May 15, 2020 - Stamford American

STAMFORD

American THE NEW

MAY 15, 2020

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

Stamford Graduation at the Football Field

INSIDE

PAGE 4

A LOOK BACK AT THE 20192020 SCHOOL YEAR

BY KAY SPEARS

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 52 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 99, ISSUE 6 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 115, ISSUE 7

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The Stamford ISD Board of Trustees met via a combination of Zoom virtual and on-site meetings at the Stamford High School Media Center. This mode of conducting meetings was sanctioned by Texas Governor Abbott’s Temporary Suspension of Open Meetings Laws issued on March 16, 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Participating were Superintendent Will Brewer, Assistant Superintendent Staci Robertson, Board President Jennifer Caddell, Gwen Baker, Curtis Birdsong, Justin Corzine, Zach Logan, Cary McClintock, Callie Metler-Smith and Eric Strand. Jennifer Caddell opened the meeting and Justin Corzine gave the invocation.

Superintendent Brewer recognized Cary McClintock for serving seven years on the Board of Trustees and presented him with a plaque. He thanked him for serving the school district, students, and staff. Gwen Baker, Jennifer Caddell and Zach Logan were given the oath of office as incoming SISD Board Members. New officers were approved and wel-

comed, President Jennifer Caddell, Vice President Curtis Birdsong and Secretary Justin Corzine.

Stamford High School Principal Chase Seelke began the Administrative Reports by giving recognition to the following Online Learning Students of the Week.

Week four: Kenadee Gann, Austin Brewer, Riley Paige Carver, Dominic Vega and Chloe Hall.

Week five: Kayla Cantu, Tramaya Dillard, Citlaly Gutierrez, Macie Fernandez, Endia Pryor and Shelby Stone.

Week six: Cierra Stoner, Chloe Ratheal, Dora Guerrero, Jesus DeLeon and Carlee Dancer. Teacher of the Month for April is Stephanie Carver and the Student of the Month is Senior Endia Pryor.

Seelke thinks it is “important to recognize the students for the work they are doing.” Online instruction continues to be offered and the participation is monitored for mastery. It will be “finished up this week.”

It will then be determined who will be taking semester exams next week.

Students will be exempt if they have completed all assignments.

Turning in Mac books,

Zach Logan, Jennifer Caddell and Gwen Baker were given the oath of office as incoming Stamford ISD Board Members at the May 11, 2020 meeting. library books, textbooks and other tools will happen in the near future for all students. There will be a virtual Athletic Banquet on Monday, May 18th via online link. The virtual High School Awards Ceremony and Scholarship Banquet for Seniors will be on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. “The scholarship season” has turned into online events.

They “still want to be able to do those things and recognize those kids.” Graduation has been a challenge with the restrictions put in place. It will take place Friday, May 22, 2020, 8:30 pm,

at the football field. “It’s a big day for them” and the administration would like to make it as normal as possible.

“Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week. I think this online learning has really made everybody realize how much we appreciate teachers and all they do.

Just speaking as a parent for myself, teachers do a lot.” A hamburger luncheon was held, and students were recruited to wash cars.

Sonic helped with drinks and the teachers were given other “goodies” throughout the week. Someone asked

how they got so many kids out to wash cars. Seelke stated, “It was the easiest sell ever. All I did was tell them they could get out of their house!”

One of the Ag teachers, Rode Merryman, resigned to take a job as Assistant Principal at an elementary school in Snyder, Texas.

“We want to wish him good luck. We are going to miss him. We are also pleased to announce that we moved pretty quickly to find his replacement.

SEE ISD, PG 5

2 MAY 15, 2020

JONES COUNTY ARRESTS

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THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST

4/26-5/2 4/26/2020 8:15:00 PM John Edward Painschab, Driving While Intoxicated 2nd MA 4/28/2020 2:14:00 PM Christopher James Herrera, Evading Arrest Detention MA, Warrant - Agg Robbery F1 4/29/2020 4:29:00 PM Carl Slade Wall, Burglary of Building FS 4/30/2020 4:10:00 AM John Jacob Turner, Operate Unregistered Motor Vehicle Other, Poss Del Drug Paraphernalia MC, Del Marij >1/4 Oz<=5lbs FS 5/1/2020 4:32:00 PM Jessica Denise Thibodeau, Driving While Intoxicated W/Child Under 15 YOA FS 5/1/2020 8:57:00 PM Drew Eric VanZandt, Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence MA, Evading Arrest Detention MA, Cruelty Non-Livestock Anim: Fail Prov W/2 Conv FA 5/2/2020 2:59:00 AM Timothy Raye Perez, Driving While Intoxicated MB 5/2/2020 3:57:00 AM Kyra Kamille Bradley, Poss Marj <2oz Dfz Iat MA, Man Del Cs Pg1 <1g Dfz Iat F3

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

Friday 99 | 71

Saturday 104 | 73

Sunday 102 | 67

Monday 102 | 74

STAMFORD RESIDENCE AND REHABILITATION We hope everyone had a fantastic Cinco de Mayo!! We had lots of festivities throughout the day. Starting with pictures in the morning and a Cinco de Mayo lunch with enchiladas, tamales, and tacos. Then we played a few games of Mexican bingo and finished the day with a Fruit Fiesta. We had a wonderful time and the residents loved dressing up for the pictures.

Then on Wednesday we had Brody Deaver and his family come out with their horses and put on a show for the residents. It has been so long since some of our residents have even seen a horse, and they absolutely loved it!

They had the kids doing tricks with the horses. They even were doing handstands on the horses back. They put on a wonderful performance. We hope to have them come back really soon. We also celebrated Mother’s Day this weekend. We cooked a special meal for our mothers, and we also got all our mothers jewelry boxes. Just a little something to show them we love them. Especially with them not getting to be with their families this year. We hope to have them come back really soon.

Tuesday 92 | 59

Thursday 84 | 60

By Jayme Brattain, Activity Director

am

Jayme Brattain Activity Director Isaiah 41:10 - “Don’t be afraid, for I

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MAY 15, 2020 3

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Restrictions to Courthouse Changing

BY KAY SPEARS

The Jones County Commissioners Court continues to meet in the 259th District Courtroom on the second floor of the Jones County Courthouse in Anson, Texas to practice social distancing. The first meeting of the month was held on Monday, May 11, 2020. 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 Auditor Gwen Bailey, County Tax Assessor Collector Gloria Little and Sheriff Danny Jimenez.

Judge Spurgin opened the meeting before the Commissioners approved the minutes of the last regular meeting on April 27, 2020. The following trust property bids were approved as one action item. A bid submitted by James E. Fudge for the purchase of (R23189), Lot 3 and the North 4.2 feet of Lot 4 in Block 1, Moore’s Lake Drive Addition, to the Town of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $350.00.

Court cost has been waived.

A bid submitted by Jarvis Lynn Chast for the purchase of (R28579), Lots 7 and 8 in Block 32 of the Hamlin Townsite Addition, City of Hamlin, Jones County, Texas; Being that property more particularly described in a Warranty Deed with Vendor’s Lien recorded in Volume 577, Page 397 of the Official Records of Jones County, Texas.

The Bid Amount is $1,000.00. Court cost has been waived.

A bid submitted by James Smith and Ashley Spencer for the purchase of (R28318), Lots 7 and 8 in Block 17 of the Original Town of Anson, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $700.00. Court cost has been waived.

An update was given by Judge Spurgin regarding FEMA, TDA and TDEM requirements. He let the Commissioners involved know what they needed to turn in regarding their disaster declaration projects.

He went over the TxDOT County, Transportation Infrastructure Fund (CTIF) Grant information in the updated packets the Commissioners were given. The grant is for $240, 779. It was approved to submit the application for this grant. Judge Spurgin then gave an update on the expansion and improvement of CR 185 and CR 186.

He will be meeting with a representative of Anson Solar this week.

No action was taken on the County Road

Weight Limitation to 60,000 lbs, CR 205, 303, 313, and 307. Action was taken on the Annual Road Report at the last meeting.

An update was given and discussed on the application for Economic Development Administrator’s Economic Adjustment Assistance Disaster Recovery Program.

An update was given on the Sale of Surplus Property, specifically weapons brought up at the last meeting. The bid opening will be on May 26, 2020. There were no new bids turned in for Material and Material Hauling. Commissioner Clawson gave an Equipment Purchase update for Precinct 1. Judge Spurgin answered questions about the Cypersecurity Training Course and reported 88% has been completed.

Judge Spurgin gave an overview on the 2020 Estimate Appraisal District Tax Values. He stated taxes on tracts of land were up and there was a deadline of July 25, 2020. He then presented information to Upgrade Fiber Optic Internet with AT&T. He stated the package AT&T is offering will upgrade from 20 Mega-bites to 50 Megabites for less than they are currently paying. This will insure wide bandwidth and the Commissioners approved the upgrade.

Judge Spurgin announced to the Court the COVID-19 Drive Thru Testing on May 12 and May 27, 2020. The one scheduled for May 12th was held at the Hawley ISD Administration Building, 210 Avenue E, 10 am – 4 pm. The one on May 27th is tentatively scheduled to be held in Stamford, Texas. The first drive-thru testing was on April 26th at the Anson Volunteer Fire Department facility. There were 32 people tested with no positives reported.

COVID-19 Drive Thru Testing information is on the Jones County website, co.jones. tx.us. Registration can be done 24 hours in advance, online or by phone.

The Videomagistrate Services Agreement was approved. This is a contract with AT&T and makes the Justice of the Peace better available to the jail. Next, the 2020 Unclaimed Capital Credits from Electric Cooperatives was approved. This money is usually given to Kash for Kids.

Judge Spurgin recognized the passing of Amber Thompson’s father-in-law, Anson Police Chief Jack Thompson, this weekend.

The Court approved the Treasurer’s Report and the Line Items Transfers, both given by Gwen Bailey and to Pay Bills. An overview was given to include having 2021 Budget Workshops in the month of June 2020. The

next Commissioners Court will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 due to Memorial Day falling on Monday, May 25th.

Gloria Little spoke to the court concerning questions related to re-opening the Courthouse. Questions were about screening people entering the Courthouse, which doors would be open for the public to use, having guidelines published, using masks, having a dedicated bathroom for the employees and a day to prepare for the re-opening. She stated the first floor would be the busiest. Judge Spurgin stated the 259th District Court will not conduct any non-essential in-person hearings until June 1, 2020.

The Commissioners Court went into Executive Session and returned an hour later. Upon returning to Open Court, Judge Spurgin stated the Governor’s orders is the “ruling document” concerning COVID-19.

He stated everything on the Jones County amendments remains the same except for restricted access to the Jones County Courthouse. Plexiglass protections are in the process of being installed.

The public bathrooms will remain the same. There are two public/employee bathrooms in the basement and employee bathrooms on the second and third floors.

Masks and gloves will be available in each office for employees and the public.

He stated the current entrance into the Courthouse is the southside basement door and this will remain the same. What will change is the glass double doors in the basement will not be locked. Each department will have their own guidelines as to how they will conduct business. The tools to call the office needed will remain for public use.

If a person cannot conduct themselves in a safe manner, they will be asked to leave the Courthouse. There will be no screening of people coming into the Courthouse.

Social distancing, using hand sanitizer and not touching their face will be the most effective way to stay safe. Unlocking the double glass doors in the basement will begin on Monday, May 18 and will be reevaluated on May 26, 2020. The Commissioners approved the change to Amendment #5 of the Declaration of Local State of Disaster for Jones County.

Judge Spurgin recommends conducting Courthouse business over the phone or online. Guidelines to conduct business in the separate offices will be on the Jones County website.

OBITUARIES

Lynda “Kay” Bayouth Lynda “Kay” Bayouth died peacefully in her sleep on May 11, 2020, after a battle with cancer, at Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene, Texas. She was 80 years old. Born August 25, 1939, she is predeceased by her late husband of fiftyfour years, LaNoard “Doc” Bayouth, and parents, Arthur and Fay Owens.

Kay graduated from Brownwood High School in 1957. She was voted Football Sweetheart her Senior year.

She later met Doc on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend. They married on March 6, 1960, eventually making their home in Stamford, Texas, where they opened Doc’s dental practice.

Kay was a beloved member of the Stamford community, having lived there for almost fifty years. She was honored to be named the 1984 Texas Cowboy Reunion Hostess. Kay and Doc were members of St. John’s United Methodist Church and Kay was actively involved in the Emmaus ministry for several years.

Kay was a homemaker and mother of three and worked as the office manager for Doc’s dental practice for many years. She was an excellent cook. She also had a great sense of humor and was affectionately referred to as the “brains” of the family by Doc. After retiring, Kay primarily enjoyed reading, knitting, and spoiling her grandchildren. She and Doc also loved vacationing with Kay’s sister Nelda and her husband, Johnnie.

Among her favorite trips were two Alaskan cruises the couples enjoyed together. Kay never met a stray kitten she didn’t like (or feel the need to adopt). But most of all, Kay loved the Lord. She was at complete peace during her final days, knowing that she was destined for a heavenly home that would far exceed her life here on earth.

Survivors include her three children, LaNoard Bayouth, II, of Abilene; Laura Popps and husband Boyd of Austin; Leslie Milford of Stamford; seven grandchildren, Caden Popps, Laney Popps, Ella Popps, all of Austin; Lexie Bayouth, Addison Bayouth, both of Abilene; Samuel Milford, Sutton Milford, both of Stamford; and one sister Nelda Owens Dukes and husband Johnnie of Fort Worth, Texas. Kay will also be fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends.

A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene, Texas at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2020 under the direction of Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home.

The family wishes to thank Hendrick Hospice Care for their excellent care and support during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Common Ground Youth Ministry, 219 S. Swenson, Stamford, Texas 79553.

4 MAY 15, 2020

The paw print-A Look Back 2019-2020 SHS Band received straight 1â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from all six judges resulting in a Division 1 rating for concert and for sight-reading at the Region 7 UIL Concert and Sight-reading Evaluation at Seymour High School. Aguilar, Alissa - Clarinet; Aguilar, Ayanna - Flute; Bailey, Jaylen - Percussion; Beltran, Mikayla - Clarinet; Bryant, Jaelynn - Alto Sax; Bryant, Madison - Alto Sax; Cantu, Cruz - Trumpet; Cantu, Marissa - Trumpet; Cavazos, Steven - Tuba; Clayton, Candace - Flute; Cole, Sadie - Trumpet; Copeland, Mallory - Flute; Dancer, Carlee - Clarinet; De La Rosa, Gerardo - Trumpet; DeLeon, Jesus - Trumpet; DeLeon, Leslys - Flute; Escamilla, Madison - Clarinet Escamilla, Serenity Clarinet; Fernandez, Macie - Trumpet; Finley, Leaha - Tenor Sax; Frohn, Aaron - Baritone Sax; Hobdy, Jessica - Clarinet; Huerta, Alias - Percussion; Jimenez, Madysen - Percussion; Karg, Destiny - Clarinet; Knowles, Matthew - Percussion; Kruckner, Simon - Baritone; Letz, Cale - Clarinet; Lozano, Heaven - Flute; Metler, Logan - Percussion; Moore, Charles - Tenor Sax; Moreno, Orlando - Tenor Sax; Pardo, Destanie - Clarinet; Pardo, Stephanie - Clarinet; Ponce Serrano, Thalia - Alto Sax; Quinonez, Jeremiah - Trumpet; Rhymes, Ben - Clarinet; Richard, Nickolas - Tuba; Richardson, Hailee - Flute; Roden, Natalie - Flute; Terry, Lance - Trombone; Thompson, Isaiah - Trombone; Vanzandt, Devon - Trumpet; Vasquez, Matthew - Baritone; Vega, Dominic - Percussion; Villanueva, Korey - Tenor Sax; Whitworth, Tyler Percussion. Band Director: Michael Copeland (Photo courtesy of Kim Bearden)

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MAY 15, 2020 5

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Will the 90th Texas Cowboy Reunion Be a Go?

Farmers Insurance recently put a fresh coat of paint on the façade of their downtown building.

Thank you for helping with the beauty of the square!

SISD: Continued From Page 1 We are excited that Blake Berry is coming back.” Berry did his student teaching in Stamford before teaching a year in Comanche, Texas.

Stamford Middle School Principal Torrey Price stated they were working on the master schedule to give teachers the opportunity to make their plans for the next school year. May 14th and 15th they are having iPad, library book, etc. pick-ups. On May 14th, students with the last names beginning with A – L are scheduled for 8:00 am – 12:00 and M – Z is 12:00 – 4:00 pm.

On May 15th the times are flipped. M – Z, 8:00 am – 12:00 and A – L, 12:00 – 4:00 pm. He stated their Summer School numbers are decreasing due to the incentive that if the students get all their worked turned in, they might not have to take the semester test.

Oliver Elementary Principal Kyle Chambers thanked everyone for their prayers and encouraging words to his family over the past few weeks. The last week of online instruction has been chosen by the students from a menu of activities. These include chores around the house and acts of kindness in their community.

The Summer Reading Program will begin this summer. They are planning a more comprehensive face-to-face Summer School in July. “Our Summer School is not so much a punishment for not doing what they were supposed to do but it’s more of an opportunity for them to get accelerated a little bit so they won’t have such a rough time when they come back.”

Head-Start, Pre-K and Kindergarten online registration has begun and is going smoothly. All grade levels will be included for online registration in the Fall. May 21st will begin their awards through a drive-by process at Oliver Elementary.

Meal service has gone to three days a week.

PTO honored the teachers with gift cards and Farmer’s Insurance brought breakfast burritos, which were appreciated.

Superintendent Brewer began his report with the dates available in May for the ISO 1566 required training for the Board Members.

The Safety Committee met, and money is being used for security cameras. He gave an overview of the audit, including evacuation drills protocols. They will continue to coordinate with local officials regarding COVID-19. He also touched on the need for future goals and timelines for SISD and waivers.

Brewer passed out the District Innovation plan to the Board. This plan is reviewed yearly and is a five-year plan. Items on the plan include school calendar dates, teacher certification, school day length, teacher contract days and probationary contracts.

Dual credit with Western Texas College has been used, and they are considering changing to Cisco due to the location and cost. This will be on the next meeting’s agenda. Next, Brewer let the Board know of the great help Jones County Judge Dale Spurgin has given SISD to have the graduation. He worked with the state to get permission to hold the graduation. Graduation will be live streamed and is voluntary for the students and family to participate. Students will receive their diplomats whether, or not, they attend the graduation ceremony.

Summer Board Meetings are scheduled for June 8, July 13, and August 10, 2020. There is a special meeting set for August 31 at 7:30 pm.

The calendar for next year has been set. There is still a question about offering face-to-face Summer School, the State may not allow it. He gave kudos to the maintenance crew for their hard work on the campuses.

The Consent Agenda was approved, including the minutes of the April 13, 2020 regular meeting. The Board approved the Texas Education Association (TEA) Instructional Materials Inventory Waiver. The Board approved the Resolution for Will Brewer to have Authority to Seek Waivers. The Board then approved to continue to use their current law firm for legal services. With no further business at this time, the meeting was adjourned.

Update on the TCR- May 7, 2020 With many restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, what this summer will look like for the Texas Cowboy Reunion is still up in the air.

Orders and restrictions from Texas Governor Greg Abbott have been changing on a weekly, if not daily, basis and the TCR board has been doing their best to stay on top of each new development. They are continuing to plan for the rodeo but with the current restrictions still in place, they have been forced to make a hard decision.

It wasn’t an easy choice, but together they have decided not to have a TCR Hostess this year.

The TCR Hostess is always announced at a gathering of former Hostesses around the end of May. The following weeks leading up to the rodeo are full of gatherings hosted by various individuals in the community, with the new Hostess as the guest of honor. It wouldn’t be as exciting to be a Hostess without the parties and with the rodeo still in limbo, this will give the board time to make a final decision on whether or not the 90th TCR will happen.

“Making sure we’re keeping everyone – contestants, people in the community, workers, volunteers and of course all of the rodeo fans– safe is our top priority,” said TCR President Matt Mueller.

Mueller is getting calls daily from

people with questions, but he honestly doesn’t have any answers. “We’re planning and we want to have a rodeo. We know the TCR is a vital piece of Stamford, but, for now, we are waiting to see what we’re allowed to do,” Mueller said.

The unknown of all of this is what makes it so difficult. The rodeo and dance draw such large crowds of spectators and competitors, which would make social distancing a challenge, if that’s still in effect. Before March of 2020, no one ever thought the 90th Texas Cowboy Reunion wouldn’t take place, but watching big events such as the Fort Griffin Fandangle and Western Heritage cancel this year has really been an eye-opener.

“While we are still planning to have the rodeo, there are a lot of things that we’re trying to wait and see what happens. The board and I will meet again the first week in June and decide if we will have the rodeo,” Mueller said. “We may not have a choice.” Having time to set up the rodeo after being given the green light is crucial.

“Everybody is eager to know the answer, but for now we will continue to wait and see,” Mueller said. “It was 109 degrees here last week; I hope this heat will kill this virus off and we can make this rodeo happen July 1st-4th.”

Follow us on Facebook and our website for more information as it becomes available.

OPERATION ROUND UP APPLICATIONS ARE DUE TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020 BY 5:00 PM TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION IN JUNE. visit https://bigcountry.coop/content/operation-round to download an application.

Please contact Sarah McLen at (325) 776-3803 or smclen@bigcountry.coop with any questions.

T h e mi s s i o n o f t h e Op e r a t i o n Ro u n d Up p r o g r a m i s t o d i s t r i b u t e f u n d s t o individuals and organizations for charitable purposes such as food, s h e l t e r , c l o t h i n g , h e a l t h n e e d s a n d e d u c a t i o n i n Bo r d e n , F i s h e r , Ga r z a , Ha s k e l l , J o n e s , K e n t , Mi t c h e l l , No l a n , Sc u r r y , Sh a c k e l f o r d , St o n e wa l l a n d T h r o c k mo r t o n Co u n t i e s . I n d i v i d u a l s a n d f a mi l i e s a r e l i mi t e d t o o n e a p p r o v e d d i s b u r s e me n t p e r t we l v e - mo n t h p e r i o d o f u p t o $2, 500. 00. F u n d s ma y n o t b e u s e d f o r u t i l i t i e s s u c h a s e l e c t r i c , wa t e r , g a s , p h o n e , o r a n y o t h e r u t i l i t y b i l l s . Or g a n i z a t i o n s a n d c h a r i t i e s o r l i k e o r g a n i z a t i o n s ma y a p p l y wi t h o u t r e s t r i c t i o n a n d a r e l i mi t e d t o a t o t a l o f $10, 000. 00 i n a p p r o v e d d i s b u r s e me n t s p e r t we l v e - mo n t h p e r i o d .

6 MAY 15, 2020

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Let High School Seniors Celebrate

Last week I talked about the need for us to have faith or even try to find it again amidst all of this craziness that has been going on. Well, it seems like a little bit of hope paid off in a small way as our high school seniors will get to have a proper graduation ceremony. Even though it will ultimately not be the same with restrictions in place for social distancing and the fact that it will be a “first-time run” with rehearsals prohibited, at least senior students will get the THOUGHTS FROM ceremony that they earned and create a last high school memory with their classmates UNDER THE CAP on a field and not completing an assignment behind a computer screen. I know when it Will McClure was told to us at Sweetwater, I was one of many to be elated as my senior students will get to have their day. Even if things may not go 100% right or restrictions may end up going back in place in case things start flaring up again, it will be nice to at least have one day where seniors can hopefully forget about the worries of the world in some small form for a couple of hours and have a sense of normal return with their friends and family.

When all of this started and the question came up about graduation, I heard some detractors on social media say that it is “only a ceremony” and that it is not worth the risk. While I do agree with the idea that it is not worth the risk if things were still under lock and key, I have two other counterarguments to this: First, while it may be “only a ceremony” to some, for parents and students alike it is more than that as it is a symbol of a completion of hard work and closing the book on this chapter of a student’s life. For parents they are able to see their child (or children) take the first official steps to adulthood. For students it is one last time being with their classmates in this fashion and seeing their hard work pay off. For teachers, it is a sense of pride seeing their students receive the diploma and knowing that they helped prepare them for the future. For a lot of people, it is more than just a ceremony and instead a rite of passage. My second argument is simple as if things were still bad, then this would not be put in place. In addition, even though some restrictions are still in place, schools are not taking things lightly to make sure that everyone stays safe and enjoys the evening. I know that at Sweetwater there will be limited tickets, social distancing measures and screenings before anyone can even enter. This is not being taken lightly at all, but it is all being done for the senior students.

You may be one of those individuals that do not understand why graduations can still move forward and, despite my own arguments about it, I do respect your opinion. These ceremonies are being put together for the kids, but it is not a requirement by any means and those that are uncomfortable do not have to attend. While the ceremony is very important to many, in ways it is indeed only a ceremony and will not keep a student that earned their high school diploma from getting it. However, as I mentioned before it is still an important “stepping stone” for a lot of people and it could also serve as a way to escape the troubles of the world for a time. While graduations this year will definitely not be the same as always, it is still a way for us to return to normal, even if it is just for one evening.

We are still living day-by-day waiting for what may come next and hope that normal will return sooner rather than later, but we shouldn’t let worry run our lives at this time. Let us celebrate our high school seniors that saw the last few months of their high school career robbed from them and give them the last positive memory of their school and classmates, even if it is only for one night.

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

VIP Menu

May 18-22 Monday Smothered Steak With Mushroom, Mashed Potato, Italian Green Beans, Lemon Pudding Tuesday German Sausage, Pinto Beans, Potato Salad, Bread, Peaches

Wednesday Chili Cheese Dogs, French Fries, Beets, Jello Thursday Stuff Bell Pepper, Salad, Corn, Pineapple Pudding Friday Tuna Salad Sandwiches, Chips, Beets, Melon

OPPORTUNITY OVERSEAS

Bret Cali had to close his store and café in Bend because he was getting too many customers.

Sound strange? Well, we are living in a strange time. It happened right after spring break when Bret was busy taking care of a big influx of tourists who had come for a few days’ rest at his place and at the Colorado Bend State Park just down the road. His neighbors in San Saba County asked him to shut down because they feared some of those visitors might be carrying the virus and bringing it in his store and café. Bret is still on the premises doing some updating, but his business is temporarily closed.

Bret can roll with the tide. He has done it many times before. He is a man of many experiences in many places including Alaska where he worked for a company that fished for salmon. He has had a variety of jobs, from a hospital DJ playing tunes for patients to being a show producer and entertainer. He can

also marry people. “I charge extra if I have to put on a button shirt,” says Bret, who has managed to avoid marriage for himself.

He lived in London a couple of years. One day he saw an old beatup truck with a sign on it advertising a landscape company. That gave him an idea. He and his roommate started doing some research. “We were in the wealthier part of London and we found this book on the English landscape and a poem by Alexander Pope so we made a flyer containing words from Pope’s poem: ‘Where you walk cool gills shall fan the glade and where you sit, trees shall crowd into a shade and everything shall flourish before your eyes.’ We listed all these vast landscaping projects that we could do, then got on our bikes and put

these flyers in mailboxes. We didn’t have any postage money.

“One night we were sitting in a pub and this American lady called and said her husband was making a movie in London and they were renting a mansion from the owner who was in Greece. The owner said they could do whatever landscaping they wanted as long as he approved it.

We went by the next day and talked to her. She wanted different levels and all sorts of stuff.

I had mowed yards in junior high school and thought that qualified me to do involved landscape jobs. She asked us

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

for a bid and said she would submit it to the owner. She told us that she was so honored to have both owners of the company take the time to stop by. We told her we had another project in the neighborhood.

Our bicycles were parked around the corner. So we went to the library and looked at architecture books and then called all sorts of landscape companies, found one that seemed reputable, took the price they offered, added much more to it and gave her the bid.

The owner in Greece said that was fine. So while this company did all the work, I just rode my bike by there occasionally to see that everything was going ok. We called our company Arcadia Urban Woodlands.” Bret got a good job offer in the states and gave up his landscape business.

I do hope all the Mothers had a wonderful day today.

It was a beautiful day, the wind not blowing like it did on Thursday and Friday.

That wind was terrible, like having a storm. The long range forecast showed every day this week will be windy. Oh, dear, I was glad today was nice.

On Wednesday morning my son, Mike Baldree, of Tuscola, and I attended the funeral service of my sister-in-law, Juanita (Tuffy) Baldree Metcalf of Aspermont. Juanita,90, was the last of the Baldree siblings, a family of seven. She and her husband of 71 years, Furman, lived near Peacock before moving into Aspermont, but lived in Stonewall County all their lives. She is survived by her husband, one son, Scott, and wife, April, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, one grandson, Chad Metcalf, and wife, of Austin, three great grandsons, Maverick, Wyatt, and Ryder of Austin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruben and Annie Baldree, four brothers, Cecil, Virgil, Francis, and Oren. two

MAY 15, 2020 7

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Carm Letz sisters, Myrtle on Friday. and Nadine.

They left the Many other three girls relatives and to spent the friends. night with Mittie DunGranny and ham attended Pops. On the funeral Saturday service for Micah and Juanita Baldree OLD GLORY NEWS Lacey came on Wednesday

By Anita Dozier after the and then took girls to relunch to Alice turn home.

Winters and Terry Letz and Brody of had lunch with her and Sagerton visited with his enjoyed their visit. mom and dad, Dale and Friday, Mittie’s son, RodCarm Letz, for a while on ney Dunham, of Hamlin, Sunday. came to visit with her and Later on Sunday afterhad lunch with her for an noon Dale and Carm drove early Mother’s Day. On to Haskell to the home of Sunday, Mittie, Shelly and Mike and Teresa New for a Gerral Waldon attended birthday party for Hazelee church in Aspermont, the New who was celebrating first since everything was her 4th birthday. Others closed and then came to present were Micah and Mittie’s home and had Lacey, Darbee and Laynee lunch together. It was a and Roberta Jennings all of beautiful day for all.

Haskell. Happy Birthday to Sherry and David BreedHazelee. ing of Amarillo came to Mike and Maxelle Baldree spend Mother’ Day weekof Tuscola came on Satend with her mother, urday evening to prepare Bernice Rhoads. some of our meal for Micah and Lacey New, Mother’s Day. Darbee, Laynee, and HaOn Sunday they attended zelee of Haskell came to church with me and Marcie visit her parents, Dale and

Tucker of Hamby and then Susan Kittley joined us for a delicious lunch for Mother’s Day. Rita Stephens drove to Prosper to spend Mother’s Day with her two daughters and their families. We all had an enjoyable nice day.

Thought for the week: “Whenever you are to do a thing, though it can never be known but to yourself, ask yourself how you would act were all the world looking at you, and act accordingly.”

Happy Birthday Wishes go to Philip Manske, Tarah Toney, Kathleen Teichelman, Julie DeBusk, Emmett Dudensing, Hannah Zimmerman, Tyler Bly, Laura Gonzales, Thomas Stubbs, Florence Alexander, Pete Castro, Joann Green, Aaron Tabor, Laura Andress, Brian Manske, J G Heidenheimer, Kenneth Vahlenkamp, and T J Kuenstler. We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings for Gene and Cinda Flanary, Emery and Emily Dudensing, and Kevin and Lacey Corzine. Have a wonderful day.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE ARREST REPORT

HWY 277 Hawley Faith over Fear home, barn w/horse stalls 51± Ac..IN CONTRACT 1308 Elizabeth St Horse Property w/ 2/2 brick home and barn 4.2 acres!....$189,900 10998 hwy 6 Avoca............................................................................. $129,900 1502 Compton Stamford 3/2/2 Ranch home 1.6± AC!......Reduced! $124,900 1310 PORTLAND Great 3/2 remodel! Must See!...................................$114,500 1403 Compton St. three bedroom two bath brick home........................$109,900 1303 Wesleyan 2/2 with extra lot and tank......................................IN CONTRACT 601 E Rotan Great 3/2 with large backyard!.....................................................$69,900 716 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....................................................Reduced $58,000

10998 STATE HWY 6 Avoca 3/2 w shop and pens on 4.33± Acres......IN CONTRACT 519 Commercial Ave, Anson- 3/1 Rock home w Metal ......IN CONTRACT

#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 1726 22nd Anson 2/2 Brick............................................................IN CONTRACT 532 Ave Q Anson 3/2 on 1 ACRE!................................................ IN CONTRACT

COMMERCIAL

200 W. Moran 900 sq. ft. metal shop with electric on .75± acre corner lot!.......$42,500 1303 Swenson STAMFORD - 25,000 sq ft building 1631 17th St, Anson - over 4,000 sq. ft, restaurant equip....... IN CONTRACT

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

5/3-5/9 5/8/2020 12:05:00 AM Roy Lee Ralston, Poss Marj <2oz Dfz Iat MA 5/8/2020 12:07:00 AM Mario Dillion Rodriguez, Poss Cs Pg 1 >=1g<4g F3 5/8/2020 3:28:00 AM Cynthia Ann Villegas, Man Del Cs Pg 1 >=4g<200g F1

5/8/2020 4:26:00 PM Priscilla Louise Davis, Driver License Required (No DI), No Insurance MC, Warrant-DWLI, WarrantNo Liability, Warrant-Haskell County, Warrant-Expired Registration 5/8/2020 6:55:00 PM Robert Allen Bates, Warrant-DWLI 5/8/2020 10:14:00 PM Travis Lynn Dean,

Warrant-Theft Prop >=$100<$750 MB 5/9/2020 12:09:00 AM Arik Max Burleson, Warrant-Theft <$50 5/9/2020 5:06:00 AM Mason Coleman Rogers, Driving While Intoxicated Bac >= 0.15 MA

Classifieds

HELP WANTED Sagebrush Living Center is looking for Direct Support Staff. The shifts are 6 am - 2 pm and 2 pm - 10 pm. Contact Kaye Carter at 773-2791 or come by Sagebrush to pick up an application.

Sagebrush Living Center is also hiring for a Housekeeper/ Janitor. The shift is 7 am - 3 pm five days a week. Contact Mario Cedillo at 773-2791.

Sagebrush Living Center is looking for a LVN for the morning shift. The hours are 6 am - 2 pm. The shift is 4 days on and 2 days off. Please contact Karen Wolsch DON or Doug Stanley at 773-2791 or pick up an application at the facility.

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 IN CONTRACT 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

8 MAY 15, 2020

news@americannewspapers.net

A New Normal We are at an interesting juncture of this shared COVID—19 experience and I feel compelled to share some thoughts on where we are and where we are headed.

I expect that we will see positive tests grow in our area, especially as more testing is done. Simply put, there are likely more cases than we know and greater testing confirms it.

As I wrote several weeks ago, the virus came to rural America a bit later than our urban centers, so it is expected that new rural cases would grow after state/ national numbers peaked.

That seems to be the case.

Over the last two weeks of April, data collected by the Kaiser Family Foundation showed new cases increasing by 125% in rural counties, as opposed to 68% in urban counties.

As rural cases are

ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker growing, our state and federal leaders are working to safely reopen our economy and our society.

I think we realize we that simply cannot keep our entire world shut down indefinitely. I think we also realize that the world must look different as it reopens.

I wish we could get back to the “normal” of just a few months ago (whatever that was), but COVID—19 is not simply going to disappear.

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

We’re going to live with it until a vaccine is widely available. We must create a “new normal” that allows us to live our lives in a way that safely prevents the spread of the virus.

What does that new normal look like? I don’t think any of us have all the answers yet. Preventative measures are important.

Social distancing is effective. I don’t enjoy wearing a mask but I wear one when I make necessary trips to the store. Large gatherings of people are going to be tricky to manage safely. I am grateful for the leaders of Stamford ISD who are working creatively to host a safe graduation ceremony for our seniors and their loved ones.

As we move forward, I ask each of us to remain vigilant so we can safely manage this new normal together. Please treat encounters with others outside your household as if you are both virus carriers. We

must remember why this new normal matters. Most COVID—19 cases will make a full recovery, but this is not about low-risk populations. It’s about low-risk people like me working so that we don’t spread the virus to high-risk populations, who face grim death rates and whose loved ones might be quarantined from their bedside in those final days.

When I think about those high-risk populations, I think about these words from Matthew 25:44-45: “They also will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?”

He will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

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.

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR To Whom It May Concern: Thank you, God, for dying for all of us!

I’d like to thank the first responders, firemen, EMS, police, servicemen and women and with what’s happening now, nurses, doctors, helpers and people who care and serve.

I’d like to thank you who prayed for me, while I was down for the count. Thanks for the visitors, prayers, calls, cards, and letters.

I’d like to thank the people that use our services of Fran’s and Rey’s Electric.

I’d like to thank the House for Tots, who take very good care of some of your children and my great-grandbabies.

My granddaughter stayed there when she was a little girl, and now she’s a teacher. The future starts at House for Tots. Thank you, Toni and staff.

Thank you, Rey and Frances Alvarez

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

Central Presbyterian Rev. Dr. Kelly Pigott 601 Rowland 325-773-3381 AM Worship: 11:00 Common Ground Youth Ministry Paul Wright 219 S Swenson 325-773-3604 Faith Lutheran Church Sagerton, Texas 940-200-0723 AM Worship: 10:30 Family Church of Christ 1505 E. Wells St 325-773-5250 Worship: 9:45 a.m.

1st Assembly 1214 Compton Pastor John Shepard Worship: Saturday @ 6:00PM (325)267-0955

Lueders First Baptist Church Roscoe McCoy 228-4622 AM Worship: 11:00 MacKenzie Trail Cowboy Church AM worship 11:00 Heart of God Church 114 E Campbell Joanne Ochoa AM Worship 10:30 Nugent Baptist Church Craig Thames 228-4457 Worship: 11:00

Orient Street Church of Christ Wes Horn 510 S Orient 773-3419 Worship: 10:30 Paint Creek Baptist Church Pastor Tony Grand 940-864-3358 AM Worship: 11:00

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

St. John’s United Methodist Church Pastor John Erwin 201 S Ferguson 325-773-2561 AM Worship: 10:50 Solomon Temple Baptist Church Rev. Donnie Massey 315 N. Haskell St. 325-773-2213 AM Worship 11:00

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