February 22, 2019 - Stamford American

February 22, 2019 16 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION

STAMFORD

BULLDOGS ARE BIDISTRICT CHAMPS.....

SEE STORY, PAGE 9

American THE NEW

Band Students Medal At UIL and Qualify For State SUBMITTED BY MICHAEL COPELAND

Sandra and Bobby Villanueva, Payton, Charlotte and Burney Herman in the Unperfect Fried Pies kitchen, 221 W. McHarg. Learn more about the Unperfect Fried Pies on Page 3

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Fifteen Bulldog Band students competed in the Region 7 UIL Solo and Ensemble contest on Feb. 9th. The contest took place at Stephenville High School.

They performed 10 solos and 3 ensembles.

Performance guidelines allow the students to play music from one of three levels. Students who receive a Division I rating from their judge receive a medal. If a student performs a Class 1 solo by memory and receives a Division I rating, they qualify for the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC). An ensemble performing a Class 1 selection that receives a Division I rating also qualifies for the TSSEC. Carli Lefevre, Candace Frohn, Brandon Campbell, and Clayton Castro quali-

fied for the TSSEC with their performance of Maurice Whitney’s “Brass Quartet No. 1, mvt. 3.” Their brass quartet will perform for the TSSEC the first weekend in June in the Austin area.

This accomplishment has not been accomplished by a Bulldog Band member since 2004.

Marissa Kelley Bryant received a medal for her performance of Handel’s “Adagio and Allegro.” Hailee Richardson received a medal for her flute performance of Billingsley’s “Morning Mist.” Orlando Moreno received a medal for his tenor saxophone performance of Rameau’s “Rigaudon.” Other Bulldog Band participants in the contest were Natalie Roden, Stephanie Pardo, Esmeralda Quiroga, Destanie Pardo, Thalia Ponce, Jaelynn Bryant, Madison Bryant, and Jacoby Castro.

SEE CITY COUNCIL STORY .............................. ..............................PAGE 2

2 FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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MARK THE DATE...

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.

THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST MARCH 1

RETIREMENT RECEPTION: The Economic Development Corporation of Stamford will be hosting a retirement reception for Fareed Hassen to honor his years of service as the Director. The reception will be held on Friday, March 1, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the EDC office located at 107 E. McHarg St. Please join us in celebrating a selfless man who has devoted many years to the betterment of our community.

BIRTHDAYS 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

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

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

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

Friday 57 | 35

Saturday 58 | 37

Sunday 61 | 34

Monday 58 | 38

Tuesday 65 | 45

Wednesday 69 | 45

Thursday 64 | 47

The weather is provided for you

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

New Museum Board Member Approved

BY KAY SPEARS The Stamford City Council met at Stamford, TX City Hall for the regular meeting on Monday, February 18, 2019. Mayor James Decker opened the meeting and gave the invocation.

Everyone present remained standing to give the Pledge of Allegiance. In attendance with the Mayor were Council Members Melinda Smith, Ken Roberson, Jimmy Doan, Paul Wright, City Manager Alan Plumlee, City Attorney Raymond Hollabaugh, City Secretary Kim Bryant, CFO Karen Lou Graham, and Chief of Police Darwin Huston.

The minutes from the Regular Meeting on February 4, 2019 was approved.

There were no Citizen’s Comments scheduled.

Laura Vega addressed the Council regarding an entity property at 403 E. Gould.

Vega is interested in bidding on this property in or-

der to clean it up. There is a dilapidated structure on the property. She spoke to the Texas Community Group before addressing the Council. Her plan is to tear the structure down herself.

The Mayor stated he would contact the TCG to begin the process of opening up the bidding. There was no action taken at this time.

Next on the agenda, Luke Thane and the Chamber of Commerce made a presentation regarding the need for pool improvements.

Thane gave Summer attendance statistics: Adults: 3,398; Children: 406; Avg. of 80 per day. He stated that when people go to the City Pool, they see a door with bullet holes in it, rotten wood, rotten floors, bathrooms that are not attractive and an uncovered pump. His presentation went over what Council Members saw when they went to a workshop at the City Pool. He gave

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Luke Thane and Sabrina Casey gave a presentation to City Council regarding much needed City Pool improvements. recommendations including shade sails to provide shade, which he has researched. Thane gave their solution: 1) City needs to make repairs that are needed; 2) The Chamber and the community can help with improvements through fundraisers; 3) Work towards a bigger dream, which is ap-

plying for grant funding. He stated that Albany received a grant and they have been able to make their pool into a destination attraction.

Smith commended Thane for bringing the presentation. Thane stated he would like to see the grass replaced with concrete.

SEE CITY, PAGE 6

NOTICE

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

FEBRUARY 22, 2019 3

Unperfect Fried Pies Thrive

BY KAY SPEARS

Charlotte Herman admits she is a workaholic. She certainly keeps busy! “I enjoy doing what I do.” She and her husband, Burney, have been married 35 years and have two sons, Patrick and Payton. Her husband is a nurse at the State School in Abilene, TX, Patrick is a barber and Payton runs a Churros truck for a company in San Antonio. She attributes the name of the company, Unperfect Fried Pies, to her oldest son, Patrick.

Herman stated her children have seen her work hard for many years.

She has been painting on different items, such as old picket fence slats, for 35 years. She has a vinyl business, putting names, sayings, logos on a variety of merchandise including t-shirts, wine glasses and cake covers. She set up a large section in a Fredericksburg “turkey coop” for her vinyl business and gifts, clothing items and accessories. She was in Fredericksburg for their Trade Days, the 3rd weekend of every month for 7 years. A “turkey coop” is what they call the building set up & sectioned off for vendors to rent and sell their wares. Herman said there were 54 vendors per turkey coop and 6 turkey coops across from the wild seed farm outside of Fredericksburg, TX. The fried pie business began over 3 years ago at home in Stamford, TX. Herman stated it was kind of a dreary day and she had been “tinkering” with her pie dough. She told her husband she thought she “had it down pretty good” and wanted to let people know she was in

business by putting the information on Facebook to see what would happen.

She started selling out of a trailer in their back yard and it grew from there. She said she had always told her boys “It’s just going to take mom one thing. Once you get that golden ticket, you’ve got it and it just takes one thing.”

They began selling their fried pies in West-to-go, Chillers, Haskell Drug Store, Kaleidoscope, Prairie Star in Albany, Star Stop in Haskell, Video Express in Aspermont. When she started selling to stores the health department told her she had to have a manufacturing facility. The current location of Unperfect Fried Pies is at 221 W. McHarg with a huge kitchen area in the rear and the retail store in the front. The retail store contains all the items she had at Fredericksburg.

They opened their doors on July 4, 2018, just 7 months ago and their growth has been extraordinary, to say the least.

Unperfect Fried Pies are now in 3 locations of Heff’s Burgers in Abilene, TX. Herman has learned her fried pies will soon be in 3 more Heff’s locations, San Angelo, Sweetwater and Eastland. Heff’s gets them frozen from her kitchen and fries them on site.

Heff’s now has a mobile location and the fried pies will be on that menu as well.

4 Star Agricenter, 414 W. McHarg, sells her fried pies down the street. She stated, with a giggle, that a friend sent her a picture of 4 Star’s fried pies sign and wanted to know “what’s this going on across the street?” She told him, “They’re my pies, it’s all good, it’s ok” to calm him

Unperfect Fried Pies and retail shop, 221 W. McHarg, Stamford, TX. down. She was excited to have been able to sell fried pies at the Red-Carpet Night when The Grand opened.

“We did the rodeo and before we knew it, it just blew up,” Herman stated.

“It grows every day.” A little-known story about preparing for the added business of the TCR (Texas Cowboy Reunion) in Stamford last July, involved learning that humidity and pie dough don’t get along well. They had gotten new equipment in for the rodeo crowd including two new evaporated coolers. They made 70 cherry pies and the next morning “they looked like elastic.” Being a little upset, she swept her arm through them on the table and there was dough and cherry pie filling all over the place. Gary Decker’s dad had a fried pies business in Rule, TX called Decker Pies. She told him she didn’t do anything different and asked him what could have happened? It was the evaporative cooler. Dough absorbs humidity. That was the last of air or heat blown into the kitchen.

“It’s been me and Burney for a long time. It’s me

kind of letting go of things, that’s hard for me to do,” Herman stated. She has four employees and says, “Everybody works well together, I’ve got a good group. I appreciate every one of them because it’s hard work.” They put in 12 to 15-hour days. Sandra Villanueva is in charge of the front retail area, Tona Mullins and Bobby Villanueva work in the kitchen and Carl Bertsch drives for the business.

Herman said she went to buy the last desk her dad used and ended up buying it and the building at 221 W. McHarg. Her dad, Pat York, had the candy and tobacco warehouse there for 27 years. He took it over from Clifford Beggs of Beggs Wholesale Co., established in 1946.

Vern and Harold Howard bought it from Beggs, and Herman bought it from Vern Howard. Before Beggs Wholesale Warehouse the building was home to Weaver Merlin Tire Co. which sold Kelly, Goodyear and US Royal Tires. York died of pancreatic cancer when he was 41.

SEE UNPERFECT, PAGE 5

DAVID WARREN FAMILY IN CONCERT Temple Baptist Church is announcing a concert being held at Temple Baptist Church, 309 E. Campbell, Stamford, Texas, on Thursday, February 28, 2019, for 7:00 pm.

The David Warren Family will be presenting a Musical Concert of Southern–Blue Grass Gospel Music. The David Warren Family have come to Stamford several times before, and the community has always found them to be most enjoyable.

David and family are from Georgia and have traveled most of David’s life throughout the United States, presenting Southern – Blue Grass Gospel music.

Temple Baptist Church invites the public to come for this event. Thursday was chosen so that there was not a conflict with other church services in the community. If a ride is needed, please call: Pastor Jesse Morton, 325-7732139.

Retirement Reception for Fareed Hassen The Economic Development Corporation of Stamford will be hosting a retirement reception for Fareed Hassen to honor his years of service as the Director. The reception will be held on Friday, March 1, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the EDC office located at 107 E. McHarg St. Please join us in celebrating a selfless man who has devoted many years to the betterment of our community.

4 FEBRUARY 22, 2019

Visual security is now in force at the Stamford High School front door foyer. To gain entry, push the button under the camera and they will unlock the door.

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

OBITUARIES

Steve Wayne Lefevre

Louis H. Burfiend

Husband, Dad, PaPa, and Jones Co. Precinct 2 Commissioner, Steve Wayne Lefevre, 64, passed away Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019 in Abilene. Services were Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 11 AM at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Stamford with Pastor John Erwin and Wes Horn, Minister, officiating. Burial followed at Spring Creek Cemetery at Avoca. Arrangements were under the direction of Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home of Stamford. Visitation was Tuesday, Feb.19, from 5 - 6 PM at the funeral home.

Born July 5, 1954, in Stamford, Texas, Steve was the oldest son of Dan and Bonnie Buerger Lefevre. He graduated from Stamford High School in 1972. After farming for 18 years, he worked for Texas Department of Corrections for 23 years before being elected commissioner in 2014. He was proud of never being late to work in all those years.

He loved hunting, fishing, checking the roads, and serving the people of Precinct 2.

He married Sherry Conner Jan. 6, 1973, in Haskell. Their children are daughter, April Beeson and husband, Trey; sons, Jody and wife, Theasa, and Lance and wife, Brittani, all of Stamford. Also surviving Steve are his grandchildren whom he loved spending time with and watching them in all their activities: Taylor and Case Beeson, Cade and Lainee Lefevre, and Holt Henrich, Coy and Zayne Lefevre. Also surviving him are brother, David and wife, Donna; sister, Deborah Oliver and husband Buddy; aunt, Essie Lefevre Young, and numerous much-loved nephews and nieces.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Douglass Wade, and nephew, Jason Warren Lefevre. He leaves behind a host of friends.

He is also survived by wife Jan McKeever, whom he married on Aug. 1, 2012, in South Fork, Colorado; her daughters, Stacie Sorrells of Abilene, and son Mason; Kaycie Griffith, husband Cody, and sons, Nolan and Gideon of Royce City; Jordan Lindsey, husband, Ryan, and son, Rhett of Lubbock, and mother-in-law, Billie McKeever of Haskell.

Steve loved his family and friends all getting together, especially the annual Lefevre dove hunt.

Serving as pallbearers were nephews, Jonathon Lefevre and Wesley Lefevre; Cory Clinkenbeard, Lynn Lawson, Cody Roberts, and Coby Wilhelm. Honorary pallbearers will be Trey Dancer, Danny Kendrick, Mike McKeever, Larry Mueller, Glen Pearson, and Mark Sanders.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Stamford Athletic Boosters, PO Box 987, Stamford, TX 79553 or Tri-Area Stock Show, PO Box 62, Stamford, TX, 79553.

Louis H. Burfiend, also known as the “donut man”, passed away on Monday, February 11, 2019 at the age of 74 years. Graveside services were held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16, 2019 in the Aspermont Cemetery in Stonewall County with Pastor Paul Wright officiating and services were under the direction of Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home in Stamford. Family and friends held visitation at the funeral home on Friday evening, February 15, 2019 from 6-7 p.m.

Louis Harmon Burfiend was born July 21, 1944 in Stamford, Texas, the son of the late Louis and Juanita (Pringle) Burfiend. He married Allie Ann Nail on April 21, 1979 in Clyde and they made their lifelong home in Stamford, Texas. Together they owned and operated the Donut Corral until Allie passed away on August 30, 2007. Louis was a man of many talents, well known for being the “best donut maker ever”! Louis was always busy doing something. He liked to go fishing, camping, cooking, listening to talk radio and was a true blue “diehard” Dallas Cowboys fan. He was also a great Chess player and the Chess set was always set up in the Donut shop. One of his greatest passions was the love he had for his family and grandkids.

His parents and his wife, Allie preceded him in death.

Loving family surviving Louis are his sons, Michael Burfiend and wife Tanna of Stamford, Daniel Burfiend of San Antonio; stepdaughter, Tonya Munoz of Stamford; six grandchildren and one brother, Ron Burfiend of Lake Buchanan.

Online guestbook entries may be given at www.kinneyunderwoodfuneralhome.com

Peggy Ann Bailiff Peggy Ann Bailiff, 89, of Stamford, passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2019 in Clyde. Funeral services was held 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 15, 2019 at Kinney-Underwood Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jesse Morton officiating. Interment followed in Bethel Funston Cemetery under the direction of Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home in Stamford.

Peggy Ann Hale was born September 30, 1929 in Lueders, Texas, the daughter of the late Amon and Lucia Hale. She married Bobby David Bailiff on January 11, 1947 in Lueders. Bob and Peggy owned and operated Bailiff Grocery in Stamford from 1963 until closing the store in 1994. Bobby preceded Peggy in death on July 16, 2013. Peggy was a sweet, loving lady who enjoyed living life. Peggy liked to play bingo, going to the horse races and trips to Vegas.

Preceding Peggy in death were her parents; her husband; a daughter, Cynthia Bailiff and a son, Larry Bailiff.

Surviving Peggy are her grandchildren, David Davis and Jimi of Anson, Renee and Floyd Harvey of San Angelo, Misty Duran and Danny of Springtown, Mikey Bailiff and Melissa of Abilene, Bobby Bailiff and Randi of Merkel, Melissa Bailiff of Clyde, Lori Elias of Stamford; 20 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend and caregiver, Beatrice and Robert Canales of Stamford.

FEBRUARY 22, 2019 5

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

HELLO FROM COWBOY COUNTRY By Jewellee Kuenstler

Making clay cattle with Luci Wedeking at the “Spring Roundup” Family Night at the Cowboy Country Museum.

I have had so much fun last week! The Museum was given the honor to host the Retired Teachers Association. We had twenty-one guests and enjoyed a wonderful lunch of fried chicken, potato salad, red beans and hot rolls! I was privileged to be able to show off the Museum and discuss activities that the Museum has hosted.

On Valentine’s Day we had a Valentine Tea Party.

We had a great turn out.

All enjoyed tea, coffee and cookies along with some Valentine games. That night we had a Spring Roundup Family Night. Mason and Rylon Jordan demonstrated how calves are “worked” during a roundup. They did a great job and were very informative. Afterward, Luci helped the kids make Crazy Cow Sculptures. They did a great job! All of the artwork is unique and is currently on display at the Museum. So, come over and

UNPERFECT: Continued From Page 3 Herman said it makes her laugh to think of her dad in heaven saying, “Gobb, I never thought you would turn cigarettes into fried pies.” “Well I did!”

For the past 11 years the Herman family has been remodeling the building on the Stamford square at 103 E. McHarg, next to Buffalo Gals. Herman stated they used the money made in Fredericksburg for the project. “I pretty much put my foot down this year and told Burney that this June, this is it. It’s opening.” There will be gifts for sale plus Unperfect Fried Pies, ice cream and chicken salad by the pint and ½ pint. Herman says people can “Eat there or take it home. Chips on a clip. Get your own drinks. Bread at the counter. Self-serve with places to sit down and eat.”

She said there will be a “catering room” with room to seat 12-14 people and

she will cook for people in that room.

The new place will be in addition to the current location and will have a different feel to it. Herman will decorate with the salvaged items she has collected from a variety of places over the years. One item is the old study hall door from the old Stamford High School. Another gem she has is the old piano out of the 1st Baptist Church, which she would like people to sit down and play.

When the old Stamford American closed, she was able to get several pictures and they will be hanging up. As to the people in the pictures, she stated, “I don’t know who they are, but someone will.”

Two years ago, Herman became the drop off/pickup location for Outlaw Cleaners out of Clyde, TX. Clayton’s Monogramming was the location for the

previous four years until Stan Clayton approached Herman to take it over.

There are twelve fillings in Unperfect Fried Pies to choose from. The Chocolate, Coconut Cream, Lemon, Buttermilk Chess are her grandmother’s recipes. Herman stated it was Jim Astin who pushed her to make the Buttermilk Chess. There are also Apple, Cherry, Apricot, Buttermilk, Blueberry, Strawberry, Pineapple and Pumpkin. They cook all the fillings, make all the dough and fork the edges by hand.

She also makes tortillas, casseroles and whole pies.

“When it comes to food, I’m picky.” Her customers think so, too.

Unperfect Fried Pies, Outlaw Cleaners and the gift, apparel and accessories store is open Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 5:30pm at 221 W. McHarg in Stamford, TX, (325) 280-8449.

take a look.

It is with a heavy heart that I must say good-bye as the Cowboy Country Museum’s curator. I have been given the opportunity to join the staff at the Old Jail Art Center in Albany. I will work in their Education Department as their Texas History Curriculum and Programming Coordinator and as an Art-To-Go instructor. Although I am sad to leave this job, I’m excited about this new opportunity.

Ironically, I completed my Museum Studies Internship at the Old Jail Art Center back in 1991. (Please, don’t stop to do the math. It was a long, long time ago.)

Great things have been happening here and I know they will continue to get bigger and better. I have always been so touched by the generous spirit of the citizens and community members that have been so willing to give of their time or help out when we

needed it. I hope this will continue. The Museum cannot function well without its volunteers.

Mr. Gilbert’s PALS class has come every Friday morning since the beginning of school and I cannot even begin to express how much their community service helps at the Museum. Their twenty-five minutes of chores, saved me 6-8 hours a week worth of work. And they all did it without a single complaint.

I have learned so much this last year and a half.

Every day was a new adventure and I loved it.

But things change and this change will be forgotten quickly as life moves on.

However, I do want to caution everyone. I wrote an article once before, describing the Museum as a living entity. (I might have even referred to her as that “ol’ gal”.) This is true. A Museum is so much more than just bricks with stuff inside.

This is your heritage, this is your past, this is your future. A Museum was meant to be used and explored.

Just like a house that has no family living in it, it will quickly fall into disrepair.

The museum needs people and activity to keep it functioning properly. So, please keep coming and supporting the social events, the family nights, and the new exhibits. Keep volunteering.

And let your city leaders know how much you cherish your town’s museum.

We have a great director in Luci Wedeking and we have an amazing and supportive board. Luci has great vision for this Museum and I can’t wait to see it come to fruition.

My family is not moving, so I’ll still see you around town. Thank you for all your support and encouragement. Bye, for now.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019

DEATH BY COFFEE: By Alex Erickson “Death By Coffee” seems to be an odd name for a coffee shop, particularly after a customer dies shortly after placing a order there. Brendon Lawyer’s death is ruled accidental at first, then questions arise.

Brendon was deathly READING REVIEW allergic to peanuts, but his Epi-Pen was Martha Jarred missing. Who knew of his allergy? Who took his Epi-Pen? How was Brendon exposed to the peanuts? Who benefits from his death?

Krissy Hancock and her best friend, Vicki Patterson, move to the Midwest town of Pine Hills and open a coffee shop/ bookstore together. Krissy’s dad is a mystery writer so they named their business after one of his novels. Business falls off considerably after Brendon’s demise. Krissy knows she was not the source for the deadly trace of peanuts. She wants to find the true killer so the shadow of suspicion will lift from her store.

As a newcomer to the small town, she needs to ask questions to better understand the complicated relationships. Krissy’s first impression of Brendon was his rudeness. She learns that he and his wife, Heidi, were separated, but the divorce was halted and the couple was attempting to reconcile. Heidi is taking Brendon’s death extremely hard. Her mother, though, seems to be glad Brendon is dead and tries to have the annoying Krissy arrested for asking questions about Heidi’s marriage. Krissy meets handsome policeman, Paul Dalton, but succeeds in getting him in trouble with his superior. She lacks finesse in her interviewing technique and upsets two women that were seeing Brendon.

There are two cats in the story. “Trouble” belongs to Vicki and stays at the bookstore while occasionally living up to the name. “Misfit” is Krissy’s cat and demands attention usually through bad behavior. Neither feline abounds in cuddles or cuteness.

DEATH BY COFFEE is the first in the Bookstore Cafe mystery series. While the basic premise should be a springboard to a savory story, this tale lacks much flavor. The main character seems nosey and at times even more of a bully than an investigative sleuth. Krissy seems immature in her lack of concern about actually showing up to work at her new business. Krissy makes some terrible assumptions and even reveals information she had promised to keep confidential. Hopefully, a second serving in this series will improve.

Mystery titles can be found at Henderson Book Store located on the Square in Haskell, open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12:00 — 5:00 P.M. Please call Martha Jarred, 940-864-3072 or 940863-4243, for more information.

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

The President of Presidents February 18, 2019 is the day designated for the annual celebration of Presidents’ Day in America. Banks, stock exchanges, and many government offices and schools are closed in observation. As has been the case for decades, many commentators will use the day to honor all 45 Americans who have held the office of President of the United States. But today, I want to author a reminder that the federal holiday is still technically known as “Washington’s Birthday” and talk more about the man for which the day was created.

As schoolchildren, we all learn about George Washington. We come to know him as the father of our country.

We know him as unfailingly honest. We learn about his brave leadership as a general, holding together a ragtag army that ultimately defeated a powerful empire. We know that he was our first president.

We know that he’s consistently ranked as one of our greatest Presidents.

But how often do we stop to fully consider the life of George Washington? The Mount Rushmore National Memorial contains the images of four specific Presidents for a reason. According to the National Park Service, sculptor Gutzon Borglum chose George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln,

He experiand Theodore Roomented with sevelt to represent various brews the birth, growth, of beer and preservation, and whiskey. He development of the grew a wide United States as a variety of nation. crops, fruits, Jefferson wrote and vegetathe Declaration bles at Mount of Independence Vernon and and acquired the was the Louisiana Purchase. quintessential Lincoln held toJames M. Decker American gether the country entreprein its darkest hour, neur, long before anyone ever giving speeches like the Getthought to invent “entrepretysburg Address before giving neur” as a word. his own life to the cause of Washington’s honesty America. Theodore Roosevelt and integrity has long been overcame personal adversity discussed. He was also a slave and was a bottomless well of owner, but he ultimately saw powerful quotes and lessons the repugnancy of the instituon leadership. Washington’s tion and freed his slaves. He story sometimes feels more abstract and general, by simply remains the only slave-owning President ever to do so. lauding him as the father of Washington was something our country, but the specifics of a reluctant President and are worth celebrating. ran for a second term to quell George Washington was tension between factions that an incredibly wealthy man, were competing to replace even by today’s standards him. He abhorred political (estimated over $500 million parties and remains the only when adjusted for inflation).

President never to join one. In He came from a prosperous his farewell address, he said family, but rather than resting something that bears deep on his laurels, he launched his consideration in 2019: family into an entirely new “However [political parties] stratosphere of success, inhermay now and then answer iting a sizeable estate called popular ends, they are likely in Mount Vernon, but ultimately the course of time and things, becoming one of the largest to become potent engines, landholders in America. Washby which cunning, ambitious, ington built a distillery that and unprincipled men will be became the largest in America.

ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98

CITY: Continued From Page 2 He stated when the grass is mowed, it gets into the swimming pool and there is an ant problem with the grass. Sugary snacks and drinks are spilled, and the ants are attracted to it.

It would be easier to wash off the area if it was concrete.

Sabrina Casey brought up the cost of the lifeguard certification. An issue with a pump was brought up to the Council.

Plumlee went over many items that have been taken care of at the pool, bids for other repairs and plans in place.

The next agenda item was to discuss/take action on a new Cowboy Country Museum

Board Member. Robert Smith presented a formal expression of gratitude and appreciation to Jewellee Kuenstler for her service to the Museum.

She has accepted an offer for employment at the Old Jail Museum in Albany. “We are thankful for her time spent at the Cowboy Country Museum and wish her success and satisfaction with her new position.” Smith then requested the Council to confirm a new member to the Board and recommended Craig Gilbert.

It was approved that Craig Gilbert be the new member of the CCM Board.

The City Manager’s Report was next. There was an update concerning repairs to the Library. The first thing that needs to be taken care of is to clean out the raccoon feces in the attic. Plans and repairs on the lake boat dock were reviewed before giving an update on the water plant. Plumlee stated the first step is the design or foot print to be settled, then it goes to the architect. He reported the Appraisal District Board appointed Larry Lytle to the Board. In the upcoming elections the School Board has two openings and six people have filed to run. The Hospital Board has three openings with four people signed up. City Council has one opening and

enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”

One of the most remarkable aspects of George Washington is that he was a successful man who answered a call for public service, and then, after his time was complete, he quietly stepped back into his successful private life. Presidential leadership was never an end goal, nor was it something that changed the trajectory of his post-presidential life. He simply answered the call, then went back to his life’s work at Mount Vernon.

As we celebrate Presidents’ Day, and as we navigate our own opportunities for leadership and service, may we never forget the life of George Washington, nor minimize it into abstract generalities.

Washington’s integrity, his willingness to serve for service’s sake with no desire to turn it into something bigger, and his disdain for political parties are all things we could learn from today.

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.

two have signed up to run for that position. He stated there are two uncontested places on the Council and one that is contested. Early voting will be April 22-30, 2019 at Stamford City Hall with election day on May 4, 2019 at Stamford High School.

The Chamber Banquet is scheduled for March 19th, 6:00pm at the Stagecoach.

The theme will be “Best in Stamford” and there will be a Taste of the Town. There will be food samplings from all the different eateries in town. Holt Jones will be performing and Congressman Jody Arrington will be there.

The meeting was then adjourned.

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Comparing the gospel accounts reveals both similarities and differences.

The four evangelists under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit provided in their account of the Messiah’s life exactly what he was supposed to. In other words, Matthew’s gospel is unique in comparison to Mark’s and so forth. They each being divinely inspired wrote unique accounts that are without contradiction. The differences that are found within the four gospels are by no means a contradiction and reason for disbelief in the inerrant Word of God. Instead, once looked at more deeply, one is amazed at the beauty and intelligence of the Sprit’s work and unity of all four accounts.

Let’s think real quickly about the calling that each of these writers had on their lives. What a task they were commended to and chosen for. Yeah…

these four divinely chosen men were called to give an historic account over the greatest man to ever walk the earth. That’s a task that only God could help accomplish and within each gospel we see the beauty of the life of our Savior Jesus Christ. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John give us an idea of what the Creator of the world was really like when he walked the earth that he created. Not every little detail ever done in the lifetime of Jesus was recorded but each word that was given to us from the four was divinely given from the hand of God. John the Beloved said it best, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31) The four gos-

4 Views 1 Truth audience is pels are quite different, we amazing not must never only because forget that they tell the the Word greatest story was given known to to us all as mankind but a whole for also that they our benefit prove true just (2 Tim. 3:16). like the rest of Matthew Scripture. (Pro. wrote to a 30:5) Jewish audiNot every

By Dalton Mathis ence while detail was Mark wrote written down to a heavily Gentile audiabout each event but as ence. Luke wrote to an inJohn hinted we were given dividual named Theophilus exactly what we were supwho like Luke seemed to be posed to be given. So, that educated and familiar with leads us into the examinathe Good News beforehand tion of the four accounts (Luke 1:4). John’s audience and to answer questions was to all believers and by such as why does one write the time his gospel was rethis and the other leaves corded the Church was well it out? We have to first established and consisted remember that the original of Jews and Gentiles. As audiences of each gospel we read through particular account are quite differaccounts we can definitely ent. While each original

PASTOR’S PEN

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

see ways that the author is primarily focusing in on his original audience. This focus leads each author into an aspect for the reader that helps he or she truly understand what a particular event in the life of Jesus was like. This is just one of the unique reasons why the gospel accounts although very similar are also unique as well.

God divinely chose the four evangelists that penned the gospels under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. A passage in the Old Testament actually predicts and gives insight into the four gospel accounts. This passage comes out of the first chapter of the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel is describing his calling and the Glory of the Lord that was revealed to him by the Chebar canal. Ezekiel describes the four living creatures in which he saw, “As for the likeness of their faces, each had a human face. The

four had the face of a lion on the right side, the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle” (Ezek.

1:10).

Read that verse again slowly and see if there’s a particular number that jumps off of the page?

Yes, four the same number of gospels that we find in our Bible. This verse and the description of these creatures parallel and give insight into the four gospel accounts. As mentioned above each account was unique mainly due to the author’s background and the original audience in which he was writing to.

As we look into this passage and also into the overall themes of each gospel we see a divine piece of imagery. Matthew wrote to the Jews and presented Christ as the King of the Jews.

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

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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

First Baptist Church John Ward 214 N Swenson 325-773-2781 AM Worship: 11:00

Common Ground Youth Ministry Paul Wright 219 S Swenson 325-773-3604

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

Faith Chapel Gerald Spalding 501 W. McHarg 325-773-2866 AM Worship: 10:00

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

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

MacKenzie Trail Cowboy Church AM worship 11:00

First Assembly of God Family Worship Center Pastor John Shepard 1214 Compton 325-773-2435 Worship: Saturday 6PM

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

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7

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

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019

Bulldog Band Student Performs In The District and Region Bands

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Peyton Bevel, Football

Carson Holt, Football

Zach Duran, Baseball

Trace Edwards, Football

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Garrett Arendall, Football

Tre Mitchell, Football

SUBMITTED BY MICHAEL COPELAND Clayton Castro, a senior at Stamford High School, participated in the ATSSB Region 7 North Zone District Band and the ATSSB Region 7 Band. Clayton plays the euphonium in the Stamford Bulldog Band. The Association of Texas Small School Bands is under the umbrella of the Texas Music Educators Association. It has been hosting an all-state band selection process for 28 years that caters to the 1A-4A conferences of Texas high schools. The region band audition is the first step in that process.

Clayton auditioned for the district band in November and the region band in December.

The district band had a concert at Wichita Falls High School on January 19th. The region band had their clinic and concert at Stephenville High School on January 25th and 26th. The region band participants perform in one of three bands (Honors, Symphonic, Concert) depending upon the results of their audition. Clayton was in the Symphonic Band which was directed by Dr. B J Brooks of West Texas A&M. One of the highlights of the concert was playing live music that Dr. Brooks synchronized to a clip from the silent film, “The Freshman,” featuring Harold Lloyd.

Clayton is interested in studying music composition after high school.

Brooklyn Woodard, Basketball

Carli Lefevre, Cheer

SHS Students Chosen for FCA Games The 20th Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star Classic this summer will feature eight athletes from Stamford High School. Chosen were Brooklyn Woodard, Basketball; Peyton Bevel, Carson Holt, Garrett Arendall, and Trey Mitchell, Football; Carli Lefevre, Cheer; Trace Edwards, Basketball; Zachary Duran, Baseball.

Schedule for the all-star games: June 7th 6:00pm - Baseball at Foster Field at 1st Community Federal Credit Union Stadium, Angelo State University June 8th 2:00pm - Women’s basketball at Brownwood Coliseum 4:00pm - Men’s basketball at Brownwood Coliseum 6:00pm - Football at Shotwell Stadium, Abilene

Photos by Bearden Photography

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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Bulldogs Are Bi-District Champs The Bulldogs faced Winters on Tuesday, February 19 at Eula High School for the Bi-District Championship defeating them 70-51. The Dawgs surged ahead in the 2nd quarter and never looked back. Trace Edwards and Zachary Duran led the scoring with 21 and 18 points respectively.

D’Marcus Barber scored 11, Peyton Bevel 7, Nolan Baker 5, Zhawn Holden 4, and Quincy Johnson and Stephon Johnson 2 each.

Stamford 10 18 23 19--70 Winters 10 6 20 15--51 The area game will be Friday, Feb. 22 at 8:00 pm at Howard College in Big Spring vs. Tahoka.

Brooklyn Woodard

Tylee Jo Bevel

Bresha Applin

Citlaly Gutierrez

Shandlee Mueller

Kenadee Gann

Macy Detamore

Laramie Terrell

Lady Bulldogs Receive All District Honors

Brooklyn Woodard was named District Offensive MVP. Newcomer of the Year was Tylee Bevel. Bresha Applin was named 6th Man. Chosen to First Team All District

were Citlaly Gutierrez and Shandlee Mueller. Receiving Honorable Mention All-District were Kenadee Gann, Macy Detamore, and Laramie Terrell.

10 FEBRUARY 22, 2019 NET FARM INCOME TO REBOUND IN 2019 AS FARMERS PARE EXPENSES After hitting a pothole in 2018, U.S. net farm income will recover this year under the combined effects of financial belt-tightening and rising crop prices, said the USDA on Thursday. It proKASN AG REPORT jected net farm income of $77.6 billion in 2019, which

By Richard Kemp would be the highest total since the commodity boom collapsed in 2014.

FARMLAND VALUES UP SLIGHTLY IN MIDWEST, DOWN A BIT IN PLAINS Ag bankers in the Midwest say farmland values were steady overall in 2018 and rose by 1 percent in the final three months of the year, reported the Chicago Federal Reserve on Thursday in its quarterly AgLetter.

IN TWO WAYS, LAWMAKERS SAY ‘NO’ TO RELOCATION OF USDA RESEARCH AGENCIES Congress is about to send USDA funding for the rest of the fiscal year to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.

It will also send him an unambiguous, although nonbinding, message: Don’t move the Economic Research Service or the National Institute of Food and Agriculture out of Washington.

AGRICULTURE REMAINS AN ISSUE AS SINO-U.S. TRADE TALKS RESUME The White House is looking for additional progress in negotiations this week to resolve the Sino-U.S. trade war even as it cautions that “much work remains.” Agriculture is among the structural issues under discussion, according to the administration.

Q&A WITH MONICA WHITE: BLACK FARMERS’ ROLE IN THE STRUGGLE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS In Freedom Farmers: Agricultural Resistance and the Black Freedom Movement, Monica M. White, assistant professor of environmental justice at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, traces the history of black landbased social movements from the time of slavery to today’s urban gardens in Rust Belt cities DATA CONSOLIDATION THREATENS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE, SAYS INTERNATIONAL PANEL If you care about reducing pesticide use, promoting agricultural biodiversity, and supporting small farmers, then you should also care about who’s amassing agricultural data. That’s the message of a new report from a group of sustainable food policy experts.

BREAKFAST IN CLASSROOMS, UNIVERSAL ACCESS BOOST SCHOOL BREAKFAST COUNT Breakfast participation rates at U.S. schools rose in the 2017-18 school year, and a report issued Wednesday by the Food Research & Action Center attributed that increase to decisions by schools to serve breakfast

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WEST TEXAS TREES AND LANDSCAPES

By Bruce Kreitler and the KWKC Green Team Recently, while I was in one of the more rural parts of the Big Country, it occurred to me that the particular area I was transiting could have naturally occurring live oaks, post oaks, blackjack oaks or red oaks, in nearly any combination. Spots like that occur here and there, throughout our region, and in fact, at the Eastern edges of the Big Country, you might also find bur oaks in the mix.

There are lots of places in our region where one or more of the oak tree species I mentioned above might be naturally occurring, but most of the time, environmental conditions will usually favor one species over the others, with the exception of the blackjacks. The post oaks, for instance, really seem to like the more sandy, dry areas, where even mesquites struggle to get a foothold, or are not there at all. While it’s not unusual to find a few live oaks in an area where post oaks are predominant, there are plenty of places where post oaks rule supreme, and there are no naturally occurring live oaks present.

There are also lots of places where you can find numerous live oaks, but no post oaks at all.

Above, I mentioned that blackjack oaks are an exception. I have seen individual properties that had a high percentage of blackjack oaks compared to other oaks, but places like that are limited to just a few acres here and there.

The more normal way to find blackjacks, is mixed in with post oaks, with the post oaks usually greatly outnumbering the blackjacks. Both post oaks and blackjacks are slow growing species of trees, that do not handle human activity very well. While I have seen the occasional purposefully planted post oak (and I have no clue where someone would get one to plant), I don’t know that I’ve ever run across a blackjack oak that someone had actually planted. For the most part, when I see post oaks and blackjacks on a property, and it’s almost always a rural property, I take it for granted that the trees were already there when the structure was built.

Anyway, thinking about the fact that there are plenty of places throughout our region, where several different varieties of oaks might be growing, completely on their own, got me to wondering. What I wondered was “how”? How do we end up with multiple species in our forests, where many true forests are predominately populated by a single species of tree?

A silviculturist type (the traditional forester who comes to mind when people think of “foresters”), might not think of our area

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as being forested, but as an arborist (urban forester), I do. The forests that a silviculturist deals with are generally made up of trees that are shoulder to shoulder, or more aptly, canopy to canopy, but an arborist, such as myself, generally considers a forest to be any area with trees, no matter how widely they might be spread apart. From my point of view, as far as tree numbers go, whatever the number of trees growing somewhere is, it’s the best that land can do, and thus it’s reaching its forest potential. In my mind, that makes it a forest.

Granted, while I don’t get to walk through a lot of multi-square mile forests (I leave the Big Country as little as possible), I do have an interest in them.

Particularly, I’m interested in forest evolution, which is happening here also, and forest evolution is the reason for forest make-up, whether it be a forest primarily of one tree species, or multiple species.

To put it simply, the reason a forest winds up being made up mostly of one species of tree, is because the conditions there, at the time, favor that one species over others. The reason I mentioned “at the time” is because, as I’ve mentioned above, forests evolve over time, and a thousand years either way, or in the aftermath of some kind of very large event, maybe just a decade or so, can make a huge difference in what kinds of trees are, or are not, there. Somebody looking at forests along the Eastern seaboard a hundred and fifty years ago, would have probably

decided that the ultimate, mature, forest in that area would be made up of American chestnut trees (because, at that time, many of them were). Now, there are no American chestnut trees, larger than a big shrub, growing unprotected in that area. Nature, through a disease called chestnut blight, almost completely eradicated them.

Thinking about the different species of trees that might all exist in the same place, in our “forested” areas, led me to a conclusion. Because our region is not a favorable climate for trees, generally, not enough of them grow in one spot for species selection to be driven by direct competition between trees.

Instead, what we have is isolated, or semi-isolated trees, and stands of trees, competing directly against environmental conditions for survival, not so much against other species that are growing closely enough to be a life-threatening competitor.

All clouds have a silver lining, but who thought the silver lining around our harsh growing conditions would be that it makes room for more species diversity, than better growing conditions would allow?

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Senate Panel Focuses on Funding of Public Education When Texas legislatures meet every two years, lawmakers’ singular, must-do assignment is to produce a state budget.

Toward that goal, the Senate Finance Committee held meetings on Feb. 11, 12 and 13 to work on Article III of Senate Bill 1. That article focuses on the public and higher education parts of the state budget for fiscal years 2020 and 2021.

The meetings, replete with acronym-spattered expert testimony from the Texas Education Agency, the Teacher Retirement System and others, dealt with funding areas within public education. Lumped together, public education funding almost certainly will require more than half of the state’s general revenue. The ballpark estimate of total general revenue is $112 billion.

Senate Finance Committee Chair Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, said SB 1 includes: — $2.4 billion to fund enrollment growth for public education, based on an estimated 65,000 additional students per year; — $3.7 billion in additional funding for teacher pay raises; — $2.3 billion to reduce reliance on recapture under the so-called “Robin Hood” system; — $8 million, an increase of $3 million, for Pathways in Technology Early College High School, a partnership between technology-based companies and public education; and — $230 million to maintain current health insurance premiums and benefits for our retired teachers through TRS-Care.

Nelson also mentioned SB 500, the supplemental appropriations bill, which as presently written includes $100 million for school safety, more than $600 million to address Hurricane

Harvey-related expenses for public education and $300 million to address the Teachers Retirement System pension.

“As a former teacher,” Nelson said, “I want to ensure that our schools have the resources necessary to properly educate our students and prepare them for success. Education is the great equalizer, and we need to make sure all Texas students have access to a quality education,” Nelson added.

PANEL OKS MENTAL HEALTH BILL Senate Bill 10, legislation to create the Texas Mental Health Care Consortium, was unanimously approved by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee on Feb. 12. Next stop for the bill will be consideration by the full Senate.

Authored by Sen. Jane Nelson, the bill would leverage the expertise of Texas’ medical schools to bolster mental health resources for Texas children and adolescents. The Senate budget, as outlined in SB 1, would allocate $100 million in new funding for SB 10.

Gov. Abbott declared the legislation an emergency item in his State of the State address. All 31 senators are signed on as co-authors of SB 10.

“Texas has been making strong progress on mental health with innovative programs that expand access to care. This bill will help better identify children and adolescents with mental health challenges and connect them with the treatment they need before they become a danger to themselves and others. Under this legislation we can also better address our workforce needs and support mental health research,” Nelson said.

In addition to creating the consortium, SB 10 would: — Establish mental health

“hubs” at health-related institutions consisting of psychiatrists, social workers, referral specialists and other mental health professionals; — Establish the Child Psychiatry Access Network, allowing pediatricians and primary care providers to consult with mental health experts on treatment options for their patients; and — Establish a program allowing youth to be screened for mental health conditions through telemedicine.

SB 10 also would: — Increase residency opportunities for psychiatry students in community settings; — Expand and coordinate mental health research at our health-related institutions; and — Direct that judges be educated about mental health resources in their communities.

VIEWER DISPLAYS MORE DATA The Texas Railroad Commission on Feb. 12 announced that its public geographic information system map viewer now displays data for multiple oil and gas wells in a defined radius area set by a user.

Surface and down-hole data on multiple wells can now be downloaded and opened with commonly used computer software.

Those who have an Internet connection may research information for multiple wells in a specifically designated area, rather than one well at a time.

The map viewer may be accessed online at http:// wwwgisp.rrc.texas.gov/GISViewer2/.

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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Help by Not Recording

A while back I discovered a documentary show on Netflix called Shot in the Dark that followed “stringers” who travel around Los Angeles in the middle of the night looking for accidents, crimes and other general unfortunate circumstances in order to get out their video cameras and record what is happening to turn the footage around to sell to news networks. While many people, THOUGHTS FROM including myself, consistently criticize the media representatives UNDER THE CAP that do this act, especially when someone’s life hangs in the balance, Will McClure it really was a fascinating show to see the other side of the story and how people make a living doing this. However, the end of the first episode showed a stringer come across a vehicle stalled on a busy highway with warning flashers on. Instead of safely checking to make sure the people inside were all right or even out of the vehicle, the stringer pulled over, took out the camera and began recording the stalled vehicle, knowing that something may happen. Eventually, the warning flashers died and, even though the stringer shared his concern, he continued to film and only rushed over when a truck slammed into the back of the car. After watching this episode, even though the cameraman eventually did the right thing, he still was more concerned with recording the incident than trying to help, a sentiment that was shared with comments on the episode.

I recently thought about this episode and show in general, when thinking about events where something bad happens. Whether it is a fight, a crime in progress, or even a wreck, people tend to want to take out their phones and press the record button. It is bad enough getting people gathering to watch, but it gets to be a problem when those people now jostle to get the “awesome footage” of what is happening. My one simple question is: Why? What is the appeal of getting in the way of emergency crews or even letting a fight go on for the sake of a great video? You hear it all the time of regular people getting in the way because they want a good video or photo that they do not realize the harm that they may be causing. Thankfully, most people in the media field can observe the need to get distance, but still report the story. A personal example is when I needed to go take pictures of a wreck for a story in the paper, but I was always advised to only take pictures of the wreck itself and nobody that was injured as well as keep my distance unless I had permission. This way, privacy was respected, I would always stay out of the way and I followed directions of emergency personnel.

In addition, if there was some way I may be able to help I would offer if needed. I’m not saying everyone should do this, but it made things a bit better.

So what am I saying in all of this rambling? Well, it is simple: put the phones down. While it may not seem right that media reports on accidents, for the most part the space and the people involved are respected. Not everyone respects this idea by wanting to whip out their phones at the first sign of trouble. This has even divulged down to when fights break out that instead of trying to step in and break things up if possible, some take out their phones so they can “show it to my friends.” What is the world coming to when it is more important to record than to help? All I am saying is that by recording incidents, it encourages more recording and, at least in the case of fights, it may encourage others to do things in order to be recorded. It is never worth it and it poses no benefits to people involved. So, the next time you see a wreck on the road, help if you can or drive away and leave “capturing footage” to those that need to.

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

Ben Knows The Big Bend Country

“By and large, the region was only miles upon miles of loneliness, which is just the way most of the inhabitants liked it.”

That sentence is from a book by Ben English of Alpine titled Yonderings: Trails and Memories of the Big Bend.

I’ve interviewed photographers, writers, historians and all sorts of folks who have attempted to convey their impressions of the Big Bend of Texas.

They’ve all expressed their thoughts in such a manner that indicated a fierce love and appreciation for the area along the Rio Grande. When I interviewed Ben English and read his book, I discovered a man who knows the names of every plant, animal, trail, mountain, stream, insect, mesa, canyon, rock, bird or legend found in this intriguing part of Texas.

He writes about his long hikes. His descriptions of the terrain make you feel

every step he takes.

And he has taken lots of steps, especially around Lajitas and Terlngua.

Ben is the 6th generation of his family to live in the area. His grandparents ran the Lajitas Trading Post. His great aunt was Maggie Smith, who ran some hot springs and became known as the first colorful female character in the mountain country. In the late 1950s she bought a brand new station wagon and filled it with goats.

“Any time you bought a car from Casner Motor Company when you came into town you got a free wash job and they’d clean out the inside of the car. Nobody wanted to clean Maggie’s vehicle because there were goat

pellets all over the place.” Ben was born in 1959 and during his formative years spent weekends and summers with his grandparents at Lajitas. He developed outdoor skills and a big dose of self-reliance.

At Terlingua, he attended a one-room school with 9 students in 6 grades. Later he went to school in Fort Stockton, a more civilized part of the state, as his parents called it. But Ben missed his small school in Terlingua. He was not used to big crowds of students. His graduating class in Fort Stockton had 150 students. He joined the Marine Corps at age 17 and spent seven years developing a distinguished career.

He says the Marine Corps made him a man because he had some great mentors. After his discharge he attended San Angelo State and graduated with honors.

Then he became a Texas Highway Patrolman and

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

spent his entire career in the Ozona-Sonora area before retiring to Alpine.

He’s glad to be back.

“If you’re born and bred in this country it does not matter where you go or how long you’re gone, the Big Bend is still home and there will still be a pull back to the Big Bend.”

He told me he wanted to do 3 things in his life: be a Marine, a Highway Patrolman and a writer.

He is now working on some novels. “When my publisher told me I needed to be on Facebook I found out how to do it and the first people I heard from were some of my classmates from Terlingua. I hadn’t seen them in over 40 years.

They still had that close feeling for each other.”

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I suppose everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day. I bet a lot of beautiful flowers were sent out. I love Valentine, that is about the only time one really expresses their caring for someone. I enjoyed attending the Valentine special at the VIP in Stamford. The food was delicious and the program very enjoyable.

Thanks for the candy.

Well the weather has been favorable, don’t really know what’s in store for the next few days.

Just want to mention our musical coming up on Saturday, Feb. 23, concession stand opens at 5:30 P M and the program follows at 6 PM. Come early for a good meal, visit with your friends and enjoy the great music. Hope to see you there.

This month is almost over, looking forward to spring.

I was so sorry to learn of the death of a lovely lady that once lived here with her family and attended OGHS. Patsy Ann Jones Olson passed on February 5. Graveside service was held Feb. 9 at Indian Creek Cemetery under the direction of White’s Funeral Home of Mineral Wells. Pat was a member of Indian Creek Baptist Church and a lifetime member of Palo Pinto General Hospital Auxiliary and a volunteer driver for the Cancer Societies. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Olson, her parents Joe and Audrey Jones, and brothers Billy Ray, Vernon, and Joe Raymond. Survivors include brother, Jack Jones, children Cheryl Thornton, Buddy Olson III and wife Barbara, Teresa Taylor and husband, Herbert, and Joseph and wife, Tammy, nine grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Our deepest sympathy to the family, especially Jack Jones from OG and Aspermont.

Rachel Ciomperlik from Hearne came to visit her grandmother, Bernie Rhoads, over the weekend.

Bernice has been taking re-

OLD GLORY NEWS

By Anita Dozier hab following knee surgery.

The Multi County Retired Teachers and School Personnel met in the Cowboy Country Museum in Stamford for their luncheon and meeting with 23 present. They held their regular meeting following the delicious lunch prepared by the Stamford ladies. Everyone truly enjoyed the program, Jewellee Kuenstler gave about the beautiful Museum. Everyone was able to tour the Museum and get to see all the beautiful displays.

Dorothy Lundgren, Maxie Kohout, Barbara Terrell and I enjoyed a delicious breakfast and nice visit in Stamford early Tuesday morning.

The Senior Citizens Dance at the Old Glory Community Center was well attended on Thursday evening and everyone enjoyed the good music and the delicious refreshments. They look forward to a great evening at the next dance on Thursday, March 14.

Mittie Dunham and daughter, Shelly, were in Lubbock on Tuesday for a doctor’s visit. While there they had lunch and a nice visit with grandson/son, Colton Hill, and his friend, Keana Serin.

Mittie visited with Bernice Rhoads on Thursday.

Bernice recently had knee surgery.

Visiting with her son Gerral and Shelly Dunham was his mother, Mary Sue Riscus and his sister, Sherri and Steve Riche all of Abilene.

Phyllis Letz drove to Wichita Falls on Monday and met her grandson, Eric

Conner, who is attending college there. They had a great time visiting and shopping. Later granddaughter, Deann Conner, joined them for dinner and a nice visit. Deann goes to college there also.

Danny and Phyllis Letz drove to Sweetwater Saturday evening and had dinner out. Then they went to the VFW where Danny and his band played for the dance. On Sunday, Danny and Phyllis met Casey and Emery Letz, Rylan, Cale, Madisyn and a friend in Stamford for lunch and a nice visit.

Kara Briggs and Crete of Haskell had lunch with her grandparents, Glen and Helen Pierce, on Saturday.

Later in the day, grandson, Matthew Pierce came for a visit, he now lives at the Stamford Lake.

Mike and Maxelle Baldree of Abilene and Marcie Tucker of Hamby came to visit with me on Saturday and did a lot of work. I always appreciate when my children come out to do things for me. It sure helps when one gets old.

Thought for the week: “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but great makes you feel that you, too, can become great.”

Happy Birthday wishes go to Prairie Flowers, Kim Lindsey, Derrick Tribbey, Hannah Goodwin, Baleigh Pippen, Chambree Lefevre, Lacey Jones, Brenda McClure, Linda Diggs, Colt Pendergraft, Cary McClintock, J B Toney, Heidi Schuchart, Peggy Tabor, Woncile Fowler, and Susan Smith. We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to Mr and Mrs Isaac Castro, Sr. and Brandon and Carrie Smith. Have a wonderful day.

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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14 FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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HELP WANTED

Classifieds

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 RESIDENTIAL

712 E Vanderbilt Gorgeous 1910 2 story Victorian family home.........$139,900 1018 Reynolds Historic 4bd home w/ basement and near school........$139,900 264 CR 169 O’Brien Nice Home & Barn on 10± AC!.........................$161,000 1502 Compton Stamford Great 3/2/2 Ranch Home on 1.6± AC!....$128,900 1210 Landon Stamford 3/2 Limestone Family Home w/ Fireplace! $106,000 7725 US Hwy 277 Hawley, Nice A-frame on almost half an acre! ...$69,000 2514 CR 389 Anson. Country living - large 4/2 on 3 acres!................$242,000 5716 FM 605 Hawley. Restored farmhouse 3/2, 11 acres! List price $277,000 1010 E 12th St Sweetwater Historic Remodel 3/ 2 Move-in Ready!..$92,000

COMMERCIAL

1611 N Swenson Historic Cliff House Restaurant REDUCED...........$79,900 1631 17th St, Anson over 4,000 sq. ft, restaurant equip. ..........IN CONTRACT

FARM & RANCH

FISHER COUNTY

631± AC- Valley View Ranch- Tremendous wildlife, elevation changes, good water!

300± Ac South of Sylvester on FM 1085 GREAT Hunting!

130± Ac South of Sylvester on Fm 1085 Nice sm tract in good area!

COMANCHE COUNTY

735± AC - 4D Game Ranch - Turnkey.

HASKELL COUNTY 202± AC - Box Springs Ranch - Improved

Grass, Stock Tank w/ Good Water Well!

202± AC – Weaver- Irrigated Farm, Minerals, Priced to Sell!

174± AC – Carroll -CRP on Hwy 380 West of Rule.

160± AC – The Kittley Irrigated Farm Northwest of Rule!

130± AC – The Haskell Co. Retreat great Cult. & Mesquite mix w/ 2 tanks!

152± AC - Top Kevil Cotton Farm - Good black land farm w/ 1/2 the minerals!

80± AC - CRP Income, Good Hunting!

10± AC –3/2 Home, Barn, shop all on 10± Beautiful Acres! List Price $161,000 139± AC- Farrington Cotton Farm Prime Cultivation fenced w a tank!

JONES COUNTY

512± AC - on Top of Flat Top - CRP, 2 Water Wells and Beautiful Views!

202± AC – 202 Ranch- great hunting West of Stamford near Hawley 707 Ranch - 10-12 Acre tracts available! Call for information!

81.6± AC -CRP IN CONTRACT!

KENT COUNTY

522± AC – The Grove- Shinnery & Mesquite Combination, Great Hunting!

SCURRY COUNTY

1,421± AC - Impossible Canyon Ranch Deep Canyons & Fantastic Hunting!

SHACKELFORD COUNTY

200± AC - Quarry Income w/ Good Hunting! IN CONTRACT 160± AC – All pasture, Great Hunting! IN CONTRACT

STONEWALL COUNTY

4,743± AC - Patterson North Camp - 2 Live Creeks w/ Hunting Lodge... A Must See! SOLD 2,082± -AC- Double View RanchSpectacular views, River & Cabin!

1,322± AC - Maddie Ola Ranch - Big Water, Extremely Diverse, & Great Hunting!

925± AC - w/ Cabin, Fantastic Hunting and Spectacular Views!

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

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: 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) 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

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

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)

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 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 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.

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 29th DAY OF January, 2019.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS THE 28th DAY OF January, 2019.

/s/ Danny Jimenez Sheriff, Jones County, Texas

/s/ Danny Jimenez Sheriff, Jones County, Texas

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

PASTOR’S PEN: Continued From Page 7

Thus being a Lion and focusing on His Kingship from the line of David and Judah (Gen. 49:10). Again notice the four faces described by Ezekiel. The ox represents servanthood and work, as oxen were used for plowing and hard work.

This parallels with Mark’s gospel as he presents Jesus as the servant of servants who came to serve all of mankind (Mark 10:45).

Thirdly, we have Luke the doctor (Col. 4:14) who uniquely presents Jesus as the perfect man. Luke being a doctor quite frankly knew how to recognize physical illness and it seems that through his writings he also realized the need of spiritual healing for all of mankind. For he wrote, “the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

(Luke 19:10) Lastly, we have John who presented Christ as the Son of God full in deity while on earth. This would be represented in Ezekiel’s description as the eagle in which the deity is represented. This is just a small piece of insight that the Scriptures give us about the four gospel differentiations but I do believe if one keeps this in mind while reading and observing he or she will better be able to understand and pick up on the reasons for similarities and differences in each gospel event.

The four gospel accounts are beautiful to look at especially as a whole. I encourage you to read one of the gospels this week and then the next week read another and so forth.

God’s Word is amazing and

inside these four books you will find one true truth and that is Jesus Christ the man

FEBRUARY 22, 2019

from Nazareth is indeed the Savior of the world.

Blessings!

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16 FEBRUARY 22, 2019

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

LETTER TO THE EDITOR To: Representative Stan Lambert State of Texas, District 71 547 Chestnut Abilene, Tx 79602 January 31, 2019 Good morning, Mr. Lambert, I am writing to you today because, as one of your constituents, I would like to introduce myself. I am Nancy L. Clark, a long-time resident of Stamford, Texas, and someone who has been proud to exercise my rights as a voter for many, many years. When you ran for office, I exercised my right to vote and as a result, you were elected to be my Representative to the great state of Texas. It is my hope that as you represent myself and your other many constituents, when you reach the end of your tenure serving our numbers and this great state, you will be able to look back on what you have accomplished with pride. There is a Latin phrase that is often associated with those in healthcare, “Primum non nocere,”

which, when translated means “First, do no harm.”

When you leave your post as Representative of the 71st District of Texas for the last time I pray you will be able to look back on what you achieved while in office and know that you “did no harm.”

Today, I write to you to ask a question that I am concerned about. That question is, “How do you choose who you represent first among your constituents?” When there are some constituents on one side of an issue and more on the other side of the same issue, who gets your attention and backing? Are you a caring and concerned representative that puts those who are struggling to keep healthcare available in one of your rural communities first in your service, or do you serve a different constituent base who may be close friends and associates and focus on whether or not you can save them some money along the way?

Healthcare has been available in Stamford, Texas for well over a century. For the first 10 years of the town’s

existence residents requiring medical care depended on doctors who maintained offices in which to treat patients. However, in 1910 a wonderful 12 bed facility was built and called Stamford Sanitarium and soon a 10 bed annex was added for use of railroad patients.

For a time that hospital was the only one between Fort Worth and El Paso and had 17 doctors working there. In 1969 the Hospital District continued the tradition established in 1910 by the original founding doctors and opened Stamford Memorial Hospital, a new facility that was the most modern and updated facility of its size in this part of the country. That building has continued to faithfully serve Stamford and the surrounding area into the present day. Unfortunately, with the passing of time, life has cycled around and we have returned to the state of things as they were in the early 1900s and we find that once again we are dependent on healthcare providers to take care of our medical needs without the benefit of being able to have a hospital

for our community.

The issue at hand is whether you support the measures that will have a devastating end result of removing healthcare provided by the Stamford Hospital District by dissolving that district or do you support those constituents who live in the southern end of the district and do not wish to pay taxes into a district that they choose not to use so they can save some money.

I have given much thought to the pros and cons of any measure that might be delivered to the Texas House of Representatives for a vote on the future of the Stamford Hospital District. Below you will find the things I believe will sway you, as a Representative of Texas and for Jones County, but which way will you sway?

Let’s look at the positives for dissolving the Stamford Hospital District: 1. Residents living in the district will no longer have to pay Hospital District taxes, therefore saving them money.

Hmmm… In looking for the positives, I guess there is only one.

Now, let’s look at the negative results of dissolving Stamford Hospital District: People living in and around Stamford will no longer have access to healthcare providers through the Hospital District.

People living in and around Stamford will no longer have access to Lab services provided by the Hospital District.

People living in and around Stamford will no longer have access to Radiology Services provided by the Hospital District.

People living in and around Stamford will no longer have access to Physical Therapy Services provided by the Hospital District.

People living in and around Stamford will no longer have access to Health Club facilities provided by the Hospital District.

Veterans living in and around Stamford will no longer have access to the local VA Clinic located at the Hospital District each week.

Cardiology patients in and around Stamford will no longer have access to the services of Dr. Swarna located at the Hospital District each month.

Ortho patients living in and around Stamford will no longer have access to the services of Dr. Padon located at the Hospital District each month.

Oncology patients living in and around Stamford will no longer have access to the services of Dr. Vega located at the Hospital District each month.

People living in and around Stamford will no longer have access to hearing care from Bryant Better Hearing located at the Hospital District each month.

MHMR patients living in and around Stamford will no longer have access to MHMR services located at the Hospital District each month.

Residents of the lovely Assisted Living facility operated by Stamford Hospital District could face the possibility of losing their home.

50 employees of the Hos-

pital District will lose their jobs.

As a result of the loss of jobs for those employees, people will likely need to move to other areas where jobs are more readily available.

The enrollment of the schools will decline due to loss of these families from the area.

The local real estate market will be inundated with more empty houses as people find it necessary to move from the area.

Businesses in the area will no longer benefit from sales to those who come to Stamford to use the services of the Hospital District. The types of business that typically benefit are restaurants, those that sell fuel, and any or all local retail businesses.

Loss of income from those no longer coming to Stamford for healthcare potentially could mean closure for some businesses.

Loss of income from those no longer coming to Stamford for healthcare to shop potentially decreases the Sales Tax base.

With no healthcare available, a possibly declining school enrollment, and potentially fewer businesses the likelihood of new families moving into the area will become almost nonexistent.

With the possibility of fewer residents the School District, City as well as the County will face a considerable loss of Tax revenue.

Hmmm… In looking at the negatives, I see the possibility of utter devastation for the Stamford community overall.

So, in the matter of continued healthcare in Stamford, Texas my question is, “How do you choose who you represent first among your constituents?”

Respectfully yours, Nancy L. Clark Stamford, Texas