March 22, 2019 - Stamford American

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

STAMFORD

COACH BARTLEY GETS 300TH WIN !....SEE PAGE 8

American THE NEW

Best2019ofChamber Stamford Banquet

Lifetime Achievement Award - Fareed Hassen (pictured with Master of Ceremonies James Decker)

Outstanding Senior Boy and Girl - Carson Holt and Brooklyn Woodard (pictured with presenters Kevin Corzine and Patsy Richards.)

TTHE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 10, ISSUE 44 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 97, ISSUE 50 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 113, ISSUE 51

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Business of the Year - Grand Theatre Suzanne Fusaro (right) with Amanda Vega

Citizen of the Year - Kelly Williamson (pictured with presenter Callie Metler-Smith)

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MARK THE DATE...

MARCH 24TH

FCA Program: Fellowship of Christian Athletes invites the public to join us for Desserts & FCA Updates on March 24, 2019 from 3:00 – 4:15 at Stamford First Baptist Church, 214 N Swenson.

Area Director Paul Johnson and Multi-area Director Steve Keenum will present the program.

One Act Play: The Stamford One Act Play will have a public performance on Sunday, March 24 at 2:00 pm at the Stamford High School auditorium.

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

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

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST APRIL 6TH

GOSPEL CONCERT: Saturday, April 6th, 7:30 pm, at First Central Presbyterian Church, 402 Orange Street, Abilene. Chorus Abilene presents: Down by the Riverside, an evening of spirituals and gospel music, conducted by Dr. Dee Romines, performed by the Classical Chorus, with the Hardin Simmons University Chorale and HSU Upbeat as special guests. Come and enjoy beautiful gospel singing at its best. Tickets available at the door and in advance at: www.ChorusAbilene.net or by calling 325-673-7464

Friday 70 | 53

Saturday 73 | 56

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

Monday 73 | 44

Tuesday 64 | 44

Wednesday 74 | 55

Thursday 81 | 56

FBC Stamford To Host Ladies Retreat The Women’s Ministry of Stamford First Baptist Church is hosting a day retreat on Saturday, March 30th. The theme for this year’s retreat is Courage to do the “What If”.Registration will begin at 9 am and the program will start at 9:30. Mandi Lovvorn Whittlesey, formerly from Stamford, and now

TUTORING: SMS Tutoring every Thursday from 6:00-7:00 at Common Ground. This is an opportunity for your child to get extra help on their school work. Please have your children take advantage of this help. For more information, contact Paul Wright at 7733604 or 370-6378.

RENT: The TCR Old Timer’s Association rents the Bunkhouse and Roundup buildings. The new manager is Ann Heathington, and she can be reached at 325-773-8057. Please leave a message and she will return your call.

Sunday 80 | 53

The weather is provided for you

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

Mandi Lovvorn Whittlesey

Music Minister at First Baptist Church, Eastland, will be leading praise and worship. Mandi will also give her testimony of her obedience to God’s call on her life. Guest speaker and also giving her testimony will be Catrina Kidd of Weatherford. Catrina is a young woman who wears many hats, but her passion is her radical obedience to the Lord. Catrina is on the weekly television show on the DIY channel, Texas Flip and Move. Saturday will be a day to be encouraged and challenged to live out God’s plan for your life. The fee is $20 which includes lunch.

Call the church 325-7732781 to register. There will be door prizes and plenty of fellowship. .”’Come follow me,’ Jesus said,’”and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed Him.” Matthew 4:19-20 NIV

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

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

SUBMISSIONS POLICY

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

Catrina Kidd

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

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MARCH 22, 2019 3

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Citizens Present Water Concerns to Council

BY KAY SPEARS On Monday, March 18, 2019, the Stamford City Council met at Stamford City Hall for a scheduled meeting. Mayor James Decker opened the meeting and led the Pledge of Allegiance and Jimmy Doan gave the invocation.

In attendance were Mayor Decker, Council Members Melinda Smith, Ken Roberson, Jimmy Doan, Paul Wright, City Manager Alan Plumlee, City Attorney Raymond Hollabaugh, City Secretary Kim Bryant, CFO Karen Lou Graham, and Chief of Police Darwin Huston.

Under the Consent Agenda: The minutes from the Regular Meeting on March 4, 2019 were approved.

Under the Regular Agenda: No items were withdrawn from the Consent Agenda. No citizens signed-up to speak to the Council.

Resolution 2019-2, Atmos Cities Steering Committee was discussed.

The resolution concerns paying 5 cents per person in the city as part of 178 cities being represented.

Stamford has been part of this for many years. The resolution was approved.

Taken next, the representatives of Frazier Properties, including Attorney Chris Shelton, addressed the Council. Addressed first was the problem of the continued and reoccurring clogging at Scotts Crossing. The road is not passable and people cannot get to their homes.

The other matter brought up was the water reservoir and receiving a water bill when they hadn’t before. Plumlee explained Stamford is under state restrictions not to give water for free and that they didn’t charge while meters were being installed. A deed restriction was brought up and other specifics concerning the pipeline installed at the property owner’s expense.

Questions were raised and answered, pictures and maps reviewed. The City Manager stated, “There’s just a small amount of Paint Creek that’s actually behind that dam that goes down to California Creek.”

He stated it goes on the backside of the dam.

Roberson stated they need to do “the homework” on it and the Mayor asked for information to be emailed to him. This subject was tabled until more information was available to Council Members.

Kenny Thompson, Haskell County Commissioner, gave a brief history of the problems on Scotts Crossing. When the water height is past the bridge, it takes 48 hours before anyone can cross the bridge. When the water raises up to the dam, it takes many days before anyone can cross the road. It was brought up that trees and brush are uprooted and interfere with the flow of water and the dam. City Manager stated the area has to be cleaned out every time there is a “rain event” and there is one expected again

Kenny Thompson, Haskell County Commissioner, explains problems with Scotts Crossing to Stamford City Council on March 18, 2019. this weekend. No action was taken at this time.

The Sagerton Water Supply contract was then discussed with no action taken at this time. The City Manager acknowledged changes to the draft of the contract given to the Council members at the last regular meeting.

The City Manager stated the City and the Museum Board continue to work on the Museum Ordinance.

No action taken at this time.

Council went into Executive Session to consider/ take possible action on the award of the Texas Water Development Board DWSRF Project No. 62685 – Contract B: Elevated Storage Tank Contract contingent upon approval by the Texas Water Development Board.

When the Council came out of Executive Session and back into Regular Session, Roberson made a motion to reject all bids related to the water storage tank and to repeat the bidding process. The motion was approved.

Next, the City Manager gave his report. He reported that he is proud that the newest Water Treatment Operator, Tracy

Daniels, has passed the first water test and all are now licensed. Daniels will continue the required training.

It was then announced that the pump station is on schedule. Work on the City Pool and the Boat Dock continues, as do plans for the new dump truck. Plumlee reminded Council Members of the Chamber Banquet on March 19th.

Roberson stated he and Jim Astin will be attending the BRE meeting in Waco, TX. Luci Wedeking reported a successful Library Book Sale with 40 people attending and $200 in profit. Plumlee stated the clean up of the attic is scheduled for the weekend of March 23rd.

The meeting was then adjourned.

Connie Nicholson Childress moves Little House of Treasures back to 103 N. Swenson for your shopping convenience.

Little House of Treasures Back on N. Swenson

BY KAY SPEARS

Connie Nicholson Childress has moved her Little House of Treasures back to 103 N. Swenson. The business is open and growing each day. Vendors rent space at a nominal fee and work in the store helping customers with sales and service. Childress stated she has tried different ways to have a “mini-mall” and having the vendors also work in the store she says is her best option.

Items the vendors have available are Paparazzi Jewelry, Pink Zebra wax scents, Color Street nail wraps, t-shirts, scarves, hats, jewelry, Scentsy, diaper cakes, wedding decorations. Childress brings in her furniture, baby quilts, baby bedding, and alterations.

She stated she has been sewing for a living since she was about 20 years old and worked in sewing factories, custom drapery companies and has done alterations for Clayton’s Monograming for the last 10 years. She worked for Stan Clayton when he was manager of the Russell Newman Lingerie sewing factory in Stamford, TX. Childress is very creative, as evidenced by the decorative painting she does on the windows of the building at 103 N. Swenson.

Little House of Treasures was in the house at 1007 N. Swenson, where Frips Cupcakery is now, off and on in 2005-2016. She was in her current location for 11 months in October 2017-September 2018 and is now back at 103 N. Swenson, (325) 514-4739.

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

OBITUARIES

Vickie Weatherby

Nora Nona Stephenson

Sammy Lee Gonzales

Vickie Weatherby, 68, passed to her heavenly home on Saturday, March 17, 2019. Funeral Services were at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 18, 2019 at the Tankersley Funeral Home Chapel (807 Columbia). Burial followed at the Aspermont Cemetery in Aspermont, TX under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.

Vickie Lynn Mickler was born August 14, 1950 in Athens, TX to Richard Mickler and Jerrine Keegan Mickler. She was reared in Stamford where she attended school until 1964 prior to her family relocating to Spearman, TX in 1967 and then to Wichita Falls, TX where she graduated from high school in 1968. Vickie was employed by Texas State Technical Institute and Texas Department of Criminal Justice during her working career. Vickie was blessed with 2 sons; Jason Beck born in 1973 and Jeremy Beck born in 1974.

She lived in Texas and Arizona before making her home at Aspermont in 2007. Vickie enjoyed her personal time at home tending to her house plants, caring for her cats, being creative with macramé and she loved to dance.

Vickie was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her husband, Frank Ledesma of Aspermont, TX; two sons, Jason Beck and wife Kristi of Keller, TX and Jeremy Beck and wife Sureya of Phoenix, AZ; 2 brothers, Terry Mickler and wife Sherry of Jacksonville, TX and Jessie Mickler and wife Robin of Hereford, TX; 4 grandchildren: Laken Beck, Bristol Beck, Kaitlyn Beck and Khloe Beck; numerous other relatives and friends.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com.

Nora Nona Stephenson, age 95, of Franklin, TN passed away on March 7, 2019. She was born in Anson, Texas on July 29, 1923. She was a nurse at Anson General Hospital for many years. Preceded in death by parents, William Roderick and Ada Lee White Moore; husband, Oscar W. Stephenson; brothers, William and J. L. Moore; and sisters, Ollie Hale, Mary Lee Hicks, Merle Melton and Willie Eden; son-inlaw, W.E. (Gene) Scott and grandson, Bryan Wayne Scott. Survived by daughters, Helen Scott and Jeannie C. Riley (Billy) Starnes; brothers, W. R. (Betty) Moore, Jr. and Johnny F. (Susie) Moore; grandchildren, Kim (Jeff) Franks, Lori (Wayne) Tywater and Stephen Scott; 7 great grandchildren and 14 great great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service was conducted at Franklin Community of Faith Church of the Nazarene on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 2:00 PM, Pastor Ronnie Johnson officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church. Honorary Pallbearers were her Sunday School Class at Franklin Community of Faith Church of the Nazarene. Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, 223 Rosa L. Parks Ave., Suite 301, Nashville, TN 37203 or Franklin Community of Faith Church of the Nazarene, 506 Jordan Rd., Franklin, TN 37067. Williamson Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services. 615-794-2289 www.williamsonmemorial.com

Odessa, Tx - Sammy Lee Gonzales, 60, died peacefully March 12, 2019 at 8:45 pm after a long illness with Parkinson’s Disease at Sienna Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Odessa, Texas.

Sammy was born October 14, 1958 to Louis and Pauline Gonzales.

Sammy was survived by his father, Louis Gonzales, Brothers, Robert and Joe Gonzales, Grandchildren, Christopher Elias Jr, Cheyenne Lozano, Danika Elias, and Zander Elias. His great grandchild Catalina Nevaeh Lozano, Niece Kristy Gonzales, April Gonzales. Nephew Robert Gonzales Jr., Matthew Gonzales, great Nephews, Jagger Jace Gonzales, Jacob Anthony Garcia. And great Niece Kelsey Renee Cardenas. Close cousins were Deacon Eddie Gonzalez, Ronnie Medrano. Uncles, Ramon Medrano, Tony Gonzalez, Aunts, Ruth Gonzalez, Janie Moreno, Susie Martinez.

Sammy was preceded in death by his mother Apolonia (Pauline) Medrano Gonzales, Son Christopher Lee Elias, Grandfather Elogio Gonzales, Grandmother Ascension Gonzales, Aunts Camila Lopez, Hilaria Almanza, Tive Lopez, Uncles, Paul Gonzales, Marcos Medrano, Ben Medrano, Cayetano Medrano.

After high school Sammy moved to Abilene, TX, Eula, TX and spent his final years in Odessa, TX. Growing up, Sammy worked with his father in maintenance and janitorial in Stamford. Then he moved to Abilene where he was employed as a diesel mechanic for most of his life and then retired from Lowes Home Improvement Store in Abilene.

Sammy’s passions in life were the love of his eight-acre property in Eula, TX where he lived several years with his two dogs Buddy and Lady. He also had a passion for his personal cars. He restored a 1971 Chevy Chevelle SS,1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 and 1976 Chevrolet El Camino SS. He enjoyed spending time with his friends, traveling abroad.

Jamaica was his favorite destination. He enjoyed Mexican food, movies and Country and Western dancing. Close and lifelong friends include Bobby Lopez, Frank Elias, John Lopez, Stanley “Condor” Ender and Tammy Holbrooks Baker.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Tankersley Funeral Home in Stamford, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to House of God Church in Stamford. Sammy’s wishes were cremation and Memorial service.

Memorial followed by Wake (reception) to be held Monday, March 25th, 11am at House of God Church, in Stamford, Tx. The family wishes to give special thanks to all the wonderful caregivers at Sienna Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Star Hospice in Odessa, Tx for all their compassionate care and comfort.

Joyce Mueller Berry Joyce Mueller Berry, age 81, passed away on August 1, 2018 in Germantown,Tennessee. Visitation and services were held on August 11, 2018 at the Memphis Funeral Home In Bartlett, Tennessee. Joyce was born on August 16, 1936 in Haskell, Texas to Richard and Esther Mueller. After graduating from Stamford High School she began working as an LVN at Haskell Hospital. In 1954 she married her friend and love, Bill Berry. After 60 years of marriage he preceded her in death in May 2014. Joyce and Bill had 3 children, Carl, Brent, and Keitha. She was blessed with 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Joyce is survived by her son and wife, Carl and Catherine, son and wife, Brent and Beth, and daughter and husband, Keitha and Mark Tucker. All of whom she loved so dearly. Her life was a living example of her love for people. She prepared delicious meals at the church and always sent cards to those who were sick. She was the most loving person and would do anything for anybody. She is dearly missed.

Please join us in celebrating her life Saturday morning April 6, 2019 at the Stamford Cemetery on North Swenson in Stamford , Texas.

The City of Stamford will test the tornado sirens at 11:00 on Monday, March 25.

Weather permitting.

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Stamford Students Display Artwork at Old Jail Art Center On Saturday, March 9, 2019, the Old Jail Art Center in Albany hosted a Student Art Show. Participants in the show were represented by schools across Region 14 that take part in the Art-To-Go Program conducted by the Education Department at the Old Jail Art Center.

The following description of the Student Art Show was taken verbatim from the Old Jail Art Center website: “Since 2008, the museum has celebrated Youth Art Month by hosting a Student Art Show Competition for ages 13-18. This competition is named Talking Back, and it provides local teens the opportunity to explore the OJAC collection of art and artifacts and create their own work in response.

In January, OJAC educators visited Junior and Senior High Schools throughout Region 14 to present five artists from the museum’s collection.

Students will explore the work of each artist, focusing on the process and the themes/ideas behind each piece that communicates with the work.

Talking Back is unique because it is both created and juried by teens. Each Spring, the museums Junior Docent Corps jury and curate the show, as well as organize for prizes and an exhibit opening reception.

With help from education department staff, the Junior Docents consider various criteria as they critique each piece. This is one of the most important experiences in our Junior Docents program, as the students gain valuable Visual and Critical Thinking Skills! They choose one winner for each response category and present a certificate and prizes that they have secured from local businesses.”

The Art Show had

over 300 submissions of which only fifty-four were selected to be displayed in the Museum. Out of those fifty-four, seventeen were Stamford student artists.

To see their artwork hanging alongside professional museum pieces by world known artists is very awe inspiring. If you have an opportunity to go see their artwork on display, the museum is open TuesdaySaturday 10-5, and this exhibit will be up through March 30th. If you cannot make it to Albany, please give these kids a pat on the back for a job well done if you see them around town.

Displayed artwork include the following students: Aaron Duran, Alina Villanueva, Angel Zarate, Bobbie Villarreal, Cato Macias, Christian Cedillo, Emily Patterson, Hannah Hannah Shipp Shipp, Jaelynn Bryant (Best in Category), Jameson Bell, Konstance Jimenez (Honorable Mention), Kylee Miller, Mikayla Beltran, Rylon Jordan, Tate Mathis (Honorable Mention), Valerie Silguero (Honorable Mention), and Jeremiah Quinonez.

These student artists and their amazing teachers, not to mention the foresight our school has taken to ensure that students have a chance to cultivate their artistic talents, has made Stamford proud. Be sure and compliment these students, and all the students that participated, as well as the art teachers, Michelle and Craig Gilbert, for a job well done.

Aaron Duran

MARCH 22, 2019 5

SHS Sweeps Blackland Divide Relays The Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs both walked away with first place finishes in the Blackland Divide Relays held at Roscoe Collegiate High School on March 8. The Girls team finished in first place with 189 points, well ahead of second place Post with 109. The Boys team had 138 points, just ahead of Post’s 135.5.

VARSITY GIRLS RESULTS

3200 METER RUN: 3 Hall, Chloe 13:49.72 4 PONCE, THALIA 14:03.39 4X100 METER RELAY: 1 Stamford 52.07 1) Spotwood, Honesty 2) Gonzales, Savanna 3) Bell, Jacelyn 4) Applin, Bresha 800 METER RUN: 1 Terrell, Laramie 2:35.98 100 METER HURDLES: 1 Bevel, Tylee 15.94 100 METER DASH: 1 Spotwood, Honesty 13.33; 3 Johnson, Tameka 13.67; 4 Gonzales, Savanna 13.68 4X200 METER RELAY: 1 Stamford 1:52.55 1) Spotwood, Honesty 2) Gonzales, Savanna 3) Bell, Jacelyn 4) Applin, Bresha 400 METER DASH: 5 Calicutt, Kelvi 1:09.30; 8 Mueller, Shandlee 1:10.98; 18 Stoner, Cierra 1:23.12 300 METER HURDLES: 2 Bevel, Tylee 51.35; 5 Guiterrez, Citlaly 54.84 200 METER DASH: 1 Applin, Bresha 26.84; 3 Bell, Jacelyn 27.94; 5 Johnson, Tameka 29.13 1600 METER RUN: 6 Ponce, Thalia 6:30.55; 7 Hall, Chloe 6:39.14 4X400 METER RELAY: 3 Stamford 4:36.18 1) Guiterrez, Citlaly 2) Calicutt, Kelvi 3) Cantu, Kristian 4) Terrell, Laramie HIGH JUMP: 1 Bevel, Tylee 5-02.00 POLE VAULT: 1 Lefevre, Carli 8-06.00; 2 Terrell, Laramie 8-00.00 LONG JUMP: 1 Applin, Bresha 16-02.50 TRIPLE JUMP: 2 Bevel, Tylee 34-08.00

BOYS VARSITY RESULTS

110 METER HURDLES: 1 Holt, Carson 15.81 4X200 METER RELAY: 1 Stamford 1:32.20 1) Smith, Ryheem 2) Mueller, Josh 3) Barber, Demarcus 4) Smith, R.J. 400 METER DASH: 3 Smith, Ryheem 53.19 300 METER HURDLES: 1 Holt, Carson 41.93 200 METER DASH: 1 Barber, Demarcus 22.47; 2 Smith, R.J. 22.90 4X400 METER RELAY: 1 Stamford 3:36.48 1) Smith, Ryheem 2) Mueller, Josh 3) Holt, Carson 4) Smith, R.J. POLE VAULT: 3 Mueller, Josh 12-06.00 LONG JUMP: 1 Barber, Demarcus 20-06.00; 2 Smith, Ryheem 19-11.50 TRIPLE JUMP: 4 Mueller, Josh 38-07.50 DISCUS THROW; 2 GOMEZ, RILEY 119-07.50; 3 ARENDALL, GARRETT 105-04; 4 DOWNS, DEMARCUS 103-01.50 SHOT PUT: 3 Gomez, Riley 39-05.00; 5 Arendall, Garrett 38-09.00 BOYS JUNIOR VARSITY 4X100 METER RELAY: 6 Stamford 51.19 1) Guerrero, Danny 2) Delarosa, Gerardo 3) Proffitt, Kolbie 4) Dennis, Chris 110 METER HURDLES: 2 Faulks, Dylan 20.52 100 METER DASH: 11 Spotwood, Brydarius 13.01 4X200 METER RELAY: 4 Stamford 1:42.59 1) Cerda, CJ 2) Delarosa, Gerardo 3) Huerta, Alias 4) Dennis, Chris 400 METER DASH: 11 Loving, Noah 1:06.77; 12 Martinez, Angel 1:10.25; 13 Guerrero, Danny 1:10.61 300 METER HURDLES: 1 Faulks, Dylan 45.57 200 METER DASH: 5 Dennis, Chris 25.79; 8 Proffitt, Kolbie 26.26 1600 METER RUN: 4 Oliver, Daniel 6:02.76 4X400 METER RELAY: 5 Stamford 4:10.03 1) Faulks, Dylan 2) Loving, Noah 3) Huerta, Alias 4) Delarosa, Gerardo TRIPLE JUMP: 2 Holden, Zhawn 35-03.00 DISCUS THROW: 1 Macias, Cato 97-09.50 SHOT PUT: 3 Macias, Cato 33-06.00

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MARCH 22, 2019

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Friends, We are halfway through the 86th Legislative Session and I wanted to update you with what has been happening. The Texas Senate passed a $5,000 pay raise for teachers and librarians, a consortium to improve mental health services, and we passed the first ever statewide flood plan out of committee.

We also passed SB 500 which puts money towards retired teacher pensions, school security, schools impacted by Hurricane Harvey and high hazard dams around the state. It was important to fund many of these important issues facing our state.

However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. More bills are being deliberated that will protect innocent life, ensure the integrity of the ballot box, improve care for medically fragile kids, promote the 2nd Amendment, and help farmers.

I want to thank everyone from Senate District 28 who has visited the Texas Capitol over the past month!

More updates regarding the 86th Legislative Session coming soon!

For Texas, Senator Charles Perry Editor: People are beginning to realize that the media can not be trusted to provide accurate, factual, complete, and objective news. Of course, I do not include your newspaper when I say this. In order to keep this short, I forego commenting on the biases and agenda driving the selection of subjects and how they are reported.

I give one example. The tragic killing, by a deranged man, of 50 persons at two mosques in New Zealand was widely reported (and even exploited by some creepy politicians in this country). What was not reported was a simultaneous event in Nigeria in which Christians were murdered by Muslim extremists, just one such event in a string of attacks that have resulted in the deaths of over 6,000 Christians in Nigeria just since January.

How much of this persecution and genocide have we seen reported in the media?

Jim Collins Sagerton, Texas

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

HELLO FROM COWBOY COUNTRY

By Luci Wedeking

Continuing on last week’s stories about the history of the Pumphery family. I have been reading and researching more and more, and have really enjoyed learning all about one of the pioneer families of this area! The following account comes from the book A History of Stonewall County, and tells a bit about the family’s role in the founding of Texas, and memories of growing up on the 10X Ranch in Stonewall County…

“Stonewall County Texas 1918 Through Mid-1930s

By William Henry Pumphery Sr. In the year 1918, my father John Boyce Pumphrey Sr. passed away leaving my mother, Mrs. J. B. (Ada) Armstrong Pumphrey, head of the property and 9 children. My grandfather Reason Beal Pumphrey, came to Texas with Zachary Taylor’s army as army surgeon, and they were behind Santa Anna all the way to Vera Cruz. Mother’s grandfather was James R. Armstrong. He fought with Sam Houston, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence of Texas, and also a Senator of the Republic of Texas, and the State of Texas. This document is on the wall in our Capitol in Austin, Texas.

My mother’s inheritance from the Armstrongs and Sauls gave her drive, knowledge, determination and intestinal fortitude to run her own affairs. She accomplished this successfully without the help of anyone.

Mother and I went to Stonewall County in 1918, and there I really learned to work. I had worked on a farm, but here on a ranch I learned to repair and build fences, water gaps, head maize by hand, shock wheat, run bundle wagons, treat and brand cattle, horses, and mules, gentle and wild. Also other things

as needed. I was taught to respect my elders and do as I was told. My brother Andrew and I broke onehalf of the cultivated land on the 1OX and batched in an old two room shanty on the North side. We each drove 4 mules to a single mould board plow with 2 others doing the same thing with us. In return, for our labors that is, we received this land for two years, rent free.

I’ve always been proud of my heritage, living on the land and working the soil as so many in Stonewall do to this day. Be proud of it.

One year Mother and I boarded the train in Taylor to go to Old Glory. I think we were near Lueders, Texas, when the conductor came through the train and said, ‘We’ve got to stop here for a while as we’re out of fuel.’ The men that ran the train got off in a mesquite pasture. I got off, with permission, and with my 22 rifle. There were lots of prairie dogs and owls sitting near their holes. I can just see myself shooting at them.

When the train crew got their needed supply of wood, we went on to Stamford. There we took the Ft. Worth & Denver that ran to Old Glory, and Aspermont, Peacock and Swenson and on to Spur at the end of the road. When we arrived at Old Glory, our foreman Fred Ponkney met us in the wagon to go out to the ranch. Yes, on dirt roads as there was no other kind – what of it?

‘Old Glory, Texas’ was larger than I thought. The railroad station, General Mercantile, (owned

by Mr. and Mrs. Flowers), Bill Tipton and later Bill Weiderman), of course, the beloved Mrs. Prichard of the Post Office. Weinke-Baldwin gins, later Rinn’s General Store, and Wilson’s Lumber Yard. Also, the big Flower’s home, just a few blocks from downtown, where Lenora and Bill Flowers lived

- beyond, the big school house and church. Homes were as neat as could possibly be. A few of the ranch people, besides ours, were the Flowers south of Rayner - Wards were northwest of Aspermont, Bordner Southwest, and East of Old Glory, the Baldwins. Their spread everywhere the Roberson, Caubles, Hawkins, Mecals, Pittcocks, Swenson, etc.

Mother didn’t just give orders – she went along to see they were properly carried out. At that time she traveled all over the ranch in her buggy. ‘l never forget, she and I went to see Mr. B. O. Hawkins. It was 15 miles across the ranch to his place (buggy-wise), and we traveled cattle and wagon trails. She and Mr. Hawkins made a trade; she leased him a track of land called Oldham and he has leased it ever since, a fine honorable man and cattleman.

Mr. Hawkins knows about the ‘Rock House’ Mission – Fort whatever you wish to call it. Also Mr. C. H. Mitchell (Cherokee Bill), Pittcocks, Met- calfs, Sandlins, and many of the other old timers of that area.

On the 1OX Ranch, Mother ran Hereford cattle bred to registered bulls she purchased somewhere in Colorado. I think near Pueblo. Our stud horses were Percheron for our draft mares and Tennessee Walkers studs for cattle horses.

Our mules came from Percheron mares bred to Missouri jacks, (from Missouri). Mrs. Ada Pumphrey introduced these thoughts from her own background on these animals, which she learned from her own father and her husband John Pumphrey Sr. She saw to it that this was carried out on the Stonewall and also the McCullough ranches so she would have good cattle. In those days a steer had to be 5 years of age and weigh at least 1250 lbs. Chas. Daggett of Ft. Worth, Texas handled all her cattle. Mules and horses

were shipped to Williamson County, handled by Mr. Sam Downing and D. U. Teaft of Taylor, Texas.

Some of us rode the fences on the ranch and to watch out for livestock and for their needs. We rode in pairs for there were many miles to ride. It was nothing unusual to see a pack of coyotes or wolves.

A few times we saw 2 or 3 antelope, and over the passing years, twice, we saw Mexican cougars.

There were many caves in those rocks and canyons.

Many fine ‘Folks’ knew where ‘Old Blue’ is located, for our neighbors used the water, as we, for drinking and livestock as it had a natural spring within.

It was a rare happening, but just as everything my mother did was by the grace of God. This lakedam was built by men and mules - four animals to a scraper up and down the dam site into the bottom of the canyon. Some scrapers working one way and some, another. Just before it was finished, a spring broke out and everyone knew it was gypsum water! Then the gypsum played out - luckily. This lake has provided the water supply for man and animals. Also, to a great many, pleasures of swimming, fishing, and picnics. In a dry year, Mother always told our neighbors ‘Take your needs, but keep the water clean - also the surroundings.’…”

We’re going to break William Henry Pumphrey Sr.’s story here and finish off with the rest of his account next week. I don’t want to spoil anything, but as we continue on, he tells of a great encounter with a very famous lawman in the 1930s!

Hope y’all have a great weekend, looking forward to picking up where we left off in the next edition of the newspaper!

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Of High Horses and Donkeys

In Chapter 4 of the Gospel of John, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well. In those days, the Jewish and Samaritan peoples had an unpleasant relationship and did not associate with one another (which is why Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan was so striking).

To make matters worse, this Samaritan woman had a bad reputation in her personal life. No selfrespecting Jewish man would even acknowledge a woman like this. Jesus, on the other hand, asked her for a drink of water and promptly ministered to her. She went out and told the story to the Samaritans, many of whom came to follow Jesus as a result of this one encounter.

This past Sunday, my friend Dalton Mathis preached a sermon at church on this very passage. It got me to thinking about our roles in our communities and our service to God. Dalton rightly observed that we’ve got to quit worrying about what others think of us, because trying to “fit in” keeps us from true service. Plus, who decided what constitutes “fitting in” anyway?

On Palm Sunday, Jesus did not ride triumphantly into Jerusalem on a powerful stallion, the picture of unstoppable power.

se. I think we He rode in all want to humbly, on a be popular in mere donkey. some form As Dalton or fashion, admonished among some the crowd, it’s group or time for us another. But to get off our are we seekhigh horses ESSAYS FROM ing popularity and get on for the right the donkey WEST OF 98 reasons? too.

And if we are Dalton James M. Decker “popular,” observed are we usthat Jesus ing that popularity for himself, the only perfect good? A popular membeing who ever walked ber of the community the Earth, thought nothing of humbling himself in can enjoy the spoils of popularity amongst their the name of service. Why chosen circles and ignore should we be so arrogant the rest of the commuas to not do the same ournity. On the other hand, selves? Jesus got up from a popular member of the the table and served his community can lead and friends at the Last Supper. inspire change within their His ministry is filled with people. If “popular” perhim reaching out to the son is seen doing things unclean, the sinners, and perceived as “unpopular,” the “unpopular” crowd, then suddenly others folks like the Samaritan might wonder if that task woman. We all remember is unpopular after all. If the “cool” tables in the that person is willing to school cafeteria when we put their money where were kids. Those same “cool” tables exist in adult- their mouth is, if *they* are willing to reach across hood in our workplaces, ethnic, political, and ecoour social gatherings, and nomic boundaries, then our communities. Well, why can’t others in the there was a “cool table” community do the same? in Jesus’ day too. But who In Philippians 2, Paul was sitting at the cool calls us to imitate the table? The Pharisees. They humility of Jesus Christ. sat at the cool table and Verse 3-5 says “[d]o nothpointed out all the things ing out of selfish ambition Jesus was doing wrong. or vain conceit. Rather, There’s nothing wrong in humility, value othwith being “popular” per

Tutoring Available Tutoring is available every Thursday from 6:00-7:00 at Common Ground for Stamford Middle School students.

This is an opportunity for your child to get extra help on their school work. Please have your children take advantage of this help. For more information, contact Paul Wright at 773-3604 or 370-6378.

ers above yourselves…[i] n your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

No matter how the world views each of us—cool, uncool, popular, unpopular—we’re all created in God’s image. We should view ourselves and others accordingly, even when it’s hard to love ourselves or hard to love those others.

In countless interactions through his ministry, and then in a final act on the Old Rugged Cross, Jesus gave up his superiority to serve the inferior. Those inferior people? That’s us.

I encourage each of you (me included) to step back from time to time and see if you’re riding on your high horse. Are we worried about what the popular people think about us? Or are we serving the unclean, the sinners, and the unpopular? Are we encouraging the “popular” to follow our lead? If Jesus gave up his superiority to serve the inferior, maybe it’s time for us to get off our high horse, get on our donkey, and follow his lead.

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 James Decker.

VIP MENU March 25-29 Monday Orange Chicken, Oriental Rice, Broccoli, Mandarin Orange Tuesday Chicken Fajita Salad, Ranch Beans, Mexican Corn, Sherbet Wednesday Steak Sandwiches with the fixings, Chips, Beets, Melon Thursday Stuffed Bell Pepper, Corn, Salad, Cheesecake Friday Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Bread, Chocolate Pudding

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Bulldogs Lose to Breckenridge

BY KEVIN BARTLEY Thursday’s game against Breckenridge was a heartbreaker for the Stamford Bulldogs , as they lost the lead late in a 10-6 defeat. The game was tied at five with Breckenridge batting in the top of the seventh when Jake Escalon singled on a 0-2 count, scoring two runs.

The Bulldogs collected six hits and Breckenridge had nine in the high-scoring affair. In the first inning, Breckenridge got their offense started. An error scored one run for Breckenridge. The Bulldogs scored three runs in the sixth inning. The offensive onslaught came from a walk by Lane Patton and a single by Cade Lefevre.

Escalon led the Breckenridge to victory on the hill. He went one inning, allowing one run on one hit and walking one. Kyler Knight threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen.

Josh Mueller took the loss for the Bulldogs. He allowed five hits and seven runs over six innings, striking out three. Jonas Arellano started the game for Breckenridge. He went five innings, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out six.

Reagan Detamore led Stamford with three hits in four at bats. Breckenridge racked up nine hits on the day.

Owen Woodward and Geardo Palacios each collected multiple hits for Breckenridge.

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Baker’s Walk-off Seals the Deal in Bulldog Victory

BY KEVIN BARTLEY A walk-off single propelled the Stamford Bulldogs to a decisive, dramatic victory over Baird, 4-3.

The game was tied at three with the Bulldogs batting in the bottom of the eighth when Nolan Baker singled on a 1-1 count, scoring one run.

Stamford earned the victory despite allowing Baird to score three runs the in the third inning. Deel, Davis, and H Rogers all moved runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning.

The Bulldogs evened things up at 3 in the bottom of the seventh inning. Regan Detamore grounded out,

scoring one run. They notched three runs in the 7th inning. Carson Carver, Bryson Holt and Detamore all drove in runs in the frame.

Zach Duran earned the victory on the hill for Stamford. He surrendered 0 runs on 0 hits over five innings, striking out 8. Goble took the loss for Baird. He surrendered 1 run on 1 hit over 1 inning, striking out two and walking one.

Peyton Bevel started the game for the Bulldogs. He surrendered 3 runs on 3 hits over 3 innings, striking out four and walking one. Bellar started the game for Baird. He surrendered 3 runs on 6 hits over 6â…“ innings, strik-

ing out five.

Holt led the Bulldogs with three hits in 4 at bats. Duran had 3 stolen bases, as they ran wild on the base paths with seven stolen bases for the Dawgs.

Baird didn’t commit a single error in the field. Gonzales had 5 chances in the field, the most on the team.

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The Stamford High School Golf team (l to r: Luke Thane, Tulley Hughes, Wyatt Heathington, Brett Patterson) took 1st place team at Albany. Stamford also had the 1st (Hughes), 2nd (Patterson) and 3rd place (Heathington) medalists.

Congratulations, Bulldogs! (Picture courtesy of Coach Dutchover)

The Stamford One Act Play will have a public performance on Sunday, March 24 at 2:00 pm at the Stamford High School auditorium.

MARCH 22, 2019

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Brooklyn Woodard was named to the 2018-2019 2A TGCA AllState Girls Basketball Team! (photo by Bearden Photography)

10 MARCH 22, 2019 USDA TIPTOES INTO CELL-BASED ‘MEAT ‘ ARGUMENT An estimated 40 companies worldwide are in the race to bring to market cell-based meat — “clean meat” in the eyes of proponents and “fake meat” according to ranchKASN AG REPORT ers. Asked if the product qualifies as meat, Deputy

By Richard Kemp Agriculture Undersecretary Mindy Brashears responded, “This is something we will be talking about. That is an important priority for us.”

ON TRADE: LONG-TERM GAIN OR LONG-TERM PAIN? The Trump administration says its policy of confrontation with trading partners, such as the trade war with China and tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico, will lead to more advantageous relations for the United States. But Bill Reinsch, of the think tank Center for Strategic and International Relations, says the promise of “shortterm pain, long-term gain” is unlikely to come true.

CONGRESS MOVING SLOWLY ON CHILD NUTRITION REAUTHORIZATION Although key lawmakers in the House and Senate support an update of U.S. child nutrition programs, headlined by school lunch and WIC, the timeline for those updates is unclear. “If we can’t go forward, we’ll wait,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow on Thursday, in a reference to disputes over school food standards.

FDA TO DELAY AG-WATER RULE UNTIL 2022 The FDA will soon announce a two-year delay on a rule setting water-quality standards for large produce farms, said Frank Yiannas, the agency’s deputy commissioner for food safety, on Thursday.

Headed for the Heartland? Midwest, Plains dominate USDA semifinal list A day after asking for $25 million in moving money, the USDA said on Tuesday that at least 67 sites, predominantly in the Midwest and Plains, are being considered for the new homes of two Washingtonbased research agencies. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue insists he has the power to move the agencies despite resistance from lawmakers.

WITH SUMMER NEAR, EPA SETS SHORT COMMENT PERIOD ON E15 SALES The EPA intends to approve the year-round sale of E15 in time for the summer driving season, said administrator Andrew Wheeler on Tuesday. In proposing an end to the ban on summertime sales, the EPA set a 45-day comment period on its proposal.

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WEST TEXAS TREES AND LANDSCAPES

By Bruce Kreitler and the KWKC Green Team Because I didn’t “grow up” in the green business, a question I sometimes get from people who know my history is “how did you wind up in the tree business”?

Since I started out in the oilfield, and did quite well there, that’s a fair question.

The answer that I give is that even when I was a little kid, I had an interest in trees, and even when I was working internationally, and only at home every other month, I was still always doing something that involved working on, or learning about, trees.

Not only that, but when I was stuck at some remote location for a month or two at a time, my down time there (what there was of it), made good study time for the more intricate facets of tree biology and diseases. This kind of stuff is a much more complicated subject than people appreciate, and some of the literature is very, very, detailed and dry. A place with no cell phone service, TV, landlines, ready access to towns, or any distractions at all, beyond reading, is just the ticket for somebody who needs to try and plow through a bunch of academic literature. By the way, these

days, the modern world has opened up the remote places I used to work to much better communications, even to being able to make phone calls whenever you would like. Since I was limited to once a week, prescheduled radio-telephone calls with my family, that’s definitely a change since I was there.

Anyway, not to go into great detail about working in heavy industry, as far as doing tree work goes, that kind of background is much more helpful to someone such as myself than you would think. While the scale is much different, both industries require, among other things, some pretty good rigging skills. Rigging was something I learned a lot about while working with ultra-heavy equipment.

It helps a lot to be able to properly understand the angles, pulls, and falls, when removing a large branch, or whole tree, that is hanging directly over someone’s house.

That is not a good time to be wondering whether you have the leverage on the tree, or the tree has the leverage on you. Granted, all the rigging knowledge in the world isn’t going to do you a lot of good, while doing tree work, if you don’t have a good feel for tree structure. However, an in-depth knowledge of tree structure, without knowing how to rig, would be as equally useless.

I guess the point that I’m trying to make, is that all kinds of experience, even if on the surface you wouldn’t think of it as useful, can indeed be helpful in other endeavors. I was firmly reminded of this recently, while I was discussing a potential structural defect in a fairly large front yard live

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oak. Essentially, this tree had a large branch (large enough that it was nearly another trunk) with a tight crotch where it originated from the main trunk of the tree. Very quickly, a tight crotch is where the angle of a crotch is low, which makes it look like a “V” where it and its parent branch or trunk come together. The problem with that is that as the tree grows, there may not be enough space between the two parts of the tree. When two parts of a tree are trying to increase in diameter, in the same space, that creates a structural issue. As they run into each other, they go from being a tight crotch, to being an included-bark crotch. Without going into further detail about that, suffice it to say that included bark crotches are weak points, and subject to failing under the right conditions. Most people don’t realize it, but when you see a large branch, or even trunk, of a tree that has split away from the rest of the tree, very often, examination of what happened will show that the failure started because of a poorly formed crotch and/or included bark.

Normally, a conversation about an included bark crotch, or a branch crotch that is about to grow itself into that condition, is pretty cut and dried. Or at least it’s that way when the tree is any other species besides a live oak. Live oaks are unusual, at least in my experience, in that they are the only tree that has the potential of “fusing” somewhat when two bark clad branches come into contact with each other. They don’t always do this, but sometimes they do, which can confuse the issue of structural integrity where

they are growing against themselves. This is where past experience comes into play. Something I’ve done over my life is split a lot of firewood, by hand, including live oak firewood. Just to be clear, I would never go out and cut down a live oak for the sole purpose of gathering firewood, but if the tree is being removed anyway, I’m loath to just throw away the wood. Because of my experience splitting wood by hand, where you quickly learn to look for the weakest parts of a log, especially with something as tough and hard to split as live oak, I know a lot about those “semi-knit” tight crotches. Which means when I’m looking at one from the outside, in a standing tree, I have a good feel for its potential for failure.

You wouldn’t think you could learn anything useful from such a mundane chore as splitting firewood, but my experience is that learning lessons, even about trees, has more to do with paying attention than any other single thing.

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

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SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING LEGISLATION DRAWS FROM ‘RAINY DAY FUND’ A few of the funding priorities expressed by the executive, legislative and judicial branches are not covered in Senate Bill 2, the state’s tentatively approved appropriations bill for fiscal years 2020 and 2021.

So, on March 13, the Senate voted unanimously in favor of SB 500, $6 billion in supplemental funding to plug many holes. Some $4.3 billion of the total would be taken out of the Economic Stabilization (“Rainy Day”) Fund. Authored

by Senate Finance Committee Chair Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, the legislation proposes the following allocations: • $3 billion for Hurricane Harvey recovery expenses; • $2.1 billion to address the Medicaid shortfall; • $100 million for school safety, with an amendment that gives districts greater flexibility on the type of safety equipment they can buy; • $300 million to improve state hospital facilities; • $542 million to address pension liabilities for the Teacher Retirement System and provide retired teachers a “13th check” up to $500; • $211 million to pay obligations of the Texas Tomorrow Fund, a college tuition savings program; • $160 million to address the Correctional Managed Health Care shortfall; and • $100 million to refill the Governor’s Disaster Fund to help rebuild from natural disasters.

“The supplemental budget provides funding for some of the Legislature’s key priorities: Hurricane Harvey relief, school safety and healthcare needs. It provides significant resources to improve the state’s flood control infrastructure and helps communities along the Gulf Coast rebuild,” Nelson said.

Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, said hurricane disaster recovery and flood mitigation “are exactly what the Rainy Day Fund was designed for” and added that the fund, now at a historically high balance, is projected to

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Sterling

reach $15 billion. The state constitution caps the maximum biennial “Rainy Day Fund” balance at an amount not to exceed 10 percent of certain general revenue deposited during the previous biennium.

DECLARATION IS EXTENDED Gov. Greg Abbott on March 15 extended the state disaster declaration he originally issued on Aug. 23, 2017, to counties affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Thirty counties were named in the original declaration. As reports revealing the extent of the disaster came in, Abbott amended the declaration on Aug. 26, 27, 28 and Sept. 14, 2017, to include 30 more counties.

Abbott has renewed the disaster declaration every month since then, saying that a state of disaster continues to exist in those same counties.

PANEL OKS PENSION BILL The Senate State Affairs Committee on March 14 approved SB 12, legislation to keep the state’s Teacher Retirement System fund actuarially sound by increasing teacher, school district and state contribution rates gradually over the next few years.

Last August, at the end of fiscal year 2018, the fund had $47 billion in unmet debt obligations and a funding period of 87 years, the time it would take to pay off all of its liabilities under current revenues, according to the Senate News Service.

If nothing is done, unfunded liabilities would increase to $124 billion by 2050, said Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, chair

of the committee. Under her proposal, the active teacher contribution would rise from the present 7.7 percent to 8.25 percent in 2024; state contributions would rise from 6.8 percent of payroll to 8.25 percent over the same period, and district contributions would rise from 1.5 percent of eligible payroll to 2 percent by 2025.

SB 12 next moves to the full Senate for consideration.

EFFORT TARGETS TRAFFICKING The Texas Department of Transportation, in partnership with the governor’s office, law enforcement and industry partners, on March 12 announced the launching of the “On the Road to End Human Trafficking” initiative.

Similar to a neighborhood watch program, the initiative encourages everyone to know, watch for and report signs of trafficking.

TxDOT said University of Texas research showed more than 300,000 people are trafficked in Texas at any given time, including 79,000 youth victims. “These innocent human beings are horrifically abused by being forced into slavery, either in the form of hard labor or sex/prostitution,” TxDOT said.

TxDOT is encouraging citizens to use a toll-free, confidential phone number, (888) 373-7888, to report suspected trafficking. Victims are encouraged to call 911.

REPORT: 11 MEASLES CASES Eleven cases of measles have been reported in the Lone Star State since Jan. 1, according to information posted by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

In all of last year, nine cases of measles were reported statewide, the agency said.

The DSHS and the Atlantabased U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend children get a dose of measles vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age and again at 4 to 6 years old.

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Rise Above Cancer For Callie

This week I want to talk about a subject that hits close to home for myself and many others, so much so that I began writing this week’s column as I am still processing it. As many of you know, our owner and publisher Callie Metler-Smith announced THOUGHTS FROM that she was diagnosed with a treatable and curable form UNDER THE CAP of breast cancer last Friday.

For me, it is hard to put into Will McClure words when talking about something like this, especially when it is someone I know. It goes to show that you never know when it will happen and it can happen to anyone, so we need to be thankful for every day that we have. This sentiment is shared by Callie as she said that she is going to stay positive and fight this as she begins to undergo treatment.

This is the definition of having a positive outlook even with a diagnosis such as this and if she is staying positive, we should all stay positive with her which was evidenced by the outpouring of support that followed after the announcement.

We never know what life has in store for us and can hit like a ton of bricks when we least expect it. What really defines who we are is how we approach these obstacles, even something as serious as cancer. No one ever wants to hear that from a friend, family member, or our own doctor telling us.

It can destroy you mentally, and it has for so many people.

However, there are a great many more that step up, put on a brave face and take it head on because if we let the “Big C” get to us, we have already given up. Many are lucky to catch it early or even have a treatable kind to keep it at bay, but there are many that do not experience that kind of luck. The thing is though that no matter what stage one may be in, keeping a positive outlook and continuing the fight is what defines a person instead of a diagnosis. To take it a step further, there are many that receive a grim diagnosis and must resign to fate, but still choose to maintain a positive outlook even when they are terrified inside. The reason? It is so that they can continue to be strong for their friends and loved ones, encouraging them to keep moving forward instead of mourning even when the day comes.

I have talked a lot about what defines courage in this column in the past and this tops the many definitions in my humble opinion. The courage for one to stay strong even when others are devastated by the news. The courage to hold your head up high and know that it can and will be beaten.

The courage to know that it may be a long and uncomfortable road ahead, but is ready to take the diagnosis head-on.

We all know, or are maybe yet to know, someone in our lives that has had the “Big C” told to them; however, we can think about how this person reacted to it and what they did about it. More often than not, you will know that the person chose not to let it beat them and instead rise above it. Life is not about becoming a “statistic,” but rather becoming one of the many that have the courage to fight every step of the way. When we let cancer win, we let it start to define who we are. However, when one screams “no” and pushes forward despite the odds, that is when we can rise above cancer and show the world the true face of courage.

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

Preserving Family Stories Ruth Merton and her husband Dan live by the San Gabriel River near the community of Mahomet.

It’s in northeastern Burnet County near the Williamson county line.

“A lot of people were trying to settle Texas in the early 1850’s and they thought if they could get some camels into Texas they would flourish more than horses,” says Ruth.

“Some people from the Middle East came to Texas and one of the men was called Mohamed. He had a lot of camels that he raised around here. Since that time it has been called Mahomet. A post office was established in 1857 but was closed in 1916. Mt. Horef Lodge in Mahomet is the oldest Masonic Lodge in Burnet County.”

A wagon train with 16 wagons brought Ruth Merton’s family to Texas from Missouri. They bought land in 1852 near Georgetown for 25 cents an acre.

The land is still in the family thanks to Ruth’s great grandmother Mag-

gie McCormick whose husband had mortgaged the land to buy sheep.

But he died and the sheep were stolen.

“She said she would eat dirt and go naked, but would never sell the land,” says Ruth. “She milked her cows, got her eggs every Friday and left about 3:30 in the morning in a buggy by herself and she would drive all the way to Georgetown to sell her eggs, cheese, cream and butter to farmers who came into Georgetown.

She did that and paid off the mortgage on the land.

Our family still works that land today.”

Her family donated limestone used to build Southwestern University in Georgetown. A limestone fence surrounds the family land and the family home is built of limestone.

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

BALES GINNED AT AREA GINS as of 3/19/2019 Farmer’s Coop Gin-Stamford - 11.999 Farmer’s Coop Gin-Radium - 4,646 (final) Ericksdahl Coop Gin - 8,537 (final)

“The walls are 2 and a half feet thick. Every room has a fireplace.

That house is where I was born, where my father was born and his father was born. The house has a medallion from the Texas Historical Commission.”

Ruth’s 92-year-old aunt spent her 90th year writing about family stories.

She put them in a book titled THE OLD HOUSE. Ruth’s great great grandfather had a gristmill in Burnet. To run it, he bought a steam engine locomotive.

“It was from Waco and he pulled it with mules

to Burnet. It was such a hard way to pull it. They would struggle all day and just make a little bit of progress. It took months but they finally got it to Burnet and put it to use running the grist mill.”

Once he put too much fuel in it and it blew up.

“He was killed. And all they could find was little pieces of bone here and there. And that was on January first, 1880. We’ve got the newspaper clipping that said you could hear the explosion for miles around. All that was left was just a little finger bone that my great grandmother Maggie had kept.

When she was buried they buried the finger bone with her. She loved her daddy so much.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Stamford American welcomes letters to the editor on any subject. Letters to the Editor will be published with the name of the writer, should be limited to 300 words, signed, and should include a telephone number for verification. The editor reserves the right to edit any letter for any reason and to reject letters for publication for any reason. Letters deemed libelous and/or not for the public good will be rejected. Letters to the editor reflect the opinion of the writer and not necessarily that of The Stamford American.

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Is everyone sunbathing today?? It is such a beautiful day, a perfect day to be outside enjoying the sunshine. Sure hope everyone survived the horrible wind storm we had on Wednesday. That was a day to cover your head and not look out. We don’t need any more of them. Tuesday night we got a taste of spring, storm cloud and a fast rain shower. It was nice to get the moisture, but it didn’t get to stay long, blew away the next day.

Remember our musical will be on Saturday evening, 3-23 with the concession stand to open at 5 P M and the program will follow.

Don’t miss good food and great program.

The community was deeply saddened at the loss of a beautiful, graceful, kind lady, that everyone loved. Susie Flowers was laid to rest at the Old Glory Cemetery on Thursday afternoon under the directions of Giles/McCoy Funeral Home of Aspermont.

Following the services the family and friends gathered for food and fellowship at the Old Glory Community Center. Susie was such a vital part of this Community, on the School Board, 4-H leader, a good cook which she shared with many, and events as fund raisers. She was a teacher and a mom to many. A true lady with many talents. Survivors include her two sons, Jeff and wife, Lisa, Jay and wife, Wendy. five grandchildren and two great granddaughters. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.

Sarah Castleberry from Grapevine and Angie Rhoads from Kilgore came on Monday to spend some time with their grandmoth-

OLD GLORY NEWS

By Anita Dozier er/mother-in-aw Bernice Rhoads. They went back home on Wednesday. On Thursday, granddaughter Rachel Ciomperlk and her husband, Nathan, came from Hearne to spend a few days with Bernice Rhoads.

Grandson, Adam Rhoads from Terrell came on Sunday to spend a few days.

Bernice is getting along well following her knee surgery, but she sure does enjoy the help her family gives her.

Donations were made to the Old Glory Community Center by D P and Jan Harris, Sybil Kendrick, and Verlene Corzine in memory of Glen (Pide) Dunham.

Kenny Spitzer made a donation to the Old Glory Community Center Flag Fund in memory of Glen (Pide) Dunham and Susie Flowers.

Donations were made to the Old Glory Community Center by Sybil Kendrick, D P and Jan Harris, Anita Dozier, and Mittie Dunham in memory of Susie Flowers.

Debbie Vahlenkamp spent some of her Spring Break in Abilene with her daughter and several grandchildren going to the Zoo and playing games and pizza.

Carm Letz and her daughter, Lacey New, of Haskell spent Saturday in Abilene shopping and eating.

Our Senior Citizens Dance on Thursday evening was good and everybody enjoyed the delicious food the ladies brought. They missed some of the regulars due to illness. Hope everyone will be doing better soon.

A classmate that grew up in the Brazos Valley Community came to see Mittie Dunham on Thursday. Doris Dillard of Buffalo Gap and her niece, Luzette Harrington from Aspermont stopped by for a visit on Thursday. Also a friend Teresa Anderson from Aspermont spent most of the day with Mittie.

On Friday, two of Mittie’s nieces, Judy Johnson and Debbie Watson of Midland, came to visit and Judy’s daughter, Christy Hart, of Lubbock came to be with all of them. Mittie’s son and wife, Rodney and Tracy Dunham from Hamlin also joined the group. They all went out to eat and had a wonderful time visiting.

Justin and Barbara Waldan, Cody and Hunter from Hawley came to visit his Dad, Gerral Waldan and Shelly Dunham on Saturday.

Deanne Conner and Shaleigh Hinkle her nieces and nephew all of Wichita Falls came for a visit and lunch with Danny and Phyllis Letz on Saturday.

Danny and Phyllis Letz were in Sweetwater on Saturday evening for a delicious meal and then Danny and his band played at the VFW. Mittie Dunham’s cousin, Necie Robertson, of Aspermont came by to get Mittie and they drove to Stamford to get some items for the Aspermont Food Pantry Saturday morning.

Have an item for our community Calendar? Call 325-773-5550 and tell us about it or email it to office@americannewspapers.net

Visiting with Glen and Helen Pierce on Tuesday were granddaughter, Kara and Wayne Briggs and Crete. On Thursday, a couple more granddaughters, Kambrey Pierce from Nocona and Kelly Lowack of OG spent three days with grandparents, Glen and Helen. On Saturday more family came for a great visit, Wes and Tracy Pierce of Nocona and Kelsey Pierce of Oklahoma State University, Jami Wilde of Knox City, Crete Briggs of Haskell, Kim Lowack of OG. It was a fun time for the Pierces.

MARCH 22, 2019

Terry and Laramie Letz and Brody of Sagerton, Doug and Debbie Vahlenkamp and Dale and Carm Letz had lunch together in Stamford following church services in Stamford.

Marcie Tucker of Hamby was overnight guest with her mother, Anita Dozier, on Saturday. On Sunday she attended church with her in Sagerton. Following services they had lunch with Verlene Corzine and Odene Dudensing in Stamford.

Thought for the week: “One way to get the most out of life is to look at it as an adventure.”

13

Happy Birthday wishes go to Misty Gibbs, Pam Vahlenkamp, Joshua Harms, Shawn Cox, Joyce Rinn, Allen Graham, Stacy Mitchell, Kraig Schonerstedt, Tommy McDowell, Ashley Bell, Norma Leaf, Eli Martin, Bobbie Barnett, Logan Morrow, Rylee Vahlenkamp, Lou Corzine, Randy Cobb, Rinnelle Yoder, Arleet Young, and Lorita Matthew.

We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to Robert and Pam Vahlenkamp, Joe and Glenda Stubbs and Jill and Zachary LeCroy. Have a wonderful day.

14 MARCH 22, 2019

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Fruit Is Healthy

PASTOR’S PEN

By Wes Horn

Third Sunday In Lent Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8; I Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9 We don’t have many trees here in Stamford. We have a lot of Mesquite ‘trees,’ but we know those really don’t count.

I think we often get comfortable with our surroundings and we forget what it is like to live somewhere that has a lot of trees. Now, don’t hear me

complaining. When I travel out to East Texas, to the land of the Piney Woods, after awhile I tend to start feeling a bit claustrophobic. I can’t see very far in the woods. I love waking up and looking outside my door and being able to see the entire sun as it rises. So, please don’t hear me complaining. But, at the same time, I think we have to acknowledge we don’t have many trees here in Stamford.

Since we don’t have many trees, we tend to take great care of those we have. We mourn the loss of our trees. We are grateful for the shade they provide our cars, our homes, and our lawns. I don’t know about you, but in the summer when I am trying to find a parking place at the mall, I’m not too worried about how close I get. I’m trying to find a tree to park under for the shade! Not that there aren’t others who feel the same way, but to those of us in West Texas, trees are a valuable

commodity!

Because of this, the words of Jesus in our Gospel reading this week are quite jarring.

They catch us off guard. You might say that they are almost offensive. Jesus told those around him a parable. In the parable, a man walks into his vineyard looking to gather some fruit from one of the trees. When he walks up to the tree and finds no fruit, he is angry. We know he is angry because he tells the groundskeeper to cut down the tree!

He doesn’t suggest maybe they treat the tree or try to find out what is wrong with the tree.

The vineyard owner seems to have had enough: “Cut it down!”

Now to us, this tree would still have value. It might look pretty. It might be providing shade. Maybe our children have a tree house built in it or we have a swing hanging down from it. None of this matters to the landowner. He expects his trees to produce fruit. If they don’t, they are just taking up space. They are just sapping

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

the soil of nutrients other trees could be benefitting from. If the tree won’t do its job, if it won’t bear fruit, then clear out the space for one that will.

Then we hear the reasonable voice of the hired hand.

This person isn’t so quick to write off this tree. Maybe he has a green thumb. Or maybe he just likes a challenge. So he speaks to the landowner on behalf of the tree and asks for permission to baby the tree awhile. He wants to know if he can perhaps salvage the life of this tree. “Give me one more season with this tree. I’ll care for it. Feed it. Prune it. If it still won’t bear fruit, then do as you will; but please give me one more chance with it.” Sounds like someone who cares for creation.

At first glance it may seem like a strange story to be reading during Lent. But, if we take just a second to reflect on the story, I think it is the perfect passage for this time of year.

We are called by God to bear fruit in his vineyard, the Kingdom of God. God looks to us

to spread his love, and justice, and mercy in this starving world. God has entrusted to us the job of providing spiritual nourishment to a sickly culture that is surviving on anger, racism, greed, war, and selfishness. But too often we are like this tree. We sit in church, taking up space, while offering no fruit of the true Christian life. We are just as selfish as those who don’t know Jesus.

We are just as thirsty for war and revenge as those who have never tasted the grace of God. We, like the world, want to build walls when God sent Jesus to tear them down. And I am sure there is a part of God that wants to cry-out, “I gave my Son for you! And what do I get? Someone taking up space in the Body of Christ! You think being in church makes you a Christian? That’s like saying that being in a garage makes you a car!”

But then God’s grace, love, and mercy take over. One more chance. One more try. I’ll soothe them with my Spirit.

I’ll woo them with my love. I’ll

Craig Thames 228-4457 Worship: 11:00

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

bathe them with my mercy.

I just know they are capable of bearing fruit. And so we enter into the season of Lent.

We take this time to empty ourselves. To reflect. To ask the very question: Are we bearing fruit? Are we? When Jesus comes walking in his Kingdom does he find us bearing fruit?

My guess is if you are like me, too many times the answer is no. Thankfully, times like Lent give us the chance to turn around. To repent. To make a course correction and get back to doing Kingdom work. Let’s spend some time this week reflecting on our fruit bearing. What kind of fruit, if any, are we offering to a starving world?

Prayer: Oh God, thank you for your patience. Thank you for this season of reflection and repentance. By your Spirit and your grace prune us that we might bear fruit in your Kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

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

Central Presbyterian Rev. Dr. Kelly Pigott 601 Rowland 325-773-3381 AM Worship: 11:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

MacKenzie Trail Cowboy Church AM worship 11:00

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

Heart of God Church 114 E Campbell Joanne Ochoa AM Worship 10:30 Nugent Baptist Church

Nugent Church of Christ Nugent, Texas Wayne Kitchens, Preacher Sun. 10 Bible Classes 11 Morning Assembly Orient Street Church of Christ Wes Horn 510 S Orient 773-3419 Worship: 10:30 Paint Creek Baptist Church Pastor Tony Grand 940-864-3358 AM Worship: 11:00

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

St. John’s United Methodist Church Pastor John Erwin 201 S Ferguson 325-773-2561 AM Worship: 10:50 Solomon Temple Baptist Church Rev. Donnie Massey 315 N. Haskell St. 325-773-2213 AM Worship 9:30

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

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Classifieds RESIDENTIAL

712 E Vanderbilt Gorgeous 1910 2 story Victorian family home.........$139,900 1018 Reynolds Historic 4bd home w/ basement and near school........$138,900 264 CR 169 O’Brien Nice Home & Barn on 10± AC!................................SOLD 1502 Compton Stamford Great 3/2/2.....................................IN CONTRACT 1210 Landon Stamford 3/2 Limestone Family Home w/ Fireplace! $106,000 7725 US Hwy 277 Hawley, Nice A-frame on almost half an acre! ......$69,000 2514 CR 389 Anson. Country living - large 4/2 on 3 acres!.Reduced $220,000 5716 FM 605 Hawley. Restored farmhouse 3/2, 11 acres! List price $277,000 1328 Ave L Anson Brick 3/1.5 Home......................................IN CONTRACT 2325 Ave Q Newer 4/3 Brick home w/ Shop 6± Acres Anson................$330,000

COMMERCIAL

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

FARM & RANCH

FISHER COUNTY

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

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

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

179± Ac West of Trent Thick Brush on Sweetwater creek! $1,250 an Acre!

COMANCHE COUNTY

735± AC - 4D Game Ranch - Turnkey.

HASKELL COUNTY

202± AC - Box Springs Ranch - Improved

Grass, Stock Tank w/ Good Water Well!

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

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

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

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

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

80± AC - CRP Income, Good Hunting!

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

JONES COUNTY

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

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

KENT COUNTY

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

SCURRY COUNTY

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

SHACKELFORD COUNTY

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

STEPHENS COUNTY 155± AC Great Hunting, Cabin with 2 Earth Tanks!

STONEWALL COUNTY

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

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

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

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

668± AC - MZ East Pasture Ranch - Ready to Hunt, Spectacular Views!

387± AC - Great Hunting w/ Cabin Set Up and Ready to Hunt!

300± AC- Great View of Double Mtns. w/ scenic deep canyons, large neighbors, great hunting!

240± AC - Cooper 240 - Pasture w/ Great Hunting North of Hamlin. SOLD

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

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

108± AC - Shinnery Close to the River.

TAYLOR COUNTY

76± AC - Near Jim Ned School.

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

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

Help Wanted Business Manager Tri-County Co-op, a public school entity, is accepting applications for the position of Business Manager. This position requires bookkeeping, payroll, budgeting, and file management responsibilities. High quality skill in Microsoft Excel, bookkeeping, and professional interactions are necessary. School district experience is a plus. Make requests for applications to 325-7733637, 120 S Swenson, Stamford, TX, 79553.

Email contact: twyatt@ tricty.esc14.net-Terry Wyatt. Tri-county Co-op is an equal opportunity employer.

15

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

MARCH 22, 2019

THE STATE OF TEXAS To any Sheriff or any Constable within the State of Texas, GREETINGS: YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to cause to be published, ONCE, not less than ten days before the return day thereof, exclusive of the date of publication, in a newspaper printed in Jones County, Texas, the accompanying citation, of which the herein below following is a true copy: -------------------------------CITATION BY PUBLICATION *** THE STATE OF TEXAS: TO ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF: SHARON JEAN ELLIOTT, DECEASED CAUSE #19-7378 PROBATE COURT OF JONES COUNTY, TEXAS PAUL D. ELLIOTT, applicant, filed in the Probate Court of Jones County, Texas, on March 14, 2019 an Application for Determination of Heirship, for Independent Administration, and for Letters of lndependent Administration pursuant to Section 401.003 of the Texas Estates Code upon the Estate of SHARON JEAN ELLIOTT, deceased, and their respective shares and interests in this estate.

Said application can be heard and acted on by said Court as early as 10 o’clock A.M. on the first Monday after the expiration often (10) days from the date of publication of this citation, at the Jones County Courthouse in Anson, Texas.

All persons interested in said estate are hereby cited to appear before said Honorable Court at said above mentioned time and place by filing a written answer contesting

such application should they desire to do so. The officer executing this citation shall promptly serve the same according to requirements of law, and the mandates hereof, and make due return as the law directs GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF SAID COURT of the office in Jones County, Texas, on March 18, 2019.

LEEANN JENNINGS, COUNTY CLERK COUNTY COURT, JONES COUNTY, TEXAS /s/ Lee Ann Jennings SHERIFF RETURN Came to hand on the 18th day of March, 2018, at 2 o’clock P.M., and I executed the within citation by publishing the same in the Stamford American , a newspaper published in the County of Jones, in the State of Texas, on the 18th day of March, 2019, and a printed copy thereof is returned herewith.

DANNY JIMENEZ, SHERIFF JONES COUNTY, TEXAS /s/ Randy Ford, Deputy THE STATE OF TEXAS To any Sheriff or any Constable within the State of Texas, GREETINGS: YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to cause to be published, ONCE, not less than ten days before the return day thereof, exclusive of the date of publication, in a newspaper printed in Jones County, Texas, the accompanying citation, of which the herein below following is a true copy: -------------------------------·------CITATION BY PUBLICATION *** THE STATE OF TEXAS: TO ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF: CHRISTOPHER ELIAS, DECEASED CAUSE #18-7349 PROBATE COURT OF JONES COUNTY, TEXAS JACOB R. LEDERLE, applicant, filed in the Probate Court of Jones County, Texas, on March 12, 2019 an Application for Proceeding to Declare Heirship upon the Estate of CHRISTOPHER ELIAS, deceased, and their respective

shares and interests in this estate.

Said application can be heard and acted on by said Court as early as 10 o’clock A.M. on the first Monday after the expiration of ten (10) days from the date of publication of this citation, at the Jones County Courthouse in Anson, Texas.

All persons interested in said estate are hereby cited to appear before said Honorable Court at said above mentioned time and place by filing a written answer contesting such application should they desire to do so. The officer executing this citation shall promptly serve the same according to requirements of law, and the mandates hereof, and make due return as the law directs GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF SAID COURT of the office in Jones County, Texas, on March 18, 2019.

LEEANN JENNINGS, COUNTY CLERK COUNT COURT, JONES COUNTY, TEXAS /s/ Lee Ann Jennings SHERIFF RETURN Came to hand on the 18th day of March, 2019, at 2 o’clock pm, and I executed the within citation by publishing the same in the Stamford American, a newspaper published in the county of Jones, in the State of Texas, on the 18th day of March, 2019, and a printed copy thereof is returned herewith.

DANNY JIMENEZ, SHERIFF JONES COUNTY, TEXAS /s/ Randy Ford

16 MARCH 22, 2019

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Martin Brothers Set up Auto Shop in Stamford

BY KAY SPEARS Josh and Joey Martin’s uncle, “Shorty” Martin, owns a tire shop in Aspermont, TX and is friends with the Raughtons.

The Raughtons retired from their auto business at 1612 N. Swenson recently, and the Martin brothers’ uncle let them know of the business opportunity. That is how the Martin brothers moved to Stamford and opened up Martin Brothers Motor Pool.

Josh stated they both are looking for housing and their parents plan on moving to Stamford as well. Josh was in the Marine Corp before getting into the printing business and has a daughter still in school in Perryton, TX. Since this all happened within about a month, his moving plans are not set. Joey retired from the National Guard and then retired from working for the State of Texas.

Services the Motor Pool currently provide include oil changes, fuel filters, small brake work, batteries and additives, maintenance under the hood. They are waiting on the state to send the State Inspection equipment back.

Wade Folsom and their nephew, Matthew Day, work with them. Folsom is certified on the vehicle inspection equipment. When asked about a time frame for them to begin vehicle inspections, Josh stated the State told them two weeks and that was two weeks ago.

They are also planning to have windshield rock chip repair equipment in the future. As a small business they want to take things one step at a time and are leasing with an option to buy. The car wash is owned by Keith Moore and continues to be open. Martin Brothers Motor Pool is open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm. They are located at 1612 N. Swenson, Stamford, TX, (325) 773-3718.

McMurry University Students Named to Dean’s List The following McMurry University students have been named to the Fall 2018 Dean’s List: Dawn Neatherlin of Avoca and Regina VanZandt and Danielle Alvarado of Stamford. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must have maintained at least a 3.5 grade point average while taking twelve or more credit hours.

McMurry University was founded in 1923 as a United Methodist institution, and is a vibrant and comprehensive center of higher education. McMurry has a national reputation for excellence and value through the achievements of its faculty, students and graduates. The University enrolls more than 1,000 students and has an average class size of 16.

Matthew Day, Josh Martin, Joey Martin & Wade Folsom open Martin Brothers Motor Pool at 1612 N. Swenson St.