STAMFORD
American THE NEW
MARCH 6, 2020
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12 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION SERVING STAMFORD AND JONES COUNTY
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INSIDE
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FOUND: Local Stamfordite finds her biological family.
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REGIONAL TOURNEY:
Lady Bulldogs End Historic Run
Stamford Bulldog Band Ends Competition Season With Superior Ratings BY MICHAEL COPELAND, SHS BAND DIRECTOR THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 11, ISSUE 42 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 98, ISSUE 48 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 114, ISSUE 49
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Wednesday, February 26th, the Stamford ISD band program participated in the Region 7 UIL Concert and Sight-reading Evaluation at Seymour High School. The Bulldog Band (grades 9-12) received straight 1’s from all six judges resulting in a Division 1 rating for concert and for sight-reading. Mr. Copeland, the band’s director, is researching the band’s history at this time. He believes that this is the first time since 2004 that the band received a Division 1 in both events. The band has received a couple of 1’s in concert and sight-reading since Mr. Copeland became the Stamford director in 2012, but the band had not achieved it in both events in the same year. Mr. Copeland stated, “I am very excited to be a part of the Stamford ISD and to have the opportunity to be the band direc-
tor for our students. This group has had some fine leaders for the past several years who have graduated. The former seniors left a lot of drive and determination behind. These students have acted upon it, found a source of motivation, taken instruction very well, and then performed at a superior level.” UIL designates that a Division 1 rating is labeled as superior. Earlier in February, twelve students participate in the Region 7 UIL Solo and Ensemble contest in Stephenville. Their results are Mallory Copeland – Division 1/Class 2 solo, Candace Clayton – Division 1/Class 3 solo, Hailee Richardson – Division 1/Class 3 solo, and Orlando Moreno – Division 1/Class 2 solo. Leaha Finley, Natalie Roden, Jaelynn Bryant, Madison Bryant, Thalia Ponce, Jacoby Castro, Seth Castro, and Simon Kruckner received Division 2 ratings (excellent) for their solos. “We had these individu-
als doing extra work to shine in their own right. However, their participation and achievement in the individual events makes our band better as a whole,” said Mr. Copeland. The whole competition season started back in January as Orlando Moreno participated in the ATSSB Region 7 High School District Band. He had auditioned in November and made the band playing the tenor saxophone. As a reward, the students who make the band actually get to rehearse together and perform a concert. The Stamford Middle School still has competition for the Middle School Band and the Beginner Band. They will compete in the Cisco Music Festival and Clyde Beginning Band Festival. The spring concert for the whole band program is set for April 27th at 7:00 pm.
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Stamford Police Report
THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST
February 2020 Monthly report for the Stamford Police Department for the month of February 2020. 73 Traffic Stops conducted. 269 Calls for Service. 9 Arrests were made. 7 Citations were issued.
VIP Menu
March 9-13 Monday Beef & Pasta Casserole, Salad, Zucchini, Garlic Bread, Apple Brown Betty Tuesday Tamale Pie, Calico Corn, Mexican Squash, Apple Wednesday Beef Pepper Steak, Garlic Potatoes, Capri Veggies,
Wheat Rolls, Lemon Pudding Thursday Oven Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Carrots, Fruit Salad Friday BBQ Sandwiches, Beans, Potato Salad, Banana Pudding
Happy Birthday! March 10 - Fareed Hassen, Chico Underwood March 12 - Peg Lindsey, Pat Crenshaw March 14 - Jo Ann Calk 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.
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Friday 51 | 39
Saturday 59 | 50
Sunday 69 | 30
Monday 69 | 45
Tuesday 65 | 33
Wednesday 51 | 28
Thursday 55 | 32
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Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas’ Inaugural “Celebrate Careers” Campaign Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas partnered with 57 schools across the region last month to kick off “Celebrate Careers”, a new, monthlong initiative to encourage career exploration and workforce readiness. During the month of February, participating schools received a Celebrate Careers kit as well as instructions on career activities such as spirit weeks, employability skills challenges, and social media contests. The campaign was launched with the hopes to build a “career culture” at each participating school district. “Schools across the region celebrated careers in February with the implementation of our Celebrate Careers kit,” said Career and Education Outreach Specialist Amelia Reeves. “The kit provides schools with tools and resources to encourage conversation about the student’s pathway to a successful career.” Included in the kit were items such as:
Stamford High School students “dress for success” on Thursday, February 27, 2020 by participating in a Celebrate Careers dress-up day challenge. career-focused games, posters featuring in-demand jobs and top employability skills, a banner to decorate schools with, and giveaway items to share with students and teachers. Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas also supplied low-prep bulletin boards and ideas for weekly challenges such as researching the labor-
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market and wearing your best interview outfit to school. “It has been incredible to see all of the different ways that schools around the region have implemented the kit in their classrooms,” said Reeves. “Students are learning all about in-demand careers in a fun way that they can remember. By participating in the career-cen-
tered games and challenges, they are preparing themselves for the workforce of tomorrow.” Questions may be directed to Lindsey Phillips, Youth Career & Education Manager for the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board, at wow@workforcesystem.org.
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Any erroneous reflection upon the character, reputation or standing of any individual, firm or corporation will be gladly corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher. The New Stamford American (USPS 025-332) is published weekly at 102 South Swenson, Stamford, Jones County, Texas by Clear Fork Media Group LLC. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stamford, Texas 79553. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The New Stamford American, P O BOX 870, Stamford, Texas 79553 MEMBER 2019 TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
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Community
MARCH 6, 2020 3
THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
Jimenez Wins Big BY KAY SPEARS
Judy Gilbreath’s six siblings she found through a DNA test, with father, Frank Kunik. “I went from an only child to the third of seven,” Judy stated in an interview in February 2020.
To Find Family? Priceless! BY KAY SPEARS Judy Gilbreath moved to Stamford from Olden, Texas in 1989 and married her husband, William, in 1993. She has worked at the VIP Community Center for the past 15 ½ years. She has known since she was very small that she was adopted and wondered for many years what nationality she is. People have speculated that her ancestors could be Italian or Spanish or Indian or from the Mediterranean. This curiosity led her friend and co-worker, Dee Lewis, to suggest she find out through an Ancestry DNA test. The testing kits were on sale around Christmas and Gilbreath ordered one. She told her friend, “Let’s do it” and sent the kit in on December 27, 2019. She stated, “It takes a lot of spit,” more than she thought it would. She received the results the first
part of February 2020. Gilbreath said the test showed she was mostly Northeastern European, Slavic, Czechoslovakian which is now the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Then came Scottish and Irish, “and a little Swede.” The results of the test also allowed other people to be notified they might have a connection with someone through DNA. Gilbreath stated that a week later, “I got a hit.” The information showed her the person was as close as a first or second cousin. Gilbreath has quite a story, which began before she was born. Her adopted parents were Dolly Dean “Dot” and Bernis B. “BB” Willingham and they always shared the story of her birth with her. Her biological mother, Carol Akers, was working and traveling for Western Union when she found she was preg-
In February 2020, Judy Gilbreath, from Stamford, Texas, found family she didn’t know she had with the help of Ancestry DNA. nant with Judy. The family story has Akers driving a car from Pennsylvania, where she lived, to California. She left California and went to Haskell, Texas, where she put a notice in the paper that she was having a baby and wanted to put it up for adoption. The Willinghams, living in Rule, Texas, saw the notice and wrote a letter to Akers. They picked her up at the
As a young woman, Judy Gilbreath’s birth mother, Carol Akers, put Judy up for adoption in 1955. It took curiosity and a DNA test for Judy to find the rest of her family. Haskell bus station, took her to Rule, where she lived with them from September until the baby’s birth in Haskell on December 10, 1955. This family story and the name of her birth mother was all the information Gilbreath had until February 2020. SEE GILBREATH, PG 11
Super Tuesday 2020 has come and gone. People in fourteen states were able to cast their ballots in Primary Elections on Tuesday, March 3rd. What people in Jones County may not be aware of is that “it ain’t over till it’s over,” as said by Yogi Berra. When there are multiple candidates, one candidate needs to receive 50.1% of the votes or there will be a runoff election between the top two candidates. Because of this law, there will be a runoff election for the three Commissioners races on May 26, 2020. Those on the ballot will be: Precinct 1 – Roy Spalding (44.92%) & Billy Scott (25.51%) Precinct 2 – Lonnie Vivian (38.32%) & Jan Lefevre (34.07%) Precinct 3 – Ross Davis (38.54%) & Todd McWilliams (28.76%) Jones County Sheriff was won by Danny Jimenez with 62.59% of the votes to Chris Levens at 28.06% and Marcus Lively at 9.35%. Jay Pace won the Constable position with 67.47% to Gary Bouton’s 32.53%. Jimenez and Pace have been in their positions for the past year and apparently have proven themselves to the voters. These results are unofficial prior to the canvassing of ballots by the County. If you would like to know more about the candidates in the runoff election, The New Stamford American face book page has the video of the Meet the Candidates at the Stamford VIP Center, February 13, 2020. Mark May 26th on your calendars to make sure you vote in the runoff election.
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JONES COUNTY CALLS FOR SERVICE 2/16-2/24
2/23-2/29
Abandoned Vehicle 3 Agency Assist 2 Animal control 1 Animal Cruelty 1 Assault 2 Criminal History 3 Criminal Mischief 1 Disturbance 3 Domestic Disturbance 3 Fire-Grass 1 Information Only 1 Livestock Out 8 Medical/EMS 2 Motorist Assist 5 Prisoner Transfer 5 Public Service 2 Reckless Driver 8 Request Officer 7 Routine Patrol 2 Shots Fired 1 Smoke 1 Suicide/Suicide Threat 1 Suspicious Vehicle 2 Traffic Stop 27 Warrant Service 2 Welfare Check 4
Abandoned Vehicle 3 Agency Asst 1 Animal Control 1 Animal Cruelty 2 Case Follow Up 2 Disturbance 2 Fight 1 Fire Grass 6 Hazmat 1 Information Only 3 Intoxicated Motorist 1 Livestock Out 7 Loud Music 1 Major MVA 1 Medical/Ems 3 Minor MVA 2 Motorist Assist 7 Prisoner Transfer 4 Public Service 9 Reckless Driver 2 Request Officer 2 Smoke 1 Stabbing 1 Suicide/Suicide Threat 1 Suspicious Person 1 Suspicious Vehicle 4 Terroristic Threat 1 Theft 1 Traffic Stop 29 Wanted Subject 1 Warrant Service 1 Welfare Check 3
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Mayor and District 5 Councilman Uncontested BY KAY SPEARS The Stamford, Texas City Council met on Monday, arch 2, 2020, 5:15pm at the Stamford, Texas City Hall. Mayor James Decker opened the meeting before Robert Wingrove gave the invocation and those present recited the Pledge of Allegience. Councilmen in attendance were Robert Wingrove, Ken Roberson, Jimmy Doan and Paul Wright along with City Manager Alan Plumlee, City Secretary Kim Bryant and City Attorney Raymond Hollagaugh, CFO Karen Lou Graham and Chief of Police Darwin Huston. Mayor Decker stated there was a quorum present and there were no public comments to be made. The Consent Agenda consisted of the minutes of the last Regular City Council Meeting on
February 17, 2020 and the following Lake Lot Lease items, which the Council approved. Lake Lot Lease transfer at 206 Big Bass Drive from Lee Walker to Richard Lewis. New Lake Lot Lease at 206 Big Bass Drive for Richard Lewis. On the Regular Agenda, the bids received for Post Office lawn maintenance was approved to be Removed from being Tabled at the last meeting. City Manager Plumlee reviewed two previous qualified bids for the Council. He researched what the cost would be for the City to take on the lawn maintenance. He stated it would be $500.00 per month. Wingrove stated a decision on this subject would be premature at this time. Roberson agreed and brought up the lighting project to be completed. It was approved to wait on a lawn maintenance contract until after the lighting/ electrical project has been completed, which would include digging up parts of the lawn. The Airport Grant, Resolution No. 2020-2, was discussed and approved. The City names the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDoT) as an agent for airport improvements, for financial assistance on the airport sealcoat
project and directs Alan Plumlee as City Manager to execute authorizations with TxDOT in the pursuit of this project. The City will be responsible for 10% of the $440,000 cost. The $44,000 is in the Airport Fund. The Council approved to adopt Ordinance No. 918, cancelling the City General Election regarding the Mayor and Councilman for District 5. The City Election will be on May 2, 2020, 7:00am-7:00pm, to elect the Councilmember for District 4 and the Stamford Hospital District election. The Mayor position and Councilmember for District 5 are uncontested and will remain James Decker as Mayor of Stamford, Texas and Paul Wright as Councilman for District 5. The Council discussed the voter registration computer for elections. The State was contacted and it was learned that the computer has to be certified. It was approved for the City Manager to negotiate a lease for a certified computer for the 2020 election. City Manager Plumlee gave an update on City Public Works. He stated there has been 30-35 blocks of grader work completed after the rains. The pot holes in 20 blocks have been worked on, not in any one area of town. Fifteen water leaks have been addressed and 6 sewer issues have been worked on. The City Manager Report included giving paperwork
on the City financials to the Councilmembers. He stated there will be a Public Meeting at the Carnegie Library on March 9, 2020 at 5pm. A grant covers the cost of the internet at the library and a Public Meeting is required yearly to allow citizens to voice their opinons. He informed the Council of the possibility of a new solar farm being built in “this area” and it may affect the City. He also stated the work on the water tower has resumed. The Council went into Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Local Government Code to consult with attorney – possible litigation. The Council went into Open Session after ten minutes and announced there was no action to be taken. With no further business, the Stamford City Council meeting was adjourned. The next scheduled meeting is on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 5:15pm in the Council chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 E. McHarg, Stamford, TX. If attendance is not possible, the paper continues live streaming of the proceedings and is attaching it to its Face Book page, The New Stamford American. If audio seems poor, try adjusting the sound level on your iPhone or computer.
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MARCH 6, 2020
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JONES COUNTY ARRESTS 2/24-2/29
On Monday morning, March 2, 2020 wind swept through the opening left when part of the building fell in, in the alley east of Capital Farm Credit, blowing out a section of the building in the 100 block of W. McHarg, north side. The “ghost sign” says Stamford Dental Lab.
2/24/2020 3:44:00 PM Ricardo Rico, Warrant (Tom Green) Assault Family/Household Member W/Prev Conv F3 2/24/2020 5:24:00 PM Dane Jason Buckner, Warrant (Jones) Driving While Intoxicated 3rd Or More F3 2/27/2020 8:29:00 AM Craig Michael Reed, Warrant (Anson) Dog At Large MC 2/27/2020 2:03:00 PM Jesse Amos Longoria, Money Laundering >=$2,500<$30k FS 2/27/2020 2:13:00 PM Jose Manuel Torres, Money Laundering >=$2,500<$30k FS 2/28/2020 2:31:00 AM Ashtyn Jenee McGee, Driving While Intoxicated MB 2/28/2020 6:45:00 AM Jimmy Ryan Batchelor, Warrant (Anson) - Evading Arrest Det W/Prev Conviction FS 2/28/2020 1:16:00 PM Debbie Ann Rodriguez, Warrant (Jones) - Mtr Securing Execution Of Documents By Deception 2/28/2020 9:20:00 PM Silvino Gonzalez, Driving While Intoxicated/Open Alch Container MB 2/28/2020 11:58:00 PM Hector Euardo Martinez, Poss Marij <2oz Mb , Tamper/Fabricate Phys Evid W/Intent To Impair F3 2/29/2020 5:39:00 PM Rodolfo Andrade, Poss Marij <2oz MB 2/29/2020 6:34:00 PM Jacob Ikaika Ray Whitaker, Disorderly Conduct Fights With Another MC 2/29/2020 9:07:00 PM James Grant Newman, Warrant (Jones) - Capias Pro Fine
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Big Country Player of the Week: Austin Brewer
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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
The paw print
Bulldog Austin Brewer was named the Reporter-News Big Country Player of the Week. Brewer scored 44 points on 15 of 20 shooting (75 percent) as Stamford fell to Sundown 73-70 in double overtime. He also had 17 rebounds and 10 blocks and no fouls.
Bulldogs Season Comes to an End The Stamford Bulldogs played their hearts out in the Area contest vs. Sundown Thursday night at Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnel only to lose by 3 points after two overtimes. Austin Brewer scored a phenomenal 44 points. Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Marcus Barber had 14, Keyven Mueller 9, Lane Patton 2 and Stephon Johnson had a free throw. The Bulldogs finish their amazing season 26-8 and were undefeated in district play. Stamford 5 21 12 12 20--70 Sundown 11 5 18 16 23--73
Laylonna Applin dribbles the ball down court.
Audrey Brewer takes a shot from the sideline. Macy Detamore gets ready for the rebound.
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Lady Bulldogs’ Historic Run Comes to an End at the Texan Dome The Lady Bulldogs played in their first ever “Sweet 16” Regional Tournament on Friday at the Texan Dome in Leveland. They never gave up, but came out on the short end of the score to Gruver who went on to advance to the State Tournament. Laylonna Applin scored 14 points, Audrey Brewer had 12, Tylee Jo Bevel 9, Citlaly Gutierrez 5, Bresha Applin 3, and Shandlee Mueller 2. Audrey Brewer was named the KVRP/Bailey-Toliver Chevrolet Player of the Game. The Lady Bulldogs ended their season at 26-8. Stamford 10 10 11 14--45 Gruver 15 12 12 17--56
Laylonna Applin takes a free throw. Shandlee Mueller is double-teamed.
Bresha Applin brings the ball down the court.
Audrey Brewer gets tough on defense.
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Texas, Our Texas On February 28, 1836, Texas settlers were revolting against Mexico and had engaged in skirmishes and battles across Texas for five months. Around 185 men, led by William B. Travis and James Bowie, were under siege at the Alamo in San Antonio. Fortyone delegates arrived at Washington-on-the-Brazos (near present-day Brenham) for a convention to discuss Texas’ independence. On March 1, the convention came to order and a committee was appointed to draft a Declaration of Independence. The U.S. Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, had been a laborious effort. The Continental Congress had been in session for months and debated the details of the declaration throughout May and June, finally appointing a drafting com-
ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker mittee on June 11, 1776. Thomas Jefferson wrote a draft over several weeks and drafts were reviewed, edited, and edited some more, before approval on July 4. In Texas, it was a different story. The convention opened on March 1 and a drafting committee produced a document literally overnight. George Childress, leader of the committee, may have arrived at the convention with a
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pre-written rough draft, to make this speed possible. On March 2, 1836, the convention adopted a declaration and declared Texas’ independence (the matter of actual independence would not be settled, of course, until Texas defeated Santa Anna’s army at San Jacinto on April 21). If you’ve never read the Texas Declaration, I encourage you to do so. For a 183-year old document, it’s very readable in a modern sense. It’s clearly inspired by the U.S. Declaration, but is unique in itself. The Declaration specifies numerous complaints against the Mexican government, from the general to the very specific, some of which were rarely discussed in the province before the revolution. Among other things, the declaration complains that the Mexican government “has failed to establish any public system of education.” In a violent frontier province, schools had not
been a major priority up until that point. As such, some historians view this part of the Declaration as a laundry list of dubious grievances, beefing up a case for independence. I see it as more forward thinking. Childress and the other delegates listed what Texas would need if it was to grow and develop as a free society. They knew that Santa Anna was unlikely to cooperate on those matters, leaving independence as the best recourse. As we see public education constantly debated in the Texas Legislature, with many Texas elected leaders openly hostile to public education, this is particularly striking. Our revolutionary heroes saw public education, financed by “the public domain,” as a cornerstone of an ideal society, and something worth fighting and dying for, right along with national security, freedom of arms, absolute freedom of religion, and trial by jury.
60 delegates signed on to the Texas Declaration of Independence. Three of those men, Lorenzo de Zavala, Jose Antonio Navarro, and Jose Francisco Ruiz, were native born within the borders of Texas. The rest were immigrants. Interestingly, well over half of the signatories (some estimates place the number as high as 50) had been in Texas less than 6 years. This means they arrived after the infamous Law of April 6, 1830, which barred immigration of Anglos into Texas. So technically speaking, a large number of the signatories were illegal immigrants under the laws of Mexico. The personal stories of the men who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, and our other revolutionary heroes, are complicated. Many had checkered pasts, either in Texas or wherever they came from. Some would have inglorious futures. Several would die soon.
Others would fail in business or were beset by bankruptcy, personal problems, or controversy. But this is the real world, not a Disney movie. Heroes are complicated humans, just like you and me, but that makes them heroes no less. In fact, I would argue that a complicated, flawed hero makes heroism seem more attainable to those who might one day have to answer the call themselves, rather than making heroism seem like a task limited to the flawless. From 1836 to 2020, the story of Texas was, is, and will be beautiful, ugly, complicated, and contradicting, full of noble-minded people with noble-minded ideals, often struggling to live up to those ideals. We may not always succeed, but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep trying. Happy Texas Independence Day. May God bless Texas.
First Baptist Church John Ward 214 N Swenson 325-773-2781 AM Worship: 11:00 House of God Pastor Bobby Acosta 802 Ferguson St Sundays 11:00 am
Nugent Church of Christ Nugent, Texas Wayne Kitchens, Preacher Sun. 10 Bible Classes 11 Morning Assembly
St Ann’s Catholic Church 1001 S Swenson 325-773-2659 AM Mass: 11:00
Temple Baptist Church Jesse Morton 309 E Campbell 325-773-2550 AM Service: 11:00
LOCAL CHURCHES Avoca Baptist Church Rev. Les Mims 773-3531 AM Worship: 11:00 Avoca United Methodist Church Dennis Huffaker 773-3909 AM Worship: 9:45 Bethel Church of God in Christ Pastor Session 407 W Handlan 325-773-5730 Bethel (Christ) Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 1024 E. Vanderbilt 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 9:00 Bethel Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 10707 N. FM 600 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 11:00
Central Presbyterian Rev. Dr. Kelly Pigott 601 Rowland 325-773-3381 AM Worship: 11:00 Common Ground Youth Ministry Paul Wright 219 S Swenson 325-773-3604 Faith Lutheran Church Sagerton, Texas 940-200-0723 AM Worship: 10:30 Family Church of Christ 1505 E. Wells St 325-773-5250 Worship: 9:45 a.m. 1st Assembly 1214 Compton Pastor John Shepard Worship: Saturday @ 6:00PM (325)267-0955
Lueders First Baptist Church Roscoe McCoy 228-4622 AM Worship: 11:00 MacKenzie Trail Cowboy Church AM worship 11:00 Heart of God Church 114 E Campbell Joanne Ochoa AM Worship 10:30 Nugent Baptist Church Craig Thames 228-4457 Worship: 11:00
Orient Street Church of Christ Wes Horn 510 S Orient 773-3419 Worship: 10:30 Paint Creek Baptist Church Pastor Tony Grand 940-864-3358 AM Worship: 11:00
WANT TO SPONSOR THE CHURCH PAGE? Call 325-773-5550
St. John’s United Methodist Church Pastor John Erwin 201 S Ferguson 325-773-2561 AM Worship: 10:50 Solomon Temple Baptist Church Rev. Donnie Massey 315 N. Haskell St. 325-773-2213 AM Worship 11:00
Trinity Church Dr. Robert Wingrove 220 E. McHarg
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Governor Gives Update On Actions To Combat Coronavirus AUSTIN — As the worldwide threat of novel coronavirus increased, state agencies already were working together to ensure the health and safety of all Texans, Gov. Greg Abbott said Feb. 27. After a briefing from state and federal health officials on coronavirus (COVID-19), Abbott provided an update on steps the state is taking. He said the Department of State Health Services has activated the State Medical Operations Center to serve as a touchpoint for any requests from local entities. The center also ensures consistent collection, tracking and reporting of public health activities and data. Also, DSHS is preparing state laboratories with testing capabilities for the novel coronavirus and is updating public health response plans in the event of the spread of the virus. Abbott said multi-level and multiagency coordination and communication efforts are practiced daily to ensure upto-date information is flowing between federal, state and local partners. Furthermore, DSHS is coordinating with the Texas Department of Emergency Management, Texas Hospital Association, Texas Medical Association and state university systems to provide educational materials and the latest developments in research and treatment methods for the virus. And, relevant agencies will implement disinfecting measures at places such as driver license offices and schools and ensure that high-risk populations such as those in day-care centers, nursing homes, assisted living associations and healthcare facilities are prepared and properly cared for, Abbott said. Meanwhile, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed multiple cases of
CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Ed Sterling
COVID-19 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 will remain isolated at medical facilities until they test negative for the virus and are no longer at risk of spreading it. The CDC has the latest information on the number of people under quarantine who are infected and is updating its national numbers each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. NEW CARDS BEING ISSUED The Texas Department of Public Safety on Feb. 27 announced that it is now issuing redesigned, tamperresistant Texas driver’s licenses, identification cards and license-to-carry cards. The cards have a new look with an updated design and enhanced security features. The driver’s license and ID cards also have visible and discrete identifiers on the front. The DPS said that previously issued driver’s licenses are still valid until the expiration date listed on the card and, beginning Oct. 1, travelers will need a valid passport, U.S. military ID or a REAL ID compliant driver’s license (one with the gold star) to travel on commercial airlines or enter federal
facilities. PAXTON WELCOMES RULING Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Feb. 26 applauded a federal district court ruling holding that a 1998 comprehensive settlement agreement with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and other tobacco companies stands and the agreed payments to the state for smoking-related healthcare costs must be enforced. The U.S District Court for the Eastern District of Texas rejected Reynolds’ argument that selling acquired brands included in the settlement nullified its obligation to Texas taxpayers, declaring that “Reynolds remains as liable today as it was when it entered into the Texas Settlement in 1998.” “I applaud the court for holding tobacco companies accountable to the terms of the settlement to which they agreed. Texas taxpayers are owed substantial back payments and we will not allow any company to shirk their obligations to the people of this state,” said Paxton. “No matter how large the company or how long the fight, my office will continue to fight for the compensation that taxpayers are owed.” VAPING CASE COUNT: 250 The Department of State Health Services on Feb. 25 reported some 250 Texas cases of severe lung disease in people who used e-cigarettes before developing symptoms. Four of them have died. Patients range in age from 13 to 75 years old with a median age of 22 years. About one-quarter of the people affected in Texas are minors. Three-quarters are male and nine in 10 report vaping THC or marijuana possibly in conjunction with other substances. Almost all patients were hospitalized and the DSHS said many required intensive care.
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Always Focus on Health Over the last few weeks the major news media has been obsessed with coverage of the Coronavirus and, while it is indeed concerning to think about, I think we can all agree that the reports are sometimes blown way out of proportion. News agencies that have taken the conservative approach and, well, not to panic the public have stated that it is comparable THOUGHTS FROM to the flu, just on a bigger level. Now, I am not here to downplay UNDER THE CAP the seriousness of the disease as, from unbiased reports, it can be Will McClure very nasty and precautions are being made all over the country to keep confirmed cases from spreading. Part of this is now you see many people, from health professionals to the common person, urging others to always wash their hands, stay home if sick, and just exercise caution. While these are good tips to live by, the thoughts weighing on my mind are shared with some posts that I have seen online: why is it only when there are major diseases do people actually care about health? I cannot tell you how many times I have gone into a public restroom and have seen men use the facilities and then walk right out of the restroom, not even stopping at the sink to at least rinse off their hands. I know that is a bit of an overreaction at times, but if one doesn’t wash their hands after using the restroom then what other healthy acts are they ignoring? In this day and age you cannot really go anywhere without at least seeing some kind of sanitization item. From wiping down a shopping cart to a paper ring for the toilet to a simple pump to clean your hands, there is always something small that we can all do to not only keep ourselves from illness but also be considerate of others. While these things that I have listed here are good, they are no substitute to seeing a medical professional if you start to feel sick and you know that it is not a cold or to even make sure that you are vaccinated. There has been an ongoing debate and controversy for years over vaccinations, especially those for our youth with many arguing that they do not help and actually make a child’s health worse. Now, I am not here to argue anyone’s beliefs, but honestly the arguments have gotten so ridiculous to the point where no one can win and people end up getting sick. While we all do have the right to make sure that ourselves and our family is healthy, but it is also important to make sure that we do not let illness spread to others. I mean, it is common human decency after all that we would not want to harm a fellow human being in any way, right? All I am saying is that we should not let the next big disease decide when and how we should take care of ourselves and others. The suggested acts to stop the spread of disease during this Coronavirus scare are acts that we can and should do on a daily basis. Wash our hands after the bathroom and especially after we have handled things that carry bacteria (raw meat for example), keep a small bottle of sanitizer handy or use the provided ones if we feel like we have come in contact with a potential disease (or just in good-nature), see a doctor if we feel sick and not try to “self-medicate” all of the time. While the common illnesses we can definitely take care of easily with over-the-counter medicines, if we can’t beat whatever is ailing us then a medical professional is the way to go instead of just looking online at places like WebMD. At the end of the day, we all need to be smart about our health and what we do on a daily basis. The Coronavirus will soon be under control and all-but go away, but our good health habits should always be constant. Until next time, dear reader, my cap’s off to you!
Elvis Becomes A Financial Consultant Dee Carter of Midland has had parallel careers. After graduating with BA and MA degrees in religion he was a minister 5 years. He was a basketball referee 28 years (Division One for 12 years). And he sings. “I’ve been singing all my life. My mother told me I used to stand up in my crib and sing when I was 2 years old. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember and still sing with the Midland Odessa Symphony Chorale. I entertained all through high school and college and formed my own little band called The Rebels. We followed Roy Orbison around when he was with the Teen Kings. We performed at a lot of youth centers and that sort of thing. We played a lot of Elvis music. I started impersonating Elvis sort of semi professional and then starting doing it as a fulltime profession. I did that 15 years, traveling all over Europe and the US. I still have the costumes and the music down the hall in a storeroom to prove it. It was fun. I enjoyed it. I still get calls occasionally but
I think I’m past the age to do that and I’d have to shave my beard and mustache to do it now and I don’t want to do that.” He has recorded several CDs of his performances as Elvis and can still say THANK YOU VERY MUCH. “We had to say that at least once during every performance or they’d take our card away. I’m still a member of the Elvis Society, a group of people who perform as Elvis.” Dee has been a financial consultant in Midland nearly 50 years. The last 20 years have been spent helping people plan for retirement. He wrote about that in his book titled IT’S NOW OR NEVER. “I named it that because if you don’t start planning now you may never get started,” says Dee. “When you get ready to retire there are several things to have in place. Number one, make sure
you don’t have any debts. If you go into retirement with debts you’re in really big trouble. That’s not a good place. If you can, have your house paid for. I want my clients to have enough money to live well as long as they want to. I switched to retirement planning when I realized most of my clients were getting a little long in the tooth like I am and they didn’t want to lose any money.” He says you should save 10 percent of your income every year and have 6 to 10 months of income in savings before retirement. Social Security is not enough. “The average Social Security check is like $1150 now.
TUMBLEWEED SMITH
If you start getting your social security money at age 62 you lose a lot of benefits you might need down the road. If you wait until you’re 70 you get about another 24 percent of income added to that.” Dee urges his clients to start planning for retirement at age 55. “If people come in at age 55 I tell them they need to start thinking about taking a look at where their investments are and start thinking about moving from growth to income over a period of time.” The title of his book is from an Elvis song that has lyrics containing the words “tomorrow will be too late. It’s now or never.” Every chapter of his book starts with the name of a song.
We have been enjoying?? the March Winds already. Sure hope we get some moisture soon. Don’t forget the dance at the Old Glory Lodge Hall on Saturday March 7 with Jake Hooker playing. Everyone is invited, see Doug Vahlenkamp for tickets. On Saturday evening Belen Ruffin and Shane Melton were married in a beautiful ceremony in the Faith Lutheran Church in Sagerton. Following the ceremony the couple and all their guests gathered at the Hermann Sons Lodge for a lovely reception and dinner. The Lodge was beautifully decorated and everyone had a wonderful time. Congratulations to the lovely couple. (Shane is a grandson of the late Gus and Beunice Vahlenkamp). Mittie Dunham spent Saturday afternoon at the Gibson Care Home in
MARCH 6, 2020 11
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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
Several Aspermont members visiting with gathered residents there at the Old and enjoyGlory Lodge ing The Glory Hall for their Bound Singers monthly from Abilene. meeting. Darbee New President from Haskell OLD GLORY NEWS Doug spent Friday Vahlenkamp night with her By Anita Dozier called the grandparents, meeting to Dale and Carm order and Letz. all business was taken care Daughter, Susan Kittley, off. Following the meeting from Abilene spent Satthe group enjoyed games urday with me. Daughter, and a delicious meal of pot Marcie Tucker,of Hamby luck. The next meeting will spent Sunday with me. be held on Sunday, April 5, Always glad to have them at 4 P M. here. Geneva Vahlenkamp and Following church service Charles of Denton were Sunday in Aspermont, Mittie met Mattie Weaver, John- here for the wedding and visited with relatives in the nie Nell Pittcock, and Jo and Carol Holland for lunch area. Thought for the week: “In and a nice visit. Later Mitorder that all men may be tie attended the grave site taught to speak truth, it is services for Linda McNutt necessary that all likewise of Aspermont.
should hear it.” (Samuel Johnson) Happy Birthday wishes go to D J Vahlenkamp, Cannon Brack, Trent Dozier, Andrea Schmidt, Megan Tate, Troy Swink, Cody Bly, Jaylee Flowers, Tye Spitzer, Todd Spitzer, Cassandra Lamb, Melinda Smith, Teresa Briles, Debra Meador, Seth and Jacoby Castro, Madison Sharp, Ivy Martin, Dorothy Nickolson, Martha Jones, Emily Douglas, Joyce Tabor, Melissa Smith, Nancy Vahlenkamp, Emory Dudensing, Jacob Vahlenkamp, Sue Davis, Rebecca Tarpley, Justin Ong. Janis Rios, Joshua Freeman, Fareed Hassen, Erin Shacks, and Berklee Pippen. We wish you many more. Anniversary Greetings go to Wes and Linda Kittley. Have a wonderful day.
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!.............................................................. SOLD 703 Columbia Nice 3 bedroom 2 bath on a corner lot..............IN CONTRACT 804 Wells 3/1 w CH/A, tiled walk-in Shower.......................................... SOLD 716 E Oliver 4 bedroom/ 2 baths quiet area..............................................$68,900 1207 HUDSON 3 bedroom, 1 bath in a good location!..............................$49,900 1315 Hudson Rd 3/1 w CHA Great location!.........................IN CONTRACT 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 #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 STAMFORD - 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
GILBREATH: Continued From Page 3 The “hit” she received from the Ancestry website was from Megan Cook, who turned out to be her niece. Cook told her Carol Akers was her grandmother. This led to Gilbreath and the rest of the family getting in touch with each other. Cook is the daughter of Gilbreath’s oldest brother. After Gilbreath was born, Akers went back to Pennsylvania to have Christmas with her son Chris, born the year before Judy. She had a son, Dale, who was born when she was in high school and was raised by her mother, Judy’s grandmother. Akers was divorced from George Akers and engaged to Frank Kunik when Judy was born. Akers and Kunik were married for 61 years and had four more children. She kept in contact with Gilbreath’s adopted mother until Judy was about three years old. Gilbreath stated, after that her birth mother thought she was “getting a little bit too old” and decided to “step out of the picture.” Carol Kunik passed away in 2017 without ever telling her family she
had a daughter born in 1955. Gilbreath stated, “I was an only child and now I’m the third of seven,” two girls and five boys. Dale (1950) lives in Pennsylvania, Chris (1954) in Florida, Judy (1955) in Stamford, Kit (1957), Paul (1960), Michael (1963) in New York and Frank, Jr. (1973) in Barbados. The family is looking forward to having a reunion. Frank Kunik told Gilbreath that the story of her birth fit the timeline of Akers being gone for several months in 1955. Kunik, 89, told Gilbreath he believes she is his biological daughter. Gilbreath said she has had a good life, with loving parents raising her. When she was about two years old, they moved to the Midland/Odessa area and she graduated from Permian High School in Odessa. Over the years she has tried to research her family, but it wasn’t as easy as it is now with the internet and companies like Ancestry. com. Her aunt, Janie Pruitt in Ranger, Texas has worked on the family genealogy and
helped her with her birth mother’s family history. From this research, she found out her birth mother lived with her maternal grandmother growing up and that their genealogy line is connected to Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), John Quincy Adams and John Adams. Gilbreath said she wanted
to tell people about this to let people know they can find connections, too. “I’d like to get the word out to find their loved ones.” Even with her happy upbringing, Gilbreath felt there was something missing. “Now I know where I come from, kinda who I belong to. Now I can die a happy person, complete.” She stated this has, “put that piece of the puzzle in place.”
Classifieds
HELP WANTED
PUBLIC NOTICE
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.
Public Notice There will be a public meeting on Monday, March 9, 2020 at 5:00pm in the Stamford Carnegie Library to discuss the Internet Safety Policy and Internet content filter for the Stamford Carnegie Library.
For Sale: 80 good quality bred cows & 70 cow/calf pairs. Open heifers ready to breed. Call 325-656-7944 or 325-234-6034
Hanson Paint & Body Shop in Haskell, Texas is taking applications for the position of auto body paint and repairman. Please apply at 207 S. 1st Street, Haskell, Texas.
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 IN CONTRACT 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!
KNOX COUNTY
217± Ac great Hunting! Water well and native pasture 55± Cultivation close to town!
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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Ali Caddell with her Seventh Place dark cross at San Antonio
THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
Bryson Holt with his Top 50 pen of broilers at San Antonio
Cutter Caddell with his 5th Place Yorkshire at San Antonio
Cade LeFevre with his 3rd Place Dark Cross at San Antonio
Brylee Strand with her 2nd Place Hampshire at San Antonio
Tylee Jo Bevel with her third place Yorkshire at San Antonio