May 17, 2019 - Stamford American

May 17, 2019 16 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION

STAMFORD

American THE NEW

Jones County Commissioners Court and AEP employees look on as Barry Smith from Electric Transmission Texas presents a check for $2,000 to Alan Plumlee of the Stamford Volunteer Fire Department in honor of the first responders help and hard work.

TTHE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 10, ISSUE 52 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 98, ISSUE 6 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 114, ISSUE 7

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At the May 13, 2019 Board Meeting, Stamford ISD Superintendent Will Brewer presents out- going Board Member Leigh Nauert with thanks and a plaque for her 10 years of service. In total Nauert served on the school board for 19 years.

The Stamford ISD Band Program (Beginning Band, the Middle School Band, and the High School Band) will have its annual Spring concert on May 20th at 6:30 PM.

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THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST

MARK THE DATE...

MAY 20TH

BAMD: The Stamford ISD Band Program (Beginning Band, the Middle School Band, and the High School Band) will have its annual Spring concert on May 20th at 6:30 PM. Performances will be done by the. Admission to the concert is free.

MAY 20TH

MEETING: Jones/Haskell Genealogy Society meeting Tuesday, May 21st at

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

5:30 pm. Please join us as we learn how to research deeds and abstracts.

MAY 25TH

MUSEUM FAMILY DAY: The Cowboy Country Museum will be open Sat, May 25, 2-6 pm. Museum tours and a special Western art lesson for kids at 4:00. Melissa’s Mexican Food with Attitude will be here serving street tacos benefiting Cooking for a Cause!

Friday 87 | 68

Saturday 84 | 59

Sunday 87 | 67

Monday 90 | 67

Tuesday 87 | 65

Wednesday 86 | 67

Thursday 84 | 66

The weather is provided for you

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

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

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

Dennis.

RENT: The TCR Old Timer’s Association rents the Bunkhouse and Roundup buildings. The new manager is Ann Heathington, and she can be reached at 325-773-8057. Please leave a message and she will return your call. (You will be reaching a business called From Scratch.) The price for the Bunkhouse is $50 deposit and $250 for a one day rental. The price for the Roundup is $150 deposit and $325 for a one day rental.

BIRTHDAYS

MAY 19 – Zach Logan MAY 20 – Malinda Thornton MAY 21 – T.J. Kuenstler, Gayle Lovvorn MAY 23 – Jonathon Lefevre 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

The newly elected Pink Ladies officers were installed at last week’s monthly meeting. Pictured (left to right) are President Karen Garcia, Vice President Vicky Solis, Recording Secretary Addline Kohout, Corresponding Secretary Janet Miller, and Treasurer Fred Selby. Stamford Healthcare System is grateful to the Pink Ladies for their dedication, support and generosity. Help support their efforts by shopping at the Pink Ladies Thrift Store, downtown Stamford, open Monday – Thursday.

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.

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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.

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

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

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

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The Face of the Stamford ISD Board Changes

BY KAY SPEARS On Monday, May 13, 2019 the Stamford ISD Board met in the Stamford High School Media Center. In attendance were Superintendent Will Brewer, Assistant Superintendent Staci Robertson, Gwen Baker, Curtis Birdsong, Jennifer Caddell, Justin Corzine, Cary McClintock, Callie MetlerSmith and Leigh Nauert.

Jennifer Caddell opened the meeting and Callie MetlerSmith gave the invocation.

The first order of business was for Superintendent Brewer to recognize outgoing Board Member Leigh Nauert. Brewer stated in his presentation, “In appreciation for ten years of loyal and dedicated service to the children of Stamford ISD, I’d like to present you with this plaque as a Board Member from 2009 to 2019. Thank you.”

Next on agenda was to canvass the May 4, 2019 election. Board President Caddell read the election results for the Stamford ISD Board Trustee positions: Curtis Birdsong, 153 votes; Eric Strand, 155; Mindy Flow, 42; Riley Carver, 147; Cynthia Wimberly, 140; Matthew A. Duran, 47. Joan Hagler gave the Oath of Office to Curtis Birdsong and Eric Strand. The Board voted to approve the election results.

The next item was to elect officers for the new Board of Trustees. The officers are: Jennifer Caddell, President; Curtis Birdsong, Vice President and Justin Corzine, Secretary.

No action was taken on the item Review Draft Special Education Budget

2019-2020.

Next were the reports from the school principals.

Stamford Middle School Principal Kevin White reported that 82 of the UIL competition students went to see the movie Avengers End Game at Stamford’s Grand Theater on May 6, 2019. SMS Awards Day is at 10:00am on May 20th in the auditorium followed by their Fun Day. May 21st is the RC Million Word Reward Day and they are going to Castaway Cove.

Last week student physicals were completed, and it was Teacher Appreciation Week. SMS is looking for a certified Math teacher. The candidate is required to be certified.

Kyle Chambers reported on both Oliver Elementary and Stamford High Schools.

Oliver: Starr testing continues and all 5th graders passed Math. There will be three different goal trips next week. One will be local, seeing a movie and spending time at the park eating hot dogs. Another goal group will be going to Castaway Cove on the same day the Middle School will be there and the third group is going to the trampoline park, the splash pad and CiCi’s pizza in Abilene. The PTO is putting on a Fun Day on Monday and Awards will be on Thursday and Friday of next week.

Stamford High School finished their testing last week. The AVID banquet had students who have spent all four years in AVID. They relayed stories of how AVID has helped them to be successful. Girls Softball wrapped up the season in a game played

Eric Strand and Curtis Birdsong take the Oath of Office at the Stamford ISD Board Meeting May 13, 2019. Eric Strand is new to the Trustee position. “in the most nasty, freezing conditions you can possibly imagine. I can’t even begin to tell you how tough our girls are. Every time they came into the dugout and then had to turn around and go back out into that mess, it made me cry. They just had smiles on their faces and kept going and it was tough, it was really, really tough. But they have had an incredible season.”

Baseball continues and the track team had a good showing at the state track meet.

Next was the Superintendents Report. Brewer handed out information on the areas he would like the Board Members to review.

He stated they were in a “holding pattern” until the legislation in Austin makes their decisions. He recommended training for Board Members be the Fall sessions offered. He stated he would attend TREA to represent the district and support the student who is receiving a scholarship. Summer ISD projects

include replacing the floor in the Oliver Cafeteria.

The track will be repaired/ patched. Leveling will be worked on at the football field.

Chase Seelke has signed a contract to be the Principal at Stamford High School and someone has given a verbal agreement for the Stamford Middle School Principal position.

The minutes from the regular meeting held on April 8, 2019 was approved.

Next was to consider and take possible action to Approve the Food Service Management Contract. Discussion included food quality and that participation has increased. The Airmark company was represented

by Brian Achilles and it was approved to accept the contract.

The next item was to Select a Firm for Legal Services. After discussion it was approved for the law firm of Walsh Gallegos to replace Powell and Leon to represent Stamford ISD. SEE BOARD, PG 9

MAY 17, 2019

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Rural Aggression In this space, I’ve previously mentioned a podcast called “Mountain and Prairie.” My friend Ed Roberson interviews a variety of thoughtful guests who have some involvement in shaping the present and future of the American West. Recently, Ed interviewed Russ Schnitzer, a photographer and conservationist from Colorado. In that episode, they discussed the concept of “aggression“ in conservation work. I found this perspective to be refreshing and applicable to work in our rural communities too.

As Ed observed, conservation is sometimes viewed as “feel-good” work. It has a nonprofit focus, so it should have a laid-back, “everybody wins” mentality, right?

Not so. Viewing conservation work in that manner misses the point entirely.

These are extremely serious issues with important consequences to the future of the American West and its people: preserving water rights, protecting ranches and agriculture production from urban sprawl, managing population growth in a way that doesn’t outpace an area’s water supply and other natural resources. Conservation might be a word that SOUNDS “feel-good,” but the outcomes are very serious.

The same applies to rural economic development and revitalizing our communities. That sounds like a nice thing, but it’s deadly serious. It’s not an opportunity to give someone a laid back job, or to have an occasional board meeting to shoot the breeze and ponder life.

Or, as many communities

ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker experience from time to time, it’s not an opportunity to waste time bickering over personal disputes and petty differences of opinion.

For many places in the American West, the future of property rights, availability of natural resources, and the agriculture economy are dependent on sound conservation work. For many of our rural communities, our future prosperity, quality of life, and heck, even our very existence, is dependent on sound economic development. Russ commented that not being aggressive in conservation work is actually insulting.

I agree. I believe the same applies to rural economic development. If you don’t treat it aggressively, do you really understand the consequences of NOT being successful?

Action is necessary.

Continuing the status quo is not acceptable. I’ve talked about this before, but if the status quo was going to work, it would have already worked by now. There’s an old saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting different results.

But action is necessary by US. That means you and me.

SEE DECKER, PG 11

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

HELLO FROM COWBOY COUNTRY

By Luci Wedeking

Continuing on this week with A.J. Swenson’s story from Mary Whatley Clarke’s book The Swenson Saga and SMS Ranch. If you will recall, A.J.’s work at the ranch started out when he was nineteen, digging holes and building fence out in the open range prairie. From 1883-1897 he’d worked his way up to become Superintendent of the ranches, and had just developed the Swedish colony of Ericsdale where we left off…

“Andrew was, of course, familiar with every detail of the ranch business, when he took over the management after the death of Frank Hastings in 1922. He often said that there was no type of work that he had not done during his long association with the company.

Hastings succeeded in establishing the trade with the Corn Belt and now it was Andrew’s responsibility to improve the herds still more. Throughout the years he had been a major source of strength and wisdom on the ranches, and no important decisions were made without first consulting him.

After looking over the cattle in 1923, one observer was impressed with the good cows on the ranches but said the bull herd could still be improved. Andrew invested ranch money in some fine bulls as the fol-

Prize winning SMS Hereford Cattle

A.J. Swenson, Manager SMS Ranches lowing clipping from the SMS Scrap Book testifies: Texas has made another draft on bulls from the near-corn belt region, and has taken the cream of the herds near Kansas City to go to as famous breeding and commercial herds as there is in the United States today. A collection

of 28 bulls, 26 Hereford and two Shorthorns, will leave Kansas City tomorrow for Stamford, Texas, to grow up into herd bulls on the SMS Ranches near Stamford. These bulls were purchased in Missouri and Kansas by A.J. Swenson, general manager of the SMS ranches and were the tops of the herds from which purchases were made.

Every bull purchased was either sired by a champion, the son of a champion, or the sire of a champion bull.

Mr. Swenson has implicit

faith in the continued vitality of the cattle business in Texas and is firmly resolved that nothing shall occur to detract from the quality of the SMS, and this was the principal reason for his making such a heavy draft on the top bulls of the big herds from which he has made purchases in the last few years.

In 1925 SMS beef was served to the Banker’s Club in New York City. The New York Edition, Daily Drovers Telegram, miniature of Kansas City Daily Drover’s Telegram, Thursday, Feb. 19,1925 carried this notice: SMS Ranch realized early that Texas was to be the great breeding grounds of the country. They did more to improve the breeding of cattle than any other single influence. They adopted modern methods together with improved sires, hence this choice beef of today, as good as is being served anywhere in the whole wide world.

No doubt Swenson brothers, Eric and Albin were

present at that Bankers’ banquet, and proudly partook of the fine beef from their Texas ranches.

A bull named Price Domino with well developed hind quarters left his mark upon the fine SMS Herefords. Descendants of Prince Domino, bred on compact built cows, became known as Compact Herefords. Andrew recommended that the New York Management buy Compact Hereford Bulls for their breeding herd and the program was begun in 1945.

How proud Frank Hastings would have been to see the prosperity of the SMS Ranches during the latter part of the 1920’s.

In 1926 Andrew said: It seems that the turn for the better has definitely come for the cattlemen. Everything points to a period of prosperity, and as a result of the increase in prices for cattle, the ranchmen of Texas are today in better financial condition that they have been for the last five or six years. They are at

last getting back on a stable footing and the future looks bright.

In 1927 Andrew John reported that the demand for SMS standard cattle was the best the company had ever had. In 1928 Andrew John said, ‘ The demand for cattle in phenomenal.’ Steer calves sold for $49.40, an increase of nearly $30 since 1924, and an increase of $20 a head from 1925. Cost inquiries poured in from all parts of the United States and Canada on yearlings and heifers for foundation herds.

About this time Andrew suggested selling Ellerslie Ranch because its registered herd had outgrown the acreage needed to maintain it. In 1926 the land, already surrounded by settlers on all sides, was sold at a far better price than some other Swenson holdings had attracted.”

We’ll leave off here for now and pick it up next time. Hope y’all have a great week!

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Lawmakers Remain On Threshold Of Passing Major Legislation Texas lawmakers have yet to cast final votes on the marquee issues of the 86th regular session of the Legislature: the state budget, school finance reform and property tax relief.

Conference committees named by House Speaker Dennis Bonnen and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, must complete their work on the state budget and the other top issues hastily in order to meet deadlines and deliver the finished products to their respective chambers. While little time remains for the bodies to address other issues, many measures can make it through both houses if Bonnen and Patrick want.

The largely ceremonial last day of the session will be Monday, May 27 — Memorial Day. Meanwhile, here is a random sampling of bills passed by the House and Senate that have either been signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott or are on his desk, waiting for him to take action on them: —HB 302 by Rep. Dennis Paul, R-Houston, and sponsored by Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola: Amends law relating to the carrying, storage or possession of a firearm or firearm ammunition by certain persons on certain residential or commercial property.

—HB 547 by Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, and sponsored by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock: Amends law by allowing Texans to use as proof of a hunting or fishing license a digital image of the license on their phone.

—HB 793 by Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford, and sponsored by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe: Amends the law relating to certain government contracts with companies that boycott Israel.

—HB 1785 by Reps. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake and Sarah Davis, R-Houston, and sponsored by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston:

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Sterling

Amends the law relating to the information required to be disclosed in a registration form for lobbyists.

—SB 450 by Sen. Beverly Powell, D-Burleson, and sponsored by Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe: Amends the law by changing from Feb. 1 to April 1 the annual deadline by which the board of directors of a Type A or Type B economic development corporation is required to submit a certain annual report to the comptroller of public accounts.

—SB 726 by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, and sponsored by Rep. Stan Lambert, R-Abilene: Amends the law by raising the cap on the aggregate of community development investments to 15 percent of a state bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus.

—SB 999 by Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, and sponsored by Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond: Amends to the law to require the Department of State Health Services to create a state plan for education on and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

FOCUS: HURRICANE DANGERS Gov. Abbott on May 7 issued a proclamation to raise awareness about the dangers of hurricanes and the precautions Texans can take as hurricane season approaches.

Abbott proclaimed the week of May 5 to May 11 as Hurricane Preparedness Week, and in doing so called Texans to take steps to protect families,

communities, neighborhoods and local economies.

Abbott suggested Texans visit https://gov.texas.gov/ hurricane to learn more about the steps they can take now to prepare for hurricane season, such as: —Put together an emergency supply kit; —Create a communication plan with your family; and —Know where to go.

BUSH: THINK ABOUT PETS, TOO In observance of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day on May 11, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush urged Texans to plan for the whole family, including pets, when preparing for severe weather.

“Hurricane Harvey devastated communities and left thousands of pets in need of rescue,” Bush said. “When severe weather is in the forecast, make sure your pets are prepared by creating an emergency kit.” A kit would include such items as: —Adoption information papers; —Collars and leashes; —Medicine; and —Pictures of you and your pet together.

“Remember, many temporary evacuation shelters don’t allow pets, so make sure you have a plan in place for your whole family,” Bush added.

COMPTROLLER SENDS REVENUE Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on May 8 announced he would send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $867.7 million in local sales tax allocations for the month of May. The amount is 0.7 percent more than the monthly distribution for May 2018.

Sales tax allocations are based on sales made in March by businesses that report tax monthly, and sales made in January, February and March by quarterly filers.

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MAY 17, 2019

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

KVRP Schedule Friday, May 17 Game of the Week on Big Country 97 (and kvrp.com) Class 2A Regional Quarterfinals Baseball Playoffs Game 1 of Best-of-Three Series Stamford Bulldogs vs. Hawley Bearcats in Hermleigh Pregame at 4:45 pm... First pitch at 5:00 pm

Saturday, May 18 Game of the Week on Big Country 97 (and kvrp.com) Class 2A Regional Quarterfinals Baseball Playoffs Game 2 of Best-of-Three Series Stamford Bulldogs vs. Hawley Bearcats at Hermleigh Pregame at 12:45 pm... First Pitch at 1:00 pm Game 3 (if necessary) will be 30 minutes following Game 2

Congratulations to these Stamford Track Stars!

Girls 4x100 Relay – Mariah Fletcher, Honesty Spotwood, Jacelyn Bell, Bresha Applin, Laramie Terrell, Tylee Jo Bevel finished 8th at State.

Boys Long Jump – Demarcus Barber finished 5th at State.

Bulldogs Sweep Series vs. Eldorado The Bulldogs are Area Champs! Stamford swept the 3-game series winning Game 1 17-0 and Game 2 22-6.

Zach Duran threw a No-Hitter in Game 1, striking out 6.

He went 2 for 4 at the plate with an RBI. Other offensive standouts were Brett Patterson with 2 RBIs, and Dylan Faulks with a pinch hit double and 2 RBIs. 123 45 RHE ELDR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 SHS 2 5 8 2 X 17 9 1 In Game 2, the Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead in the 1st and never looked back. Leading the offense were

Kaleb Flick with 3 hits and 6 RBIs, Reagan Detamore with 2 hits, and Bryson Holt with 2 hits and 3 RBIs. Josh Mueller and Lane Patton also had 3 RBIs. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E SHS 9 4 4 5 X X X 22 12 1 ELDR 3 1 1 1 X X X 6 7 1 The Bulldogs will face District rival Hawley in a 3-game series at Hermleigh. Game 1 will be Friday at 5:00 pm, Game 2 on Saturday at 1:00 and Game 3 (if needed) 30 minutes after Game 2. All games will be broadcast on KVRP Big Country 97 and kvrp.com.

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MAY17, 2019

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Lady Dawgs End Season with Loss to Windthorst in Best of 3

Bevel and Lefevre Awarded Scholarship

Central Texas Farm Credit to Award $10,000 in Scholarships to Agricultural Youth Leaders Peyton Bevel and Carli Lefevre have been selected as Central Texas Farm Credit scholarship recipients. The scholarship program, which began in 2016, awards $2,000 each to five high school graduating seniors who will pursue an agriculture related degree and plan to make a positive impact on the agriculture industry.

“This scholarship represents our core mission and commitment to youth in agriculture,” said Jimmy Chambers, Central Texas Farm Credit,

chief executive officer. “The quality of scholarship applicants we’ve received has been outstanding. We are pleased to award Peyton and Carli a scholarship to support their commitment to agriculture.”

The recipients are selected based on academic achievements, extra-curricular activities and an essay.

Peyton is a senior at Stamford High School. He plans to attend West Texas A&M University and will pursue a degree in Agricultural Leadership.

Carli is a senior at Stamford High School. She plans to attend Texas A&M University and will pursue a degree in Animal Science.

About Central Texas Farm Credit Central Texas Farm Credit finances farmland and ranchland, agribusiness operations, rural homes and recreational property in its 20-county area. A member of the Farm Credit System, it is headquartered in Early and has branch offices in Brady, Early, Coleman, Comanche, Haskell, San Angelo, and San Saba.

The Lady Bulldogs played their hearts out through lightning/rain delays and cold temperatures in the Best of Three series vs. Windthorst at Iowa Park and ACU. Citlaly Gutierrez pitched all three games and hit 2 homers in the series to win KVRP Player of the Game awards. Brittany Macias came on for 2 innings of relief in Game 2. The Lady Dawgs end their season at 29-4-1.

The Lady Bulldogs grabbed the lead in the sixth inning for the victory in Game 1. Gutierrez held Windthorst to one hit and had 14 strikeouts. Macy Detamore, Savana Gonzales, and Paris Alvarado were offensive standouts.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E STMF 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 4 7 4 WNDT 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 3 1 0 In Game 2, the weather delays took their toll on the Lady Dawgs, and they just couldn’t get their bats going.

Windthorst had two hot innings to end the game in the 6th inning, tying the series at a game each.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E WNDT 2 0 3 6 1 5 X 17 11 3 STMF 1 0 1 0 1 0 X 3 4 4 In Game 3, the Lady Dawgs outhit Windthorst, but came up short in getting the runs across the plate. Leading the offense was Laramie Terrell who went 3-4 and Macy Detamore at 3-3. Gutierrez threw all 7 innings and struck out 13 and gave up 3 walks.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E WNDT 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 4 5 1 STMF 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 8 4 With so many young players, next year promises to be another great year for Lady bulldogs softball.

8 MAY 17, 2019 We have a beautiful sunny day today for a great Mother’s Day. What a wonderful gift for everyone to be able to get out and play or cook out and just enjoy the sunshine. It has been cloudy and rainy for several weeks, so this is so great, especially when there are so many family gatherings.

The farmers are getting a good rest for a while, but when it does get dry, there will be no time for rest.

This month is moving right along, remember our musical will be on Saturday, May 25th with the concession stand to open at 5 P M. Hope all of you will come join us for a great evening.

By-the-way did you know Saturday, May 18 is Armed Forces Day? On Monday evening, Mittie Dunham attended Ladies Night at the Central Baptist Church in Aspermont. There were 13 ladies present.

Jenna Colter and Trisha Edwards of Jayton presented the program for the evening. Everyone enjoyed lot of delicious food and great fellowship.

On Wednesday, Mittie accompanied Gerral Waldon and Shelly Dunham to Abilene where they attended the graduation at Hardin Simmons. Mittie’s granddaughter, Sonja Dunham, was one of the graduates.

Later they all went to the home of Harrell and Twaila Waldon at Hamby for a fish fry.

Harrell and Gerral are brothers and they had their mother, Mary Sue Riskers from Fort Phantom Hill for a Mother’s Day celebration, and honored all the mothers present.

Our Senior Citizens Dance on Thursday evening was

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OLD GLORY NEWS

By Anita Dozier well attended and everyone enjoyed the good music and the delicious food the ladies furnished. The next dance will be on Thursday, June 13 from 7 P M until 10 P M. Glen and Helen Pierce drove to Haskell on Wednesday to visit with their friends, Roy and Mary Letz, at the Haskell Care Center.

Glen and Roy have been friends since first grade.

Friday evening, Dale and Carm Letz went to Haskell to visit with their children, Lacey and Micah New, Darbee, Laynee, and Hazelee They all enjoyed a birthday dinner together honoring Hazelee on her third birthday.

I drove to Mike and Maxelle Baldree’s home on Friday. In the afternoon we all drove to Big Spring to attend the graduation of their daughter-in-law, Lindsey Baldree. Lindsey graduated as a Dental Hygienist at the Howard College Hall Center for the Arts on Friday afternoon. She is the wife of Chris Baldree and the mother of two boys, Duke and Brody. Congratulations, Lindsey.

Visitors in the home of Glen and Helen Pierce on Mother’s Day were Jami Wilde of Knox City, Matthew Pierce of Stamford Lake, Wayne and Kara Briggs and Crete of Haskell.

On Sunday, Mittie Dunham, Gerral Waldon and Shelly Dunham drove to Lubbock to attend church with grandson/son, Colton Hill.

Following church service they all had lunch together before returning home.

Daughter Marcie Tucker of Hamby, her daughter and granddaughter, Amanda Kern and Adalyn of Granbury came to visit me on Saturday evening and spent the night with me. Joining them on Sunday were daughter Susan Kittley of Abilene and son and wife, Mike and Maxelle Baldree of Tuscola.

We all had lunch out and enjoyed the sunny afternoon together. Daughter, Rita Stephens, was gone to Prosper to watch her grandchildren play ball. The Prosper Eagles (Tate) won two games this week and are headed for the big ones.

Doug and Debbie Vahlenkamp were in Abilene on Sunday to watch their granddaughter in her dance recital at the Civic Center.

Thought for the week: “Tell me and I will forget; Teach me and I will remember; Involve me and I will learn.”

Happy Birthday wishes go to Tyler Bly, Laura Gonzales, Thomas Stubbs, Florence Alexander, Pete Castro, JoAnn Green, Aaron Tabor, Brian Manske, J. G. Heidenheimer, Kenneth Vahlenkamp, and T.J. Kuenstler. We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to Emery and Emily Dudensing and Kevin and Lacie Corzine. Have a wonderful day.

Wow! I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’ve been pretty impressed with our recent rains, both in their timeliness, and for the amount. As a long-time West Texan, I get as nervous as the rest of you do when the amount of time since our last WEST TEXAS TREES rainfall starts to stretch on out there, as it AND LANDSCAPES often does. While we’ve certainly gone a few

By Bruce Kreitler and weeks here and there the KWKC Green Team between rain events, so far this year, none close to what they are of those time periods visualizing. On the other have been long enough to hand, if you compared be damaging, and the rains an oak to a bald cypress, we are getting seem to or a sequoia, you might come in some pretty good start to realize that there amounts. On the other are some pretty profound hand, I can’t help but think differences between those that it will soon be time for species, even though they wheat harvesting and/or are all “trees”. cotton planting. Since wet Not only have different fields can prevent either tree species developed so one of those things, I’m that they have very differnot a hundred percent sure ent appearances, there’s a the local growers are as lot more to it than just how impressed with all of this they look. For instance, rain, or at least when it’s take reproduction. In fact, falling, as I am. Regardless, I’m enjoying the abundance even before you get to the actual “seed” that a tree of rain, and hope that it develops, there are huge continues through the rest differences in how those of the year. seeds are fertilized. Some Recently, I was having a trees have flowers that discussion about trees with are attractive to bees, and someone, and somehow or in those cases, the bees other, we ended up on tree become a part of the polevolution, and the differlination process. Others ent evolutionary paths that have some kind of flower trees have taken. To me, that actually smells bad, this is a very interesting and in those cases, flies subject. may be the main pollinator.

What I find so fascinatSome trees (and this group ing about how trees have includes the oaks) are wind evolved, is that different pollinated, and thus don’t species have gone so many depend on something else different directions. While to carry their pollen from we tend to lump trees into flower to flower. You could the single category of large certainly say that it’s splitperennial woody-stemmed ting hairs if somebody is plants, there are actually trying to claim that attractbig differences between ing flies versus bees is a some of the species. different evolutionary path Granted, if you just looked (although, if all the bees at oak trees, you would be were to disappear, I don’t able to see a lot of similarithink that argument would ties across almost all of the then be valid), but clearly, oak species, but all the wind pollination is a oaks are in the same famprocess that is nothing like ily, so they should share insect pollination. There’s many traits. Not only that, no question in my mind but I think it’s safe to say that those two processes that when people generally are definitely different think of trees, an oak-like evolutionary paths. plant is probably pretty

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Post pollination, there are a lot of big differences between how trees store their genetic material to be passed along. We may think of peaches as a nice juicy, tasty, piece of fruit, and they are, but from a peach tree’s point of view, it’s all about the pit. That nice piece of fruit exists solely to get that peach pit into the ground somewhere, so that it can grow into a new tree. There are a lot of trees that go the fruit route in some fashion or other. We may not generally think of acorns and pecans as “fruit”, but from a species propagation point of view, they fill pretty much the same purpose.

To my way of thinking, in this group, the ubiquitous hackberry tree is the category winner. Hackberries have small berries, that birds eat, and those berries contain a seed that seems to have little trouble passing through a birds digestive system intact.

Essentially, hackberries have enlisted birds to put their seeds on the ground everywhere birds fly. Quite the efficient distribution system.

Trees may generally look like they are all pretty similar plants, but just a little examination shows that at the family and species level, there are a lot of large, evolutionary, differences between some of them. The two thinks I’ve mentioned above, pollination and seeds, barely scratch the differences between the different evolutionary paths trees have taken. To my way of thinking, if it weren’t for the visual similarities they mostly share, people wouldn’t be so accepting of lumping them all together into one large group.

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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Spring Power Like I talked about last week, there are a lot of positives to springtime (at least for me). Even with this being the case, there are some spring things that I’m not so fond of. Primarily speaking of: tornadoes. I spent the first nineteen years of my life in Northern California, and on the short list of things that we did not have was: tornadoes. I watched “Twister” as a kid, and we learned about what tornadoes were in science class, but that is very different than knowing there is a possibility of one touching down near you. So, as someone who didn’t grow up around this kind of thing, it can induce a little bit of panic when the wind begins to blow, and the clouds darken at this time of year.

Something else I’ve noticed, is how truly spectacular lightning can be (we seem to have quite a bit of that as well). To see a single crack of light span across the sky on a dark night is truly a sight to behold, there’s also probably another metaphor in there too,

PASTOR’S PEN

By Jarrell Cunningham Youth Minister at the Church of Christ and it is a truly unique thing to witness here on earth. Like tornadoes, lightning packs quite a punch that no person wants to be on the receiving end of. Seeing as we’ve had some interesting weather over the past couple weeks, it’s served as an important reminder of God’s true power.

For whatever reason, humans feel this insatiable need to be in control over things. When we have control, we feel safe. When we don’t, we get scared. But as hard as we may try, there are plenty of things in this world that we will never be able to control. One of the main things we can’t control is, you guessed it: the weather. I think it’s safe to say that we’ve come to terms with this fact in our lives and have tried to adapt

to it. We can try and predict it, plan around it, gather all sorts of tools and gadgets to protect ourselves from it, and outfit ourselves with the proper attire to cover or expose our bodies in accordance with what the weather allows. But what we cannot do, is control what the weather is going to do. We have zero say in the temperature, humidity, precipitation, and everything else that goes along with it.

All of this reminds me of a story in the Gospel of Matthew. One where Jesus and His disciples go out on a boat and while they’re out on the water, a storm hits. In the midst of their panic and fear, they ask Jesus to save them. Jesus simply asks them a question, “why are you afraid, you of little faith?”.

From this exchange, we can make a couple inferences; the disciples had faith, but not enough. And this lack of faith led to their fear, which was a bad thing. Fear isn’t always a bad thing, but it is when it hinders us from following God. If we want to be in control, that means that God isn’t. We have to give up this desire because like

MAY 17, 2019

we talked about with the weather, there’s no controlling or changing God. God is more powerful than we can possibly imagine so trying fight for control is a losing battle every time. Instead, we can humbly bow before the throne and let God change us.

Giving up this control isn’t easy.

It’s scary, it’s uncomfortable, and it’s definitely not our first instinct.

But it’s how we grow. It’s how we do things we didn’t think we were capable of. And it’s how we really give credit to God as being the one in charge. Through God, we can do some truly incredible things. But we have to let God in, to be able to do that. We have no idea what God has in store but do know that it’s good. And it’s usually better than what we think we need. So, my hope is that we can do this. That we can give control over to God and let God do awesome things. Your invitation has been sent. If you accept, you give up control and leave it in the most capable hands. I can’t tell you exactly what will be in store if you do accept, but I can tell you that it will be something truly incredible.

BOARD: Continued from Page 3 It was noted that there are legal issues being handled by Powell and Leon which will continue until completed.

Next was to consider and take possible action to Purchase School Bus. This focused on the need for a school bus that will hold a wheelchair. The Blue Star company has a bus available that can be modified to hold more than one wheelchair.

The purchase of the school bus was approved.

The tentative date for the next Board Meeting is June 10, 2019. The meeting was adjourned.

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

Craig Thames 228-4457 Worship: 11:00 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 Ann’s Catholic Church Father Angelo Consemino 1001 S Swenson 325-773-2659 AM Mass: 11:00 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

9

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

10

MAY 17, 2019

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Don’t Waste a Friendship These days with the massive surge of social media sites and accounts, for many there is an inner desire to gain the attention of strangers by being “followed” or even becoming “friends” on Facebook (which compared to the many sites we have now is considered a bit of a dinosaur, at least according to some teenagers!). It actually took me a long THOUGHTS FROM time before jumping on the whole social media bandwagon UNDER THE CAP from when MySpace was still a thing (it still exists!) and when Will McClure Facebook started to get popular because I never really understood the need for it when I could meet people in real life. Obviously my opinions have drastically changed and it is a good networking tool and a good way to stay in touch. The one thing that I have not changed my mind about is that every friend that I have on my list is a person that I have met and known in real life, with a couple of exceptions. I personally have never really felt envious of people with more friends than myself and choose to maintain those that I have. Even the ones that I have lost touch with I can reconnect with as we have already known each other in real life.

So, what is my point in talking about social media and having friends on it? It is simply this: because of social media it becomes so much easier to take our friends for granted and can even lead to seeing friendships wasted and possibly destroyed because of it. It can become so easy to forget about friends that we have had since high school or college and forget about those that have had our backs for many years. Instead, we tend to focus on ourselves a bit too much and can easily brush off friendships in favor of bettering ourselves both on and off social media. It has even spread to our youth that use social media to share nasty things about others and destroy past friendships simply because one side said the wrong thing. If the trend continues for one person, he or she may realize later in life that they have no one to turn to when times get tough.

Soon, many of us will wish that we never wasted friendships based on one simple act.

If you look back through the years and ask those that have lived through them, you will find that many people have had lasting, meaningful friendships that may have gone through some rough spots, but have come out stronger than ever. In our society today, friendships seem to come and go with the ever-changing social climate. One misrepresented post on social media can lead to irreversible consequences and waste friendships down the line simply because one side couldn’t just talk to the other. I believe that is the biggest factor that can lead to a friendship ending: lack of communication. Today, it becomes far too easy to just ignore a friend that “wronged” you by simply not responding to texts, ignoring social media messages, and finally “unfriending” them on social media. So many friendships could be saved by just talking things out, but yet many people choose to stick to their guns and push people away. If you think about your strongest friendships, you may find that you and your friend have had differences, but have talked things out to maintain the friendship instead of seeing it wasted. My final thought this week is simply this: never take your friends for granted. Always communicate, even if it has been a while since you last spoke. You don’t necessarily have to talk every single day; just make sure that the friendship remains strong and not just be a name on a Facebook “friends” list.

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

A Trip To The Texas Mountains The Texas Mountain County has had one of its most beautiful blooming seasons. Bluebonnets started showing in January. The ocotillo was bright red. The prickly pear came later but showed off its yellows, pinks and purples. I was there in mid-April, just past the height of the bloom, but pale bluebonnets almost the color of lilac lined the highway from Fort Stockton to Marathon.

I spent Tuesday night in the historic Gage hotel.

Before dinner I toured the Gage Gardens, a botanical masterpiece in a dry country. Wednesday morning I saw the whimsical Eve’s Garden, a bed and breakfast. Next I visited with Danny Self, who has the Marathon Motel. A resident astronomer lives

there and gives star parties every night, weather permitting. A building on the premises holds 6 sophisticated telescopes.

The owners might be in Tennessee or Florida, but when the stars are out, the building’s roof opens and they can see the Texas stars on their computers. The motel also has a trained chef that serves paella on Sundays.

Wednesday afternoon I went to the Big Bend National Park and interviewed Bob Krumenaker, the new superintendent.

He is fascinated that so

few Texans know about the Texas Mountain Country and are surprised when they come. From the park I went to Terlingua, once famous for mining mercury. Now it’s called Far West Austin and is increasing in population. Land prices have exploded. After a delicious meal of chalupas at La Kiva, I spent the night in Bill Ivey’s Teacher’s House, one of his many properties where guests can spend the night. He told me about restoring the Perry Mansion, where the mine owner lived. We talked in a room that once held a Gatling gun, for protection against raids from Pancho Villa. That night the Terlingua moon provided a gigantic light in the sky and softened the little ghost town.

Thursday morning I interviewed Mimi Webb Miller, who among other things is a casting director for movies and television commercials. She is an entrepreneur who owns a motel, a couple of eating establishments and

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

a ranch in Mexico. I also interviewed Ring Huggins, who has a rock shop called Many Stones. The big treat was getting to meet Carolyn Ohl at her bird sanctuary on the Terlingua Ranch.

From Terlingua I went to the Lajitas resort, most famous for its golf course, which has driving tees on top of mesas. Golfers hit balls onto the fairways and greens 200 feet below. The resort also offers zip lining, shooting several types of weapons, horseback riding, paddle boarding on the Rio Grande, fishing, hunting, shopping and relaxing. The Palo Verde trees were in full blossom and yellow leaves shimmered in the breeze.

I spent a restful night in one of the well-appointed rooms, which had a saddle and a rope in it.

Friday morning I visited with Nate Gold, superintendent of the Big Bend Ranch State Park, the largest in the state park system. All other state parks could fit inside the BBRSP. It is rugged country. RVs are discouraged. My trip was from Tuesday afternoon until Friday noon.

You can do a lot in a few days in the mountains.

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. Big Country Electric Cooperative currently has an opening for a Purchasing Agent & Material Clerk Supervisor in our Roby office.

Please go to our website: www.bigcountry.coop/ content/careers-co-op to apply online. Deadline to apply is Friday, May 17, 2019 at 11:30 a.m.

MAY 17, 2019 11

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Munday Nursing Center hiring RN or LVN. Full-time office hours. MDS experience preferred but not required.

Contact Rachel Gray or Kelsey Simmons at 940.422.4541.

Munday Nursing Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

FOR RENT For Rent: Country House, Truby area, Anson ISD, NICE! Call 325-537-2582 or 325-338-4350

FOR SALE Large building and lot.

For Sale at 501 W. McHarg, Stamford.

Call 940-655-4212.

DECKER: Continued From Page 3 Simply waiting on “someone else” to help—whether it’s the government, a deep-pocketed savior who suddenly appears in town, or a magic genie—isn’t a serious solution.

If that “someone else” is the government, we might find that the levers of power are managed by people with their own needs and goals that have nothing to do with rural America. They’re not going to prioritize us (at least in a real, non-patronizing way) anytime soon.

Like conservation, rural economic development is a serious business with serious consequences. Russ and Ed observed that, instead of applying a laid-back philosophy, we need to apply the same philosophies that are used in business, finance, technology, and other for-profit pursuits. These businesses operate with an aggressive mindset. That mindset does not require one to be dishonest or mean, but it does require one to recognize that it is a serious business with serious consequences and act accordingly. If time and money is expended with the intent of affecting peoples’ lives, then results are required.

Results also require risk. Russ pointed out that conservation organizations often suffer from paralysis—they’re unwilling to try new methods, policies, etc. for fear of failure. Like it or not, success and results require risk. They require trying new, different things. Not everything will work, but educated, unsuccessful decisions will inform better future decisions.

I’ll leave you with a quote from Russ Schnitzer that applies to rural economic development as much as it applies to conservation: “We can’t keep doing things the way we’ve been doing them and expect to dictate the terms of our future.”

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.

Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR FLUID INJECTION WELL PERMIT D. J. & T. Energy, 1817 Woodridge Dr., Abilene, TX 79605, is applying to Railroad Commission of Texas for a permit to inject fluid into a formation which is productive of oil and gas.

The applicant proposes to inject fluid into the Strawn Formation, M. Chancey Lease, Well Number 2.The proposed injection well is located 4 miles northwest of Stith in the Jefferies Luck ( Brown) Field in Jones County. Fluid will be injected into strata in the subsurface depth interval from 5082 to 5145 feet.

LEGAL AUTHORITY: Chapter 27 of the Texas Water Code, as amended, Title 3 of the Texas Natural Resources Code, as amended, and the Statewide Rules of the Oil and Gas Division of the Railroad Commission of Texas.

Requests for a public hearing from persons who can show they are adversely affected, or requests for further information concerning any aspect of the application should be submitted in writing, within fifteen days of publication, to the Environmental Services Section, Oil and Gas Division, Railroad Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 12967, Austin, Texas 78711 (Telephone 512-4636792).

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 half acre...........IN CONTRACT 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 1502 Ave K Anson 1885 sq. ft. w/ apartment & metal shop.............. $189,900 1222 Ave L Anson Farmhouse style, 2/2, fenced bk yard..........IN CONTRACT 715 Ave J Anson UPDATED 3/2 Brick, Sprinkler System.....IN CONTRACT 1726 22nd St Anson Spacious, 1922 Sq. Ft. 2/2 Brick .......................$129,000

COMMERCIAL

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

FARM & RANCH

DICKENS COUNTY

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

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

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

12 MAY 17, 2019

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Stamford Volunteer Fire Dept. Honored

BY KAY SPEARS On Monday, May 13, 2019, at 9:00am, the Jones County commissioners met at the Courthouse in Anson, TX for the first of two scheduled monthly meetings. In attendance were Judge Dale Spurgin, County Commissioners James Clawson, Lonnie Vivian, Ross Davis, Joel Spraberry, County Clerk LeeAnn Jennings, County Treasurer Amber Thompson and County Auditor Gwen Bailey.

The meeting was called to order by Judge Spurgin. The first item on the agenda was a non-action item in the form of a check for $2,000 presented by Barry Smith of Electric Transmission Texas to the Stamford Volunteer Fire Department, represented by Alan Plumlee. Smith stated ETT is a subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP) and Berkshire Hathaway and that they support first responders. The Stamford Volunteer Fire Department is being recognized for the help they have given ETT with fire concerns occurring at the large sub-station in Haskell, TX and along the service lines.

The Court approved the minutes of the last regular meeting, held on April 22, 2019 before approving five Trust Property Bids as one action item.

Those bids being: Submitted by Jerry Wayne Macek for the purchase of (R12363), Lot 12 in Block 94 of the Hamlin Townsite Addition to the City of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $105.00.

Court cost has been waived.

Submitted by Jerry Wayne Macek for the purchase of (R13042), Lots 11 & 12 in Block 49 of the Hamlin Townsite Addition to the City of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $101.00. Court cost has been waived.

Submitted by Billy Villanueva for the purchase

of (R18454), Lots 3 & 4 in Block 24 of the Moore Addition to the City of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $33.00.

Court cost has been waived.

Submitted by James Fudge for the purchase of (R27232), Lots 11 & 12 in Block 88 of Hamlin Townsite Addition, to the Town of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $200.00. Court cost has been waived.

Submitted by Billy Fudge for the purchase of (R27225), Lots 3, 4, 5, & 6 in Block 61 of Hamlin Townsite Addition to the Town of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $300.00. Court cost has been waived.

Next on the agenda was the Disaster Declaration and all items related regarding FEMA, TDA and TDEM forms and requirements.

Judge Spurgin stated there was to be a meeting on May 13, 2019 regarding No. 4416 Disaster in Precincts 1 and 4 to begin looking at the sites. Viewing the sites in Precinct 3 has been accomplished. Precinct 2 will have a site visit scheduled.

The sites damaged between September 10, 2018 and November 4, 2019 need to be identified by June 9, 2019. No. 4255 Disaster payment has been submitted and an extension was approved. No. 4269 currently concerns Precincts 1, 2 & 3 as Precinct 4 is completed. Judge Spurgin stated he and Stamford City Manager Alan Plumlee would meet regarding the damage to Stamford, to calculate the volume of materials and would work with the City of Stamford.

Next was regarding Proposals for Repairs to Low Water Crossing on CR 311 and Deadman Creek. Judge Spurgin stated when Commissioner Davis had a Project Scope of Work written up they would re-advertise for bid proposals.

No action was taken on the ongoing Bids on Mate-

rial and Material Hauling agenda item.

The next item concerned Proposals for Air Conditioner Chiller & Pump for Courthouse. Two proposals were given to the Commissioners at the last meeting, April 22, 2019, for their review. The two bids and units were compared, and Courthouse needs were discussed. It was approved to accept the bid from Accurate Air Solutions.

Next on the agenda was to discuss and take action on Texas Association of Counties County Information Resource Agency Service Agreement. This is regarding a pilot project of a new product centered on the county’s emails and website. Information was dispersed to the Commissioners to review and bring back to a future meeting.

Next was to address the Sale of Equipment. Sherriff Department vehicle sales need to be approved by the Commissioners Court.

A formal bid was received

by Matt Lovvorn to purchase the 2009 Tahoe for $2,500.00. The next vehicle, a Ford F-150 pick-up for $5,000.00, to be sold to Precinct 2. Both sales were approved.

Next, under Equipment Purchase on the agenda, it was approved for Precinct 2 to purchase the Ford F-150 pick-up from the Sherriff’s Department for $5,000.00.

The next agenda item was to discuss and take on a Resolution of the Jones County Commissioners Court Approving Participation in the Countywide Polling Place Program Pursuant to Election Code Section 43.007. County Clerk LeeAnn Jennings explained the program to the Court.

Currently, a registered voter is assigned a location to vote according to the voting precinct they live in and, on voting day, they can only vote at that location.

This program will allow voters to vote at any polling place in Jones County. The

polling locations will need to have internet access and electronic voting machines.

Electronic voting machines have been used in Jones County since 2005. Internet hot spots will be used at the locations where there is no internet available.

Locations with minimal use will be eliminated and those machines and workers will be set up at the following locations: Stamford High School Auditorium, Anson Church of Christ, Hamlin High School Gym, Lueders City Hall, Ft. Phantom Baptist Church, Hodges Baptist Church and Hawley Church of Christ. Countywide voting means that if a Hodges resident finds themselves in Stamford, they can vote in Stamford rather than driving back to Hodges. This program will be cost effective and use fewer election workers.

The Secretary of State approves Jones County for the program before Jones County can proceed with the vote centers. The Secretary of State can select four counties with a population less than 100,000 to participate in each election. The first step is to hold a Pubic Hearing after an approval by the Commissioners and a letter of approval by the County Judge. Judge Spurgin stated before this is an action item on a Commissioners Court agenda, there will be a Public Hearing regarding this proposal.

Early voting will continue to be in the current designated locations. The resolution was approved.

Next on the agenda was to discuss and take action on Merchant Service Agreement for Sub-Merchants between Official Payments Corporation and Justice of the Peace Court. Allison Pinkston spoke, representing the Justice of the Peace Court, stating, “This is an update of what has been established as the method of collection with credit card processing since 2008 with Official Payments.”

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

She stated she is streamlining the process due to the increased volume over the last few years. “People are responding to paying their citations.” Pinkston is updating contracts and agreements. The agreement was approved.

Judge Spurgin gave the Commissioners copies of the Subdivision Regulations to review, especially turn around space on dead end locations. This will be an agenda item in a future meeting.

Next was to discuss and take action on Hawleywood Square Subdivision. Judge Spurgin stated the Court could give preliminary approval. “They have to finish up with a letter from the Water Supply Corporation that they will provide water out there. The tax certificate to show there aren’t any delinquent taxes on the property.” Approval was given.

The next item was to discuss and take action on Tara Estates Section 2 Subdivision. Judge Spurgin stated this is an add on to the existing subdivision South of Hodges off of 2404. The tax certificate has been turned in stating there are no delinquent taxes on the property. Judge Spurgin has an email from Hawley Water Supply Corporation stating they will supply the water. Approval was given.

Next was an update on 2020 TCDRS Retirement Rate. No action was taken.

No action was taken on 2019 Estimated Non-Certified Tax Roll. Judge Spurgin stated the estimates have gone out through the mail.

There is a ceiling for senior and disabled veterans on their residential property.

The next item on the agenda was the 2020 Census. Judge Spurgin stated everyone will be contacted. He is encouraging everyone to respond since they will “come back and come back until they talk to your neighbor” to provide the answers. There may be a card received and a phone number to call to answer questions on a survey. Numbers matter on

re-districting Commissioner Precincts, State Representatives, State Senators, representation in the Congress.

The State of Texas may add seats to Congress, and they need information on how many people live here.

The Census will be hiring people to make the visits to collect data.

The County Treasurer’s Report was approved after County Treasurer Amber Thompson presented information on CDL and non-CDL training for city and county employees, which will include a CDL simulator.

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

Judge Spurgin stated the 2020 Budget Workshop will be held June 10th, 24th and the first Commissioners Court in July.

The next Commissioners Court will meet on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 9:00am, due to the Memorial Day holiday. The Court has been invited to attend the Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 27, 2019 at the Texas Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Phantom.

Regarding the prison in Anson, TX, Judge Spurgin stated, “Currently there are negotiations going on with the operator, MTC, and Immigration for the use of the facility. There may be a Called Meeting of the Commissioners Court at the end of this week or the first part of next week if they come to an agreement for an inter-governmental operating agreement, service agreement for the facility to be utilized by immigration.”

MTC is the Management Training Corporation.

Commissioners Court was then adjourned.