February 14, 2020 - Stamford American

STAMFORD

American THE NEW

FEBRUARY 14, 2020

12 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION SERVING STAMFORD AND JONES COUNTY

INSIDE PAGE 3

MUSEUM: City and Museum discuss Future of Museum

PAGE 8-9

BASKETBALL: Boys and

Girls Teams Make Playoffs

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 11, ISSUE 39 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 98, ISSUE 45 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 114, ISSUE 46

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Trace Price signs a Letter of Intent to play football at ACU. (Photo courtesy of SHS)

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2 FEBRUARY 14, 2020

SHERIFF’S OFFICE ARREST REPORT

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THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST

2/2/20--2/8/20 2/2/2020 1:27:00 AM Luis Alejandro Ramos, Driving While Intoxicated MB, Immigration Hold 2/2/2020 6:17:00 PM Fikiria Nyawenda, Warrant (New Mexico) - Fail To Appear - Disorderly Conduct 2/4/2020 8:20:00 AM Deon Richele Anderson, Warrant (Haskell Co) - Poss CS Meth 2/4/2020 9:03:00 AM Laramy Leihdon Richardson, Warrant (Jones Co) - DWI - Bac Over 0.15 2/5/2020 5:24:00 AM Dylan Mueller, Warrant - Parole Violation 2/5/2020 8:48:00 PM Dillion Bronc Freasier, Warrant (Callahan Co) - Criminal Trespass MB 2/8/2020 9:31:00 PM Makayla Frances Fuller, Poss Marij >2oz<=4oz MA, Warrant (Midland Co) - Prostitution MB 2/8/2020 9:38:00 PM Brishana Wright, Poss Marij >2oz<=4oz MA

BALES GINNED AT AREA GINS as of 2/9/20 Ericksdahl Coop Gin - 6672 (final) Farmer’s Coop Gin-Stamford - 25,114 (final) Farmer’s Coop Gin-Radium - 9,037 (final) Farmer’s Coop Gin-Anson - 16,268

Happy Birthday!

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Swenson to Serve as Stamford Track Coach With the unexpected retirement of a coach at semester, the Stamford ISD Athletic Department was left with a void in the head boys track position.

After careful consideration, Coach Phil Swenson has agreed to coach the high school boys track team this spring.

As many of you know, Coach Swenson has had an outstanding career as a coach in multiple sports including track. As a track coach, Phil Swenson has 12 district team championships, 2 area team championships, 4 state runner up teams, and 3 state team championships. 5 of Coach Swenson’s track teams set new state meet records.

In addition to team success, Coach Swenson has coached 138 individual regional qualifiers, 35 relay team regional qualifiers, 27 individual state qualifiers, and 19 relay team state qualifiers.

Coach Swenson has been inducted in the Texas Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame as well as the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame. Stamford ISD is grateful and excited that Coach Swenson has agreed to use his vast knowledge to guide our boys track program over the next few months. We look forward to success this spring in all of our student activities including boys track.

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

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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

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Community

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 3

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A Joint Meeting: The Cowboy Country Museum and Stamford City Council

BY KAY SPEARS It has been a long time since the Cowboy Museum Board of Trustees has held a meeting. It has been a long time, about eight months, since the Museum was closed due to mold infestation. The Board of Trustees of the Cowboy Country Museum (CCM) in Stamford and the Stamford City Council met Tuesday, February 4, 2020, 5:30pm at the CCM, 113 S. Wetherbee. In attendance were CCM Board Members Robert Smith, Kelly Williamson, Titania McGee, Craig Gilbert, Mayor James Decker, City Manager Alan Plumlee, City Secretary Kim Bryant, Councilmen Robert Wingrove, Paul Wright and Ken Roberson.

City Manager Plumlee distributed a report by King Consultants Environmental of Lubbock, Texas, dated January 20, 2020 and stated there is “no such thing” as zero mold.

He said air samples were taken and compared with an outside air sample. He stated there are low levels of “air pollutant mold” and not “building mold.” The letter stated a visual inspection was performed on the hall and show room-1 on January 17, 2020 after the recommended additional cleaning had been performed.

Benji Rumsey, Environmental Consultant from the Abilene location of King Consultants, signed the letter stating, “It appears that all recommendations have been completed, the carpets are clean and all surfaces have been wiped down. All re-

The Cowboy Country Museum Board and the Stamford City Council met on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at the CCM to discuss the future of the Museum. quirements of the previous clearance letter have been met, and normal work activity can now commence in the area, and no further remediation or cleaning is required at this time. There are no further current recommendations.”

Plumlee read from another letter he received from King Consultants stating there was an air-quality sample taken from outside and a sample taken from the show room-1 inside the CCM. The sample from the show room-1 showed low levels of Penicillium Aspergillus on the particulate sample.

Plumlee stated the additional cleaning was completed and “here we are today.”

Williamson stated the

original estimate was $41,000. Mayor Decker stated that estimate was from Service Master. Plumlee explained the actual cost was between $4,000 and $5,000. Mayor Decker stated the Council had decided “a couple of years ago” that it would provide $3-$4,000 for building maintenance. They would supply the building and keep it maintained and the day-to-day operations would come out of the Museum’s hotel/motel tax money.

Williamson stated that nothing had to be done to the new addition, on the south side of the building. Wright suggested having the carpet in the whole Museum cleaned on a yearly basis. Wil-

liamson explained that the air-conditioner was short cycling by cooling down rapidly and shutting off.

By short cycling, there wasn’t time to take the humidity out of the air.

He stated a humidifier has been in use and it is now at 45 percent humidity and that it should be between 40 and 60 percent. He said lower than 40 percent will result in a bug problem and higher than 60 percent results in a mold problem.

He stated there was a hole in the back, right underneath the foundation which would dump water under the building. The hole has since been filled with concrete.

SEE MUSEUM, PG 12

OBITUARIES

Scarlett Joan (Berry) Baldwin Scarlett Joan (Berry) Baldwin transitioned to be with the Lord, her husband, parents and many other relatives and friends on January 16th, 2020. A memorial service was held on February 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at Whilshire Baptist Church in Dallas with Pastor George Butler.

Born on July 21, 1945 in Stamford, Jones County, Texas to Alfred Chester ‘Al’ Berry, Sr. and Martha Elizabeth (Corley) Berry, she had come to be known to most family and close friends simply as, ‘Nano.’

Left to carry on her legacy are her son, Berry Keith Baldwin of Dallas, and daughter, Scarlett Elizabeth ‘Libbi’ Smith, husband Ryan and grandson, Langston Joel Smith of Dallas. She is also survived by her brother, A.C. ‘Acie’ Berry, Jr. and wife Kristi of Georgetown, a nephew, A.C. ‘Cacie’ Berry, III his wife Jessica and her great nephew A.C. ‘Jace’ Berry, IV of Alvarado, in addition to many cousins and close friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James ‘Jim’ Baldwin, her parents Martha and Al, and her stepsons, James Byron ‘Jimmy’ Baldwin, Jr. and Robert Hillsman ‘Bobby’ Baldwin.

Scarlett was a seasonal employee of Huston Hardware while attending Stamford High School, from which she graduated in 1963. In the following years, she attended Texas Tech University. She was subsequently employed for a number of years as a key punch operator at a farm service agency in Lubbock, managed a retail catalog store in Stamford, before resuming work as a key punch operator for insurance companies in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas. Then, she worked alongside her husband in his dental practice.

She married Dr. James B. ‘Jim’ Baldwin, DDS on April 11, 1970 in Stamford, Texas. They made their home in Dallas, Texas and remained together until his death in 1998. Two children, a son and a daughter resulted from this union.

Well known for her cooking and baking skills, Scarlett spent many late nights in the kitchen meticulously crafting cakes and hors d’oeuvres for a variety of special events.

Her attention to detail was made manifest in a wedding catering and decorating business she ran with her mother, Martha. These skills and others were further employed in her work as an active member of PTA. From the early ‘90s she was an avid NBA fan, especially of her home team, the Dallas Mavericks and enjoyed watching games with her family both live and on television.

She loved good music and embraced a wide array of styles, regularly listening to and making requests to her favorite radio shows on KNON 89.3FM in Dallas, ‘Meridien to Bakersfield,’ ‘Magic Time Warp,’ ‘The Rockabilly Revue,’ and ‘Who Cares!?’ using the name her daddy called her, ‘Joanie.’

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to help keep one of her favorite shows, ‘Meridien to Bakersfield’ on the air. https://is.gd/JoanieLovedGoodMusic Please select DJ Lefty for the Meridien to Bakersfield Show when making your pledge. Being sure to include, ‘In Memory of ‘Joanie’ in the comments section.

4 FEBRUARY 14, 2020

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Stamford ISD Board Met

OBITUARIES

Terry Murphy

BY KAY SPEARS

Terry Murphy, 64, died Tuesday, February 11, 2020, Anson General Hospital. Services will be 11:00 a.m.

Friday, February 14, 2020 at the Hawley Church of Christ. Burial will be in Hawley Cemetery, directed by AdamsGraham Funeral Home. Family visitation will be 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 13, 2020, at Adams-Graham Funeral Home, 732 Ave. I in Anson.

Born February 24, 1955 in Loraine, Terry was a son of the late Eugene and Imogene (Brown) Murphy. He was raised in Hawley and was an LVN for Anson General Hospital and Stamford Memorial Hospital for many years. Terry was a volunteer firefighter for the Hawley Fire Department and was named Firefighter of the Year in 1988. He also was a previous mayor of Hawley.

Terry married Sharlet Owens Rodriguez June 23, 2019 in Avoca.

Terry was preceded in death by his father (Eugene Murphy).

Survivors include his wife, Sharlet Murphy of Stamford; his son, Patrick Murphy (and wife, Jordee) of Hawley; Patrick’s mother, Dianna Murphy; three grandchildren, Braylen, Kaysen and Lennyn; one brother, Steve Murphy (and wife, Melinda) of Hawley; two sisters, Connie Murphy of Hawley and Debra Cory (and husband, Doug) of Hawley; four step children, Sarah Neatherlin, Brittany Chavez, Ricky Rodriguez, Jr. and Ryan Rodriguez; and ten step grandchildren.

The Stamford ISD Board of Trustees met in the Stamford High School Media Center on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 6:00pm. In attendance were Superintendent Will Brewer, Assistant Superintendent Staci Robertson, Gwen Baker, Curtis Birdsong, Justin Corzine, Cary McClintock, Callie MetlerSmith and Eric Strand. Jennifer Caddell was unable to attend. Curtis Birdsong opened the meeting and Callie Metler-Smith gave the invocation.

The Public Hearing on the 2018-2019 Texas Academic Performance Report was held within the 90-day requirement. Under Administrative Reports, there were no questions concerning the Investment and Finance Report, Bills/ Claims or Enrollment/Attendance Data.

Kyle Chambers, Principal of Oliver Elementary, began the Principal Reports segment of the meeting.

He reported the school being in a pre-testing mode and the teachers are going through the data, making adjustments, getting ready for the STAR. Activities in the past month included the 100th day of school.

The fourth and fifth graders are involved in Book Clubs. He explained small groups of students are choosing books to read and participate in activities. They are enjoying learning the strategies and skills they need to be

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successful through the choices they are making.

The last assignment was biographies. The Daddy Daughter Dance is February 13, 2020, the Muffins with Moms will be on the morning of March 6th and Career Day will be on February 28th.

Chase Seelke, Principal of Stamford High School, stated they have many events including Basketball, Power Lifting and UIL Academic Meet. The District UIL Academic Meet will be at the end of March.

He stated Speech and Debate Teams are busy along with the One-Act Plays.

Spring in High School is “a crazy time” with “kids going everywhere.”

Starting up is tennis, golf, track, FFA teams and stock shows.

The teachers and staff at SHS give support, including technical resources and TLC groups, to students that are away from the classroom. They have intervention schedules when students are struggling because there are not in class.

The Band will have their UIL competition on February 26th. Orlando Moreno participated in the All-Star Band in Wichita Falls, Texas, at the end of January. February is Focus on Careers Month. Through their partnership with Workforce Solutions there are different challenges each day of February sent to the students through email. Prizes for individuals and for the school are

The Family of Scarlett Joan (Berry) Baldwin would like to thank Carol Lee (Grimes) Poush and the 1963 Senior Class of Stamford High School for their thoughtfulness, generosity and care shown by the beautiful potted plant delivered to the memorial service.

in play.

Torrey Price, Principal of Stamford Middle School, was unable to attend.

Birdsong gave him kudos for the history teacher teaching students through a game format. Brewer reported the Middle School wrapped up their basketball season with a lot of progress shown. Track has begun and interim assessments for STAR. The Service Center will be visiting on March 2nd, to do a diagnostic of the campus.

This will include feedback on culture and data driven instruction.

Brewer gave his Superintendent’s Report which included nailing down the 25-minute Cybersecurity Training at the March 23rd Board Meeting. The Board Agenda format has been updated.

The Consent Agenda consisted of the following and was approved as one action item: The minutes of the previous regular meeting on January 16, 2020, Stamford ISD Budget Amendment, Tri-County Education Co-op Budget Amendment.

Property bids: 1.Lot Eight (8) in Block Five (5) of the Original Town (R21789) 2.Lot Three (3) in Block Thirty (39) of Original Town (R20521) 3.Lot Two (2) in Block Ninety-two (92) of the

Original Town (R16230) 4.Lot 3 (3), Block 92 (92), Original Town (R28330) Next Board Meeting: Monday, March 23, 2020 at 6:00 pm Next on the agenda, Stamford ISD Security Policy Plan (SB 820) was approved by the Board.

The 2020-2021 District Calendar was approved. It was decided to have 2021 Spring Break coincide with other school districts for March 8-12. The meeting was adjourned.

The next SISD Board Meeting is planned for Monday, March 23, 2020, 6:00pm in the SHS Media Center. These meetings are open to the public.

The Stamford American is starting to live stream or video tape the meetings and can be seen on their Face Book page, The New Stamford American.

VIP Menu

February 17-21

Monday Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Garden Salad, Garlic Bread, Cinnamon Apple Tuesday Hamburger Steak with Onion & Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Salad, Chocolate Pudding

Wednesday Riblet, Ranch Beans, Potato Salad, Apple Cobbler Thursday Sweet & Sour Chicken, Oriental Rice, Fortune Cookie , Mandarin Orange Friday Tuna Salad, Pea Salad, Corn Salad, Crackers, Melon

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Commissioners Court is Followed by TMPFC Meeting

BY KAY SPEARS The Jones County Commissioners Court met for the first February meeting on Monday, February 10, 2020, 9:00am in the Commissioners Courtroom on the third floor of the Jones County Courthouse in Anson, Texas. In attendance were Judge Dale Spurgin, the Jones County Commissioners: James Clawson (Pct. 1), Lonnie Vivian (Pct. 2), Ross Davis (Pct. 3), and Joel Spraberry (Pct. 4), County Clerk LeeAnn Jennings, County Auditor Gwen Bailey, County Tax Assessor Collector Gloria Little and County Sheriff Danny Jimenez.

The minutes of the last regular meeting on January 27, 2020 were approved after Judge Spurgin called the Commissioners Court to order. The following trust property bids were approved. A bid submitted

by Angie Looney for the purchase of (R20521), Lot 3 in Block 39, of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $35.00. Court cost has been waived.

A bid submitted by John Millies for the purchase of (R16230), Lot 2 in Block 92, of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $100.00. Court cost has been waived.

A bid submitted by John Millies for the purchase of (R28330), Lot 3 in Block 92, of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County,

Texas; being that property more particularly described in a Warrant Deed with Vendor’s Lien recorded in Volume 108, Page 824 of the Deed Records of Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $1,000.00. Court cost has been waived.

An update was given by Judge Spurgin concerning Disaster Declaration and all items related to FEMA, TDA and TDEM forms, requirements for the County projects. Number 4269 is waiting on TDA to do the closeout on the contract.

Number 4216 is the newer one and the Commissioners continue to work on the projects. No action was required.

The road crossing agreement for the Road Crossing Agreement for Anson Solar Center, LLC, Phase 1 was approved. This concerns road crossings at three locations in Precinct 1.

Documentation is needed due to this being subject to the Tax Abatement Agreement.

There were no new bids regarding Material and Hauling, no action was needed. Commissioner Davis stated he wanted to purchase a 2001 Cat Packer, which may be a trade deal. The cost will be $35,000.00, with the trade.

The purchase was approved and, related to this, the trade was approved as the Sale of Surplus Property agenda item.

No action was taken on the Jones County Personnel Policy. No action was taken

to reinstate the Burn Ban due to the recent rain and snow received. There is no Burn Ban in effect.

The County Treasurer was not present, and the Treasurer’s Report was not given. The item Amend Budget and Approve Line Item Transfers was approved, and it was approved to pay the bills. A CPS Attorney has submitted bills for $27,000 for cases worked on for the past several years. Judge Spurgin stated this will be monitored with the 259th District Court. There was no further business to address and the meeting was adjourned before the Texas Midwest Public Facility Corporation (TMPFC) Board of Directors was convened.

A call was made to Attorney Herb Bristow to receive his report on the Bluebonnet Detention Facility. He gave the Board the expected plans for the next period regarding the facility receiving more detainees. The Board approved the Pay Application from Contractor to Operator. Judge Spurgin gave an update on the construction of the warehouse on the property. He stated they are near completion.

The Board then approved billing for Bluebonnet under ICE IGSA for reimbursement of Operator and authorize payment

by Trustee of Requisitions upon receipt of funds.

Bristow stated documents will be ready by the end of the week to submit to the Texas Attorney General’s

Office for their review and approval regarding restructured financing. A Called Meeting may be necessary as every modification requires Board approval.

It was approved to authorize Judge Spurgin on behalf of the TMPFC, Bluebonnet Detention Center, to execute resolutions and submit payment requisitions for regularly recurring bills before the next called meeting. Bristow stated the Operator is confident they will be able to be fully staffed soon. The problem is with the medical staff, hiring and background checks of qualified medical people. The detainee number remains at 350 at this time. The meeting was adjourned.

FEBRUARY 14, 2020

ORGANIC AG LARGELY AVOIDED TRADE-WAR HIT (Stateline): Organic farmers are far less reliant on ag exports than conventional growers and they suffered less from the Sino-U.S. trade war; some qualified for Trump’s trade-war bailout.

FUNDING FOR FIGHT AGAINST LOCUSTS (FAO): The Africa Solidarity Trust donated $1 million to combat a surge of the desert locust, «the most dangerous migratory pest in the world,» in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.

CONSERVATION DRIVE TARGETS ‘30 BY 30’ (Udall): Former Interior secretaries Sally Jewell and Bruce Babbitt took part in announcing a campaign to protect 30 percent of U.S. lands and oceans by 2030 to mitigate climate change and protect plants and animals from extinction.

CHINA WILL BUY, SAYS KUDLOW (South China Morning Post): Chinese President Xi Jinping assured President Trump during a phone call that China will meet its commitments under the “phase one” agreement to buy large quantities of U.S. goods, including ag exports, said economic adviser Larry Kudlow.

AMID GROWING INTEREST IN HEMP, USDA STANDS FIRM ON RULES A lot of farmers will give industrial hemp a try this year, the first time cultivation is

5

KASN AG REPORT With Richard Kemp allowed nationwide, USDA officials predicted on Thursday.

But they said there was no way they could allow more THC in hemp despite complaints that the limit of 0.3 percent is so low that some growers will be penalized unfairly for a “hot” crop.

MISSOURI PEACH FARMER TESTIFIES ABOUT ALLEGED DICAMBA DAMAGE In the early 2000s, Bader Farms was the largest peach farm in Missouri, with annual yields averaging about 160,000 bushels. Fifteen years later, yields had dropped by more than 90 percent. Bill Bader blames dicamba, and now he’s suing its makers for millions of dollars in damages.

TRADE WAR AID IS SLANTED IN FAVOR OF THE SOUTH, SAYS STABENOW Farmers and ranchers are on their way to receiving $14.5 billion in trade war payments on their 2019 production, but that aid is skewed toward large farms and Southern states, said the senior Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday.

6 FEBRUARY 14, 2020

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ROTARY CLUB NEWS The boys and girls basketball teams began in early November preparing for the 2019-2020 basketball season. They have been in several tournaments as well as individual games preparing for District competition.

The Club invited Missy Dutchover, girls’ coach and Dean Edwards, boys’ coach, to talk to the Club and tell about their programs, their players and their expectations for the season. There are 33 players involved in the boys’ ninth grade, junior varsity and varsity basketball programs. There are more than 20 girls participating in the girls’ ninth grade, junior varsity and varsity basketball teams. Stamford is involved in a district with several competitive teams. The coaches think that our kids can be competitive.

Luke Thane, Truett Ekdahl, and Houston Koeing, students from Craig Gilbert’s speech class, competed in the 2A Congressional Competition on January 13-15.

The contest models the legislative process of the U. S. Congress. The first part of the competition was held at UT in Austin and finals were held at the State Capitol.

At the tournament, students caucus in committees, deliver formal discourse on the merits and disadvantages of each piece of legislation, and vote to pass or defeat the measures. The students talked about their observations and experiences. Luke Thane won Outstanding Presiding Officer.

Last week, we had some of the boys from Mr. Gilbert’s speech class talk about the UIL competition that they recently competed. Chloe Hall and Thalia Ponce talked about their competition in UIL Policy Debate at the District 8-AA meet. They explained more about the competition and what they needed to do to be competitive.

They competed against Albany, Cross Plains, Haskell, Hawley and Roscoe. The girls won first place and we are proud of our students because they represent Stamford well wherever they compete.

Lueders-Avoca Senior Night: (LtoR) Jeremiah Jarvis, Riley Moore, Ethan Lieb, Mattie Barnes, Gloria Moorefield, Kristen Johns, Lexi Williams and Alyssa Wyatt. (Photo courtesy of Roger Niehaus)

PAINT CREEK 2ND SIX WEEKS HONOR ROLL “A” HONOR ROLL

1ST GRADE: Rylan Garner, Jessalyn Townsend 2ND GRADE: Brandy Wilkerson 3RD GRADE: Halen Bauer, Kylee Delmasso, Rylee Gunter, Jazlyn O’Donnell 4TH GRADE: Kamryn Delmasso, Alexa Yanez 6TH GRADE: Maddy Tucker 7TH GRADE: Katie Perez 9TH GRADE: Cam Ponder, Levi Rhoads 10TH GRADE: Sky Barrera, Ana Hall 11TH GRADE: Haylee Garcia 12TH GRADE: Desiree Acosta, Maddie Davis, Bailee Thomas

“A/B” HONOR ROLL

1ST GRADE: Aiden Ashley, Aiden Chavez, Tristan Goulet, Felicia Henderson, Kannyn Taylor 2ND GRADE: Kash Holder, Jaxson Wilkerson

3RD GRADE: Maci Garner, Zoey Townsend, Kylie Wescott 4TH GRADE: Eli Hicks, Kaelem Nystrom, Jenna Scheets, Jerry Scheets, Savannah Shimp 5TH GRADE: Jenny Scheets 6TH GRADE: Alyssa Anguiano, Harry Boyd, Ericka Hernandez, Audrianna Yanez 7TH GRADE: Andrew Castorena, Natalya Mays 8TH GRADE: Phaiden Spikes 9TH GRADE: Gus Blair, Madison Harp 10TH GRADE: Chris Acosta, Dylan Souther 11TH GRADE: William Bogle, Jasmine Boyd, Zane Flores, Ashton Grand, Dyna Knowles, Tanna Ledbetter, Zamantha Ramos, Nick Rogers, Brianna Yanez 12TH GRADE: Kayla Bosnjak

PAINT CREEK 3RD SIX WEEKS HONOR ROLL “A” HONOR ROLL

1ST GRADE: Aiden Ashley, Aiden Chavez, Felicia Henderson 2ND GRADE: Kash Holder, Brandy Wilkerson 3RD GRADE: Halen Bauer, Kylee Delmasso, Maci Garner, Rylee Gunter, Jazlynn O’Donnell, Kylie Wescott 4TH GRADE: Kamryn Delmasso, Jerry Scheets, Savannah Shimp 9TH GRADE: Cam Ponder, Levi Rhoads 10TH GRADE: Sky Barrera, Ana Hall 11TH GRADE : Haylee Garcia 12TH GRADE: Desiree Acosta, Maddie Davis, Bailee Thomas

“A/B” HONOR ROLL

1ST GRADE: Nicholas Garner, Tristan Goulet, Kannyn Taylor Jessalyn Townsend, Kira Wescott

2ND GRADE: Ke’Anthony Green, Jaxson Wilkerson 3RD GRADE: Jeremiah Long 4TH GRADE: Racer Flynn, Abram Hernandez, Eli Hicks, Kaelem Nystrom, Jenna Scheets, Alexa Yanez 5TH GRADE: Jenny Scheets 6TH GRADE: Alyssa Anguiano, Harry Boyd, Ericka Hernandez, Alex Prichard, Maddy Tucker 7TH GRADE: Andrew Castorena, Katie Perez 9TH GRADE: Madison Harp 10TH GRADE: Dylan Souther 11TH GRADE: Jasmine Boyd, Ashton Grand, Dyna Knowles, Tanna Ledbetter, Zamantha Ramos, Brianna Yanez

Oh WOW, what a week???

I was so glad to get out on Friday. The snow was so beautiful and a lot of it, but the ice I do not like. It is so easy to slip and fall and break a bone. I think I got about 9 or 10 inches of snow, but out north they got 12. It snowed some of the biggest flakes that I had ever seen, so beautiful.

Every thing and every one had to shut down. Some of the schools were already shut down because of illness, so the snow and ice did not bother them. Lot of accidents. So sad.

Just want to remind everyone of the musical coming up on Saturday, the 22nd. If it’s bad during the week maybe by Saturday it will be O K and you can plan on coming to the musical. Concession stand will be open at 5:30 P M and the program will follow. Hope to see you there.

The Hobby Club will be meeting at the Sagerton Community Center at 2 P M on Thursday the 20th.

Theresa Anderson of Aspermont visited with Mittie Dunham and Gerral and Shelly Waldon last Sunday afternoon.

On Tuesday, Mittie and Shelly spent the day in Abilene for appointments and did some shopping.

On Friday, Mittie went to Aspermont and got lunches and went to enjoy eating and visiting with Alice Winters.

Carm Letz joined her daughter, Lacey New, on a journey to Abilene to take care of business and do some shopping on Saturday. Later Kirk Williamson and Shawna Kiser from Roby came to visit Dale and Carm Letz. They drove to Aspermont for dinner and then went to Doug and Debbie Vahlenkamps’ for a visit and to play dominos.

Phyllis Letz stated she had doctor’s appointments and Physical Therapy when she was able to get out, however, she said, Danny had a hard time getting his work done in the snow and ice.

Visiting with Glen and Helen Pierce on Saturday

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 7

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OLD GLORY NEWS

By Anita Dozier were Kara Briggs and Crete of Haskell. Kim Lowack visited with her parents, Glen and Helen, on Sunday.

Daughter, Susan Kittley, spent Monday with me.

On Friday, I drove to Abilene and following lunch with Susan, Maxell and little Duke I got to visit with Chris and Lindsey and then drove to near Tuscola to spend some time with Mike and Maxelle Baldree.

They took me with them to attend the Gaither Gospel Concert at the First Baptist Church in Abilene.

What a delightful program!

Then I spent the night with Mike and Maxelle and returned home on Saturday.

Daughter, Rita, spent the weekend in Prosper visiting with her daughters and families. Daughter Marcie was visiting with her daughter, Amanda, and family in Granbury. Aman-

da had passed the state exam and is now a RN and will be employed in a hospital next week.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO EVERYONE. Hope your day is very special.

Thought for the week: “Life is amazing, so be amazed. Do not act like you’ve seen it all before, live as though you’re seeing it all for the first time.”

Happy Birthday wishes go to Kim Dorethy, Joseph Turner, Terry Spaling, 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, Gary Cowan, Carolyn Burkman, Alden Lowack, Linda Kittley, Chayna Brown, Mitzi Reeves, Judy Letz, Gail Lehrmann, Dave Adler, Butch Nuding, Cheyenne Bereuter, Paul Cox, Kevin Hertel, Judy Hale, John Kieke, and Barbara Billington. We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to John and Cheryl Gibson, Jamie and Dana Harms, Randy and Diane Cochran, and Robert and Norma McLellan. Have a wonderful day.

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JONES COUNTY CALLS FOR SERVICE 2/2--2/8 911 Hang up/Open Line 1 Abandoned Vehicle 2 Assault 1 Disturbance 2 Fight 1 Harassment 1 Information Only 2 Livestock Out 10 Medical/EMS 5 Minor MVA 1 Motorist Assist 14 Prisoner Transfer 1 Public Service 7

Reckless Driver 1 Request Officer 4 Road Hazard 1 Routine Patrol 2 Shots Fired 1 Suspicious Activity 1 Suspicious Vehicle 5 Traffic Stop 31 Wanted Subject 2 Warrant Service 1 Weather 1

8 FEBRUARY 14, 2020

Bulldogs Whip Up on Bearcats and Buffaloes

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

The paw print

The Bulldogs handily defeated the Hawley Bearcats 61-24. Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Marcus Barber and Austin Brewer led the scoring with 20 and 13 respectively. Other scorers were Keyven Mueller with 9, Charles Moore 8, Trace Price 6, Lane Patton 3, and Stephon Johnson 2. Stamford now has an overall record of 21-7 and a District Record of 6-0.

Stamford 14 16 22 9--61 Hawley 5 3 9 7--24 Stamford continued their winning ways by overwhelming Cross Plains 75-24. Brewer had a whopping 33 points, Price scored 15, Barber had 12, Mueller 6, Patton 5, and Moore and Johnson had 2 apiece.

Stamford 17 16 21 21--75 C. Plains 7 4 5 8--24

8th Grade Girls Basketball Team (Photo by Bearden Photography

Lady Bulldogs Are Headed to Playoffs!

BI-DISTRICT Playoffs - Stamford vs Forsan @ Hermeleigh, Monday, February 17th @ 6:30 pm, Tickets--$5 for adults and students (Photo courtesy of Bearden Photography)

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FEBRUARY 14, 2020 9

JV girls end the season as undefeated District Champions! (Photo courtesy of SHS)

Bulldogs are District Champs!

(Photo courtesy of SHS)

2020 Basketball and Cheer Seniors (Photo courtesy of SHS)

10 FEBRUARY 14, 2020

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See-Through Leadership

In his book, “A Big Gospel in Small Places: Why Ministry in Forgotten Communities Matters,” author and pastor Stephen Witmer introduces the concept of the “see through” church. If we’re going to impact our places, we’ve got to understand why our places matter and why God wants us in our places. And if we’re going to do that, we’ve got to understand why God wants his people impacting the world at all.

In Ephesians 3:8-10, Paul writes: “to me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God

ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

Before Christ, God was accessible only through the intricacies of Old Testament law. The people approached God through the priests, who could approach God in the temple only as permitted by the law. When Jesus sacrificed himself on the Old Rugged Cross at Calvary, God became accessible to all,

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Jew and Gentile alike. But as Paul writes, we are called to be the vessel of God’s accessibility. We the church are to show God’s wisdom through our lives, through our words AND our actions.

Pastor Witmer uses the great example of a window and a wall. When he officiates weddings, he charges the newlyweds to aspire to be more like a window than a wall. A wall may be gorgeous and beautifully decorated, he writes, but our gaze stops at the wall.

A window, on the other hand, provides an infinite view. The value of a window is not what we see on the window, but what we see through the window.

Imagine your favorite window to look out. It might be at home, at a family member’s house, or at a vacation spot. Now imagine all the things you see from that window and all the happiness that the view brings you. That window provides you the oppor-

tunity to see it all. Witmer writes that a strong, Christcentered marriage should be like a window—by looking at the marriage, you see through it the love between Christ and the church.

A church should be the same way. If you look at the local church and see a wall—pretty things, but the view stops there—the local church is not doing its job.

The local church should be see-through like a window—when you look at the local church, you should see through to the love of Christ set forth in the Gospel. It’s an old axiom that character is what you do when nobody is watching. When I think about the “see through” church, I think of that axiom. Local churches do many things with high visibility (praise and worship, children’s programs, etc.) and as long as they’re done with the right heart, they’re vital to the church. But a healthy church is also doing lots of

things that very few people see and that may have little to no immediate return— ministering to shut-ins and serving the “least of these” among us comes to mind.

As you know, I’m keying on transformative action in 2020. Words matter, but so do actions. The action that matters is not action for action’s sake, but action that truly changes a community. I think this requires see-through leadership in our communities, beyond just our churches. It’s easy to undertake action that gets us on tv and gets a lot of “likes” on social media.

Those actions DO matter.

Publicity helps build enthusiasm and attract attention from people who can help move a community forward. But see-through leadership also requires undertaking the tasks that social media followers don’t see (or if they do, they’re not impressed). Just like see-through ministries of the church, those tasks

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 11:00 am

Nugent Church of Christ Nugent, Texas Wayne Kitchens, Preacher Sun. 10 Bible Classes 11 Morning Assembly

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

might not have an immediate return, but they’re vital to healthy leadership and transforming the health of a community.

What are the “seethrough” tasks in your community and how will you handle them?

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

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

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 Lutheran Church Sagerton, Texas 940-200-0723 AM Worship: 10:30 Family Church of Christ 1505 E. Wells St 325-773-5250 Worship: 9:45 a.m.

1st Assembly 1214 Compton Pastor John Shepard Worship: Saturday @ 6:00PM (325)267-0955

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

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. 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 11:00

Temple Baptist Church Jesse Morton 309 E Campbell 325-773-2550 AM Service: 11:00 Trinity Church Dr. Robert Wingrove 220 E. McHarg

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State Defends System of Choosing Presidential Electors Texas Deputy Solicitor General Matthew Frederick on Feb. 6 defended the Electoral College system in a case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Frederick, arguing on behalf of Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, maintained that Texas’ method of appointing presidential electors is consistent with the U.S. Constitution’s requirement that “each state shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal to the number of senators and representatives to which the state may be entitled in Congress.”

As most other states do, Texas appoints presidential electors on a winner-takesall basis to the presidential candidate who receives the most votes in a statewide election.

The case, brought by the League of United Latin American Citizens and several individual plaintiffs, challenges the constitutionality of Texas’ system, asserting that the voting power of minorities is diluted under winner-takesall in violation of the Voting Rights Act and the 1st and 14th Amendments.

STUDY: TEENS, SEAT BELTS In 2018, 111 of the 264 teens killed in vehicle crashes in Texas were not wearing a seat belt, the Texas Department of Transportation reported on Feb. 4.

Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of deaths among teenagers. One simple click could help change that, TxDOT says in its current “Teen Click It or Ticket” campaign.

“For teens, getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage, but when they start driving, they aren’t thinking about how their lack of experience places them at greater risk of get-

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Sterling

ting in a crash,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “Tragedy can strike in an instant, which is why we hope all parents, teachers and other influencers are urging teens to buckle up each and every time, no matter how short the trip may be.”

HEGAR REPORTS REVENUE Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Feb. 4 said state sales tax revenue totaled $3.08 billion in January, 8.9% more than reported in January 2019.

Growth in state sales tax revenue was led by receipts from the retail trade and information services sectors, while receipts from oil and gas mining were down from a year ago, Hegar said.

In addition, January retail trade sector collections were higher than a year ago in part because more Christmas shopping days fell in December. Collections also were slightly boosted by marketplace providers and remote sellers who first began collecting Texas sales taxes in October, Hegar added.

The majority of January sales tax revenue is based on sales made in December and remitted to the agency in January. Notably, total sales tax revenue for the three months ending in January 2020 was up 6.6% compared to the same period a year ago.

Sales tax is the largest source of state funding for the state budget, account-

ing for 57% of all tax collections.

USDA OKS HEMP PLAN Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller on Jan. 27 welcomed news that the U.S. Department of Agriculture had approved the Lone Star State’s plan for the production and regulation of hemp.

Miller referred to hemp growing as “an exciting new crop opportunity.” However, he cautioned would-be growers, saying, “It is still not legal to grow hemp – so don’t put those seeds in the ground just yet. We’ve got to get our rules approved and get our licensing program up and running, but the dominoes are dropping pretty quick. We’re almost there.”

House Bill 1325, passed by the Texas Legislature last May, created a legal path for Texas to open itself to commercial hemp farming. The state submitted its hemp plan to the USDA for approval on Dec. 2. Now, with USDA approval, Texas must follow its administrative rule-making process, which includes public notice and public hearings, before farmers can plant hemp.

ABBOTT DECLARES DISASTER Gov. Abbott on Jan. 31 declared a state of disaster due to drought conditions in 22 counties.

Those counties include: Anderson, Bell, Blanco, Burleson, Burnet, Cherokee, Dimmit, Freestone, Henderson, Jackson, Karnes, Kinney, Llano, Maverick, Navarro, Real, Smith, Uvalde, Val Verde, Williamson, Zapata and Zavala.

In the declaration, Abbott authorizes the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with the disaster.

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 11

12 FEBRUARY 14, 2020

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

MUSEUM: Continued From Page 3 They improved the weather stripping on the back door that was “causing issues.” AC filters need to be on a schedule to be changed every two months.

There is a question of who will keep this schedule.

Mayor Decker stated the City Council doesn’t need to be running the Museum.

Roberson suggested the Museum be handled like the EDC (Economic Development Corporation) is. The City would provide a budget to the Museum based on last year’s hotel/ motel tax and continue the maintenance of and insurance on the building plus the accounting for and distribution of payroll.

He would like to see the authority and operations turned over to the Museum Board. This would include hours of operations and the staff level needed.

Mayor Decker stated the writing of the Museum Ordinance has the Museum Board reporting to the City Manager and the City Manager oversees the operations. He stated he has a problem with this arrangement. He stated he thinks that an effective museum should operate independently, where City Council appoints the Board with “the authority to keep people off the Board if they become a problem or do things deleterious to the city.” The Board would run the mission of the Museum and the City Manager would spend his time doing all the things he has to do.

Plumlee stated he has worked with the Board on their yearly budget.

He would like to see the Board be in charge of the staffing, how often they want to be open and the operations. He stated the Museum Ordinance could be changed. Smith asked how often the Museum should be open. Roberson stated he would like to see the Museum operate as it has been but there is not enough money in the budget.

Smith stated the last budget was when there was a Director and a Curator being paid “$10,700 for one and $13,600 for the other, but by the time you add everything else we came up with a budget of $41,460.”

This was how much it cost to have the Museum open four days per week.

This included the cost of having professional artists come, “which were really upgrading the quality of the Museum.” He stated this is $25,000 above the hotel/ motel tax allotted to them.

Plumlee stated the City is subsidizing the Museum about $1,057 per month, which was approved by the Council two years ago, and that it went toward Lucy Wedeking’s 20 hours per week as Director. This was in addition to the hotel/motel tax money the Museum received.

The Museum pays for the electrical, gas, phone, supplies and computer supplies.

Mayor Decker stated he thinks there is opportunity for the Museum to find ways to make it selfsustaining or “at least more self-sustaining.” He stated he doesn’t think that works because of the current structure. He stated if the Museum Board is an advisory board, reporting to the City Council the money flows through the City budget. He indicated that people are not going to want to donate if they think the money is going to pay for Stamford’s infrastructure, rather than the Museum.

McGee stated as a Board Member they don’t know if they have a Curator or a Director. “What do we have?

Let’s discuss the elephant in the room. We don’t know if Luci is still our point of contact, so I think that’s a great question and we need to determine what does that look like? And until the Advisory Museum Board is truly an Operating Board that is making decisions to catapult this museum

to whatever that next level is, as a Board we need to know who is our Director?

If we open tomorrow, what does that look like? Until this Ordinance is created, and we are no longer an Advisory Board.” She stated, “We need to know.

Do we have a Director or do we not?”

Plumlee stated, “Currently you do have a Director. She is still a current employee of the City. But she is out, basically, on medical leave.” Mayor Decker stated he would like a proposed revision of the Museum Ordinance for the Council to consider at the next Council meeting on February 17, 2020. He stated the Chamber of Commerce and the CCM split the hotel/motel tax money.

McGee asked what if the Museum wouldn’t be able to open, what would the City do then? Mayor Decker stated that would not be an option. Smith stated the Board is still in need of the alumnae list from Stamford High School.

After some discussion it was decided that clarification was needed, and Gilbert recapped. What is needed is for the Museum Ordinance to be changed, the Museum Board to meet to come up with a plan then work in conjunction with the City on a plan to make the Museum more self-sufficient with some support from the City.

Roberson stated, “We all want a vibrant Museum.”

It was decided to wait until the Museum Ordinance is changed before discussing when the Museum will reopen. McGee stated, “When we open it, we want to have a grand reopening.” The meeting was adjourned.

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Arrington Introduces Legislation to Root Out Abuse in Federal Food Stamp Program Today, Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) announced the introduction of H.R. 5719, the Closing Loopholes on SafetyNet Exploitation (CLOSE) Act. This legislation will eliminate the gaming and abuse of the federal food stamp program by closing a major loophole that has resulted in more than five million ineligible enrollments and $7 billion dollars annually in unnecessary and wasteful spending.

Arrington’s bill ensures federal nutrition assistance dollars are preserved only for the most vulnerable of Americans who meet the financial eligibility standards set

by Congress. Closing the food stamp loophole would strengthen program support for the very people it was designed to help from the beginning.

Policy proposals included in the “CLOSE Act” have been attempted previously in the 2018 Farm Bill but failed to be included in the

final version signed into law. Last year, President Trump and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans to deal with these abuses though the regulatory process. While the Administration’s actions are commendable and long overdue, passing the CLOSE Act would be an important step to codifying these changes in statute, preventing reversal by future Administrations.

In addition to codifying the President’s rule on this issue, the CLOSE Act goes one step further by requiring all 50 states to conduct mandatory asset verification. This verification requirement will ensure that food stamp applicants are meeting the financial qualifications for participation.

“Allowing states to extend welfare benefits to those who do not qualify is an abuse of the system, a waste of taxpayer dollars, and most importantly a disservice to American

families who legitimately need food assistance,” said Arrington.

“I am confident that by eliminating this fraudulent loophole, and requiring states to financially verify applicants for food stamp participation, we can ensure greater fiscal responsibility and a more reliable and sustainable social safety net.”

Representatives Adrian Smith (NE3), Jason Smith (MO-8), Dusty Johnson (SD-at large), Ted Yoho (FL-3), Robert Aderholt (AL-4), Mark Meadows (NC11), and Paul Gosar (AZ-04) are all cosponsors of the CLOSE Act. Congressman Arrington’s bill has received additional support from Heritage Action for America, Freedom Works, Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, and Club for Growth.

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 13

Stamford Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Events Calendar

Best of Stamford Event – March 17th Good Friday Community Easter Egg Hunt – April 10th Cinco de Mayo Celebration – May 2020 Stamford Beautification Clean Up Day – May 2020 Juneteenth Event – June 2020 Stamford Art Foundation Show & Sale – June 30th Texas Cowboy Reunion – July 1st-4th Hunters’ Appreciation Dinner – November 2020 Holly Jolly Christmas Classic – December 5th

To place a classified ad, call 325-773-5550 or email at office@americannewspapers.net.

Deadline is Monday by 5:00 p.m. Cost is $6.00 for 20 words or less. 10c a word over 20 words.

14 FEBRUARY 14, 2020

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Have No Regrets Well, it is that romantic time of the year again with Valentine’s Day this Friday and I am sure that many couples either have some kind of plans made or at least getting gifts for each other.

I know that for kids it is just a day to exchange cute little cards with classmates and, at least for me, that’s really all the day was for many years as a relationship THOUGHTS FROM was just a pipe dream for mE until last year when I was able UNDER THE CAP to celebrate my first Valentine’s Day with my girlfriend. The Will McClure thing was it was almost the only one with her as we did sadly break up just a couple of months later; however, we ended up getting back together last month. I will spare you the details as to why the initial break-up occurred and the fallout, but I will briefly talk about the lead-up back to where we are now for the purposes of my thoughts for the week. Basically, we had started talking to each other again after a few months as friends, but we soon started talking about the relationship and talk of regret. The conversations led me to start to think “what if”, but I never really pushed forward until it became clear that we both wanted to try again. Personally speaking, I knew that there were regrets on both sides and I was questioning whether I should at least keep talking or just move away. Ultimately, I am happy that I decided to keep on and push regrets to the side to the point where I will happily be spending Valentine’s Day weekend with my girlfriend for the second year.

I know I tend to talk about myself a lot recently, but I do try to use these experiences to make my overall point which I ultimately have no real regrets in doing (see what I did there?).

Almost every day we have to make decisions in our lives that can affect us, whether it is good or bad, and then sometimes we are faced with a “what if” scenario depending on how important the decision was. It could be making a decision at work, where to go on vacation, or even deciding if need to pursue “the one.” Regardless, we tend to end up having some kind of regret over a path we did not take or even just not taking one at all. As a result, there are so many people in our world today that may seem content on the outside, but are ultimately unhappy with the choices that they have made, thus leaving many “what ifs” on the table.

The thing with regret is that we do let it happen. A rash decision one day can lead to doubts days, weeks, months or even years down the line. However, there are many times where it may not be too late to act and reverse the regrets that we have.

If one truly feels unhappy, they should not be afraid to change some aspect of their lives to lower their number of regrets and move to a happier disposition. We should never have to settle because it is easy as then it brings up the “what ifs” when we know we could have done something completely different. We may fail every once in a while, but it is better than living with a regret that we cannot change. Regrets will always be a part of our lives, but the best thing about it is that we are human and we can control what we can and do about those regrets. Take a chance every once in a while, try to make things better and even if you fall down it is better than living with the regret of not trying in the first place.

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

Washington’s Birthday In Laredo The largest George Washington Birthday Celebration in the country takes place in Laredo.

It started 123 years ago when some settlers wanted to promote Americanism. They staged a mock battle in 1897 on the Laredo Square between Colonial Troops and Native Americans. The event has grown and grown over the years and has become Laredo’s largest single event. National media including the New York Times, CNN and others, have covered it. It begins with tequila tasting in mid-January sponsored by the local Bar Association and goes for 47 days with 37 events. Posters and program books become valuable historic souvenirs.

It is an elegant affair, with an elaborate debutante ball and other formal galas where women wear the fanciest evening gowns money can buy.

“The bottoms of their dresses cover an area about 8 feet wide,” says Bobby Peregoy, President of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA). “A

lot of the men wear clothing from Colonial days. It’s something you can’t see anywhere but Laredo.”

Hotels and motels in Laredo put displays of dresses and costumes in their lobbies.

The official George and Martha Washington portrayers go to Laredo from Philadelphia to stage a state dinner for dignitaries. The meal covers 5 courses prepared by a celebrity chef. Later George and Martha visit with school kids and put on a show about events during Washington’s presidency.

“The 7 week celebration attracts well over half a million people to Laredo,” says Bobby. “The economic benefit has been estimated at upwards of 20 million dollars.” The highlight of the event occurs February 22nd and is called the abrazo (Spanish for embrace) when a delegation from Mexico and a delegation from Laredo

meet in the middle of the International bridge over the Rio Grande to exchange abrazos.

“That ceremony is led by 4 young children: a little boy and girl from Mexico and a little boy and girl from the United States. The children exchange the first abrazo. That’s followed by adults from both countries giving each other a hug. It’s the only event of its kind where a federal port of entry is closed down during the ceremony. It is truly a sight.”

The abrazo is followed by a parade with 200 entries. “We’ll have over a hundred floats along with

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

all of our marching units, bands, Shriners, the military just a whole bunch of folks getting together and having a good time.”

The WBCA has headquarters in a building patterned after Washington’s Mount Vernon home. It has a fulltime staff of 5 and 38 board members.

The executive committee meets every week during the year.

Among the events during the celebration are a Comicon (where Bobby tries to make people laugh), a jalapeno festival, an air show, classic car display, a golf tournament and a carnival that lasts 11 days. If you want to find out more, visit www. wbclaredo.org.

Classifieds For Sale: 80 good quality bred cows & 70 cow/calf pairs. Call 325-656-7944 or 325234-6034

Hanson Paint & Body Shop in Haskell, Texas is taking applications for the position of auto body paint and repairman. Please apply at 207 S. 1st Street, Haskell, Texas.

HELP WANTED POSITION VACANCY NOTICE Department: Operations Location(s): Stamford, Texas Job Title: District Operations Supervisor Job Classification: Non-Exempt Pay Grade: 14 – $38.71 Minimum - $57.72 Maximum Position Summary: Supervises all phases of district line work, assuring quality and continuity of service. Under Vice President of Operations, ensures that crews are provided with proper equipment, training, and tools to perform their jobs safely and effectively. Some overtime required and called out for major outages.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to: Vice President of Operations Directs: Service, Construction Foreman and associated Crews Internal Relationships: District Manager, Vice President of Engineering, Other District Supervisors, and Other Employees External Relationships: Members, Contractors, and General Public Responsibilities, Authorities, and Essential Functions of the Job: Responsible for Construction and Maintenance of the electric system. Drafts daily and weekly work schedules. Ensures work performed by crews is done safely, effectively, and standards are met. Communicates with members about job scheduling and progress. Responsible for maintaining proper system voltage, balance and minimal line loss. Survey, stake, and document line construction and changes. Determines load requirements to ensure quality

FEBRUARY 14, 2020 15

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service. Secures right-of-way easements, contracts, and permits as required. Investigates consumer service complaints and outage reports. Assists in development of departmental budget and work plan preparation. Ensures crews adhere to safety rules and regulations.

Reviews staking sheets, service orders, connects, disconnects, etc., and other paperwork as required, and reviews paperwork completed by crew.

Responsible for proper operation of system sectionalizing equipment and Substations, recommends additions/changes for sectionalizing and substation maintenance; including special equipment such as metering, regulators, capacitors, sectionalizers. Helps develop long-range maintenance plans in terms of programs, personnel, facilities, equipment, and supplies, operations, maintenance, and service of BCEC. Stimulates high standard of morale among department employees by the creation and use of team spirit and enthusiasm throughout the department and by determining the employees’ attitudes on organization goals. Encourage suggestions, constructive criticisms, and expressions of viewpoints from employees.

Regular attendance during normal business hours.

Job Requirements (Experience, Knowledge, and Abilities and Skills): Training and Experience: Ten years of related work experience and training required and previous position of Crew Foreman.

Knowledge: Thorough knowl-

edge and understanding of all phases of construction, maintenance, and line equipment. Must be familiar with the considerable hazards of electric shock, electric flash, falls, falling objects, and traffic.

Working knowledge of the Cooperative’s transmission and distribution system and of electrical line equipment to be maintained. Knowledge of line work – how lines feed, how to back feed lines, etc. Must know the overall service area of the cooperative well. Must know RUS specifications and NESC codes concerning power lines.

Has current knowledge of irrigation, industrial and commercial load requirements. Understand construction drawings, system maps, manuals, and staking sheets. Knowledge of Cooperative’s tariff, policies, rules, procedures and practices. Must be able to understand and use electronic spreadsheets, word processing and other programs/ equipment, including computer programs, provided by the employer now or in the future.

Abilities and Skills: Above average problem solving and troubleshooting abilities necessary to locate line trouble and recommend to members the best possible electric service. Experience in performing related work from bucket trucks and from the tops of poles. Understand NESC, NEC, and has the ability to construct Cooperative’s distribution system to meet these codes.

Must be able to make immediate decisions in situations that are dangerous to a coworker or the public anytime a problem arises. The ability to communi-

cate effectively with cooperative members, employees, and vendors. Should be able to promote continuous good member and public relations. On call 24 hours a day – helps answer phones in emergency situations. Has and maintains a driver’s license with a good driving record and be insurable under the standard rate of the current carrier.

Depth/distance visual ability and eye-hand coordination necessary. Must pass a physical exam initially, and drug/ controlled substance screening tests randomly. Can be counted on to meet goals successfully; is consistently a quality performer.

Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent to provide fundamental technical knowledge.

Deadline: Friday, February 14th @ 5:30 p.m.

Internal Applicants: Please fill out an internal application and email to HR@bigcountry.coop External Applicants: Please complete a BCEC employment application at www.bigcountry. coop (a resume may be attached to the completed application).

Sagebrush Living Center is looking for Direct Support Staff. Contact Kaye Carter.

Sagebrush Living Center is also looking for a cook and a laundry worker. Hours vary with the shifts. Please call Sagebrush Living Center at 325-773-2791 or come by the facility at 1101 Columbia St., Stamford TX, 79553 for an application.

8603 FM707 TRUBY RANCH Fantastic Home w/ a pool.........IN CONTRACT HWY 277 Hawley Faith over Fear home, barn w/horse stalls 51± Ac..IN CONTRACT 2952 CR 216 Nice Home on 1 acre south of town! 4/2..........................$153,900 1502 Compton Stamford 3/2/2 Ranch home 1.6± AC!......Reduced! $124,900 1310 PORTLAND Great 3/2 remodel! Must See!...................................$114,500 613 POTOMAC 3/1.5 corner lot!.............................................................. $72,500 703 Columbia Nice 3 bedroom 2 bath on a corner lot w garage!Reduced!$69,900 804 Wells 3/1 w CH/A, tiled walk-in Shower...........................IN CONTRACT 716 E Oliver 4 bedroom/ 2 baths quiet area..............................................$68,900 1207 HUDSON 3 bedroom, 1 bath in a good location!..............................$49,900 New 1315 Hudson Rd 3/1 w CHA Great location!................................$39,900 McHarg Lots with Barn and wet weather creek!.........................................$32,000 712 E Vanderbilt Gorgeous 1910 2 story Victorian home.........................SOLD 807 Commercial 2/1 2 living areas...................................................................$72,900 519 Commercial Ave, Anson- 3/1 Rock home w Metal shop...............$49,000 Sagerton 3 bd 1 bath with fireplace and out buildings..............IN CONTRACT #10 Country Cove ALBANY Nice 3/2 Brick home in cul-de-sac!...... $164,000 913 Harold St ALBANY beautiful 2 story Call for details!.......IN CONTRACT 140 Offield ALBANY Blacksmith Shop, Art Studio and 3/2 mobile Home......$82,000

COMMERCIAL

1303 Swenson - 25,000 sq ft building 1631 17th St, Anson - over 4,000 sq. ft, restaurant equip....... IN CONTRACT 901 Commercial ANSON- 12,600 Sq. Ft. parking lot, HWY Frontage$175,000 The Hamlin Elevator, 423 E Lake Drive, Hamlin 1270 HWY 222 KNOX CITY Truck Facility on 35± Acres....................$359,000

FARM & RANCH

FISHER COUNTY

839± AC Secluded w/ Large neighbors and Big Canyon! IN CONTRACT 480± AC SE of Roby Tank, water well 170± Ac SE of Rotan Pasture SOLD Paved Rd frontage IN CONTRACT

CALLAHAN COUNTY

1,015± AC Great Sock Farm or Hay farm SOLD 10 ac Old Peanut Co-op Property

HASKELL COUNTY

126 ac cult. N.380 Rule 160± AC – The Kittley Irrigated Farm Northwest of Rule! SOLD 271± AC SE of Weinert Dry land farm w/ pasture, tanks and creek!

619± AC N of Lake Stamford pasture and tanks!

JONES COUNTY

NEW 377 ac on Hwy 277 Pasture/Cult.

Coop water 1,764± Ac Near Lueders Great Hunting!

782± AC N of Neinda Mostly Cultivated farm 663± AC Great combo place w/ fence, pens, water well and tank 402± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 389± AC Cultivation, Rural water and Electric N of Merkle 323 Ac Creek, Cultivation and Hunting!

253± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 247± Stock Farm SOLD 241± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 239± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 230± AC Ft. Phantom River Ranch, Excellent Hunting!

220± AC Cultivation on California Creek and US HWY 6 RD Frontage 160± AC south of Avoca IN CONTRACT 139± AC- Farrington Cotton Farm Prime Cultivation 62± AC N of Merkel, GREAT building Site!

50± AC Cultivated farm 45± Acres Right outside of Town 26± AC FM 2746 S of Anson water well List price $90,000 20± AC Near Ft. Phantom OAK TREES w/ Electric and rural water!

SHACKELFORD COUNTY

440± AC North of Abilene Cultivation and pasture w/ Spring, Rural Water and 3 tanks!

STEPHENS COUNTY

85± AC Native pasture w/ house

KENT COUNTY

925± AC-Panther Canyon Ranch-Native pasture w/ food plots, springs on Panther Canyon and Croton Creek on the north Boundary!

DICKENS COUNTY

1,450± AC Fantastic Hunting, Shinnery, Large Stock Tank

STONEWALL COUNTY

330± ac cult. & pasture, good stock farm 5,900± AC- Seven Diamond L Canyon Ranch two creeks and salt fork river 2,082± -AC- Double View RanchSpectacular views, River, 4/3 Home and Barns, rural water!

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

658± ac Heath Ranch 200FT elevation changes, live spring and exotics!

320± AC – Hall River Ranch River Frontage w/ 2 story home SOLD 330± AC- Great View of Double Mtns. w/ scenic deep canyons, large neighbors, hunting!

130± AC- Youngers 130 Good Cultivation and great Hunting!

332± AC – Canyon West Ranch Great Views! Water, Electric & Secluded!

133± AC S of Swenson Brushy w/ HWY 380 Frontage Electricity on site!

1,455± Acres Base of the Double Mountains!

165± Acres All pasture, Great Hunting!

TAYLOR COUNTY

5± Acres Off of HWY 351 No Restrictions Reduced $32,500 Taylor Ridge Estates- 20-80 Acre rural tracts Call for info.

707 Ranch 10-12± tracts SOLD 54± AC S of Trent Great Views!

36± AC S of Trent Elec & Water!

20± Acres White Mines Road Creek, Hunting, No Restrictions $140,000

THROCKMORTON COUNTY

460± AC Morning Star Game Ranch High fenced turnkey w/ Hunting Ranch 160± AC Cultivation and Pasture w/ 3BR Home west of Woodson

16 FEBRUARY 14, 2020

7th Grade Girls Basketball Team (Photo by Bearden Photography)

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8th Grade Boys Basketball Team (Photo by Bearden Photography)

7th Grade Boys Basketball Team (Photo by Bearden Photography)

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN