STAMFORD
American THE NEW
APRIL 24, 2020
12 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION SERVING STAMFORD AND JONES COUNTY
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CLEAR FORK PLUMBING:
Business Spotlight
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 49 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 99, ISSUE 3 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 115, ISSUE 4
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The US Post Office is an essential provider we all appreciate. Kay Smith wears a protective face mask at her job at the Stamford, Texas Post Office. “But, I AM smiling!”
2 APRIL 24, 2020
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Jones County Update AS OF APRIL 22, 2020 1 new confirmed case for COVID 19. Total Jones County confirmed cases 5. Last night the County Judge of Jones County and the Jones County Health Authority were notified of a detainee at the Bluebonnet Immigration Processing Facility in Anson has tested positive for COVID 19. The detainee was tested at the facility and is being isolated in the medical holding area within the facility. the first three reported cases of Covid 19 have recovered and been released from home isolation. Some family members may still be under self-monitoring restrictions. Jones County residents should continue to exercise recommended practices to reduce the exposure to COVID 19. If you do not have an essential need, stay home and help reduce the risk of exposure to yourself and others. Dale Spurgin County Judge Jones County, Texas
MARK THE DATE... MAY 2ND
CEMETERY MEETING: The Bethel Cemetery Association meeting for Saturday, May 2, 2020 has been cancelled. We look forward to seeing you next year! CEMETERY MEETING: The trustees of the Fairview Cemetery Association will not have its annual meeting the first Saturday in May this year due to the covid-19 pandemic. We will make plans for the first weekend in May 2021. If you have any memorials, please contact Judy Haynes, thank you.
Callie Metler-Smith | Publisher callie@americannewspapers.net Kay Spears | Editor kay@americannewspapers.net Gayle Lovvorn | Office Manager office@americannewspapers.net
THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST
Friday 86 | 54
Saturday 59 | 55
Sunday 74 | 62
Monday 84 | 65
STAMFORD RESIDENCE AND REHABILITATION This past week for our “Around the World Trip”, we traveled to France. We really enjoyed all the delicious French food. We had a French Luncheon on Tuesday and on Thursday we opened our own French Market. They really loved the market, we had it full of all kinds of French finger foods, croissant sandwiches, French sweets, and a wonderful sparkling punch. Besides all the good food we have been busy making French themed crafts! This coming up week we are headed to Italy. I know our residents are going to love it. We have also been working as a team to offer one on one activities with our residents to keep their minds and souls happy. We have been playing different games, doing hallway exercises, weekly devotionals, going outside, lots of crafts, and much more! Even though we have to
Tuesday 86 | 64
Wednesday 85 | 61
Thursday 79 | 57
The weather is provided for you by Country Drug Store. We’re here for you Rain or Shine.
By Jayme Brattain, Activity Director
stay in our rooms and can’t have visitors right now, that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun and still enjoy life. We want to make sure each residents is still happy and active. Okay that’s it for this week. We hope you all have a blessed and safe week. Romans 12:12 - “Be Joyful in hope, Patient in affliction, and Faithful in prayer.”
Judy Daughtrey visiting our French Market
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Sleta Parks and Assistant Administrator Michael Sims playing Skip-Bo.
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Any erroneous reflection upon the character, reputation or standing of any individual, firm or corporation will be gladly corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher. The New Stamford American (USPS 025-332) is published weekly at 102 South Swenson, Stamford, Jones County, Texas by Clear Fork Media Group LLC. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stamford, Texas 79553. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The New Stamford American, P O BOX 870, Stamford, Texas 79553 MEMBER 2019 TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
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Community
APRIL 24, 2020 3
THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
Clear Fork Plumbing Maintains a Former Gas Station
TeleMed Going Well at Stamford Clinic
BY KAY SPEARS
BY KAY SPEARS
According to the Stamford American archives, in 1949 there were at least nine gas stations, also known as filling or service stations, in Stamford, Texas. They concentrated on keeping automotive vehicles running and on the road with services such as gasoline, oil changes, lubrication or “lube jobs,” and repairs to tires, cars and trucks. The only food offered came in the form of getting a handful of candy or Tom’s peanuts from a coin operated dispenser, or a cold soft drink from a vending machine. Driving around Stamford, or any small town, many of those old gas station buildings are still standing. It is interesting to see how some of them have been repurposed for businesses other than petroleum related. One such business is Clear Fork Plumbing on the corner lot at 314 N. Swenson. Owned by Pat Beverly, Clear Fork Plumbing has been at this location since 2015. Architecture of previous filling stations can be distinctive enough to show what gas/oil company erected them and in what decade they were built. Beverly stated he thought his building at 314 N. Swenson was built by the Gulf Oil Company in 1937 or 1938. The style was used in the 1950’s and on in to 1970’s. In 1984 it was Bill’s Gulf. This was the year the Gulf Oil Company was acquired
The Stamford Hospital District Board met via teleconference. Board Members identified on the call were Gary Decker, Mark Lundgren, Kevin McCright and Wyatt Oakley. In addition, Haskell/Stamford CEO Chris Strickland, CFO Elizabeth Miller, Stamford Lab Director Bill Lee, Billing Manager Nancy Clark, and Administrative Assistant Debbie Walters were also active participants. Kevin McCright, Board President, opened the meeting before the minutes from the April 7, 2020 meeting were approved. Clark presented the Financial Report, which was approved by the Board. Board Members were given the packet of information prior to the teleconference call. Clark stated frugality continued to be focused on. Decker brought up the CT machine and Lee stated the pick-up was on hold due to the COVID-19 crisis and the purchaser continues to want it. The hospital is not paying the service contract anymore. The Clinic Operations Report was given by Strickland, stating the TeleMed operation was going well at the Stamford Clinic. He stated out of all the Haskell/Stamford Clinics, TeleMed at the Stamford Clinic has seen the most volume. Nurse Practitioner Jennie Rhymes helped eleven patients in one day via TeleMed. Hendricks wants to use our affiliation as a “trial run” for the TeleMed program they would like to put together. He explained to the Board that Lee has been helping with many different aspects and would now be back focusing 100% on the Diagnostic Lab in Stamford as the Lab Director. He would like to see other entities such as Clinics/Hospitals at Hamlin and Stonewall Regional use the Stamford Diagnostic Lab. The Stamford Clinic is looking for a Clinic Manager and is accepting resumes for this position. After Lee explained the problems and all of the steps he has taken with the EMDs, Decker asked what can be done about it. Strickland further explained not using them in the future. The organization chart for the Haskell/Stamford collaboration was approved by the Board. Gary Decker, Sutton Page and Wyatt Oakley are on the Haskell/Stamford Advisory Board along with three members from Haskell. The SMHF loan renewal and extension of interest only payments was approved as presented. Miller explained what the COVID funding opportunities for medical facilities were and the process she has taken to get the applications approved. The Board approved to move forward with the Paycheck Protection Program. She will give updates since some of it continues to be unclear for hospitals. The subject of the 2019 audit and cost report proposals was tabled, and it was approved to use the proposal by Durbin for the audit and cost report. The employee PTO transfer/pay out plan was tabled for a future meeting. The Board approved renewing the AT&T internet contract for 12 months. For a future meeting, Strickland explained the Haskell/Stamford Inter-local Operating Agreement. The next meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2020. It will be determined at a later date if the meeting will be face-to-face or not. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Pat Beverly, owner of Clear Fork Plumbing, found and remounted the Gulflex sign inside his repurposed gas station at 314 N. Swenson, Stamford, TX. with other oil companies to become Chevron. Beverly found the original sign in storage that told the customer “Gulflex” above “Washing.” They would have hung over one of the two bays to the right side of the office area. He has it hanging inside a bay to protect it from the elements. Gulflex was the brand name Gulf Oil gave to their lubrication grease. The name Gulf referred to the Gulf of Mexico and was one of the first oil companies to come out of the 1901 oil “gusher” on Spindletop Hill near Beaumont, Texas. The color of the original building was white with either
a couple of blue or green thin stripes around the building close to the top. Before owning his own business, Beverly worked for Barry Walcott Enterprises at 211 N. Swenson in Stamford, who owned Clear Fork Plumbing in 2006. Beverly had the option to buy and did so in 2010, working with Walcott until he needed more space. He bought the building from 5D Enterprises in 2015. Before Clear Fork Plumbing, the old Gulf station was home to Chick and Jody Wilfong’s portable buildings business in 2014 and before that, Dan Cox Autos from 2007 to 2011. Beverly
stated it was in 2006 that Gary Decker remodeled the office area of the building. He also said there was a garage business there before Dan Cox. Beverly employs his stepson, Justin Crowson, Dalton Barnett and Dotty Beverly to round out their team. They work on plumbing repairs, new construction and remodeling. Clear Fork Plumbing is an essential business and is open at 314 N. Swenson, Stamford, TX. Call them for any plumbing needs at (325) 773-5212.
4 APRIL 24, 2020
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Hope Springs Eternal: Stamford City Council Planning to Open the City Pool this Summer
On April 20, 2020 Colden Rich, Project Manager with Emprotec/Hibbs & Todd gave a presentation to update Stamford City Council on the new Water Treatment Plant.
BY KAY SPEARS The Stamford City Council met on Monday, April 20, 2020, 5:15pm at the Stamford, Texas City Hall. Mayor James Decker opened the meeting before Paul Wright gave the invocation and those present recited the Pledge of Allegience. Councilmen in attendance were Robert Wingrove, Ken Roberson, Jimmy Doan and Paul Wright along with City Manager Alan Plumlee and City Secretary Kim Bryant. The meeting followed Social Distancing and practiced the no more than ten people in the room rule by having CFO Karen Lou Graham sit nearby, outside the open doors to the Council Room. The minutes from the meetings on March 16 and March 30 were approved along with the following Consent Agenda items. The Lake Lot Transfer at 124 Lake Shore Drive from Christine Norman to James R. Grimsley and the New Lake Lot Lease at 124 Lake Shore Drive for James R. Grimsley. Colden Rich, Project Manager for eHT (Enprotec/Hibbs & Todd) made a presentation regarding the Membrane System Piloting project of the Water Treatment Plant. The membranes filter the water at the WTP. He reported receiving a competitive price from one of the companies
being considered. He also stated the companies that did not receive the contract were asking for reimbursement of costs incurred during the bidding process. This money is in the budgeted contencengy fund and needs the approval of the City Council to realocate $40,000 from that fund to reimburse eHT for their payments to the two membrane manufacturers. The amendment to Project No. 62685 was approved. Rich then went over the four projects included in the Water Treatment Plant. Those projects are titled Water Treatment Plant (WTP), Elevated Storage Tank Improvements, Raw Water Pump Station Improvements and Additional Water System Improvements Remaining. The substantial completion date of the Elevated Storage Tank is July 9th with the final completion date of August 18, 2020. All the welding on the tank was completed today. The notice to proceed for the Raw Water Pump Station Improvements was issued on February 24th with substantial completion on November 20th and final completion on December 20, 2020. Remaining improvements include demolition of the existing elevated storage tanks and Water Distribution Improvements. This will include additional lighting. Mayor Decker brought up
the concern of not being able to see the Stamford on the outside of the tanks from any distance. Rich will contact the painting contractor to see what can be done. The thoughts of the Council was to have the paint darker, either a darker blue or black. Wingrove suggested shadow painting, having a darker color behind the lighter. Outlining the letters in a darker color or a change in font were also brought up as potential remedies. Bids for Road Materials and Hauling have been received from the Primal and Salado companies. The Salado company is the former Lueders Limestone company. It was approved to accept these bids as presented. Plumlee stated the County Commissioners he contacted were very helpful in this process. It was suggested to have a stockpile of road material. The Council approved to extend the 30 day suspension of water utility disconnection arising out of nonpayment. This is in connection with the COVID-19 crisis and will continue for another 30 days. Mayor Decker stated several have paid past due bills with the economic stimulus money from the government. Most residents are paying as usual but there are some who are having economic hardships. City Manager Plumlee gave his report next. The subject of what to do about the City Swimming Pool during the COVID-19 crisis. He stated this is something for the Council to think about and have a plan. Mayor Decker stated he does not want to keep the pool closed. He stated, “Based on what the Governor says, the data models were revised downward this past week to show that rather than peaking at deaths at
the end of the month, we might peak at deaths in Texas this weekend. They say that deaths are a two week lagging indicator on new cases. If that’s the case we might have peaked on new cases two weeks ago.” He stated adjustments may be made like allowing a certain number of people in the pool at one time. Doan stated they could anticipate the opening of the pool until they won’t be able to. He stated, “We have a whole new definition of ‘March Madness’ now.” Plumlee stated the pool is filled about a week before the seasonal opening. Mayor Decker interjected that there is a donation again this year to cover the cost of children attending the City Pool. The suggestion to look into what guidelines the Government might have concerning pool use was made. During the discussion the Mayor let out with, “Isn’t that an oxymoron, a Government expert?” Plumlee gave a comparison with last year of tax revenue for six months, through March 2020. The “three big ticket items” are property taxes, up 6.8%, sales taxes are down 12.9% and water sales are up 7.7%. Repair work on pipes south of Avoca is being done. The clarifier is operational. After a fifteen meeting Executive Sesson consulting with City Attorney Raymond Hollabaugh via telephone, the Council stated the next meeting is scheduled for May 26, 2020. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
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APRIL 24, 2020 5
American Skip Meals As Coronavirus Clips Income
Purell sanitizer wipes are available just inside the doors of the Stamford Walmart while the carts are being sprayed with a sanitizer product outside. All in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Doing their part to keep the public and their employees safe.
Press Release Concerning County Release of Information April 16, 2020 The health and safety of the residents is Jones County’s top priority. If a County resident has tested positive with COVID-19, the Jones County Health Authority is notified by the Texas Department of State Health Services (“DSHS”). The County has had many requests for specific information about cases of diseases or health conditions in the County. Do not call the Jones County Dispatch or 911 seeking information regarding the location or identity of confirmed cases of COVID-19 causing a distraction for dispatchers from emergency calls. State law dictates that this information is confidential and not public information under Chapter 552, Government Code, and may not be released
or made public. Generic information regarding a new case, included the age and sex of the person with the positive case, will be made public, along with whether the person is in home quarantine or hospitalized. At this point, the public needs to follow the public health practices and guidance that the CDC, the Governor, County and Cities have issued, which will help slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes washing hands frequently, staying home except for essential trips, no social gatherings outside of the household, and maintaining a safe distance of six feet between yourself and others. While people may be curious to know information about the individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and with whom
they have had possible contact with, this information is not necessary to continue following the requested guidelines. This is because we believe that all geographic areas of Jones County are currently at risk of disease transmission. The DSHS conducts contact investigations of confirmed positive cases and notifies any close contacts of a case of their specific risk. Individuals not specifically contacted by DSHS have the same level of risk, which is driven by whether social distancing and selfprotection guidelines are followed rather than where an individual has been. The County will be providing the information, as received, from DSHS of confirmed COVID-19 cases and recoveries. In the future, along with the
confirmations we will be providing the following information as received: 1. County of Residence 2. Age Range 3. Gender 4. Home quarantine or hospitalized Thanks for everyone’s help in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Dale Spurgin Jones County Judge
A quarter of adults have eaten less or skipped meals because they lacked the money to buy food, said an antihunger group on Monday in calling for expansion of food assistance during the coronavirus pandemic. The largest U.S. farm group KASN AG REPORT and a food bank network suggested that the USDA With Richard Kemp should create a voucher system to get farm-fresh food directly to nearby food banks. Democratic leaders in Congress also called for an increase in SNAP benefits as lawmakers wrangled over an expansion of coronavirus relief. “We cannot abandon those who are facing a life-and-death struggle to put food on the table,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer in a statement. A poll commissioned by the nonprofit Hunger Free America said 24 percent of adults skipped meals or cut portions for lack of money and that 37 percent of parents ate less or skipped meals during the past month because they did not have enough money. Group leader Joel Berg said charities could not meet the rising demand for food. “We need a massive, coordinated federal, state, and local government response that dramatically expands government food safety net programs and uses National Guard units and national service participants to ramp up home meal deliveries,” he said. At the same time food banks are inundated, some producers are plowing under fruits and vegetables or pouring milk down the drain because of shrinking consumer demand, said president Zippy Duvall of the American Farm Bureau Federation and Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, chief executive of Feeding America, a network of 200 food banks nationwide, in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. “The (Agriculture) Department has the opportunity to help address both unfortunate consequences described above through a voucher program that would deepen the relationship s between farmers and food banks, allowing them to work directly with one another instead of relying on third parties and what is sometimes a longer pathway to get food from farms to food bank shelves,” said Babineaux-Fontenot and Duvall. Vouchers would allow farmers to recoup some of their costs while speeding delivery of perishable food to hungry families, said the farm group.
6 APRIL 24, 2020
The paw print
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A BLAST FROM THE PAST.....
From Bulldog News February 16, 1945 Bulldog News Est. 1935 Published Bi-weekly by the students of the Stamford High School Editor-in-Chief: Billy Cantrell Managing Editor: Stanley Keese Business Manager: Betty Tunnell Circulation Manager: Janice Jackson Publicity Manager: Leemore Fuqua Art Editor: Robert Howse Sports Editor: Ed Rosenwasser Sponsor: Miss Allie King Reporters: Jim West, Glenna Taylor, Patty McDonald, Jo Holloman, Billie Binnicker, Paul Frizell, John McNabb, Billie M. Russell, Dorothy Griggs, Marilyn Smith, Jackie Arledge Typists: Mary Lawhon, Jo Holloman Basketball A group of boys in Stamford High School this year decided that they wanted to play basketball. They had Mr. Tinsley erect some goals and Mr. Carlton to coach. They practiced nearly every afternoon. They were faithful to the coach and school. They didn’t expect any real recognition. They didn’t win a game but they demonstrated some real devotion to Stamford High School. Stamford can have a real team in the future because the boys have learned, and are learning. Football Banquet The annual football banquet was held Friday, February 9th, at the cafeteria. Potatoes, peas, ham, rolls, iced tea and coffee, ice cream, cake made up the splendid menu. Billie Marie Russell was toast mistress and the main speaker was Dr. Southard. After his speech gifts were presented to Mr. Tinsley and Mrs. Earl Russell of War Bonds. Miss Cagle received from the band a lovely compact. The school song was sung and the banquet was adjourned to the dance, which was held at the country club.
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1945 Football Program
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This Too Shall Pass I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted to turn for this week’s essay. There’s a lot on my mind right now. To be more clear, there’s a lot on all of OUR minds right now. COVID—19. The economic fallout of COVID—19 and the government restrictions meant to limit the outbreak. The sadness of Texas schools being closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year and what that means to the students, teachers, and parents affected. Then, as I was considering this essay on Monday morning, the price of West Texas Intermediate (the benchmark crude oil price in America), slipped from an already low point into previously-unseen negative territory. For some reason (maybe the Good Lord encouraging the path for this essay), out of nowhere I heard the
ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker phrase “this too shall pass” in my mind. At that point, my essay topic was set. You might think that the phrase “this too shall pass” appears in the Bible. It does not. It first appeared in Western literature in the 19th century as the retelling of a Persian fable. One such version of the fable attributes the saying to King Solomon. In that telling, a sultan asked King Solomon, in his unparal-
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leled wisdom, for a saying that would always be true, in good times or bad. King Solomon replied with “this too will pass away.” A similar version was told by future president Abraham Lincoln in an 1859 speech to the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society: “It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: ‘And this, too, shall pass away.’ How much it expresses! How chastening in the hour of pride! How consoling in the depths of affliction!” The saying might not appear in the Bible, but it certainly fits with the biblical principle that life on Earth is temporary and fleeting. What I find most interesting is the application of the saying in its original form. When we think “this too shall pass,” we most likely
think about it when faced with anxiety, stress, grief, or other negative emotions. But the origin story points out that the saying is true in ALL times. Lincoln speaks of both the “hour of pride” and the “depths of affliction.” Ever since I first learned about the boom-bust nature of the oil business (in part thanks to reading the book “Friday Night Lights” at an age probably younger than appropriate), I’ve always been struck by its constant cycle. No matter how bad things get in the oil business, they always improve. No matter how good things are in the oil business, they eventually decline. The cycle began when Colonel Edwin L. Drake drilled the first oil well near Titusville, Pennsylvania in 1859 and it hasn’t stopped since. “This too shall pass” applies exceedingly well to the oil business. But even though the oil business cycles might be more
extreme than other aspects of life, those cycles exist throughout our lives. Many of us, perhaps even most of us, have muttered “this too shall pass” at a hard point in life. But as we are reminded by the wise words of President Lincoln, we should remember those words equally during our hours of pride. This is an unusual season in our lives—in Stamford, in Texas, in America, in the world. Many of us are experiencing hard times. Others are experiencing new joys amidst unusual circumstances. I’m thinking hard about answers for how our rural communities will move forward from COVID—19 and the associated effects on our economy. Many parts of our lives will never be the same. Some parts may be better, others may be worse, and still others may not be better or worse, just different. But above all, no matter what you’re dealing with,
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
whether it’s the hour of pride or the depth of affliction, remember—this too shall pass.
James Decker is a lawyer, farmer, and mayor in Stamford, and the creator of the forthcoming “West of 98” podcast and website. He may be contacted through Facebook at facebook.com/james.decker.
LOCAL CHURCHES Avoca Baptist Church Rev. Les Mims 773-3531 AM Worship: 11:00 Avoca United Methodist Church Dennis Huffaker 773-3909 AM Worship: 9:45 Bethel Church of God in Christ Pastor Session 407 W Handlan 325-773-5730 Bethel (Christ) Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 1024 E. Vanderbilt 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 9:00 Bethel Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 10707 N. FM 600 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 11:00
Central Presbyterian Rev. Dr. Kelly Pigott 601 Rowland 325-773-3381 AM Worship: 11:00 Common Ground Youth Ministry Paul Wright 219 S Swenson 325-773-3604 Faith Lutheran Church Sagerton, Texas 940-200-0723 AM Worship: 10:30 Family Church of Christ 1505 E. Wells St 325-773-5250 Worship: 9:45 a.m. 1st Assembly 1214 Compton Pastor John Shepard Worship: Saturday @ 6:00PM (325)267-0955
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
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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Governor’s Orders Move State Toward Reopening In line with signals from the White House to restart the nation’s economy, Gov. Greg Abbott on April 17 issued executive orders to move the Lone Star State toward normalizing citizens’ activities during the COVID-19 crisis. Transactions that pose little threat of spreading the deadly virus may reopen using a retail to-go model beginning April 24, Abbott ordered. On the other hand, schools must remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. Teachers will have limited access to campuses for video instruction, to perform administrative duties and to clean out their classrooms, the governor added. In response, the Texas Education Agency issued a statement saying, “While a difficult decision to make, it is the right one for our families and communities, and the only one that makes sense for Texas at this time.” Abbott said he would announce a revised plan for the state on April 27 based on recommendations by his newly appointed Strike Force to Open Texas. The team from the public, private and medical sectors will advise him on safely and strategically reopening the state. Abbott also issued an order that loosens his March restrictions on non-emergency surgeries. That order was aimed at conserving hospital capacity and personal protective equipment for the COVID-19 response. Additionally, Abbott reopened state parks effective April 20. His new order requires park visitors to wear face coverings and maintain a six-foot distance from individuals outside of their party. Groups are to be no larger than five people. After Abbott’s news conference, Texas House Democratic Caucus Chairman Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, said, “We want the Texas economy to fully reopen as soon as possible, and public health experts agree that can only happen with robust testing in place. When it
CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Ed Sterling
comes to decisions on how to defeat COVID-19, we have to continue to follow doctors’ orders. “Texas continues to be in the bottom three states when it comes to COVID-19 testing per capita, and Gov. Abbott has failed to provide a clear plan for how Texas will increase testing. ... We need to dramatically increase testing, right now,” Turner added. According to figures posted by the Texas Department of State Health Services at noon on April 19, some 18,923 people in Texas had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 477 deaths resulting from the disease had been confirmed. SALES TAX HOLIDAY SET Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar is urging Texans to shop online or practice strict social distancing measures for in-store purchases during the April 25-27 sales tax holiday for emergency preparation supplies. Hegar noted that the holiday is intended to help Texans prepare for events like hurricanes and spring storms. “Unfortunately, strong spring storms, wildfires and the upcoming hurricane season will still threaten Texans in the months ahead, and so it’s important that homes and businesses have the supplies they need to face these emergencies,” he said. Hegar recommended that shoppers visiting retailers practice social distancing as described by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The list of tax-free items is established by law. It does not include items such as masks or
personal protection equipment, Hegar stressed. More information can be found at comptroller.texas.gov. HEMP GROWER LICENSED Earlier this month, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced the first Texas industrial hemp license had been issued to a farmer in Killeen. The license grants the farmer the opportunity to grow hemp in Texas for one year. As a part of the application process, the applicant specified a facility where the hemp will be grown, Miller said. This first license represents the long-awaited launch of the hemp industry in Texas following the passage of the Farm Bill by Congress in 2018, he added. REBUILD HITS MILESTONE Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush on April 15 announced the Texas General Land Office has rebuilt more than 1,000 homes destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The construction was funded through the Homeowner Assistance Program. Bush’s sights are set on rebuilding 7,000 homes using $1.334 billion in available Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Recovery, plus an additional $500 million in Community Development Block Grants for Mitigation that come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. More than 2,500 applicants have been approved for assistance by the General Land Office. An estimated 800 homes are currently under construction, in addition to those completed. “The GLO’s disaster recovery team continues working hard every day to help Texas families rebuild their homes and their lives following one of this nation’s largest and most destructive storms,” Bush said.
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Be Smart with Your Money Last week direct deposits started going out for the stimulus checks that our government approved to help get cash into our pockets and “boost” the economy. Granted, not everyone has the money yet due to needing a paper check, it really isn’t enough in the grand scheme of things (especially if the shutdown lasts longer) and many individuals know that that money THOUGHTS FROM will be gone in some shape or form sooner rather than later for UNDER THE CAP any number of reasons; however, for many they see the extra cash Will McClure in their account as a “bonus,” especially if they have been able to save or they are still able to be paid from their employer. If this is the case, then the temptation is there to immediately spend the extra money on things that they would not get under normal circumstances because either they really want it or that they are under the belief that they should spend it to help the economy. The reality a lot of these individuals miss and what is pointed out from several places is that the money is meant to help keep things going in the household, particularly to use it on groceries, household items and even bills. It is not meant to buy a new TV, put a down payment on a new car, or even spend it planning a vacation when things are lifted. Not only does that render the check pointless but one ends up backing themselves into another corner when the bills do come due. What brought me to these thoughts were actually my own as I thought about what I could do with the extra money and, naturally, a bit of temptation set in to get a few new video games or even buy a new laptop for work (my current one is several years old, after all). A younger me would have probably done this in an instant, but thankfully the responsible adult in me brought me to my senses and used the money for what it was intended and put it towards my bills and getting food. The only “entertainment” that I used it for was for my satellite radio and even that I got a deep discount on. From what I have seen and heard from similar posts on social media is that there are very few that are going the frivolous route and sticking to a similar, sensible one like I am, whether it is out of necessity or just common sense winning out. I even saw a post from the financial expert Dave Ramsey that went along these lines shortly after I had scheduled my bills to be paid and made my grocery lists, even taking the extra advice in setting a little aside when I could. I would hope a lot of people followed their own line of reasoning or at least saw a post or article like this and know that the extra money is to help and not for silly wants. I know that a lot of this is just plain common sense for many of you out there and/or you may be one of the ones more affected by this shutdown and are looking forward to a sense of normalcy. The fact is that there is no telling at this point when normal will be again and we just have to be smarter with our money at this time. Sure, we may have seen bills “excused” during this time but, as Ramsey even said, they are still due and you should still pay them as you could find yourself in a deeper hole when the ones giving the bills find some sort of loophole. Be glad that you were able to receive a little bit extra, even if it is not enough in your opinion, and try to live your life in a normal spending fashion. Pay your bills, feed your household and try to save a bit for the future. Even if the news is correct and that a second stimulus package may be coming, we need to be smart with what we have now and make sure that we still have a home and money in the account to keep our lives moving. You know what they say after all: “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” Until next time, dear reader, my cap’s off to you!
The Inmate Farmers Of Hopkins Some residents of the Hopkins County Jail in Sulphur Springs are farm hands. Sheriff Lewis Tatum was instrumental in starting a farm to grow food for inmates. Trustys in the jail take care of the plants and animals. These are men and women who are considered ideal prisoners that get along with guards and others behind bars, keep their quarters and clothes clean and neat and have a good attitude about doing chores. “They raise vegetables, chickens and hogs,” says Sheriff Tatum. “We’ve got a big sign out there that says TRUSTY FARM. A few years ago I got with County Commissioners and they told me they had a piece of land east of town, 4 to 5 acres or so, that belonged to the county, and they told me I could use it as a farm. So we took a bunch of trustys out there and got started. We built our hog pens and chicken pens out of the scraps from the football and baseball stadiums. The trustys worked on them for the school system.” The farm is doing well.
“Right now we’ve got 12 sows, and a boar, and I couldn’t tell you how many pigs we’ve got ready to process. We have our own processing plant. We’ve got a little over 400 laying hens. We haven’t bought any meat in over 3 years. Around Valentine’s Day we start planting potatoes and beans, okra, tomatoes, peas, mustard greens, just whatever we can plant. There’s a spot of land south of town we may be getting to use where we can grow watermelons and cantaloupes.” Sheriff Tatum says the farm saves the county a bundle of money. “If you average up what it would cost to feed 192 inmates a year and what we actually spend, our projection is to save $200,000 a year.” He says the inmates benefit from the farm work in many ways.
“Number one, they eat better because the food is always fresh. Then, too, they’re learning a lot of different trades. We try to get them jobs when they get out. We’ve probably got 36 trustys working. They’re mostly serving time for theft and drugs. We don’t have any murderers or sex offenders working as trustys. And they don’t just work on the farm. They also work on county roads, the school system, civic center, just wherever they’re needed. The county even employs some of them when they finish their sentence. A lot of them, if you look at their backgrounds, never had a chance. We’re giving
TUMBLEWEED SMITH
them a chance to prove themselves. I think if you put a little trust in them, and they find out that you expect more from them, they do better. I see a lot of them in the grocery store or somewhere with their families after they’ve been released, and we shake hands and visit. They’re proud to be a member of society.” The sheriff says sometimes he’ll overhear some of the trustys talking among themselves toward the end of the day, and they mention how the crops look or how many eggs they gathered that day, indicating they take pride in their accomplishments.
Oh my, it got cold again, but the weatherman said it is going to be warm this coming week. Seems as though winter has lasted a long time this year. I think this virus has lasted long enough, I am ready to be able to get out and visit with my friends, and maybe play some dominos. It is so heart breaking to know that over 4000 people have lost their lives because of this. All we can do is pray and seek God’s help. The wheat crop is looking good, pray that nothing happens to it. Of course the price is never good for the poor farmers. What they have to buy is high in price.
Kilgore spent Hazelee Saturday and New of Haskell Sunday with spent last his mother, week with her Bernice grandparents, Rhoads. BerDale and Carm nice has not Letz. been feeling Mittie well so Tom Dunham was OLD GLORY NEWS Lee did a lot in Aspermont of fixing up Friday for By Anita Dozier and cleaning appointments up for Mom. and then had My daughlunch with Alice Winters in Aspermont. ter, Susan, of Abilene came to visit with me on SaturShe was glad to report that day. Always glad to have her son, Rodney Dunham, my children come to see of Hamlin was discharged from the hospital in Abilene me. Thanks, Sue. Thought for the week: after having stents put in following a heart attack. She “Character is the result of two things: Mental attitude said he is doing well. and the way we spend our Tom Lee Rhoads of
time.” Happy Birthday Wishes go to Lillian Hicks, Dana Swink, Liz Mills, Charles Vahlenkamp, Sally Stafford, Leah Nicholson, Sue Callicoatte, Loy Hahn, Angela Bly, Larry Stremmel, Neva Hall, Barbara Ann Carson, Laynee New, Kenneth Corzine, Nancy Griffith, Romona Estill, Tyge Flowers, Wilbert Klose, Kyngleah Hertel, Lisa Terrell, and Mrs Jerry Thane. We wish you many more. Anniversary greetings go to Terry and Laramie Letz, Geary and Debbie Meador, Rodney and Tracy Dunham, and Donnie and Diane Barbee. Have a wonderful day.
California Creek SWCD Stewardship Week California Creek SWCD has partnered with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, Association of Texas Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Texas Wildlife Association, and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association to highlight Soil and Water Stewardship Week and the importance of voluntary land stewardship in Texas. The statewide campaign is April 26 through May 3, 2020, and the focus this year is “Where Would We BEE Without Pollinators?” According to the Kansas Rural Center, pollinators and other benefi-
cial insects are losing ground worldwide. Currently, 25 percent of North American bee species are at risk of extinction. Why is this important? To begin with, pollination is one of the most fundamental processes sustaining agriculture and natural ecosystems, and most native plants in North America require pollination by insects. Furthermore, pollinators are essential for productive agricultural ecosystems, such as row crop production and agro-forestry, and they ensure the production of fruit and seeds in many crops, grasses, and timber. Likewise,
pollinators play a significant role in natural rangeland ecosystems by helping to keep plant communities healthy and reproducing. It is quite simple. We need pollinators to support rangelands for our wildlife and livestock, to keep our forests productive, and to keep the agricultural crops that we use every day growing. California Creek SWCD is proud to collaborate with conservation partners across Texas to promote the importance of land stewardship.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Classifieds PERSONAL Nice Looking 60 year old Caucasian male, 6’2” 200 lbs. non smoker, non drinker, single no kids looking for female for possible relationship. Enjoy dining out and going to the movies. Call 325-338-5317
APRIL 24, 2020 11
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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
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.
Notice Initiation of the Section 106 Process: AMATechtel proposes to construct a 195’ self support telecommunications tower and associated compound at Ninth St. and Pawnee Ave, Rule, Haskell County, TX 79547. At least a 30’ buffer beyond the proposed 35’ x 35’ compound, along with associated access/utility easement, was reviewed. AMATechtel seeks comments from all interested persons on any potential significant impact the proposed action could have on the quality of the human environment pursuant to 47 C.F.R. Section 1.1307, including potential impacts to historic or cultural resources that are listed or eligible for
listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Send all questions, comments and correspondence within 30 days to: EnvironmenTex Inc, 6060 N. Central Expwy. #560, Dallas, TX 75206, (fax) 2143673861
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 APRIL 24, 2020
Emily Muehlstein exhibited the 2nd Place Class 99 Other Crossbred Premium Sale Barrow at the San Antonio Livestock Show. Emily is the daughter of Curt and Naomi Muehstein and a member of Jones County 4-H.
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Dylan Muehlstein exhibited the 3rd Place Heavy Weight Premium Sale Chester Barrow at the San Antonio Livestock Show. Dylan is the Son of Curt and Naomi Muehlstein and a member of Jones County 4-H.
THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN
Lexi Williams exhibited the 6th Place Class 9 Duroc Barrow at the San Antonio Livestock Show. Lexi is the granddaughter of June Williams and a member of the Lueders-Avoca FFA Chapter.
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Thank you
Administrative Professionals At BCEC, we recognize now more than ever that it takes our whole team working together to deliver reliable electric service to our members. Our Administrative Professionals work hard, most often behind the scenes, to take care of our members. Thanks for holding the fort down, for your willingness to adapt during challenging circumstances to serve our members, and for the many ways you keep business running smoothly!
Riley Moore exhibited the 5th Place Light Weight Premium Sale Chester Barrow at the San Antonio Livestock Show. Riley is the son of Rocky and Daina Moore of Lueders and a member of the Lueders-Avoca FFA Chapter.
April 27-May 1 Monday - Sliced Ham, BlackEyed Peas, Greens, Cornbread, Peaches Tuesday - Chicken Pot Pie, Salad, Crackers, Strawberries Wednesday - Cheeseburgers with all the fixings, French Fries, Beets, Brownies Thursday - Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potato, Gravy , Salad, Cherry Dump Cake Friday - Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Chips, Melon