March 1, 2019 - Stamford American

March 1, 2019 16 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION

STAMFORD

American THE NEW

TYSON DEVER BRINGS PROGRAM TO SCHOOL ABOUT DISTRACTED DRIVING......PAGE 2

Chamber Announces Best of Stamford Event, Award Nominations Now Open

On February 26th, the Stamford School Board named Mr. Will Brewer Lone Finalist for the position of superintendent of Schools. The board is set to officially hire Brewer on March 25th at the regularly scheduled meeting. Brewer is pictured above with wife Micky and his three children: Austin, Audrey, and A.J. Brewer is currently serving as the Assistant Principal at Wylie Middle School and has previously served as the Superintendent of Ballinger ISD and as a principal in Anson.

TTHE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 10, ISSUE 41 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 97, ISSUE 47 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 113, ISSUE 48

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Stamford wouldn’t be what it is without the committed citizens and businesses who help it thrive.

The Stamford Chamber of Commerce will once again be recognizing a Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Senior Boy and Girl at the Best of Stamford Chamber of Commerce Event on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

The Chamber will be accepting nominations for the four awards until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. To nominate a

student, citizen or business, list their name and contact information along with the award they are being nominated for and a brief description of why they should be recognized.

Descriptions should be no more than 500 words and can be typed or handwritten. Please submit nominations by email to chamberdirector@stamfordtx.org, mail to 107 E. McHarg Street, Stamford, TX 79553, or drop them by the Chamber’s office located at 107 E. McHarg

Street.

The board of directors will review the nominations and select the recipients. Recipients will be contacted and then announced at the event. The Chamber hopes you will help recognize the great individuals and businesses that make Stamford the community it is with your nominations. For information on nominations for the event call 325-7732411 or 917-566-8419.

Sunday, March 10, Daylight Savings Time begins.

Remember to Spring Forward!

SEE COMMISSIONERS COURT STORY ......... .........................................................................PAGE 3

2 MARCH 1, 2019

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MARK THE DATE...

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

THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST

Friday 75 | 46

Saturday 49 | 29

NEWS BRIEFS CODE CLUB: Stamford Carnegie Library CODE CLUB every Tuesday, 4:00-5:00 pm. Grades 6-12 welcome to attend.

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

TUTORING: SMS Tutoring every Thursday from 6:00-7:00 at Common Ground. This is an

opportunity for your child to get extra help on their school work. Please have your children take advantage of this help. For more information, contact Paul Wright at 7733604 or 370-6378.

RENT: The TCR Old Timer’s Association rents the Bunkhouse and Roundup buildings. The new manager is Ann Heathington, and she can be reached at 325-773-8057. Please leave a message and she will return your call. (You will be reaching a business called From Scratch.) The price for the Bunkhouse is $50 deposit and $250 for a one day rental. The price for the Roundup is $150 deposit and $325 for a one day rental.

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

Sunday 37 | 17

Monday 35 | 21

Tuesday 45 | 25

Wednesday 53 | 39

Thursday 70 | 44

The weather is provided for you

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

Distracted Driving Assembly a Great Success

BY KAY SPEARS

Know someone who is having a birthday? Please remember to call us at 325-773-5550 and let us know!

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Stamford Middle School Principal, Kevin White, took advantage of a program funded by TxDot Save a Life, Teens in the Drivers Seat and Texas A&M Transportation Institute to present the Distracted Driving presentation at an assembly on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. Stamford Middle and High School students and their guests from Rule, Texas, were a captivated audience listening to Tyson Devers, 36, describe his experience with a distracted driver.

On March 11, 2005, Devers was in his Corvette, stopped at an intersection near Austin, TX, when the pick-up truck behind him pulled around to get ahead.

It was then that a fully loaded cement truck, traveling 70 mph in a school zone, came up behind Devers and ran over his car.

A car in the cross traffic hit him next. He and his car were crushed, his car caught fire and if it hadn’t been for several factors, he would have died at the scene. Devers described the heroic efforts of the men who stopped their vehicles to pull him out of his car just before the car exploded. The elementary school across the street was having their “Fire Day” and the firemen there immediately called the Star Flight emergency medical helicopter to take Devers to a trauma center. Devers said it was only fourteen minutes from the time of the accident until he was being worked on at the hospital. He stated he died four times that day and had five surgeries. He was 22 years old.

SEE ASSEMBLY, PAGE 4

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

The deadline to submit news and advertising is 5 p.m. on Fridays. Exceptions may be granted only by permission from the publisher.

SUBMISSIONS POLICY

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

Tyson Dever and Stamford Middle School Principal Kevin White before the Distracted Driving assembly at SHS.

NOTICE

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

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

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

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

MARCH 1, 2019 3

Commissioner Application Process Laid Out

BY KAY SPEARS On Monday, February 25, 2019, the Jones County Commissioners Court held the regular fourth Monday meeting at the Courthouse in Anson, TX. The Court consisted of Judge Dale Spurgin, County Commissioners James Clawson, Ross Davis and Joel Spraberry, with County Clerk LeeAnn Jennings recording the proceedings.

In attendance were County Treasurer, Amber Thompson, and County Auditor, Gwen Bailey.

Judge Spurgin opened the meeting at 9:00am and the minutes of the last regular meeting were approved.

The next agenda item was to Discuss the Process for Appointment to the Vacancy of Precinct #2 Commissioner. Judge Spurgin stated this is the first Commissioner’s Court meeting since Precinct #2 Commissioner, Steve Lefevre, passed away on Sunday, February 17, 2019.

Jan Lefevre was in attendance and Judge Spurgin expressed their condolences and appreciation for “Steve’s and your service, because you worked very closely together.” Commissioner Lefevre was elected in November of 2014 and sworn-in on January 1, 2015. He was re-elected and sworn-in in January of 2019. “Clearly, Steve will be missed and what he brought to the Commissioner’s Court was his desire to do the very best for his constituents but also Jones County. I will miss the conversations that we’ve had. He really stepped into a situation, within four months of swearing-in we had our first natural disaster,

which he had the bulk of the damage on that one.

He had a second natural disaster a year later, which he had the bulk of the damage because of the water shed in Precinct 2, captures most of that run-off. In fact, he faced his third natural disaster in the Spring of 2018.” He stated, “He and the road hands in Precinct 2, as all the Commissioners know what they’ve been dealing with, spent the last 4 or 5 years of his term doing damage repair and navigating the pit falls of dealing with FEMA.” Judge Spurgin said that in reflecting back he remembered many conversations when Lefevre asked “Well, what about…?” Judge Spurgin stated they were grateful for his service and he earned their respect.

Regarding the unexpired term left vacant, the County Judge will appoint a suitable resident of Precinct 2 to fill the vacancy until the next General Election in November 2020.

Anyone who has been a resident of Precinct 2 for six months and the State of Texas for one year can file an application. Judge Spurgin announced he will be accepting applications until Friday, March 15, 2019 at 5:00pm. He will schedule interviews the next week, March 18, 2019, for interested candidates.

He wants to be prepared to make an appointment on Monday, March 25, 2019.

The information of salary, benefits, compensations will be posted on the Jones County website (www. co.jones.tx.us).

The next item on the agenda was to approve the following Property Bids as One Action Item: Mark Blackmon for the

Jan Lefevre received her late husband, Steve’s, name plate & folder at Feb. 25, 2019 Commissioners Court. purchase of (R20430), being the South sixty feet (S/60’) of Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in Block 19 of the Original Town of Anson, Jones County, Texas. The bid amount is $588.00. Court cost has been waived.

Angie Looney for the purchase of (R14129), Lot 11 in Block 49 of Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas. The bid amount is $35.00. Court cost has been waived.

Angie Looney for the purchase of (R21605), Lot 5, Block 1, Brownfield & Frizel Addition, City of Stamford, Jones County, Texas. The bid amount is $35.00. Court cost has been waived.

Angie Looney for the purchase of (R16101), Lot 2 in Block 51 of Original

Town Stamford, Jones County, Texas. The bid amount is $35.00. Court cost has been waived.

Angie Looney for the purchase of (R21760), Lot 7 in Block 107 of Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas. The bid amount is $35.00. Court cost has been waived.

Angie Looney for the purchase of (R17449), Lot 13, Block 9, Southside Addition, City of Stamford, Jones County, Texas; being that property more particularly described in a Warranty Deed recorded in Volume 14, Page 500 of the Deed Records of Jones County, Texas. The bid amount is $35.00. Court cost has been waived.

SEE COURT, PAGE 16

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.

Sagerton Hee Haw Coming in March

The Sagerton Hee Haw will be March 28th, 29th and 30th at 8:00 p.m. Music in the auditorium each evening at 7:00 p.m. Dining Hall opens at 5:30-7:00 p.m. Brisket Plates, Beans/Cornbread, and Sandwich/chips served every night.

Don’t forget about our wide selection of homemade pie ! Tickets are $5.00. In-Person ticket sales at the Sagerton Community Center March 5th at 8:00 to Noon. PHONE Call/ Text or Mail-In tickets begin at 12:00/noon the same day.

Call/Text Michelle at 1(936)662-4263 for information and tickets. Email sagertonheehaw@gmail.com for questions or comments. “Like” & “Follow” The Sagerton Hee Haw on our Facebook page!

4 MARCH 1, 2019

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ASSEMBLY: Continued From Page 2

The Teens in the Driver’s Seat program states that car crashes are the number one killer of teens in America. They want teens to know the dangers: Driving at night/ tired; Speeding/racing; Distractions, such as cell phones & teen passengers; Not wearing a seat belt; Drinking & driving. These dangers actually know no age limits.

Devers told his audience not to treat someone in a wheel chair any different than they would treat anyone else. He stated, “You walk and I roll.” He stated change is inevitable and it is how you respond to the change that matters. “Quitting is not an option.” He also stated whatever you have gone

through doesn’t define you and that you have the choice of how you will respond to it. Attitude is very important.

Devers asked his audience, “Are you who you want to be? Are you where you want to be?” He told the students to “ Be the Change.” Going forward is our responsibility, keep moving forward. He stated that we do not like change and there are three ways of looking at change. We can ignore it, like it didn’t happen or react to it, play the blame game or meet it head on. Devers is an effective motivational speaker and taught the students that it’s a life style change not to drive distracted.

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

OBITUARIES

Billie Mae Bean On Thursday, February 21, 2019, Billie Mae Bean passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior at the age of 95.

Billie Welsh Bean was born to Edgar Welsh and Mana Yancy Welsh in Haskell, TX, on January 10, 1924.

Billie was a lifetime resident of Haskell County until 2000 when she and Ellis moved to Jones County to make their home in Stamford, TX. Billie attended Paint Creek School until she transferred and graduated from Haskell High School. Billie married Ellis Bean on March 7, 1941 in Anson, TX and began her career as a homemaker. Her commitment to home and family was highlighted by family gatherings, meals and quilting projects. Billie actively participated in the Berryhill Quilting Club, served as a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts at Paint Creek and was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Stamford.

Billie has now rejoined these family members in Heaven: her parents, her husband of 61 years, Ellis Bean who preceded her in death on January 7, 2003, 2 daughters Linda Witkowski and Patricia Smith, infant son Johnnie Ellis Bean, 3 sisters, Dorothy Morgan, Joe Watkins, and Barbara Pinkston, and 3 brothers; Jerry Welsh, Ernest Welsh, and Frank Welsh.

Left to cherish her memory; 1 son Lance Stacy Bean and wife Laura of Cleburne, TX; 7 grandsons, Craig Smith, Monty Smith, Brian Smith, Ernie Smith, Michael Witkowski, Jason Witkowski, Ryan Bean; 1 granddaughter, Stacey Nakagai, 13 great grandchildren, 10 step great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren and her special companion, a cat named Baby; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A gathering of family and friends was held Sunday, February 24, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.at Tankersley Funeral Home (807 Columbia) in Stamford, TX. Funeral Services was held on Monday, February 25, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Stamford, TX with Rev. Joe Walton officiating. Burial followed at the Rockdale Cemetery in Haskell County under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.

Memories and condolences may be made at www. tankersleyfuneralhome.com.

Kay Webb Gann Kay Webb Gann, age 68, went home to be with her beloved Lord and Savior Saturday, February 23, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Services for Kay were at 10 am Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church, 405 W 8th St. Cisco, Texas with burial following at the Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco. Family and friends gathered from 6-8 pm Monday, February 25th at Chambers Funeral Home, 203 W 7th St also in

Cisco.

Kay was born November 27, 1950 in Gorman to John H. and Margaret Slayden Webb. She grew up in Cisco and was a proud graduate of the Class of 1969 of Cisco High School and was looking forward to her 50th class reunion this year. After graduating, Kay graduated from Cisco Jr. College and was in the Wrangler Band. She then attended Tarleton State University and received her Bachelor degree in education. She taught 4th grade in the same classroom for 28 years in the Lueders-Avoca ISD and in that time touched countless lives. After her retirement in 2005, she loved substitute teaching and volunteering at Cisco Elementary School.

Kay was an amazing Godly woman who loved her Lord and loved serving others. She was a volunteer for the Cisco Senior Nutrition Program, directed VBS for many years at Lueders First Baptist Church, worked as a Girls in Action leader, and a camp sponsor for the Big Country Baptist Assembly. She was a member of the Cisco Civic League, and the Retired Teachers Association. Kay was a faithful participant in the Prayer Group at First United Methodist Church in Cisco, also with the Wesley Sunday school class and choir. Kay was active in the Emmaus Community and was blessed with the honor of serving as Lay Director of Walk #115 in 2003. She loved to travel, but her very favorite past time was spending time with her family fellowshipping and playing games. Her pride and joy was her only daughter, Lorrie. Lorrie always said that her mother was her harshest critic, but her biggest fan.

Her parents John and Margaret Webb; a dear sister Terry Nelson, and a beloved brother Cam Webb preceded her in death.

Kay is survived by: her daughter Lorrie Renfro and husband Tim, a brother Bill Webb and wife Terri, a sister Mary Hill and husband Richard, a sister-in-law Cindy Webb, and a brother-in-law Bubba Nelson. She will also be missed by seven nieces and nephews and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are nephews Bobby Webb, Austin Hill, and Jeffrey Nelson, nephews-in-law Alan Butler and Eric Webb, and dear friend Luke Davis. Honorary pallbearers are longtime family members by choice, Kevin Carson, Ronnie Webb, Gerry Webb, and Ed Murphy (otherwise known as The Gang.)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cisco Senior Nutrition Program in Kay’s name. This was a program that Kay not only volunteered for but was also a recipient for a time.

Online condolences maybe made at www.chambersfh.net

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Anson Welcomes a New Assisted Living Community

BY KAY SPEARS Sabrina Pippin has been a nurse since 2003, working primarily in the geriatrics field. Her passion for administration grew through the years, and she knew she wanted to own a business of own. She stated, “Through years of prayer and the courage to take a leap of faith the dream of Anson Senior Living came to life.”

Pippin and her husband, Robert, grew up in Roby, TX and moved to Anson when their oldest child started school in 2009. They have been married since 2002 and have three children. Riley is a freshman at Anson High School, Baleigh is a 7th grader at Anson Middle School and Berklee is in the first grade at Anson Elementary School. Pippin stated, “We are members of First Baptist Church Anson, avid sports fans and love to stay involved in community events.”

Pippin bought the Anson Healthcare nursing home building in October 2017.

The building had been vacant since 2009 and needed to be completely remodeled and took 12 months to complete. She said they designed the renovation to have a modern farmhouse feel to provide a fresh clean environment. The 35 apartments have three different floor plans to choose from and are available to rent. The building has been installed with new sprinklers and fire alarm system.

Pippin stated, “We want our residents to have a safe place to call home and have made every improvement to the building to do so.”

“We celebrate seniors in every stage of aging,” Pippin stated. “We can ac-

commodate a wide range of needs and can accept residents that are both independent and require assistance.” The occupancy limit is 30 residents and they are licensed as a large type A assisted living facility. Pippin obtained her Assisted Living Administrator (CALM) in 2017. Amanda Pippin, LVN, is the fulltime Clinical Director and oversees all clinical aspects of the community. She has been a nurse, specializing in geriatrics, since 1993 and resides in Anson with her husband, Russel.

The center is staffed 24 hours per day to give personalized care. There are attendants to offer professional and compassionate care. Connie prepares home- style meals, Isabel Lozano is the Director of Housekeeping and Geena Shadle is the Director of Marketing. Pippin stated, “Geena would be delighted to schedule a personalized tour for you!”

Services at Anson Senior Living include medication management, assistance with dressing, grooming and showers. Coordination of care with physicians, assistance with long term care insurance filing and veteran benefits are services provided. They offer weekly housekeeping and laundry at no extra cost.

Three home-style meals are served daily, planned and approved by a licensed dietician.

Respite care is available

MARCH 1, 2019 5

Chamber Board Of Directors Seeking Applicants For Open Seats Stamford Chamber of Commerce is seeking applicants to fill two open board of director positions, beginning in March of 2019. The Chamber invites any and all committed members to apply to serve on the board.

Applications are available at the Chamber office located at 107 E. McHarg Street or requested via email.

Submit applications by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 via email to chamberdirector@stamfordtx.org, via mail to 107 E. McHarg Street Stamford, TX 79553, or drop them by the Chamber’s office.

The board of directors are the primary governing body of the Chamber of Commerce. The direction of the organization is left to them and the responsibility should not be taken lightly. Directors serve for a term of three years with a maximum of two terms consecutively.

The board of director positions are open only to members of the Chamber. Business memberships, individual memberships and organizational memberships are available. Contact the Chamber office or any current member of the Board of Directors to ensure your membership is current or to join.

Robert and Sabrina Pippin open Anson Senior Living after an extensive remodel of the former Anson Healthcare location. at an affordable daily rate, which allows rest for many primary caregivers. Respite care also covers someone not quite ready to be home alone after completing rehab for an injury or surgery. Daily activities include exercise, board games, Bingo, puzzles and crafts.

A full-time Activity Director is being looked into for the near future.

The mission statement of Anson Senior Living is “Let all that you do be done with love. 1 Corinthians 16:14.”

Pippin stated, “This mission statement allows us to truly hold the key to exceptional senior care.”

Anson Senior Living is located at 125 Avenue J. Give them a call at 325-8235096.

BALES GINNED AT AREA GINS as of 2/26/2019 Farmer’s Coop Gin-Stamford - 11,646 Farmer’s Coop Gin-Radium - 4,646 (final) Ericksdahl Coop Gin - 8,537 (final)

6

MARCH 1, 2019

ROOM ONE - A MYSTERY OR TWO: By Andrew Clements

Ted Hammond is making the rounds of his paper route when he sees a face in the window of the Anderson’s vacant house.

He knows the house should be empty. Ted remembers going to the farm auction and seeing how sad READING REVIEW the Anderson’s were having to leave their Martha Jarred Plattsford, Nebraska home. As Ted peddles up the hill on his bike, he knows he did not imagine the image of the girl in the window.

Ted spends his extra time at school reading.

Fifteen years ago, over a hundred children were enrolled. Now, there are less than ten students left. They are all in one room with one teacher.

The school may have to close next year since so many families have moved away. Ted loves mysteries and makes lists just like in his favorite stories. He notes the girl was probably between eleven and thirteen.

After school, Ted goes back by the Anderson property. As he is checking out the barn, April Thayer surprises him. She explains that her father had been killed while serving in the Army. Her mother, Alexa, was afraid of a man in their hometown. She is taking April and her younger brother from their home in Texas to an aunt’s in Colorado. Due to some bad luck, they are stranded in Nebraska. Alexa does not want to use her credit card for fear that her location could be traced.

Ted brings the family food and other necessary items. April swears him to secrecy, but Ted wonders if he should tell his parents or his teacher.

Later in the week while Ted is delivering papers, he sees flashing lights of police cars in front of the Anderson house. Ted worries that April’s family has been discovered, and that she will think he broke his promise. The next morning, Ted goes back to look for clues. He finds a note that says, “we are near.” Ted must find the Thayer’s and solve the puzzle. In finding help for the family, Ted may also help his whole town.

ROOM ONE: A MYSTERY OR TWO is the winner of the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Juvenile Mystery. Author Andrew Clements is adept at describing real people caught in timely issues. This book takes on the topics of the declining rural population as people are leaving family farms as well as the problems facing the homeless. Be sure to read the Epilogue for the rest of the story.

Children’s literature can be found at Henderson Book Store, located on the Square in Haskell, open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12:00 — 5:00.

Please call Martha Jarred, 940-864-3072 or 940863-4243, for more information.

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Harder to Love “Be nice to someone who is hard to love.” This was the lesson of a children’s sermon I heard at church this past Sunday. The teacher asked the children to love not just their friends and family who are easy to love, but encouraged them to also reach out specifically to someone who is a little harder to love.

This got me to thinking that adults need to hear this message too. We should all work on reaching out to those who are harder to love.

After all, in Chapter 6 of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says “if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them...But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great...”

You don’t get any credit for loving people when it’s easy.

Anybody can do that. You get credit for loving people when it’s hard. Not only is it a core Christian concept, it’s the American way. The entire concept of America built on many people who were a little difficult, a little unpopular, a little hard to love.

and his We all know hot temthe story of the per helped Pilgrims who escalate the established the pre-revoluPlymouth Colony tion Anahuac to escape religious Disturpersecution in Eubances. Jim rope, but did you Bowie was ever think about ESSAYS FROM a treasure what that story hunter and really meant? Their WEST OF 98 borderline Puritan beliefs pirate. Sam made them a little James M. Decker Houston was hard to love by the in search of English, so they redemption after drunkenhad to seek a new life in the New World. Rhode Island and ness and failure left him ostracized in Tennessee. They Pennsylvania were colonies all came to Texas in search established to welcome of liberty and opportunity, Christians whose faiths had and when circumstances clashed with people elserequired, they rose up as where. heroes.

In 2019, our politicians Let us also not forget the love to use symbolism from poem inscribed on the base Texas history for their own of the Statue of Liberty, dedesigns, but they tend to sell a Disneyfied version of Texas scribing the essence of those history, with sanitized heroes who emigrate to America: “Give me your tired, your nobly battling a tyrant in the poor, name of democracy. Texas Your huddled masses history is full of heroes, but yearning to breathe free, we should never forget that The wretched refuse of these men were not superhuyour teeming shore.” man men of perfection. They Sounds like a group of were flawed human beings, folks who might be a little just like us. William B. Travis hard to love. came to Texas to escape his Our rural communities mounting debts in Alabama

were each once part of the American frontier. The history of the frontier is of a wide-open place where anyone—immigrants, aristocrats, nobodies, and somebodies— could seek out opportunity and with hard work and the right amount of luck, carve out a new life regardless of the good, bad, and ugly of their past. The frontier was chock full of people who were hard to love.

As we strive to improve our rural communities, let us never forget that. Let us remember that each of us might occasionally be the one who is kind of hard to love. Let’s reach out to those who are hard to love, so that others will do the same when we need it. Let us also be communities that are welcoming to those who might be hard to love. It’s what we are commanded to do by Christ and it is the spirit of Texas and of America.

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.

HELLO FROM COWBOY COUNTRY

By Luci Wedeking

It’s been a while since I’ve written, hope all y’all are well out there!

If you read last week’s Museum story you know that Jewellee has accepted a new position at the Old Jail Art Center in Albany and is no longer with us here at the Cowboy Country Museum. While I am saddened to be losing her here at the CCM, I am excited and happy for this next step in her career. I feel proud that the freedom and chances she was given here allowed for her to create a program that has captured the attention of more notable institutions, and has garnered respect for our own. I feel this is a success for our little museum as well (a feather in our cap, if you will), it clearly tells we are making our way.

Over the last year and a half, Jewellee has done so much for this old place.

She’s cleaned it up and created a new system of organization that we will continue to follow as we catalog our permanent collection and digitize our records. She’s brought people in and

given them fun things to do in town.

In 2018 alone, we counted 859 people attending our special events. In the year and a half she was here, the educational programming she created in the museum has seen over 1,000 (yes, you read that right, one thousand) children and teens walk through these doors. The kids have been coming for school field trips, family nights, community service, and internships. And get this… they’ve been coming in to hang out after school, because it’s cool. The transformation she has brought has been amazing, and I certainly plan to keep that momentum going!

As her boss and colleague, working with her over the last year and a half has expanded my own vision of what is possible in the museum and strengthened it for the future. We have grown in this journey together and I am proud to call her my friend. I would like to invite y’all to join me in congratulating her on her new success, it is so well deserved!

So what now? It’s not going to be easy finding just anyone to fill the role she created, and I am not going to rush it.

I am grateful to have the help of some good volunteers who genuinely care about this place, who have been loyally giving their time and are willing to put in an effort to serve our community. After all, the museum belongs to our community. It is your museum! If you love local history and think you might enjoy working in the museum, please come volunteer, there is lots to help with!

As we transition, I plan to take on a more active presence, continuing in my role as Museum Director. Working here is a dream come true, and I feel grateful and blessed every day to be given this honor. There’s been a lot going on behind the scenes this last year, and I’ve been hard at work developing some amazing projects that I will begin to share with you all in these stories going forward!

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Principal Reports Very Encouraging

BY KAY SPEARS Stamford ISD Board met Thursday, February 14, 2019 in the Stamford High School Media Center. In attendance were Gwen Baker, Curtis Birdsong, Justin Corzine, Cary McClintock, Jimmy Parker, Callie MetlerSmith, Leigh Nauert and Staci Robertson. The meeting was opened, and Leigh Nauert gave the invocation.

There were no citizens signed up to address the Board.

The TREA State Convention is scheduled for June 12-23, 2019.

Next were the Principals’ Reports. Kyle Chambers reported on Oliver Elementary and Stamford High Schools. Oliver: The annual Muffins with Moms is February 15th. The Daddy Daughter Dance will be on March 7, 2019, and they are thinking of a Mother and Sons activity. The six-week party will be a trip to The Grand to see “How to Train Your Dragon.” They have been working on a reading program for about a year and the company representative will be joining them.

The math instruction is called First Steps in Math,

is from Australia and is how they teach math in Australia, working through student development, much like they do with the reading program at Oliver.

It also works as a diagnostic tool to see what level the child is on and where they are in their development. They are also looking at textbook adoption and handwriting. They have added cursive writing back into the second grade. They have been putting cursive writing back in over the last year and a half. They moved away from that for a while and Chambers states that it was a big mistake.

Writing in cursive helps children with dyslexia. The flow of the writing keeps children’s brains moving and making connections.

Stamford High School: 15 band members participated in UIL, 4 students qualified for state and 3 others made division one. These are successes to celebrate.

Chambers went over the sports wins and losses. The police force and administration were commended for their part in maintaining calm and safety. Baseball and softball are “up and running.” UIL Academics

PAINT CREEK 3RD SIX WEEKS HONOR ROLL “A” HONOR ROLL 1ST GRADE: Kash Holder, Brandy Wilkerson 2ND GRADE: Kavan Adams, Kylee Delmasso, Rylee Gunter, Colston Myers 3RD GRADE: Kamryn Delmasso, Abram Hernandez, Kaelem Nystrom, Alexa Yanez 4TH GRADE: Colton Blair, Adrian Castorena, Carissa Elkin 8TH GRADE: Cam Ponder, Levi Rhoads 10TH GRADE: Haylee Garcia, Dyna Knowles 11TH GRADE: Desiree Acosta, Maddy Davis, Bailee Thomas 12TH GRADE: Bailey Hawkins, Debra Knowles “A/B” HONOR ROLL 1ST GRADE: Lauren Gonzales, Auden Graham, Jaxson

Wilkerson 2ND GRADE: Halen Bauer, Ryan Gardner, Zoey Townsend 3RD GRADE: Eli Hicks, Jenna Scheets, Jerry Scheets 4TH GRADE: Zander Elias, Brogan Harp, Chloe Pete, Esaiha Sanchez 5TH GRADE: Alyssa Anguiano, Aaron Gonzales, Rayla Gunter, 6TH GRADE: Melanie Clary 7TH GRADE: Sirena Baiza, Mark Hall, Phaiden Spikes 8TH GRADE: Gus Blair 9TH GRADE: Mark Garcia, Ana Hall, Dylan Souther 10TH GRADE: Ashton Grand, Eric Perkins, 11TH GRADE: Adreana Ortiz

are coming up. They are asking for donations for the hospitality rooms. The one act play will be held in Stamford on March 5, 2019.

Prom will be held on March 2, 2019 at the Roundup Hall in Stamford.

Kevin White gave the Stamford Middle School report. They will begin planning their dance next week. They are using Math Space right now. He wants parents to know not to hit the “hint” button, it lowers their student’s score.

Kathy Hale will be helping the Math department. She was with the Region Center and is now doing her own contract work. Behavior and discipline will be evaluated soon.

For the RC Reward Day, they will also be going to The Grand theater. Track has started and Monday, February 25th is the first track meet. At 1:30 on February 26th there will be an assembly with Tyson Deaver from TxDOT. Deaver was hit by a cement truck and will speak on distracted driving. Stamford and Rule High schools will also attend the assembly.

Coach Casey reported they have about 40 run-

ning boys track and about 30 running Junior High boys track. He stated that a group of men have begun improvements on the girls’ softball pitchers’ warm-up area. They are donating their time, money and effort to accomplish this for the children. Coach Bartley is doing a great job with the baseball team. Coach Casey stated he is a great fundamentalist coach and the team is benefiting greatly.

He said having 3 referees at the last basketball games was a big help. The kids should be able to go out, play ball and have fun. He commended all the adults making the ball fields great places for the kids to play on.

Region Service Center will have a Spring Workshop in Abilene, TX on May 16, 2019. On June 13-15 there will be the Leadership Institute in San Antonio and June 20-22 in Ft. Worth, TX. The Consent Agenda items were approved, which included the minutes of the Special Meeting on January 7 and the Regular Meeting on January 17, 2019.

The approval also covered tabling Property Bids until the next meeting.

PAINT CREEK 4TH SIX WEEKS HONOR ROLL “A” HONOR ROLL 1ST GRADE: Kash Holder 2ND GRADE: Kavan Adams, Kylee Delmasso, Rylee Gunter 3RD GRADE: Kamryn Delmasso 8TH GRADE: Madison Harp, Cam Ponder, Levi Rhoads 9TH GRADE: Mark Garcia, Ana Hall 10TH GRADE: Haylee Garcia, Ashton Grand, Dyna Knowles 11TH GRADE: Desiree Acosta, Maddy Davis, Bailee Thomas 12TH GRADE: Debra Knowles A/B” HONOR ROLL 1ST GRADE: Lauren Gonzales, Auden Graham, Brandy Wilkerson, Jaxson Wilkerson 2ND GRADE: Halen Bauer, Ryan Gardner, Colston Myers, Jazlynn O’Donnell, Zoey Townsend

3RD GRADE: Abram Hernandez, Kaelem Nystrom, Jenna Scheets, Jerry Scheets, Alexa Yanez 4TH GRADE: Colton Blair, Adrian Castorena, Esaiha Sanchez 5TH GRADE: Rayla Gunter, Ericka Hernandez 6TH GRADE: Melanie Clary, Katie Perez, Audie Shaw 7TH GRADE: Sirena Baiza, Mark Hall, Phaiden Spikes 8TH GRADE: Gus Blair 9TH GRADE: Danica Elias, Dylan Souther 10TH GRADE: Jasmine Boyd, Tanna Ledbetter, Eric Perkins, Zamantha Ramos, Nick Rogers, Brianna Yanez 11TH GRADE: Kayla Bosnjak 12TH GRADE: Antonio Yanez, Brittany Yanez

MARCH 1, 2019

Paint Creek Student of the Week

Jessaly Townsend - 1st grade

Ashton Grand - 10th grade

Junior/11th grade - Maddy Davis

Harper Mays - Pre-K

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Bulldogs to Play in Oil Bowl Chosen to play in the Oil Bowl in Wichita Falls on June 15 were Bulldogs Nolan Baker, RJ Smith, Riley Gomez, and Peyton Bevel.

Bulldogs End Their Season with Loss to Tahoka

Peyton Bevel, Football

68 Nolan Baker

The Stamford Bulldogs lost a heartbreaker to Tahoka on Friday night bringing their great season to an end. The Bulldogs led 24-22 at half and 37-33 at the end of the third quarter, but Tahoka turned on the energy outscoring Stamford 20-14 in the 4th quarter. The back and forth lead at the end was a nailbiter! Peyton Bevel led the scoring with an outstanding 24 points! Zach Duran had 9, Trace Edwards 7, D’Marcus Barber 6, and Quincy Johnson 5.

Stamford 16 8 13 14--51 Tahoka 7 15 11 20--53

8 RJ Smith

51 Riley Gomez Photos by Bearden Photography

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OLIVER ELEMENTARY 4TH 6TH WEEKS HONOR ROLL A HONOR ROLL 1ST GRADE: Kaeden Brown, Koasjia Calicutt, Addison Corzine, Esmelina Gomez, Journee Green, William Ivy, Teagan Lillie, Emerson Moreno, Alexis Rhodes, Pyper Wright 2ND GRADE: Norah Andruch, Steven Conway, Braisyn Dillard, Isabella Edwards, Jaxon Harris, Easton Hernandez, Braden Logan, Bradley London, Krysalyn McClintock, Michael Ortega, Morgan Woolf 3RD GRADE: Kash Brattain, Joseph Cervantes, Miles Follis, Karsten Hall, Ace Martinez, Quincy Page, Jace Patterson, Elizabeth Rhymes, Caroline Shoemaker, Christiana Weathersbee, Bryson Wilson, Wade Wright 4TH GRADE: Krailyn Becker,

Jordan Burns, Khloe Cantu, Jacy Corzine, Carlee Levens, Ramiro Mendez, Josh Rhymes, Levi Valenkamp 5TH GRADE: Kennalea Clifton, Marco De Leon, Emma Follis, Madison Hallford, Gideon Horn, Mindi Jeremy, Brayden Jimenez, Kagen Logan, Panhabone Mao, Mason Mueller, Hannah Wilson

A/B HONOR ROLL

1ST GRADE: Gary Bell, Dariah Cooper, Jazeera Cooper, Kae’Bren Fletcher, Kevin Flores, Ky’rhyanna Flye, Jacob Green, Aubrie Holmstrom, Cameron Huston, Colton Huston, Luis Ibarra, Za’brein Kinney, Randa McCrary, Micheal Segura, Addyson Silguero, Natali Venteno, Leonardo Villarreal, Emily Wilson, Michael Zapata 2ND GRADE: Cayden Atkin-

son, Lillian Cervantes, Kylie Crowson, Noah Garza, CJ Gomez, Santos Montanez, Lexi Mullins, Jaiden Painschab , Leticia Rawls, Brooklyn Reed, Christopher Samuel, Haileigh Thompson 3RD GRADE: Aleena Aguilar, Ethan Bailey, Selena Cruz, West Garza, Marivella Gonzales, Memphis Harris, Addison Neatherlin, Hailey Phebus, Karmen Samuel, Dallas Sanchez, Crystal Silguero, Julian Silguero, Jennifer Silva, Michael Vasquez, Cooper Wilhelm, Ashlynn Williams, Anthony Winchip, Baelie Womble 4TH GRADE: Kylin Alvarado, Joshua Andruch, Cutter Caddell, Raymond Cervantes, Mattielynn Clifton, Tennie Daniel, Christiana Dennis, Brooklyn Diaz, Trey Dip-

pel, Everett Ekdahl, Caitlyn Ender, Britney Flores, Baylor Flow, Lukus Gonzales, Trinity Green, Hadleigh Gurley, Zayne Lefevre, M’Kinley Locke, Amber Miramontes, Madalyn Mueller, Christopher Pardo, Crystal Pardo, Kenzlie Salazar, Aiden Sarmeinto, Erica Silguero, Isaiah Watts-Harvey, Kasya Willis 5TH GRADE: Carolina Flores, Nicolas DeLeon, Madison Garcia, Javan Kruckner, Dylan Muehlstein, Wesley Muehlstein, James Mueller, Taegen Pimpton, Kloie Rodriguez, Jessica Silguero, Hayden Strand, Bobeigh Suitor, Lillian Terry, Gabby Torres, Kadyance West-McGough

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10 MARCH 1, 2019 BIOTECH BACKER PERDUE BLASTS FEAR-YOUR-FOOD ‘HYSTERIA’ The “fear-your-food” movement, fed in large part by the ceaseless churning of the internet, could sideline, deter, or even derail the use of such crucial agricultural tools as pesticides KASN AG REPORT and genetically engineered crops and livestock, warned

By Richard Kemp Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on Thursday.

ONE COUNSELOR’S LONELY STRUGGLE AGAINST FARM COUNTRY’S MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS In Minnesota, one of the country’s top farming states, just one man is responsible for dealing with farmers’ mental health needs. As low crop prices and farm closures weigh heavily on farming families, he is joining state legislators and advocates to push for allocating more resources to the pressing issue.

ARKANSAS APPROVES EXPANDED DICAMBA USE, DISMISSING SCIENTIFIC AND PUBLIC CONCERNS Arkansas regulators voted on Wednesday to relax restrictions on the controversial weedkiller dicamba, despite testimony from top scientists and scores of concerned citizens who urged them to reject the move in a public hearing.

U.S. AG TRADE SURPLUS NARROWS The U.S. agricultural trade surplus will shrink to $13.5 billion this fiscal year, the smallest in at least six years, as exports stagnate at $141.5 billion and imports tick upward to $128 billion, said the USDA in a quarterly forecast.

MEMPHIS MEATS WILL START SMALL WHEN IT GETS REGULATORY GREEN LIGHT Chief executive Uma Valeti says Memphis Meats, the self-declared leader in a worldwide race to develop cellbased meat, “will be ready to go to market tomorrow,” albeit on a small scale, once the U.S. regulatory framework is in place. “Selling even the first plate of meat to a consumer is a big deal,” said Valeti.

CHINA WILL BUY 8 PERCENT OF U.S. SOYBEAN CROP, SAYS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION President Trump put his weight behind an announcement that China, amid negotiations to end the trade war, committed to buy 10 million tonnes of U.S. soybeans. The decision, announced on social media by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on Friday, would more than double Chinese purchases this marketing year.

SOYBEANS MAY LOSE LESS LAND TO CORN THAN EXPECTED The United States is awash in soybeans, the result of the trade war with China and a string of bumper crops.

But although farmers were expected to respond by planting more corn this year while cutting back sharply

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WEST TEXAS TREES AND LANDSCAPES

By Bruce Kreitler and the KWKC Green Team Recently, I attended the North Central Texas Urban Forestry Conference in Arlington TX, which is put on annually by the Cross Timbers Urban Forestry Council. Essentially, this is a little smaller version of what the Texas chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture holds in Waco every year (which I also go to annually). The one in Waco is three days in length, and the one in the Metroplex is one day, but generally, a full day. I go to other events here and there that are a half or three quarters of a day. Frankly, I get a little frustrated with people who plan these kinds of events, when they know the people who are going to attend are going to have to travel, and thus lose at least the whole day, and then just offer a few hours of continuing education. My opinion is, if you’re going to try and put on a continuing education event, make it a full day, so people who need the hours can get them, and justify the lost productive time it takes to get there and back. I have a lot of pet peeves, and as a guy who has a heavy continuing education load, people who can’t understand that a half day of continuing education classes, instead of a full day, wastes a lot of time, is one of them.

Anyway, I appreciate the fact that the Cross Timbers Urban Forestry Council puts on a full day of classes, which are usually good ones, applicable to what we are doing in Texas, and taught by some pretty

knowledgeable people.

This year, there were two classes in particular that I wanted to sit in on, that had to do with the insect called the emerald ash borer (EAB). For several years now, I’ve taken every opportunity that has come my way to learn as much as I can about that particular pest, and the two classes I mentioned were helpful, in a knowledge gaining kind of way (depressing, as a tree losing concept though).

I will write other columns about EAB in the coming weeks, but for this column, I want to concentrate on something else.

Above, I mentioned that I have a lot of pet peeves. Well one of those pet peeves is government regulations, and in particular, tree ordinance type regulations. There are a lot of communities out there who try to regulate what people can, and can’t, do on their own property, with their own trees. Do I think it’s a bad idea for a new owner of a house to decide they don’t like the huge pecan tree in their front yard and summarily have it removed? Yes, I do think that’s a bad idea. However, that pecan tree belongs to that new owner, in the same way that the house, and all parts of it belong to them. I may think having it removed is a bad idea, but I also understand that it’s exactly none of my business how people order their own property. I don’t agree with topping trees, and generally won’t take on that kind of work, but it would never occur to me to get “the authorities” involved to force people to not do it. Heck, my local county “authorities” topped most of the big old pecan trees around one of our local historic buildings (which belonged to the county), and beyond offering some pretty choice comments about maybe they should stick to running jails, not designing tree work plans, I stayed out of it.

Anyway, when I signed in at the conference, at the sign in table there was a

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flyer from one of the local Metroplex municipalities, asking for input on the new “tree ordinances” that they were hoping to have their city council enact. Since any input I would give concerning a tree ordinance would be “don’t do it”, and I knew they wouldn’t care to hear that, I pretty much ignored the flyer. Later in the day, the municipal arborist for that city took the mike for a few minutes to remind everybody that they would like to have their input on any changes to the proposed ordinance that they could offer. Again, I kept my silence.

So, here’s where the irony comes in. One of the presentations done that day was by the firm that had grown, and then planted on site, the trees for the 911 memorial in New York.

I won’t bore you with the details of what went into that, but as a tree guy, I found it pretty interesting.

However, for the purposes of this column, one of the things they focused on was that they had grown the trees in custom built wooden containers, of a particular size. They had done this to facilitate what they were trying to do, and their explanation of the size of the containers, and why wood, made perfect sense. However, when they were explaining to the people they were dealing with at the 911 site, about the trees coming in being in wooden containers, a major problem arose. Apparently, because the trees were in wooden containers, if they showed up on site in wooden boxes, they would have to be planted by the local carpenters

union. I could see that the people at the conference (and I asked a couple of them about it) thought that was a bit of bureaucratic horse-hockey. How ironic. a bunch of tree types thought some bureaucracy forcing someone to do something nonsensical, was not very bright, but almost certainly saw no connection between rules and regulations in New York, and forcing a whole new set of tree ordinances on the unsuspecting populace of a local municipality.

Like trees, rules and regulations grow over time, and in my opinion, the best way to deal with complex, restrictive, and sometimes downright abusive, ordinances, tree or otherwise, is to just not plant/enact them, in the first place.

If you have any landscaping, landscape maintenance, or tree questions you would like answered in this column, submit them care of cmetler@stamfordamerican.net or info@BrokenWillow.com.

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Caucus Names Legislative Priorities For Public Education The Texas House Democratic Caucus on Feb. 21 announced its “Texas Kids First” educationfunding package that would include all-day pre-kindergarten, teacher raises and retirement and property tax reform.

“We hope to work with our colleagues to incorporate some of these ideas into their bills,” said Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, caucus chair.

Caucus member Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, a former Austin Independent School District board president, said Texas rates 42nd in the nation in per-student funding. She said Texas public school students are funded $2,300 per year below the national average.

The proposed funding package is embodied in several bills that caucus members have filed or are in the process of filing, and would add some $14.5 billion more in baseline budget estimates. Items to be covered include: - Teacher pay and benefits increases; - Incentives for educating low-income students, children speaking little or no English, and special-needs pupils; - Funding for the hiring of more counselors; - Using money from the Rainy Day Fund for retired teachers; - A monthly state contribution of $100 toward teachers’ health care premiums; and - A one-time $500 teacher reimbursement for out-of-pocket school supply purchases.

The caucus also proposes to achieve property tax relief by doubling homeowners’ exemptions from $25,000 to $50,000, an amount they suggest would give most homeowners a break of up to $325.

DEFENDANTS SETTLE WITH STATE Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Feb. 19 announced that Xerox Corporation and several of its former subsidiaries, including Conduent Inc., agreed to a $235.9 million settlement with the State of Texas.

The settlement resolves a lawsuit brought by Paxton’s office under the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act and other

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Sterling

grounds regarding the processing of prior-authorization requests by dentists to deliver orthodontic services to Medicaid patients.

Xerox and its companies, Paxton said, were responsible for reviewing and approving or denying requests by Medicaid providers to deliver orthodontic services between January 2004 and March 2012.

Paxton’s office determined that employees of Xerox, Conduent and related companies rubberstamped orthodontic priorauthorization requests without assuring the required review of each request by qualified clinical personnel. As a result, expensive, taxpayer-funded orthodontic work was performed on thousands of children who either didn’t meet the Medicaid standard for braces or didn’t require treatment. The Medicaid program does not pay for braces for cosmetic purposes. Under Texas law, only those requests that meet strict Medicaid program requirements are allowable.

OIL & GAS BOOM TO CONTINUE Commissioners Ryan Sitton, Christi Craddick and Wayne Christian of the Texas Railroad Commission on Feb. 20 told the state Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development that discoveries of massive energy reserves in West Texas would enhance the state’s booming energy industry.

Christian said the reserve found in the Wolfcamp Shale and Bone Spring Formation in West Texas is estimated to contain more than 46 billion barrels of oil and 281 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, enough to support decades of production at current levels.

Craddick told the panel that in

2017, the Legislature set a target for the Railroad Commission to plug 1,900 “orphan” wells in the 2018-2019 biennium. She estimated that the commission would cap more than 3,000 such wells by the end of 2019.

Sitton said the demand for the Railroad Commission to plug non-producing wells is also going to increase as the industry grows, and for that, the agency is requesting $39.1 million in 20202021 to support the well-plugging program.

GOVERNOR NOMINATES JUSTICE Gov. Abbott on Feb. 21 nominated Houston attorney Justin B. “Brett” Busby to be Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, Place 8, for a term to expire Dec. 31,2020.

Busby, if confirmed by the Texas Senate, would succeed Justice Philip W. “Phil” Johnson of Amarillo, who retired from office effective Dec. 31, 2018.

Busby served as a justice on the Texas 14th Court of Appeals from 2012 to 2018.

HOUSE HONORS FORMER SPEAKER Former Texas House Speaker James A. “Jimmy” Turman died Feb. 13. He was 91. His body lay in honor in the hall of the Texas House of Representatives on Feb. 22.

Turman represented Fannin County from 1955 through 1963 and served as speaker during the 57th Texas Legislature in 196163.

ABBOTT EXTENDS DECLARATION Gov. Greg Abbott on Feb. 14 extended the State Disaster Declaration for Texas counties affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Because of catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Harvey, a state of disaster continues to exist in some 60 counties. The declaration, originally issued in August 2017, authorizes the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with the disaster.

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Be Anti to the Anti-Vaccination Debate

This has been around for a long time now, but the debate about whether or not to vaccinate children has risen recently, especially with new studies pointing to no link between vaccinations and autism.

Now before I go any further, I will repeat something that I have always tried to make clear with this column: While I am sharing my thoughts and opinions, I am THOUGHTS FROM ultimately not trying to give the “right answer” or force anyone to UNDER THE CAP think the way that I do. While there are many topics we can all agree on, Will McClure this is one that will more than likely remain divided until a side eventually wins out or the debate fades to the background. With that said, I think the debate has really gotten out of hand as the studies have come to light about vaccinations and the people that are still against them, or “anti-vaxxers,” are doubling down on their beliefs.

To me, we are getting into a society where if someone is disproven, that person will just stick their fingers in their ears and scream (figuratively speaking, of course). As a result, the debates have risen to the point where some are trying to force the anti-vaxxers to step aside and allow vaccinations to occur. Ultimately, though, the people that are suffering through this entire debate are the children that need the vaccinations!

I recently watched an episode of Bill Nye Saves the World on Netflix that dealt with this exact debate, with Nye naturally being for vaccinations. One segment of the show features a round-table discussion of the issue at hand where one of the panelists was a parent who used to be an anti-vaxxer. This parent stated that she had believed the previous studies about vaccinations being harmful and chose not to have her children take them. However, this was until they came down with the rotavirus, a disease that could have been reduced or possibly even prevented by the vaccine. Thankfully, all of her children recovered from the disease, but it helped her change her thinking about vaccines.

I firmly believe that most of the beliefs about vaccinations causing other problems come from our reliance on Western medicine where many of our medicines, both over-the-counter and behind, cause so many side effects that vaccinations became an easy target.

As such, there are so many people that choose not to trust medicine at all and try “alternative” techniques. Once again, however, while adults can make these decisions for themselves, children must follow whatever their parents tell them and give them. Even if a child wants to get a vaccination and their parent forbids it, the child cannot get the shot because there is no parental consent. It is because of this that diseases that have been halted can easily have a resurgence if left unchecked. Regardless of the debate itself and the problems that may or may not occur, it is ultimately up to you and what you decide for yourself and your children. Both sides of the debate will scream and argue that they are right; but at the end of the day, you are in control of what you decide. If you decide to give vaccinations, that is your choice. If you want to do the opposite, again that is your choice. Either way, if you are conflicted on the idea, do your own research instead of what people are forcing you to think. I have made my thoughts here clear about my stance, but I am not forcing you to think like I am. Make the decision, be the parent and do not let the media force you to make a decision that you are not comfortable with. As with any debate, you are free to choose either side; just make sure that it is a decision that you will be happy with.

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

I’m Lucky To Have A Friend Like Manny We met at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, where we learned how to copy Morse code. We were in the Army Security Agency and Fort Devens was where all facets of Army Intelligence were taught. We laughed a lot.

Our barrack bunks were next to each other and we developed a strong friendship. We arrived there at Thanksgiving and during Christmas leave I acquired a car and took it back to the northeast. We went everywhere in New England and had all kinds of adventures. We saw the Celtics play basketball, the Red Sox play baseball and we heard the Boston Pops. We went skiing at Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire. We’d gather a bunch of fellow soldiers and head out for some type of excitement.

I had also brought a portable record player back with me and we spent hours in the barracks listening to the Everly Brothers and Da-

kota Staton.

One of our popular hangouts was Storyville, a jazz club in the Copley Hotel in Boston.

Across the street was another place called The Showbar.

Drinks were cheaper there and after Storyville we strolled across the street for a few 85-cent whiskey sours. One time we decided to spend the night in Boston. When we woke up the next morning Manny looked out the window and said, “That’s a heck of a place to build a building.” I asked him where. “Right under that pigeon,” he said.

I did well in code school and the people in charge wanted me to stay and teach, but with the opportunity to be

stationed anywhere in the world, I declined the offer. I chose Europe. Manny chose Okinawa. The last night at Devens, most of our barracks went to a restaurant called Bull Run and we had a farewell party. Manny and I both were looking forward to going overseas, but knew we would miss each other. I have never met another person who thinks exactly as I do, laughs at the same things I do and has the same enthusiasm about life as I do. I know what true friendship is.

After the Army, Manny joined the CIA. He and his wife Judy had 3 kids, all born on different continents. Manny and I and our wives have been together many times in different parts of the country. Our most recent trip was to North Dakota and Wyoming. Occasionally Manny and I would take our kids and/or grandkids to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota for a

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

camping and fishing trip.

One winter I traveled to Minnesota to experience 50 degrees below zero weather. We spent the night on Lake Mille Lacs in a fishing house. I had never before seen a frozen lake with roads, cars, bulldozers and dozens of little houses on it. Manny and Judy have been in our home many times and Susan and I have been to their home in Minnesota.

Manny left the CIA and worked in a bank for a while, then became a writer and broadcaster.

We keep in touch with each other by sending cassette tapes back and forth. We’ve done this for more than 30 years.

Both of us keep those tapes, which contain our thoughts, jokes, adventures, and observations and chronicle our very lives. They are strong symbols of our ties to each other. Meaningful longtime friendships are so rare and I treasure mine with my buddy Jim Mans.

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OMG, I do hope everyone made it through that terrible wind storm yesterday (Saturday). That was a horrible day.

Let’s ask God to not give us any more of that. Today is a lovely day, can enjoy one like this.

So now we are going into month number three already.

We better fix our calendar for March so we can keep up.

Sunday, March 3, members will gather at the Old Glory Lodge for their monthly meeting beginning at 4 PM. The evening meal will be pot luck.

Tuesday, March 5, the Stamford group will be having their Senior Citizens Dance at the Old Glory Community Center from 7 P M until 10 P M with a live band.

Ash Wednesday will begin on Wednesday, March 6.

Sunday, March 10, Daylight Savings Time begins.

Thursday, March 14 we will be having our Senior Citizens Dance at the Old Glory Community Center from 7 PM until 10 P M with a live band and snacks will be served.

Sunday, March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day. Wednesday, March 20th Spring begins (Oh boy) Thursday March 21 The Hobby Clubs meet at the Sagerton Community Center at 2 PM. Saturday, March 23, we will have our monthly musical at the Old Glory Community Center beginning at 5 P M. The schools will be having their spring breaks this month also. I believe they have started their base ball and golf.

We were deeply sorry to learn of the death of Maurine Franklin Ellison of Aspermont.

She and her parents, Garland and Christine Franklin and siblings lived in this community at one time and Maurine and siblings attended school here. Her funeral services was held on Saturday in Aspermont.

Our deepest sympathy to the family.

Danny and Linda Diggs are excited to announce the arrival of a new granddaughter, Sawyer Jo Morrow, born on February 20th in Lubbock.

She weighed 7 pounds and 7 ounces and 21 inches long. Her proud parents are Rode and Shanna Morrow of Lubbock.

Congratulations to the happy family.

The Hobby Club met in the

OLD GLORY NEWS

By Anita Dozier Sagerton Community Center on Thursday, 21st with Vickie Wilhite, Nancy Griffith, Anita Dozier, Tomzie Steele, Cheryl Hertel, Paula Stegemoeller, Joyce LeFevre and Pat Quade present. Tomzie called the meeting to order, then roll call, minutes and treasurer’s report.

The ladies discussed events and projects for each month of this year. For March the project will be lights with wine bottles. Each month will have an activity. Following the meeting the ladies enjoyed delicious refreshments served by Paula.

Cheryl won the door prize.

A donation was made to the Old Glory Community Center Flag Fund in memory of Maurine Franklin Ellison made by Ed and Jan Wolsch.

Stonewall Memorial Hospital invites everyone to attend a retirement reception honoring Jan Harris on Friday, March 2 from 4 PM to 6 PM at the hospital. Jan has been employed by the hospital since 1998. She has served as the Director of Nurses since June 2013. Jan was born and raised in Stonewall County and graduated from Aspermont High School.

She attended nursing school in Cottonwood, AZ, and graduated there as a registered nurse.

Jan and her husband, G P live in Old Glory. Congratulations, Jan. Dale and Carm Letz spent last weekend in San Antonio and attended the stock show.

Grandson, Brody Letz, of Sagerton showed his pig at the show and won second place.

Congratulations, Brody.

Darbee, Laynee, and Hazelee New of Haskell spent Saturday afternoon with their grandparents, Dale and Carm Letz.

Jerre Haag and Denise Cochran from Aspermont visited with Pide and Mittie Dunham on Wednesday.

Brother Robby and Jeanie Harris of Aspermont visited

with Pide and Mittie Dunham on Saturday, Rodney and Tracy Dunham of Hamlin came to stay with his daddy, Pide Dunham, on Saturday so his mother, Mittie, could attend the musical at the Center.

Rodney and Tracy had lunch with his parents before he left for Pecos on Sunday.

Just a note: Pide Dunham is very ill, please keep him in your prayers. Thanks.

David and Sherry Breeding of Amarillo spent the weekend with her mother, Bernice Rhoads. Bernice is still taking therapy for her knee replacement but is doing much better.

Our musical at the Community Center on Saturday was great with approximately 55 in attendance. Lot of great musicians and wonderful music.

Thanks to all that came out and supported our concession stand and the donations. Everyone enjoyed the program, food and fellowship.

Winning the door prizes were Gayle Corley from Anson and Matthew Coffman from Vera.

See you at the next musical.

Verlene Corzine of Stamford, Odene Dudensing of Sagerton, and I drove to Haskell following church services and enjoyed eating fried cat fish and all the trimmings hosted by the Lutheran Church there. It was a fundraiser to help youth attend summer camp.

Thought for the week: “He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe.”

Happy Birthday wishes go to Vickie Ralph, Susie Flowers, Karla Coffman, Jason Jouett, Steven Quade, Jaydee MacGregor, Nicole Green, Clay Toney, Tracy Howle, Tristin Steele, Amber Lefevre, Payton Smith, Keith Gruben, Marcia Castro, Norma McLellan, Toby Teichelman, Angela Gonzales, Justin Bailey, Weldon Spitzer, Penny Stafford, Debbie Cox, Steve Clark, Rodney Goss, Brady Baitz, D J Vahlenkamp, Cannen Brack, Trent Dozier, Andrea Schmidt, Megan Tate, Troy Swink, Jaylee Flowers, Tye Spitzer, Todd Spitzer, Mrs. Kent Lefevre and Cassandra Lamb.

We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to Jeffrey and Tisha Blaylock and Justin and Amber Corzine.

Have a wonderful day.

MARCH 1, 2019

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14 MARCH 1, 2019

When we look at the love of God we can think of many things. God’s love for his creatures is such a wide and never-ending love.

God’s love is what saves us and gives us hope in the hard days. The love of God is what sustains us and encourages us when we feel that the people around us don’t love us. God’s love is powerful and within that love, we are brought into peace and joy that one cannot rightfully explain through pen and paper.

What I have noticed from this journey of faith is that the love of God just gets better. I guess it’s not necessarily that the love of God increases but it’s more or less our understanding of the love of God that increases. The more that we seek God and truly rely on him for our provision and everyday needs, the more we will understand just how faithful God really is.

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His steadfast love is always there for us and a better understanding of that love comes through commitment and sacrifice.

Jesus called us to be different than the world and in order to truly follow Christ we must make sacrifices. Jesus’ love for us was definitely a sacrificial one (John 10:11). The love of God at its pinnacle was displayed through the vicious suffering of his own Son. Yes…. Jesus Christ died in your place and made a way to paradise! That’s the greatest love known to man.

The more you read the Word of God and truly die to yourself and follow Jesus as LORD, the more God will reveal how much he truly loves you (James 4:8). That love is beyond any kind of love you could ever feel in comparison to human relationships. A relationship with Jesus Christ is by

Sacrificial Love 8:34) but we far the most must not satisfying and stop there. joyful thing Too many of this side of us only carry Heaven. our cross The love that half way up Jesus gives us Calvary’s Hill is sacrificial. and never And we, too, in reap the full return should fulfillment of sacrifice our dying to onelives for His self. We must sake. Yes!

By Dalton Mathis not only Let’s go die carry our on a cross!!! cross but we must be willOf course, I mean that not ing to get up on it as well literally, praise the LORD! and die to our self. Jesus But we must die to oursaid that “whoever would selves and live for him. The save his life will lose it, but opposite of sacrificial love whoever loses his life for is selfishness. In order to my sake and the gospel’s love like Christ, we must be will save it.” (Mark 8:35) willing to sacrifice our own In order to truly unselfishness just like Jesus derstand and grasp the did for you and me (Phil. sacrificial love of God we 2:3-11). too must become a love We are called to carry our sacrifice (Rom. 12:1). Jesus cross and follow Him (Mark

PASTOR’S PEN

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

wants people who are fully committed to following Him and who are fully dependent on Him. Quit putting trust in your job, finances, and popularity and instead trust the One who is LORD of all.

Paul encourages us to, “Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave himself up for us, as an offering and a sacrifice to God” (Eph. 5:2). Loving God wholeheartedly requires sacrifice as displayed best from His own Son. We too are encouraged to follow Jesus’ lead and live a life of sacrificial love towards God. So this week I pray you walk in love just as Christ loved us. Start small… maybe it’s television or your cell phone that needs to be put aside or maybe it’s those friends that you keep hanging out with that lead you down the wrong road. Whatever, the case may be a little sacrifice

here and there for Christ won’t kill you, in fact, the Bible tells us that it does the opposite. True life is found in the sacrificial love of God. Give back to God because He has given it all to you.

Respect the Blood, Dalton Mathis

LOCAL CHURCHES Avoca Baptist Church Rev. Les Mims 773-3531 AM Worship: 11:00 Avoca United Methodist Church Dennis Huffaker 773-3909 AM Worship: 9:45 Bethel Church of God in Christ Pastor Session 407 W Handlan 325-773-5730 Bethel (Christ) Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 1024 E. Vanderbilt 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 9:00 Bethel Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 10707 N. FM 600 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 11:00

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

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

St Ann’s Catholic Church Father Angelo Consemino 1001 S Swenson 325-773-2659 AM Mass: 11:00 St. John’s United Methodist Church Pastor John Erwin 201 S Ferguson 325-773-2561 AM Worship: 10:50 Solomon Temple Baptist Church Rev. Donnie Massey 315 N. Haskell St. 325-773-2213 AM Worship 9:30

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

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

HELP WANTED

Classifieds 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!..............IN CONTRACT 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!.Reduced $220,000 5716 FM 605 Hawley. Restored farmhouse 3/2, 11 acres! List price $277,000 1328 Ave L Anson Brick 3/1.5 HomeNear school and move-in ready! $78,000

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!

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

160± AC- Spring Canyon Ranch Great Hunting w/ Lodge!

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

108± AC - Shinnery Close to the River.

TAYLOR COUNTY

76± AC - Near Jim Ned School.

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

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

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

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

THANK YOU Dear Friends, During the days, weeks, and months of Steve’s illness and death, we have been blessed by your compassion, thoughtfulness, and love. The words of encouragement, prayers, visits, hugs, calls, texts, and cards helped us make it through.

The food, flowers, and donations were incredible. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we deal with our loss. We love and appreciate each of you.

With sincere thanks, The Steve Lefevre Family

MARCH 1, 2019

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16 MARCH 1, 2019

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Redemption The good word for today is REDEMPTION. The word is defined as the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt. A somewhat more spiritual definition might be: the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil. I think it proper to combine the two. I Bill Hillier believe that is how the Bible defines it. 1 Peter 1:18-19 (KJV) “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” I remember when I was a boy growing up on the west side of Odessa. When we wanted to walk to corner store which was several blocks away to buy a candy bar. We would gather up as many pop bottles as we could find and take them to the store and “sell” them back to the store clerk for a few cents apiece. Then we would in turn purchase a candy bar. That was redemption.

I am reminded of an old story of a boy who built a little sailboat. He took that sailboat to the lake and was having a great time sailing it with a long cord attached. He heard the sounds of fire engines nearby so he tied his boat up and went to see the fire. Upon his return, he found the boat that he had made was missing. The little boat was dear to him because he made it of his own design and with his own hands. A few days went by and as he walked home from school he passed by a pawn shop. There in the window was his little red boat. He went inside and tried to rescue the boat but the owner said he would have to pay for it. That evening and the following day, he did some odd jobs to earn enough money to buy back his little red boat. After paying for the boat he lovingly took it home with him.

Isn’t God like that? He made us of his own design and with his own handiwork. Then we got lost in a world of sin and the devil had us in his grasp. But God gave us His Son to die for our sins and he shed His blood to pay the ransom for our souls. He is our redemption. Ephesians 1:7 (KJV) 7 “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Thank God for redemption and have a blessed day.

A GOOD WORD FROM BROTHER BILL

Bro. Bill

Country Elegance Assisted Living would like to say THANK YOU to the Pink Ladies for their generous donation to have the floors and doors replaced in the dining room area. The old carpet was replaced with beautiful hardwood floors and all the glass doors facing the patio area were replaced, as well. The residents and staff love the beautifully updated look. Pink Ladies members pictured (left to right) are Lesvia Cantu, Brenda Reel, Barbara Harrison, Bobbie Tubbs, Fred Selby, and Janet Miller.

COURT: Continued From Page 3 The bid submitted

by Calvin Choate was approved for the purchase of (15785). The bid amount is $600.00. Court costs are $505.50.

The bid submitted

by Calvin Choate was approved for the purchase of (28538). The bid amount is $700.00. Court costs are $505.50.

The bid submitted

by Chick Wilfong was approved for the purchase of (13907). The bid amount is $400.00. Court costs have been previously paid per Appraisal District.

The next item was an update on Disaster declaration and all items related regarding FEMA, TDA and TDEM Forms and Requirements. A delay was experienced by the recent government shut-down. No action was taken.

Next was to discuss and take action regarding the

County Clerk entering in an agreement with Cott Systems to scan/ image Deed Record Books 308 through 546. This is concerning pages of Deed Books where the background is black, and the writing is white. The County Clerk explained that over time the white writing is fading into the black background. The images are from the late 1930’s to the late 1960’s.

The company will bring equipment to the lower level of the County Clerk’s office and scan the deed books on-site. The County Attorney reviewed the contract and has items he would like to change. No action was taken at this time.

Next, it was discussed and approved to reject a Bid on Surplus Property.

The next item was the initial round of Bids on

Material and Material Hauling.

Next, the Excavator lease agreement was approved.

No action was taken on Equipment Purchase.

The items concerning the Anson Solar Center will be discussed at the March 11, 2019, Commissioner’s Court meeting. Alan Carmichael, the attorney representing Jones County, and the project developers were unable to schedule a conference call. They are to meet this week and the results of their discussion will be available for the next meeting.

County Treasurer, Amber Thompson, gave the Treasurer’s Report, which was approved.

County Auditor, Gwen Bailey, presented Amend Budget and Line Item Transfers, which was approved.

The Commissioners

approved to Pay the Bills.

Judge Spurgin stated he would be in Austin March 4th and 5th. There will be a Called Meeting for March 6th, Wednesday, to have interviews for the position of Constable.

The candidates will be interviewed in the following order: Mark Martinez, Chris Levens, Jay Pace, Eric Thompson. It is planned to have a named replacement for the March 11, 2019 Commissioner’s Court.

Judge Spurgin presented Jan Lefevre with her husband, Steve’s, name plate and Commissioner’s folder.

Judge Spurgin stated there would be no action taken during or after today’s Executive Session.

The Commissioner’s Court went into Executive Session and adjourned the meeting afterward.