May 1, 2020 - Stamford American

STAMFORD

American THE NEW

MAY 1, 2020

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

$.75

INSIDE

PAGE 3

MAYOR ISSUES COVID CLEAN UP CHALLENGE

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 50 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 99, ISSUE4 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 115, ISSUE 5

americannewspapers.net

facebook.com/ stamamerican @stamamerican

SHS Valedictorian Storey Gomez

Storey Gomez is the Stamford High School class of 2020 Valedictorian. During her years at SHS she was involved in band, PALs, FCCLA, track, softball, basketball, & cheerleading. She competed in academic UIL. She also served as a class officer & was a member of the student council & National Honor Society. Storey plans to attend Texas State University in San Marcos and major in Nursing and minor in Psychology to become a Nurse Practitioner.

SHS Salutatorian Lane Patton

Lane Patton is the Stamford High School class of 2020 Salutatorian. During his years at SHS he was involved in PALs, FFA, track, baseball, basketball, golf, tennis & 4-H . He competed in academic UIL, Ag Leadership Development Events, Ag Career Developments Events, & supervised agriculture experience competitions. He also served as a class officer and was a member of the student council & National Honor Society. Lane plans to attend Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK, and major in Agriculture Business.

2 MAY 1, 2020

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST

Friday 99 | 71

Curbside Popcorn Again Friday!

After an OVERWHELMING response to our popcorn fundraiser last Friday, we have decided to do it again THIS FRIDAY! We would like the thank everyone for their donations and support last week! This week we will have two types of popcorn to choose from.

TIME: Friday 5:30-7:30 PRICE: $5 Per Bag FLAVORS: Movie Theatre Popcorn with Butter Caramel Corn (Goes fast, so come early!)

DONATIONS ACCEPTED Thank you all for your support of The Grand and we hope to see you Friday!

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

Saturday 104 | 73

Sunday 102 | 67

Monday 102 | 74

STAMFORD RESIDENCE AND REHABILITATION Last week we were busy touring Italy! We had a great time learning about Italian culture. We enjoyed an Italian luncheon on Tuesday with Chicken Tortellini. We had a Italian coffee shop social with fine Italian coffees. We also had lots of crafts and, of course, bingo. But I believe the best part of the week was Thursday when we had a Italian sweets social. We had Tiramisu, Italian Sweet cakes, and we made Italian Cream sodas. It was a hit; they were coming back for seconds and thirds. We really enjoyed our trip to Italy. Now for our last stop, we are getting ready to land in China. We would like to thank the Stamford Star Newspaper for donating all of our festive Chinese decorations. We also want to thank Clara Anchondo for letting us use her Chinese decorative mask. The residents are loving all the

Tuesday 92 | 59

Wednesday 84 | 64

Thursday 84 | 60

The weather is provided for you

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

By Jayme Brattain, Activity Director

decorations. After our last week on our “Trip Around The World” we are going to really just be focusing on lots of spring activities like cookout, scavenger hunts, crafts, gardening and so on. On March 6th we will have special visitors Brody Deaver and his family come out along with their horses.

They just wanted to ride around the building so our residents can see the beautiful horses. I know they will enjoy seeing them.

Also I am working to put together a Wave Parade for our residents. Keep an eye out for more Info on our Facebook page “Stamford Residence and Rehab.”

Thank you so much for your time and we hope you all have a blessed week!

Romans 12:12 Be Joyful in hope, Patient in affliction, and Faithful in Prayer.

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

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

SUBMISSIONS POLICY

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

NOTICE

Any erroneous reflection upon the character, reputation or standing of any individual, firm or corporation will be gladly corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher.

The New Stamford American (USPS 025-332) is published weekly at 102 South Swenson, Stamford, Jones County, Texas by Clear Fork Media Group LLC. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stamford, Texas 79553. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The New Stamford American, P O BOX 870, Stamford, Texas 79553 MEMBER 2019 TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

102 S. Swenson, P.O. Box 870, Stamford TX 79553 * 325-773-5550 * FAX: 325-773-5551

Community

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

MAY 1, 2020 3

Has it Only Been Six, Seven, Eight Weeks?

BY KAY SPEARS The timeline began in December 2019 when the coronavirus was detected in Wuhan, China and designated COVID-19.

On January 30, 2020 the World Health Organization Director General declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On March 5th he urged aggressive preparedness and to activate emergency plans to be aggressive about changing the way the virus was heading.

Has it only been seven weeks since Texas Governor Greg Abbot declared COVID-19 a public disaster on March 13th? It seems like much, much longer.

People are getting antsy to have it over with, but our best approach is still patience and to focus on the safety of ourselves and others.

On March 19th the Commissioner for the Texas Department of State Health Services joined the Governor and declared a public health disaster for the state of Texas. On March 30th the Commissioners Court for Jones County declared a State of Disaster and Public Health Emergency for Jones County, Texas and they, with Judge Dale Spurgin, have been taking emergency actions for us to keep this threat at bay. They are owed a great big Thank You! Judge Dale Spurgin studied the information he was given and in the Disaster Declaration stated, “extraordinary measures must be taken in order to limit the development, contraction and spread of COVID-19 in Jones County, Texas.” On April

Stamford Mayor James Decker began the COVID-19 Cleanup Event that will end at 5:00 pm, Friday, May 8th. Trash bags may be picked up for use at his law office, 127 E. McHarg, on the NE corner of the square. (The building with the gorgeous awning reminiscent of days gone by.)

COVID-19 has struck at the Jones County Bluebonnet Detention Center run by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The facility is using their strict protocols. New detainees are held for 14 days in the medical holding area. Anyone testing positive is moved to a separated part of the medical holding area. All detainees are wearing face masks and employees are being tested for fever before their shifts.

6th Amendment #5 to the Disaster Declaration restricted access to the Jones County Courthouse.

Restricted access to the Courthouse led to much confusion, some people had no idea there was a basement door, not to mention what side of the building it was on. Social media and word of mouth helped to get the information out, and restricted access continues until at least May 15, 2020.

Governor Abbott left schools to decide how to handle this crisis and the Independent School Districts in Jones County have done a great job transferring over to online learning. They have done a great job keeping the meals coming that the chil-

dren count on at school.

We know that the virus spreads between people by close contact with one another and through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is still recommended people wear face masks to limit the spread.

Social distancing of six feet has been in effect and continues. Washing and/or sanitizing hands many times a day has now become routine.

After Jones County Commissioners Court approved Amendment #6 on April 13, 2020 it seemed that if we did not absolutely have to, we might as well stay at home. By that time not much was open anyway.

Just 14 days later on April 27th, Governor Abbott is

letting people go back into some businesses but not like it was 10 weeks ago.

The businesses on the list are restricted to 25% capacity.

All the restrictions have and continue to be for our welfare. The Governor looks at the whole state and, let’s face it, Dallas, Houston and Austin are the squeaky wheels that get the grease first. The economy is taking a major hit, and we will wait to see how Phase I of his Open Texas plan works against the Coronavirus pandemic.

Until we know for sure, it might be wise to practice the procedures it has taken us six weeks to get used to and keep ourselves safe.

Oh, and remember Take Out Tuesday!

Announcing Stamford’s Covid—19 Cleanup Event Many of you expressed interest in a trash pickup competition to combine 1) community beautification, 2) socially distanced exercise, 3) fresh air while waiting out COVID—19, and 4) support for local restaurants. Here are the details: The competition begins at 9 AM on Tuesday, April 28 and ends at 5 PM on Friday, May 8. Come by my law office (127 E. McHarg St.) and I will have standardized trash bags for use. Collect litter from the streets, sidewalks, and vacant lots of Stamford (emphasis on plastic, paper, glass, and aluminum). Return your bags to my office before the end of the competition. You can return as you go or all at once. At the end, I will calculate the results, deposit all bags at the City of Stamford convenience station, and announce the winners.

We’ll pay 10 places: $250 for 1st place, $200 to 2nd, $150 to 3rd, $100 to 4th, $75 to 5th, and $50 to places 6-10. These prizes will be paid in gift certificates to the Stamford restaurant(s) of your choice. Thanks to sponsors Rudy Fuentes and Angie Fuentes/Tejas Pumping, Danny Bolin and Matilda Bolin, Sandra Villanueva, Melissa Velasquez/Cooking for a Cause, and Danny Hubbard and Tammy Hubbard/Just Country Road Cookin’ for sponsoring prizes.

The competition is open to the entire Stamford community. If you have questions, please let me know. Let the games and beautification begin!

James M. Decker - Mayor of Stamford

4 MAY 1, 2020

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

OBIT

William Raymond “Billy” Luna

Kevin Gene Smith

Baltazar “Pana” Vasquez

William Raymond “Billy” Luna, 68 of Stamford passed away Friday at his home. Family graveside services were held Monday the 27th in the Highland Memorial Cemetery with Father Chako Thadathil and Deacon Juan Bustamante officiating, directed by KinneyUnderwood Funeral Home.

Billy was born December 6, 1951 in Hillsboro, Texas to Ray and Ermelinda Guzman Luna. He married Nora Guerra May 28, 1976 in Dallas, Texas.

They moved to Stamford in 1977. He worked many years at a tank manufacturing plant in Albany. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Billy enjoyed spending time with his family and grandkids as well as fishing, gardening and woodworking.

He was preceded in death by his mother; daughter Betty Ann Luna; sister Oralia Luna; step-father Gregory Guzman.

Left to cherish his memory is wife Nora Luna of Stamford; his father Ray Luna of Tyler, Texas; children William Raymond Luna Jr. of Stamford, April Jean Rodriguez of Oklahoma, Lavita Luna of Haskell, Clemente Luna of Stamford and Annissia Luna of Stamford; his grandchildren Adrian Luna, David Luna, Alexis Sanchez, Nicholas Ramos, Kara Ramos, Abree Ramos, C. J. Gomez and Esme Gomez; Great-Grandchildren Xavier Cedillo and one on the way; numerous extended family.

Kevin Gene Smith, 28 of Avoca, passed away Saturday April 25 in Haskell. A family graveside was held Wednesday April 29, 2020 in the Spring Creek Cemetery with Pastor Paul Wright officiating under the direction of Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home.

Kevin was born in Fort Worth, Texas to Rocky Dewayne and Teresa Ann (Landreth) Smith on July 24, 1991, 10 minutes before his twin Devin. They had a bond that only twins could have and/or understand.

Kevin loved life. He loved being outdoors and he worked hard no matter what he was doing. Kevin loved to fish, hunt, play his guitar and listen to his music (which was loud!).

Whenever you saw our dad you can bet that 99% of the time Kevin was right there with him. We always joked (but really meant it) that Kevin was daddy’s boy and got away with everything. Kevin loved his mother, he would go out of his way to make her smile, sometimes with the most random gifts to her. He was a loving son, brother and uncle.

Kevin is preceded in death by both his paternal and maternal grandparents, Jack Smith, Ruby Smith, Earnest Landreth and Leola Bernice Roberts; 3 uncles baby Hank Smith, Randy Landreth and Lanny Smith and one cousin Gary Webb.

Those Kevin leaves behind to honor and cherish his memory are his mother and father Teresa and Rocky Smith of Avoca; his older brother Kerry Smith of Avoca and nephew Kullen; his only sister Trisha Smith and Adrian of Abilene and nephew Keelyn. His twin brother, his other half, who loves him more than anyone could ever know Devin Smith and Cheyenne of Lueders and niece Laikyn; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Baltazar “Pana” Vasquez was born December 8, 1967 in Kenedy, TX to Viola and Marcos Aleman. He passed away Monday, April 27. 2020, surrounded by his family at his home.

Baltazar chose cremation with a memorial service to be held later.

As a child, Baltazar moved to Sweetwater, TX, and as a teenager he relocated to Stamford where he met Virginia Jimenez. Baltazar and Virginia were married on August 20, 1987 in Jones County, Texas.

Baltazar loved oilfield work and spent his adult life in the oil business. He was a hardworking man who always referred to himself as, “a jack of all trades, but a master of none”! Baltazar attended church at the House of God in Stamford. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa who loved music and had a great sense of humor. Hobbies included working in his yard where he was very competitive with friends and neighbors to have the loveliest yard, and he also enjoyed putting bikes together.

Survivors include his wife Virginia Vasquez of Stamford, TX; children, Jennifer Vasquez, Veronica Moreno, Nathan Vasquez, and Randy Vasquez; 3 sisters, Diane Canales (Dave Fitzsimmons), Adella Aleman and Angie Aleman; 2 brothers, Armando Canales and Manuel Canales; grandchildren, Jacelyn Bell, Jameson Bell, Gary Bell, Madison, Jeremiah and Urijah Moreno, Jordan Vasquez, Lyric, Alexis and Chris Johnson.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com.

JONES COUNTY ARRESTS

/19-4/25

DEATH NOTICE

Dorrace Elizabeth Haynes (96) currently of Amarillo, Texas and a former resident of Stamford, Texas passed away Monday April 20, 2020 in Borger, Texas. A Memorial Life Celebration will be held at a later date in October at Stamford, Texas.

4/19-4/25 LU QUALITY & VA

E

YOU CAN

TRUST !

GUARANTEED

THE BUTCHER’S BUNDLE 4 (5 oz.) Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 4 (3 oz.) Gourmet Jumbo Franks 4 (2.8 oz.) Potatoes au Gratin 4 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets Omaha Steaks Seasoning Packet $238.91* separately

COMBO PRICE

$

6999

+ 4 MORE

BURGERS FREE!

GET IT ALL

20 MAIN COURSES

+ SIDES & DESSERT

*Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2 pkgs. Free gifts must ship with #61086 Standard S&H will be added.

Expires 5/31/20. ©2020 Omaha Steaks, Inc.

ORDER NOW! 1.833.993.0143 ask for 61086GEJ www.OmahaSteaks.com/dinner177

4/20/2020 4:53:00 PM James Robert Sherman, Warrant Family Violence 4/21/2020 5:46:00 AM Frank Jason Halayay, Assault Class C MC 4/21/2020 4:55:00 PM Donald Jackson Day, Driving While Intoxicated 2nd MA 4/22/2020 9:00:00 AM George

Anthony Herrera, Poss Cs Pg 1 >=4g<200g F2 , Warrant (TDCJ) - Parole Violation 4/22/2020 2:23:00 PM Christina Angelic Hutler, Burglary of Building FS , Resist Arrest Search or Transport MA , Theft Prop >=$2,500<$30k FS 4/23/2020 2:41:00 AM Armando Wayne Rubio, MB - Driving W/Lic Inv W/Prev Conv/Susp/W/O Fin Res MB 4/25/2020 9:06:00 AM Kacie Lee Hartmann, Warrant - Probation Violation

JONES COUNTY SHERRIFF’S OFFICE CALLS FOR SERVICE Abandonded Vehicle 1 Alarm 1 Animal Bite 2 Animal Control 1 Assault 1 Case Follow Up 5 Civil Complaint 1 Civil Process 2 Control Burn 2 Criminal History 4 Criminal Trespass 1 Disturbance 6 Domestic Disturbance 1 Fight 1 Fire Grass 1 Fire Other 1 Illegal Dumping 2 Information Only 2 Intoxicated Motorist 2 Livestock Out 7 Major MVA 1 Medical/EMS 5

Minor MVA 1 Public Service 17 Reckless Driver 1 Request Officer 7 Road Hazard 1 Routine Patrol 2 Runaway 1 Security Check 1 Smoke 1 Stolen Vehicle 2 Suicide/Suicide Threat 1 Suspicious Activity 1 Suspicious Person 3 Suspicious Vehicle 3 Theft 2 Traffic Stop 3 Wanted Subject 1 Welfare Check 1

Burn Ban Excluded From COVID-19 Disaster Order

BY KAY SPEARS The Jones County Commissioners Court met on Monday, April 27, 2020, in the 259th District Courtroom on the second floor of the Jones County Courthouse in Anson, Texas. Social Distancing continues to be practiced in the Courthouse and the use of the hand sanitizer dispensers is encouraged.

In attendance were Judge Dale Spurgin, the Jones County Commissioners: James Clawson (Pct. 1), Lonnie Vivian (Pct. 2), Ross Davis (Pct. 3), and Joel Spraberry (Pct. 4), County Clerk LeeAnn Jennings, County Treasurer Amber Thompson, County Auditor Gwen Bailey, County Tax Assessor Collector Gloria Little and Sheriff Danny Jimenez.

After he opened the meeting, Judge Spurgin informed the Court that Steve Estes, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent for Jones County, has accepted a position as Taylor County Extension Agent. When the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted at the Courthouse, there will be a formal acknowledgement and reception for Estes.

Judge Spurgin encouraged those wanting to speak to the Court to fill out a form. The minutes of the April 13, 2020 meetings were approved next.

He then gave an update on submitting applications for TxDOT County Transportation Infrastructure Fund (CTIF) Grant for $240,779.

Judge Spurgin gave an update on the expansion and improvements of CR 185 and CR 186, which runs throughout Anson Solar One Phase One. The Commissioners then discussed and approved the County Road Weight Limitation of 60,000 lbs. on CR 205, 303, 313 and 307. A Road Weight Limita-

MAY 1, 2020 5

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

tion Notice will be posted for 20 days before being replaced by permanent weight limit signs on those roads. County trucks being used to do road maintenance are exempt to the 60,000 lbs. limitation.

These roads are in Precinct 3.

An update was given

by Judge Spurgin on the application for Economic Development Administration’s Economic Adjustment Assistance Disaster Recovery Program. County Clerk Jennings reported on the Joint Election Contracts for the November 3, 2020 Election. She stated the local elections will be moved from May 2, 2020 to the November 3rd election date and be on one ballot. The Primary runoff election will be held on July 14, 2020. The Commissioners approved the joint election contracts.

Advertising the sale of surplus property was approved. Sheriff Jimenez stated the surplus property is a weapon and Judge Spurgin said the bids would be restricted to certified, licensed gun dealers. County property was discussed to transfer to another County office.

Equipment purchases were discussed however no action was taken at this time.

Judge Spurgin gave an update on the Cybersecurity Training Course, it has been 70% completed. He explained the email process he is using to avoid any spam use on the part of outsiders.

County Tax Assessor Collector Gloria Little asked for an update on the employee benefit status related to the Bluebonnet Detention Facility. Judge Spurgin stated 750 detainees “is still the magic number.” The benefits will not happen until the original agreement of housing 750 people is met. The number

was 350 and is now 500 detainees. The problem remains not in the number of job applicants, but in the background checks not being completed. The Court approved to ratify an Amendment of Modification of Contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The new amended date of the contract is May 20, 2020.

Judge Spurgin reported a change he discovered in the State’s COVID-19 guidelines over the weekend. He stated in-house church services can be held within the guidelines.

“If you can do online church services, you really shouldn’t be considering doing this.” The recommendations are many and specific. He stated he found them on the Texas government website.

He gave an update on the COVID-19 cases at the Bluebonnet Detention Center. After the first case was detected everyone in the housing unit was tested. There are seven more that tested positive.

They were in the same dorm as the first case.

They are waiting for 19 more results. The positive cases are all together in the medical holding area.

Because of COVID-19, the new detainees have been held in the medical holding area for 14 days. This protects the employees as well as the detainees. The detainees are now wearing face masks. Two employees have tested positive.

Judge Spurgin stated the original employee was living with someone who had tested positive and was sent home after being tested for fever when they got to work. Employees temperatures are being taken before their shifts.

The county has not been receiving reports from the two prison facilities in Jones County but that

will be changing. The two prisons are the French Robertson and the Middleton prison facilities. Five people outside the prison system or the Bluebonnet Facility tested positive for COVID-19. Three of those have recovered and their households have been released from quarantine.

They have been encouraged to carry the letter from the authorities stating they have recovered from COVID-19.

Judge Spurgin went over the very short timeline between being informed of the COVID-19 mobile testing unit coming to Jones County and the County getting everything ready for the drive-thru event on Sunday, April 26th. He stated 51 people registered online to be tested at the Anson Fire Station.

The tests were picked up by a plane that took off from the Childress, Texas, airport and landed at the Stamford airport the evening of April 26th before flying to Dallas. There is a 48 hour turn around to process the tests.

He stated mobile testing was an effort by Governor Abbott to get a gauge of the coverage of the virus in rural Texas. Testing in rural Texas has not been as available as in cities. The Governor will have “hard numbers” to look at to help him make decisions.

The Court approved the Treasurer Report given

by Amber Thompson, the Line Items Transfers given

by Gwen Bailey and to Pay Bills. The Commissioners Court went into Executive Session and, upon returning, the Court was recessed until April 28, 2020 at 8:00 am. This is to obtain any new information Governor Abbott may present at his press conference scheduled for April 27th at 2:30 pm.

SEE COURT, PAGE 11

KEY SENATOR DEFENDS DECISIONS ON NUTRITION SPENDING Congress increased funding significantly for public nutrition programs in the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package, said the chairman of the Senate subcommittee in charge of USDA spending KASN AG REPORT on Monday. Congress has come under criticism for With Richard Kemp unfairly funding food programs in favor of farmers.

IOWA LEADERS ASK FEDERAL INDEMNITIES FOR HOG CULLING Farmers across the nation may be forced to kill 700,000 hogs a week because of coronavirus closures and slowdowns at slaughter plants, said four Iowa political leaders in a letter to Vice President Mike Pence on Monday.

May 4-8

VIP Menu

Monday Burrito with Chili, Cheese, Hominy, Salad, Ice Cream Tuesday Pepper Steak, Garlic Potatoes, Corn, Chocolate Pudding Wednesday Beefy Mac & Cheese, Fried

Okra, Salad, Strawberries Thursday Chicken Spaghetti, Italian Green Beans, Garlic Bread, Peaches Friday Pasta Ham Salad, Pork-NBean Salad, Corn Salad, Crackers, Yogurt

6 MAY 1, 2020

The paw print

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

A BLAST FROM THE PAST.....

From Bulldog News February 16, 1945 Alumni Dale Muse and Charles Thompson left Monday for the Armed Forces. Muse to the Navy and Thompson to the Army. Muse was a senior of 1944 and former editor of the Bulldog News. Thompson was a member of the class of 1943. Muse had just finished his freshman year at John Tarleton and Thompson had just completed a year and a half at Tarleton. Lee McCullogh is awaiting his call for the Navy.

Gordon Haynes, Jr. has been reported killed in action in Belguim. Haynes was a member of the class of 1937.

He was in the United States Army. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family. His brother, Harry Lee, is a prisoner of war in Germany. We extend to the new members of the armed forces of the United States mentioned above, good luck and may God speed you safely home after victory.

Remember Any day you buy War Bonds is a day to remember, as a day you helped end World Ward No. II. The time is now.

1945 Football Program

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

news@americannewspapers.net

MAY 1, 2020 7

8 MAY 1, 2020

news@americannewspapers.net

In Service of the People As I’m writing this essay, we’re receiving word from Texas Governor Greg Abbott about the plan to “reopen Texas.” We’ve all endured weeks of stay-athome orders and statewide shutdowns of schools and numerous businesses large and small——from theaters and gyms to salons, barbers, and tattoo parlors.

We’ve learned new ways to worship together and to support our local restaurants. As I’m reviewing the Governor’s announcement, I have mixed feelings.

As I wrote to our Stamford community last week, I am concerned that COVID—19 cases in rural Texas have not yet reached their peak. There are signs that new cases have recently peaked statewide in Texas, but COVID—19 most likely appeared in rural areas a bit later than urban areas, so just like new cases were

ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker a little behind, it’s likely that our peak would be a little behind as well. In fact, we have recently seen a small spike in cases in Jones County as a result of the private detention center located here.

Believe you me, nobody wants to get back to “normal” as much as I do.

I would prefer to have my businesses back up to full speed, rather than working around numerous restric-

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

tions. I would prefer to focus my mayoral efforts on rural revitalization, not pandemic prevention and response. I would like to see Stamford’s Grand Theater operational, our restaurant dining rooms open, and our closed businesses back in operation.

As summer and fall draw nearer, I would like to see a capacity crowd at the Texas Cowboy Reunion and the Stamford Bulldogs playing football under the lights of Bill Anderson Stadium.

But good leadership requires us to make the BEST decisions, not the decisions we WANT to make.

Our local communities do not operate in a vacuum and they are subject to the decisions of our state and federal leaders. I pray that our Governor and his advisers are making decisions purely with the best interests of Texas in mind.

The COVID—19 pandemic requires a careful balancing of public health concerns

with economic concerns.

It would be easy to completely shut down our state and provide maximum protection of public health.

That would be an economic disaster. It would be easy to protect our economic wellbeing, but that would be a public health disaster.

There’s a reason that good leadership is not easy.

Good leadership (during emergencies and otherwise) requires the balancing of difficult factors with no real way of knowing the “correct” answer until you gain the benefit of hindsight. So why do I have mixed feelings about the current decisions being made? Simply put, I’ve paid too much attention to state and federal politics. Too many other factors enter the decisionmaking mix. Elected officials are influenced by their own re-election desires and by the donors and primary voters who weigh heavily on those outcomes. Political parties and partisan politics

serve only to make decision-making worse.

I am thankful that local elections are nonpartisan, because I’ve long subscribed to George Washington’s skepticism about political parties. In President Washington’s farewell address in 1796, he warned that joining political parties leads to a spirit that “serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration.

It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection.”

Leaders who focus too much on re-election are often viewed poorly by history, because they were unwilling to make the best decisions, regardless of their popularity. Leaders who focused on making the best decisions—names likes Theodore Roosevelt and Harry Truman come to

mind—often angered their peers but today are viewed favorably by history.

Today, I pray that our leaders—in our local communities, in our states, and at the federal level—will focus on making the best decisions. I pray that they heed the spirit of George Washington to ignore partisan impacts on sound public administration. I pray that they balance the difficult factors with an eye on the greater good of our society.

Here in Stamford, Texas, we’re ready for “normal,” but above all, we’re focused on making the best decisions we can make in service of our people.

First Baptist Church John Ward 214 N Swenson 325-773-2781 AM Worship: 11:00 House of God Pastor Bobby Acosta 802 Ferguson St Sundays 11:00 am

Nugent Church of Christ Nugent, Texas Wayne Kitchens, Preacher Sun. 10 Bible Classes 11 Morning Assembly

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

Temple Baptist Church Jesse Morton 309 E Campbell 325-773-2550 AM Service: 11:00

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

Trinity Church Dr. Robert Wingrove 220 E. McHarg

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Texas Bolsters COVID-19 Testing Capabilities, Moves Toward Reopening Texas continued to feel the effects of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic last week as Gov. Greg Abbott and advisors worked on a plan to ease his statewide stay-at-home order.

Abbott set April 27 as the target date for announcing his plan for the state to move toward normalizing business activities.

The Texas Democratic Party criticized the governor for following President Trump in rushing “to reopen Texas for business against the advice of experts and medical professionals.” Democrats said doing so would risk “a new surge of cases and deaths, threatening not just the public health, but also the health of the economy in the long term.”

Meanwhile, on April 24, Abbott announced that the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Texas Department of State Health Services have launched an online COVID-19 test collection map.

The interactive map on the Texas.gov COVID-19 resource page displays information on public and private mobile, walkin and drive-thru test collection sites around the state. A search feature allows users to locate test collection sites near them and includes details such as contact information and hours of operation for each location.

“By using this map,” said Abbott, “Texans will have access to pertinent information on a variety of test collection options that will help fulfill testing needs in communities across the Lone Star State.”

More than 340 test collection sites are currently listed on the map. Additional locations will be added as more sites are identified across the state, Abbott said.

On April 20, Abbott said the Texas National Guard would mobilize more than 1,200 personnel operating in 45 teams to share the work of other COVID-19 mobile testing teams in various parts of the state.

Guard personnel also have helped local communities manufacture more than 4 million

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Sterling

pieces of personal protective equipment, have helped conduct more than 9,000 COVID-19 tests and have helped distribute food and supplies to thousands of Texans each day, according to the governor’s office.

Update: COVID-19 numbers Figures posted by the Texas Department of State Health Services at noon on April 26 showed that some 24,631 people in Texas had been diagnosed with COVID-19. Officials had confirmed 648 deaths resulting from the virus.

SBOE APPROVES COURSE At its first-ever virtual meeting on April 22, the State Board of Education gave final approval to include an African-American Studies course for high school students as a component of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. More than 1,100 viewers tuned in for the live stream of the meeting, the Texas Education Agency said.

This is the second ethnic studies course adopted by the board, following the passage of Mexican-American studies in 2018. Texas is now the first state in the nation to offer stand-alone Mexican American studies and African American studies courses for its students.

African American Studies will provide a broad overview of African American involvement in history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, culture and science and technology.

The board also gave final approval to a legislaturemandated career and technical education plan to help students master academic, technical and employability skills. The intent

is to prepare students for highskill, high-wage and in-demand occupations in current and/or emerging professions.

PRICE DROP HITS HARD Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on April 20 issued a statement on the historic drop in oil prices to less than $0 per barrel last week.

Hegar called the decrease “unprecedented and likely indicative of very limited storage capacity” and that “supply gluts continue to strain storage capacity.”

Hegar pointed out that severance tax reductions would primarily affect the state’s Rainy Day Fund and State Highway Fund and to a lesser extent the amount of general revenue available to meet budget needs.

Contraction in the energy industry also will affect other sources of tax revenue, including sales and franchise taxes.

“The Texas budget is based on the average price of oil in each year of the biennium, thus daily market activity doesn’t significantly affect revenues, which are forecast based on average prices rather than spot prices or prices for specific futures contracts. That being said, given the historic nature of today’s market moves, we are carefully monitoring trading as June contracts come into focus.

Should prices remain depressed over a long period of time, we anticipate the impact will be reflected in a reduction in the revenue forecast we’ll be releasing in July,” Hegar added.

MAY 1, 2020

9

10 MAY 1, 2020

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Leave Nothing to Chance I imagine a lot of you are tired of seeing a new story about COVID-19 every time you turn around. While it is important to be informed and up-to-date to know if things are getting better or worse depending on the story, it has indeed dominated almost every source of news including myself talking about it almost weekly for a little over a month. However, I am sure THOUGHTS FROM that when things do get back to a sense of normalcy in the future we UNDER THE CAP start to appreciate the little things a lot more often from driving to Will McClure spending time with our family. For many in the state of Texas, they are starting to believe that normal will return sooner rather than later with Governor Abbott’s declaration to start the process of reopening the state. The idea right now has our state split down the middle with some saying it is way too soon to start reopening and others that say we should get back to business ASAP. Our own Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has been the most outspoken about this not only for Texas but for the country as a whole where “sacrifices” should be made. Other than that brief comment, I am not going to mention him or his ideas any further as, while I try to be the “center ground” through debates I do have very strong opinions about his ideas and let me just say that I am not on his side in any form (in fact he is still in my “doghouse” over his views and attempted reforms of Texas education, but that is another rant for another time).

Regardless of where you stand on the decision from Governor Abbott, I would hope that we can all agree that we should still be careful and not take any major chances. Sure, many people do believe that everything is, and has always been, fine and I am in a very similar camp on that idea. However, there is the prevailing idea that it is better to overreact than to underreact as things could have gotten a lot worse if things didn’t shut down when they did. Can we be certain that that would have happened or if anything would have changed at all? We cannot be sure and it is a good thing that we did not have to find out. I think that most of these thoughts of “we should have done nothing” come from those that are going stir-crazy at home. I have personally missed doing many things, the most of which being actually talking to individuals face-to-face. As much as I, and many of you out there, miss doing things that we would like to do or even go to work, in hindsight it is better to not leave anything to chance.

Even if things start to slowly open back up, we all shouldn’t just immediately run out of our homes just to get out. We still need to take the precautions no matter how silly they may seem. Personally I have the utmost belief that I do not have anything and never did, but at the same time I know that I have a good immune system that may have fought something off yet still pass it on to someone who is susceptible. Am I being too over-analytical with this? All signs point to a definite “yes” but as I mentioned before it is better to overreact sometimes. Like many of you, I want to be able to go to the store again and not worry about anyone else.

I want to be able to go and get my hair cut without a lockdown.

I want to be able to go see my friends and family without fear of catching something or worse giving something to one of them.

While I do hope that the right decisions are being made and by the summer months things will be back to normal, I also do hope that people still leave nothing to chance and just take opening back up one baby step at a time. The shutdown happened so we can stop the spread and “flatten the curve,” but we should not give any reason to see that curve come back again.

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

Leal’s Tortilla Factory Jesse Leal left the valley and moved to Muleshoe from the Rio Grande Valley in the 1950s. Previously he had picked cotton around Sweetwater.

In 1957 he and his wife started a tortilla factory and restaurant to cater to braceros (farm workers from Mexico).

“They saw a need to cater to their needs,” says Jesse’s son Sergio. “The tortilla business actually came from my grandfather on my mother’s side.

Down in Mercedes, Texas he had what is called the little Molino or little mill and made tortillas since the 1920s. When my mother wrote to her dad and told him she was going to open a tortilla factory in Muleshoe he tried to discourage her, telling her it was too much work and suggested she not do it. She was working at the CR Anthony department store at the time. My father was the liaison between the braceros, landowners and the government, which supervised the bracero program.

But they had saved up a little bit of money and bought a tortilla machine and opened their small

restaurant.”

That was the beginning of the Leal family’s venture into restaurants and Mexican food products.

“It was all under one roof for a while but when they moved to another location in the 70’s the tortilla factory and the restaurant became separate entities. I gravitated toward the tortilla end of it and my brothers and sisters gravitated to the restaurant end of it.

My brother Victor has Leal’s Restaurant here in Muleshoe, which is the original location. He also has the restaurant in Amarillo. My sister Laura has two locations in Clovis. My niece Heather has Leal’s Restaurant in Plainview and also has Picoso’s Restaurant in Lubbock. My sister Alma has Leal’s Tamale Factory in Lubbock.”

Sergio says his tortillas, mostly made by hand, go to restaurants. His chips

and salsa are found in grocery stores in 5 states. He is venturing into East Texas now, stocking Brookshire stores with his chips and salsa.

The chips are made at the factory in Muleshoe and the salsa is made in San Antonio. His chips come in 3 different flavors: a plain salted, a seasoned chip with chili powder and jalapeno cheddar.

“In making our chips and tortillas we use white corn that our farmers grow here. We have a silo on our property where we store the corn and use about 5,000 pounds of corn a day. We still cook and grind our own corn; we have huge vats that we cook corn in and

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

we have the same lava rocks we’ve used for years for grinding.”

The entire Leal enterprise employs close to 300 people. That’s quite different from when Sergio’s dad used to load up his Rambler and deliver tortillas to customers.

“Mom and Dad always made it an option for us to do something else if we wanted to. But we all kind of stuck around in the business.”

Sergio’s mother always has a Sunday lunch for her family. It attracts up to 25 or 30 people.

Well, here we are nearing the end of April and still in the same old rut. It doesn’t seem as though it’s getting better. Sure wish this would come to an end, I would like to get out and do some shopping, go places and do things and spend some time with family members. I think that is what everyone is saying. It sure is getting lonely and boring. Now I sound like some children, they get bored rather easily.

All kidding aside I do wish everyone could get better and the world would be like it was before this virus hit.

We had a stormy night on Monday evening and night. It did get scary when the weatherman kept showing Old Glory in the path of a bad storm. Thank goodness it turned some and went the other way. But it did say that Haskell County had some bad wind, hail and hard rain. This is the time of the year when we have to look forward to this kind of weather.

Usually on the end of the month I have to list all the activities for the next month, but now there isn’t any activities.

We did have a good service at the Faith Lutheran church in Sagerton this morning, even if we did have to stay in our cars and

Jimmy hear it over and Jana the radio. But Grisham we could see and Gladys Pastor Cannon Vahlenkamp and we did get were among to wave at our the approxifriends. mately thirty Friday folks from evening Mittie the Dunham drove OLD GLORY NEWS Sagerton to Aspermont and Rule to the home of By Anita Dozier area that Marcia Duggan gathered at and played the Lutheran Church on 42 with Necie Robertson, Saturday morning to form a Kathy Boyles and Marcia. parade. The parade went in They enjoyed the games front of the home of J F and and the delicious snacks.

Dorothy Toney in Sagerton.

On Saturday Mittie acJ B had been quite ill and companied her daughter, had not been home long Shelly Waldon, to Sweetwafrom the long stay in the ter to deliver a puppy to a hospital and needed some family from Odessa. They cheering up so the group had bought the puppy for did a good job of doing just their son for his birthday.

On their way to Sweetwater, that. What a great group of friends! they stopped in Roby to We want to extend our visit with her granddaughCongratulations and Best ter, Sonja and Brandon Wishes to Mr. and Mr. Ely Hampton, Cooper and Long who were married in a Dylan. The Hamptons live beautiful backyard wedding in Abilene, but have bought at the home of her para home in Roby to be near ents, Lynn Dale and Renee her work with Big Country Dudensing of Sagerton.

Electric. In Sweetwater they I enjoyed having daughvisited with her nephew, ter, Marcie Tucker, of Jason and Kendra Dunham.

On their way home they stopped in Hamlin to see her son, Rodney and Tracy Dunham. They enjoyed getting to visit with family members.

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

Hamby to spend Saturday with me. Thanks for the help, Marcie.

Thought for the week: “The pleasure we derive from doing favors is partly in the feeling it gives us that we are not altogether worthless. It is a pleasant surprise to ourselves.”

Happy Birthday Wishes go to Betty Weise, Martha Wolsch, Peggy Richards, DeDe Jones, Blain Hight, Shelby Martin, Anna Robbins, Megan Dickson, Hallie Rae Meador, John Glenwinkle, Rhett Jordan, 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 and Gracie Douglas.

We wish you many more.

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

COURT: Continued From Page 5

Classifieds PERSONAL

MAY 1, 2020 11

news@americannewspapers.net

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.

Jones County Commissioners Court reconvened on April 28, 2020, 8:00 am from recessing on April 27th and the same attendees were present. Judge Spurgin went over material from Governor Abbott’s press conference from April 27th. The Court went into Executive Session and upon return, Judge Spurgin went over the following items related to Jones County. “Everything else is governed by the Governor’s declaration.”

The Courthouse continues to be closed to the public and those rules already in place will be adhered to. Employee sick leave due to COVID-19 continues to be in place.

The Courthouse continues not to be a shelter for severe weather events. The Court approved to exclude the Burn Ban from the Jones County Disaster Declaration order.

The Burn Ban will be in effect until April 30, 2020 at 11:59 pm. The dates for the Jones County Disaster Declaration will be in alignment with Governor Abbott’s State Disaster Declaration, May 1, 2020 – May 15, 2020. The Annual Road Report was approved before the meeting was adjourned.

8603 FM707 TRUBY RANCH Fantastic Home w/ a pool.........................SOLD 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............................. SOLD 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......................$109,900 703 Columbia Nice 3 bedroom 2 bath on a corner lot............................. SOLD 716 E Oliver 4 bedroom/ 2 baths quiet area..............................................$68,900 1207 HUDSON 3 bedroom, 1 bath in a good location!..............................$49,900 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

10998 STATE HWY 6 Avoca 3/2 w shop and pens on 4.33± Acres.................................

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!...... $159,900 913 Harold St ALBANY beautiful 2 story Call for details!.....................$129,900 140 Offield ALBANY Blacksmith Shop, Art Studio........................IN CONTRACT

COMMERCIAL

1303 Swenson STAMFORD - 25,000 sq ft building 1631 17th St, Anson - over 4,000 sq. ft, restaurant equip....... IN CONTRACT 901 Commercial ANSON- 12,600 Sq. Ft. parking lot, HWY Frontage$175,000 The Hamlin Elevator, 423 E Lake Drive, Hamlin 1270 HWY 222 KNOX CITY Truck Facility on 35± Acres....................$359,000

FARM & RANCH

FISHER COUNTY

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

CALLAHAN COUNTY

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 MAY 1, 2020

Brittney Villanueva - Lueders-Avoca High School Valedictorian

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

The electric poles are being replaced on a 40 mile stretch of Hwy 277. The project began at the opposite ends, Abilene and Haskell, TX. Poles have been replaced before, but wood was always used. This replacement is with metal and is changing the landscape.

Ethan Lieb - Lueders-Avoca High School Salutatorian

Big Country Electric Cooperative Update on Operations We are all well-aware of the COVID-19/Coronavirus circumstances that are prevalent in the world around us, which Big Country Electric Cooperative (BCEC) leadership is actively monitoring. We have many employees with school-age children who are pulling doubleduty working from home while schooling their children. Because of this and continued observance of social distancing and other safety precautions, our lobbies will remain closed to visitors through May. While our lobbies will remain closed to visitors through May, all of our employees are all still working hard to serve you as normally as possible, so that you can continue to expect exceptional service from us. Please keep in mind that there are a variety of ways for you to communicate with us during this time: • Live Chat – visit bigcountry.coop to live chat with one of our helpful Member Account Representatives during BCEC office hours, which are 7:30

a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday, and 7:30 a.m.

– 11:30 a.m. Friday. Look for the icon at the bottom right corner of your screen when you access our homepage.

• SmartHub – This free app provides members complete access to their BCEC accounts. You can view your usage, billing and payment history, and submit questions or service requests to us whether you access SmartHub through our website or by downloading and using the app on your smart phone or tablet. You will need to have your BCEC account number handy to get started – please call us if you need help with that.

• Give us a call! BCEC staff will answer the phone during regular office hours, and our 24-hr. dispatch takes over outside of those times. All parties are trained to make sure your needs are addressed.

Toll-free: 1-888-6622232 Roby: (325) 776-2244 Snyder: (325) 573-3161 Stamford: (325) 773-3684 Outages will be respond-

ed to as always; crews are working and on standby!

Service trucks will run to make scheduled or immediately necessary repairs.

Non-critical new construction may be postponed.

Each office will be checking their payment drop box and mail, but you can also use SmartHub or pay by phone. Members experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 closures and related instances, please contact us.

BCEC is thankful to be part of an area that wholeheartedly works to take care of others, and we vow to continue doing our part to serve our members and communities. Our prayers for health and peace go out to each and every one of you, and we look forward to the day we can welcome you into our offices again – which we hope is in early June! For more timely updates on our response to COVID-19, please follow our Facebook page or visit our website at bigcountry.coop.

Mark McClain GM/CEO Big Country Electric Cooperative