STAMFORD
American THE NEW
FEBRUARY 28, 2020
INSIDE
12 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION SERVING STAMFORD AND JONES COUNTY
$.75
Lady Bulldogs Advance to Regional Tournament!
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FCCLA: Stamford Students Clean Up at Competition
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AWARD: Gary Walker
Honored
THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 11, ISSUE 41 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 98, ISSUE 47 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 114, ISSUE 48
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The Lady Dawgs defeated Sundown in a hard fought game 49-40 to make them Area champs, and went on to outscore Albany 49-39 to advance to the Regional Tourney. In the Albany game, Tylee Jo Bevel led the scoring with 16 points. Audrey Brewer had 13, Shandlee Mueller 10, Lalyonna Applin 6, and Bresha Applin and Citlaly Gutierrez had 2 each.
Stamford 15 11 8 15--49 Albany 13 6 8 12--39 The Regional Tournament will be held at South Plains College in Leveland. The Lady Dawgs will play Gruver Friday, February 28 at 8:00pm.
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MARK THE DATE... FEB 29 FUNDRAISER: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 661 Annual Pancake Supper, February 29, 2020 at the Lueders-Avoca Elem./ Jr. High Cafeteria, 334 Vandeventer St., Lueders,
TX, from 6:00p.m. to 7:30p.m. Children 12 and under--$3.00 a plate, Regular plate--$5.00 a plate, Gluten-Free pancakes available too. There will be a Silent Auction going on also to raise money for other youth projects.
VIP Menu
March 2-6
Monday Sauerkraut & Wieners, Fried Potatoes, Bread, Dirt Cake Tuesday Chicken Enchilada Bake, Mexican Corn, Salad, Peaches Wednesday Steak Fingers,
Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Sweet Peas, Choc Pudding Thursday Salmon, Mac & Cheese, Coleslaw, Hush-Puppies, Dump Cake Friday Frito Pie, Refried Beans, Salad, Ice Cream
Happy Birthday! MARCH 2 - Beth Franklin, Ernest Vermillion MARCH 3 - Collins Ward Know someone who is having a birthday? Please remember to call us at 325-773-5550 and let us know! Know someone who is having a birthday? Call us at 325773-5550 and let us know! Each week a drawing will be held, and the winner will receive a free $10 Gift Certificate from Noteworthy! Please provide your name and a phone number when submitting the birthday, so that we can contact you when they win.
Callie Metler-Smith | Publisher callie@americannewspapers.net Kay Spears | Editor kay@americannewspapers.net Gayle Lovvorn | Office Manager office@americannewspapers.net
THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST
Friday 51 | 39
Saturday 59 | 50
Sunday 69 | 30
Monday 69 | 45
Tuesday 65 | 33
Wednesday 51 | 28
Thursday 55 | 32
The weather is provided for you by Country Drug Store. We’re here for you Rain or Shine.
Yikes! The Primary Election is Tuesday, March 3, 2020 BY KAY SPEARS I’ve come across a few people who think of themselves as Independents, neither Republican nor Democrat, able to see both sides of the arguments, the race. In the 2020 Primary Election there are no Democrats running for offices in Jones County, Texas. This means the decisions of who will be the next Sheriff, Constable, County Commissioners for Precincts 1, 2 and 3 will be made by people declaring they are Republicans. To use a few old sayings, a person’s party is not written in stone, but on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 Democrats will need to jump ship and Independents will have to pick a lane, the Republican lane, if they want a voice in who runs Jones County. On the other side
of the aisle, if anyone wants to help choose between the seventeen contenders who will be the Democratic Candidate for US President on November 3, 2020, they will have to forgo the Jones County choices and declare themselves to be a Democrat. And yes, when you go into vote in the Primary Election, they will ask you: Republican or Democrat? So you will have to choose. At the May 13, 2019 meeting the Commissioners approved a resolution to participate in the Countywide Polling Place Program. Jones County Clerk LeeAnn Jennings spearheaded the action to have Jones County be one of the four counties, with a population of less than 100,000, to be chosen each election year by the Texas Secretary of State. Jones County has used
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electronic voting machines since 2005, and November 2019 the Countywide Polling Place Program was initiated. March 3, 2020 will mark the first time Countywide Polling will be used in a Presidential Primary Election and after a few more elections, voters will forget they were ever assigned to one polling location. This is exciting in that if you have forgotten what your voting precinct is or where your assigned voting place is, it’s ok! No problem, no worries. March 3, 2020 is the Primary Election date with the polls open 7:00am to 7:00pm. Voting may be accomplished at any of the following locations in Jones County: Anson Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 1400 Commercial Avenue, Anson. Ft. Phantom Baptist
Church Fellowship Hall, 11343 FM 600, Abilene. Hamlin High School Gym, 650 SW 5th Street, Hamlin. Hawley Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 410 4th Street, Hawley. Hodges Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 13933 CR 495, Hawley. Stamford High School Auditorium, 507 South Orient, Stamford. Whoever or wherever you choose, it is a right and a privilege to vote. Remember people can win or lose by a single vote, let it be yours. Go for it!
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
Community
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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
FCCLA Students Racked Up Awards at Star Event Congratulations to the Stamford FCCLA students! Stamford was well represented at the Regional Contest. They all did a great job. Thalia Ponce is the new Region 1 Vice President of Achievement. Jackie Yang & Candace Clayton placed 4 in Public Policy Advocate STAR event, they will be headed to state in April. The following students took FCSA (skills test): Jaelynn Bryant - Gold; Tramya Dillard - Gold; Jackie Yang - Gold; Thalia Ponce - Gold; Gracie Murguia- Gold; Shelby Stone - Gold; Hilaria Hernandez - Gold; Chloe Ratheal - Gold; Konstance Jimenez- Gold; Macy Vasquez- Silver; Ashtyn Holt - Silver; Candace Clayton Bronze. Stamford FCCLA also received recognition for having the most FCAS tests taken in the region and for having the most preregistered members in a 2A high school.
OBITUARIES
Charles Clifford Oliver Charles Clifford Oliver, 85, of Stamford formerly of Midland, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2020 in a Wichita Falls Hospital. Funeral service were held 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 24 in the KinneyUnderwood Funeral Chapel with Jim Noland officiating. Burial followed at 3:00 p.m. in the Westbrook Cemetery near Colorado City, Texas. Charles was born December 10, 1934 in Westbrook, Texas to the late Charles Nathaniel Oliver and Audrey Colson Oliver. Charles married Clara Paulene Hill October 15, 1955 in Ward County, Texas. She passed away January 4, 2007. Charles lived in Stamford for 10 years moving from Midland where he worked as a Gas Plant Operator for El Paso Natural Gas Company. He was a past member of the Grand Falls Jaycees and the Grand Falls Volunteer Fire Department. Charles found enjoyment working in his yard and visiting with his friends at the VIP center. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Sophie Oliver, his wife and one daughter Gina Sue Oliver. He is lovingly survived by children Gail Brooks and husband Joe of Goldthwaite, Buddy Oliver and wife Deborah of Stamford, and Paula Serrano and husband Hugo of Midland; 6 Grandchildren; 2 Great Grandchildren; A niece and nephews. Memorials may be made to The Stamford VIP Center 508 E. Gould Street, Stamford, Texas 79553.
50th Annual Sagerton HeeHaw 50 Years and STILL LAUGHING! March 26th, 27th, and 28th Sagerton Community Center Serving Dinner 5:30-7:00 Live Music from the Hee Haw Band beginning at 7:00 Show starts at 8:00 Ticket Sales begin March 4th at the Sagerton Community Center 8:00-noon Phone orders begin at 1:00pm sagertonheehaw@gmail.com 936-662-4263 find us on Facebook!
Jackie Yang and Candace Clayton placed 4 in Public Policy Advocate STAR event and qualified for state in April.
Thalia Ponce was elected as the new Region 1 Vice President of Achievement.
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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
OLIVER 4TH 6 WEEKS HONOR ROLL A HONOR ROLL
1ST GRADE: Layton Adams, Shadixx Agraz, Kaelyn Aguilar, Angel Alvarado, Cadance Andruch, Garryn Bell, Jaxsyn Bolin, Carter Cantu, Kannyn Cornelius, Robert Delce, Jaycee Escobedo, Ky’Rhyanna Flye, Victoria Marquez, DJ Marsh, Cy Martinez, Preslee Pattison, Keaton Sells, Haze Strand, Ethan Wilson 2ND GRADE: AJ Brewer, Addison Corzine, Esmelina Gomez, Colton Huston, William Ivy, Teagan Lillie, Emerson Moreno, Ky’Lynn Pattison, Layne Seelke, Addyson Silguero, Pyper Wright 3RD GRADE: Norah Andruch, Steven Conway, Braisyn Dillard, CJ Gomez, Easton Hernandez, Braden Logan, Isabella Marquez, Krysalyn McClintock, Michael Ortega, Morgan Woolf 4TH GRADE: Miles Follis, Karsten Hall, Ace Martinez, Jace Patterson, Caroline Shoemaker 5TH GRADE: Jordan Burns, Khloe Cantu, Jacy Corzine, Everett Ekdahl, Joshua Rhymes, Levi Valenkamp
A/B HONOR ROLL
1ST GRADE: Jaden Acosta, Aysin Alvarado, Nevaeh Alvarado, Erma Bell, Karsyn Bryant, Natalie Carter, Kayden Contreras, Ky’lynn Escobedo, Isabella Finley, Sophee Garcia, Braileigh Gonzales, Harper Henager, Melvin Henry,
Paisley Huston, Karrison McCann, Robert McCoy, Adam Mendez, Jazlyn Sarmiento, 2ND GRADE: Austen Aguilar, Gary Bell, Koasjia Calicutt, Addison Cook, Dariah Cooper, Kevin Flores, Ivan Gallegos, Journee Green, Jacob Green, Robert Hampton, Alexis Harris, Aubrie Holmstrom, Cameron Huston, Za’Brein Kinney, Randa McCrary, Isabella Olson, Michael Quinonez, Maricela Resendiz, Rayne Sanders, Natali Ventieno, Emily Wilson, Michael Zapata 3RD GRADE: Cayden Atkinson, Carly Cardenas, Esai Cedillo, Kiley Crowson, Zamara Flores, Jaxon Harris, Edy Lopez-Ramos, Ruben Lozano, Lilyanna Pachicano, Jaiden Painschab, Brooklyn Reed, Haileigh Thompson 4TH GRADE: Kash Brattain, Noah Carter, Cristina DeLeon, Sutton Milford, Jacob Murguia, Quincy Page, Elizabeth Rhymes, Dallas Sanchez, Michael Vasquez, Christiana Weathersbee, Bryson Wilson, Wade Wright 5TH GRADE: Joshua Andruch, Krailyn Becker, Kylea Brooks, Cutter Caddell, Mattielynn Clifton, Brooklyn Diaz, Trey Dippel, Caitlyn Ender, Lukus Gonzales, Trinity Green, Carlee Levens, Kayleigh Lively, M’Kinley Locke, Sabie Martinez, Kree McCright, Ramiro Mendez, Amber Miramontes, Madalyn Mueller, Kenzlie Salazar, Erica Silguero
SHS 4TH 6 WEEKS HONOR ROLL 9TH
A HONOR ROLL: Laylonna Applin, Jameson Bell, Kayla Cantu, Riley Paige Carver, Elizabeth Murguia, Emily Patterson, Madison Proffitt, Chloe Ratheal A/B HONOR ROLL: Esmeralda Burciaga, Cruz Cantu, Hayleigh Day, Tramaya Dillard, Truett Ekdahl, Serenity Escamilla, Alejandro Flores, Hayden Henager, Ashtyn Holt, Konstance Jimenez, Stetson Koenig, Simon Kruckner, Samuel Milford, Nicole Moreno, Isaiah OlsonGonzales, Nickolas Richard, Alysha Sanches, Cameron Shoemaker, Brylee Strand, Lance Terry, Dominic Vega, Tyler Whitworth, Madison Woolf
10TH
A HONOR ROLL: Jacelyn Bell, Tylee Bevel, Audrey Brewer, Madison Bryant, Jesus
Deleon, Macy Detamore, Dylan Faulks, Isaiah Gonzales, Citlaly Gutierrez, Gabby Lintini, Tate Mathis, Shandlee Mueller, Thalia Ponce, Addison Reel, Hailee Richardson, Jessica Sarmiento A/B HONOR ROLL: Bresha Applin, Jaylen Bailey, Cobie Cardenas, Jacoby Castro, Madalyne Crandell, Gavin Guevara, Savana Gonzales, Chloe Hall, Orlando Moreno, Kolbie Proffitt, Teresa Roque, Garrett Sanchez
11TH
A HONOR ROLL: Jaelynn Bryant, Kelvinasjia Calicutt, Carson Carver, Bryson Holt, Houston Koenig, Cato Macias, Paris Menchue, Gracie Oliver, Laramie Terrell, Sean Thane A/B HONOR ROLL: Kristian Cantu, Brennon Day, Zak Elkins, Mariah Fletcher, Hilaria Gomez-Hernandez, Zhawn
Holden, Logan Jensen, Taylor Jimenez, Angel Martinez, Nicholas Roden, Luke Thane, Bobbie Villereal, Tyler Wheeler
12TH
A HONOR ROLL: Jamin Belisle, Austin Brewer, Sadie Cole, Mallory Copeland, Carlee Dancer, Lesly Deleon, Macie Fernandez, Kenadee Gann, Marcus Gonzales, Storey Gomez, Alexis Johnson, Cade Lefevre, Josh Mueller, Lane Patton, Brett Patterson, Trace Price, Endia Pryor, Keith Richards, Korey Villanueva, Jackie Yang A/B HONOR ROLL: Christian Cardenas, Christian Cedillo, Shavaris Cooper, Reagan Detamore, Tully Hughes, Robert Martinez, Chelsea Moreno, Keyven Mueller, Stephanie Pardo, Toby White, Rabecca Womble
Have an item for our community Calendar? Call 325-773-5550 and tell us about it or email it to office@americannewspapers.net
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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
Gary Walker Honored with Wright Brothers Award The Stamford Aviator’s hosted 68 people at Stamford Arledge Field on Saturday, February 22, 2020 to honor Gary Walker who is the recipient of the prestigious Federal Aviation Administration “Wright Brothers Award”. Several individuals including Haskell County Judge Kenny Thompson and Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Program Director Lindy Patton both praised Walker’s efforts in clouding seeding in our area. Stamford City Manager Alan Plumlee was also among those that thanked Walker for his efforts in enhancing rainfall and commented on Stamford’s improved lake levels. Mayor James Decker issued a City Proclamation honoring Gay Walker. Gary Walker’s wife, Lori Walker, was also on hand to receive a pin in recognition of her support of her husband’s aviation career.
Dan Vengen, with the Lubbock office of the Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Standards District Office, was on hand to present the award. The award is as follows: Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots certified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. This award is named after the Wright Brothers, the first US pilots, to recognize individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years while piloting aircraft as “Master Pilots” Dan Vengen with the Lubbock Office of the Federal Aviation Adminitration with Gary Walker.
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First Bank Texas Election of New Member to Board of Directors
First Bank Texas recently announced the appointment of Tracy Howle as a member of their Board of Directors. Howle of Abilene, Texas brings extensive banking experience to complement the board’s strategic initiative plans. “We are pleased to welcome Tracy to the First Bank Texas Board,” said Mike Rhea, President and CEO, of First Bank Texas. “Tracy brings unique knowledge, wisdom, and perspectives that will further enhance the strength of our existing Board of Directors.” Tracy Howle is a native of the big country graduating from Abilene High School, then securing her Bachelors of Business Administration from Hardin-Simmons University. She has over 27 years of banking experience within the local community. After starting her career in other financial institutions, Tracy joined First
Bank Texas in 2005 as a Commercial Banker. Tracy is extensively involved in the Abilene community where she currently serves on many civic and charitable organizations. She serves as a member of the District-Wide Consultation Committee for the Abilene ISD, the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, Disability Resources, the Abilene Education Foundation, and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. Tracy Howle is married to Jeff Howle, an Administrator for the Abilene ISD and they have two sons (Payton & Jackson). The family attends Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. The community is welcome to come by and congratulate Tracy on her promotion to the Board of Directors at the First Bank Texas location on Judge Ely Blvd or give her a call at 325-673-1885
2/10/2020 10:45:00 AM Tony Curtis White, Warrant (Jones) - MTR Theft Of Material Sjf, Warrant (Jones) - MTR Burg of Building SJF, Warrant (Jones) - MTR Burg Of Building SJF 2/10/2020 7:53:00 PM Lanito Lachuga Ledesma, Jones Co Court Commit - DWI 3rd 2/10/2020 8:16:00 PM Joshua Matthew Martinez, Warrant (Jones) - Indecency With A Child 2/11/2020 2:15:00 AM Luis Garcia Aguilar, Driving While Intoxicated 3rd Or More F3, Terroristic Threat Against Peace Officer/Judge FS 2/11/2020 9:31:00 AM Kimberly Dawn Gonzales, Warrant (Jones) - Mtr Fraudulent Use of Identifying Info 2/11/2020 11:18:00 AM Heston Wayne Peacock,
Warrant (Jones) - Probation Detainer 2/12/2020 3:20:00 PM Landon Cole Underwood, Warrant (Jones) - Motion To Revoke Driving While Intoxicated MB 2/12/2020 9:28:00 PM Julie Ann Taylor, Driving While Intoxicated MB 2/13/2020 12:08:00 AM Parris Marie Pittman, Driving While Intoxicated MB, Duty On Striking Fixture/Hwy Landscape>=$200 MB, Unl Carrying Weapon MA 2/13/2020 7:58:00 AM Jessy Wayne Horton, Warrant (Taylor) - Theft 3F 2/14/2020 8:11:00 PM Rafael Velasques Torres, Warrant (Jones) - Theft Mc, Warrant (Jones) - Theft MC 2/14/2020 11:39:00 PM Samuel John Guajardo Jr., Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence MA 2/15/2020 12:23:00 AM William James Gibson,
PAINT CREEK ISD 4TH SIX WEEKS HONOR ROLL “A” HONOR ROLL
1ST GRADE: Aiden Ashley, Aiden Chavez, Nicholas Garner 2ND GRADE: Brandy Wilkerson 3RD GRADE: Kylee Delmasso, Rylee Gunter 4TH GRADE: Kamryn Delmasso 7TH GRADE: Katie Perez 9TH GRADE: Madison Harp, Levi Rhoads 10TH GRADE: Sky Barrera 11TH GRADE: Haylee Garcia, Dyna Knowles 12TH GRADE: Desiree Acosta, Maddie Davis, Bailee Thomas
“A/B” HONOR ROLL
1ST GRADE: Felicia Henderson, Kannyn Taylor, Kira Wescott 2ND GRADE: Lauren Gon-
JONES COUNTY ARRESTS 2/10-2/15
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Driving While Intoxicated MB 2/15/2020 11:58:00 PM Ernest Luna, Warrant (Jones) Driving While License Invalid MC 2/16/2020 3:05:00 AM Dustin Alan Nix, Public Intoxication MC 2/16/2020 3:25:00 AM Hunter Colby Dailey, Warrant - Parole Violation- Kentucky Prob/ Parole 2/16/2020 3:35:00 PM Tyler Morley, Warrant (Anson Pd) Injury Child/Elderly/Disabled Criminal Negligence FS 2/17/2020 1:44:00 AM Whitney Alexia Gonzalez, Warrant (Potter Co) - Driving While Intoxicated MB, Poss Marij <2oz Mc, Tamper/ Fabricate Phys Evid W/ Intent To Impair F3, Proh Substance/Item In Corr/Civ Com Facility F3 2/18/2020 12:06:00 AM Samuel Dominguez, Driving While Intoxicated 3rd Or
More F3, Resist Arrest Search Or Transport MA 2/18/2020 3:23:00 PM Hobart Lee Reed, Warrant (Anson PD)- Criminal Mischief Impair/Interrupt Pub Service MA 2/18/2020 6:24:00 PM Christina Angelic Hutler, Poss Del Drug Paraphernalia MC 2/19/2020 9:29:00 AM Timothy Jerome Ussery, Bench Warrant- Mtr Unauth Use Of Vehicle 2/19/2020 2:58:00 PM Kolby Blaine Kubena, Warrant Speeding MC 2/20/2020 12:58:00 AM Steven Moreno, Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence 2/20/2020 1:36:00 AM Kimberly Shaw, Harassment Of Public Servant F3 , Public Intoxication MC 2/20/2020 10:12:00 PM Kristela Pardo, Bench Warrant
zales, Kash Holder, Jaxson Wilkerson 3RD GRADE: Halen Bauer, Jazlyn O’Donnell, Kylie Wescott 4TH GRADE: Eli Hicks, Kaelem Nystrom, Jenna Scheets, Jerry Scheets, Savannah Shimp, Austin Summers, Alexa Yanez 5TH GRADE: Jenny Scheets 6TH GRADE: Alyssa Anguiano, Ericka Hernandez, Adam Prichard, Alex Prichard, Maddy Tucker 7TH GRADE: Andrew Castorena, Natalya Mays 9TH GRADE: Gus Blair 10TH GRADE: Ana Hall, Dylan Souther 11TH GRADE: Jasmine Boyd, Tanna Ledbetter, Zamantha Ramos, Nick Rogers, Brianna Yanez
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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
Stamford VIP Sweetheart & Beau
Inez Plumlee
Glenn West
Democratic Party Primary Election Sample Ballot President and Vice President: John K. Delaney Andrew Yang Tulsi Gabbard Deval Patrick Michael Bennet Amy Klobuchar Elizabeth Warren Marianne Williamson Cory Booker Pete Buttigieg Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente Michael R. Bloomberg Joseph R. Biden Robby Wells Tom Steyer Bernie Sanders Julián Castro United States Senator: Mary “MJ” Hegar Victor Hugo Harris Annie “Mamá” Garcia Michael Cooper Jack Daniel Foster Jr. Sema Hernandez Chris Bell Amanda K. Edwards
Adrian Ocegueda D.R. Hunter Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez Royce West United States Representative District 19: Tom Watson Railroad Commissioner: Roberto R. “Beto” Alonzo Chrysta Castañeda Kelly Stone Mark Watson Chief Justice, Supreme Court: Gerald Zimmerer Amy Clark Meachum Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6, Unexpired Term: Kathy Cheng Larry Praeger Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7: Brandy Voss Staci Williams Justice, Supreme Court,
Place 8: Gisela D. Triana Peter Kelly Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3: William Pieratt Demond Dan Wood Elizabeth Davis Frizell Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4: Tina Clinton Steven Miears Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9: Brandon Birmingham Member, State Board of Education, District 15: John Betancourt State Representative District 71: Samuel Hatton From Jones County Website – co.jones.tx.us
Republican Party Primary Election Sample Ballot President and Vice President: Matthew John Matern Zoltan G. Istvan Bill Weld Joe Walsh Donald J. Trump Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente Guerra Bob Ely Uncommitted United States Senator: Virgil Bierschwale John Cornyn Dwayne Stovall Mark Yancey John Anthony Castro United States Representative District 19: Jodey C. Arrington Vance W. Boyd Railroad Commissioner: Ryan Sitton James “Jim” Wright Chief Justice, Supreme Court: Nathan Hecht Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6, Unexpired Term: Jane Bland Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7: Jeff Boyd Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8: Brett Busby Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3: Gina Parker Bert Richardson Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4: Kevin Patrick Yeary Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9: David Newell Member, State Board of Education, District 15: Jay Johnson State Senator, District 28: Charles Perry
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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
State Representative District 71: Stan Lambert Justice, 11th Court of Appeals District, Place 2: Frank Hunold Bruce Williams Justice, 11th Court of Appeals District, Place 3: W. Stacy Trotter District Attorney, 259th Judicial District: Joe Edd Boaz County Attorney: Chad Cowan Sheriff: Chris Levens Marcus Lively Danny Jimenez Tax Assessor/Collector : Gloria Little County Commissioner Precinct 1: Billy John Villanueva Roy Spalding Billy Scott
Tony Cole County Commissioner Precinct 2, Unexpired Term: Zane Wedeking Lonnie Vivian Jan Lefevre Devery Rosenquist County Commissioner Precinct 3: Ross Davis Todd McWilliams Paul Stokes Constable: Gary Bouton Jay Pace County Chair : Isaac M. Castro From Jones County Website – co.jones.tx.us
Republican Ballot Propositions Proposition 1 Texas should not restrict or prohibit prayer in public schools. YES or NO Proposition 2 Texas should reject restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms. YES or NO Proposition 3 Texas should ban the practice of taxpayer-funded lobbying, which allows your tax dollars to be spent on lobbyists who work against the taxpayer. YES or NO Proposition 4 Texas should support the construction of a physical barrier and use existing defense-grade surveillance equipment along the entire southern border of Texas. YES or NO Proposition 5 Texas parents or legal guardians of public school children under the age of 18 should be the sole decision makers for all their children’s healthcare decisions including, but not limited to, psychological assessment and treatment, contraception, and sex education. YES or NO Proposition 6 Texas should ban chemical castration, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and genital mutilation surgery on all minor children for transition purposes, given that Texas
children as young as three (3) are being transitioned from their biological sex to the opposite sex. YES or NO Proposition 7 Texans should protect and preserve all historical monuments, artifacts, and buildings, such as the Alamo Cenotaph and our beloved Alamo, and should oppose any reimagining of the Alamo site. YES or NO Proposition 8 Texas election officials should heed the directives of the Office of the Governor to purge illegal voters from the voter rolls and verify that each new registered voter is a U.S. Citizen. YES or NO Proposition 9 Bail in Texas should be based only on a person’s danger to society and risk of flight, not that person’s ability to pay. YES or NO Proposition 10 Texas should limit our state legislators’ terms to 12 years. YES or NO
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Bulldogs are Bi-district Champs! Stamford 50 Miles 34 The Stamford Bulldogs outscored the Miles Bulldogs to become Bi-District Champs! Stamford led at the end of the first quarter 12-10, but then began to pull away with a half time score of 25-15. After that there was no catching Stamford as 4 players were in double digits. Kevyen Mueller led the scoring with 14 points. Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Marcus Barber had 12, Austin Brewer 11, Trace Price 10, and Lane Patton 3. Stamford 12 13 14 11--50 Miles 10 5 9 10--34 The area game will be vs. Sundown on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 6:00pm at Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell High School.
SHS Competes in Hawley Tournament Toby White and Rylee Sconce placed second in the Hawley Tennis Tournament. Brett Patterson and Emily Patterson won the consultation bracket. The rest of the players played well and everyone improved.
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The paw print
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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
Jones County Jail Passes Surprise Inspection BY KAY SPEARS
Stamford Native Returns Home from Navy Submarine Deployment Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class, Thomas Bolin, from Stamford, Texas, assigned to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775), shares a moment with his daughter during Texas’ homecoming. Texas performed a full spectrum of operations, including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, during the seven-month Indo-Pacific deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Amanda Gray/Released)
The second Jones County Commissioners Court for February met on Monday, February 24, 2020, 9:00am in the Commissioners Courtroom on the third floor of the Jones County Courthouse in Anson, Texas. In attendance were Judge Dale Spurgin, the Jones County Commissioners: James Clawson (Pct. 1), Lonnie Vivian (Pct. 2), Ross Davis (Pct. 3), and Joel Spraberry (Pct. 4), County Treasurer Amber Thompson, County Auditor Gwen Bailey, County Tax Assessor Collector Gloria Little and County Sheriff Danny Jimenez. Judge Spurgin opened the meeting and stated County Clerk LeeAnn Jennings was attending to her Early Voting duties and the proceedings would be recorded for her. The minutes of the last regular meeting on February 10, 2020 were approved before the following trust property bid was approved. A bid submitted by Eli Quinonez for the purchase of (R14579), the North fifty feet (N50’) of Lot 7 and the North fifty feet (N50’) of the East one-half (E/2) of Lot 6 in Block 6, of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas; being that property more particularly described in a Gift Deed recorded in Volume 730, Page 600 of the Deed Records in Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $50.00. Court cost has been waived. An update was given by Judge Spurgin concerning Disaster Declaration and all items related to FEMA, TDA and TDEM forms and requirements for the County projects. He stated the documentation to close out disaster No. 4255, in Precinct 1, has been sent in. No. 4269 and No. 4223 are closed. He is hopeful the TDA Grants are being closed out. He stated the documentation is a process. Judge Spurgin gave an update and information to the Court regarding the
Application for Economic Development Administration’s Economic Adjustment Assistance Disaster Recovery Program. This is an 80/20 Grant opportunity through the COG (Council of Governments), a grant coordinator. He stated this Grant will cover one site in each Precinct and is intended to fix a problem of, for instance a road washing out, rather than patch it. The Grant amount is up to $1.5 million. At this time it is not clear if that amount is per County or if each Precinct will be eligible for it. He stated they need to identify their projects and get the application submitted in the next couple of weeks. Judge Spurgin stated he has not received any new bids under the Material and Hauling item, no action was needed. Regarding the subject of Equipment Purchase, Commissioner Davis stated the $35,000 packer was expected to be delivered this week and the trade-in had taken place. No action was needed. Sheriff Jimenez gave a report on seized property that will be for sale and will be advertised in newspapers. Commissioner Clawson stated Precinct 1 has scrap metal and he asked about tire disposal. Judge Spurgin said he would look into obtaining money from the COG’s tire disposal program for this. It was approved to advertise the sale of surplus property. County Treasurer Thompson addressed the Court concerning the Jones County Personnel Policy. The Court has been discussing different aspects of this employee policy. Judge Spurgin stated what generated the beginning of the discussion was the subject of employee leave qualifications. It was decided to show the policy to County Attorney Chad Cowan before taking any action. She went into the Treasurer’s Report, which was approved. She stated the
Fire Department of Hamby sent the Court a thank you letter. County Auditor Bailey presented the Line Item Transfers, which was approved as was to Pay Bills. No action was taken to reinstate the Burn Ban with the moisture that the County has received. This item was tabled to the next regular meeting on March 9, 2020. Sheriff Jimenez reported that on February 13, 2020 there was a surprise jail inspection from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. He reported they passed, and they were able to prove that if something out of the ordinary occurred the jail staff could “step in and keep going.” Judge Spurgin stated the jail inspector was very complimentary on the facility, the staff, the administration and the paperwork. A recommendation is being taken back to the Commission regarding the practice of having an in-house Nurse. Nurse Michelle Corely is conducting a very successful Narcotics Anonymous program in the jail, having four classes a week for the inmates. The jail inspector would like the Commission to encourage other jails to implement this program. Judge Spurgin complimented Sheriff Jimenez and all the people working at the Jones County Jail. “We appreciate the efforts, Danny, that y’all do out there because that’s probably one of the biggest areas of concerns the County has is operating the County Jail.” It was approved to accept the Jail Inspection Report. The Sheriff went on to present the yearly Racial Profiling Report. There were 784 contacts out of which 251 were female, 533 were male, 47 were black, 524 were Hispanic or Latino and 205 were white. Most of the stops were for moving traffic violations and vehicle traffic violations. The majority of the contact locations were on a state highway, then city streets,
county roads and private property. Contraband of drugs were found on 6 searches and alcohol was found during 2 searches. Verbal Warnings: 113; Written Warnings: 362; Citations: 297; Written Warning and Arrest: 2; Citation and Arrest: 2; Arrest: 1. No force was used by the Jones County Sheriff’s Department during traffic stops. It was approved to accept this report. It was approved to Ratify Amendment of Solicitation/ Modification of Contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This is to give ICE another two weeks for the background checks to be approved. The background checks for potential employees is the “bottle neck” to the Bluebonnet Detention Facility being fully staffed. They cannot accept the full 750 detainees without being fully staffed. There are approximately 260 detainees there at this time. County Treasurer Thompson brought up a Discussion Item regarding the number of insurance companies the County uses. This will be addressed with the County Attorney and taken up at a future Commissioner’s Court. Commissioner Clawson brought the problem of the solar project road usage in Precinct 1 and, to some extent in Precinct 2, to the Court. He stated he wanted to make the other Commissioners aware that the solar company would like to do away with the culverts and make them low-water crossings. It was reiterated that the agreement with the solar company held the company responsible for improving and fixing any road damage caused by their trucks/ equipment. Clawson will contact the company and, if needed, Judge Spurgin will set up a meeting with the solar company. This will be an agenda item at a future meeting. With no further business to address, the meeting was adjourned.
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Can you believe that we are going on month number three already? Maybe we won’t have so much cold weather since it will be March. Of course we will be having wind and more winds. Maybe no sand storms. March will be a longer month with five Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. We’ll note some of the activity coming up in March. A meeting and evening meal at the Old Glory Lodge Hall beginning at 4 P M. on Sunday, March 1. Bring food for a Pot Luck meal. Saturday, March 7 Jake Hooker will be playing at the Old Glory Lodge Hall for a public dance. Everyone is invited, call Doug Vahlenkamp for tickets. Sunday, March 8, time changes, have to move your clock forward one hour. Monday, March 9, there will be a Senior Citizens Dance at the Old Glory Community Center from 7 P M to 10 P M with a live band and snacks will be served. I believe this is the week from 9 -13 spring break for students and teachers. Tuesday, March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day, get your green out. Thursday, March 19 Spring Begins. Thursday, March 19 the Hobby Club will be meeting at the Sagerton Community Center at 2 P M. Saturday, March 28 will be our musical at the Old Glory Community Center. I was so saddened to hear of the passing of a dear friend, Wanda McCoy, 88 of Aspermont on Monday. We were friends for many years and had lot of good times together. She and her late husband, Arvel McCoy Jr, were active members of the Lodge here and had lot of friends in this area. Gravesite services were held at the Aspermont Cemetery. She was survived by one daughter, Angela Teichelman, one son, Arvel McCoy III of Aspermont, seven grandchildren and eight grandchildren. She will be missed by many. Mittie Dunham reported that she had her surgery on
news@americannewspapers.net Monday and Childress is home docame by to ing well. Her get Carm Letz sister-in-law, and they all Sue Day from went to a basDecatur, came ketball playoff and stayed in Stamford. with her until It did not end Thursday. She well since OLD GLORY NEWS Childress got was so glad to have her for beat. By Anita Dozier help. Kambryn On SaturPierce and her day, Mittie’s friend Carson nieces, Judy Johnson and Rowlett from Texas Tech in Debbie Watson from MidLubbock came to spend the land came to see her and weekend with Kambryn’s brought her some chicken grandparents, Glen and and dumplins and ice cream. Helen Pierce. Kelly Lowack She was so glad to have from here also spent the them and enjoyed the food. weekend with them. Joining Gerral and Shelly Walton them on Sunday were Kara attended the Gun and Knife Briggs and Crete of Haskell Show at the Civic Center in and Kim Lowack. It was a Abilene on Saturday. great day. The Hobby Club met at We were very sorry to hear the Sagerton Community of Bernice Rhoad’s son-inCenter on Thursday for their law, David Breeding, falling monthly meeting with Peggy down a flight of stairs at her Tabor, Vanessa Griffin, home. The ambulance came Cheryl Hertel, Nan Sublett, and took him to Aspermont Joyce Lefevre, Vickie Wiland then to Lubbock. He has hite, DorothyToney, Joann a head injury but is doing Doss, Nancy Griffith, and O K. Sherry Breeding and Anita Dozier present. Jonnie David’s sister came from Franklin was a guest. Vice Amarillo to visit with Berpresident, Vickie Wilhite, nice and get David’s truck. presided over the meeting He won’t be able to work for for Tomzie who was on a few days. vacation. Several items were We had another good discussed and then election musical on Saturday evening of officers were submitted. with approximately 55 folks All officers were reelected to attend. Lot of great musiand will remain in their posi- cians playing and singing tions as following: President which adds to all the enjoy-Tomzie Steele; Vice Presiment of the evening. We are dent - Vickie Wilhite; Secresorry that Mittie was not try - Cheryl Hertel; Treasurer able to be there since she is - Joyce Lefevre; Reporter still confined to her home Anita Dozier. Following the following surgery but we election Cheryl introduced had lot of help from some Rene Dudensing good folks. Thanks to Mary who gave an interesting Grisham, Mattie Weaver and talk on the work they are Bernice Rhoads for pies, to doing to help women with Jan Harris, Owena Mickey, pregnancy, They have all Marcie and Amanda for kinds of supplies to help their help in the concession ladies that cannot afford anything. She gave away a T shirt as a door prize and it was won by Vanessa. Vickie reminded everyone of the next meeting and on the progress of the useum. Following the meeting Vickie served delicious refreshments and Anita won the door prize. Aimee Bowman, Bryce and Brennan and Aimee’ sister, Lileese Inman all of
stand, and to Van and Rene Spikes for the donation of cook books that we were able to sell. Thanks to Cliff Morris for doing the emcee. Door prize winners were Gloria Self of Sylvester and Dan Hoover from Haskell. Don’t forget the musical next month on March 28. I enjoyed having Marcie Tucker from Hamby, Amanda Kern and Adalyn from Granbury to spend Saturday with me. Thought for the week: “Happiness is not at the end of the road; it is all along the road.” Happy Birthday Wishes go to Woncile Fowler, Susan Smith, Vicki Ralph, Karla Coffman, Jason Jouett, Steven Quade, Jaydee MacGregor, Nicole Green, Clay Toney, Tracy Howle, Tristin Steele, Payton Smith, Ambree Lefevre, Keith Gruben, Marcia Castro, Norma McLellan, Toby Teichelman, Angela Gonzales, Weldon Spitzer, Penny Stafford, Debbie Cox, Steve Clark, Rodney Goss, and Brady Baitz. We wish you many more. Anniversary greetings go to Justin and Amber Corzine. Have a wonderful day.
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TO MEET GOALS, CHINA WILL BE ‘RAMPING UP’ U.S. AG PURCHASES, SAYS PERDUE Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said he believes China will meet the goals of the “phase one” trade agreement, although the USDA’s new estimate of sales — $14 billion this KASN AG REPORT fiscal year — is only oneWith Richard Kemp third of the target. “We believe those numbers will be surpassed,” Perdue said Thursday at the USDA’s annual Ag Outlook Forum. HIGHER BIOFUEL USE IS A GOAL OF USDA INNOVATION AGENDA The USDA is setting a goal of a 30 percent blend of biofuels into the U.S. fuel supply by 2050, said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on Thursday. Increased biofuel use was one of the four objectives of an “innovation agenda” to increase agricultural production by 40 percent while reducing agriculture’s environmental impact by half. ‘ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE RIDE’ AWAITS HEMP GROWERS Industrial hemp, an infant crop heading for its first year under national regulations, is likely be a small player in the farm sector, with a future like a rodeo ride, said panelists at the Ag Outlook Forum on Thursday. “This is going to be a rough-and-tumble ride,” said Tyler Mark, a professor at the University of Kentucky.
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A Community’s Champion “A man cannot live off his community. He must live with it.” –Amon G. Carter It is unlikely that any community ever had a greater, more passionate, and more successful champion than Fort Worth had in Amon G. Carter. Carter is memorialized through a variety of namesakes—TCU’s football stadium, Texas Tech’s main entrance plaza, and a world renowned art museum, among others—but his full legacy has faded over time (he died in 1955) and is largely unknown to many. Carter’s legacy is on display in the brilliant new play “Amon! The Ultimate Texan.” This one-man performance tells the story of Carter’s life and accomplishments and after a wildly successful run in Fort Worth, it is beginning a Texas tour. My wife and I recently caught the play at the Paramount Theatre in
ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker Abilene. Amon G. Carter was born into poverty in 1879, dropped out of school as a teenager, and became a traveling salesman. By 1905, he helped start a brand-new newspaper, the Fort Worth Star. As the venture struggled, Carter boldly raised the funds to buy his competitor, the Telegram. On January 1, 1909, he launched his brand-new Fort Worth
Star-Telegram, which soon became the largest paper in the Southwest, serving as the main news outlet for West Texas, New Mexico, and western Oklahoma. In 1922, he created WBAP, Texas’ oldest radio station. In 1948, he launched Texas’ first television station, WBAP-TV. He invested in oil and gas too, and after 90(!) dry holes, he struck black gold. With wealth and a growing media empire at his disposal, Carter set out after his true life’s work: improving Fort Worth. He enticed oil companies to headquarter there. He lured American Airlines (then known as Southern Air Transport) from Dallas to Fort Worth. When the War Department decided to build a massive new bomber plant in 1940, he lobbied President Roosevelt to locate the plant in Fort Worth. The
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government agreed and today that plant is operated by Lockheed Martin and is one of North Texas’ single largest employers. If lobbying the president sounds bold, it was just par for the course with Carter. His entire life was built to promote Fort Worth. He loved to tuck his pants in his boots, strap on a pair of six-shooters and play cowboy for America (and to attract more attention to Fort Worth). There’s an infamous story of him getting carried away and firing off his pistols in the Rice Hotel in Houston at the 1928 Democratic National Convention. He was a friend to celebrities, politicians, and captains of industry (he counted Will Rogers as his best friend). Carter wore custom short-brimmed cowboy hats and sent countless such hats to rich and famous friends, expecting that he could ask favors of those folks later. Those
favors were always for one purpose: Fort Worth. The Amon G. Carter Foundation describes Carter as “befriending U.S. presidents, crashing the halls of Congress, enticing industry leaders, and shaking any hand that was offered to him….to tell the world about the greatness of Fort Worth and its people and that there was every reason for everyone to be there.” It’s no wonder that Carter’s wife once described herself as being married to the Chamber of Commerce. Former U.S. Vice President John Nance Garner once observed that “Amon wants the government of the United States to run for the exclusive benefit of Fort Worth and, if possible, to the detriment of Dallas” (he was also famously petty in his disdain for Dallas). Carter was a one-man Chamber of Commerce and it worked! It is estimated today that he lured one TRILLION dollars’ worth of
business to the Fort Worth area. Upon his death, his estate established a nonprofit foundation that has given away $650 million in grants (and counting). He once said the following, which was embodied by his life and by his legacy after his death: “We each have an opportunity to make a difference in our cities and in the lives of others, and it’s not all about money. It’s about giving. Giving our time. Giving our respect.” If you get a chance to see the play, I recommend it. Amon G. Carter was very successful in Fort Worth, but he did not merely live off that success. He lived with his community like few have ever done. May we strive to be the Amon Carters that our communities need today.
Nugent Church of Christ Nugent, Texas Wayne Kitchens, Preacher Sun. 10 Bible Classes 11 Morning Assembly
St Ann’s Catholic Church 1001 S Swenson 325-773-2659 AM Mass: 11:00
Temple Baptist Church Jesse Morton 309 E Campbell 325-773-2550 AM Service: 11:00
James Decker is a lawyer, farmer, and mayor in Stamford, Texas, and the creator of the forthcoming “West of 98” podcast and website. He may be contacted through Facebook at facebook.com/james.decker.
LOCAL CHURCHES Avoca Baptist Church Rev. Les Mims 773-3531 AM Worship: 11:00 Avoca United Methodist Church Dennis Huffaker 773-3909 AM Worship: 9:45 Bethel Church of God in Christ Pastor Session 407 W Handlan 325-773-5730 Bethel (Christ) Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 1024 E. Vanderbilt 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 9:00 Bethel Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 10707 N. FM 600 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 11:00
Central Presbyterian Rev. Dr. Kelly Pigott 601 Rowland 325-773-3381 AM Worship: 11:00 Common Ground Youth Ministry Paul Wright 219 S Swenson 325-773-3604 Faith Lutheran Church Sagerton, Texas 940-200-0723 AM Worship: 10:30 Family Church of Christ 1505 E. Wells St 325-773-5250 Worship: 9:45 a.m. 1st Assembly 1214 Compton Pastor John Shepard Worship: Saturday @ 6:00PM (325)267-0955
First Baptist Church John Ward 214 N Swenson 325-773-2781 AM Worship: 11:00 House of God Pastor Bobby Acosta 802 Ferguson St Sundays 11:00 am Lueders First Baptist Church Roscoe McCoy 228-4622 AM Worship: 11:00 MacKenzie Trail Cowboy Church AM worship 11:00 Heart of God Church 114 E Campbell Joanne Ochoa AM Worship 10:30 Nugent Baptist Church Craig Thames 228-4457 Worship: 11:00
Orient Street Church of Christ Wes Horn 510 S Orient 773-3419 Worship: 10:30 Paint Creek Baptist Church Pastor Tony Grand 940-864-3358 AM Worship: 11:00
WANT TO SPONSOR THE CHURCH PAGE? Call 325-773-5550
St. John’s United Methodist Church Pastor John Erwin 201 S Ferguson 325-773-2561 AM Worship: 10:50 Solomon Temple Baptist Church Rev. Donnie Massey 315 N. Haskell St. 325-773-2213 AM Worship 11:00
Trinity Church Dr. Robert Wingrove 220 E. McHarg
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Governor Establishes Clemency Application For Certain Survivors Gov. Greg Abbott on Feb. 20 established a clemency application specifically for survivors of human trafficking or domestic violence. The application, crafted in coordination with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, includes a section that affords the applicant an opportunity to provide a statement to the board regarding their human trafficking or domestic violence victimization. Human trafficking and domestic violence, according to the governor’s office, often lead victims down a path of offenses that entraps them in a vicious cycle of abuse and associated crime. Abbott’s announcement coincides with the launch of a new public awareness campaign informing survivors that they can submit an application for Board of Pardons and Paroles to review and consider recommending that the governor grant a full pardon for crimes committed while under the grips of a trafficker or an abusive partner. “Texas is committed to empowering the survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking, and one of the surest signals of that goal is laying out a true path to redemption and restoration,” Abbott said. “The gubernatorial pardon plays an important role in this redemption process, because it offers a second chance to survivors with criminal convictions resulting from their abuse or exploitation. I am grateful for our ongoing partnership with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles as we work together to develop a stronger justice system that promotes redemption, restoration and transformation,” Abbott added. In his recent announcement proclaiming January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Abbott applauded state lawmakers for passing legislation to provide survivors with “streamlined access to a clean criminal record and a fresh start.” AG LEADS IN SUPPORT OF ACT Some 42 state attorneys general joined Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a Feb. 20 letter expressing support of the
CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Ed Sterling
Bankruptcy Venue Reform Act of 2019. If passed by Congress and signed into law by the president, the federal legislation would prevent forum shopping during bankruptcy litigation. Paxton said such a law would provide protection to consumers, workers, retirees, shareholders and small business vendors “who are currently harmed by the onesided right for corporate debtors to choose whichever court they prefer.” Currently, Paxton said, individuals can only file bankruptcy in their district of residence. Corporations, on the other hand, have a wide choice of possible venues, which can be manipulated to their own advantage, he added. UPDATE: CORONAVIRUS The Texas Department of State Health Services on Feb. 21 announced the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed three cases of novel coronavirus 2019 in people under federal quarantine at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The first was a traveler who returned on a U.S. State Department-chartered flight from Wuhan City, China. The others returned on a State Department flight for passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined in Yokohama, Japan. The individuals are currently isolated and receiving appropriate care at medical facilities. There were no other reported cases in Texas and officials said the risk of contracting the virus for all Texans remains low. The Department of State Health Services offers information on “COVID-19” for the public,
health care professionals, health departments and labs at dshs. texas.gov/coronavirus. In other news, the DSHS on Feb. 21 reported there have been 15 pediatric flu-related deaths reported this season in Texas. The agency urged Texans who have not taken this season’s influenza vaccine to get vaccinated without further delay. More information can be found online at www.texasflu.org. AG SUES OVER EXPLOSION The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on Feb. 21 announced that Texas Attorney General Paxton had filed a lawsuit against TPC Group Inc. and TPC Group LLC for violations of the Texas Clean Air Act and the Texas Water Code pertaining to the Nov. 27, 2019 explosion at its Port Neches plant. The lawsuit requests that the court grant injunctive relief, civil penalties, reasonable attorney fees, court costs and investigative costs to the state. The lawsuit also includes claims that TPC Group caused numerous violations of TCEQ’s air quality program from January 2018 through September 2019. TCEQ Executive Director Toby Baker and House State Affairs Committee Chairman Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, applauded Paxton for taking legal action. “Through this suit, the state can learn what caused the incident, how to prevent such occurrences in the future and adequately penalize all violations,” Phelan said. EARLY VOTING TO END SOON The Texas Secretary of State’s Elections Division has posted answers to common questions relating to voting in the March 3 Super Tuesday party primary elections. The answers are: —Any registered voter may vote early by personal appearance (in person); —Early voting by personal appearance began on Feb. 18 and will end on Feb. 28; and —Voters may vote at any early voting location in their county of registration.
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Stamford Hospital District Continues on Upward Trajectory BY KAY SPEARS The Stamford Hospital District Board met on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, 7:45am in the Stamford Hospital Board Room. Board Members present were Kevin Corzine, Gary Decker, Mark Lundgren, Kevin McCright, Chuck Muehlstein and Wyatt Oakley. Sutton Page was unable to attend. In addition, Haskell CEO Chris Strickland, Haskell Chief Operations Officer Michelle Stevens, Stamford Staff Lab Director Bill Lee, Billing Manager Nancy Clark, Administrative Assistant Debbie Walters, Nurse Practitioner Jennie Rhymes and Country Elegance Director Patsy Richards were in attendance. Kevin McCright, Board President, opened the meeting and asked Wyatt Oakley to give the invocation. The minutes from the February 4, 2020 meeting were approved. Those at the table followed along in their packets while Nancy Clark gave the Financial Report, going over statistics, data and comparing them with 2019. She stated the gap is narrowing between the income and the outflow. Being out of network with insurance companies continues to be a large problem. Strickland stated they are digging themselves out of the accounts payable hole. He credited much of this to the hard work of Nancy Clark and Bill Lee. The financial report was approved as presented. Haskell CEO Strickland reported on the advisory board meeting he attended. Regarding the Stamford Clinic lease, a target date is April 1, 2020. He turned the time over to Lab Director Lee who reported that the Stamford Healthcare Auxiliary, better known as the Pink Ladies, has agreed to pay for the repair of the boiler. The people who will be doing the work are waiting on the parts. The cost is $12,500 and will take about 5 days to repair. This will include a new heat exchanger. The Stamford Clinic has received its TPI (Texas Provider Indentifier) and Medicaid will allow claims to be billed for the past year. Strickland stated the Clinic building improvements are continuing. The move date will be the second or third week in March 2020. He stated they have been “shopping” electronic medical records (EMR) companies. He told the Board there will be a working dinner for both Hospital District Boards on March 19, 2020, 6:00pm in Haskell. The focus will be strategic planning and the Boards to get to know each other better. Strickland said they went to the Texas Hospital Association (THA) and attended the Rural Healthcare Committee. He felt they did not receive “great information” from the meeting. He told the Board about MFAR, pronounced M-far, which stands for Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation. He stated, “Basically it’s just Medicaid saying they are
Stamford Hospital Billing Manager Nancy Clark and Sharon Selby of the Pink Ladies (Stamford Hospital Auxiliary) attended the Stamford Hospital District Board Meeting held at the Hospital on Tuesday, February 25, 2020. going to enforce the rules that are already in place.” He said it is targeted at the State of Texas and it is politically based. He says it is Washington, DC Democrats saying, “you are going to expand Medicaid and if you don’t, we’re just going to take all the money from it.” He also said the Texas Republicans were digging their heels in against it. He stated TORCH (Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals) panics easily and it is unusual for THA (Texas Hospital Association) to panic also. “THA caters to the big dogs and this is hurting the big dogs as well. Abilene stands to lose 10 to 15 million dollars or more with this MFAR coming down and anything that hurts them is going to impact us as well.” Strickland said that increasing the volume of patients is critical right now, that they are working with Hendrick in Abilene to co-market and bring in specialty out-patient services. Former Stamford CFO Elizabeth Miller is now with the BDM company and working as a “virtual CFO” for Haskell Hospital District. He told the Board he wants to credential Haskell providers to work in Stamford and Stamford providers to work in Haskell. This will make sure the providers have coverage when they take personal time off (PTO). He is beginning with Jennifer Elliot in Haskell. The four tax deeds in Stamford, Texas were approved by the Board. The annual fee for the Lab Water System Service Agreement was approved. No action was taken on the Auditors/ Cost Report Preparers for 2019. No action was taken on the CFO position. The contract with BDM is needed. The Board closed the Open Session and Convened an Executive Session. After the Open Session was reconvened, the Board approved the CEO engage their current law firm for special projects. The Board then approved a resolution for Medicaid. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, 7:45am.
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Vote with Your Mind Well, unless you have been living under a rock for the past few weeks, election season is well underway not only with the major presidential election but with our local elections as well. I will say that despite all of the signs that have sprung up every few feet, it is nice to know that the local candidates do try to run clean campaigns to win their respective THOUGHTS FROM elections rather than resorting to underhanded “smear” tactics UNDER THE CAP to essentially convince voters to just not vote for their opponent Will McClure because they are “bad.” With this said, I really wish I could say the same about larger elections from the governor’s office to the senate to the House of Representatives and all the way to the presidential race. As I mentioned last week about getting back into sports, I do watch them live (and recorded) and have come across commercials and, inevitably, the seemingly required smear campaigns from different angles. All I could do is shake my head at what politics has come down to: so-and-so is terrible and here’s why. Oh, and by the way I’m running too. From what I have seen from these political commercials, I know what the other candidates are going to do wrong, but not what the individual who is “approving this message” is going to do to leave a positive mark on the country. It’s ridiculous to think about and I know I am not the only one who feels this way. Four years ago during the last presidential election I wrote about these “smear” campaigns and how they ultimately do not help in choosing who will be the right person for the job. Four years later and not only have my opinions remained the same but it also seems like these campaigns have become worse and more frequent. I honestly want to be a fly on the wall during the planning process for these ad campaigns just so I can see who comes up with these and see if there is anybody not 100% on board with these ads. I would hope that there are several individuals in the campaign headquarters for the candidates that not only do not like the smearing but have tried to come up with positive spins that will paint their candidate in a good light and actually reach the voters’ minds instead of playing on emotions. Of course, if this is indeed true either the positive ads are shown very infrequently or are just laughed off. I don’t know how long smear campaigns have been used, but I would hope that putting each other down to win an election was not what our Founding Fathers had in mind. All I am saying here is that these kinds of campaigns have just simply forgotten what the American public really wants: the right person for the right job. Sure, there are many voters across the nation that identify with a political party and will always vote for their party no matter who the candidate is (I have my thoughts on that as well, but that is another column for another time), but there are so many more voters that really do want to choose the right person regardless of political affiliation. However, if one does not do any extra research and relies on these campaigns alone, then many people will end up voting with their heart instead of their mind. If we really want to push back against these ‘smear” campaigns then we need to make a bit more effort to pressure the candidates to abandon the negative tactics and put more effort into demonstrating what they can and want to do if elected. This is what we are taught in school about clean and fair elections, but it is not used in real-world elections. These campaigns will not go away, but if we can start voting more with our minds instead of emotion, then we can make steps in the right direction. Until next time, dear reader, my cap’s off to you!
The Battleship Texas Is Moving The battleship USS Texas was launched May 18, 1912 and commissioned on March 12, 1914. Just after her commission she saw action in Mexican waters and the North Sea during World War One. During World War Two she escorted convoys across the Atlantic and was active in battles in North Africa and Normandy. In1944 she was transferred to the Pacific and provided naval gunfire during the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After earning five battle stars for active service the battleship Texas was decommissioned in 1948 and was put into service as a museum near Houston. The USS Texas was the first US battleship to mount antiaircraft guns, the first ship to control gunfire with directions, the first battleship to launch an aircraft and the first to use sophisticated radar. It is the first US battleship to become a museum ship and the first battleship declared a National Historic Landmark. It is only one of seven remaining ships
that served in both World Wars. The ship is moving. “It will no longer be in the La PorteDeer Park area by the San Jacinto Monument,” says Russell Hamman of Baytown, one of the cities that want the ship. “The state had a 99 year lease on the ship and just washed their hands with it. It became a liability instead of an asset. It’s over a hundred years old and time, rust, wind, all those things have taken a toll on the old girl.” Other cities along the Texas coast have expressed interest in permanently berthing the ship, among them Corpus Christi and Galveston. The ship is owned by the Battleship Texas Foundation, which has sent out RFPs (Request for Proposals) to cities that have indicated they would like to have the ship. A decision will be
made soon. “We think Baytown is a preferred location. We are proposing to put her on Bayland Island off the ship channel. It’s a lot more protected than sitting on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. I’ve just started a Facebook site called Bring the Battleship to Baytown, the BBB Foundation. We signed up 1,800 members in four days. “The Battleship Texas Foundation is looking for the town and the spirit of the people who show the most interest, residents who say ‘yes, we love her and she needs to be here. Here’s my pledge.’ We’re in a pledge drive
TUMBLEWEED SMITH
mode. We have the heavy hitters, of course, the ones who are donating big money. But we’re also starting a program asking the kids to donate a dollar or two so that when the battleship gets here little Johnny and Susie can say, ‘you know what, I gave my lunch money and that ship is part mine and I’m so proud to be from Baytown.’” Before the ship gets to its final destination, it is due for extensive repairs. The Foundation will choose a home before she leaves for repairs. Russell has a history site called Baytown History with a Twist. He started it 3 years ago and it already has 16,000 members, some of them living in foreign countries. Many of them have Baytown connections.
Classifieds HELP WANTED Sagebrush Living Center is looking for Direct Support Staff. Contact Kaye Carter. Sagebrush Living Center is also looking for a cook and a laundry worker. Hours vary with the shifts. Please call Sagebrush Living Center at 325-773-2791 or come by the facility at 1101 Columbia St., Stamford TX, 79553 for an application. Substitute Teachers Needed! Must be able to work individually and in small groups with students. Team oriented, self motivated to assist students. High School graduate or GED and able to pass a background check. Please come by Hamlin Collegiate ISD Piper Center for an application. Paraprofessional Instructional Aide - Hamlin Collegiate ISDMust be able to work individually and in small groups with students. Ability to substitute in classes as needed. Team oriented, motivator. High school graduate or GED. Successful completion of Paraprofessional Academy, or experience in the classroom is preferred but not required we will train. Must be able to pass a background check. Please come by Hamlin Collegiate ISD Piper Center at 250 SW Ave F, Hamlin, Tx for an application. Hanson Paint & Body Shop in Haskell, Texas is taking applications for the position of auto body paint and repairman. Please apply at 207 S. 1st Street, Haskell, Texas.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Application for Commercial Oil & Gas Waste Disposal Well Permit DrilLogix Exploration LLC, P.O. Box 1711, Breckenridge, TX 76424, is applying to the Railroad Commission of Texas for a commercial permit to dispose of produced salt water or other oil and gas waste by well injection into a porous formation not productive of oil or gas. The applicant proposes to dispose of oil and gas waste into the Palo Pinto/Canyon Reef Formation, LN SWD Lease, Well Number 6. The proposed disposal well is located 8 miles northeast of Hawley, Texas, in the Jones County Regular Field, in Jones County. The waste water will be injected into strata in the subsurface depth interval from 2,950 to 3,250 feet. LEGAL AUTHORITY: Chapter 27 of the Texas Water Code, as amended, Title 3 of the Texas Natural Resources Code, as amended, and the Statewide Rules of the Oil and Gas Division of the Railroad Commission of Texas. Requests for a public hearing from persons who can show they are adversely affected or requests for further information concerning any aspect of the application should be submitted in writing, within fifteen days of publication, to Technical Permitting, Oil and Gas Division, Railroad Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 12967, Austin, Texas 78711 (Telephone 512/4636792).
8603 FM707 TRUBY RANCH Fantastic Home w/ a pool.........IN CONTRACT HWY 277 Hawley Faith over Fear home, barn w/horse stalls 51± Ac..IN CONTRACT 2952 CR 216 Nice Home on 1 acre south of town! 4/2..........................$153,900 1502 Compton Stamford 3/2/2 Ranch home 1.6± AC!......Reduced! $124,900 1310 PORTLAND Great 3/2 remodel! Must See!...................................$114,500 613 POTOMAC 3/1.5 corner lot!.............................................................. $72,500 703 Columbia Nice 3 bedroom 2 bath on a corner lot w garage!Reduced!$69,900 804 Wells 3/1 w CH/A, tiled walk-in Shower...........................IN CONTRACT 716 E Oliver 4 bedroom/ 2 baths quiet area..............................................$68,900 1207 HUDSON 3 bedroom, 1 bath in a good location!..............................$49,900 New 1315 Hudson Rd 3/1 w CHA Great location!................................$39,900 McHarg Lots with Barn and wet weather creek!.........................................$32,000 712 E Vanderbilt Gorgeous 1910 2 story Victorian home.........................SOLD 807 Commercial 2/1 2 living areas...................................................................$72,900 519 Commercial Ave, Anson- 3/1 Rock home w Metal shop...............$49,000 Sagerton 3 bd 1 bath with fireplace and out buildings..............IN CONTRACT #10 Country Cove ALBANY Nice 3/2 Brick home in cul-de-sac!...... $164,000 913 Harold St ALBANY beautiful 2 story Call for details!.......IN CONTRACT 140 Offield ALBANY Blacksmith Shop, Art Studio and 3/2 mobile Home......$82,000
COMMERCIAL
1303 Swenson - 25,000 sq ft building 1631 17th St, Anson - over 4,000 sq. ft, restaurant equip....... IN CONTRACT 901 Commercial ANSON- 12,600 Sq. Ft. parking lot, HWY Frontage$175,000 The Hamlin Elevator, 423 E Lake Drive, Hamlin 1270 HWY 222 KNOX CITY Truck Facility on 35± Acres....................$359,000
FARM & RANCH
FISHER COUNTY
839± AC Secluded w/ Large neighbors and Big Canyon! IN CONTRACT 480± AC SE of Roby Tank, water well 170± Ac SE of Rotan Pasture SOLD Paved Rd frontage IN CONTRACT
CALLAHAN COUNTY
1,015± AC Great Sock Farm or Hay farm SOLD 10 ac Old Peanut Co-op Property
HASKELL COUNTY
126 ac cult. N.380 Rule 160± AC – The Kittley Irrigated Farm Northwest of Rule! SOLD 271± AC SE of Weinert Dry land farm w/ pasture, tanks and creek! 619± AC N of Lake Stamford pasture and tanks!
JONES COUNTY
NEW 377 ac on Hwy 277 Pasture/Cult. Coop water 1,764± Ac Near Lueders Great Hunting! 782± AC N of Neinda Mostly Cultivated farm 663± AC Great combo place w/ fence, pens, water well and tank 402± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 389± AC Cultivation, Rural water and Electric N of Merkle 323 Ac Creek, Cultivation and Hunting! 253± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 247± Stock Farm SOLD 241± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 239± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 230± AC Ft. Phantom River Ranch, Excellent Hunting! 220± AC Cultivation on California Creek and US HWY 6 RD Frontage 160± AC south of Avoca IN CONTRACT 139± AC- Farrington Cotton Farm Prime Cultivation 62± AC N of Merkel, GREAT building Site! 50± AC Cultivated farm 45± Acres Right outside of Town 26± AC FM 2746 S of Anson water well List price $90,000 20± AC Near Ft. Phantom OAK TREES w/ Electric and rural water!
SHACKELFORD COUNTY
440± AC North of Abilene Cultivation and pasture w/ Spring, Rural Water and 3 tanks!
STEPHENS COUNTY
85± AC Native pasture w/ house
KENT COUNTY
925± AC-Panther Canyon Ranch-Native pasture w/ food plots, springs on Panther Canyon and Croton Creek on the north Boundary!
DICKENS COUNTY
1,450± AC Fantastic Hunting, Shinnery, Large Stock Tank
STONEWALL COUNTY
330± ac cult. & pasture, good stock farm 5,900± AC- Seven Diamond L Canyon Ranch two creeks and salt fork river 2,082± -AC- Double View RanchSpectacular views, River, 4/3 Home and Barns, rural water! 800± AC - White Ghost River Ranch - Salt Fork of the Brazos! Views of the River Canyon! 658± ac Heath Ranch 200FT elevation changes, live spring and exotics! 320± AC – Hall River Ranch River Frontage w/ 2 story home SOLD 330± AC- Great View of Double Mtns. w/ scenic deep canyons, large neighbors, hunting! 130± AC- Youngers 130 Good Cultivation and great Hunting! 332± AC – Canyon West Ranch Great Views! Water, Electric & Secluded! 133± AC S of Swenson Brushy w/ HWY 380 Frontage Electricity on site! 1,455± Acres Base of the Double Mountains! 165± Acres All pasture, Great Hunting!
TAYLOR COUNTY
5± Acres Off of HWY 351 No Restrictions Reduced $32,500 Taylor Ridge Estates- 20-80 Acre rural tracts Call for info. 707 Ranch 10-12± tracts SOLD 54± AC S of Trent Great Views! 36± AC S of Trent Elec & Water! 20± Acres White Mines Road Creek, Hunting, No Restrictions $140,000
THROCKMORTON COUNTY
460± AC Morning Star Game Ranch High fenced turnkey w/ Hunting Ranch 160± AC Cultivation and Pasture w/ 3BR Home west of Woodson
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