March 27, 2020 - Stamford American

STAMFORD

American THE NEW

MARCH 27, 2020

12 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION SERVING STAMFORD AND JONES COUNTY

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INSIDE

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RETIREMENT: Pete Anders retires from BCEC

We urge everyone to check our social media accounts for updates about the coronavirus as we are made aware of them.

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 11, ISSUE 45 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 98, ISSUE 51 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 114, ISSUE 52

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Oliver Elementary cafeteria workers Jennifer Winchip and Brenda Moon work diligently to make sure all Stamford students receive meals during the transition to homeschooling due to the COVID-19 crisis. Any child under the age of 18 can pick up both Breakfast and Dinner anytime between the hours of 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM Monday - Friday. Stamford Superindent Will Brewer reported that 158 meals were served on Monday, March 23rd, the first day of distribution.

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OBITUARIES

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST

Betty Todd Upchurch Doan Betty Todd Upchurch Doan, 97, of Stamford passed away Saturday March 21 in Stamford. A private family graveside service will be held in the Highland Memorial Cemetery with Pastor John Erwin officiating.

Betty Upchurch was born October 3, 1922 in Tallapoosa, Georgia to Pierce and Pearl Todd Upchurch.

She married Vernon Criswell Doan October 4, 1942 in South Mill, North Carolina. He preceded her in death

Friday 88 | 56

Saturday 73 | 45

Sunday 75 | 54

Monday 71 | 52

Tuesday 67 | 47

Wednesday 70 | 49

Thursday 76 | 54

The weather is provided for you

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

October 7, 1974.

Betty was a resident of Stamford since 1959 and was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church. She worked as a hairdresser for several years, but was better known for her long association with Cashway Food Store. Betty loved cooking and spending time with her kids and grandkids. She enjoyed family trips to Ruidoso and casino trips with her friends. Betty was an avid Stamford Bulldog supporter and listened faithfully to the football games on the radio.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Chris Doan and brother Pierce Upchurch II. She is survived by three daughters Sherry Christensen and husband Chris of Chula Vista, California; Peggy Larance and husband Bruce of Fort Worth; Marsha Johnson and husband Terry of Spokane, Washington; 2 sons Jimmy Doan and wife Dorothy of Stamford, and Pierce Doan and wife Ann of Fort Worth; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law Melba Doan and Nancy Upchurch.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s United Methodist Church or donor’s favorite charity.

Big Country Electric had a retirement party for Pete Anders last week to celebrate his 41 years of service. (Photo by Audra Arendall)

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

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.

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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Community

MARCH 27, 2020 3

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Courthouse Access Restricted Due to COVID-19

BY KAY SPEARS The Jones County Commissioners Court met on Monday, March 23, 2020, 9:00am in the 259th District Courtroom on the second floor of the Jones County Courthouse in Anson, Texas. In attendance were Judge Dale Spurgin, the Jones County Commissioners: James Clawson (Pct. 1), Lonnie Vivian (Pct. 2), Ross Davis (Pct. 3), and Joel Spraberry (Pct. 4), County Treasurer Amber Thompson, County Auditor Gwen Bailey and County Tax Assessor Collector Gloria Little.

The six-foot social distancing rule was adhered to by moving the meeting from the Commissioners Courtroom to the District Courtroom. The audience adhered to the rule as well.

Judge Spurgin opened the meeting and went over the State and County orders concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.

The minutes of the last regular meeting on March 9, 2020 were approved before the following trust property bid was approved.

A bid submitted by Brandi Deloach for the purchase of (R27219), Lot 2, in Block 59, of the Hamlin Townsite Addition to the City of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $100.00. Court cost has been waived.

There was no action to be taken on Disaster Declaration and all items related regarding FEMA, TDA and TDEM forms and requirements. Judge Spurgin gave an overview of the tornado event in the southeast part of Jones County. There was damage to six or seven homes, equipment and barns. There was major damage to the Robertson

Jones County Commissioners Court practiced “Social Distancing” by meeting in the 259th District Courtroom on March 23, 2020 in the historic Jones County Courthouse, Anson, Texas.

Prison Unit where approximately 100 vehicles were damaged or destroyed along with fencing. Jones County is working with TDCJ on the disaster summary.

He gave an update on the application for Economic Development Administration’s Economic Adjustment Assistance Disaster Recovery Program. He stated there are no new Material and Material Hauling Bids to turn in or any action needed on Equipment Purchase. Advertisements for Fuel Bids are being run and the bids will be opened at the first meeting in April.

Bids for Surplus Property were opened, and it was approved to take the highest bid when there was more than one bid on the same item. The Jones County Personnel Policy was tabled.

There was no action taken on the subject of a Burn Ban. There is no Burn Ban

in Jones County at this time.

Judge Spurgin gave an update on the employee Cybersecurity Training Course. He stated they are 30% complete. He also made a point to encourage people not to click on links on their phones and that there are many scams associated with the COVID-19 disaster.

He gave an update on the Solar Road Use Agreements and no action was taken today on the employee Insurance Cafeteria Plan.

It was approved to modify the contract with ICE from 350 beds to 500 beds for detainees at the Bluebonnet Detainment Facility.

It was approved to adopt the Corrective Action Plan for Record Keeping Finding Pertaining to TDA Grant #721701. It was approved to purchase new Poll Books since the current ones are not certified by the State. It

was approved to enter into an Agreement to Exchange old bricks for RIP RAP for County Roads from Kimberly and Jeffrey Glenn Gouge and the location where the bricks will be.

The Treasurer Report was presented by County Treasurer Thompson and approved. The Line Item Transfers were presented

by County Auditor Gwen Bailey and approved along with Pay Bills. The Court went into Executive Session to discuss the current Jones County Disaster Order and consult the County Attorney.

After the Open Session resumed Judge Spurgin went over the updated Order and Declaration of the Jones County Commissioners Court. County Tax Assessor Collector Gloria Little addressed the court concerning the safety of employees and COVID-19 leave.

SEE COURT, PG 5

Chamber Provides Resources on COVID-19 The Stamford Chamber of Commerce has launched a resource page for community members and the surrounding area. The resource page, found at stamfordtx.org/resources-for-covid-19-outbreak/ contains information on community resources, healthcare, small business help, student resources, community closures and hour changes, and ways you can help.

Chamber members are in contact with local, state, and federal officials about the coronavirus outbreak to provide the most up-to-date information possible. The resource page is updated as information comes in, and daily updates are posted on the Chamber Facebook page.

If you or someone you know has questions about resources available in the community or from the state or federal government, please contact the Chamber at chamberdirector@stamfordtx.org. We also ask that if you have any tips on community resources that should be shared, please email, tag us on Facebook, or call or text Chamber Board President Jessica Decker Vaughan at 325-669-1511.

As we continue through the coronavirus outbreak, we also encourage you to support local businesses when possible. Together, Stamford will come through this difficult time stronger than ever.

Happy Birthday!

March 29 - JC Riddle, Leon Billington 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.

VIP Menu

March 30-April 3

Monday Cheeseburgers with all the fixings, French Fries, Beets, Brownies Tuesday Beef Tips, Buttered Rice, Capri Veggies, Cookies Wednesday

Riblets, Ranch Beans, Potato Salad, Apple Cobbler Thursday Frito Pie, Refried Beans, Salad, Ice Cream Friday Corn Dogs, French Fries, Beets, Fruit Cups

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JONES COUNTY ARRESTS 3/15-3/19 3/15/2020 12:44:00 AM Christopher Jimenez, Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence Ma, Evading Arrest Det W/Veh F3 , Warrant - Expired Registration Ticket 3/15/2020 5:07:00 PM Nickalus Auston Charlton, Court Commit - Warrant -Poss Marij <2oz MB 3/15/2020 8:25:00 PM Luis Fernando Ayala, Warrant -Mtr Forgery Financial Instrument, Warrant Theft Prop<$100, Warrant - Debt/Credit Abuse Must Pay 3/16/2020 1:39:00 PM Roger Alan Smith, Warrant -Bench Warrant 3/16/2020 3:41:00 PM Annesia Shamun Cooper, Warrant Probation Violation -Theft Prop $100<$750 Enh Iat MA 3/17/2020 5:37:00 PM Jose Luis Rodriguez, Warrant - No Proof Of Rabies Vacc, Warrant - Ordinance (Dog At Large), Warrant - Driving While License Invalid 3/17/2020 5:45:00 PM Jacob Ikaika Ray Whitaker, Disorderly Conduct MC 3/18/2020 8:10:00 AM Kimberly Dawn Gonzales, Warrant (Jones) - Motion To Revoke Probation 3/18/2020 5:24:00 PM Juanita Priscilla Burkham, Court Commit - Driving While Intoxicated MB 3/19/2020 1:54:00 PM Mary Allen Wilson, Warrant (Haskell) Mtr Burglary

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STAMFORD RESIDENCE AND REHABILITATION NEWS By Jayme Brattain Our world is being turned upside down in such a short amount of time and living in a small town sure makes a difference. We are blessed to have such a supportive and caring community. This past week, the Stamford Star newspaper with the help of our community, donated tons of fun things to help keep our residents busy while in their rooms. They donated puzzles, cards, word searches, coloring books and much more. The residents are loving every bit of it. We are making the best of everything and still keeping busy, we are just changing things up a little bit. We are still playing Bingo and a lot of our favorite activities, we are just doing them in the rooms and hall ways. We are also trying to help our family members that can’t see their loved ones by sending pictures, calls, using Face time/video chat, anything we can do to help make this difficult time easier. I also saw a great idea while the kids are

home, if you’re looking for a fun activity to keep them busy, have them do a craft, draw a picture, or write a letter for our residents.

They love getting things like that. It really helps brighten their day. Just mail them to me, and I’ll get them passed out. I can also pick them up anywhere around Stamford.

My phone number and address is listed below.

Before I go, we are going to start having a Spotlight Resident every month and this month we want to recognize a very special lady Mrs.Mattie Ford! She came in on March 9th for Therapy and Rehab, and she worked hard along with our phenomenal therapists and she was able to return home on the 22nd. She had a fantastic outlook and worked hard to reach her goal. When asked about how she liked her stay, she said “Everything and everyone was wonderful, and I’m so grateful for all the help and kind staff.”

We will miss her dearly but we are so happy she was

JONES COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE YEARLY RACIAL PROFILING REPORT Total Stops: 784 Female: 251 Male: 533 Black: 47 Hispanic or Latino: 524 White: 205 Reason for Stop: Violation of Law 10 Pre-existing knowledge 1 Moving Traffic

Violations 597 Vehicle Traffic Violations 169 Location: State Highway 215 City Street 70 County Road 18 Private Property 1 Contraband found: Drugs 6 Alcohol 2 Result of Stop:

Verbal Warnings 113 Written Warnings 362 Citations 297 Written Warning and Arrest 2 Citation and Arrest 2 Arrest 1.

able go home so quickly.

We are also very proud of our Therapy Team they are doing big things and working hard every day to help our residents improve and maintain their quality of life. Okay that’s it for now we hope you all have

a blessed week and see ya next week.

Thanks, Jayme Brattain (325)773-3671 1003 Columbia St. Stamford, Tx. 79553

MEMORANDUM

To: The Honorable Bob Skelton, Shackelford County Commissioners The Honorable Dale Spurgin, Jones County Commissioners From: Brooks H. Hagler, Presiding Judge of the 259th District Court Date: March 20, 2020 Subject: Status of 259th District Court Please be advised that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent orders and recommendations from the Governor of Texas, the Supreme Court of Texas, the Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas, presiding judge of the 7th Administration Judicial Region, the Office of Court Administration, the 259th District Court shall remain open on a restricted basis.

Until at least May 1, 2020, the Court will conduct hearings on essential matters only. Essential matters include, but are not limited to; CPS removal hearings, temporary restraining orders, temporary injunctions, and family violence protection orders.

In the event a hearing is deemed necessary, all efforts to hold the hearing electronically shall be exhausted.

Thank you for your attention in this regard.

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At the City Council meeting on March 16, 2020, the corner of Ferguson & Hamilton got Stamford, TX Mayor James Decker’s vote for “The Worst Street in Stamford.”

COURT: Continued From Page 3 County Attorney Chad Cowan recommended the Order coincide with the end date of Governor Abbot’s Disaster Declaration on April 3, 2020. He then suggested any extended dates of the State be adopted by Jones County at a called meeting. He recommended the Court address the criminal aspect of the Order, the closure of the Courthouse to one open entrance, virtual meetings to allow public participation, 80 hours COVID-19 related leave for employees and the Courthouse not be opened during severe weather events.

Judge Spurgin stated that a called emergency meeting related to health and safety can be called with one-hour notice. “This is a constantly changing situation. New information is coming out every day. Confirmed cases are moving closer to Jones County and as of right now we do not have a confirmed case in Jones County that I am aware of.”

The Commissioners discussed the sections of an order continuing a Declaration of Local State of

Disaster for Jones County.

All votes were recorded on every point due to the seriousness of the subject.

It was approved to extend the amended Declaration dated March 20, 2020 to April 3, 2020.

It was approved to include the amendment to make it a crime not to comply with the Disaster Declaration issued during the COVID-19 disaster. Each incident will not exceed $1,000 or 180 days in the County Jail or both. These will be for each day the person is not compliant.

It was approved to close the Jones County Courthouse to the public with the exceptions of having an appointment or a person coming into the door to the south side basement.

Inside the south side basement door, the person will contact via telephone the office they need to do business with. There will be a directory there. The elected official contacted will have discretion as to how to proceed. The member of the public will be required to be escorted any further into the Courthouse. If they

do not have an escort, they will be fined or go to jail or both.

It was approved to change the Open Meetings Act and for Jones County Commissioners Court to hold virtual meetings. This capability will be accomplished in the near future.

It was approved for an additional 80 hours sick leave related to COVID-19 to Jones County employees.

Different scenarios will be addressed as the Court receives more information.

It was approved in a four to one vote for the Courthouse to stay closed during severe weather events. The descending vote was by James Clawson and the Jones County Courthouse is no longer a Storm Shelter as it is not possible to have people stay six feet apart.

In the past the Courthouse would be opened when there was a tornado watch.

This is no longer the case and the public needs to make an alternate plan for severe weather events.

Judge Spurgin stated they continue to monitor all the information coming in concerning COVID-19 and

the concerns of their employees. He acknowledged the people working in the service industry, in the grocery stores, “they have been slammed over the past couple of weeks.” He stated, “we need to be mindful of what they are doing for our community.” He added, “we really don’t have shortages, it is the ability to get the product to the stores.” He would like everyone to be mindful they are doing the best they can. The meeting was then adjourned.

Texas Midwest Public Facility Corporation (TMPFC) Board of Directors held a meeting after the Commissioners Court. There was a quorum consisting of Judge Spurgin, Joel Spraberry and Gwen Bailey. Bill Carman and Sheriff Danny Jimenez were unable to attend. The modification from 350 detainees to 500 at the Bluebonnet Detention Facility was approved.

The construction of the warehouse is completed, and requisitions were paid.

With no further business to address, the meeting was adjourned.

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BOOST SNAP BENEFITS BY 15 PERCENT TO WEATHER CORONAVIRUS, SAYS THINK TANK Just as lawmakers temporarily increased food stamp benefits during the Great Recession of 200809, Congress should KASN AG REPORT boost benefits to help poor families cope with With Richard Kemp the economic downturn that is accompanying efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus, said the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities on Thursday.

FARMERS AND FOOD GROUPS INNOVATE TO KEEP OPERATIONS VIABLE AS THE CORONAVIRUS SPREADS As the spread of the coronavirus causes many cities to curtail public gatherings, farmers who sell directly to customers at farmers’ markets and through CSAs are coming up with novel solutions at breakneck speed to keep their customers fed and their operations viable.

For one farmer, a pool noodle is an essential part of the plan.

USDA, LABOR DEPARTMENT PLAN WOULD ALLOW GUESTWORKERS TO SHIFT JOBS To aid farmers worried about an imminent labor shortage, two federal departments said on Thursday that they will help farms find foreign and domestic workers who may be eligible to transfer from one agricultural employer to another.

INCREASED RISK OF SPRING FLOODING IN CENTRAL AND SOUTHEASTERN STATES Major to moderate flooding is likely this spring from the northern Plains southward to the Gulf Coast, with the greatest risk in the upper and middle Mississippi River basin, the Missouri River basin, and the Red River of the North, said NOAA on Thursday.

FARM GROUPS’ GOAL: FILL ‘USDA’S BANK’ WITH CASH FOR CORONAVIRUS AID The two largest U.S. farm groups want lawmakers to nearly double the funding for “USDA’s bank,” the Depression-era vehicle for multibillion-dollar Trump tariff payments, and give Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue the power to help farmers and ranchers through

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Stamford Students Garner Awards

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The paw print

Jesse Pate advanced to Regional Power Lifting Meet, finishing in 10th Place. Tylee Bevel was named TABC All Region Basketball, and Tylee Bevel and Laylonna Applin were named TGCA All-State Basketball. Austin Brewer received TABC All-Region Basketball and TABC All-State Basketball. Austin Brewer and Lane Patton made the Texas High School Association Elite Academic All-State Basketball Team and Trace Price made Honorable Mention on the THSA Elite Academic All-State Basketball Team.

Lady Bulldogs Named to Big Country Top Ten

#11 Tylee Jo Bevel, So

#25 Laylonna Applin, Fr

#31 Audrey Brewer, So

#2 Austin Brewer, Senior

#11 Lane Patton, Senior

#23 Trace Price, Senior

Tylee Jo Bevel and Audrey Brewer were named #5 on the Reporter-News Big Country Top Ten. Bevel scored 16 and 9 points and Brewer added 13 and 12 points respectively in Stamfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final two playoff appearances.

Photos by Bearden Photography

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Reading Time We’re all dealing with a wild new world. I’m not going to belabor talk of the coronavirus or the challenges that lie ahead of us, both individually and in our communities. Today, I want to talk about something more positive—how we can all grow from this new adventure we’re all sharing together.

Suddenly, a lot of us have more time on our hands.

Many folks are working from home. Others are (hopefully) spending less time in public, whether shopping, socializing, or running errands. Our community, social, and recreational activities are canceled. Not a single sport is being played in America.

We’re used to full, busy schedules—day, night, weekday, weekend—and suddenly, it’s all wiped clean.

In recent weeks, I’ve

ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker seen many references to the famous story that Shakespeare wrote some of his greatest plays while London was shut down due to a plague outbreak. Isaac Newton was allegedly quarantined due to a disease outbreak when he developed the theory of calculus and made his famous observation of an apple falling from a tree (that led to the theory of gravity). We might not all create world-famous

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

works of art or make earth-shattering scientific discoveries (although maybe some of us will).

However, we can all better ourselves. That’s not to say that we shouldn’t catch up on our sleep or spend time relaxing. Rest is important and our society does a terrible job of reminding us of that. My family has several television series and movies that we’d love to catch up on. But we’re also going to work on bettering ourselves in some of this newfound free time.

I also love to read.

That’s no secret if you’ve known me for long (just ask my childhood teachers who dealt with young James reading when he was supposed to be doing other things). Busy adult life makes it harder to prioritize reading. I have had many conversations with friends who have the same struggle. Family and work duties tie up most of the day. Children can

limit the quiet time that is especially good for reading. After everyone finally goes to bed, we’re often too exhausted to do anything, much less challenge our brains with good books.

Over the last few years, I’ve worked to carve out more reading time and I’m going to use our current situation to step up my reading even more.

As we all settle in to a few weeks (or longer) of limited community, social, and recreational activities, I would encourage you to spend some time reading.

Now that we’re all being forced to slow down and shut down, maybe that will open up new reading opportunities for those who have struggled to find the time.

My friend Ed Roberson (I’ve written several times about Ed and his Mountain & Prairie podcast) is a voracious reader and we’ve exchanged a number of great book recommenda-

tions. His website www. mountainandprairie.com has an entire “Books” tab with suggestions and reading lists. If you don’t know where to get started but want to read things that might inspire you like they inspire me—everything from history to leadership to understanding the American West—start with Ed’s lists. He recently gave out a new book list: “15 books that will give you strength during challenging times.” If you’re looking to be inspired and encouraged in this crazy time, I’d invite you to start there. From that list, I just started “Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Journey,” about Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men who became trapped in Antarctica for two years but survived without losing a single man.

I’m excited to read that and I’m excited to use this time to grow and learn.

I hope you do the same.

What’s on your American

Shutdown Reading List?

James Decker is a lawyer, farmer, and mayor in Stamford, Texas, and the creator of the forthcoming “West of 98” podcast and website.

He may be contacted through Facebook at facebook.com/james. decker.

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 Takes Actions To Slow Down Deadly Virus Texas is more invested every day in promoting increased and thorough hand washing, disinfecting surfaces and social distancing to reduce cases of the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

As of March 22, the cumulative count of patients testing positive in Texas increased to 334. The death count stood at five with 8,756 people having been tested, according to figures posted by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

As the work week began, Gov. Greg Abbott was still not ready to order all Texans to stay at home, as local authorities ordered in Dallas County. However, he issued four statewide executive orders in accordance with federal guidelines issued by President Trump and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: —Every person in Texas shall avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people; —People shall avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants and food courts or visiting gyms or massage parlors — provided, however, that drive-thru, pickup or delivery options are allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of the executive order; —People shall not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance; and —Schools shall temporarily close.

Abbott’s orders, effective through 11:59 p.m. on April 3, are subject to extension.

Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner John Hellerstedt also declared a public health disaster last week.

Hellerstedt’s declaration allows state and local health authorities to more easily require property owners to disinfect, decontaminate, and seal off property that might be contaminated by COVID-19.

The declaration also: —Authorizes health authorities to take control measures to eradicate the threat to public health; —Streamlines the process for health authorities to invoke the courts to enforce quaran-

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Sterling

tines of individuals; and —Activates enhanced tools for DSHS to collect disease and health information and to share that information with law enforcement personnel and first responders, as appropriate.

GOVERNOR ACTIVATES GUARD Gov. Abbott on March 17 activated the Texas National Guard to be prepared to assist with response efforts for COVID-19, ensuring that the military force can assist in various forms throughout the state when needed.

Healthcare workers and first responders who are members of the Texas National Guard are excluded from this activation so that they can continue serving the people of Texas in their respective fields, Abbott said.

SBA ASSISTANCE REQUESTED Gov. Abbott on March 17 requested designation from the Small Business Administration to access the federal agency’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program for the entire state.

If granted, Abbott said, the Small Business Administration would provide long-term, lowinterest loans to qualifying businesses across the state.

Small business owners are invited to visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website: https://tdem.texas.gov/covid-19/ where they will be directed to an online application on the SBA website.

TELEMEDICINE TO INCREASE Gov. Abbott on March 17 waived certain regulations and directed the Texas Department of Insurance to issue an emergency rule relating to telemedicine care in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

Abbott said his actions build

upon previous waivers of portions in the Occupations Code to expand provider flexibility in providing medical services over the phone.

Medical providers seeking guidance on the impact of the new rule can expect guidance from the Texas Medical Board to be issued in the coming days. Insurers seeking guidance on the emergency rule should contact the Texas Department of Insurance or visit their webpage for more information.

GOAL: STOP TRANSMISSION The Texas Department of Transportation on March 17 announced actions to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

TxDOT postponed or canceled its in-person public hearings and gatherings through April 3, subject to change. However, work on projects to improve our transportation system continues, as does TxDOT’s ongoing work to maintain and operate our state’s transportation system.

Meanwhile, TxDOT has closed the lobbies of its 12 Travel Information Centers until further notice, but outside restrooms will remain available at all times and will be regularly cleaned between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Also, safety rest areas on highways throughout the state will remain open.

AG: PRICE-GOUGERS BEWARE Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on March 21 warned retail suppliers, including those who supply grocery stores and pharmacies, that state law strictly prohibits price gouging in the wake of a disaster.

Price gouging laws apply to any person or entity selling necessities at an exorbitant or excessive price after a disaster has been declared by the governor or president. This prohibition includes those who supply retailers.

Under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Paxton said, any price-gougers may be required to reimburse consumers and may be held liable for civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation with an additional penalty of up to $250,000 if the affected consumers are elderly.

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Worries Author’s Note: This is actually a post I put on my Facebook page during the last week. It has been edited to reflect changes since the original post and for space.

I’ve been sitting on this in my mind for the last few days and I feel like if I do not say something I’m just going to feel worse. With all of the things surrounding this virus and the many people affected THOUGHTS FROM because of it, I will say this right UNDER THE CAP now: I’m worried. No, I am not one of the many that went out and Will McClure “panic bought” anything and I have what I need. No, I am not worried about catching the virus or anything like that as we have professionals telling us to practice healthy habits and to not worry, so I am not and I will continue to be. So what am I worried about? I’m worried for our kids and the potential for schools to be closed for the rest of the year. I am thankful that the STAAR test has been waived and I thank those that made that decision as it is one major load off many teachers’ shoulders during this crisis. It is already stressful enough without anything else going on in the world, so I am glad that it will not be a concern this year.

The thing that keeps me worried is that schools will need to be closed down and need to have a move to online instruction or some other way to get a child’s education to them. As a teacher, there have been many days where I have come home worried about my students for one reason or another, but never so much as right now. I did a bellringer assignment a couple of months ago with some of my kids that asked if they would rather have face-to-face or online instruction with the overwhelming response being they would rather have face-to-face with only a few preferring online with the main argument being missing that human interaction that we all so desperately need. However, the online aspect is now a reality and I know I am not the only teacher that is worried about it. I worry what will happen to the students that do not have internet at home. Or the ones that really need the one-on-one, face-to-face interaction to be able to understand a concept that just reading off a computer screen can’t do. Or the seniors that are just about to cross the finish line that need the extra daily push to make sure that they receive their diplomas and if an official graduation ceremony can be held at all. Or even the many men and women at our schools beyond teachers that help keep things going.

I’ve seen the many memes and jokes about how parents of kids on an extended Spring Break have already started homeschooling and I have laughed at them, but I also saw something that just brought all these worries together: for teachers these are not just “extra days off” and that we would rather be in the classroom with our kids and giving them the education they need and deserve. No matter how many days I come home tired from a day of school, I always get back up the next day and have a positive attitude for my kids. I have told my students many times over that I do not do what I do for a paycheck; I do it for them and every single day is a new day of opportunity. I don’t know what the next days, weeks, or maybe even months will bring, but I just hope that all students will still get the education they need and deserve not only here but across the entire country, I know that this will be a challenging time to adjust to a new way of teaching and learning, but personally no matter how I will need to teach my kids for the rest of the year, I will still do my best to give them the best education that I know how to give.

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

My Baylor Roommate Dick Kendall Dick Kendall was my roommate at Baylor.

After graduation and a stint in the Air Force he did Chamber of Commerce work in Big Spring, Colorado City and San Angelo. Then he got into banking, specializing in training bank employees all over the country. As a sideline he did comedy and became a professional, doing standup on cruise ships and at the Riviera in Las Vegas.

We went to see him in Las Vegas when he performed at the Riviera for the first time. He was excited because there was a billboard advertising his show. But his name was misspelled. It read Dick Crandall. When we got to Dick’s hotel and met him in the lobby, I was holding a sign reading Dick Crandall.

Dick got his start in comedy at an early age. “Phil Harris came out with a record called THE DARKTOWN POKER CLUB and I memorized that when I was 6 or 7 years old. I remember sitting on the front porch doing that for my granddad and he just roared. He thought that was so funny that

his grandson could do that.

And I could always make my mother laugh. She was my first and best audience.”

Dick attended Milby High School in Houston.

It’s where he got his start on stage.

“I had a drama teacher who saw some potential in me. He decided the annual spring show would be all mime, with student actors lip-synching various records and things.

He had these big production numbers and in between acts he would have little skits so they could change the stage. He got me to do THE MAN ON THE FLYING TRAPEZE by Spike Jones. I lip-synched that. We found a part of the old theater curtain that had a big M on it.

I wore that for a cape. I wasn’t Superman; I was just Man. I found some of my mother’s old long pink underwear and wore that. I performed and the audience just

fell apart.

It was the first thing I had really gotten excited about.

I spent a lot of time rehearsing that; I bet it was 30 or 40 hours of pure practice. When I got into it and got that audience reaction, I was hooked. To make people laugh was just the most fun thing that I had ever done in my life.”

When Dick was at Baylor in the mid-fifties he had a 1929 Model A. He paid $27.99 for it. “It had wooden floor boards with a rubber mat over them but the mat was long gone and one of the floor boards was missing so you could watch the street go by as you drove over it. Once I had a date on a cold night in

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

the dead of winter and the girl was so excited to get to wear her beautiful long fur coat. She needed it because the wind came up from that hole in the floor. I never did get another date with her.”

The clutch on the car stopped working just as Dick was going away for the weekend. He parked it on a Waco street. When he came back on Monday the police had impounded it and Dick called about it. He was told it would cost $25 dollars to get his car back. Dick said, “Why don’t you just keep it. That’s almost the price I paid for it.”

His senior year Dick bought a 1947 Buick Convertible with electric rollup windows for $99.

He drove around campus with the top down rolling the windows up and down.

Just want to start my column by saying that all activities here at Old Glory have been canceled. There will be no musical or Senior Dance. All of you know that we should be staying at home and so that is what we are all doing. I guess everything has been canceled everywhere.

I did enjoy having the domino gals at my house on Wednesday. It was good to have them we all enjoyed that.

On Saturday Gerral and Shelly Waldon drove to Abilene to attend the wedding celebration for her niece, Sonja Dunham and Brandon Hampton of Abilene. Everyone enjoyed a dinner following the ceremony. Sonja will be going to work for the Big Country

A donaElectric in tion was Roby. made to the Mittie Old Glory Dunham and Community Shelly drove Center by to Lubbock on Roy Dean Monday for and Shirappointments. ley Smith While there OLD GLORY NEWS of Rule in they visited memory of and had lunch

By Anita Dozier Jack Jones, with Colton Kenneth and Hill and Kiana Jackie.

Serin.

A donation was made to On Tuesday, Mittie was in Aspermont and ate at the the Old Glory Community Center Flag Fund by Mr and Senior Citizen Center and Mrs. Harold McCutchen of then spent some time visitBronte in memory of Jack ing with Alice Winters.

Jones, Jackie and Kenneth.

Bo and Whiz Creighton Kara Briggs and Crete stopped by to visit with Mittie on Friday on their way to of Haskell visited with her grandparents, Glen and Paris, Texas.

Helen Pierce, on Sunday Rachel Ciomperlik of Bryan spent a few days with afternoon.

Thought for the week: her grandmother, Bernice “An old Chinese Proverb: Rhoads, last week.

Classifieds HELP WANTED Sagebrush Living Center is looking for Direct Support Staff. Contact Kaye Carter.

Sagebrush Living Center is also looking for a cook and a laundry worker. Hours vary with the shifts. Please call Sagebrush Living Center at 325-773-2791 or come by the facility at 1101 Columbia St., Stamford TX, 79553 for an application.

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.

MARCH 27, 2020 11

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

PUBLIC NOTICE 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: DUANE FRANCIS BARKER, DECEASED CAUSE NO. 20-7418 PROBATE COURT OF JONES COUNTY, TEXAS CLYDE CHESTER BARKER, applicant, filed in the Probate Court of Jones County, Texas, on MARCH 17, 2020 an application for Letters of Independent Administration and Determination of Heirship upon the Estate of DUANE FRANICS BARKER, 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 thelaw directs GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF SAID COURT of the office in Jones County, Texas, on MARCH 19, 2020.

He who goes out of his house in search of happiness runs after a shadow.”

Happy Birthday wishes go to Rinnelle Yoder, Lorita Matthew, Holly Cannon, Larry Quade, Adeline Roberts, Dolan Brinson, Shirley Freeman, J C Riddle, Leon Billington, Steve Lehrmann, Brooke Griggs, Cinda Flanary, David Wolsch, Jenna Dozier, Larry Nehring, Annie Marie Willis, Justin Johnson, Larry Lefevre, and Ronnie Fred Teichelman.

We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to Weldon and Belinda Spitzer, Billy and Peggy Middlebrook, Jimmy and Kathy Teichelman, Joe and Marcia Castro and Tommy and Beverly Davis. Have a wonderful day.

LEEANN JENNINGS, COUNTY CLERK COUNTY COURT, JONES COUNTY, TEXAS /s/ LeeAnn Jennings SHERIFF RETURN Came to hand on the 19th day of March, 2020, at 1 o’clock P.M., and I executed the within citation by publishing the same in The Anson American, a newspaper published in the County of Jones, in the State of Texas, on the 19th day of March, 2020, and a printed copy thereof is returned herewith.

FEE: $125.00 DANNY JIMENEZ, SHERIFF JAY PACE, CONSTABLE JONES COUNTY, TEXAS /s/ JAY PACE, DEPUTY

To place a classified ad, call 325-773-5550 or email at office@americannewspapers.net.

Deadline is Monday by 5:00 p.m. Cost is $6.00 for 20 words or less. 10c a word over 20 words.

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 1403 Compton St. three bedroom two bath brick home......................$109,900 613 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!...........................................SOLD 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

FARM & RANCH

FISHER COUNTY

839± AC Secluded w/ Large neighbors and Big Canyon! IN CONTRACT 480± AC SE of Roby Tank, water well 170± Ac SE of Rotan Pasture SOLD Paved Rd frontage IN CONTRACT

CALLAHAN COUNTY

1,015± AC Great Sock Farm or Hay farm SOLD 10 ac Old Peanut Co-op Property

HASKELL COUNTY

126 ac cult. N.380 Rule 160± AC – The Kittley Irrigated Farm Northwest of Rule! SOLD 271± AC SE of Weinert Dry land farm w/ pasture, tanks and creek!

619± AC N of Lake Stamford pasture and tanks!

JONES COUNTY

NEW 377 ac on Hwy 277 Pasture/Cult.

Coop water 1,764± Ac Near Lueders Great Hunting!

782± AC N of Neinda 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

12 MARCH 27, 2020

YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION VS. NEWSSTAND PRICES Jones, Haskell, Stonewall Counties......…$30.00 52 wks @ $.75 = $39.00

SAVE MONEY WITH A SUBSCRIPTION NOW DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR SEND CHECK OR CC INFO TO: STAMFORD AMERICAN PO BOX 870 STAMFORD, TX 79553 OR CALL: 325-773-5550 NAME _________________________ ADDRESS _______________________ _______________________ PHONE ________________________ CC# ___________________________

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Stamford ISD Board Meets Online

BY KAY SPEARS On Monday, March 23, 2020 the Stamford ISD Board of Trustees met in the Stamford High School Media Center at 6:00pm.

The meeting was the first online meeting and those in the audience were not physically present. The virtual meeting was conducted via Zoom and sanctioned by Governor Abbott’s Temporary Suspension of Open Meetings Laws issued on March 16, 2020.

In attendance at the Media Center were Superintendent Will Brewer, Assistant Superintendent Staci Robertson, Board President Jennifer Caddell, Gwen Baker, Curtis Birdsong, Justin Corzine, Cary McClintock and Callie MetlerSmith. Eric Strand was unable to attend. Jennifer Caddell opened the meeting and Curtis Birdsong gave the invocation.

Being a work in progress there were a few audio glitches. SHS Principal Chase Seelke started off via the Zoom link, reporting that both High School basketball teams had great finishes to the season.

The boys basketball team finished as undefeated District Champions. The girls basketball team finished Bi-District Champions, Area Champions, and Regional Quarter Finals Champions.

Jesse Pate advanced to Regional Power Lifting Meet, finishing in 10th Place. Tylee Bevel was named TABC All Region Basketball, and Tylee Bevel and Laylonna Applin were named TGCA All-State Basketball. Austin Brewer received TABC All-Region and TABC All-State. Austin Brewer and Lane Patton made the Texas High School Association Elite Academic All-State Team and Trace Price made Honorable Mention on the THSA Elite Academic AllState Team. Baseball and Softball had “great runs” before Spring Break.

Multiple AG-CDE teams

participated in different competitions. Stamford hosted the District One-Act Play and was the alternate play. The Area One-Act Play has been put on hold. Kennedy Gan made the All-Star Cast. Luke Thane and Toby White received Honorable Mentions on the All-Star Cast. Sean Thane made the All-Star Technical Crew.

He gave kudos to the English teachers and the job they have done with the students. STARR EOC benchmarks were met.

For two days the staff put together a plan to go from in-person to online teaching. He said they wanted to do the best for the children.

There are assignments, tutorials, discussion boards and meeting with students via Zoom online.

Instructional Aides are being utilized as liaisons, reaching out to students and making sure they are getting their work completed, have access to food, mental needs and health.

School Counselor Ms. Mueller is making daily checks and is available daily to talk to students. They are doing Online Students of the Week and are giving out four gift cards per week.

They want the students to work hard, take it seriously and know where they are in their learning journey.

Oliver Elementary Principal Kyle Chambers stated the world has really changed since the last Board Meeting. He said, “I’ve never seen a group of people with such creativity and open mindedness, talent and teamwork as I’ve seen in the last week. Our teachers basically threw out everything they’ve ever done and completely transformed their work and the way they do business in just a day or two.”

The “Para’s jumped in” to make sure the students had their materials quickly and safely. There are management issues to work out, “If you can imagine 20 Kindergarteners online at the same time. Giving them

instructions on what to do, when your little brother jumps on your head in the middle of the lesson.” He reported the experience has been very positive.

He sees a lot of student interactions and a paradigm shift coming in using technology. Surveys are going out daily online to students. The students are practicing and learning at very high levels. The meal distribution is very successful, and the parents are grateful. “It’s a great time to be a Bulldog!”

Stamford Middle School Principal Torrey Price stated, “All I can say is ditto.”

He feels that these changes have made the staff into a family. He stated he wanted to give a shout-out to Ms. Bryant, “If I had to make another TIK TOK video I don’t know what I was going to do. But you do what you got to do for children.”

He stated the success of all the transitioning stems from Will Brewer’s leadership. He said they have seen academic growth and it will continue. He stated the School District and the community are “buying in.”

Superintendent Brewer gave his report. He stated the Principals have done an outstanding job of communicating the points they decided on in their team meeting to their staff. He said, “Instructional continuity is the high priority for us.” The families are going to be contacted weekly to see how they are doing.

Food Service served 157 meals today.

He wants all staff to know how much they are appreciated. “The amount of work our people put in place so our kids could learn today is pretty amazing.” School is going forward but in a little different format. “We are not cancelling school.”

He wants the students to know they are there for them. Sports and UIL Academics have been stopped until May 4, 2020.

School funding will be affected by this crisis but

nothing to “panic about.”

The band won a Sweepstakes Trophy in 2004-2005 but not with all “ones.”

This year they won the Sweepstakes Trophy with all “ones.”

Board Member Gwen Baker spoke on the TASB meeting she attended. She stated there were six points they chose and asked the Board to give any additional ideas they have to her.

Board President Jennifer Caddell gave kudos to Superintendent Brewer for his leadership.

The Consent Agenda was approved and included the following. The minutes from the February 10, 2020 meeting, the next meeting for April 13, 2020 and the following property bids.

The North Fifty Feet (N 50’) of Lot Seven (7) and the North Fifty Feet (N 50’) of the East One-half (E/2) of Lot Six (6) in Block Six (6) of the Original Town (R14579).

Tract 1: A O.216 acre tract of land located in the Southwest Quarter (SW/4) of Section 112, BBB & C Ry Co Lands, being that remaining portion of a 3-acre parcel described in Volume 390, Page 336 in the Deed Records of Haskell County Texas, LESS AND EXCEPT that 2.785 acre portion conveyed to the State of Texas by Deed recorded at Volume 414 Page 779 of the Deed Records of Haskell County, Texas.

The Certification of Unopposed Candidates was approved. The Cancellation of School Board Trustee Election for May 2, 2020 was approved. It was approved to Purchase a School Bus for the 20202021 School Year. This bus will be used for out of town school events. The Resolution of the Board Regarding Wage Payments During Emergency School Closings was approved. The Board went into Executive Session and, with no action taken or further business, adjourned.