February 15, 2019 - Stamford American

February 15, 2019 16 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION

STAMFORD

COMMISSIONER COURT DISCUSS SOLAR FARM.....

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American THE NEW

Stamford Tromps Albany

The room was standing room only in a forum hosted by the Stamford Healthcare Committee and the Stamford Hospital Board on Thursday, February 7th. The focus of the meeting was to answer questions from the audience about issues the public was not sure about, and also to present facts about the current state of the hospital.

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The Stamford Bulldogs hosted the Albany Lions on Tuesday, February 12 and handed them a defeat, 7755. Zachary Duran and Trace Edwards were red hot, accounting for 50 of the 77 points. They scored 26 and 24 points respectively, with Duran hitting 7 free throws in the first quarter! Peyton Bevel had 17 points, Keyven Mueller had 4 and Quincy Johnson and D’Marcus Barber had 3 each.

Stamford 26 17 19 15--77 Albany 14 11 13 17--55 The Bulldogs finished the season at 9-1. They will face Winters at Eula High School, Tuesday, February 19 at 8:00pm. Stamford is home team.

SEE ALVINA RINN TURNS 100 YEARS OLD............................................................PAGE 2

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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.

THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST FEB 23RD

PANCAKE FEED: The Ladies at the Lueders American Legion Auxiliary Unit 661 are having their Annual Pancake Feed and Silent Auction again at the Lueders-Avoca Cafeteria in Lueders on Saturday, February 23, 2019 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Plates will be $3.00 for children under the age of 10 and $5.00 for everyone else. All proceeds from the pancake feed goes to the ALA scholarship fund.

BIRTHDAYS FEB 19 – Barbara Billington FEB 22 – Chambree Lefevre FEB 23 – Brenda Bolin FEB 12 - Anniversary - Bryan and Pam Snow Know someone who is having a birthday? Please remember to call us at 325-773-5550 and let us know!

NEWS BRIEFS 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

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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.

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

Friday 76 | 39

Saturday 70 | 40

Sunday 58 | 31

Monday 46 | 30

Tuesday 44 | 30

Wednesday 55 | 40

Thursday 64 | 47

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

Rinn Celebrates 100th Birthday On January 20, 2019, family and friends gathered in Houston to help Alvina Kainer Rinn celebrate her 100th birthday. This joyous occasion was hosted by her children and shared with her husband, Roland, grandchildren, great grandchildren and other family and many friends. This celebration also included the 76th wedding anniversary for Roland and Alvina.

Alvina was born January 27, 1919 in Sagerton, Texas to Emil and Annie Kainer.

Growing up on the farm with 8 siblings, she attended school at Flat Top, and Beauty School in Abilene. She and Evelyn Ekenstam Kainer owned and operated a beauty shop in Stamford. Alvina married Roland Rinn on January 16, 1943 in Abilene.

Roland worked in Stamford Bank and was working when it was robbed in 1941, was later called upon to identify the robber.

Roland served in WWII and Korean War, and was stationed in Guam, Korea, and Hawaii.

His employment took them to live in Corpus Christi, Dallas, Ft Worth and Robstown, TX, along with South Bend, IN. Chicago, Ill, and Jacksonville FL. They have 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Ronnie and Cinde of Advance, NC, Chuck and Linda of Magnolia, TX and Gary and Diane of Lake Jackson, TX, 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

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

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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

Town Hall Meeting Addresses Future of Stamford Healthcare

BY CALLIE METLER-SMITH

The room was standing room only in a forum hosted by the Stamford Healthcare Committee and the Stamford Hospital Board on Thursday, February 7th.

The focus of the meeting was to answer questions from the audience about issues the public was not sure about, and also to present facts about the current state of the hospital. In a hand out given to the audience, the hospital outlined these points.

1) The community has lost In-Bed Patient Services and Emergency Room Services. According to the handout these services represented less than 5% of the revenue for the hospital but accounted for 50-60% of the expenses.

This was mainly due to low Medicare reimbursement rates because Stamford is not considered a Critical access facility, and issues that the hospital had with Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

2) The hospital still has 2 Nurse Practitioners, EMS Services, In house Medical lab and diagnostic services, and Physical Therapy.

3) The hospital still operates community services such as Country

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Elegance, Stamford Health Club, Specialty Clinics, and the VA Clinic.

Also, in the handout, the hospital presented a cash flow projection that would have the hospital making money and being out of debt by 2023.

After calling the meeting to order and having a prayer, the committee clarified some of the chatter about a possible bill that might be filed that would allow for the dissolution of the hospital district. The clarification is that the bill had not been filed, the deadline to file such a bill would be March 8th, and that in the event it was filed, it would still have to pass a vote in the house and the senate of the Texas Government.

They urged people that were against the bill being passed to contact local representatives Stan Lambert and Senator Charles Perry to give their opinion on the bill.

During the question time many questions were raised to the board members about the plan going forward and what could be done to support healthcare in Stamford.

Different hospital board members addressed their

BALES GINNED AT AREA GINS as of 2/12/2019 Ericksdahl Coop Gin - 7,046 Farmer’s Coop Gin-Stamford - 11,385 Farmer’s Coop Gin-Radium - 4,331

Jim Astin desires to upgrade the EMS services for Stamford, specifically having a paramedic on every shift and utilizing the new telemedicine program they are considering. They expressed their desire to see hospital facilities utilized like the Mabee Clinic for services that would benefit the community and continue the existing services to be profitable and provide valued services to the community. They also stated that currently 52 people are employed by the district, and there are no plans to do away with any of the services currently being offered by the district. Audience members

also expressed interest in possible walk-in hours on the weekend, which is something the board said they were hoping would happen at some point also.

Serving on the newly organized Stamford Healthcare Committee is: Jim Astin, James Decker, Kevin McCright, Erick Richards, Don Cobb, Dub Harrison, Lindy Patton, Gary Decker, Mark Lundgren, and Alan Plumlee.

The Hospital District Board Members are Erick Richards, Sutton Page, Kevin Corzine, Wyatt Oakley, Kevin McCright, Curt Muehlstein, and Cary Davis.

VIP MENU February 18-22 Monday Catfish, Beans, Coleslaw, Hushpuppies, Pudding Tuesday Beef Fajita Salad, Beans, Spanish Rice, Cherry Cheesecake Wednesday

Corn Dogs, French Fries, Pork & Beans, Cookies Thursday Chili Cheese Dogs, French Fries, Pea Salad, Ice Cream Friday Tuna Salad, Sandwiches, Chips, Square Cheese, Lettuce & Tomato, Rosie Pears

OBITUARIES

Edgar Lee “Bobby” Schmidt Edgar Lee “Bobby” Schmidt, 89, longtime resident of Stamford, passed away Thursday, February 7, 2019 in Abilene. Funeral services were be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 10, 2019 at First Baptist Church with Pastor Tony Grand officiating. Interment followed in New Hope Cemetery under the direction of Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home in Stamford. Visitation was held from 4-5 p.m. Saturday, February 9, 2019 at the funeral home.

Bobby was born on August 11, 1929 in Bell County, Texas, the son of the late Albert E. and Agnes (Teichelman) Schmidt. Bobby was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War. He married Leta Jo York on February 18, 1956 in Stamford. Leta Jo preceded Bobby in death on December 20, 2010. Bobby enjoyed farming in the Stamford area for many years. He like to tell jokes, and watch the country music channel. Bobby was always willing to help a friend. Bobby was a Baptist.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a sister Aileen Carlton and a brother, Rufus Schmidt.

Bobby is survived by a son, Steve Schmidt of Stamford; a daughter in law, Sylvia Schmidt of Abilene; a grandson, Zachary Schmidt of Abilene and his fiancé Star Womack of Abilene; a brother, Valton Schmidt and wife Beatrice of Stamford; a sister in law, Pat Holden of Stamford; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memories may be shared at www.kinneyunderwoodfuneralhome.com

DEATH NOTICE After a sudden illness, Arthur Floyd Jennings passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior Sunday, February 10, 2019, at the age of 64. His wishes were to be cremated with a memorial service later. Services were entrusted to Tankersley Funeral Home of Stamford.

Sam F. Davis, 72, of Knox City, formerly of Albany and Lueders, passed away Sunday, February 10, 2019. Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at KinneyUnderwood Funeral Home in Stamford with Rev. Jerry Vincent officiating. Burial followed in Clearfork Cemetery in Lueders.

Online condolences may be given at www.kinneyunderwoodfuneralhome.com Emily Aguilar Grimaldo, 40, of Stamford, passed away Monday, February 4, 2019 in Stamford. Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2019 at Kinney-Underwood Funeral Chapel with Pastor Paul Wright officiating. Interment followed in Highland Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home in Stamford.

Darrell E. North, 70, of Stamford, passed away Tuesday, February 5, 2019 in Abilene. Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2019 at Trinity Church with Dr. Robert Wingrove officiating. Interment with full military honors followed in Bethel Funston Cemetery in Funston under the direction of Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home in Stamford.

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Thank You from the Stamford Community United Fund The Stamford Community United Fund’s mission is to invest in programs and services that enhance the quality of life for Stamford’s residents, promote the economic development and well-being of neighborhoods, support the learning and developmental needs of children, and help the elderly and the underprivileged in Stamford. This fund is made possible, because of donations from the following businesses and people in our community: First Bank Texas, Big Country Electric, Pete Anders, Cato Macias III, Cary McClintock, Alfred Robles, Ann Sanchez, Alexander Cantu, Jason Bryant - Jones County Farm Bureau, Justin & Amber Corzine, Gene Turnbow, KP’s Welding Supply, Don & Kara Cobb, Stamford Civic Club, Jerry & Barbara Terrell, Atmos Energy, Blaine Bennett, Duggan’s Auto Supply, Don & Carol Walker, Leigh Nauert, Keith & Lou Corzine, C.W. Whittemore Jr., Lavada Rhodes, David & Denise White, Carl Marugg, Key Scientific Products, Linda & Gary Coppedge, Don Welch, Ekdahl Real Estate, Mary Lou & Glen Gilbreath, Carla & Kenneth Young, Faulk Refrigeration, Jay Beakley, Verlene Corzine, Nell Rosenquist, Roger & Judy Detamore, John Walker, Ferdie & Suzanne Walker, Quality Implement, Farmers Cooperative Society of Stamford, Ag Crop Insurance Agency, Stamford Tire & Appliance, Stamford Insurance Agency, Farmers Insurance - Jim Raughton Agency, Stamford American, Barbara McGaughey, Jones-Haskell Eye Clinic, Raymond & Billie Medford, POCO Amusements, Jan Hammer, Bearden Photography, Deluxe Inn, Fareed & Jane Hassen, Don Howard, Kiwanis, Wash Pot - Larry Moreno, Bethel Lutheran Women of ELCA, and William Harrison Jr. The Stamford Community United Fund Board truly appreciates each of the thoughtful donors who contributed to helping the organization reach its yearly goal.

The Stamford Community United Fund is recognized officially by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable organization under Section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is tax exempt under that code.

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HELLO FROM COWBOY COUNTRY By Jewellee Kuenstler The story I am going to share with you today has a disclaimer: all the credit for the research for this story goes to Don Haynes. Don is the one that trekked through mud and pastures to photograph this tombstone and dug through archives on the web to find all this information. I hope you enjoy. Photo is courtesy of Don R. Haynes.

Settling the wild frontier comes with more challenges than you might realize. Doctors were almost non-existent, to purchase supplies or food one had to travel great distances, and organized cemeteries were not around yet. So, what happened when you lived out in this great big land and you passed away? The obvious answer was that if you were lucky enough to die among people that knew you, they would dig a grave for you and somehow mark your resting place. Because of this, there are several small family plot cemeteries and even some individual graves all over West Texas.

One such grave can be found near the old Flat Top Headquarters. Sitting by itself, is a nice tombstone with flowers etched across the top and the name, “Aaron F. Pumphrey” inscribed along with his birth and death date. So, who was this man whose grave was so well marked and kept up all these years?

Aaron Pumphrey was the son of Dr. Reason Beal and Elizabeth Bly Boyce Pumphrey. He was born in Texas on June 30, 1856 (just nine years after Texas joined the United States).

His father died the year after he was born, and, like most women of her day who had a family to support in a man’s world, his mother married again, this time to D.F. Knight.

According to the 1870 census records, when Aaron was about 13 years old, he and his older

brother John were living with their grandmother in Austin. Ten years later, the 1880 census places Aaron and John Pumphrey in Jones County, Texas, and has their occupation listed as stock raisers.

Occupation names back then had different meanings than we might think of today. For you genealogy nerds out there, whenever you are exploring a census record, be sure and look up the directions given for those census takers. They explain why they might have listed a race, occupation or house a certain way. It seems that new rules applied every time a new census was taken. According to the Census Instructions for Enumerators for the 1900 census, it states, “Return a stock herder or stock drover separately from a stock raiser.”

In this 1880 census for Jones County, many men are listed, but few are labeled as Stock Raisers and most are labeled as Stock Herders. In their house lived not only Aaron and John Pumphrey, but also Garrot Ervin and Menille Alford. Their relation to the household was listed as servant and their occupation was listed as stock herder.

To give you a little context, S.M. Swenson accumulated large tracts of land set aside for the railroad during the 1840s and 1850s in West Texas.

He could not utilize or move to the land he owned at that time, because it was occupied by the Comanche Indians. It wasn’t until after 1875, that MacKenzie and his military unit, forced the last Comanche chief, Quanah Parker, out of Texas and onto a reservation in Oklahoma.

With the removal of these tribes, settlers began to trickle in to West Texas and try to eke out a living. When the Swenson brothers, Eric and Albin, along with their

father, S.M., came to check out this land they were now having to pay taxes on, they encountered men making use of this land to raise cattle. The Swensons had a choice, they could sell the land for what they could get, or they could try to make the land pay for itself, at least enough to cover the taxes they had to pay. After talking to the men living in the area, they decided to try their hand at ranching, or stock raising, as it was referred to in that day.

Aaron Pumphrey was one of those men trying his hand at raising cattle in this beautiful, but often brutal, environment. I would like to tell you that he and his brother John made a go of it and were as successful as the Swenson brothers. Sadly, that is not how the story ends. Aaron Pumphrey died at the age of 28, on July 10, 1884.

SMS Ranch lore says that he died of scarlet fever, a very contagious disease, so they buried him with all his possessions near the old Swenson Ranch headquarters. In the beginning, large stones marked his grave well, but later a nicely carved tombstone was set over his final resting place.

This story almost brings up more questions than it

answers. Did the Swensons buy the land from John Pumphrey after his brother died? Did anyone else die of scarlet fever at that time? Were the Pumphrey brothers squatting on land they didn’t own? So many questions.

Important dates coming up: Thursday, February 21 – Genealogy Meeting. Theme: Census Records; 5-6:30pm 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.

When you see a rainbow what do you see? The rainbow was divinely given by God Almighty to confirm an everlasting covenant between Himself and mankind.

God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the eternal covenant between God and every living creature.” (Gen. 9:12-13; 16) This covenant was a covenant of promise and through this promise, we know that God is sovereign and in complete control.

Did you know that there is a rainbow hovering over God’s Throne in Heaven? John the Beloved describes the throne room of Heaven in the fourth chapter of Revelation. I encourage you all to go read this, for it truly makes you want to kneel in humility before the Great I AM. John wrote, “He who sat there had an appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an

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The Rainbow of the rainbow. emerald” (Rev. 4:3).

Instead of God’s What a beautiful beauty and the sight that is and I reminder of His am looking forward Promise, the ento seeing this in emy has looked to Glory one day! insert movements In short, I such as the LGBT. wanted to bring up In other words, these references Satan always has a about the rainbow counterfeit… and in Scripture for we see proof of a reason. First, I this right before wanted to make

By Dalton Mathis our eyes. The it clear that the homosexuals and rainbow is God’s liberal activists who are using the Rainbow! The colors glorify rainbow flag as their symbol are the Creator and testify to the completely dishonoring the true beauty of His love for humanity. meaning of the rainbow.

Unfortunately, we live in a day But as Christians, we cannot and time where when one sees a be ignorant of this war that is rainbow, they might not think of going on. Simply broken down God’s beauty and Sovereignty. In it looks like this… God’s eternal fact, one might think of somepromise was given by a rainbow, thing completely contrary to the now we see Satan’s attempt to Holy One sitting on His Throne.

The enemy comes to steal, kill dishonor that promise by the LGBT movement and their use of and destroy (John 10:10). And the rainbow. one of the things that Satan has Wow!!! It’s time we as true tried to steal is the symbolism

PASTOR’S PEN

followers of Christ take back the rainbow! It upsets God to see the rainbow used in such a profane manner. I pray you don’t see the rainbow as a sign of rebellion but instead a sign of the covenant of God. Because I promise you God’s Promises never fail and one day we of the Faith will see above the throne of God the best rainbow our eyes have ever seen.

So, when you see a rainbow what do you see? I encourage you next time you see the beauty of a rainbow to remind yourself that God is faithful and His promises are eternal. I also want you to think of the clear reminder that we are in a spiritual war with the ruler of this world. We must be bold and strong for the name of Christ! It’s time we rise up, take a stand and honor Jesus Christ and Him Crucified! This is just one example of how Satan uses modern trends and culture to dishonor the name of Christ.

But no matter how hard he tries we can rest in the promise that there is a name above all names and that name is JESUS!!!

Sanchez Named to ASU Fall 2018 Dean’s List Angelo State University is pleased to announce that Miya Nicole Sanchez of Stamford qualified for the Dean’s List for the 2018 Fall semester. To be eligible for the ASU Dean’s List, full-time undergraduate students must maintain a 3.25 or better grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

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 John Shepard 1214 Compton 325-773-2435

Worship: Saturday 6PM 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 Wayne Kitchens, Preacher Sun. 10 Bible Classes 11 Morning Assembly Orient Street Church of Christ Wes Horn 510 S Orient 773-3419 Worship: 10:30 Paint Creek Baptist Church Pastor Tony Grand 940-864-3358 AM Worship: 11:00

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

St Ann’s Catholic Church 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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I GREW UP LITTLE: By Patsy Clairmont Patsy lacked a sense of belonging. Growing up in Michigan, she longed to share in her grandmother’s and aunt’s Southern heritage. With a brother nine years older and a much younger sister, Patsy’s middle child identity was difficult. Her father worked hard for his family, but was a distant parent. Patsy’s mom was not quite sure how to READING REVIEW handle a stubborn and sometimes sassy teenage girl. At Martha Jarred seventeen, Patsy quit school and married Les Clairmont.

Les joined the army and was promptly sent to Germany. Patsy’s life still floundered without an anchor.

The Clairmont’s first child was born as Patsy turned twenty. Monty stopped breathing twice and had to be rushed to the hospital. Patsy became obsessed with her baby, keeping him always within her sight, constantly watching him breathe. Other fears began to manifest in her life. Patsy was terrified of storms and spent many afternoons under a table with Monty as thunderclouds roamed in the area. She became afraid to drive and soon declined to even ride in a car. Patsy refused to leave her home.

Patsy’s “fears” had escalated into full-blown agoraphobia.

One morning, she did not want to get out of bed. Patsy’s World was now the size of her mattress.

A doctor convinced Patsy to join the group counseling “Recovery.” She learned she was not alone in her struggles.

With her family’s strong support, Patsy began to slowly reclaim her life. A friend suggested a job would shift her focus away from herself and her feelings of self-pity. Patsy opened a small bookstore in her home and began to give book reviews. Noted Christian speaker, Florence Littauer, took Patsy under her wing. A tape of one of Patsy’s talks was sent to the “Focus On the Family” radio show and the response was overwhelming. This petite, five feet tall lady brings joy and touches the hearts of thousands of women each year at Women of Faith conferences.

I GREW UP LITTLE is the autobiography of a well-known Christian speaker. After coming to know this spunky lady later in life, it is hard to imagine the pain she experienced in her early years. In her life’s story, Patsy Clairmont is honest and transparent about suffering in her life.

This book is not intended to be a program with steps to overcome depression and fear. Its goal is to offer hope.

Each chapter shares an attribute of Hope. Patsy is the author of numerous books of encouragement. Although she is currently recovering from open heart surgery, Patsy continues to spread joy through an internet ministry.

Biography 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, 940-8643072, for more information.

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On Town Halls and Tocqueville Why has the American experiment persisted and thrived for so long, even in spite of our society’s flaws and missteps? Why have other nations attempted to copy the American system, only to see it fail to launch or struggle to sustain it in a stable manner?

In part, it’s the uniquely American concept of local government and town meetings. Some nations have imposed an American model from the top down, resulting in abject failure.

From the beginning, the American model was built from the bottom up. The term “United States of America” is not accidental.

We are not a single nation divided into arbitrary state-level jurisdictions; we’re a group of states who banded together to form a larger nation.

In 1831, French diplomat and political scientist Alexis de Tocqueville embarked on a tour of American society. This tour spawned his classic two-volume work, “Democracy in America,” which is essentially a study of how and why America works.

After witnessing town meetings in New England, Tocqueville wrote, “a nation may establish a free government, but without

or uninterested municipal to attend. Then institutions, there’s the steit cannot reotype of an have the incensed room spirit of full of people, liberty.” asking angry He went questions and as far as ranting against to say that their town and/ “town meet- ESSAYS FROM or their elected ings are to WEST OF 98 officials, usuliberty what ally in front primary James M. Decker of television schools are cameras. to science; In Stamford, over 200 they bring it within the locals attended and people’s reach, they teach submitted questions for men how to use and how an hour and a half. There to enjoy it.” were supportive questions.

On February 7, 2019, There were skeptical questhe spirit of liberty was on display in Stamford, Texas. tions. There were hard and unhappy questions. No A group of community one walked away with a leaders organized a town final solution, but I walked hall meeting to discuss away thinking that the the future of healthcare community wants to fix its in Stamford (stemming healthcare struggles. from our hospital closure A town’s problems aren’t and the nationwide rural solved by rants and angry hospital trainwreck, as clashes that divide a town discussed in my last esinto warring factions. say). Using a Q&A format, Problems aren’t solved by this meeting brought the a detached, disinterested elected hospital board to populace that doesn’t the citizens at a neutral bother to show up to meetlocation that would be ings and waits on someone welcoming to all. else to fix the mess. I’ve We can all think of stewritten of the perils of reotypes of local town hall a lukewarm attitude—a meetings. One stereotype disinterested group of citiis of leaders showing up zens is the embodiment of to face an empty room, that lukewarm attitude. while citizens are too busy

Where are a town’s problems solved? They’re solved in the town meetings described by Tocqueville and exemplified by the citizens in Stamford on February 7. They’re solved by leaders who care and who communicate to the citizens and who listen when the citizens communicate to them.

They’re solved by citizens who care to show up, who express their opinions, and who hold their leaders accountable.

Town meetings are not always fun for leaders.

Sometimes you get hard questions. Sometimes the citizens evaluate your job performance in a very public manner and it can be uncomfortable to hear.

And yet, all of it is vitally important. Tocqueville’s findings in 1831 remain accurate in 2019. By bringing liberty into the people’s reach, town meetings make us all better and embody the spirit on which America thrives.

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.

Annual Great Texas Warrant Roundup The Jones County Sheriff’s Office and the Jones County Justice of the Peace will once again participate in the annual Great Texas Warrant Round-up.

Law enforcement agencies across Texas will be joining together to actively serve outstanding arrest warrants beginning March 9th, 2019.

While warrants are regularly served by each jurisdiction, this combined effort provides greater opportunities for warrant service. If you have outstanding warrants anywhere in Texas, you

should handle them as soon as possible or face the possibility of having law enforcement arrive at your workplace or residence.

If you believe you have unpaid tickets or an active warrant, you need to contact the courts before you are greeted by law enforcement at your front door or place of employment. Under Texas Law, individuals that appear before a court and make a good faith effort to resolve their outstanding Class C warrants are afforded safe harbor and not subject to

arrest.

Jones County Justice of the Peace, Judge Cheryl Guernsey

1100 12th St Anson, TX 79501 325-823-4205

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

INVITATION FOR BID The City of Stamford will receive sealed Bids addressed to the City of Stamford for the 2016 TWDB DWSRF Water System Improvements Contract B - Elevated Water Storage Tank Project until 2:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at Stamford City Hall, located at 201 E McHarg, Stamford, Texas 79553. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud immediately thereafter at same location.

The work generally includes construction of a 250,000 gallon composite elevated water storage tank and related work.

The Bidding Documents may be obtained from Civcast at www.civcastusa.com. Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Engineer’s Office on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and the City of Stamford Office, on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Each Bid shall be accompanied by a Cashier’s Check or Bid Bond, acceptable to the Owner, in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount bid, as a guarantee that the successful bidder will enter into a proper Contract and execute Bonds on the forms provided in the Contract Documents. Bid sureties will be returned to all but the three lowest acceptable bidders within five days after the opening of Bids.

Remaining bid sureties will be returned after complete execution of the Contract.

The surety company providing the Bid Bond must conform to the same requirements for surety companies providing Performance and Payment Bonds described below.

The successful bidder must furnish Performance and Payment Bond on the forms furnished with the Contract Documents in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the total Contract price, from a surety company holding a permit from the State of Texas to act as surety. The surety company must have a minimum Best’s Key Rating of “B” or better. The surety company, the agency and agent issuing the Performance and Payment Bond must be authorized to issue such bonds in Texas in an amount equal to or greater than the total contract price.

This contract is contingent upon release of funds from the Texas Water Development Board. Any contract or contracts awarded under this Invitation for Bids are expected to be funded in part by financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board. Neither the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the State of Texas, nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees, are or will be a party to this Invitation for Bids or any resulting contract.

Equal Opportunity in Employment: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or

genetic information. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the Department of Labor regulations at 41 CFR Part 60-4, relating to Construction ContractorsAffirmative Action Requirements, which include the President’s Executive Order No. 11246, as amended by Executive Order No. 11375 and Executive Order No. 13672, in the award and administration of contracts awarded under TWDB financial assistance agreements.

Failure by the Contractor to carry out these requirements is a material breach, which may result in the termination of the awarded financial assistance.

The City of Stamford reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.

All laborers and mechanics working on the work site and employed by contractors and subcontractors on projects funded directly by or assisted in whole or in part by and through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund shall by paid wages as described in the section, Mandatory Davis-Bacon Act Contract Conditions.

Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements apply to the construction, alteration or repair of treatment works carried out, in whole or in part, with assistance made available by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) or a construction project financed, in whole or in part, from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).

The Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements apply to Contractors and Subcontrac-

FEBRUARY 15, 2019

tors performing on federally funded or assisted contracts in excess of $2,000 for the construction, alteration or repair (including painting) of a treatment works project under the CWSRF or a construction project under the DWSRF. For prime contracts in excess of $100,000, Contractors and Subcontractors must also, under the provisions of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, as amended, pay laborers and mechanics, including guards and watchmen, at least one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. The Fair Labor Standards Act may also apply to Davis-Bacon covered contracts.

Any contracts or subcontracts in excess of $2,000 must include the provisions of the Davis-Bacon Wage Rate Requirements found in TWDB Guidance No. DB-0156.

This contract is subject to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, which includes EPA-approved fair share goals toward procurement of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) businesses. EPA rules require that applicants and prime contractors make a good faith effort to award a fair share of contracts, subcontracts, and procurements to M/WBEs through demonstration of the six affirmative steps. For more details of the DBE Program and the current, applicable fair share goals, please visit www.twdb. texas.gov/dbe.

Each Bidder must submit

the PRIME CONTRACTOR AFFIRMATIVE STEPS CERTIFICATION AND GOALS (WRD-0217) with the bid, to demonstrate the Bidder’s understanding and commitment to taking affirmative steps.

Upon request, the Bidder must provide the Owner with the information required for DBE Certification and Participation Summary, TWDB document TWDB-0373 and provide sufficient documentation (TWDB-0216) that a “good faith effort” was made in offering fair opportunity for participation by qualified DBE firms. This information must be submitted prior to the contract award so the information can be approved and presented to the TWDB for funding of this contract.

This project is subject to the American Iron and Steel (AIS) requirements of 33 U.S.C §1388 for Clean Water State Revolving Fund projects or Public Law 114-113, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, or subsequent appropriations acts, for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund projects. Any contract(s) awarded under this Invitation for Bid is/are subject to the American Iron and Steel (AIS) requirements of these laws.

Date Issued: February 14, 2019 By: James Decker, Mayor

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Middle and High School AVID students helped clean the Grand this past weekend.

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DISTRICT CHAMPS-Nolan Baker, Peyton Bevel, D’Marcus Barber, Quincy Johnson, Trace Edwards, Zach Duran, (front row) Zhawn Holden, and Keyven Mueller. (Photo courtesy of Johnny Anders)

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FEBRUARY 15, 2019

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10 FEBRUARY 15, 2019 GOTTLIEB ANNOUNCES ‘SIGNIFICANT MODERNIZATION’ FOR FDA REGULATION OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS On the same day the FDA warned companies against hawking dietary supplements for Alzheimer’s disease, Commissioner KASN AG REPORT Scott Gottlieb announced “one of the most significant

By Richard Kemp modernizations of dietary supplement regulation and oversight in 25 years.”

CAN DEMOCRAT PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFULS WIN RURAL VOTES? While the growing list of Democratic candidates for president is dominated by politicians from predominantly urban settings, some still have decent track records on agriculture and food issues. But rural advocates caution that the candidates need to build on past proposals if they hope to steer rural voters away from Donald Trump and the GOP. FARMERS GRILL PERDUE FOR DETAILS ABOUT RESUMED EXPORTS TO CHINA During a day trip to North Carolina, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue was thanked for the billions of dollars the Trump administration is sending to farmers to mitigate the impact of trade war with China. But he was also prodded for a resumption in exports.

AG CHAIRMEN SEE LOW PRICES AND TRADE WAR PRESSURING FARM INCOME Persistently low commodity prices are pushing some farmers to the financial edge, said the chairmen of the Senate and House Agriculture committees.

IN DEMOCRATS’ GREEN NEW DEAL, A NOD TO SUSTAINABLE AG Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey introduced a Green New Deal, offering a sweeping framework for eliminating U.S. carbon emissions to combat global warming and supporting sustainable farming practices along the way.

U.S. SQUASHES TOMATO DEAL WITH MEXICO Effective May 7, the United States will withdraw from a “suspension agreement” with Mexico over imports of fresh tomatoes so Washington can consider complaints of tomato dumping, said the Commerce Department.

POTENTIALLY MORE PROFITABLE, COTTON TAKES OVER SOYBEAN GROUND Cotton growers plan to expand their plantings by a sharp 3 percent this spring, taking away land from soybeans, the most prominent casualty of the Sino-U.S. trade war, said the National Cotton Council over the weekend.

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WEST TEXAS TREES AND LANDSCAPES

By Bruce Kreitler and the KWKC Green Team As I write this, it’s early February, and twenty two degrees outside (I’m patting myself on the back for scheduling office time for myself, where the heater works quite well, instead of outdoor work this morning). Under those conditions, it’s kind of hard to get in the “spring is springing” frame of mind.

Be-that-as-it-may, regardless of today’s weather, or the calendar, spring activity is indeed underway. If you don’t think so, take a close look at the nearest ash tree or slippery elm and they will likely be carrying their spring flowers. While neither of those trees blooms are really noticeable (tiny apetical flowers, which are green or brown), it won’t be that much longer until the redbuds and ornamental pears start flowering, and those blooms are very noticeable.

However, there is one plant out there right now that is colorful, noticeable, and currently blooming its head off, and that is the weed, henbit. If you have noticed a thickly growing plant, that is low in

height, and covered with tiny purple flowers, that’s henbit. Some yards don’t have any of this, while others are covered with it. This particular weed can also be pretty thick out in the countryside. Recently, I saw a couple of fields, which were obviously under some kind of cultivation, that were so covered by this weed, that I wondered if it had been intentionally sown as a cover crop, to hold the soil while the fields weren’t planted with something else. On the other hand, I have also noted a field that used to be just as covered with henbit, but this year is completely devoid of it, which means that whoever is working that particular bit of acreage, went to the expense of eradicating their henbit.

Regular readers of my columns, or people who listen to my weekly radio show, will note that this isn’t the first time this year that I’ve spent time on henbit, what it is, and what to do about it. My giving something that is never going to get over a foot tall, and clearly isn’t a tree, so much attention could easily make someone wonder: why? Why so much attention to a low growing weed, that doesn’t seem to have much, if anything, to do with trees, and is going to disappear as soon as the weather warms up? That’s a good question.

One reason that I focus on henbit is that it’s fairly universal, easily noticeable (because of the flowers), and while not that important on its own, it’s a good indicator. Generally, if I see an urban property that doesn’t have any, or very

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little, in the way of henbit, that tells me that it’s very likely the owners of that property have a good grip on their weed control program. However, when I see henbit covering a landscape fairly thickly, and this stuff can grow thick, and wall-towall (or curb-to-curb) if left to its own devices, then I can reasonably expect other weeds, which come later, to also have their way with that property. Of course, that leads to a second question. Why is a tree guy, who doesn’t do any commercial weed control, interested in whether or not people are controlling their weeds?

First of all, weeds are competition for all the other plants on a property, including the trees. While it might seem that the differences between plants that are more competitive with trees, such as weeds, and things like turf or bedding plants, is pretty incremental, “incrementals” can add up. Trees should do better in well maintained landscapes, than they do in more “uncontrolled” urban settings. People may not look at successful weed control as a tree health issue, but it is, and that’s one of the reasons that I pay so much attention to it.

Secondly, over the years, I’ve noticed something about weeds, people, and landscapes. What I’ve noticed is that on properties where people have an effective weed control program (weed control is a process, not an event), most of those programs are tailored to fit in with all the plants that are growing on the property. Whether by design, or through trial-and-error, success-

ful weed control, over time, doesn’t usually have detrimental effects on the trees on a property (which is where I come in). On the other hand, and I perfectly understand this, sometimes people who feel they are being overwhelmed by weeds, go get the most effective/powerful weed killer they can find, and try to eliminate their weeds all at once. While I can certainly understand that kind of frustration, and desire to eliminate the problem, quickly, that doesn’t always work out well for trees.

There are a lot of over-thecounter weed killers that can, and do, cause harm to other, desirable plants, such as trees.

Because I’m an urban forester, who deals with plants existing in areas of human habitation and activity, to properly do my job, I need to be aware of, and pay attention to, more than just the trees. There are a lot of things that can influence how well a tree does, or doesn’t do, on a property, and weed control, or lack of it, is one of the biggies.

If you have any landscaping, landscape maintenance, or tree questions you would like answered in this column, submit them care of cmetler@stamfor-

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Governor Gives Lawmakers List of Emergency Items To Tackle Gov. Greg Abbott named as his emergency priorities education reform, teacher pay, school safety, property tax reform, mental health services and disaster response in his Feb. 5 “State of the State” address to a joint session of the Texas Legislature.

The House and Senate may schedule committee hearings on bills related to items on the governor’s priority list before the 60th day of the legislative session, which hits on March 8.

Consideration of all other legislation must wait until after that date, except for House Bill 2 and Senate Bill 2 — the state budget — which is already in the works.

Abbott gave lawmakers something to cheer about when he said, “When you combine our legislative accomplishments with our record-breaking prosperity, you have elevated Texas to rarified status and I am proud to tell you that the state of Texas has never been better.”

Abbott touched on a number of other issues that need attention and funding, such as Hurricane Harvey recovery and disaster readiness, law enforcement and public safety, border security, mental health and services for military veterans.

In a news release, Abbott pointed out that half of the issues on his list “deal directly with public education, more if you count property tax reform, which is inextricably linked with school finance.”

Tax panel receives input The Senate Property Tax Committee on Feb. 6 held its first public hearing of the 86th session of the Texas Legislature to consider SB 2, a proposal to cap local property tax growth at 2.5 percent for most taxing entities and automatic ratification elec-

tions if an entity wishes to exceed the cap.There is an exemption in the bill for entities that take in less than $15 million in revenue per annum.

“We’re going to solve this problem, “ said Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, author of the bill. “We’re going to be here until we do.”

Bettencourt said property tax bills have pushed many homeowners out of their neighborhoods and kept many others from buying homes, and passing a state law to lower the rollback rate is a way to change what is happening locally.

Much of the testimony given by panel after panel of witnesses in the threehour hearing was in favor of the cap. Testimony given in opposition to setting the cap at 2.5 percent mostly focused on the potential of negative outcomes the low cap might cause, such as cutbacks in needed services and a reduction in local control.

HEGAR DISTRIBUTES REVENUE Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Feb. 6 announced he would send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $953.9 million in local sales tax allocations for February.

The amount is 4.6 percent more than the amount returned to governmental bodies in February 2018.

These allocations are based on sales made in December by businesses that report tax monthly; October, November and December sales by quarterly filers; and 2018 sales by businesses that report tax annually.

REVENUE TOTAL INCREASES Comptroller Hegar on Feb. 4 announced state sales tax revenue totaled $2.8 billion in January, an amount 6 percent greater than the total reported in

January 2018.

Growth in sales tax collections was primarily due to continued strong spending in oil- and gas-related sectors. Collections from restaurants also grew, while those from retail trade were flat relative to a year ago, Hegar said.

MEASLES: NEW CASES REPORTED Seven measles cases have been confirmed in Texas this year, according to information posted Feb. 7 by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Measles is a contagious respiratory illness spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing.

Measles, a rash that begins as flat, red spots on the face, spreads down the neck and trunk to the rest of the body. Other symptoms include a high fever over 101 degrees, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Anyone who believes they have measles should contact their health care provider as soon as possible, the DSHS said.

The DSHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend children get a dose of measles vaccine at 12-15 months of age and again at 4-6 years.

The measles vaccine is about 97 percent effective after two doses. Children too young to be vaccinated or who have only had one dose of vaccine are more likely to get infected.

FEBRUARY 15, 2019

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Sick? Stay Home!

This week I want to talk about something that always hits around this time of year, especially with the weather acting unpredictable like it does, and that is the subject of getting sick. No one likes to get sick as you feel like you pretty much become useless as you try to get well. For many, they can see the early THOUGHTS FROM signs of an illness and quickly work to fight it off, such as UNDER THE CAP taking allergy medication for a runny nose or simply drinkWill McClure ing plenty of fluids to keep the body hydrated. However, as we all know there are many illnesses where even if we can feel the symptoms coming on, there is no way to stop it from hitting us full force,, with the flu being a good example. On the other hand, a common disease like the flu can be easily preventable with the yearly flu shot. It can still hit anyone all the same, but it is better to at least try to stop it before it happens. It is like buying insurance; you may not need it at all but you do not want to be without it if something happens! The trouble is that no matter how much we can protect ourselves, we can’t say the same for others that we interact with.

This brings me to my thoughts for the week as I have talked about staying healthy and making sure that we care for ourselves when we do get sick, but there are many times where we are sick but we say to ourselves, “It’s okay, I can go to work today” or “I’ll be fine and I’ll just take it easy today.” The problem with this is although we feel like we are invincible and we have “too much to do,” we could end up making ourselves worse or, on a different level, make others sick. You see signs and hear people warn that if you feel sick, you need to stay home or visit a doctor and the fact of the matter is that this has to be repeated every single year during flu season. Why? Because a lot of people think they “know better” and go to work, school, or even run errands without thinking of the consequences. Instead of staying home and getting rest to fight the diseases, they feel like they can’t afford to miss something and risk escalating the illness in themselves and potentially spreading it around. So, it is because of this that illnesses cannot end as quickly as they began because of a select few that choose to go out into the world despite many different warnings against doing so.

What I am saying here this week is simple: If you feel sick (other than a simple runny nose or a cough as that can be contained with good habits), stay home and get better! Forcing yourself to leave the house is usually not worth it and could be making things worse. If you miss school, work can be made up or even sent home if needed. If you have to do errands, call someone and see if they can get a few things done for you or, if you have to pay bills, do them over the phone or see if you can do so online. If you need to go to work, I can guarantee bosses will understand being sick and you have time set aside for that. It may stink if you are an hourly employee, but it is better than trying to work and then being sent home anyway. We need to focus on making sure that we are healthy, and the rest, despite fighting an illness, can be beneficial as we can get away from the rush, rush, rush of life for a day. Above all else, take care of yourself and at the same time you will help take care of others by keeping viruses at bay.

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

A Crack Shot With A BB Gun When he was 8 years old, Leon Measures of Livingston was shooting flies off the wall with a bb gun while going back and forth on his front porch swing.

As the years progressed, he increased his accuracy with an air gun. Now he conducts shooting clinics in coliseums and stadiums all over the country.

He has devised a special booth where he’ll toss a bb into the air and shoot it. He used to demonstrate with aspirin tablets, but wanted more of a challenge, so he switched to bbs as moving targets.

To prove he hits the bb, he’ll have someone in the audience get in the booth with him and place a bucket on the floor. If he misses, the bb will go into the bucket and make a sound that indicates he missed the bb. But he seldom misses. When he shoots 10 times, only 2 bbs will hit the bucket. He usually tells the person from the audience if he misses 5 bbs, he’ll buy lunch. So far he has never

had to pay.

Leon must have some uncanny ability when it comes to teaching. His ultimate goal is to train people how to use a shotgun. His training tool is a bb gun. He has trained blind people to shoot and they have bagged everything from pheasants to elk.

For sighted people he calls his method shoot where you look.

His bb guns don’t have sights. Some hunters have taken exception to this radical approach and have been so insistent on using sights that they have been ready for fisticuffs with Leon.

He has developed a new training tool. “I had no idea about the monumental task I had taken on,” says Leon. “In the year 2000 the main manufacturer of bb guns quit making the model we use for our program. We searched the world over. Spent 5

years and a lot of money on engineering and design.

Went to China twice.

In Las Vegas some Russians were ready to throw me off a balcony because I wouldn’t let them make a gun the way they wanted to. For an air gun to work for our purposes, it has to be slow enough that the average individual can see the bb in the air when it comes out of the barrel of the gun. That’s the secret to it.

You get to see where you shot compared to where you thought you did. It also has to be consistently accurate at 20 feet. If you shoot at a paper target 9 times you should have made a hole smaller than a dime.”

His search has finally paid off. “Late last year we found the last manufacturer in the US to make the parts for the bb gun we’re trying to develop.

There’s about 25 parts. We have the working models

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

and we have the prototype. Most of the parts will be made in St. Louis and assembled in Neosho, Missouri. Now we’re on a quest to find a million and a half dollars to put it on the market.”

He has written a book and produced a DVD on his prototype. “Every time I sell a book or a DVD the next question I get is where can I get one? And there aren’t any. If there were, I’d be selling them.

But they just do not exist.

There are air rifles, bb guns, whatever you want to call them, on the market that are accurate. But they develop far too much velocity and should be considered deadly dangerous because they are. The ones that are slow enough are not consistent.”

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I don’t know what this weather is going to do, but I am really not happy with it. Number one I am tired of this cold weather, and it just stays cloudy. I really need a little sunshine. Oh well, it’s just a couple of weeks and it will be March, then I guess I will grip about the sand storms.

Never satisfied!!!!

Don’t forget our musical will be on Saturday, February 23, come at 5:30 P M for something good to eat and then be ready for a great evening of music. See you there. Pray that the weather will be nice.

The Hobby Club will be meeting on Thursday February 21 at the Sagerton Community Center at 2 P M. Doug and Debbie Vahlenkamp and Dale and Carm Letz attended the open house for the new Senior Living Center in Anson on Saturday afternoon. The owners are Robert and Sabrina Pippen, Sabrina is the daughter of Doug and Debbie Vahlenkamp. Congratulations to the couple on their new establishment and we wish them the best.

Saturday evening Dale and Carm Letz, Doug and Debbie Vahlenkamp joined Shawna Kiser and Kirk Williamson of Roby at Skeet’s in Anson for dinner out.

On Sunday, Dale and Carm and Terry Letz attended church services at the East Side Baptist Church in Haskelland saw Dale and Carm’s granddaughter, Darbee New, get baptized. Other family members present were parents, Micah and Lacey New, Laynee and Hazelee, grandparents Mike and Teresa New and other family members. Congratulations, Darbee, and God Bless.

On Tuesday evening Danny and Phyllis Letz joined other musicians at the home of Larry and Susan Lefevre in Rule to begin practice for this year’s Hee Haw which will be held in March.

Pide and Mittie Dunham visited with their granddaughter, Sonja Dunham,

OLD GLORY NEWS

By Anita Dozier while they were in Abilene on Monday.

Billie Sue Day of Decatur arrived on Wednesday to spend a couple of days with her brother, Pide Dunham and Mittie. Her being there gave Mittie time to go places and take care of things that needed to be done. They enjoyed Billie Sue’s visit and help.

Bo Creighton was getting off his excavator and tripped and fell. He broke several ribs and punctured a lung. He was sent to Lubbock and is in the Covenant Hospital. Whiz stated on Sunday that he was doing some better, but is very sore. We wish him a speedy recovery.

We are very glad that Bernice Rhoads knee surgery went well and she is back.

Her children, Sherry Breeding of Amarillo and Tom Lee Rhoads of Kilgore are staying with her.

Kara Briggs and Crete of Haskell visited with her grandparents, Glen and Helen Pierce, and enjoyed having lunch with them on Saturday. Kim Lowack of OG visited with her parents, Glen and Helen, on Saturday afternoon.

Daughter, Marcie Tucker, and I attended the DRI dinner at the Convention Center in Abilene on Saturday evening. Dr. Norm Dozier, began establishing the Disability Resource Center when he saw a need for many folks. He was honored on Saturday for thirty years of dedication in building the Center what it is today. So many of his friends flew in for this special time for Dr. Dozier. Gentlemen that started medical school with him in Galveston

were there, his friend that he started Kindergarten and graduated with was there from Houston and so many celebrities that have been here year after year to attend all the hunts, the cattle drives and other fund raisers to support the Resource Center. The Disability Resource has grown and more houses are being built as the need arises. The folks from the Center have a bell choir and performed for the folks in attendance.

They do great. Dr. Dozier received many awards. It was a lovely evening.

Thought for the week: “Always try to do something for the other fellow and you will be agreeably surprised how things come your way, how many pleasing things are done for you.”

Happy Birthday wishes go to Margie Fannin, Calvin Stegemoeller, Marla Mills, Abbey Dudensing, Anna Lynn Vahlenkamp, Tommy Smith, Mindy Howard, Johnnie English, Dana Martin, Donna Westbrook, Misty Laurey, Brooklyn Smith, Carolyn Burkman, Alden Lowack, Linda Kittley, Chayna Brown, Mitze Reeve, Judy Letz, Gail Lehrmann, Dave Adler, Butch Nuding, Cheyenne Bereuter, Paul Cox, Kevin Hertel, Judy Hale, John Kieke, Barbara Billington, Karla Brewer, Jace Manske, and Kyla Massey. We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to Jamie and Dana Harms, Randy and Denise Cochran, Robert and Norma McLellan, and Virgil and Geneva Vahlenkamp. Have a wonderful day.

FEBRUARY 15, 2019

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800± AC - White Ghost River Ranch - Salt Fork of the Brazos! Views of the River Canyon!

668± AC - MZ East Pasture Ranch - Ready to Hunt, Spectacular Views!

387± AC - Great Hunting w/ Cabin Set Up and Ready to Hunt!

300± AC- Great View of Double Mtns. w/ scenic deep canyons, large neighbors, great hunting!

240± AC - Cooper 240 - Pasture w/ Great Hunting North of Hamlin. SOLD 130± AC- Youngers 130 Good Cultivation

and great Hunting!

108± AC - Shinnery Close to the River.

TAYLOR COUNTY

76± AC - Near Jim Ned School.

CR 499 35 -46 AC tracts - Call for information!

25 Ac Braune Road Home site with outstanding views! Reduced Price $139,900

Sagebrush Living Center has openings for Direct Care Staff for 2 to 10 evening shift and a weekend Janitor for 7 to 3 shift. Please pickup applications at Sagebrush Living Center, 1101 Columbia St., Stamford or call 325-773-2791 for more information.

Paint Creek ISD has an immediate opening for a full-time custodian. $9.00 per hour. 7:30 am – 4:00 pm Apply at Paint Creek School, 4485 FM 600, Haskell or call 940-864-2868 for more information.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice for Bid The City of Stamford will accept sealed bids for the lease of approximately sixty (60) acres of land located off FM Road 2976 at Lake Stamford.

Bids are due in the office of the City Manager by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 22, 2019.

Sealed bids may be sent to Attention: City Manager, P.O. Box 191, Stamford, Texas 79553 or hand delivered to City Hall, 201 E. McHarg, Stamford, Texas 79553. Any questions may be directed to City Hall at 325773-2591. Bids will be opened Monday, March 4, 2019 during the regular scheduled Stamford City Council Meeting. The City reserves the right to accept or deny any and all bids.

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF JONES

By virtue of Tax Warrant issued out of the 259th District Court of Jones County, Texas in Cause # TX011467 on the 28th day of January, 2019, by the Clerk thereof, and to me as Sheriff, directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell at 11:00 am on the 5th day of March, 2019 at the South Door of the Jones County Courthouse, in Anson, Texas, the properties described below: TX011467 City of Stamford, Et al vs. Owners of Various Properties Located Within the City Limits of Stamford, Texas.

Tract 1:

PUBLIC NOTICE Lot Fourteen (14), in Block One Hundred and Eleven (111), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (13768) Tract 2: All of the North One Hundred and Twenty-five Feet (N/125’) of Lot Eight (8), in Block One Hundred and Thirteen (113), of the Original town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (15288) Tract 3: Lot Thirteen (13), in Block One Hundred and Nineteen (119), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (22632) Tract 4: Lot Four (4), in Block Ninety-six (96), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (17904) Tract 5: Lots Eight (8), Nine (9), Ten (10), Eleven (11), Twelve (12), Thirteen (13), and Fourteen (14), in Block Four (4), of the Clark Addition, to the Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (13467) Tract 6: Lots One (1), Two (2), Three (3), Four (4), Five (5), Six (6), and Seven (7), in Block Four (4), of the Clark Addition, to the Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (13465) Tract 7: All North One Hundred and Eleven Feet (N/111’), of Lots Thirteen (13) and Fourteen (14), in Block Sixty-two (62), to the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (26839) Tract 8: Lot Four (4), in Block Ninety-four (94), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (17796) Tract 9: Lot Five (5), in Block Ninety-four (94), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (16173) Tract 10: Lot Seven (7), in Block Ninetyfour (94), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County Texas (16189) Tract 11: Lot Ten (10), in Block Ninetythree (93), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (21411) Tract 12: Lot Twelve (12), in Block Eightyseven (87), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (20452)

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Tract 13: Lot Five (5), in Block One Hundred Seven (107), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (28939) Tract 15: Lot Twelve (12), in Block Eightyeight (88), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (16634) Tract 16: Lot Eleven (11), in Block Eightyeight (88), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (18555) Tract 17: Lot Eight, (8), in Block Eightyeight (88), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (18838) Tract 18: Lot Fourteen (14), in Block Eighty-nine (89), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (21664) Tract 19: Lot Eleven (11), in Block Eightynine (89), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (14728) Tract 20: Lot Eight (8), in Block Eightynine (89), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (24749) Tract 21: Lot Thirteen (13), in Block Seven (7), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (13573) Tract 22: Lot Five (5) and the West Half (W/2) of Lot Six (6), in Block One Hundred and Fourteen (114), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (23724) Tract 23: Lot Eleven (11), in Block One Hundred and Seven (107), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (26158) Tract 24: Lot Three (3), in Block One Hundred and Seven (107), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (20923) Tract 25: Lot Nine (9), in Block Three (3), of the Clark Addition, to the Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (27099) Tract 26: Lot Ten (10), in Block Three (3), of the Clark Addition, to the Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (27100) Tract 27: Lot Ten (10), in Block Eighty-nine (89). of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (27296) Tract 28:

The North Seventy-five Feet (N/75’) of Lot Three (3), in Block One Hundred and Twelve (112), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (27297) Tract 29: Lot Thirteen (13), in Block Eightyeight (88), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (10077) Tract 30: Lot Twelve (12), in Block EightyNine (89), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (21663) Tract 31: Lot Twelve (12), in Block One Hundred and Ten (110), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas (21662) LEVIED ON the 29th day of January, 2019, as the property of those persons listed above to satisfy taxes, penalties, and interest and all costs of seizure and sale against those persons listed in said Warrant and any other unknown owners in favor of the Taxing Units listed in said Tax Warrants.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS THE 29th DAY OF January, 2019. /s/ Danny Jimenez Sheriff, Jones County, Texas

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administration for the Estate of Nagene Young Petty, Deceased, were issued on February 8, 2019, in Cause No. 18-7370, pending in the County Court of Jones County, Texas, to: Eleanor Y. Taylor.

All persons having claims against this Estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

McMahon Surovik Suttle, PC P.O. Box 3679 Abilene, TX 79604 Telephone: (325) 676-9183 Facsimile: (325) 676-8836 email: ewallace@mcmahonlawtx.com Dated the 8th day of February, 2019 /s/ Elizabeth Noblo Wallace State Bar No. 24077244

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF JONES By virtue of Tax Warrant issued out of the 259th District Court of Jones County, Texas in Cause # TX011466 on the 25th day of January, 2019, by the Clerk thereof, and to me as Sheriff, directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell at 11:00 am on the 5th day of March, 2019 at the South Door of the Jones County Courthouse, in Anson, Texas, the properties described below: TX011466

City of Anson, Et al vs. Owners of Various Properties located within the City Limits of Anson, Texas.

Tract 1: All of Lot Two (2), in Block Fiftythree (53), of the Original Town of Anson, Jones County, Texas (20010) Tract 2: Lots Five (5) and Six (6), in Block Thirty (30), of the Original Town of Anson, Jones County Texas (24339) Tract 3: Lot One (1), in Block Two Hundred and Five (205), in the

Join the team at Stamford Residence & Rehab

CNA OPENINGS Call or Stop By and See Marsha Mickler, RN, Director of Nurses 325-773-3671 1003 Columbia Stamford, TX 79553

Johnson Addition, to the Town of Anson, Jones County, Texas (15555) Tract 4: Lot Two (2) and Three (3), in Block Fourteen (14), of the Edmonds Addition, to the Town of Anson, Jones County, Texas (19883) Tract 5: Lot Four (4), in Block Two Hundred and Eight (208), of the Johnson Addition, to the Town of Anson, Jones County, Texas (26934) Tract 6: Lot Four (4), in Block Fifty-six (56), of the Original Town of Anson, Jones County, Texas (28466) LEVIED ON the 28th day of January, 2019, as the property of those persons listed above to satisfy taxes, penalties, and interest and all costs of seizure and sale against those persons listed in said Warrant and any other unknown owners in favor of the Taxing Units listed in said Tax Warrants.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS THE 28th DAY OF January, 2019. /s/ Danny Jimenez Sheriff, Jones County, Texas

FEBRUARY 15, 2019

15

Murder Trial Wrap-up

BY KAY SPEARS Jones County citizens have seen two murder trials in the past five months.

The first was a capital murder trial resulting in a guilty verdict and a death sentence. The second has ended in a guilty verdict and a sentence of life in prison and a $10,000 fine for Wesley Dale Mason, 43.

Mason was convicted on January 30, 2019 of killing Kurt Dustin “Dusty” Childress, 39, on the morning of March 4, 2017. The delay in the trial was due to Mason’s first attorney, John S. Young of Sweetwater, TX, being convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison for forging a client’s will. Mason was represented at trial by Randy Wilson and Kristin Postell of Abilene, TX. District Attorney Joe Edd Boaz of the 259th District Court and Taylor County Criminal District Attorney James Hicks prosecuted the case. The District Court covers Jones and Shackelford Counties.

Boaz has been DA for 5 yrs. and Hicks has been DA in Taylor County since 2016.

Childress was shot on County Road 341 in Jones County, east of the Abilene Environmental Landfill and died after being taken to Hendricks Medical Center. He received four slugs from a shotgun which included one in the left thigh, two in the right thigh and one in the chest.

The medical examiner from Tarrant County, TX, Tasha Greenberg, MD, testified to the autopsy she performed on Childress.

Greenberg stated it was the chest shot that killed Childress and his body had multiple injuries from double aught buckshot and birdshot wounds.

Greenberg went over the forensic toxicology report and stated Childress had a therapeutic dose of Adderall in his system at the time of his death. She

stated Adderall is prescribed for, among other illnesses, ADHD. It was noted that he was wearing a handgun holster before being prepped for the autopsy. In prior testimony Joshua Burson, Texas Ranger stated there was a Glock brand handgun near Childress when he was found. A witness testified that Childress’ motorcycle was laying in the road with a “Kinfolk” vest. This indicated Childress was affiliated with the Kinfolk Motorcycle Club.

Mason sped off after the shooting in a blue pick-up truck to a friend’s house nearby, where police found him. Two men driving on the road stopped at the end of the altercation and called 9-1-1. Childress called his wife after being shot. His wife and daughter arrived and were “distraught,” a witness reported.

According to court documents Mason was a member of the “Bandido Motorcycle Gang” on the day of the murder. Before his arrest, Mason was taken to Hendricks Medical Center to be treated for a gunshot wound to his left foot and he tested positive for having methamphetamine in his system. At the time of the shooting Mason was on community supervision in Taylor County, TX, and was not to have a firearm or controlled substance in his possession. “He was not to have a firearm if he was a member of a criminal street gang.”

Mason admitted to “helping tamper with &/ or conceal the body of Cary Rodney Tate in Jones County, TX, after he had been killed in Abilene, Taylor County, TX on December 27, 2014” and was sentenced to probation for eight years, taking him into 2022. Mason admitted to stabbing two people at Logan’s Roadhouse in Abilene, TX on November 2, 2013 “in furtherance of an altercation between

the Bandido Motorcycle Club and the Cossacks Motorcycle Club.” The aggravated assault charge was dropped as part of the Tate case plea deal.

After Mason was arrested for the murder of Childress, Hicks issued a Motion to Revoke probation order. For the probation violation alone, Mason could have been sent to prison for 20 years. As it is, Mason will be incarcerated for life.

Mason asked for the jury to hand down his sentence. He was sentenced to “life” and “life” is considered to be 60 years.

His sentence was not “life without the possibility of parole,” it was “life.” According to the DA’s office, it means that in 30 years Mason will be “eligible to be considered” for parole.

In 30 years, Mason will be 73.

It would have taken the two people involved in this altercation to bring out the motive, however one of them was killed. It may never be known if it was personal or biker “club” related. As usual, family and friends are left to pick up the pieces and get on with their lives. If it is any consolation, justice can be found in Jones County, TX.

16 FEBRUARY 15, 2019

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

More Answers on the Solar Project

BY KAY SPEARS The Jones County Commissioners Court met on Monday, February 11, 2019 at 8:15am to accommodate a scheduling conflict. The Court consisted of Judge Dale Spurgin, County Commissioners James Clawson, Ross Davis and Joel Spraberry. Steve Lefevre was absent and Deputy County Clerk Titania McGee recorded the proceedings. Sheriff Danny Jimenez was present as were over 20 spectators.

Judge Spurgin opened the meeting and the minutes of the last regular and the called meetings were approved.

No action was taken on the Disaster Declaration or any items regarding FEMA, TDA and TDEM forms and requirements. FEMA continues to work on the preliminary disaster assessments.

A large portion of the meeting focused on the Anson Solar Center Tax Abatement. Included in this discussion were the representatives of the project and Alan Carmichael, attorney representing Jones County on the tax abatement process, as well as the Maintenance, Road Use and Crossing Agreement.

The representatives are Nick

McIntosh of Coronal Energy, a utility scale solar developer, and Brendon Westlake of Cummings Westlake, Industrial Property Tax Solutions.

Carmichael explained that the tax consulting firm they use, Pritchard and Abbott, has “thrown both of us a little bit of a curve over the weekend, in how they are going to treat value of the project under the Investment Tax Credit. The project has the ability to elect either to go under the Production Tax Credit or the Investment Tax Credit.” He explained they were looking at a year one write-off or deduction and now it will be amortized over five years. “We have a couple of balls in the air that we have to grab and make sure that both sides understand what we are dealing with value-wise.” There is also a P.I.L.O.T., which stands for a Payment In Lieu Of Taxes.

He stated the Commissioners have indicated a preference to abate 100% of the taxes but in lieu of that, agree to a fixed payment per megawatt.

The project will pay the fixed payment over a 10-year term of the abatement.

Decisions were not made at the meeting due to the changes the tax consulting firm brought

up. Westlake stated they would have to rework the solar values based on the new information Prichard and Abbott gave them recently and bring those numbers to the next Commissioners Court. He also stated that the changes stem from a new concept that hasn’t been implemented before this year.

It was made clear that applications have been made for three two hundred megawatt phases to ERCOT or Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Another acronym used is PPA or Power Purchase Agreement.

Carmichael summarized that they have two options going forward with selling electricity in this project. A Power Purchase Agreement is where the electricity is committed to be sold to one company for the term of 12 years for a certain amount. The other way would be to have no contract, which would be a risky day by day trading situation and the market varies. He stated that most of our wind energy is generated at night, when electricity prices are the lowest. Solar generates in the daytime when the demand for electricity and the price is higher.

Phase one is scheduled to begin in June.

It was asked for those in the audience to raise their hands if they are in favor of the abatement and there were many hands raised. No one raised their hand against the abatement. Jay Baccus asked how these changes affect the school district. Westlake stated he would get the revised starting value numbers to him.

Members of the Anson Hospital District were in attendance and stated they would follow the lead of the Commissioners Court.

A question arose from the audience concerning the economic impact to the area.

Carmichael stated in the construction phase there will be many people coming in to work. “Part of what we’ve done in the abatement agreement is to require that, during the construction and operation phases, if they can buy it locally, they have to buy the goods and services for this project from Jones County people. “That’s from donuts to batteries to gravel, to whatever.

A lot of what they need we don’t have in Jones County but there’s some stuff that the local merchants can supply. And we go a step further and say we’re going to put a 105% price

Jones County Commissioners Ross Davis (L) and Joel Spraberry (R) await the beginning of Court on Monday, February 11, 2019. prejudice. If you can buy it in county for 105% of what you can get it out of county, you still have to buy it in county.

We’re creating an incentive for them to spend their dollars, that we’re saving them, here.”

Judge Spurgin stated the construction phase will be about 24-30 months. After construction, there will be only one or two full-time jobs to handle the automated system.

Carmichael stated that it is encouraged for anyone who has services they can sell to a project “from catering to gravel to weed control to fencing, they are going to be required to buy that here under our terms.

You’ll see benefit there locally.

You’ll see motels and RV parks filled with laborers that are building.”

Another question was how the solar project will help a homeowner’s electric bill. It won’t, there is no trickle-down effect. However, the project agreement with the school system will probably lower property taxes for a few years.

Carmichael stated that at the end of this project, the project improvements will be removed and the land restored. “As landowners you have the most vested interest in that, to make sure your contract says, ‘Guys, when you are through, clean up your mess.’”

Commissioners Court went into Executive Session for consultation with Alan Carmichael.

Open session continued with the Anson Solar Center Road Use and Maintenance and Crossing Agreement.

Carmichael informed the Court he revised the draft of the agreement from upgrading roads at FEMA standards to

the “reasonable satisfaction of Jones County.” This will be part of the tax abatement agreement. Judge Spurgin reminded the Court that the project will be on an aggressive construction schedule and they will be working regardless of what the weather or the road conditions are. Carmichael stated he has seen projects in other areas where they have worked 24 hours a day with three different crews. The form and content of the agreement draft was approved.

The Bond for the Jones County Sheriff was approved.

Advertising the Proposal for Repairs of Low Water Crossing on CR 311 and Dead Man Creek was approved.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Amber Thompson and approved.

The next item was to Discuss and Take Action on Applications on Unexpired Term of Jones County Constable and Schedule a Called Commissioners Court Meeting for March 4, 2019 for Interviews. The salary is paid from the General Fund and from the Security Fund.

Applications will be taken until the close of business on February 22, 2019. There will be a regular meeting on Monday, February 25, 2019 and it is anticipated there will be a Called Meeting on March 4, 2019 for Interviews. A hiring decision is scheduled to be made by the regular meeting on March 11, 2019. It was noted the Sheriff’s office is taking care of the Bailiff duties at this time.

It was approved to Amend Budget and Line Items Transfers. It was approved to Pay Bills. The meeting was then adjourned.