May 3, 2019 - Stamford American

May 3, 2019 16 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION

STAMFORD

American THE NEW

DAVIS BROTHERS RECIEVE LEGACY AWARD....SEE PAGE 3

May 4 Election Ballot

Bland Harrison was surprised with a birthday party at Decker Capital Partners on Thursday, April 25 in honor of his 98th Birthday. Mayor James Decker read a proclamation declaring Thursday, April 25 as Bland Harrison Day in Stamford in recognition of his many contributions to the city of Stamford and its citizens. Mr. Harrison was greeted by many family members and friends.

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The City of Stamford has three open places on the ballot, Place 1, Place 2, and Place 3. These positions are currently held by Melinda Smith (who is not seeking reelection), Ken Roberson, and Jimmy Doan. The following people have filed for places on the ballot: Place 1-Johnny Anders; Robert Wingrove; Place 2-Ken Roberson (Uncontested) and Place 3-Jimmy Doan (Uncontested). Roberson and Doan will not appear on the ballot since they are unopposed.

Stamford School Board will have two open places that are currently occupied by Leigh Nauert (who is not seeking reelection) and Curtis Birdsong. Filing for these at-large places are Curtis Birdsong, Eric Strand, Mindy Flow, Riley Carver, Cynthia Wimberly, and Matthew A. Duran.

For the Stamford Hospital District Board 3 places are up for election. They are currently held by Cary Davis (who is not seeking reelection), Kevin McCright, and Sutton Page.

On the ballot for these at-large places are Kevin McCright, Heather J. Buzzard, Sutton Page, and Gary Decker.

Bulldogs face DeLeon in Game 1 of the Bi-District contest on Thursday at 5:00 at Hermleigh. Game 2 will be at 5:00 on Friday at DeLeon, and Game 3, if needed, will be at 11:00 am on Saturday at DeLeon.

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MARK THE DATE...

MAY 4TH

BETHEL CEMETERY ANNUAL MEETING: Saturday, May 4, 2019, 10:30am, at the Brazos Bend Cowboy Church in Funston, Texas. Annual Meeting/Workday of the Bethel Cemetery Association and a meal will follow the meeting.

TUXEDO ANNUAL CEMETERY MEETING: Saturday, May 4, 2019, 11:00 am for the 2019 Tuxedo Annual Cemetery Association Business Meeting. A pot luck lunch will follow.

FIESTA: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta sponsored by St. Anne’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus, Saturday, May 4 10:00-7:00 Menudo beginning at 8:00am Food Booths, Bingo, Games for all Ages, Live DJ, Raffle at 6:00 pm at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 419 New Braunfels, Stamford, TX BENEFIT FUNDRAISER: Benefit Brisket Lunch for

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THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST

Rocky Simmons who is battling Kidney Cancer will be held on the square in Stamford, Saturday, May 4 starting around 9:00.

Brisket plates with potato salad, beans, and sausage.

Also brisket and sausage wraps, and pies available.

All donations will be appreciated. Let’s all help him beat cancer together!

Friday 75 | 60

Saturday 78 | 62

Sunday 83 | 66

Monday 84 | 65

Tuesday 86 | 67

Wednesday 85 | 61

Thursday 80 | 60

The weather is provided for you

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

MAY 7TH

FISH DAY: The 61st Annual Lueders Fish Day will again be held on the 1st Tuesday in May ( May 7th) at the American Legion Hall at the east city limits of Lueders on Highway 6. The meal will commence at 11:30 am.

Come and bring your cookers to prepare the fish and hushpuppies to the Legion Hall at 8 am; the side dishes should be delivered to the hall by 10:30am.

MAY 21ST

MEETING: Jones/Haskell Genealogy Society meeting Tuesday, May 21st at 5:30 pm. Please join us as we learn how to research deeds and abstracts.

BIRTHDAYS

May 4 - Briton Pringle MAY 6 – Chance Birdsong, Denise White MAY 10 – Bryson Bolin, Carolyn Smith

Know someone who is having a birthday? Please remember to call us at 325-773-5550 and let us know!

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

Congratulations to Mr. Copeland and the Stamford Beginner band for earning a Division 1 at contest in Clyde. (Photo courtesy of Mindy Padron- Sledge)

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 a American, P O BOX 870, Stamford, Texas 79553 ( MEMBER 2019 TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

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Stamford’s Davis Brothers to Receive Legacy Award at Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet

BY KAY SPEARS

During the 1950’s there was at least one Davis brother on the football field playing for Stamford, Texas High School. Charlie, Ernie and Don Davis are being honored with the Legacy Award at the sold out 2019 Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet. The banquet is being held on Monday, May 6, 2019 at the Abilene Convention Center.

The Hall of Fame grants 12 $1,000 scholarships a year to graduating senior athletes and has given over $75,000 overall. Athletes are inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame from the Big Country each year as well as those honored with the Legacy Award, the Bill Hart Legends Award for those who competed more than 50 years ago, the Lifetime Achievement for Media Award, and the newly introduced Impact on Big Country Athletics Award.

According to their press release, website, and inforfmation provided by Donald E. Willis of Fort Worth, TX, the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame Legacy Award is “given to an individual or group, either living or deceased, who has made a lasting contribution to

sports in the Big Country.”

The Big Country is considered to cover nineteen counties in Texas, of which Jones County is one.

Charlie Davis, who was born in 1934, was all-state high school and is a member of the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. The TSHOF states he was called the best player he ever coached by “the legendary Stamford and Brownwood coach Gordon Wood.” He graduated from Stamford in 1954 and his senior picture was published in that yearbook. He was an all-American at McMurry in 1957 and 1958 and was selected by the New York Titans (Jets) in the 1960 AFL draft.

Charlie coached at Graham, Anson, Rotan, and for 22 years in Olney. He was on the board of directors of the Texas High School Coaches’ Association and a member of the Association of Texas Professional Educators.

Ernie Davis, born in 1936, graduated from Stamford in 1955, where he played football and ran track. He was a Little All-American at McMurry where he scored 104 points in 1958 (ranked fifth best in nation). Ernie ranks 13th in McMurry history in career rushing (1,643 yards). He was drafted in

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OBITUARIES

Dallas Ike Christian

Charlie Davis - 1954 the 23rd round of NFL Draft

by Pittsburgh Steelers and in the AFL draft by the New York Titans. Ernie coached for 13 years at several places, including Cisco, Port Neches, Littlefield, Odessa and Slaton, where he retired.

Don Davis, born in 1940, was all-state and a key contributor on two state championship football teams and one state championship track team at Stamford, where he also played basketball. Donald competed in multiple state track meets in the long jump and relays.

His obituary states that he was selected football captain, winning All District, All Regional, All State honors and was ultimately selected to the High School All American Team. He graduated in 1959. He has the fourth longest kickoff return in McMurry history (93 yards in 1961). He played three years at McMurry under fellow Hall of Famer Grant Teaff and was drafted in the 20th round of the NFL draft by San Francisco 49ers in 1963.

He played for the 49ers,

Ernie Davis - 1955

Donald Davis - 1959 then coached at Cleburne and Lorenzo before starting a career with Levi Strauss & Co. in 1969.

The Davis brothers were each inducted into the McMurry Athletic Hall of Honor. Charlie, Ernie and Donald are the sons of William Jefferson and Hattie Bea (Turner) Davis and brothers to Paul and Corinne. Charlie died in 1995 and Don in 2017. Ernie will be accepting the Legacy Award for himself and his two brothers.

Lueders Fish Day Coming Soon

The 61st Annual Lueders Fish Day will again be held on the 1st Tuesday in May ( May 7th) at the American Legion Hall at the east city limits of Lueders on Highway 6. The meal will commence at 11:30 am.

Come and bring your covered dishes,

MAY 3, 2019

vegetables and desserts as in the past; with the First National Bank of Anson providing the catfish and paper goods. The Country 4 in Lueders is providing the hushpuppies.

Tents provided by Tankersley, Adams Graham and Kinney-Underwood

Funeral Homes. Bring your cookers to prepare the fish and hushpuppies to the Legion Hall at 8 am; the side dishes should be delivered to the hall by 10:30am. We look forward to seeing your all there!

On April 28, 2019, surrounded by his family at his home in San Angelo, TX, Dallas Ike Christian a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend returned to his heavenly home after a brief illness. Dallas will be remembered during funeral services at 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, May 4, 2019, at the Anglican Church of The Good Shepherd, 3355 W. Beauregard Ave., San Angelo, TX with Father Hal Scott officiating. Interment Services will be at 3:00 p.m. at Highland Memorial Cemetery in Stamford, TX with Dallas’ nephew Reverend Kyle Childress officiating under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.

Dallas was born to George William “Dub” and Kayola Christian in Stamford, TX on April 26, 1938. A 1957 graduate of Stamford High School, Dallas was an exceptionally talented athlete and played football for the Stamford Bulldogs during three State Championships. During his senior year as a Bulldog, he earned All-State honors in football, basketball, and track. He continued his education with athletic scholarships for both football and basketball at Hardin Simmons University earning a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a minor in Biology. After college Dallas married Janet Nobles and made the decision to serve his country in the Army rather than pursuing professional football opportunities. After his training at Ft. Benning his military service took him to Ft. Davis in the Panama Canal Zone, Dallas was honored with an Army Commendation Medal for sustained acts of heroism and leadership during the Panama riots of 1964. He was a Jungle Expert, an 82nd Airborne Ranger, and a Green Beret. After moving from active duty to the reserves, Dallas began his coaching career at Bonham Middle School, followed by Palo Duro High School and Tascosa High School in Amarillo, TX. In 1973 he moved to Austin,TX and worked for Boon-Chapman until joining the Pool Well Servicing Company in Houston, TX. He married Diane Thomas on August 18, 1979. In 1984 Dallas moved to San Angelo and continued to work as a Senior Credit Manager for Pool Well Servicing Company for over thirty years. Dallas enjoyed his family, friends and being an avid golfer at Bentwood Country Club as well as an active member of his church serving on the Vestry and other committees to do the work that God called on him to do.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Diane Christian of San Angelo, TX; daughter, Cheri Winne and husband David of Round Rock, TX; son, Ian Boles of Austin, TX; 5 grandchildren, Michael Winne and wife Michelle, Natalie Winne, Dallas Winne, Lily Boles and Ava Boles, 2 great-grandchildren, Peyton Winne and Haylee Winne and a host of other relatives and friends including Janet Hendrix, the mother of his daughter. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-inlaw, Lindle and Clayton Childress.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the following organizations are requested: The Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org, The West Texas Boys Ranch http://www.wtbr.org/ or The American Cancer Society https:// www.cancer.org Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com.

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Osbornes Building To Be Sold

BY KAY SPEARS The Stamford Hospital District Board of Directors met on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at the Stamford Hospital, Stamford, TX. Kevin McCright, Board Chairman, opened the meeting and Chuck Muehlstein gave the invocation. Also in attendance were Board Members Cary Davis, Kevin Corzine, Erick Richards, Sutton Page, Wyatt Oakley, CAO Sandy Finley, CFO Elizabeth Miller, Lab Director Bill Lee and Accounting Asst.

Debbie Walters recording the minutes.

The Board Meeting minutes of March 26, 2019 were approved.

Chief Administration Officer report was given

by Sandy Finley next. In March, 472 patients were seen. An update was given regarding the ongoing search for a Nurse Practitioner and a new maintenance person has been hired. The survey packet sent in August 2018 sat with CMS (federal Medicaid/Medicare administrators) for several months before being approved and sent on to HHS (state Health & Human Services).

HHS noticed the address had not been updated, and they sent it back to CMS to have this corrected. The packet now has to be re-approved, even though it was already approved, due to the change of address. It will then go back to HHS for them to be able to visit Stamford Hospital to do the needed survey. Finley is in contact with Stan Lambert’s and Charles Perry’s offices to push this forward.

Physical Therapy saw 94 patients in March, Radiology took 188 x-rays, ultra sounds, EKG’s and 3 CT’s. The facility is now accredited by the Joint Commission and March is

the first month they have been able to bill for CT’s since August 2018. The Lab billed 1,001 units in March and continue to be in talks with Aspermont and Hamlin hospitals for them to give reference work to Stamford.

Country Elegance has a full capacity. All three hospital buildings have had fire inspections and minor changes are being addressed.

The Chief Financial Officer’s report was given by Elizabeth Miller. Billings for Medicaid/Medicare are currently under Jones County’s number and they are waiting for the clinic to get a separate number.

The Board approved the Financial Report.

New District Business focused on canvassing the election results, given by Debbie Walters. Canvassing may begin on May 7, 2019, three days after the May 4th election.

The new Board of Directors may not be sworn in until the election has been canvassed. The Board approved to hold the canvas meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, 7:47am at the Stamford Hospital Board Room.

The Board went into Executive Session. When they returned to Open Session, they approved to sell the Osbornes building at 1301 N. Swenson. The next Board Meeting will be on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, 7:45am in the Board Room at the Stamford Hospital.

Well I understand that we had a stormy evening and night yesterday (4-272019). I was not here, but I got a little rain. Those storms are sure getting to be plentiful, I am so afraid of storms and wish they would stay away.

Another month has come and gone and so we are into month number five and we will take a look at what is going on beside graduation.

I don’t really know when all the graduations will be taking place and also the all night parties for the Seniors. We will know later.

Sunday, May 1, Members will gather at the Old Glory Lodge for their monthly meeting and dinner beginning at 4 P M. The evening meal will be salad and dessert furnished by members.

Wednesday, May 8, The Multi County Retired Teachers and School Personnel will have their luncheon and meeting at the Avoca Baptist Church at 11:30 A M. This is an important meeting on the future of our organization so please make arrangements to attend.

Thursday, May 9, There will be a Senior Citizens Dance at the Old Glory Community Center from 7 P M until 10 P M with a live band and snacks will be served. Everyone is welcome to attend for only $5.00.

Sunday, May 12, is Mother’s Day. Make plans to honor that special lady.

Saturday, May 18 is Armed Forces Day. Saturday, May 25, There will be a musical at the Old Glory Community Center will the concession stand to open at 5 P M and the program will follow at 5:30 P M. Plan to attend this great

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Aspermont event. and Bob and Sunday and Juandel Giles Monday, May from Spur 26 and 27 is for lunch in Memorial Day Aspermont weekend. and a nice Mittie visit.

Dunham and I drove to Shelly drove to Lubbock on OLD GLORY NEWS Abilene on Friday morning Tuesday for to my daughan appointBy Anita Dozier ter, Rita Stement and phen’s home while they and we went to Prosper and were there they had lunch stopped at her daughter’s, with grandson/son, Colton Nikki Gray, home and left Hill, and his friend Kiana our items of interest and Serin. They enjoyed a great then went to the Baseball visit. game there in Prosper.

Donna Graham of AsperRita’s grandson (my great mont spent some time with grand) Tate Starks, has Mittie Dunham on Thursplayed for the Prosper day and they had a great Eagles for many years and visit. he is a super great baseball Dale and Carm Letz player. All of Rita’s famdrove to Haskell on Friday ily, Nikki and Brian Gray, to be with Micah and Lacey Emma and Nicholas and New, Darbee, Laynee, and Tasha and Michael Starks, Hazelee and join in a birthTate and Anna, live in Propday celebration for Laynee as they had dinner out. Dar- ser. Following the game we all had dinner together. On bee and Hazelee returned Saturday we went to the home with Granny and ball park again and watched Pops to spent Friday and a baseball game at 10 A Saturday nights and went M and another at 2 P M. to church with them on At 4 P M some of us went Sunday. Following church to another place to watch they drove to Abilene to Anna (a fourth grader) play join Micahand Lacey New soft ball. That was so excitand Laynee and Doug and ing she put out two players Debbie Vahlenkamp at the on first, hit the ball twice Pizza Hut for lunch for and got to third base and Laynee’s birthday. scored once. At one ending Phyllis Letz took her she got to pitch and had sister, Laura Andress, to two strike outs and one Abilene on Tuesday for an walk. She was so thrilled appointment. On Thurswith her play and we were day, Danny Letz played also. The Eagles won two with a band at Rose Park in and lost one. Following the Abilene and Phyllis visited games we all had dinner with her daughter, Jana, together with exception of and family while Danny Brian, he was out of town played. on a work assignment. Rita Sunday following church and I returned home on services in Aspermont, Mittie Dunham met Theresa Sunday afternoon and let me tell you here was one Anderson, Mattie Weaver, tired and wore out old great Johnnie Nell Pittcock, all of

granny, but it was so much fun. So sorry I missed Jamie Jordan’s baby shower and the Old Glory Musical but was so glad I was not here for the bad storm.

The storm interfered with our musical, so it cut down on our attendance and we are sorry for that.

Mittie stated they had approximately forty plus to register. Sure do want to thank Diane Smith of Abilene for helping at the Concession Stand, Bernice Rhoads for the pie. We are sorry that Sybil was not feeling well and was not able to work long. Kathryn Pendergrass of Sweetwater and Bobby Jenkins of Haskell were the winners of the door prizes. We also want to thank Cliff Morris of Haskell for being the emcee for the evening.

Thought for the week: “If you know someone who tries to drown their sorrows, you might tell them sorrows know how to swim.”

Happy Birthday wishes go to John Glenwinkle, Sabrina Pippen, Lisa Olson, Diane Jouett, Barbara Sherrod, Denton Dudensing, Doug Vahlenkamp, Jami Wilde, Tom Lee Rhoads, Emmalee Phemister, John Jouett, Norma Jean Talley, Don Pyron, David Sikes, Madison Mills, Grace Douglas, Will Meier, Pat Mathis, Leisa Morrow, Ann Spitzer, Dr. Norm Dozier, Laverne Rash, Susan Baldree Kittley, Jerry Hahn, Kortney Smith and Vanessa Lehrmann. We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to Doug and Debbie Vahlekamp and John and Celinda Allison. Have a wonderful day.

VIP MENU May 6-10 Monday Tamales, Refried Beans, Garden Salad, Salsa, Cherry Jell-O Tuesday Chicken Rice Casserole, Green Beans, Tomato Wedges, Peach Cobbler

Wednesday Chicken Fajita, Salad, Mexican Corn, Spanish Rice, Strawberries & Cream Thursday Steak Fingers, Baked Potatoes, Garden Salad, Gravy, Rosie Pears Friday Ham Pasta Salad, Corn Salad, Fruit Salad, Crackers, Melon

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MAY 3, 2019 5

Reprise: Pride and Community About this time last year, I wrote an essay that tried to define the concept of “community pride.” I found that we talk a lot about “community pride” but simple, straightforward definitions of the phrase are hard to come by. After working through various discussions of community pride and the definitions of “community” and “pride,” I proposed the following definition of “community pride”: A collective group of people’s dignity in, and satisfaction with, objects of importance and meaning to their group.”

We all know community pride when we see it. An enjoyable park or swimming pool, new youth sports facilities, tidy streets, successful high school sports teams, an exciting event that draws large crowds to the community…those are all outward expressions of this definition of pride.

In many of our communities, early voting has started for our local elections that will be held the first of May. These elections determine the leadership—mayors and city councils, school boards, and in some cases, hospital boards—whose decisions affect our lives, our families, and our communities on a tangible, daily basis.

The people who hold these offices also set the tone for our community

ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker pride. Through their leadership, and their decisions in those positions of leadership, these people set a standard for the objects of importance and meaning in our community. They allocate the time and financial resources of our local government entities.

Whether they realize it or not, their allocation of time and money is a statement on what they prioritize in the community. Do their priorities align with yours? Do their priorities match your definition of community pride?

So I encourage you to examine the folks who are running for local office in your community, whether now or later in the year if your community has local elections at a different time. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their priorities and their definition of community pride. If they are running for office but can’t give you their priorities for the office, then they might not be worthy of your vote.

When I was campaigning for mayor this time last year, one of the most encouraging encounters I would have was someone who asked “why do you want to be mayor?” Some of these folks knew me and were challenging me.

Others didn’t know me at all or they only knew me in passing. But they all wanted to know the answer to that question, because the WHY mattered to them. Someone simply running for office wasn’t good enough to earn their vote. They wanted to know my priorities and if my priorities matched theirs.

So I ask again the questions that I asked in this space last year: how do you define community pride? Does your community have pride? If so, how do you express it? If it is in need of improvement, where can you positively impact that pride?

I’ll follow up those questions with a new set of questions: who are the people running for office in your community in this election? Do they have community pride? Are their priorities worthy of your vote?

James Decker is a lawyer, farmer, and city councilman 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.

Notice to Jones County Voters on a Proposed Countywide Polling Place Program A countywide polling place on Election Day is one where any registered voter of Jones County may vote, just as in Early Voting. If countywide polling places are implemented, a voter on Election Day would no longer be required to vote in his or her home precinct polling location, but could vote at any polling place within the county.

In order to provide additional information and to solicit comments from the

public on a proposed plan to implement a countywide polling place program for use in the November 5, 2019 General Election, the Jones County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing on May 13, 2019 at 9 AM at the Jones County Courthouse, 3rd Floor, 100 Courthouse Square, Anson, Texas 79501.

Stamford FFA’s Cooper Wilhelm and Peyton Bevel exhibited 2 of the 7 breed champions in the Grand Drive at Rodeo Austin’s 2019 Junior Market Barrow Show on March 24th. Peyton Bevel exhibited the Champion Yorkshire; his barrow was bred by Contender’s Livestock of Stamford, Texas. Cooper exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow of the show and was also the Champion Hampshire. Cooper’s barrow was bred by Lackey Livestock of Haskell, Texas.

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MAY 3, 2019

HELLO FROM COWBOY COUNTRY

By Luci Wedeking

I hope y’all are having a great week. It’s been a good one around here! I have gotten some great feedback from our readers who have enjoyed this series on A.J. Swenson. Folks have come into the museum to share some of their own experiences and memories of him, mostly about what a true gentleman he was and how well he treated everyone.

I especially enjoyed one recollection that was recounted from a childhood memory, as a kid accompanying his parents visiting Mr. Swenson in his later years, in the early 1950s, at his home on Oliver Street.

The encounter left a lasting impression on the youth, as A.J.’s housekeeper Ms. Lydia Carlson hosted the visitors with formal coffee, cookies, cheese, and fresh rye bread, served on a silver tray with fine linen napkins.

It was noted Mr. Swenson took care to kindly insist Ms. Carlson take rest from her work to sit and enjoy coffee with the group as well. Even though he found success and luxury in his life, by all counts A.J. remained a kind and generous Christian man.

That being said, like all of us, there were moments when life tested his faith and he wasn’t so sure about what he was called upon to do. Thankfully, he stuck with it and with a little help from above, was able to make a huge impact on the development of our greater community. Continuing on with his story where we last left off, from The Swenson Saga and SMS Ranch by Mary Whatley Clarke: “One goal of the Swenson brothers was to sell parts of their large acreage to new settlers. This thought was ever foremost in their

plans. They wanted solid, reliable people desiring permanent homes in West and Northwest Texas to settle the land. Attractive prices were offered to prospective buyers with those qualifications.

Andrew was placed in charge of the land deals in early years while Hastings looked after the ranching operations. Andrew was disturbed when the Swenson brothers told him to sell Ericsdale Ranch, nine miles east of Stamford. The ranch contained 50,000 acres. How could he sell that much land? ‘I was no land salesman,’ Andrew told this writer before his death in an earlier interview, ‘and besides I could not speak English too well at that time. I pondered a great deal about selling that ranch and took my problem to bed with me that night. As I lay there a plan unfolded. I would have my brother-in law, Pastor A.J. Stamline, head of the Lutheran Christian Church in Texas, to come out and inspect the land with the thought of founding a Swedish colony on it.’

Pastor Stamline (pictured here, with his wife Anna, from the book Svenskarne i Texas i ord och bild, 18381918, Vol. 1) did indeed visit the Ericsdale Ranch and was enthusiastic with the land proposition, especially when the Swenson brothers offered to set aside a deed of 80 acres of land for a parsonage and church, and to pay a pastor $300 a year for three years.

Pastor Stamline returned to South Texas and with

the help of Pastor L.J. Sundquist, persuaded about fifty substantial Swedish families to establish a colony on the Ercisdale Ranch. Those families came to the ranch and bought farms out of the property.

They paid from $10 to $16 an acre, one fifth down and six annual payments.

All land was completely sold by 1908. The Swedish community was called Ericsdale in memory of the pioneer ranch name. Today (published in 1976) some 400 people, mostly descendants of those first Swedish settlers, live in the community. They have well cared for homes and diligently tilled acres. A considerable number of families have pumping oil wells on their property. In fact several made sizeable fortunes when oil was discovered in the late twenties in the Avoca Pool. Oil was also discovered on the church property. Today the center of this prosperous community is a handsome Gothicdesigned stone church rising from the prairie land where these devout people worship, and exchange news with their neighbors.

An excellent pipe organ was later given to the church by Andrew John, who until his death was the church’s oldest and best loved member.

Bill and Swede Swenson, his sons, are members of the church. One beloved pastor, Hugo B. Haterius, served the church half a century.”

I am including some photos I’ve come across from the SMS office that were taken while the cornerstone was set at the Bethel Lutheran Church, in 1940.

One can see the new Gothic stone church rising up next to the original white-

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washed wood building that it was designed to replace.

In another, Pastor Hugo Haterius leads the dedication ceremony and placing of the cornerstone.

So many families in our area are descendants from that first Swedish colony, making this another part of the Swenson saga that effects all of us locally with roots or branches stretched back into our own family trees. In fact, in more recent years, the Haterius family has joined in marriage with my own, linking my family forever to this history. So far, we have three Frazier girls, all from far off places, including myself, my sister, and my first cousin, all married to Wedeking, Hager, and Haterius men. (Apparently, there is something in the water or “red dirt” that grows Stamford boys, but that is another story for

another day.)

I would love to hear your memories, recollections, and anecdotes of those old Ericsdale colony pioneer families, and encourage you to pay me a visit in the museum, so we may record and preserve them in our growing archive. We are having our next Genealogy Society meeting in the museum on May 21st at 5:30 pm, and will be going over researching deeds and abstracts.

Looking forward to continuing on with more of A.J.’s adventures next time, y’all have a great week!

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Top Issues Remain In Play As Legislature Enters Final Month Only a month is left for lawmakers to get the state’s business done in the 86th regular session of the Texas Legislature.

Still unfinished are the issues at the top of a list shared

by Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen: the passage of a state budget for fiscal years 2020-2021, property tax reform and school finance reform.

Last week, a conference committee of 10 House and Senate budget writers began negotiations over the two chambers’ budget bills.

While the negotiators have agreed on $9 billion to spend on property tax relief and education finance reform, the two versions are about $400 million apart on state revenue spending and $3.2 billion apart, out of a total of about $250 billion in all funds, according to the Senate News Service. “This process is made easier by the fact that both chambers are prioritizing three key issues: that’s certainly property tax relief, education reform and teacher salary,” said Senate Finance Committee Chair Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound. “The good news,” she added, “is that both chambers have demonstrated their commitment to our top priorities.”

Any differences in the House and Senate budgets must be resolved before a final version can be presented for an up or down vote in each chamber before the session ends on its 140th day — Monday, May 27.

WEB SALES TAX BILLS MOVE Legislation that would allow Texas to collect sales tax from remote sellers in accordance with the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair decision from the U.S. Supreme Court advanced last week.

The Senate Finance Committee on April 24 approved SB 70 and SB 890, both authored by Sen. Nelson, and two companion bills, HB 2153 and HB 1525, authored by House Ways and Means Com-

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Sterling

mittee Chair Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock.

“This legislation paves the way for Texas to fairly collect online sales tax within the parameters outlined by the Supreme Court,” Nelson said.

“These bills ensure that no undue burdens are placed on remote sellers.”

SB 70/HB 2153 would allow for the establishment of a single local use tax to avoid placing an undue burden on remote sellers. The comptroller’s office projects that the change would generate $300 million over the next fiscal biennium.

SB 890/HB 1525 would allow marketplace vendors to collect sales tax from thirdparty remote sellers. The comptroller’s office projects that the change would generate $550 million in the next two-year budget period.

TIME CHANGE BILL MOVES Should Texas do away with “falling back” in November and “springing forward” in March and instead keep clocks on Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time yearround?

On April 23 the Texas House approved, on a vote of 133-9, a measure that would put the question to Texans in the form of a constitutional amendment on the November 5 ballot.

The measure, House Joint Resolution 117 by Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, now moves to the Senate for consideration. If the Senate also approves and a statewide ballot measure passes, Congress still would have to amend the Uniform Time Act

of 1966 before Texas could stop springing forward and falling back.

“The process of changing our clocks twice each year is primitive and illogical,” said Larson. “Time is a human construct. With the passage of this resolution, Texans can decide which time to stick with. We could maintain our sleep schedules, feeling healthier and happier as a result. We could end a senseless practice that has many drawbacks and very few, if any, positive aspects.”

Opponents of HJR 117 cited concerns such as safety issues, confusion in scheduling and breaking with tradition.

JOBLESS RATE REMAINS LOW The Texas Workforce Commission on April 19 reported the Lone Star State added 22,600 seasonally adjusted non-farm positions in March.

The state’s unemployment rate stayed at 3.8 percent.

Commission figures also show March marked the 107th consecutive month of annual growth for total non-farm employment. The month proved to be historically significant for the Texas economy, as the civilian labor force reached a record high of more than 14 million workers.

“Texas’ economic miracle is a testament to the unmatched innovation of our Texas employers and their dedication to creating jobs and investing in communities across the state,” said TWC Chair Ruth Ruggero Hughs.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs in March with a non-seasonally adjusted rate of 2.1 percent, followed by the Odessa MSA with 2.5 percent. Tying for third were the Amarillo, Austin-Round Rock and College StationBryan MSAs with 2.7 percent unemployment.

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Bulldogs Compete in Area Track Meet Competition was tough for the SHS track team at the Area Meet. Demarcus Babar won the long jump and will head to State. Tylee Jo Bevel got 3rd in high jump and also in the 100 meter hurdles. Carson Holt won 3rd in both hurdles. The Boys 4x100m Sprint Relay placed 3rd. The 4x200m Relay was 3rd, and the Mile Relay finished 4th.

Chloe Hall got 6th in the 2 mile. Mariah Fletcher was 3rd in the triple jump, and Bresha Applin finished 6th in the 200m. The Girls 4x100m Sprint Relay (Mariah Fletcher, Honesty Spotwood, Jacelyn Bell, and Bresha Applin) finished 3rd and will go to State as the Wild Card.

Lady Dawgs, Bi-District Champs The Lady Bulldogs rolled over Electra 9-0 on Thursday, April 25 to win the Bi-District crown. Citlaly Gutierrez, the KVRP Player of the Game, threw a no-hitter and just missed a perfect game as one batter reached base on a throwing error. She had 15 strike-outs and no walks.

Gutierrez also was 2-5 with a 2 run homer to add to the cause. Laramie Terrell went 3-5, Brittany Macias 2-4, Jacelyn Bell 2-5, Paris Alvarado 2-3, Kenadee Gann 1-4, Savana Gonzales 1-4, and Macy Detamore 1-4.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E SHS 4 2 0 0 1 0 2 9 14 1 Electra 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 The win boosts The Lady Bulldogs’ record to (27-2-1) and extends their winning streak to 19 games. Stamford faced Miles in the Area round at 6:00 pm on Thursday, May 2 at Hermleigh.

Track photos by Leeann Mueller

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Gutierrez Named Player of the Week The Reporter-News Big Country Player of the Week for the week ending April 20 was Lady Bulldogs pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez. She helped her team lock up the District 7-2A championship with an undefeated record. In the district finale vs. Haskell, Gutierrez allowed one earned run on four hits with 13 strikeouts and two walks in a complete game in the 2-1 win.

Also named to the Top Ten List at #8 was Savana Gonzales, right fielder. Gonzales drove in Stamford’s only runs in its win over Haskell. She went 1 for 3 with a twoout, two-run triple in the first inning of the 2-1 victory.

10 MAY 3, 2019 RANCHERS CLAIM PACKERS CONSPIRED TO DEFLATE BEEF PRICES Last week, several Midwestern feedlot owners, along with the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, filed a class-action KASN AG REPORT lawsuit alleging that dominant meatpackers With Richard Kemp conspired to depress cattle prices starting in 2015.

STATES STRUGGLE TO REGULATE PESTICIDE USE IN LEGAL-CANNABIS INDUSTRY In the absence of federal guidance on the use of pesticides, the nine states that have legalized cannabis for commercial use are building a patchwork of regulatory policies in an effort to ensure that the end product is safe for consumers, reports the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

LOOKING FOR A ‘HUGE VOTE’ IN SENATE TO LIMIT NATIONAL-SECURITY TARIFFS Senate Finance chairman Chuck Grassley is working with like-minded senators on crafting a bipartisan bill to limit the president’s power to impose import tariffs in the name of national security. “We’ve got to get a huge vote on it because it could be vetoed by the president,” said Grassley on Wednesday.

WITH EYE ON CHINA, CANADIANS WILL PLANT MORE WHEAT, LESS CANOLA Canadian farmers plan to slash canola plantings by 7 percent this year because of a trade clash with China and to greatly expand their sowings of spring wheat, said Statistics Canada on Wednesday.

NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF SCHOOL FOOD SURGES UNDER 2010 REFORMS Researchers say the nutritional quality of school meals increased by more than 40 percent following a 2010 mandate to serve healthier food.

FARMERS COULD SEE “VERY LOW RETURNS” ON CORN AND SOYBEANS When overhead costs such as seed, fertilizer, equipment and insurance are counted, returns per acre could drop below land rental costs.

MANY WATER WELLS IN IOWA TAINTED BY FARM RUNOFF, REPORT FINDS More than 40 percent of private wells tested positive for coliform bacteria at least once over a 16-year period, according to a new study of Iowa state records by the Environmental Working Group and the Iowa Environmental Council.

GROCERY PRICE INFLATION IS BECOMING LESS VOLATILE The United States is headed for the fifth year in a row of lower-than-average increases in grocery prices, part of a longer trend of smaller and less volatile changes in food inflation, said two USDA economists.

WET FIELDS MEAN CORN PLANTING WILL RUN LATE A larger-than-usual portion of the U.S. corn crop will be planted so late that yields could be depressed, said two University of Illinois economists on Thursday. “A reasonable estimate is that late corn planting in 2019 will be at least 5 to 10 percent above average.”

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WEST TEXAS TREES AND LANDSCAPES

By Bruce Kreitler and the KWKC Green Team Recently, I had a discussion with someone where they mentioned that they thought that pruning trees should be done in order to “allow air and light into the interior canopy of a tree”.

First of all, I said that that was untrue, that there was no need to cut away branches with the sole goal of “opening up” the interior canopy of a tree. Secondly, I mentioned that I fully understand why he would think that, since there are numerous arborilogical texts out there that say one of the things you need to do when pruning trees is “open up the canopy so that light and air can move through it”. What a load of hogwash. Fortunately, I don’t recall reading that particular recommendation in anything published in the last ten or fifteen years.

However, there are a lot of older books and articles, many of which actually contain a lot of really good, useful, information, where you can still read a recommendation about pruning to let in light and air. Yeah, if you go back a few decades, you can also read about what a good idea it is to fill cavities in trees with concrete.

My personal opinion is that pruning trees to open them up for air and light is just as useful as filling cavities with concrete, which is to say, it’s not useful, or helpful to the tree, at all.

When I first got serious about studying trees, and really started getting into the nitty gritty of how trees grow and live, I did a lot of reading. Being a bit of a bibliophile, I also bought most of the books that I needed to read. Frankly, considering the relative obscurity of the stuff I was interested in, it’s probably just as well that I have a preference for owning the books I read, rather than trying to borrow them somewhere. I will say, that a lot of them were very expensive, but since I still use them for reference, and study, I’m probably getting my money’s worth out of them. Anyway, I’ve seen plenty of mentions about the sun and air thing, and fully understand when somebody who’s really interested in learning about trees, starts thinking that’s a good way to prune.

Over the years, I’ve noticed three things, that I disagree with, which are common to find in arborilogical manuals and reference materials. One is the pruning recommendation about air and light that I’ve already mentioned fairly thoroughly. Another is how large of a hole should be dug for tree plantings. Even to this day, there are a lot of people out there pushing the idea that a planting hole should be three times the width of the rootball of the tree that is being planted.

I guess that works okay if you are planting a five or ten gallon bucket size tree, but what if you are planting something along the size of

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a forty-five gallon tree? Now we’re talking a seven-anda-half foot diameter hole, about a foot-and-a-half, to two feet deep. That’s a ridiculous amount of digging, to plant a tree that probably has a trunk diameter of about two inches. Loosened soil around newly planted trees is great, but telling people to dig up half the yard, or pay somebody to dig up half the yard, to plant a new tree, is ridiculous. I think people who write such recommendations would do a much better service if they spent more time talking about how important it is to not make the hole too deep, rather than stressing how unrealistically wide it needs to be. I think this particular “recommendation” is unrealistic, and a real disservice to people who really want to know the best ways to plant a tree.

The third thing that is just flat wrong, is a general statement that there are very few feeding/gathering roots around the base of a tree.

Honestly, I used to believe this one, because so many tree authority types used to say it. At least I believed it until I bought and started using an air spade. As soon as I started doing root collar inspections, I couldn’t help but notice that the area right around a tree stump was absolutely packed with small feeding/gathering roots. Yes, of course, the large buttress roots were there, but so were the small ones that go about the business of finding water and nutrients to send to the canopy.

When I first started really learning about trees, there was still a lot being said about how “modern arboriculture” was much different

now, than it was just a few decades ago. Now that I’ve spent a few decades in the business myself, I’ve noticed that our practices are still changing, and still needing change, for the better.

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

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Anger Solves Nothing This week I want to talk about something that has been really weighing on my mind over the last few days that is so quick to achieve and use, but it ultimately solves no problems. Something that we all experience many times in our lives and have experienced the negative effects of letting it cloud our judgment.

This simple concept is the comTHOUGHTS FROM mon emotion of anger. We can experience frustration on a day UNDER THE CAP to day basis, but it can ultimately fade away with no serious conseWill McClure quences. However, anger can do so much damage as it can lead to hate and can lead to poor decision-making. While not trying to over-generalize them, wars have been raged throughout the years because of anger and can even start with one single act of anger and violence. I would list examples now, but I am sure that you already know what those may be. For my thoughts this week, however, I am going to just focus on our own day-to-day lives as talking about anger in world problems would take a long time to discuss!

Over the years, we have all had moments of anger that we can reflect on now and find many regretful decisions that we have made that we wish we could go back and fix. It could be getting into fights in school just because someone said the wrong thing. Or it could be driving recklessly because someone cut you off on the road. Or it could be sending an ill-advised message to an ex where a friendship could have been salvaged. Regardless of the event, we all know a moment that we wish that we could take back. However, like many things in life we cannot change the past and one moment could ruin relationships, or even one’s own life, in the future. The thing is that when we are driven to anger our common sense seems to take a vacation on us until we are calm again. Without that little voice in the back of our heads to talk us out of a situation and let cooler emotions prevail, we can be quick to make a snap decision to “get back” at whatever, or whomever, has wronged us. And while it may seem satisfying at first and make one feel like things are “better,” once the anger goes away and common sense returns, that is when the person starts to realize that they have caused way more damage than fixing the problem.

Anger is a human emotion and there is no getting away from it; we will all experience it at one time or another. However, how we ultimately control it is how we can eventually solve a problem. Recently, anger overcame me on a personal issue and I was very close to doing something that I knew I was going to regret.

However, after calming myself down and talking to friends and family, I realized that my anger would only make things worse and I instead put my mind on other things. Now, while I am still a little upset about the situation, I know that I will not do something stupid or drastic in an attempt to “solve the problem.”

Hopefully, this will be the one of many times where anger will consume me, but my common sense will stick around to pull me out of it as well as talking it out with those that are willing to listen. We will fall many times in our lives and let anger overcome us, but how we pick ourselves back up and move forward is how we can define our future. Anger never solves anything, so make sure that before you make a decision that you will regret that you just take a moment, breathe deeply, talk to someone if you need to, and think about the consequences of the decision. More often than not, common sense will defeat anger every time if this is done.

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

A Legendary Dance Hall Turns 65 Hoyle Nix and his brother Ben built a dance hall in Big Spring in 1954. They were country musicians who played out of town on a dance circuit most weeknights.

They built the dancehall to give them a place to play close to home on Saturday nights, the only time Hoyle Nix and his West Texas Cowboys performed there. The two brothers named the place THE STAMPEDE because they hoped people would stampede to get to dance there.

The Stampede opened before it was finished.

Plans were to improve the looks of the place later, but people going there liked the bare rafters and rough wood, so the finishing touches were never completed. Hoyle said it’s not built for looks. It’s built for dancing. Hoyle and Ben started the band in 1946 and it became famous over a 300-mile radius of Big Spring.

Hoyle said he helped pay for 9 American Legion and VFW Halls across West Texas. “I gave them

my word that I would stay with them until they got them paid for,” Hoyle told me in 1978.

Hoyle died in 1985. His death was mentioned on NBC’s Nightly News and other news outlets.

His biography is in several historical and musical publications. One member of Hoyle’s band was his son Jody, who started out playing drums. Jody later switched to fiddle and learned to play it lefthanded. Jody has been playing at the Stampede 59 of the 65 years the dance hall has been open.

He has planned a big anniversary dance at the Stampede on Saturday, May 11. Jody’s circuit is a lot larger than his father’s. As a result, the Stampede is only open 4 or 5 Saturday nights a year. Jody has played for United States presidents.

He has recorded numerous albums and his music is heard on satellite radio.

The Stampede has been the subject of articles in influential publications. Texas Monthly featured the historic dance hall 3 times. Jody says nearly three quarters of a million people have scooted their boots on the Stampede dance floor. “To me it’s a family treasure.” Jody was 2 years old when the Stampede opened.

It is a landmark. When residents of Big Spring have out of town company, they take their guests to the Settles Hotel, the newly updated spring complex and the

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

Stampede. Hundreds of people from foreign countries have visited the Stampede. When the international hang gliding championships were in Big Spring a few years ago 120 hang gliding pilots from all over the world made reservations at the Stampede. “They had a blast,” says Jody.

“They had never seen anything like this. When we stopped playing at midnight like we usually do, the pilots practically begged us to play more.

I told the band to get out their instruments and we played another 30 minutes.”

The Stampede has been the site of graduation parties and wedding receptions. It’s difficult to count the number of people who learned to dance at the Stampede. As Jody says: “One dance hall, one family. 65 years.”

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

Coronal Energy Flips Anson Solar Center

BY KAY SPEARS Jones County commissioners met on Monday, April 22, 2019, at the Courthouse in Anson, TX for a regularly scheduled meeting. In attendance were Judge Dale Spurgin, County Commissioners James Clawson, Lonnie Vivian, Ross Davis, Joel Spraberry, County Clerk LeeAnn Jennings, County Treasurer Amber Thompson, County Auditor Gwen Bailey, County Tax Assessor Collector Gloria Little and County Sheriff Danny Jimenez.

The meeting was called to order by Judge Spurgin.

The Court approved the minutes of the last regular meeting, held on April 8, 2019.

The next item on the agenda was to discuss and take action on a bid submitted by Ramiro Gutierrez for the purchase of (R26531), a 0.258 acre tract of land known as Tract 1140-21, 70 feet by 140 feet out of the North side of the West on-half (W/2) of Section 2, Block No. 1, T & NO RY Company Survey and a part of G.C. & S.P RY Company Survey No 1, lying immediately North of said Section No. 2, Block No. 2, T & NO RY Company Lands in Jones County, Texas, and being the same property conveyed in Volume 156 Page 605 of the Deed Records of Jones County, Texas; such description being incorporated herein by reference.

Save and except, Easement to Big Country electric Coop, Inc., recorded in Volume 181 Page 102 of the Deed Records of Jones County, Texas. The bid amount is $700.00. Court cost has been waived and the bid was approved.

Next was a bid submitted

by Jeramy Wayne Riggs for the purchase of (R24263), Shady Crest Hamlin, Block 1, Lots 5 and 6. The bid amount was $5,000.00.

Court cost was $843.00.

Riggs has been trying to

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redeem his property after losing it at a Sheriff’s sale for delinquent taxes. The Court received information concerning a potential bid from The Texas Community Group for $15,000.00 and the bid from Riggs was moved to this meeting’s agenda. The Court has not received any other bids. The Hamlin Hospital District, the Hamlin School District and the City of Hamlin will have to approve the bid for Riggs to redeem his property. The bid submitted from Riggs was approved.

The next agenda item was to discuss and take action on Transferring Rights of Property R26696 in Exchange for the City of Hamlin paying all expenses associated with the cleanup and maintenance of Property R26696, Original Hamlin Block 44 Lot 7-8, Property Location 253 S. Central, Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. Judge Spurgin explained that Bobby Evans, Hamlin City Manager/Police Chief and Hamlin EDC have been working on this piece of property on the main street of Hamlin. They would like to clean up the lot left after a building collapsed.

The property owner had delinquent taxes and signed over the deed to the entities in lieu of payment of taxes. The transfer will be the Commissioner’s Court giving ownership of Property R26696 to the City of Hamlin and the City of Hamlin will clean up the block. County Attorney, Chad Cowan, previously recommended the transfer and the Commissioners approved this action.

Next, the ongoing items related to the Disaster Declaration, FEMA, TDA and TDEM Forms and Requirements were discussed regarding #4255 and #4416 disasters, with no action taken.

No action was taken concerning the next item of Proposals for Repairs to Low Water Crossing on CR

311 and Deadman Creek.

This item is ongoing.

The next item on the agenda, the annual TxDOT Request for Materials was approved.

No action was taken on the ongoing Bids on Material and Material Hauling agenda item.

Next, two bids were opened, however no action was taken on the Proposals for Air Conditioner Chiller & Pump for Courthouse.

The Court then approved the bid from Cooper Oil Co. for the Fuel/Oil agenda item.

The next item was to discuss and take action on Bids for Sale of Surplus Property and Vehicles. After advertising for bids, no bids were submitted to the Court. The County is now “free to try to sell them,” stated Judge Spurgin. No action was taken at this time.

No action was taken on the ongoing item of Equipment Purchase.

Filling Vacancies of Two Board Members of The Texas Midwest Public Facility Corporation Board was next on the agenda.

Judge Spurgin stated that traditionally the Sheriff and a member of the Commissioner’s Court have been on this board.

Greg Arnwine resigned as Sheriff and former Commissioner Joe Whitehorn retired creating the two vacancies. It was approved for Sheriff Danny Jimenez to fill one position and Commissioner Joel Spraberry to fill the other position. The other Board Members are Judge Dale Spurgin, Bill Carmen and Gwen Bailey. The Texas Midwest Facility Corporation Board was set up to consider proposed actions concerning the vacant prison located in Anson, Texas and to report to the Commissioner Court. Judge Spurgin stated, “There has been some interest in the facility from immigration.

We don’t have anything to report other than there’s

been some inquiries and some site visits.”

The Court was next updated on the Anson Solar Tax Abatement. Judge Spurgin stated Ben Alingh called him reporting that Coronal Energy had been approached and was in negotiations to sell the project to a larger company. This is also known as “flipping” and the County anticipated that it might happen, but not this quickly. The larger company is Engi Energy and “has the financial wherewithal to do the projects much easier than they can,” Alingh told Judge Spurgin. They have offices in Austin and Houston, TX and the plan is to wrap up the negotiations in the next two weeks. The land owners have been contacted, the Hospital District has been paralleling with the County’s agreement and the School District goes through the Comptroller’s Office. No action was required.

The County Treasurer’s Report was approved after being presented by Amber Thompson.

The Line Item Transfer was then presented by County Auditor Gwen Bailey and approved. Paying the bills was approved.

Judge Spurgin announced there will be a Budget Workshop in June.

Scheduled meetings will begin in July on regularly held Commissioners Court dates. Information will be sent to department heads next month.

Commissioners Court was then adjourned.

EMULATE Our good word for today is EMULATE. EMULATE: Meaning to strive to equal or excel another. To imitate or be like another. I try to explain it like this: imitate is to act like another and emulate is to try to be like another. We must be careful in this life who we imitate, let alone emulate. Many years ago, when I was a boy Bill Hillier every little leaguer wanted to be like Mickey Mantle.

We copied his batting stance, his swing, every aspect of his game, except his fielding. At that point, I copied Willie Mays with his famous patented one-handed catch. Well , at least I tried to copy them. Actually, I played baseball more like Mickey Mouse and Willie Wonka.

Kids will invariably try to be like their favorite sports stars or rock stars or movie stars. That is why it is so important for these heroes to be good role models for the youth that try to emulate them. There is one super- hero all of us should try to emulate. His name is Jesus. Philippians 2:5 (KJV) 5 “ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” You can’t go wrong if you try to emulate the Son of God. Have you ever heard of W.W.J.D.? “What would Jesus do?” That’s a good question to ask ourselves on a daily basis. That action would save us a lot of trouble in the long run. Maybe we can’t emulate the Savior of the World. But, we can certainly imitate Him. If you can’t be like him, at least act like Him. Wouldn’t that make a wonderful world if everyone did that? Well, my friend, it starts with me and you. Have a blessed day!

Bro. Bill

A GOOD WORD FROM BROTHER BILL

Yippehay, yippiwho.....all righty, all righty It’s not every day a guy turns ninety!

Come help celebrate the 90th birthday of Johnny Goodwin, Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Stamford VFW Post # 9179, Stamford, TX 79553 from 4:00-6:00pm. Come join us for a fabulous time with family, friends, food, music, eats, drinks, cake, laughter, and love. RSVP: Jacki Lott 361-463-6096 or LaToshia Ignont 361-461-4241

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It’s Revival Time – Are You Ready?

When I think about a spiritual revival, my mind goes back to the days when it meant a traveling Evangelist came to town, set up a large tent, covered the ground in sawdust, and posted flyers on telephone poles. For the most part, that has become an event relegated to a bygone era, uncommon in this day and time.

Revivals moved into church buildings and for a couple of weeks, people received a fresh gospel message and an opportunity to renew their faith and their excitement for God. Eventually two weeks became one until now most church “Revivals” run from Sunday through Wednesday. In some churches, revivals have become a short burst of life in an otherwise predictable series of routine services.

Please hear me – young people are hungry for spiri-

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By Paul Wright tual awakening, the reality of the gospel, but when they don’t find it they lose interest all together. Some say revivals have died due to a lack of interest. I hope that is not true, for revival is what we need more than anything. We need to recapture our first love, turn back to the God of power and might, the God of love who changes lives and heals broken hearts.

But I have a question this week. Are we revivable? Are we? If so, then how does it happen? What should we do? First, we must understand that revival beings with us, as individuals. The greatest revivals began with one concerned person who went to their knees and prayed for God to bring revival as a sovereign act.

Psalms 138: 7 says: “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me.”

From this scriptures, as well as others, we know that the heart of God is to draw us close to Him and to have pure Holy fellowship together. No matter what we have done, or how far we have strayed from him, His loving arms are outstretched to His children. When our relationship is right, there is so much peace that floods our soul that we must ask ourselves, why? Why do we stray and allow ourselves to become cold and distant from God? A cold indifferent world of sin will drag us away if we let it, but is it ever worth it? No! A relationship with our Loving Father is priceless and should be our first priority. Yet we take Him for granted because He is always there wooing us.

Community – it’s time we turn back to God, repent, and ask for revival, for our

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families, our Nation, and ourselves. Still the question remains, are we revivable?

The same question is asked in the Bible as the Psalmist wrote in Psalms 85: 6. Is says: “Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” No matter what we have done or what we are doing or what have had done to us, we are revivable!

God will breathe new life into us when we ask. It’s His will to forgive us, bless us and welcome us back to our first love. He is so wonderful, and His grace is new every morning. He will not only bring us back to where we were, but He will take us to new places in Him. If we humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord He will lift us up. Praise be to God!!!

Isaiah 57: 15 says: “For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble

spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

I challenge each of us to pray for revival. History shows that God has sent revival to countries in times of national crisis, war, and economic stress. His Word describes how He will look throughout the earth for those whose heart is toward Him. And to those loyal to Him, He will prove Himself strong on their behalf, and will actually fight their battles. We must keep in mind this battle is not ours, it belongs to The Lord.

The Bible is replete with examples and proof that He wants to bless His people because He cares about each one. So, since we are revivable, pray for revival as if it all depends on you.

Remember, 2Chronicles 7: 14 says: “If my people, who are called by my name , will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked

Craig Thames 228-4457 Worship: 11:00

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

ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

To my loving community – God is talking to us!

If we love Jesus and have accepted Him in our hearts and know Him as Lord, we must pray for revival and it must begin within us. We must: Humbly pray Seek the face of God Turn from our wicked ways (Stop making excuses) Then we will hear from Heaven We will be forgiven of our sins Healing will take place I challenge each of us to get busy. Time is winding 7 up!!!

B In Christ Alone, 7 Pastor Paul B m

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MacKenzie Trail Cowboy Church AM worship 11:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

HELP WANTED Sagebrush Living Center has openings for Direct Care Staff for 2pm to 10pm evening shift. Also need 10pm to 6am LVN. For information call Karen Wolsch or Doug Stanley at 325-773-2791 or come by Sagebrush Living Center, 1101 Columbia Stamford, TX.

Classifieds

RESIDENTIAL

712 E Vanderbilt Gorgeous 1910 2 story Victorian home.Reduced.....$135,900 1018 Reynolds Historic 4bd home w/ basement, near school.Reduced$135,900 1502 Compton Great 3/2/2 Ranch Home on 1.6± AC! Reduced!...... $128,900 1210 Landon Stamford 3/2 Limestone Family Home w/ Fireplace! $106,000 7725 US Hwy 277 Hawley, Nice A-frame on almost half an acre! ......$69,000 2514 CR 389 Anson Country living - large 4/2 on 3 acres!......IN CONTRACT 2325 Ave Q Anson, Newer 4/3 Brick home w/ Shop 6± Acres.........$330,000 1222 Ave L Anson Farmhouse style, 2/2, fenced bk yard..........IN CONTRACT 715 Ave J Anson UPDATED 3/2 Brick, Sprinkler System...............$169,900 1726 22nd St Anson Spacious, 1922 Sq. Ft. 2/2 Brick .......................$129,000

Send ads and news articles to: office@americannewspapers.net or FAX 325-773-5551

COMMERCIAL

1611 N Swenson Historic Cliff House Restaurant REDUCED..............$79,900 1631 17th St, Anson over 4,000 sq. ft, restaurant equip. ..........IN CONTRACT 901 Commercial, Anson 12,600 sq. ft. Large parking lot..................$225,000

FOR RENT 720 East McHarg St, Unit A, 2 BR, 1 Bath, $350 per month 720 East McHarg St, Unit B, 2 BR, 1 Bath, new paint, $400 per month Call 325-668-9175

MAY 3, 2019 15

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

FARM & RANCH

DICKENS COUNTY

1,450± AC Fantastic Hunting, Shinnery, Large Stock Tank

House for Rent: 1319 Landon, 3br 2 bath, Large Kitchen, Recently Remodeled, $700 per month, First and Last month as Deposit, 6 months to year lease. Call 325-370-5079

EASTLAND COUNTY

622± AC All Coastal, Good Water!

FISHER COUNTY

953± AC over ¾ mile river frontage! IN CONTRACT 619± AC- Valley View Ranch- Tremendous wildlife, elevation changes, good water! IN CONTRACT 130± Ac South of Sylvester on FM 1085 Nice small tract in good area!

179± Ac Sweetwater Creek Ranch West of Trent Thick Brush w/ some cultivation! IN CONTRACT

CALLAHAN COUNTY

BURGESS AUCTIONEERS 31st ANNUAL SPRING EQUIPMENT AUCTION SAT, MAY 11, 9:00AM 6 MILES SOUTH OF GRAHAM TX 2338 FM 1287 RT & NITA WELLS ESTATE-Complete Liquidation of Equipment & Personal Property, and Others LARGE AUCTION! PARTIAL LISTING: 2014 JD 5100M 2K HRS—2014 NH T.105 1800 HRS— 2011 VERSATILE 400 2800 HRS—NH VERSATILE 9682 4700HRS— JD 3040 MFWD—FORD 7700—FORD 2120 MFWD— 2016 CAT D5K2 DOZER—2- 2018 GENIE TELEHANDLERS— 2012 JCB 320T SKID STEER—2014 JCB 330 SKID STEER— WELDERS— JD 469 RND BALER—NH BR 7070 RND BALER—NH BC 5070 SQUARE BALER— OTHER LATE MODEL BALERS & CUTTERS— SEVERAL HUNDRED PIECES OF FARM & RANCH EQUIPMENT ALSO SELLING FOR THE WELLS ESTATE: Antiques, Roll Top Desk, Depression Glass, Carnival Glass, Collectibles, China, Primitives, Collector Plates

WE WILL RUN 2 RINGS ALL DAY LIVE ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE, WITH LEVEL FOR MORE INFO & PICTURES: www.burgessauctineers.com

940-549-0970 - Sim Burgess TDLR# 9880

1,015± AC Great Sock Farm or Hay farm

COMANCHE COUNTY

735± AC - 4D Game Ranch – Turnkey High Fenced Hunting Ranch w/ Lodge!

HASKELL COUNTY

202± AC - Box Springs Ranch - Improved Grass, Stock Tank w/ Good Water Well!

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

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

JONES COUNTY

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

202± AC – 202 Ranch- great hunting West of Stamford 247± AC Stock Farm, Cultivation and pasture!

160± AC Cultivation south of Avoca 157.8± AC Stock farm w some pasture off HWY 6 SOLD 139± AC- Farrington Cotton Farm Prime Cultivation 50± AC Cultivated farm great hunting!

KENT COUNTY

922± AC-Panther Canyon Ranch-Native pasture w/ food plots, springs on Panther Canyon and Croton Creek on the north Boundary!

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

SCURRY COUNTY

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

SHACKELFORD COUNTY

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

SOLD

STEPHENS COUNTY

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

85± AC w/ house

STONEWALL COUNTY

4,743± AC - Patterson North Camp - 2 Live Creeks w/ Hunting Lodge... A Must See! SOLD 5,900± AC- Live Water… Coming Soon!

2,082± -AC- Double View RanchSpectacular views, River & Cabin!

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

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

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

320± AC – River Frontage w/ Beautiful 2 story home and additional acreage for lease!

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

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

249± AC River Bluff Ranch mile of SFB River, gorgeous bluffs, shinnery, elevations, very diverse!

160± AC- Spring Canyon Ranch Great Hunting w/ Lodge! IN CONTRACT 130± AC- Youngers 130 Good Cultivation and great Hunting!

TAYLOR COUNTY

76± AC - Near Jim Ned School. Motivated Seller!

50± AC White Mines Road-Wylie ISD-No Restrictions!

5± Acres Off of HWY 351 No Restrictions In Contract!

Taylor Ridge Estates- 20-80 Acre rural tracts Call for info

16 MAY 3, 2019

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Mattie Barnes won 2nd place at Regionals in 100 Hurdles and is headed to State. Mattie also received recognition as #2 on the Reporter-News Big Country Top Ten. At the Area meet on April 15, she won the 100-meter hurdles in 16.93 seconds and also won the 300 hurdles in 52.33. (Photo courtesy of Roger Neihaus)

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Stamford Planning & Zoning Committee Meets

BY KAY SPEARS The Stamford Planning & Zoning Committee met for a Public Hearing on Monday, April 29, 2019, 5:15pm at Stamford City Hall, 201 E. McHarg Street. Robert Smith opened the meeting and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

In attendance were Robert Smith, Kelly Williamson, Sandy Clark, Jimmie Wilhelm, Farreed Hassen, Alan Plumlee and Kim Bryant.

The Public Hearing was to consider a request by Vance Proctor “to operate a shipping container in a Single Family zoned area of Lots 16, 17, and 31 ½ of 18, Block 1, Sample and Frizzell Addition in and for the City of Stamford, Jones County, Texas better known as 916 Texas.”

Plumlee explained that Article 8 of the Stamford Zoning Orginance and Rules lists prohibited structures being shipping crates, railroad cars, truck or bus bodies and other singular containers shall not be used

as accessory buildings in any residential district. All property owners within 300 feet of the property have been notified and questions from the property owners have been answered. They were given the option to respond either in writing, by appearing at this Public Hearing, or both. One letter was received from the property owner of 1003 Texas St. that stated no objection to the shipping crate to be on the neighboring property. Plumlee stated the owner does not live on the property at 1003 Texas St. Proctor supplied picture exhibits, stating he has wood on hand to apply to the shipping container and it will look like a wood structure when it is completed. He stated he plans to use it to store tools, lawn mower, rototiller and other implements he uses.

Smith brought up the list of prohibited structures and that shipping crates were included. The Committee discussed this aspect as well

as granting variances and the Committee’s role in making changes to ordinances.

Smith stated, “When you read about varianes that we can grant and the purpose of those variances in that paragraph right there, the very last sentence says, ‘A variance shall not be granted to allow a use that is not allowed in the specific district in question by the Use Regulations.’ So if we grant this variance I think we are in violation of the regulations that we are supposed to operate under.”

Proctor explained he did not know there was an ordinance against it before he moved the container from his farm property to his residential property a few feet away. He reiterated that the structure would look like a wood building and not a shipping container.

Smith stated that anytime the Committee grants a variance, it sets a prescident for others to come to them with similar issues and they will not be able to deny them.

They cannot grant a variance to one citizen and not to another one. Wilhelm stated he remembers when that has happened in the past and Clark responded with, “Two wrongs don’t make a right.”

The variance question was approved to be tabled to present it to the City Council.

It was stated that by having a shipping container on his residental property Proctor is in violation of the Code and he needs to be in compliance or be issued a citation. After continuing to consider the pros and cons of the question, the Committee voted to untable and took a vote to deny or pass the variance. The Committee then approved a motion to deny the variance and told Proctor he would be able to appeal their decision to the City Council meeting on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 5:15pm.