite changed from the young man that had left. He was a successful businessman and a land owner. While mulling over the situation in Texas concerning the uncertain future of the current labor force, he began to notice significant things about his homeland that were magnified by these thoughts. Sweden was overpopulated. The majority of these people had few ways to advance their lot in life. And the majority had farming experience. So, while S.M. visited his mother, family and friends, he began to spread the idea that opportunity awaited them in Texas. No matter how much people might want to come, traveling was expensive, so S.M. agreed to pay their travel expense in exchange for one year of employment. When it was time for S.M. to return home, a large number of fellow Swedes were ready to make plans to come.

Returning with S.M. was his mother, Margreta; two of his mother’s brothers, Gustav Palm, his wife and four children; and Anders Palm, his wife and six children; his sister Anna; and a young man named Forsgard.

After four months of travel, the Swedes finally set foot on Texas soil.

Their excitement slightly dampened by the warm weather. As the group trekked from Houston to the Finckley Plantation, one person wrote, “We went steadily forward although the perspiration ran down our cheeks and backs in streams. We soon found that our Swedish clothes were too heavy for this warm climate, yet we bravely plunged on and continued to sweat.”

Shortly after arrival, the men and boys went to work paying off their travel expenses, by picking cotton on the Swenson’s farms.

Not long after their arrival, tragedy struck, and S.M.’s uncle, Anders Palm, died from plague. Being the ever generous relative, S.M. set up his now widowed aunt on a farm near Austin.

After the death of her brother, S.M.’s mother, Margreta, decided to return to Sweden. She was homesick and no amount of talking from her Texas relatives would change her mind. S.M. put her on a ship headed back for Sweden.

During the 1850s, the slavery issue was reaching a crisis point. S.M. began to make plans, both for himself and for his slaves.

Although his hands were tied by legal bonds on freeing his slaves outright, he did purchase some more land near Austin and deeded 10 acres to faithful slaves which was to become their permanent home.

Although the law stated that slaves could not own property outright, S.M. was trying to make provisions for them, for he could see the writing on the wall, the slavery system was on its way out.

They say bad things occur in threes. First, his Uncle Anders died, second his mother decided to return to Sweden, and the third item shook the very foundation on which S.M. had based his life. His wife, Jeanette, became seriously ill. She became so ill, that she wanted to go back to Tennessee for a time. S.M. would do anything to ease

FEBRUARY 16, 2018

her mind and soul, so he sold Finckley Plantations and the rest of the slaves, and prepared to make the move to Tennessee.

Jeanette was very sad over the selling of the slaves that she had brought with her from Tennessee. S.M. had done his best with some, by setting them up with acreage near Austin, but he could not help them all. Not with all the legal obstacles.

S.M. told her then that he would never purchase a slave again and that he knew the system would be abolished before long, stating “I do not believe in such a system. Slavery should be abolished in America. All men should be free.”

He settled her with her family in Tennessee and returned to Austin and set up a store and home.

Through letters he told Jeanette that as soon as she recovered, he would fetch her and bring her home to Texas. Jeanette was looking forward to that day.

More and more Swedes, through the patronage of S.M. and his Uncle Svante, began to arrive in Texas.

The census in 1850 listed 48 Swedes in Texas, and this went up to 153 in 1860.

After the Civil War, workers were so desperately needed, the census shows these numbers rising sharply.

In 1870, there were 364 Swedes recorded in Texas and just 20 years later the number had jumped to 2806. S.M.’s dream was coming true, he was opening up Texas to his fellow countrymen.

Next week, we will explore how the Civil War affected the Swenson

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Svante Palm family.

This month’s Family Night will be Thursday, February 22, starting at 5:30pm. It is free of charge.

Our theme will be “Remuda Roundup.” We will talk about the importance of horses in this ranch land, what a remuda was, and then sculpt our own horses out of clay. All ages are welcome. (Please remember that all children must be accompanied by an adult.)

As always, we love for you to stop by, either to volunteer, or just to visit. If you have visitors from out of town, bring them by! Our email is cowboycountrymuseum@ yahoo.com or you can call us at 325/773-2500.

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Temple Baptist Church Hosts Shawn Drewitt, “In Concert” Temple Baptist Church, 309 E. Campbell, Stamford, invites the public to attend a concert, presenting Shawn Drewitt, Saturday evening, 7:00pm, February 24, 2018. Shawn started traveling with his family as a young boy in the early 1970’s and has been traveling solo since 2004. Shawn resides in Louisiana, and yet, travels throughout the United States singing in churches. Shawn is known, nationwide, as one of America’s most talented singers. He sings with the power of God’s Holy Spirit as he blesses the hearts of God’s people.

Pastor Morton and church family invite the public to attend this free concert.

A love offering will be taken and each individual can give as they are able.

For anyone who needs a ride: call the church – 773-2550 or Jesse Morton, 7732139. A nursery will not be provided, but the church has a cry-room at the rear of the auditorium that mothers can use.

For further information, please call Jesse Morton, 773-2139.

I am so ready for warmer weather and a good soaking rain. We need a good rain to wash all of the dust and illness out of the air. PRAY FOR RAIN. It seems as though the flu and virus is not ever going to get any better, more schools are closing due to illness and the hospitals are staying so full.

This has really been a bad year for sickness.

This week is Valentine’s Day, do hope everyone had a very wonderful Valentine’s Day. Stay well.

Just a reminder that we are still planning on having our musical on Saturday, February 24, with the concession stand to open at 5:30 P M and the program will begin at 6 P M. If the weather is bad, sleeting or snowing, we will not have a musical. If it is just cold, we will have a musical. Pass the word to your friends and families. We would love to see all of you again.

I talked with Mittie Dunham yesterday, and she said that Pide is in the Rehab Center across the street from Hendricks and seems to be better. We are so glad to hear that, he has really been through a lot. I know they will be so glad when he gets to come home.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Gladys Vahlenkamp and her family at the passing of her grandson’s wife, Maria.

Gladys, Marvin and Brenda, and some other relatives from around the area attended the funeral service held in Waco on Friday. She was a lovely, caring, young lady.

On Saturday, Carm Letz and Leslie Kupatt drove

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

OLD GLORY NEWS

By Anita Dozier to Albany to have dinner and did some shopping for Leslie’s birthday.

On Sunday, following church services, Dale and Carm drove to Abilene to visit with their children, Lacey and Micah New, Darbee, Laynee, and Hazelee and had lunch with them.

I see that the annual Farm Show will be in Abilene on Wednesday and Thursday (Feb.21 & 22). I know a lot of the farmers from this area enjoy going to that and they always have great programs for the women on Tuesday. A lady can learn a lot from the different programs they have. I think they even serve lunch.

Kim Lowack visited with her parents, Glen and Helen Pierce, on Friday.

Guy and Sue Callicoatte of Abilene visited with Glen and Helen Pierce on Wednesday and brought a delicious dinner for all to enjoy. They had a nice visit while enjoying the meal.

On Saturday, Jami Wilde of Knox City and Kara Briggs and Crete of Haskell visited with Glen and Helen and Jamie brought a delicious lunch for all to enjoy. Glen and Helen are both doing better, following their bout with illness.

Deanne Conner of

Wichita Falls came in on Friday to spend the weekend with her grandparents, Danny and Phyllis Letz. Deanne attended church with PaPa on Sunday and they had lunch together in Stamford.

Phyllis stated she spent all day Monday in Abilene on doctor visits. She has not been feeling well.

I enjoyed the Pot Luck lunch at our church in Sagerton today following a wonderful service.

I was so proud to have Bryan and Amanda Kern and sweet Adalyn from Granbury and Marcie from Hamby spend the afternoon with me today. God gave GREAT GRAND children the right name, cause they are grand and then greater grand. Don’t you grandparents think so???

Bernice Rhoads drove to Kilgore on Friday to visit her son and wife, Tom Lee and Angie Rhoads. On Saturday they all attended a bridal shower honoring their granddaughter/ daughter Sarah Rhoads in Terrell. She is the brideelect of Taylor Castleberry of Paradise, Texas. Sarah is a teacher at Mesquite but lives in Terrell. Bernice returned home on Sunday.

Thought for the week: “If something is important enough, even if the odds are against you, you should still do it.”

Happy Birthday wishes go to Donna Westbrook, Misty Laurey, Gary Cowan, Carolyn Burkman, Alden Lowack, Linda Kittley, Chayna Brown, Mitzi Reeves, Judy Letz, Gail Lehrmann, Mae Stegemorller, Dave Adler, Butch Nuding, Cheyenne Bereuter, Paul Cox, Kevin Hertel, Judy Hale, John Kieke, Barbara Billington, Karla Brewer, Jace Manske, Kyla Massey, and Prairie Flowers. We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to Virgil and Geneva Vahlenkamp and Mr and Mrs. Isaac Castro Sr.. Have a great day.

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Congrats to the Stamford JV on a great season! After losing the first game of the season, they won 21 in a row to finish 21-1.

Members of the Junior Varsity are: 1 Kaleb Flick, 4 Keyven Mueller, 5 Lane Patton, 11 Keith Richards, 20 Ben West, 21 Marcus Gonzales, 23 Quincy Johnson, 55 Nolan Baker (Photo courtesy of Coach Edwards)

Students at Common Ground came out to help make something special for the residents at the nursing home, Sagebrush, and Country Elegance, as well as those who receive Meals on Wheels. A special thanks to the Stamford Hospital for heading up the activity. (Photo courtesy of Common Ground)

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STAMFORD ISD MENU Feb 19-23 Monday SCHOOL HOLIDAY Tuesday Waffles Bacon Assorted Fruit Juice, Milk Variety Chicken Quesadilla, Mexicali Corn, Refried Beans, Salsa, Lettuce & Tomato, Sliced Peaches, Milk Variety Wednesday Cinnamon Roll & Sausage OR Cereal Bar & Yogurt Assorted Fruit Juice, Milk Variety Spaghetti Bowl, Breadstick, Garden Salad, California Veggies, Fruit Cup, Pudding, Milk Variety

Thursday Breakfast Pizza Assorted Fruit Juice, Milk Variety Steak Fingers, Gravy, Roll, Mashed Potatoes, Carrot Coins, Strawberries & Bananas, Milk Variety Friday Sausage, Egg, Cheese Sandwich OR Cereal Bar & Yogurt Assorted Fruit Juice, Milk Variety Popcorn Chicken, Broccoli Bites, Oven Fries, Roll, Fresh Fruit, Milk Variety

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Congratulations to the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldog on a Great District Season!

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FEBRUARY 16, 2018

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Basketball Senior Night

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Local Students Win Trip to Washington DC in Big Country Electric Cooperative Youth Tour Contest In June, local students Kameryn Mathis from Haskell High School and Mikel-Ann Terry and Jessy Villagomez, both from Roby High School, will be in Washington, D.C., expanding their horizons.

These three area students won Big Country Electric Cooperative’s video contest, and the prize is a place on the 2018 Government-inAction Youth Tour, an allexpenses-paid leadership trip to the nation’s capital, June 6-15, with more than 140 fellow Texas students and 1,700 young adults from around the country.

Callie Hargrove of Snyder/ Borden County High School and Devin Hughes of Stamford High School are runners-up. Additionally, each winner and runnerup will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

Thirty-nine local students submitted excellent videos on the topic: Tell the story of electric cooperatives.

The winning videos will be shown at the co-op’s annual membership meeting in April.

Youth Tour has been a Texas co-op tradition since 1965, when coops—inspired by then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson who encouraged youths to go to Washington to see their American heritage

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PC MENU February 19-23

Mikel-Ann Terry

Jessy Villagomez

Kameryn Mathis

and government at work, “what the flag stands for and represents”—began sponsoring teens on this trip. Educating and mentoring young people fit in with co-ops’ mission to support the communities they serve. Since the 1960s, nearly 4,000 Texans and more than 50,000 young Americans have taken advantage of this special opportunity offered by their electric cooperatives. have gone on what many call the trip of a lifetime since the program’s inception.

The adventure will begin in Austin, where winners from across the state are greeted by Texas Electric Cooperatives, the association that organizes the state’s participation in

Youth Tour. From there, the planned agenda includes a tour of the State Capitol and Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum before boarding a flight to Washington, D.C. Once there, the itinerary is jampacked with sightseeing and meaningful events, including attending a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, attending appointments with elected officials, visiting Washington National Cathedral, Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian Institution, a performance at the famed Kennedy Center, and a dinner and dancing cruise on the Potomac River.

So much more than a

sightseeing trip, Youth Tour allows students to meet others from all over the country and return home with a deeper understanding of themselves, the world and what it takes to be leaders—and they often put their newly acquired skills to use right here in their home community.

After an amazing week in Washington, the students will bring home friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

For more information about the Government-inAction Youth Tour, visit TexasYouthTour.com, find the Texas Youth Tour Alumni page on Facebook or inquire at Big Country Electric Cooperative.

CANDIDATES: Continued From Page 1 County Commissioner Precinct 2, Lonnie Vivian; County Commissioner Precinct 2, Steve Lefevre; Justice of the Peace, Cheryl Guernsey and Constable, Danny Jimenez.

4-H families and EE members brought desserts for the auction and were recognized for their accomplishments throughout the year. Steve Estes served as auctioneer.

Those purchasing an auction item in support of these programs were: Linda

FEBRUARY 16, 2018

White, Danny Spraberry, Ross Davis, Brooks Hagler, Dona Morgan, Janay Williams, Leslie Riggins, Geri Massey, David Estes, Danny Jimenez, Stan Lambert, Lacey Hansen, Jan Lefevre, Brenna Troncoso, Tommy Edwards, Shere Miller, Tim Thompson, Judy Deatherage, Matt Miller, Joe Hailey, Cheryl Guernsey, Jon Cook, and Jeremy Ortega raising over $2765.

A meal of ham, which was cooked by the Deatherage Family, cheesy potatoes,

green beans and salad fixed

by County Extension Agent Kim Miles and Leadership

Advisory Board, 4-H and EE members.

Monday French Toast, Sausage, Fruit, Juice & Milk Chicken Sandwich, Fries, Salad, Pineapples & Milk Tuesday Strudels, Bacon, Fruit, Juice & Milk Drumsticks, Okra, Salad, Fruit & Milk Wednesday Waffles, Sausage, Fruit, Juice & Milk Sloppy Joe’s, Fries, Veggies, Fruit, Cookie & Milk Thursday Omelet, Cinnamon Toast, Juice & Milk Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Rolls, Fruit & Milk Friday Biscuits, Sausage, Gravy, Fruit, Juice & Milk (Muffins For Moms) Chicken Strips, Fries, Green Beans, Fruit & Milk

12 FEBRUARY 16, 2018

VIP MENU February 19-23 Monday Lasagna, Italian green beans, Salad, Garlic bread, Baked Apples Tuesday Sweet-sour chicken, Fluffy rice, Broccoli , Mandarin oranges Wednesday

Health

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Females Experience Thinning Hair, Too.

Tamales, Spanish rice, Ranch beans, Ice Cream Thursday Chili cheese dogs, French fries, Beets, Brownies Friday Santa Fe Chicken, Bow tie pasta, Tuscan veggies, Garlic bread, Cookies

DEAR DR. ROACH: After a diagnosis of low thyroid levels, my formerly long, thick hair has thinned out. I’d say 50 to 60 percent over the years since menopause (I am 78). It is especially thin from the front to the middle of my head. All I have found to help my hair look presentable and fuller is a product to increase hair volume, which just clings to the hair, giving it fullness and shine. It’s been a lifesaver as far as appearance goes.

There are so many ads for pills and scalp treatments (some very expensive), but is there really anything that works to stimulate the follicles to regrow more hair?

I’ve tried using biotin for long periods, but did not notice any difference in my hair or nail strength. I’d truly appreciate your opinion. -- Anon.

ANSWER: Female pattern hair loss is the most likely cause of your problem.

Thirty-eight percent of British women over 70 have this condition, though it is less common in women of Asian and African descent. The crown of the head to the forehead is the area most frequently involved, and the overall appearance is of thinning hair without scarring.

A dermatologist is best suited to make the diagnosis for certain. If confirmed, the most effective treatment is minoxidil: I usually recommend the 2 percent solution twice daily to begin with. It takes at least four months to see benefit, although there can be some increased hair loss in the first two to eight weeks of treatment as the follicles become stimulated. Some women think this means the product isn’t working, but they need to continue using the product for it to work. The results vary dramatically from woman to woman, with some having no benefit at all, others having progression slowed or stopped, and some having dramatic hair regrowth.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I had a stroke 22 months ago due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage. I’m OK, I guess. I feel both lucky and cursed -- lucky I’m around, and cursed that I am around.

I’ve been accepted for a clinical trial for stem-cell treatment by one company, but I want to know about other reputable trials. Can you suggest anything? I am desperate. -- M.K. ANSWER: Preliminary studies using stem cells on people with chronic stroke have shown significant benefit. A study in 2016 from Stanford University was very promising. I certainly admire your willingness to participate in studies, the goals of which include evaluating toxicity (called a phase I study); whether it is effective (phase II); and whether it is more

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

By Dr Keith Roach, M.D. effective than current treatments (phase III). Having people willing to participate in a clinical trial is essential to improving medical science.

My recommendation for finding a clinical trial is to go to https:// clinicaltrials.gov, and enter the terms you are interested in. I put in “stroke” and “stem cells” and found four studies that are actively recruiting in nine different states. Most of these are being done by reputable research institutions.

Depression is a common issue after a stroke. I hope you have a professional to discuss your feelings with. There are effective treatments.

The booklet on stroke explains this condition that is deservedly feared by all.

Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Roach Book No. 902 628 Virginia Dr. Orlando, FL 32803 Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address.

Please allow four weeks for delivery.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com. (c) 2018 North America Syndicate Inc. All Rights Reserved

Opinion

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Take Care of Yourself Wow, the weather really has done a number on us, hasn’t it? I know that we are used to Texas weather, but it is still funny that we seem to go through all four seasons in a single day. In fact, later this week it is supposed to be really cold in the morning and then you can bust out the shorts in the afternoon before bundling up again the next day.

THOUGHTS FROM The crazy thing is that the low for one day will be the high for UNDER THE CAP the next! You have to love Texas weather, and with the weather Will McClure comes the inevitable illnesses that come along and they have hit hard just like the weather. Over the course of a couple of months, we have seen in our area two strands of the flu virus where serious results have occurred. There have even been reports of schools having to close down for the day because so many students were out with the flu! Of course, even with all the preventative measures in place to stop the spread and then the medication provided to fight the diseases, we have had to see or hear some unfortunate reports. One that I read the day that I am writing this is that a teacher in Weatherford passed away because she could not get medication in time as it was “too expensive” for her and when her husband eventually got the medication, it was too late. This is just one of many occurrences where the flu has caused something terrible to happen, and it is sad to say that it will not be the last.

I have written in the past about taking care of yourself during illnesses such as this and it is just as important as before as we not only need to keep ourselves healthy from these terrible viruses, but also stop it in its tracks. Now, I am not saying that you need to go around wearing a gas mask or anything like that (though I did see a humorous photo of a teacher wearing one before taking up student papers. I wouldn’t do that, but it is just about right), but we need to be able to take the extra steps needed to make sure that these things can be as preventable as possible. Will it stop the spread altogether? Of course not, as people will still get sick, but at least we can keep it from being worse.

So, what is the best way to help prevent the spread without resorting to living in a bubble? Well, it depends on the person and what they do. The simplest way is to make sure that you at least wash your hands or have hand sanitizer ready. I have a bottle of sanitizer on my desk for my students to use as well as myself throughout the day and it can even last a while as I’m only on my second bottle this school year. Even if you do not think you need it, a little bit every now and then can do wonders.

It may not completely stop the spread, but it can throw up a real tough barrier for the virus to get through. You also need to be able to stay hydrated and keep tabs on how you feel throughout the day. Even if you start to feel different, slow down and take a moment to think about what to do next as it may pass quickly.

Otherwise, just take the extra steps to prevent things from getting worse. Finally, and most importantly, go see a doctor if you feel like you are coming down with something awful. I am only giving what I would do here, but I am not a doctor and cannot give medical advice. Whether you take the steps to see your doctor or just take an extra minute to wash your hands, it is ultimately up to you to make sure that you stay healthy and stop viruses from spreading.

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

FEBRUARY16, 2018

13

Cowboy Poetry In Alpine The Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Alpine attracts participants and spectators alike who love and appreciate cowboy stories in song and verse.

If you’re planning to be in Alpine the weekend of March 2 and 3 and don’t know about the event, you soon will. Cowboys and cowgirls recite and sing in hotes and motel lobbies, restaurants, nightspots and places in between. While most of the events take place during the day at Sul Ross State University, entertainers spill out after hours to do their thing all over town. The list of entertainers is impressive, and they come from all over the US and Canada. The event is in its 32nd year.

“Sometimes folks from foreign states misunderstand our pride.

I guess if you weren’t born here, it’s hard to see our side. It’s about independence, about honor. It’s about the land. Making your own way in life and being your own man.” Those words were written and

recited by Don Cadden on his CD, HOMBRES DE CAMPO. It contains a dozen songs and poems, one of which is The Auction Barn Cafe.

Don grew up in Dripping Springs but fell in love with the Texas Mountain Country when he spent a summer working on the Southern Pacific Railroad.

“I was stationed in Sanderson,” says Don. “I’d go to Valentine, pay 50 cents to spend the night in a bunkhouse, then get on the train and head back to Sanderson.

Of course we’d come back through Alpine, Marathon and Marfa. I thought it was the end of the earth at first but I found it a fascinating place.”

Don got interested in cowboy poetry and went to Alpine for one of the poetry events. At an open mike session his wife encouraged him to get on stage and recite one of his poems. He got good response and was invited back. Don now lives in Alpine.

“Luckily I’m married to a woman who doesn’t mind being 75 miles

from the nearest Walmart and 2 and a half hours from the nearest airport.”

Don is president of the cowboy poetry event.

“We really concentrate on getting people who are ranchers, working cowboys and they tell me over and over that this is the best such event because it’s authentic. We haven’t turned it into a festival. It’s a gathering.

This year we’ll have over 50 performers from a dozen states and Canada.

Usually a couple of poets from Australia show up.

And people from all over the country come for this event. It’s amazing.

“It brings a ton of business to Alpine.

Attendees have to have food and a place to sleep and shop. Hotels are booked nearly a year ahead of time. The owner of our biggest RV Park said 25 people who were leaving last year

TUMBLEWEED SMITH after the gathering made reservations for this year.”

All daytime events are free. Evening events Friday and Saturday are $15. 1 PM comedy and music shows (featuring the Canadian music group Cowboy Celtic) Friday and Saturday are $10. A Chuck wagon breakfast Friday and Saturday is $5.

CHAISSON: Continued From Page 1 There are also tasks in Nursing, Kitchen Area, Maintenance, Activities, Business office, etc that he oversees. Paul is doing his own upgrades to the Center by swapping out the old fluorescent lights to new LEDs. Not only does it give a better look but also lowers the electricity cost and saves money that could be put towards other areas. That is a start. He is in the process of installing new green EXIT signs throughout the building and has more projects yet to come.

Chaisson has intentions to improve the management approach by not just making sure the residents needs are met, but also the staff and community, inside and out, as a whole. He is hoping to give the residents more

of a “Home” feeling rather than a hospital stay. Residents are provided their own room and are welcomed to give it their personal touch in decorating how they choose. He doesn’t just over see everything in the nursing home but he also takes part in interacting with the residents. He checks on them and makes sure their needs are being met and keeps the complaint book in his office so any or all issues are directed accordingly.

Once a week he devotes his time to playing the piano for the residents. Each resident has their own schedule of activities since everyone is different. They also have an activity calendar for the center that includes days the

staff will take residents shopping, when movie nights are, meeting times, exercise class, bingo, tic-tac toss, coffee with friends, crossword and word search, arts and crafts and also church on Sundays. This month they are having a Valentine’s party. The staff, residents, family and friends each placed their own vote on a Valentine King and Queen, and the winner will be announced during the party.

Paul Chaisson hopes to improve all areas in the center, not just for the residents, but also for the community.

14 FEBRUARY 16, 2018

news@americannewspapers.net

Classifieds HELP WANTED The Drug Store in Haskell is looking for a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

If you enjoy a fun, fast-paced, friendly work environment and want to be on a team that works hard to deliver the ultimate in patient care, The Drug Store could be the place for you! We’re an independent, locally-owned pharmacy serving Haskell and the surrounding area for more than 40 years.

We’re open weekdays 8-6, Saturday 8-2 and are closed Sundays and holidays, and we offer a competitive benefits package. If you’re interested, contact Nathan Buerkle, PIC, at 940-864-2673 or nathan@ haskelldrugstore.com for an application!

Sagebrush Living Center has openings: *Direct Care staff for all shifts *Cook’s Helper in Dietary 2 mornings and 2 afternoons.

These shifts are rotating, on 4 off 2 days. *Weekend Janitor/Maid. This shift is from 7:00am to 3:00pm Sat & Sun. Pick up applications at Sagebrush Living Center, 1101 Columbia St, Stamford, TX 79553, 325-773-2791.

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

REAL ESTATE House for sale - 1408 Bartley, Stamford, 3 bedroom 2½ bath. Call 325-260-4913

AUCTION

AUCTION Saturday, February 17th @9:59am 6277 US HWY 277, Stamford. Now doing MONTHLY auctions on the 3rd Saturday of EACH MONTH! Knowles Auction Service, Lanny Knowles Lic#7056 (325)-2689 www. knowlesauctionservice.com

Stamford Residence & Rehab is looking to hire a Weekend RN Supervisor & PRN CNA’S, LVN’S, & RN’S. Please call for more info. (325)773-3671 Nurses Unlimited, Inc. is seeking attendants in the Haskell area to assist clients in the home with personal care, meal prep and light housekeeping. Part time. E.O.E. Call 1-888-859-0640

111 E Campbell 3 stories, 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and 6 fireplaces!.Reduced $217,900 712 Vanderbilt Victorian 2 story 3 bd, 2 bath w/ shop!..................Reduced $111,500 515 Dodson Drive Nice 2 story, 4 br, 2 bath family home!.............List price $92,500 1217 Compton Gorgeous Stone home w/ 2 bedrooms, 1 bath....... Reduced.$69,900 806 Davenport Nice brick home 3 bd, 1 bath, 1 car garage w fenced yard and cellar!.... $64,900 716 E Oliver Great Family Home 4/2 /2 quiet area!.......................List price $59,900 1310 Hudson 3 Bd, 2 bath w/carport close to country club............List Price $57,000 916 Wesleyan Great 2 Bd 1 Bath Brick Home w/ CH/A and 2 Car Garage..$49,900 1403 Hudson Rd Cute 2 bd w/ 1 car garage and huge bk yard in nice area!...$34,500 412 E Handlan Clean 2 br, 1 bath with storage and EXTRA lot on corner!...$32,000 1609 Swenson new 1,200 sq ft metal building................................ Reduced $29,500 717 E Campbell great 3/2 on corner lot! Needs TLC!.....................Reduced $21,900 HAMLIN 48 AVE B Great family home 3/2/2 on corner lot!........Reduced $89,500 RULE 1501 Union nice Brick home w/ 3bd, 1.5 bath and shop!.....Reduced $42,000

FARM & RANCH

Jones County 704± Ac Clear Fork, Cult. & Pasture 165± Ac Combo livestock/hunting place!

152± Ac N of Trent Cultivation 155± Ac LIVE WATER! SOLD 38± Cultivation near Noodle SOLD

Haskell County 620± Ac Mule Creek Ranch Great Hunting w Nice Cabin!

545± Ac Pasture, Cultivation BIG Water!

520± Ac cultivation & pasture 160± Ac North of Rule, CRP 48± Ac Great Homesite & Stock farm!

Shackelford County 248± Ac All pasture, Great Hunting 181± Ac quail buffer & fishing! SOLD

Stonewall County 4,743± Ac Patterson N Ranch 925 ± Ac Pasture, Cul. Great Hunting w/ cabin 548 ± Ac Pasture, Cul. Great Hunting 483± Ac Half Cultivation 118± Ac N of Aspermont Fisher County 1,561± Ac Hunters Paradise!

631± Ac All Pasture! Rough Creek Area 178 ± Ac Shinnery, Fantastic Hunting Kent Co 789± Ac Improvements w Hunting!

SOLD

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

It’s Time to Walk Across Texas!

BY KIM MILES, CEA-FCH

Are you looking for a source of motivation to help you increase your activity level? Here is a fun solution!

Walk Across Texas! Is a fun and flexible way to exercise. Just form a team with seven other people – friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family members, and start walking, or jogging, biking or choose from a host of other activities. You can exercise together or individually, outside or on a treadmill or stationery bicycle, any way that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

You keep track of your miles to see if you and your teammates can “walk” the 830 miles “across Texas” in 8 weeks. Report your totals and see how your team measures up! By the end of the 8-week Walk Across Texas! program, you’ll have a healthy habit that will last a lifetime. Throughout the 8-week time period, you will also receive healthy eating and exercise tips to keep you motivated. Then we will have a Celebration in May. Walk Across Texas! is beginning in Jones County on March 5, 2018. We will have a Kick-Off Event on March 5, 2018 at the Courthouse from 11:30 – 1:30. Come find out more about Walk Across Texas, have a snack and walk your first mile around the courthouse.

If you cannot attend the Kick-off, you may pick up Registration Forms at the County Extension Office, from your Team Captain or print them from the Walk Across Texas website.

For more information, contact Kim Miles at the Jones County Extension Office at 325-823-2432 or kamiles@ ag.tamu.edu. You may also visit the Walk Across Texas! website at http://walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu/.

STAMFORD RESIDENCE AND REHABILITATION NEWS By Jayme Brattain We have really been loving these few warm afternoons we have had. We enjoy them by sitting out and soaking up the sun on the patio. We also have been working in some good relaxing stretches and exercises.

It’s been a wonderful break from all this cold winter weather. But this is Texas so you never really know what the weather is going to do. Even when it’s cold out we still keep busy and have fun. We love Bingo; it’s their favorite game, and the residents get so serious when they play. We also have been busy making jewelry, watching movies, getting manicures, and doing arts and crafts. We are always looking for groups to come out to sing and visit the residents, and we are still needing someone to help with our Sunday church services. We didn’t have one last month or this month. If you would like to help, please let me know. We would love to have you. Okay, this is it for this week. We hope you have a wonderful and warm week!

1 Corinthians 15:58 - “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Service Without Expectation Recently, I attended a dinner and dance to benefit the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, a nonprofit organization with campuses in Abilene, San Angelo, and Ozona. West Texas Rehab serves over 500 clients each day with therapy, rehab, hospice, and other services.

It’s one of the finest charities on earth. This essay is not about West Texas Rehab, but it is about an attitude at the core of the Rehab mission.

Of those 500 patients, some pay full price for services.

Some can only pay part of the cost. Some clients cannot pay anything. And yet, each client receives the same level of superb service.

Talented, cheerful, optimistic employees improve the lives of each patient, regardless of their ability to pay. It’s service without expectation of a return.

This got me to thinking about service in our communities. Over the years in your town, how many quality ideas have arisen and fizzled out? How many times have folks started a movement, only to let it die when the community did not adopt the same level of enthusiasm as the organizer?

How many aspiring builders abandoned plans to create something special when their plan didn’t become an instant local revolution?

What caused those ideas to fizzle out? Did newness wear off and adversity set in?

Was it dismay at the lack of return from the community?

When you invest time, energy, and even money into the betterment of place and community, human nature is to expect return on that investment. Monetary profit may or may not be a goal, but returns might also include thank yous, respect, and admiration of fellow citizens. When that return doesn’t come, or doesn’t come to the level that you invested, what happens? We question everything. Was it the right idea? Was it the right time? Was it the right place?

Maybe we start asking darker questions too. Do people even care anymore? Does anybody

ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker want anything better?

Anyone who has ever invested in their community has likely felt all these emotions. But I’ve concluded that there’s a better mindset.

At West Texas Rehab, services don’t slack off when a patient can’t pay or isn’t sufficiently appreciative of the incredible service that they received.

Helping the person is return enough.

What if we focused our minds and work to treat service in our communities with a similar attitude? Look beyond instant gratification, to the bigger picture—is what you’re doing beneficial for the community tomorrow, next month, next year, 10 years from now? If you spend a morning picking up trash on the street, and no one thanks you, the street still looks better than it did littered with plastic cups and cigarette butts. If you have a building project that will take ten years to be appreciated, rather than be an instant revolution, isn’t it still a good idea?

Return on investing in your community is always nice, but it should never be the sole goal. People might genuinely appreciate you, but don’t have the means or the courage to say so. Some people may not see your vision now, but they will in the future.

Perhaps people are benefiting from your investment in community improvement but they don’t even realize it yet.

In the end, the level of return that you “deserve” is far less important than investing yourself in the betterment of your place and your people.

Service without expectation, for the sake of the service, is return enough.

James Decker is a lawyer, farmer, and city councilman in Stamford, and the creator of the forthcoming “West of 98” podcast and website. He may be contacted through Facebook at facebook.com/james.decker.

Since Valentine’s week is upon us, I figured it would be a great time to write about love.

Not necessarily, the take you out to eat at the Olive Garden type of love, but more or less the love that we should all have for one another. Many people in this world don’t understand the word love; instead, they shy away from it and may completely miss its true meaning. Love is deep, love is compassionate and love is the most powerful feeling in one’s heart. You don’t have to be smart like Forest Gump to know what love is because love is a feeling that our Creator has placed deep within us.

The Bible gives us a great idea of what love truly is and what it is supposed to look like. In order to truly know what love is we must take a look at the One who is love itself. For the Word tells us that, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Real love is like God, who is holy, just and perfect in

nature. The Father’s love for us goes way beyond the human mind, we cannot understand it fully but we can gain a better understanding the more we seek Him (Eph. 3:19).

The greatest act of love that history has ever known came on an old rugged cross outside the walls of Jerusalem.

Many may wonder how in the world God can be love if He intentionally killed His own Son, Jesus. How is that love?

Think about it for a moment…

Who do you love in this world?

Do you have kids, family, and friends? Would you be willing to sacrifice their life? More than likely no, definitely not, I know I wouldn’t! Jesus’s sacrifice is the greatest way that God the Creator of all could display His love for all of humanity. Jesus died so that you and I may be a part of God’s family. It wasn’t the nails that held Him to the cross; it was His never ending, never changing, all-consuming love

FEBRUARY 16, 2018

for you and me. Now, that is Love!!!

Jesus once said “there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Jesus’s love for us is sacrificial and if we truly want to be Christ-like than we too must love sacrificially. Love is a sacrifice and in order to love like Christ, we must have Him at the center our hearts (Eph. 3:17).

God’s love for us is undeserving. We are sinners, and we have all fallen short of the Glory of God (Rom. 3:23).

However, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

Sometimes it’s hard to love the people in our lives who have wronged us. But that’s what Jesus did for us, so we too should love our enemies and forgive the people who have hurt us in the past (Matt. 5:44).

Love everyone; especially the undeserving.

15

PASTOR’S PEN

By Dalton Mathis

When we have the Holy Spirit leading our life we find it way easier to love the people around us. Love is the first fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians 5:22, and the Apostle Paul’s writes that “three things will last forever, faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13).

The Bible clearly reveals that love is very important and we are all called to reflect the love of God into this broken world.

So I encourage you to rethink the greatest love known to man. Be obedient to Jesus’s command to love each other (John 15:17). “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Cor. 16:14). And always remember, to love others because He loved you first (1 John. 4:19).

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 Bethel (Christ) Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 1024 E. Vanderbilt 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 9:00 Bethel Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 10707 N. FM 600 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 11:00

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

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

House of God Pastor Bobby Acosta 802 Ferguson St Sundays 11:00am

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

Lueders First Baptist Church Roscoe McCoy 228-4622 AM Worship: 11:00

MacKenzie Trail Cowboy Church Greg Taylor 325-513-2505 AM worship 11:00 Heart of God Church 114 E Campbell Joanne Ochoa AM Worship 10:30 Nugent Baptist Church Craig Thames 228-4457 Worship: 11:00 Nugent Church of Christ Nugent, Texas Ron Ballard, Preacher Sun. 10 Bible Classes 11 Morning Assembly Orient Street Church of Christ Wes Horn 510 S Orient 773-3419 Worship: 10:30 Paint Creek Baptist Church Pastor Tony Grand 940-864-3358 AM Worship: 11:00

St Ann’s Catholic Church Father Angelo Consemino 1001 S Swenson 325-773-2659 AM Mass: 11:00 St. John’s United Methodist Church Pastor John Erwin 201 S Ferguson 325-773-2561 AM Worship: 10:50 Solomon Temple Baptist Church Rev. Donnie Massey 315 N. Haskell St. 325-773-2213 AM Worship 9:30 Temple Baptist Church Jesse Morton 309 E Campbell 325-773-2550 AM Service: 11:00 Trinity Church Dr. Robert Wingrove 220 E. McHarg

16

FEBRUARY 16, 2018

news@americannewspapers.net

H. D. Lewis signed his letter of intent to play football for Hardin Simmons University on February 13th. Pictured with Lewis are members of his family. He is the son of Wendy Lewis and Brad Lewis.

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Thank you to Ag Crop Insurance for sponsoring the Cotton Classic UIL Academic Invitational, Saturday February, 17th. Pictured are: Braleigh Hickman, Caden Mathis, Erick Richards, Don Heller, Debbie Birdsong and Zenaida Moreno.