El Campo Leader-News: General Excellence - April 22 by Jay Strasner

PEACE • LOVE • WCYF

WHARTON COUNTY YOUTH FAIR PREVIEW

Are You Ready For The WCYF?

Ricebird Track Takes Co-District Championship Page 1-B

Special Section Today

WEDNESDAY • APRIL 22, 2015

www.leader-news.com

Rain pounds WCYF cooks, doesn’t stop competition By KEITH MAGEE news@leader-news.com

CRESCENT – Rain didn’t stop the Wharton County Youth Fair Barbecue Cook-off. One of the worst storms in recent cook-off memory hit the fairgrounds on Friday night with thunder, lightening and heavy rain. “Last night was a wild ride,” cook-off chair Sandy Valigura said Saturday. But for the most part, everyone made it through unscathed. On Saturday, the storms stayed away during the morning and afternoon, with a light rain beginning late in the afternoon as the final awards were being handed out. The only casualty – minus a few of the 124 scheduled teams that didn’t show or went home – was the Most Colorful Contest, whichwas scheduled for Friday evening this year. Officials considered moving the contest to Saturday morning, as had been done in previous years, but decided just to cancel instead. “We had a few withdrawals, but all-in-all it was not as bad as it could have been,” Valigura said.

Volume 131 Number 12 • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

75¢

50 Pages, 6 Inserts

Storms’ ag damage still uncertain By JODY LARIMER reporter@leader-news.com

Hail ripped through Wharton County Thursday followed by heavy rainfall Friday causing crop damage and the possibility of replanting. It all depends on the weather over the next couple weeks, Wharton County Ag Extension Agent Corrie Bowen said. “This might be optimistic, but with a good 10 days of steady sun-

“This might be optimistic, but with a good 10 days of steady sunshine, we could see cotton and soybean planting resume,”

– Corrie Bowen

shine, we could see cotton and soybean planting resume in areas,” he said. “Trouble is, more rain is forecast for this week.” Lauritsen Farms, south of El

Campo, said it lost one third of the crop to hail and will need to replant. Michael Watz, who farms north of town, said hail wasn’t a factor, but more than five inches of rainfall Fri-

day means some cotton will have to be replanted. Bowen recommends not being too hasty in replanting, though. “Cotton has a tremendous capacity to recover from adversities,” he said. “Consequently, it is usually best to delay the final stand evaluation until after the crop is exposed to two or three days of good growing condi(See PLANTING, Page 10-A)

Exploring Legacy Park

(See COOK-OFF, Page 10-A)

EC, Louise FFA Students Celebrate Successful Season – See Page 3-B ALSO INSIDE: VIEWPOINT......................................Page 4-A OBITUARIES.....................................Page 9-A SPORTS.............................................Page 1-B LIFESTYLE.........................................Page 3-B CROSSWORD...................................Page 8-B CLASSIFIEDS & REAL ESTATE........Page 9-B

LOCAL WEATHER Wednesday

Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 30% HIGH: 83º NIGHT: 20% LOW: 70º

Thursday

Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 30% HIGH: 86º NIGHT: 30% LOW: 72º

Friday

Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 30% HIGH: 85º NIGHT: 20% LOW: 70º

Saturday

Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 30% HIGH: 87º NIGHT: 0% LOW: 67º Last Week: Avg. High: 77º • Avg. Low: 61º

RAIN GAUGE

Last 7 Days............................. 3.79 In.

Last 30 Days........................... 4.32 In. Same Time In '14...................... 1.01 In.

Year To Date......................... 12.90 In. Year To Date '14....................... 4.78 In. Data Collected by LCRA at El Campo Memorial Hospital

BURN BAN LIFTED COUNTY’S MEAN KBDI: 7 Burn Ban is put into effect when the mean KBDI reaches or goes above 500.

THROUGH THE MAZE: Eight-year-old Juliana Vasquez, the daughter of El Campo City Councilwoman Anisa Vasquez and her husband Joe, makes her way through one of the obstacles in Legacy Park’s recently-completed maze. The multi-station playscape features areas for children to crawl, jump, swing, spin and more.

L-N Photo by Shannon Crabtree

Children flock to newly-opened play area By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

Slightly overcast skies greeted the first official visitors to Legacy Park Monday. But just three days after a 3.5-inch deluge, the only evidence of the torrential downpour were a few construction items still not done. Those minor details couldn’t quash the enthusiasm of more than a dozen children running and climbing through the bright red barn-motif play areas designed to celebrate the city’s agricultural roots. “I love the park. I think it’s great,” parent

Efforts continue to find solution to parking woes

– See Page 10-A

April Webb said Monday watching her almost three-year-old twins scamper about. “There’s a good playground for them. “I love everything about it,” she added. “I think it’s the best thing El Campo’s ever done.” Barbecue pits still need to be installed and

there’s still a bit of landscape work pending, according to Community Services Director Chris Barbee. “And irrigation, we’re adding to that,” he said. The rain delays prompted a scattering of “Keep Off The Grass” signs throughout the 3.5acre city play park sided by a four-acre pond. Requests to stay on paved paths didn’t damper spirits, however. Terri Vasquez was there with three boys, watching them race up ramps, zoom down slides and through the assorted stations of the wooden (See NEW PARK’S OPENING, Page 8-A)

Newspaper collects top honor in regional contest El Campo’s newspaper has once again been named the best in its division by the nation’s largest regional press association. The Leader-News, competing in the largest division, won first place in the prestigious Sweepstakes category, awarded for best overall newspaper after the results in all categories were tabulated. The Leader-News won 11 awards total in the contest, which was judged by the Louisiana Press Association this year. “We’re humbled yet excited to once again be voted one of the best newspapers around,” Jay T. Strasner, Leader-News publisher said. “Over the past five newspaper contests, our staff has won Sweepstakes in four of them. That signifies a remarkable commitment to excellence by our staff. As always, we share this honor with our dear readers and advertisers, the folks who help us make outstanding newspapers every week.” In addition to first place in Sweepstakes, Shannon Crabtree, L-N news editor, and Jody Larimer, news reporter, brought home first place in News Photos. Crabtree earned second place in the top individual category, Journalist of the Year. For News Photo, Crabtree submitted a photograph of a pris(See ALL PAPER SECTIONS, Page 9-A)

HONORS EARNED: The El Campo Leader-News displays honors earned at last weekend’s South Texas Press Association newspaper contest. Claiming Sweepstakes, the local paper was named tops in the region for yet another year.

L-N Photo

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Law & Order Police Blotter

Court software should increase efficiency By JODY LARIMER reporter@leader-news.com

Wharton County commissioners approved a new court management system last Monday that excludes Justice of the Peace Courts. Converting all county employees over to a windowsbased software by Edoc Technologies is intended to increase efficiency. “This is a welcome change,” 329th District Court Judge Randy Clapp said. The new software should benefit county employees as well as the general public. “The parts of the court management system that are public ... right now if you want to see a file, you have to go to the clerk’s office and the file has to be found,” Clapp said, adding some documents have been scanned, but are only accessible with special software. With the new software, all documents will be accessible electronically through a public portal. This will speed up the process for the public as well as the clerks, lawyers and judges. JPs, however, requested to stay with the existing software because the switch would mean changing collection agencies, something they said would hurt collection efforts.

Addressing Adversity

L-N Photo by Jody Larimer

Attorney Matthew Tepper of McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen addresses commissioners court last Wednesday saying collection efforts would not be impacted negatively with switching to their firm. JPs opted to stay on the current system for now. “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” Precinct 2 JP Cynthia Kubicek said. McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen attorney Matthew

Tepper addressed the court saying they can fulfill the JPs collection requirements, but it wasn’t enough to convince Kubicek.

“By law, we don’t have to do collections,” she said. “If this doesn’t work, we don’t have to do it.” For now, JPs will stay on the current system and move their data over to be stored on Hopkins County’s hard drive. An Edoc Technologies team will now evaluate what each department does. “They will review the function of each department and what the software needs to do,” Clapp said. This evaluation will allow each department to see what processes are outdated or duplicated. “This is really good for the county to go through this process,” Clapp said. “It will be a little painful, but good.” As for the JPs, each has the option to convert at a later time. “I think eventually they’re going to want to switch over to the Windows-based system,” Clapp said. After the assessment, the data will be moved over to the new system and employees will use it on a test-basis for a couple of months. “At some point, we’ll pick a date to go live,” Clapp said. The whole conversion is projected to take six months to a year. “We’re hoping for six months,” Clapp said.

Think Safety

City Arrests

Alcohol, drugs

Torre L. Robinson, 37, of 708 Dunlap was arrested at 3:05 p.m. Thursday, April 16 on a warrant for possession of marijuana while already at the Wharton County Jail. He was processed there. Robinson also faces a county charge of failure to identify. Violence, weapons

Alton Lee Hood, 52, of 610 Dunlap was arrested at 8:08 p.m. Thursday, April 16 for aggravated assault family violence following a disturbance at his home. The incident allegedly involved a pellet gun. No injuries were reported. Hood was processed and transferred to county jail the next morning. Public intoxication: 4.

City Incidents

Property

Credit or debit card abuse was reported at DSG Nursery, 1201 S. Mechanic, between April 9 and 16. Police are investigating a reported of fraudulent use or possession of identifying information on Heights Street on Tuesday, April 14. Two puppies were reported stolen in the 1000 block of Palacios Street between 9 p.m. Thursday, April 16 and 7 a.m. Friday, April 17. The dogs are valued at $600. A Ford F-350 was reported stolen from the 25000 block of U.S. 59 around 2 a.m. Friday, April 17. More than $13,000 in assorted saws, hammers and other tools were taken as well. Lug nut covers were reported stolen from a Cadillac parked in the 1000 block of East Hillje between 6 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19. Value was estimated at $80. County Incidents Property

Deputies are investigating the theft of a Dodge flat bed truck from the 2200 block of CR 332 on Wednesday, April 15. The vehicle is valued at $6,000. A $5,000 air-conditioning unit was reported stolen from the 2000 block of CR 351 on Wednesday, April 15. An estimated $1,400 in batteries and a solar panel were stolen from a well near the intersection of CR 307 and FM 441 on Thursday, April 16. Cash and jewelry were reported stolen in the 1500 block of Olivia on Thursday, April 16. Loss is estimated at $6,000.

County Jail Bookings

Alcohol, drugs

Candie Lynn Rios, 36, of 1185 Olivia, No. 115, was booked on Thursday, April 16 for theft by check and fraudulent possession of a prescription drug after being arrested by sheriff’s deputies at 9:15 a.m. She posted $10,500 in bonds and was released the same day. Anthony Felipe Trevino, 23, of 20 Serena Dr. was booked on Thursday, April 16 on a warrant for possession of a controlled substance after being arrested by deputies at 10:58 a.m. He posted a $5,000 bond and was released the same day. Anthony Joe Munoz, 46, of P.O. Box 283 in Garwood was booked Sunday, April 19 for possession of a controlled substance after state troopers arrested him at 5:30 p.m.

Take Time At Intersections Any time heavy fog rolls into the area, drivers are urged to exercise extreme care on roadways. Not only can the fog impair the ability to judge distances, not all drivers choose to use headlights. Remember to only use low beams or fog lights. High beam headlights can actually make the roadway more difficult to see.

Property

Hector Alvarez Jr., 46, of 806 College was booked Friday, April 17 on a warrant for issuance of a bad check after deputies arrested him at 8:45 a.m. He posted a $500 bond and was released the next day.

L-N File Photo

Violence, weapons

Francis Ramirez, 23, of 3204 FM 1162 was booked Thursday, April 16 for injury to a child, elderly or disabled person after being arrested by deputies at 3:10 p.m.

Disorientation common on foggy drives Driving Wharton County roadways on a daily basis won’t guarantee protection from fog’s disorientation. The safest thing to do in foggy conditions is not to drive. But if trips can’t be postponed, the National Weather Service offers the following tips: • Turn on your headlights manually rather than relying on the automatic switch. Your lights are the only part of your vehicle oncoming drivers can see at

a distance. • Drive with low beams and fog lights only. High beams will reflect back off the fog, making it even harder for you to see. • Reduce your speed, and watch your speedometer. Fog creates the illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding. • Listen for traffic you cannot see. Open your window a little to hear better. • Use wipers and defrosters as neces-

sary for maximum visibility. • Use the right edge of the road or painted road markings as a guide. • Be patient. Do not pass other vehicles. • Do not stop on a heavily traveled road. If your car stalls or becomes disabled, turn your vehicle’s lights off, and take your foot off of the brake pedal. People tend to follow tail lights when driving in fog. Move away from the vehicle to avoid injury.

Bulletin Board WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 Business Blender Coming Superior Motor Parts hosts a Chamber Business Blender on Wednesday, April 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. in celebration of its 50th Anniversary. Open to the public. Children are welcome.

FRIDAY, APRIL 24 Plaza Presents Picnic The Plaza Theatre in Wharton will present Picnic Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from April 24 – May 3. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinee performances beginning at 2:30 p.m. General admission is $15. Plaza Theatre season ticket holders are reminded they can use their season tickets for this event. Online tickets available at www.whartonplazatheater.org. Reservations also available by calling the box office at 282-2226. Picnic is recommended for mature audiences due to language and subject matter.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 Look Up Conference Coming The El Campo Faith Center Five Fold Ministries Inter-

Other

Macauley Tyler Vera, 21, of 306 N. Orange in Louise was booked Thursday, April 16 for making a false report to officers after being arrested by state troopers at 4:59 p.m.

Do you have information about a crime? CALL CRIMESTOPPERS

543-TIPS

Cash rewards available bulletinboard@leader-news.com All phone numbers are area code (979), unless otherwise noted.

national Faith Center 2015 Conference is Thursday, April 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Friday, May 1 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The event will be held at the El Campo Civic Center and the public is welcome. For more information, contact Bobby Cude at 703-9902. School Taking Registrations School Registration at Myatt Elementary School, 501 W. Webb, for new Pre-K, kindergarten and new incoming first grade students will be Monday through Thursday through April 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays, April 14, 21, and 28 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Parents or legal guardians may register their children. For more information including a list of requirements, call the school office at 543-7514.

ONGOING Free Exercise At Heritage Center Eighteen professional exercise machines are available for use, free of charge, to all Heritage Center members (age 50+) Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Manna Meals Offers Food, Fellowship Manna Meals is offered at no cost every Monday and Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Meals are prepared then served by local congregations at New Life Assembly, 707

Earl (behind Friendship Park). For more, call 505-9362 or mannamealsec@gmail.com. VFW Hosts Bingo Games VFW Post 2786 hosts bingo games at the VFW Hall every Wednesday night, selling of cards at 6 p.m. and games starting at 7 p.m. The post has a free meal for those attending on the third Wednesday of each month. American Legion Hosts Friday Night Bingo American Legion Post 251 hosts bingo games each Friday. Doors open at 5 p.m., card sales start at 6 p.m. and games at 7 p.m. Ladies Auxiliary hosts a raffle the first and third Friday; ticket drawing at halftime. Snack bar is open. CASA Seeks Volunteers CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), is looking for volunteers ready to help. Contact Judy Peter for more information, at 578-1600. Veterans Service Office Open in April The office of the Wharton County Veteran’s Service Officer will be in the reference room of the El Campo library, 200 W. Church from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. every Wednesday and in the Frank Shannon building, 1017 North Alabama Road, Wharton, or about

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½ mile south of the H.E.B. store on the west side of Alabama Road, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. Call 532-1311 before you come. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– About the Bulletin Board Bulletin Board is a community service to promote one-time events for nonprofit organizations. The LeaderNews requests only one representative from each event or organization submit items. Include contact information. Items will be edited. Event submissions will run no more than four editions immediately prior to the event as space permits. Garage sale fundraisers do not qualify for Bulletin Board. All items submitted must arrive no later than 3 p.m. Mondays for the Wednesday edition and 3 p.m. Thursdays for the Saturday edition. Digital submissions must be text that can be edited and pasted (no pdfs or fliers). Items may be dropped off in person or sent to bulletinboard@leader-news.com. No voice mail submissions.

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

www.leader-news.com

Viewpoint

lettertoeditor@leader-news.com

House bill targets business-owner confusion on tax law I am not a fan of the Texas Franchise Tax (otherwise known as the Margins Tax): a tax on a respective business’ gross profits. In a perfect world, this tax would be repealed, as it is a stupid and erroneous tax. But, in lieu of that, I filed House Bill 3399. HB 3399 is intended to clarify a few of the many very confusing and costly flaws in the Franchise Tax; flaws that the Comptroller’s Office, through their in-house regulations, exploit, I believe, unfairly. The deadline for payment of this tax is May 15.

The following solutions are the heart of the bill: Presently, if a business submits their payment electronically by the midnight deadline, but the comptroller does not receive those payments until the next day, though this delinquency is no fault of the taxpayer, they are penalized. This is unacceptable. Under HB 3399, the business would be in compliance if the payment were received by the second business day following the deadline. Currently, though payment is due May 15, a business can send in the

Phil

Stephenson State Representative estimated tax and file an extension on their return. This estimated tax must be at least 90 percent of what is owed. The deadline to file the extension is Aug. 15. After the extension is filed, the return is not due till Nov. 15.

Sound confusing? It is! HB 3399 gets rid of the Aug. 15 extension deadline and replaces it with a simple, singular extension of Nov. 15; with allowance to pay earlier if possible. Interest on late payment is calculated from May 15 to the date the payment is made, or the Nov. 15 deadline. Statistically, extensions with money owed are approximately 5 percent of the total collection. Texas law is incremental. In lieu of repeal, we must settle for gradual reform. Though not monumental, HB

3399 will hopefully clear up some of the fear and confusion business owners experience when trying to comply with this tax. For a country founded on limited taxation, we are now a nation inundated with them. Income taxes, payroll taxes, franchise taxes, property taxes, the list goes on and on. Our multitudinous degree of taxation has entered a phase to where it is now compromising our prosperity and hurting the nation. House Bill 3399 is a small step in the right direction for businesses in Texas.

Presidential front-runners lack necessary experience

Have An Opinion? WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR lettertoeditor@leader-news.com Letters to the editor run as space is available in both the Wednesday and Saturday edition. To be considered for publication, letters must be received before 1 p.m. Monday for the Wednesday edition or 1 p.m. Thursday for the Saturday edition. Publication in a specific paper is not guaranteed. Please limit your letters to no more than 350 words. Letters must be signed by at least one person and a telephone number is required. An individual can submit

a letter for publication once every eight editions (generally once a month) unless it is in direct response to another letter at the discretion of the newspaper. The Leader-News allows representatives of clubs or other fundraising organizations to thank up to five individuals or corporations by name in a letter to the editor. Please note that the Leader-News will not publish letters advocating a specific choice on an election issue immediately before or during a balloting period.

Share Your Views On Local Issues

Jay Strasner...................................................Editor & Publisher THE EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS (USPS 169520) is published semi-weekly on Wednesday and Saturday for $48 per year in Wharton County; $63 per year out of county; and $87 per year out of state; and $48 per year for the online edition only, by Wharton County Newspapers, Inc., 203 E. Jackson St., El Campo, Texas 77437. Periodical postage paid at El Campo, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS, P.O. Box 1180, El Campo, Texas 77437. © 2015 Wharton County Newspapers, Inc.

979-543-3363 • Fax: 979-543-0097 Website: www.leader-news.com Email address: lettertoeditor@leader-news.com Opinions or views expressed by individual columnists or in Letters to the Editor are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper. Also, while the Leader-News strives for accuracy, errors may occur, and will be promptly corrected once they are brought to the attention of the editor.

Painful as it is to realize that both the Democrats and the Republicans will still be holding their primaries a year from now, that is one of the high prices we pay for democracy. Seldom does the initial “front-runner” in either party’s primaries end up being the actual candidate when election day rolls around. However, even if we cannot predict the outcomes of the primaries this far in advance, we can at least start trying to understand the candidates, the almost candidates and the people who are running just for the publicity. One of the curious things this early in the process is that, while the Republicans’ three freshmen Senators – Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Rand Paul – have all had interviews on various television talk shows, veteran politician Hillary Clinton has been hiding out from real interviews by hard news reporters, as if she is afraid to be cross-examined. This is by no means an irrational fear on Mrs. Clinton’s part. There are all sorts of questions that she would find hard to answer. They range from questions about recent events like the emails from her days as Secretary of State that she destroyed illegally, after Congress called for her to produce them, to the still unsolved mystery as to what she and Barack Obama were doing during the hours when four Americans, including our ambassador to Libya, were under attack by terrorists in Benghazi. Then there are the bald-faced lies, such as Mrs. Clinton’s claim to have been shot at in a war zone, her claim that she and her husband were “poor” at the end of his terms as president, and her claim that charges of sexual misconduct against Bill Clinton in the White House were fictions invented by a “vast right-wing conspiracy.” Supporters of Hillary Clinton tout her “experience” in high-level institutions of government – as first lady in the White House, as a Senator and as Secretary of State. But years of such “experience” raise the embarrassing question as to whether she ever actually accomplished anything in all those years, other than being physically present. Among the many Republicans’ announced and unannounced candidates, three of the most prominent are freshmen Senators with no tangible accomplishments to go with their rhetoric. Whatever their potential, which seems especially striking in the case of Senator Marco Rubio, the White

Thomas Sowell House is not the place for on-the-job training, in an age of international terrorism and nuclear bombs. Barack Obama has already given us repeated demonstrations of what a mess a freshman Senator with rhetoric can make in the White House. While there are a number of Republican candidates who can point to substantial accomplishments as governors, the fact that most have strong track records as conservatives means that they may well split the conservative vote so many ways in the primaries as to let the nomination go by default to a mushy moderate – of the sort beloved by the Republican establishment, but not by enough voters to beat even a weak or troubled Democrat on election day. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush is today’s mushy moderate candidate who may well follow in the footsteps of a whole string of similar losers, from Mitt Romney and John McCain in recent elections, all the way back to Thomas E. Dewey, who managed to lose even in an election where three different Democrats were on the ballot, fragmenting that party’s vote. While the Republicans have several governors who would make good presidents, of whom Scott Walker and Bobby Jindal are the most prominent, that is very different from saying that these governors would make successful presidential candidates. How they handle themselves in the primaries can reveal that. Former Governor Jeb Bush has lots of political savvy on his side – his own savvy and that of others – and a ton of money behind him. So he could end up being the last man standing after the many Republican conservatives knock each other off. What could prevent that would be if each of the successive conservative Republican candidates who fall behind were to throw their support to whoever becomes the conservative candidate with the best chance of rescuing us all from another Clinton versus Bush election. But we should never bet heavily on rationality prevailing in politics. Copyright 2015 Creators.com

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Government

STORAGE

New election administrator steps in By JODY LARIMER reporter@leader-news.com

Wharton County’s latest election administrator took over the role last week. The April 7 resignation of Aaron Edwards, after two months on the job, prompted elections commissioners to meet last Tuesday to review applications. Cynthia Richter of El Campo was hired and took over the role the following day. “I am thrilled to be the election administrator for Wharton County,” Richter told the Leader-News Friday. Graduating from El Campo High School in 1978, she went on to Southwest Texas State University and earned her bachelor of arts in computer information systems. Her work experience includes 25 years in programming and six in office and customer relations. Following graduation, Richter moved to Georgia and worked for a number of com-

panies as a programmer. She returned to El Campo in 2007 to be closer to family. “My sister’s children were having children,” Richter said. “I wasn’t going to miss that.” Before accepting the elections position, she worked for VeriFone, programming devices to accept electronic payments.

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Early voting for city and school elections begins April 27, leaving less than two weeks for training. “It will be a challenge, but also a great experience and I am ready to learn,” Richter said. Voters in Wharton County are now able to cast ballots at any county-wide polling location.

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L-N Photo by Nathalie Frels

Election Preparation

Cynthia Richter of El Campo took over the role of Wharton County election administrator last Wednesday. She spent the last 25 years working in computer programming and said she is ready to learn election administration.

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A Wharton County roadway may soon bear the name of one of its most honored sons. A bill designating the Boling Highway portion of FM 1301 in Wharton as the “Master Sgt. Mike C. Pena Memorial Highway” received House approval last week and moved on to the Texas State Senate. Pena, posthumously presented the Medal of Honor last year, was just 26 years old the night of Sept. 4, 1950, when his outnumbered platoon came under heavy fire which eventually forced a withdrawal. But the young soldier stayed behind, using a machine gun to provide cover fire until his position was overrun and he was killed the next day. “Master Sgt. Pena is a true American and Texas hero and this is the least we could do to honor his great sacrifice and help his legacy live on forever,” Wharton County State Representative Phil Stephenson (R-District 85) said Thursday addressing his fellow House members. Pena’s nephew Miguel, and his wife Ida Pena; and Miguel’s nephews, Edward and Michael, stood by as Stephenson made his address. The fallen New Gulf sol-

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MIKE C. PENA dier was honored for duty above and beyond the call as part of the Valor 24 effort last year recognizing those previously overlooked for military recognitions. His son Michael David Pena, a resident of Warminster, Pa., accepted the honor from the president in March 2014. The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest honor for military service, a recognition earned by three of Wharton County’s sons – Pena, Lissie native Johnnie David Hutchins, a Seaman First Class, for actions during World War II and Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez for meritorious service during Vietnam. Master Sgt. Pena is buried in Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City.

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015 ORDINANZA NÚMERO 2015 - 03

UNA ORDINANZA DE LA CIUDAD DE EL CAMPO, TEXAS, CITANDO UNA ELECCIÓN DE BONO PARA EL 9 DE MAYO, 2015; DESIGNANDO DISTRITOS ELECTORALES Y LUGARES DE ELECCIONES; PROVEYENDO VOTACIONES DE ANTEMANO Y EL DÍA DE ELECCIONES; PROVEYENDO POR EJECUCIÓN DE DEBÉRES ADMINISTRATIVOS; PROVEYENDO POR CONDUCTA DE LA ELECCIÓN; CERTIFICANDO PROVISIÓN DE SISTEMAS DE VOTAR ACCESIBLES REQUIRIDAS EN CADA LUGAR DE VOTACIONES; Y PROVEYENDO POR OTROS ASUNTOS RELACIONADOS A TAL ELECCIÓN. THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF WHARTON CITY OF EL CAMPO

§ § §

POR CUANTO, de acuerdo con las provisiones de los Capítulos 1251 y 1331, Código del Gobierno de Texas, como enmendado, el Código de Elección de Texas como enmendado, y otros estatutos que el Concilio de la Ciudad de la Ciudad de El Campo, Texas (“la Ciudad”) está autorizada citar una elección para someter a los votantes de la Ciudad una proposición tocante la emisión de bonos de impuestos; y POR CUANTO, el Concilio de la Ciudad piense que sea prudente citar una elección para la proposición declarada más adelante. POR LO TANTO, SERÁ ORDENADO POR EL CONCILIO DE LA CIUDAD DE LA CIUDAD DE EL CAMPO, TEXAS QUE: Sección 1.

FECHA DE ELECCIÓN, LUGARES DE VOTAR Y JUECES DE ELECCIÓN.

Elección junta. La Ciudad está localizada en el Condado de Wharton y por lo tanto el/la Administrador/a de Elecciones está conduciendo la elección de acuerdo con un acuerdo de elección (“el Acuerdo de Elección”) entre la Ciudad y el Condado de Wharton como autorizado bajo la Sección 31,092 del Código de Elección de Texas. La elección se tomará a cabo como elección junta de acuerdo con Capítulo 271 del Código de Elección de Texas y con un acuerdo de elección junta entre la Ciudad y otras entidades participantes colocadas en el Condado de Wharton, las cuales están teniendo una elección el 9 de mayo, 2015. Fecha de la Elección. Una elección se tomará a cabo en la Ciudad como prescrito por la ley aplicable entre las horas de 7:00 A.M. y la 7:00 P.M. el 9 de mayo, 2015. Lugares de Distritos y Votaciones. Los distritos de elección de la Ciudad y lugares de votaciones entre la Ciudad designados para tener la elección será determinado por el Condado de Wharton y serán conducidos en los lugares de votación usados por la Elección General del Condado de Wharton. El equipo de elección del Condado de Wharton se usará para conducir la elección de bono. Jueces de Elección. Los jueces de elección serán señalados de acuerdo con el Acuerdo de Elección; Código de Elección de Texas, como enmendado. El/La Administrador/a de Elecciones del Condado de Wharton está conduciendo semejante elección para la Ciudad de acuerdo con los términos de el Acuerdo de Elección. El Concilio de la Ciudad por esto señala, por el término de semejante elección, el/la, los/las juez (es) dirigente(s) de la elección y jueces de elección alternativos/as siendo esos que serán señalados por el/la Administrador/a de Elecciones del Condado de Wharton. Sección 2.

Amanuense de Elección

A menos que de otra manera se dirija por el/la Juez Dirigente del Condado designará no menos que dos y no más que cinco electores residentes calificados de la Ciudad para actuar como amanuenses para conducir propiamente la elección. Sin embargo, si el/la juez dirigente señalado/a actualmente sirve, el/la juez alternativo/a dirigente servirá como uno/a de los/las amanuenses. El nombramiento de semejantes amanuenses debe incluir una persona fluyente en la lengua española para servir como un/a amanuense para proveer asistencia oral en la lengua española a cualquier votante que desee tal ayuda en las votaciones en el día de votar. En la ausencia de el/la juez dirigente, el juez dirigente alternativo ejecutará los deberes de el/la juez dirigente. Sección 3.

Votaciones de antemano

Fechas, Horarios, y Lugares para Votar Antemano. Las votaciones de antemano para la Elección General de la Ciudad del 9 de mayo, 2015, tomarán a cabo en la Biblioteca del Condado de Wharton. – el Brazo de El Campo, 200 Oeste Calle Church, El Campo. Las votaciones de antemano en persona para la elección empezarán el lunes, el 27 de abril, 2015 a las 8:00 a.m. y terminarán a las el 7 p.m. el 5 de mayo, 2015. Votaciones de antemano en persona se conducirán cada día de la semana de las horas 8:00 a.m. hasta las 5:00 p.m., excepto de los dos días finales del periodo de votaciones de antemano, cuales durante semejantes dos días finales las horas por esto serán designadas de las 7:00 a.m. hasta las 7:00 p.m. La oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad estará abierta todas las horas de votaciones de antemano. .

Amanuense de Votaciones de Antemano. El Concilio de la Ciudad por esto designará el/la Administrador/a de elecciones del Condado de Wharton como el/la oficial de Elección de El Campo y amanuense de votaciones de antemano. La dirección de El/La amanuense de votaciones de antemano, a la cual se enviarán aplicaciones para balotas por correo se pueden enviar a la siguiente: Rebecca Hernández Wharton County Elections Administrator 309 E. Milam Wharton, Texas 77488 Aplicaciones para balotas por correo se recibirán de acuerdo con la ley. Sección 4.

VOTANTES.

PROPOSICIÓN 1. Debería el concilio de la Ciudad de El Campo, Texas, ser autorizado emitir los bonos de la Ciudad, en una serie o más, en la cantidad principal agregada de $10,500,00.00 con los bonos de cada serie, respectiva, a madurar entre series a no exceder treinta años de su fecha, y ser vendidos a semejantes precios y acumular interés a semejantes valores, como será determinado entre la discreción del Concilio de la Ciudad, de acuerdo con la ley al tiempo de emitir, por el propósito de construir , equipar, y amueblar una Facilidad de Seguro Público para incluir los Departamentos de Policía, Bomberos, Servicios Médicos de Emergencia (EMS) y facilidades de emergencia y entrenamiento relativos, incluyendo la adquisición de cualesquier sitios necesarios y agua, agua desgastada, desagüe, calles, banquetas, estacionamiento infraestructura y otros costos y la reconstrucción, expansión, mejoramiento, renovación, y demolición de la facilidad en existencia; y debería tal Concilio de la Ciudad ser autorizado imponer y causar ser asesados y colectar dos impuestos anuales en proporción al valor en toda propiedad sujeto a impuestos en la Ciudad de una cantidad suficiente para pagar el interés anual en dichos bonos y proveer caja de amortización para pagar los bonos al madurar?

Sección 8. Balota Oficial. La balota oficial para la elección se preparará de acuerdo con el Código de Elección de Texas para permitir los electores votar “Por” o “Contra” en las PROPOSICIONES, con las balotas que contengan tales provisiones, señales y lengua como es requerido por ley, y con tal PROPOSICIONES ser expresadas sustancialmente como seguido: PROPOSICIÓN 1. POR

) EL DESPACHO DE $10, 500,000 DE BONOS DE IMPUESTOS PARA LA CONSTRUCCIÓN DE UNA FACILIDAD DE CONTRA ( ) SEGURIDAD QUE INCLUYA EL DEPARTAMENTO DE POLICÍA, EL DEPARTAMENTO DE BOMBEROS, SERVICIOS MÉDICOS DE EMERGENCIA (EMS) Y FACILIDADES DE EMERGENCIA Y ENTRENAMIENTO RELATIVOS Y PARA LA DEMOLICIÓN DE LA FACILIDAD EN EXISTENCIA. Sección 9. CONDUCTA DE ACUERDO CON EL CÓDIGO DE ELECCIÓN DE TEXAS En todos respectos sustantivos, la elección será conducida de acuerdo con el Código de Elección de Texas y cualesquier otros estatutos aplicables. Sección 10. R ESULTADOS DE LA ELECCIÓN El/La Administrador/a de Elecciones del Condado de Wharton conducirá una tabulación de resultados extraoficiales después del cerrar de las votaciones el 9 de mayo, 2015. Las solicitaciones de votos y tabulación oficial de los resultados de la elección de bonos se conducirán de acuerdo con el Código de Elección. Sección 11. PROVISIONES MISCELANEAS. Las provisiones de esta Ordenanza son separables; y en caso de que alguna o más de las provisiones de esta Ordenanza o la aplicación de eso a cualquier persona o circunstancia, debería ser inválido, inconstitucional, o inefectivo como a cualquier persona o circunstancia, el resto de esta Ordenanza no obstante será válida, y la aplicación de cualquier tal provisión inválida a personas o circunstancias más que esas que las cuales serán inválidas con eso no serán afectadas. El Concilio de la Ciudad por esto encuentra y declara que el aviso escrito de la fecha, hora, lugar y sujeto de la junta donde la cual esta Ordenanza fue adoptada fue anunciada y que tal junta fue abierta al público como es requerido por ley todo el tiempo durante cual esta Ordenanza y de lo que se trate de esto fue discutido, considerado y tomaron acción formalmente, todo de acuerdo con y como requerido por el Acto de Juntas Abiertas, Capítulo 551, Código del Gobierno de Texas, como enmendado, y el Acto.

De acuerdo con las provisiones de Sección 3.009(b), Código de Elección de Texas, es por esto hallado y determinado que: (a)

La lengua de la proposición que aparecerá en la balota se pondrá en Sección 8 de

(b)

El propósito por cual los bonos serán autorizados se pondrá en Sección 7 de

aquí.

aquí. (c) 8 de aquí.

CUSTODIO DE ARCHIVOS DE ELECCIÓN.

El/La Administrador/a de Elecciones del Condado de Wharton servirá como custodio/a de balotas votadas, y la Secretaria de la Ciudad de El Campo, Texas, será designada como custodio/a de todos otros archivos de elección. Sección 6.

AVISO

Anuncio. Una copia sustancial de esta Ordenanza, con semejante omisiones permitidas por ley servirá como un aviso propio de la elección. Semejante aviso, incluyendo una traducción en español de eso, será anunciado en el tablón de anuncios que usa la Ciudad para anunciar las juntas y en el Ayuntamiento de la Ciudad por no menos de veintiún (21) días antes de la fecha en que la elección tome a cabo, y quedará anunciado por el día de la elección. Adicionalmente a lo anterior, esta Ordenanza , incluyendo una traducción en español de eso, se (i) anunciará en el día de elección y durante votaciones de antemano en persona en un lugar prominente en cada lugar de votación (ii) anunciado en tres (3) lugares públicos entre las fronteras de la Ciudad no más de veintiún (21) días antes de la elección; y (iii) anunciado en el sitio de la red del Internet de la Ciudad durante veintiún días antes de la elección si la Ciudad mantiene un sitio de la red del Internet.

Publicación. Una copia sustancial de esta Ordenanza, con semejantes omisiones permitidas por ley, servirá como un aviso propio de la elección. Semejante aviso, incluyendo una traducción en español de eso, será publicado en el El Campo Leader-News, un periódico de circulación general en la Ciudad, en el mismo día en cada de las dos semanas sucesivas con la publicación primera ocurriendo no mas tardado que el trigésimo (30th) día o mas tarde que el día decimocuarto (14th) antes del día de la elección. Autorización a la Secretaria de la Ciudad. La Secretaria de la Ciudad por esto autorizado/a y dirigido/a publicar y anunciar los avisos requeridos de la manera y por los periodos de tiempo requeridos por ley. Sección 7. PROPOSICIÓN. En la elección, la PROPOSICIÓN 1 SIGUIENTE, SE SOMETIRÁ DE ACUERDO CON LA LEY:

La cantidad principal de los bonos que se autorizarán se pondrá en Sección 7 y

(d) Como puesto en Secciones 7 y 8 de aquí, si los bonos son aprobados por los votantes, el Concilio de la Ciudad será autorizado imponer contribuciones y embargar impuestos en proporción al valor anuales, en toda propiedad impuesto en al Ciudad, suficiente, entre los límites prescritos por la ley, para pagar el principal de u interés en los bonos. (e) Basado sobre las condiciones del mercado de bonos en la fecha de adopción de esta Ordenanza, el valor de interés máximo para cualquier serie de los bonos es estimado ser 6.5% por año como calculado de acuerdo con la ley aplicable. Semejante estimado es basado en consejo recibido del consejero financiero de la Ciudad, el cual consejo toma en cuento varios factores, incluyendo horario de emitir, horario de maduración, y la valuación de bonos esperados de los bonos propuestos. El valor de interés máximo estimado semejante se provee como información, pero no está limitado en el valor de interés en el cual los bonos, o cualquier serie de eso, se puede vender. (f) Como se pondrá en Sección 7 de aquí, si los bonos se aprueban, ellos se podrán emitir en una o más series, para madurar sobre un periodo a no exceder 30 años. (g)

La cantidad agregada del principal sobresaliente de la deuda de la Ciudad asegurada por impuestos de proporción al valor desde el comienzo del año fiscal fue 7, 022,017.00.

(h)

La cantidad del interés sobresaliente en la deuda de la Ciudad asegurada por impuestos de proporción al valor desde el incepción del año fiscal 2014-2015 fue $2, 472,733.00.

(i)

La deuda de impuestos de servicio de proporción al valor para la Ciudad para el año fiscal 2014-2015 fue $.51058 por $100 de valuación asesada imponible.

Todos los electores residentes calificados de la Ciudad de el Campo, Texas, serán autorizados a votar en la elección. Sección 5.

(

PASADO, APROBADO, Y ADOPTADO, en la primera y final leída de acuerdo con

Sección 1201.028 del Código del Gobierno de Texas en el día noveno de febrero, 2015. PASADO Y APROBADO en éste día noveno de febrero, 2015. LA CIUDAD DE EL CAMPO, TEXAS

-----------------------------------------------------RANDY COLLINS, Mayor ATESTIGUAR:

________________________________ CINDY CERNY, City Secretaria

Authorization to City Secretary. City Secretary is herebyApril authorized El CampoThe Leader-News • Wednesday, 22, 2015and directed Page to 7-A publish and post the required notices in the manner and for the time periods required by law.

ORDINANCE NO. 2015 - 03

Section 7. PROPOSITION.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EL CAMPO, TEXAS, CALLING A BOND ELECTION FOR MAY 9, 2015; DESIGNATING ELECTION PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES; PROVIDING FOR EARLY VOTING AND ELECTION DAY VOTING; PROVIDING FOR PERFORMANCE OF REQUIRED ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES; PROVIDING FOR CONDUCT OF THE ELECTION; CERTIFYING PROVISION OF REQUIRED ACCESSIBLE VOTING SYSTEMS AT EACH POLLING PLACE; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO SUCH ELECTION

THE STATE OF TEXAS

COUNTY OF WHARTON

CITY OF EL CAMPO

At the election, the following PROPOSITION I. shall be submitted in accordance with law: PROPOSITION I. Shall the City Council of the City of El Campo, Texas, be authorized to issue the bonds of the City, in one or more series, in the aggregate principal amount of $10,500,000.00 with the bonds of each such series, respectively, to mature serially within not to exceed thirty years from their date, and to be sold at such prices and bear interest at such rates, as shall be determined within the discretion of the City Council, in accordance with law at the time of issuance, for the purpose of constructing, equipping and furnishing a Public Safety Facility to include the Police Department, Fire Department, EMS and related emergency and training facilities, including the acquisition of any necessary sites and related water, wastewater, drainage, streets, sidewalks, parking infrastructure and other related costs and the reconstructing, expanding, improving, renovating and demolition of the existing facility; and shall said City Council be authorized to levy and cause to be assessed and collected annual ad valorem taxes on all taxable property in the City in an amount sufficient to pay the annual interest on said bonds and provide a sinking fund to pay the bonds at maturity?

WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Chapters 1251 and 1331, Texas Government Code, as amended, the Texas Election Code, as amended, and other related statutes the City Council of the City of El Campo, Texas (the "City") is authorized to call an election in order to submit to the voters of the City a proposition regarding the issuance of tax bonds; and WHEREAS, the City Council deems it advisable to call a bond election for the proposition hereinafter stated. THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CAMPO, TEXAS THAT:

Section 8. OFFICIAL BALLOT. 3 The official ballot for the election shall be prepared in accordance with the Texas Election Code so as to permit the electors to vote "FOR" or "AGAINST" on the PROPOSITIONS, with the ballots to contain such provisions, markings and language as required by law, and with such PROPOSITIONS to be expressed substantially as follows: PROPOSITION I.

Section 1. ELECTION DATE, POLLING PLACES AND ELECTION JUDGES. Joint Election. The City is located in Wharton County and therefore the Wharton County Elections Administrator is conducting the election pursuant to an election agreement (the "Election Agreement") between the City and Wharton County as authorized under Section 31.092 of the Texas Election Code. The election shall be held as a joint election pursuant to Chapter 271 of the Texas Election Code and a joint election agreement to be entered into between the City and the other participating entities located in Wharton County, which are holding an election on May 9, 2015. Election Date. An election shall be held in the City as prescribed by applicable law between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. on May 9, 2015. Precincts and Polling Places. The City election precincts and polling places within the City designated for holding the election shall be determined by Wharton County and conducted at the polling places used for the Wharton County General Election. Wharton County's election equipment shall be used to conduct the bond election. 1 be appointed in accordance with the Election Election Judges. The election judges shall Agreement and the Texas Election Code, as amended.

The Wharton County Elections Administrator is conducting such election for the City pursuant to the terms of the Election Agreement. The City Council hereby appoints, for the term of such election, the presiding election judge(s) and alternate election judge(s) as being those designated by the Wharton County Elections Administrator. Section 2.

ELECTION CLERK.

Unless otherwise directed by the County, the Presiding Judge shall appoint not less than two nor more than five resident qualified electors of the City to act as clerks to properly conduct the election. However, if the Presiding Judge appointed actually serves, the Alternate Presiding Judge shall serve as one of the clerks. The appointment of such clerks must include a person fluent in the Spanish language to serve as a clerk to render oral aid in the Spanish language to any voter desiring such aid at the polls on election day. In the absence of the Presiding Judge, the Alternate Presiding Judge shall perform the duties of the Presiding Judge. Section 3.

E A R L Y V O T IN G .

Dates, Times, and Places for Early Voting. The early voting for the May 9,2015, General City Election shall be held at the Wharton County Library – El Campo Branch, 200 West Church, El Campo. Early voting by personal appearance for the election shall commence on Monday, April 27, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. and end at 7:00 p.m. on May 5, 2015. Early voting by personal appearance shall be conducted during the hours each weekday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., except for the final two days of the early voting period, which during such final two days the hours are hereby designated to be from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. The City Secretary’s office will be open during all hours of early voting. Early Voting Clerk. The City Council hereby appoints the Wharton County Elections Administrator as the City of El Campo Election Officer and Early Voting Clerk. The Early Voting Clerk's mailing address to which applications for ballots by mail may be sent is as follows: Rebecca Hernandez Wharton County Elections Administrator 309 E. Milam Wharton, Texas 77488 Applications for ballots by mail must be received in accordance with law. Section 4.

VOTERS.

All resident, qualified electors of the City of El Campo, Texas, shall be entitled to vote at the election. Section 5.

CUSTODIAN OF ELECTION RECORDS.

The Wharton County Elections Administrator shall serve as the custodian of voted ballots, and the City Secretary of El Campo, Texas, shall be appointed as custodian of all other 2 election records. Section 6.

NOTICE.

Posting. A substantial copy of this Ordinance, with such omissions authorized by law, shall serve as a proper notice of the election. Such notice, including a Spanish translation thereof, shall be posted on the bulletin board used by the City to post notices of meetings and at City Hall not less than twenty-one (21) days prior to the date the election is to be held, and shall remain posted through election day. In addition to the forgoing, this Ordinance, including a Spanish translation thereof; shall be (i) posted on election day and during early voting by personal appearance in a prominent location at each polling place; (ii) posted in three (3) public places in the boundaries of the City no later than twenty-one (21) days before the election; and (iii) posted on the City's Internet website during the twenty-one (21) days before the election if the City maintains an Internet website. Publication. A substantial copy of this Ordinance, with such omissions allowed by law, shall serve as a proper notice of the election. Such notice, including a Spanish translation thereof, shall be published in The El Campo Leader-News, a newspaper of general circulation in the City, on the same day in each of two successive weeks with the first publication occurring not earlier than the thirtieth (30th) day or later than the fourteenth (14th) day prior to the day of the election. Authorization to City Secretary. The City Secretary is hereby authorized and directed to publish and post the required notices in the manner and for the time periods required by law. Section 7. PROPOSITION.

FOR

(

AGAINST

(

) THE ISSUANCE OF $10,500,000.00 TAX BONDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY ) TO INCLUDE THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, FIRE DEPARTMENT, EMS AND RELATED EMERGENCY AND TRAINING FACILITIES AND FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE EXISING FACILITY.

Section 9. CONDUCT ACCORDING TO TEXAS ELECTION CODE. In all substantive respects, the election shall be conducted in accordance with the Texas Election Code and any other applicable statutes. Section 10. ELECTION RESULTS. The Wharton County Elections Administrator shall conduct an unofficial tabulation of results after the closing of the polls on May 9, 2015. The official canvass and tabulation of the results of the bond election shall be conducted in accordance with the Election Code. Section 11. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The provisions of this Ordinance are severable; and in case any one or more of the provisions of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance should be held to be invalid, unconstitutional, or ineffective as to any person or circumstance, the remainder of this Ordinance nevertheless shall be valid, and the application of any such invalid provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid shall not be affected thereby. The City Council hereby finds and declares that written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of the meeting at which this Ordinance was adopted was posted and that such meeting was open to the public as required by law at all times during which this Ordinance and the subject matter hereof were discussed, considered and formally acted upon, all in accordance with and as required by the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, as amended, and the Act. In accordance with the provisions of Section 3.009(b), Texas Election Code, it is hereby found and determined that: hereof.

hereof. hereof.

(a)

The proposition language that will appear on the ballot is set forth in Section 8

(b)

4 are to be authorized is set forth in Section 7 The purpose for which the bonds

(c)

The principal amount of the bonds to be authorized is set forth in Sections 7 and 8

(d) As set forth in Sections 7 and 8 hereof, if the bonds are approved by the voters, the City Council will be authorized to impose and levy annual ad valorem taxes, on all taxable property in the City, sufficient, within the limits prescribed by law, to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. (e) Based upon the bond market conditions at the date of adoption of this Ordinance, the maximum interest rate for any series of the bonds is estimated to be 6.5% per annum as calculated in accordance with applicable law. Such estimate is based on advice received from the City's financial advisor, which advice takes into account a number of factors, including the issuance schedule, maturity schedule and the expected bond ratings of the proposed bonds. Such estimated maximum interest rate is provided as a matter of information, but is not a limitation on the interest rate at which the bonds, or any series thereof, may be sold. (f) As set forth in Section 7 hereof, if the bonds are approved, they may be issued in one or more series, to mature over a period not to exceed 30 years. (g) The aggregate amount of the outstanding principal of the City's debt secured by ad valorem taxes as of the beginning of the City's 2014-15 fiscal year was $7,022,017.00. (h) The aggregate amount of the outstanding interest on the City's debt secured by ad valorem taxes as of the beginning of the City's 2014-15 fiscal year was $2,472,733.00. (i) The ad valorem debt service tax rate for the City for the 2014-15 fiscal year was $.51058 per $100 of taxable assessed valuation. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED on first and final reading in accordance with Section 1201.028 of the Texas Government Code on the 9th day of February, 2015.

PASSED AND APPROVED on this 9th day of February, 2015. CITY OF EL CAMPO, TEXAS _______________________________ RANDY COLLINS, Mayor ATTEST: __________________________________ CINDY CERNY, City Secretary 5

Page 8-A

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Legacy Park Opens —New park’s opening day draws small, excited group (Continued from Page 1-A) maze. “It’s very nice, very kidfriendly,” she said. Councilwoman Anisa Vasquez and her husband Joe were there with children Evan, 6, and Juliana, 8, while Councilman Steve Ward had seven-year-old daughter Carrie in tow. “My kids were dying to come,” Vasquez said, adding she thought the complex was “beautiful.” The municipal recreation area is part of the 60-acre West Loop development which includes ball fields for El Campo’s school district and Little League. Other issues like parking concerns are still being addressed (please see related story). Monday’s grand opening celebration was a simple one with a symbolic ribbon cutting before Council and municipal staff gathered to sim-

ply watch children play. “I’m very pleased,” City Manager Mindi Snyder said, adding, “It’s the good quality project we really wanted. It’s a place for kids to play now and, in the future, bring their kids to play.” Snyder nodded to a parent who walked by and paused briefly to say, “Good job” before heading to the parking lot with tired children. Another smiled as she passed by carrying a little girl who was most definitely not ready to leave. “Noooo,” the child wailed, little arms reaching for ever-receding playscapes, as her mother offered assurances they would be back – soon. It’s worth the visit, mom Heather Perez said, as her youngsters took turns on the swings. “It’s really pretty. And big. The kids seem to love it.” What’s now Legacy Park, took an almost four-year ef-

fort to go from concept to community hub, requiring countless committee meetings, two architects, two elections and a host of often rain-mired construction efforts along the way. And that’s just for the $1 million Phase One playscapes, a basketball court, pond, land-

scaping, picnic tables and the like in the municipal area. Phase Two will add an amphitheater, splash pad and fishing pier. A walking trail is included in the overall park design, a portion the city hopes future grant dollars will help develop.

Playscapes Open

L-N Photos by Shannon Crabtree

Top: a child makes her way through the wooden maze; above: Joshua Manzano and Haley Luna enjoy the large red tractor; at left: El Campo Mayor Randy Collins cuts the ribbon offically opening Legacy Park. He is surrounded by council members, city staff, Chamber representatives and others who helped make it a reality.

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Top Stories

Bridge planned fix for Legacy parking By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

Building a bridge may help alleviate parking concerns at the new park complex on the West Loop. But it will take dry skies to get the work done. Already existing plans call for a small foot bridge to cross a drainage ditch between the Little League and high school ball parks at Legacy Fields. “The high school and Little League will be working together once the bridge between the two complexes is completed so that spectators can park in the high school complex and make their way through the concourse to the Little League complex,” City Manager Mindi Snyder said. City, Little League and school district officials are working together to address the parking concern, she added, but said all were eager to get the facility open. Weather has stymied efforts. “The actual paved parking ... will be striped and that will occur as soon as the contractor can get a break from the weather,” Snyder said. As part of developing the 60acre entertainment venue, the

—Planting (Continued from Page 1-A) conditions.” An abundance of sunshine and warmth over several days could help plants recover. Farmers need to assess the damage, he said. “The rate and extent of crop recovery will be largely dependent on the level of damage to the stems and leaves,” Bowen said. On the positive side, not all crops are in the ground yet. “Cotton and soybeans are what farmers are waiting to plant,” Bowen said “I’m guessing that maybe only 50 percent of the cotton has been planted. This might not be all that bad. Better to delay planting of cotton when 3-4 inch rains are predicted just a few days after planting.

—Cook-off (Continued from Page 1-A) Officials had an emergency plan and met with the cooks earlier Friday before the storm hit. “We buckled down the hatches and rode it out,” Valigura said. “Rain or shine, we’re having a cook-off.” Taking top honors this year was Grillers Gone Wild 1, who received the big trophy for overall winners. The team also took first place in the brisket and chicken competition. As the first-place brisket team, they

city agreed to take responsibility for parking lots and green spaces in exchange for municipal park and pond space. The original plan called for 300 spaces, 20 of which were eliminated when traffic islands were added. Recycled material from the first stage of West Norris Street rehabilitation created 75 more spaces, however, for a net gain of 55. But officials acknowledge that’s still not enough. “The public is highly critical right now thinking that the parking was not considered in the beginning; however, it was considered extensively,” the city manager said, but added cost had to be taken into consideration. El Campo City Council approved $1.7 million for infrastructure as park work got under way. That included utility lines, parking lots and green spaces. “(It) was cost prohibitive to put in more hard surfaced parking that would be utilized during a limited time period, but maintained for perpetuity,” Snyder said. Other areas were designated for when the number of vehicles exceeds spaces. “The grassy areas were con-

sidered adequate for overflow parking,” the city manager said. “But, of course, we have had an extraordinary amount of rainfall this year that has not made that practical.” Once work on the second phase of the West Norris proj-

ect gets under way, additional recycled road material will be available for overflow lots. “We will continue to work with the other entities to try to address the concerns in the most prudent manner that we can,” Snyder said.

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Heavy downpours can be detrimental on seedling cotton.” Most corn is planted and he estimates all but 5 percent of grain sorghum is in. “This 5 percent is mostly on fields that were just slow to dry out,” Bowen said. For now, farmers are rebuilding and praying for sunshine. “Rice farmers are steadily repairing levies and water outlets from fields,” Bowen said. “Cattle producers will be busy checking fences and repairing any areas where trees have fallen on fences as a result of high winds over the past weekend.” The Keetch-Byram Drought Index ranges from zero (no drought) to 800 (extreme drought). On Tuesday the average KBDI in Wharton County was six with the wettest portion of the county at five and the driest at nine. received $1,000 and will also advance to next year’s Houston Livestock Show Barbecue Cook-off. Other winners were NGT Smokers 2, ribs; Boh-Mex Cookers 2, chili; and Blast from the Past 1, beans. All of the first-place winners will receive a free entry into next year’s cook-off. The cook-off kicks off the Youth Fair on the weekend before it. Fair Week begins Thursday and continues through Saturday, May 2. For more information, visit www.whartoncountyyouthfair.org.

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Sports

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Page 1-B

sports@leader-news.com

Contributed Photo

Ricebird District Co-Champs

The El Campo Ricebird varsity track team tied for first in the district track meet at Sealy last week. Pictured includes, front row from left: Wesley Arrambide, Derrick Allen, Le’Trent Greely, Demarcus Wilson, Kevin Dove, Kyle Kerzee and Adrian Alameda. Middle row: Reid Zboril, Nick Salyer, Kahnin Henderson, Alontae Harris, Jabous Davis, Nick Panagiotopoulos and Demetris Washington. Back row: Aaron Aguilar, Makyle Garza, Taerikk Perry, Augustin Diaz and Felipe Jaramillo.

Ricebird track ties for first against BC in district meet

By KAITLYNN BIANCONI sports@leader-news.com

The El Campo varsity boys track team tied for first place with Bay City at the District 4A-27 meet in Sealy on April 15. The Ricebirds and Black Cats both earned 151 points. “The guys performed well at the district meet. Every point was important, as is obvious with the outcome of the meet,” Head Coach Alan Roberts said. “We improved steadily since the beginning of the season. We were proud of the team last week. All seven of the regional qualifiers performed well at the district meet.” The individual results include: 100m Dash: Second place: Demar-

cus Wilson (11.03) 200m Dash: Second place: Wilson (22.46) 800m Run: First place: Daymen Cruz (2:04.32), Second place: Kyle Kerzee (2:04.72) 1600m Run: First place: Kerzee (4:51.09) 100m Hurdles: First place: Nick Salyer (15.96), Fifth place: Makyle Garza (18.69) 300m Hurdles: Third place: Garza (43.40), Salyer (45.58) 400m Relay: Fourth place: Kahnin Henderson, Wilson, Adrian Alameda and Alontae Harris (43.56) 800m Relay: Fourth place: Derrick Allen, Alameda, Henderson and

Daymen Cruz (1:42.19) 1600m Relay: Third place: Cruz, Augustin Diaz, Wesley Arrambide and Kerzee (3:35.84) Long Jump: First place: Wilson (21-3.25) Shot Put: First place: LeTrent Greely (46-11.25), Third place: Reid Zboril (43-4.25), Fourth place: Kevin Dove (43-2.25) Discus: First place: Dove (145-1), Second place: Demetris Washington (129-8), Third place: Jabous Davis (126-8), Fourth place: Jaqai Shorter (119-6) Triple Jump: Sixth place: Taerrik Perry (39-6.75) High Jump: Fifth place: Nick Pan-

Wagner (6:09.68), Fifth place: Pena(6:14.56) 3200m Run: Fourth place: Wagner Varisty Ladybirds The varsity Ladybirds took fifth (13.48.22) 400m Relay: Fourth place: Ranplace in the District 27-4A meet in Sealy on April 15. El Campo followed dall, Lindsey, Mackenzie Harfst and Sealy (161), Bay City (142), Colum- Randie Hlavaty (51.50) 800m Relay: Third place: Ranbus (142) and Royal (57). dall, Lindsey, Harfst and Hlavaty The individual results include; 100m Dash: Sixth place: Amani (1:47.84) Long Jump: Sixth place: Christine Randall (13.40) 200m Dash: Sixth place: Eneyshia Hunt (15-5.5) Discus: Fourth place: Hope WilLindsey (28.00) 400m Dash: Fifth place: Veronica liams (92-4) High Jump: Fifth place: Ellie ForMurray (1:05.28) 800m Dash: Fourth place: Pris- gason (5-0) Pole Vault: Third place: Hlavaty cilla Pena (2:33.86) 1600m Run: Fourth place: Faith (8-0) agiotopoulos (5-8)

Baseball shuts out Black Cats in 12-0 dominating road win

pushing Crivellari to third. Stock advanced to first on an error by the shortstop and stole second, while Despite three days of rain de- Crivellari scored. Chad Quinn’s lays, the Ricebirds still shut out the 2-RBI singled scored Stock and KrupBlack Cats 12-0 on Monday night pa to take a 5-0 lead. Harp’s RBI douin Bay City to jump to a ble brought Chad Quinn 7-1 record and stay atop across the plate. Cody the district standings. Jones’ sacrifice fly to cen“It was another good ter field allowed Harp to team effort. Clayton Harp come home as EC led 7-0 did an excellent job on at the end of the second. the mound,” Head Coach Stock advanced to first Russell Krenek said. on a fielder’s choice and “Five innings of shutout stole second and third. baseball with zero free Harp’s RBI single scored passes is tough to do.” HARP Stock. Jones singled and Harp was the winstole second, while Harp ning pitcher, afstole third. Andrew Sauceter tossing all five innings, and do’s 2-RBI double brought Harp and only allowed 2 hits and had no Jones across the plate for a 10-0 lead. walks. He also had 4 strikeouts. The Ricebirds added their two last The Birds started scoring early in runs in the top of the fourth inning. the game. Riley Stock advanced to Crivellari and Collin Quinn both first after being hit, and stole second. Chad Quinn’s RBI single scored Stock, walked. Tayton Priesmeyer’s RBI to lead 1-0. Chad Quinn then scored single scored Crivellari. Kyle Mamon a wild pitch to take a 2-0 lead. erow’s sacrifice fly scored Collin Quinn Harp pitched three up, three to run-rule Royal with the 12-0 win. El Campo outhit BC 12-2 down in the bottom of the first. during Monday’s game. In the top of the second, Brylan Harp went 2-4 at the plate with Crivellari walked and advanced (See RICEBIRDS, Page 12-B) to second. Clint Kruppa singled, By KAITLYNN BIANCONI sports@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Kaitlynn Bianconi

Going For The Wall

Tayton Priesmeyer prepares to crack the bat in a recent game. The Birds shutout the Bay City Black Cats on Monday night. El Campo has just one district game left before it begin preparation for playoffs.

Softball falls to BC in final district game, prepares for 9-0 Needville

By KAITLYNN BIANCONI sports@leader-news.com

Out Of The Park

L-N Photo by Kaitlynn Bianconi

Crystal Raun hits in a recent game. The Ladybirds will enter the playoffs in the fourth seed in district. The Ladybirds will face the Needville Lady Jays, the undefeated district champs in District 28.

Despite a six-inning comeback, the Ladybird softball team was unable to overcome the Bay City Black Cats on Monday night in Bay City in a 9-5 loss. Both EC and the Black Cats had 8 hits each, but after BC earned 7 runs in two innings, the Ladybirds struggled. The teams were tied 1-1 at the end of the first inning. The Black Cats added 1 run in the second. Both teams were scoreless in the third, but Bay City brought in 4 runs in the bottom of the fourth and 3 runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 9-1 lead. Although the Ladybirds scored 4 runs in the top of the sixth, they were unable to catch up. “We didn’t start out well,” Lea Drapela said. “But we really started coming back and gaining confidence.” Although they lost, the Ladybirds

still made improvements. “We could’ve played a lot better, but the biggest thing for us was coming back,” Elise Raun said. “Responding is big. We may have done some things badly, but coming back before we go into the playoffs is big.” The Ladybirds claimed the fourth seed in district, earning a seat in the bi-district round of the playoffs. A lot of the work the Ladybirds are focusing on is the same work they’ve been doing every day. “We’re still working on hitting and making sure we have less errors,” Drapela said. While the fundamentals are still important to work on, the team will also look at specific things, Raun said. “We’re still going to be hitting, but we’re trying to get the balls in the right spots,” Raun said. “Our defense is on point, so we need to do our jobs at the plate.”

The first round will begin May 2. El Campo will face the Needville Lady Jays. Needville finished their district season with a 9-0 district record in District 28-4A, and are currently on a 10-win streak. The games and times have yet to be decided. The Lady Jays might have an impressive record, but EC isn’t going to focus on it. “I know everyone’s picking us to lose in the first round but I hope we can go far,” Drapela said. “We’re still coming back and gaining confidence.” The Ladybirds know they have to treat the playoffs like any other game. “We know theyre the first in their district and they’ve been dominating, but we can’t look at that,” Raun said. “We can’t go into the game thinking that they’re the first. We have to look at it one game, one inning at a time.”

Page 2-B

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Sports Beat

Challenger League to begin Saturday Special to the L-N sports@leader-news.com

The El Campo Little League Challenger Inaugural opening day is set for Saturday. The games will take place on Rice Field and United Ag Field at Zlontik Park. Opening day is slated for Saturday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m. The elementary and middle school players will be com-

bined and play on the same team named the Rangers, and the high school athletes will play for the Giants. There are 35 kids registered who will now have the opportunity to play baseball for the first time. Games will be played April 25, May 2, May 9 and May 18. The May 18 game will be the World Series, and the kids will play at Constellation Field in

Sugarland, the home of the Sugarland Skeeters. In a Challenger game, each player gets a chance to bat. The side is retired when the offense has batted through the roster. The Challenger players wear the same uniforms and safety equipment as other Little League players. One of the benefits of having a Challenger league is that it encourages

the use of “buddies” for the players. The buddies assist the players on the field, but whenever possible, encourage the players to bat and make plays themselves. However, the buddy is always nearby to help when needed. If your Saturday morning is free, come out and enjoy this rewarding experience.

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District Wrap-Up

L-N Photo by Kaitlynn Bianconi

(Top) Audrey Anderson looks to throw out a Columbus Cardinal at first base in a recent game. (Bottom) Brock Brandl bunts at the plate. The Birds defeated the Bay City Black Cats 12-0 Monday night. The Ricebirds are in the top district seat.

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Lifestyle

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

www.leader-news.com

Page 3-B

lifestyle@leader-news.com

Tractor teams claim first at Houston show WCYF next challenge for FFA members Hard days and several late nights preceded the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Ag Mechanics and Tractor Restoration contest for the five El Campo FFA members who showed their tractors and gate projects. The three teams competing were John Nelson, a freshman at ECHS with a 14 foot entry gate; Matthew Nelson, a senior, and Carson Rose, a junior, with a restored 1941 John Deere model LA tractor owned by the Rose family and the brother team of senior Hunter Merta and eighth grader Ryder Merta with their restored 1951 John Deere Model A-styled tractor owned by the Merta family. The day of March 20 began at 5:30 a.m. when the three teams left El Campo and headed to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Upon arrival, the projects were unloaded and inspected. Nelson was assigned a show spot for his gate. The two tractor projects, at this time, were judged on their performance. The engine sound and performance, steering, braking, PTO (power take off) function, hydraulics and transmission performance were all judged immediately after unloading. Once the performance testing had been done, the tractors were assigned a show spot and the teams began setting up their displays for showmanship. Showmanship for all projects is an integral part of the showing process.

“Making your project look as good as you can and being able to effectively communicate with the judges when they ask you questions about your project is extremely important,” Hunter Merta said. Once the teams set up, they began showing their projects. The next morning, the main judging and showmanship began at 8 a.m. and lasted until 6 p.m. During this time period, six individual sets of judges visited each project to conduct their evaluation. At 6:45 p.m. the teams called an end to the long and grueling day and returned the next morning at 8 a.m. to continue with additional showmanship duties. At 9 a.m., Sunday, March 22, the results were announced. John Nelson placed 12th in the gate class. Carson Rose and Matt Nelson placed first in the 1941-1950 class with their 1941 John Deere LA tractor and received Reserve Champion Overall in showmanship. Hunter and Ryder Merta placed first in the 1951-1960 class with their 1951 John Deere Model “A” unstyled tractor, and were named Reserve Grand Champion Overall in the Restored Tractor Division. The Merta brothers also placed first in their class at the San Angelo and San Antonio Ag Mechanics competitions. The teams collectively won over (See FFA AG, Page 5-B)

Tractor Champs Above, Matthew Nelson and Carson Rose (l-r) won first place in the 19411950 class with their 1941 John Deere LA tractor at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Ag Mechanics contest. They also received Reserve Champion Overall in showmanship.

Brothers Take First At left, the brother team of Ryder and Hunter Merta (l-r) placed first in the 1951-1960 class with their 1951 John Deere Model “A” unstyled tractor Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Ag Mechanics contest. They won Reserve Grand Champion Overall in the Restored Tractor Division. They also placed first in their class at the San Angelo and San Antonio Ag Mechanics competitions.

Contributed Photos

Treat Tawny Crazy Ants Louise FFA celebrates area, district wins with proven insecticides If someone around town has an ant question, it’s probably about Crazy Ants. Originally ‘Rasberry’ Crazy Ants (named for the pest control guy who first reported them in Harris County, 2002) the proper common name is now Tawny Crazy Ants. Crazy Ant facts: Large colonies (can spread 100200 ft. per year). Enormous populations (millions). Ants move along foraging trails AND individuals forage erratically (crazy). Nest is outdoors, but may forage indoors in any structures. Nest under any object that retains moisture (landscape, trash, boards, rocks, etc.). Multiple queens per colony. Eats almost anything (fruit, gar-

Leon Macha The Practical Southern Gardener

bage, insects, small animals, etc.). Attracted to and often damage electrical components. Workers ‘tend’/’farm’ sucking insects (aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, mealy bugs, etc.). Workers don’t have a sting, but can bite with minor, temporary pain. (See REDUCE CRAZY ANT, Page 6-B)

Open auditions being held for ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ Auditions for the Plaza Theatre’s Annie Get Your Gun are being held Sunday, May 17 and Tuesday, May 19, 6 p.m. at the Plaza. The musical comedy will be directed by Reagan Wrench. Performances are July 31, August 1-2, 7-9 and 14-16. Annie Oakley is the best shot around, and she manages to support her little brother and sisters by selling the game she hunts. When she’s discovered by Col. Buffalo Bill Cody,

he persuades this novel sharpshooter to join his Wild West Show. It only takes one glance for her to fall head over heels for the show’s headliner, dashing shooting ace Frank Butler. She soon eclipses Butler as the main attraction which, while good for business, is bad for romance. Butler hightails it off to join a rival show, his bruised male ego leading the way, but is ultimately pitted against Annie in a final shoot-out.

Three Louise FFA teams, entomology, floriculture and livestock, competed in the Area III CDE competition Saturday, April 11. The entomology teams consisted of Will Ermis, Shelbie Hendrix, Eric Lucio and Brandon O’Neal. Malcolm Hunt, Shyann Kocurek, Shelby Koudela and Karianna Treude made up the floriculture team, while the livestock team included Nikki Bain, Amanda Lutringer, Blaine Machicek and Arianna Valdespino. This competition also serves as the District competition for a run at the sweepstakes award. The entomology team placed seventh in area and will bring a second place banner home for district. The floriculture team captured a sixth place win and will also be bringing home a banner for district. The livestock team earned 10th place in district and added to the total points for the Louise chapter. Louise FFA tied for fifth place in the sweepstakes run out of 21 FFA chapters who competed. On Tuesday, April 14, Shelbie Hendrix also competed in the District III speaking event held at the Van Vleck Ag Science Department. In her speech she addressed: “Reasons to Graduate with a Degree in Agriculture.” She brought home a fourth place banner for the chapter. “Both Ms. Wilson and I are very proud of all of the students that competed in the events this spring and while we barely missed advancing to the state competition in two of the events, we feel confident that next year will be even more successful,” FFA Advisor Amy Genz said. “We also wish the best of luck to those District III teams that are headed to the state competition.”

Speech Claims Fourth Place

Contributed Photo

Louise FFA member Shelbie Hendrix claimed this fourth place banner at the District III speaking event held at Van Vleck ISD. The topic of her speech was “Reasons to Graduate with a Degree in Agriculture.” The event was held on Tuesday, April 14.

Page 4-B

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Lifestyle Today

MEMO from MIKE Thank You

Last Wednesday was my 38th April 15th at 601 E. Jackson. I may be a bit disturbed, but I still enjoy coming to work every day. I don’t come as early or stay as late nor do I sit in front of a computer and enter all tax returns. There are 3 CPAs and another Enrolled Agent that do so. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, to all those named below. I hope we are all here to celebrate next April 15th!

Happy Birthday Suzanne , Bernice, and Cathy!

Also Happy Birthday to Shelby T, Mary T, Barbara R, Manuel R, Steven N, Randal M, Linc L, Amy L, George L, Patrick J, Sue G, Charles G, Craig D, Tim C, Grady C, David B, Madilyn Z, Cricia R, Ana R, Sherry R, Cherry P, Amber L, and Terry A. -’till next week, Mike

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In observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) representatives had a balloon release to represent each child Wharton and Matagorda counties have in the foster care system. Pictured right to left are CASA Executive Director Dolores Kimball, Bill Jenkins, Rozlyn Pointer, Jody Erwin, Nancy Pfardrescher, Judy Peter and Lillian Bartek.

Gadabouts make plans for upcoming activities Members of the Nada/Garwood Gadabouts met Thursday, April 16 at the Garwood Fire Station. President Anita Meismer opened the meeting and extended thanks to everyone for coming out in the inclement weather. Minnie Conner lead the club prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Ten members answered the roll call. Catherine Berger read the minutes of the last meeting and they were approved as read. Helen Noteboom gave the treasurer’s report. Attending were Minnie Lee Conner, Ethelyn Popp, Katie Jo Kunz, Anita Meismer, Helen Noteboom, Janis Phillips, Karol Kallina, Marlene Jensen, Janie Kristynik and Catherine Berger.

The following reports were given: Hospitality: Irene Skuca celebrated her birthday April 1. Gardens: Kunz has beans, eggplant, tomatoes and herbs coming up and Noteboom has bell peppers. Connor has shallots and Meismer’s garden is off to a good start. Unfinished Business: The kindergarten party scheduled for May 19 will be at the Fire Station for 20 students. The Older Texan Fair is scheduled for May 19 at the First Baptist Church Gym in Columbus. The service officer from El Campo will be the guest speaker. A door prize will be furnished by the club. Members will sell tickets for a basket of

fresh vegetables, home cooked and baked goodies at the fair. Tickets will be 50 cents each for a small basket or $1 for a large basket. Lunch tickets must be reserved by Tuesday, May 12 and can be paid at the door on May 19. The veterans’ luncheon will be noon, June 18 at the United Methodist Fellowship Hall in Garwood. Mike Kunz will cook the chicken and brisket, potatoes and beans. Members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Billy Macek will furnish music for the occasion. New Business: Noteboom is resigning as treasurer of the Gadabouts. Kunz volunteered to take the position in August. The Catholic Daughters domino party will be Wednes-

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Lifestyle Today

Page 5-B

– FFA Ag Mechanics contestants do well at HLSR (Continued from Page 3-B)

$40,000 worth of tools, equipment and machinery as well as a $9,000 scholarship awarded to Nelson. “They were awarded torch kits, plasma cutters, welding machines, several fully stocked industrial sized toolboxes and about a hundred miscellaneous items made up a fairly large amount of prizes that anyone would envy,” ECHS Ag Science teacher Craig Hardin said.

“We are very proud of the efforts of our students and glad for the opportunity to show them off,”

of El Campo

979-543-2753

– Craig Hardin

“The final competition for this year in Ag Mechanics will be at the Wharton County Youth Fair and we urge you all to come out to the fair and visit the El Campo FFA students and their projects, both animal and ag mechanics. We are very proud of the efforts of our students and glad for the opportunity to show them off.”

1912 N. Mechanic • El Campo

John Nelson placed 12th with this gate he made at the recent Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. He is a member of the El Campo FFA Chapter.

Birthday parties published free of charge in the Leader-News

Birthday parties are announced free of charge in the El Campo Leader-News. Submit information using our form available at the office, 203 E. Jackson St. or it can be emailed or faxed upon request by calling 979-543-3363. Wednesday edition deadline is Monday noon. Photos are $16 (1 column by 2 inch photo).

Diane's Hearing service We

Contributed Photo

Nelson Places At HLSR

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Half Off On All Select Accessories!

Page 6-B

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Lifestyle Today

Serene Escapes

Landscape expert presents program to Green Thumbs Green Thumb Garden Club members met in the home of Lou Ann Kellman on Wednesday, April 15, at 9:30 a.m. Co-hostesses Ann Wilson and Betty Leach served refreshments of various breads, pigs-in-the-blanket, lemon crinkle cookies, pecan pie bars, fresh fruit and cheese. President Irene Nohavitza presided over the business meeting. Secretary Sherrie Witcher read the minutes of the previous meeting and 19 members answered roll call. Treasurer Bettie Konvicka gave the treasurer’s report. Kellman was thanked for serving as guest hostess, and Carolyn Goelzer was welcomed as a guest and former member. Kellman’s granddaughter from San Diego, Calif. was a visitor. A civic gardening project was presented by Pat Hoelscher. After a short discussion, volunteering to assist her with this project were Irene Nohavitza, Rose Ann Fuechec, Gerry Graham and Janet Holub. They will report to the group at the next meeting. Sherrie Witcher, along with nominating committee Glenda Wendt and Mary Lou Birkner, presented the slate of officers for 2015-16. They will be voted on at the next meeting. Members also completed a yearly planning questionnaire. The horticulture report given by Nohavitza featured the ming fern, also known as lace fern. This plant does best in shady conditions. The plant was won by Hoelscher. Guest speaker Clint Kainer was introduced as owner of Kainer and Kainer Landscape Architects LLC of Houston. He and his wife Rebecca are registered landscape architects who have completed several projects internationally as well as across the United States. He gave a PowerPoint presentation using before and after pictures of the Kellman grounds which he recently completed. The front yard is a more formal setting with the backyard a park setting with a combination of several hardscapes and landscape styles. These include a perennial garden, rose garden, fountain and pool area. The lush lawn area is surrounded by citrus trees. In creating Kellman’s landscape, he worked with existing crepe myrtles and other large trees and plants as well as the pool. He stressed that yards can be as high or low maintenance as one prefers. He presented several low maintenance shady and sunny plants suitable for planting in this area. His presentation also included several yards and offices he has completed in the Houston area and El Campo, including the project at U.S Hwy. Highway 59 and Hwy. 71. As a door prize he presented a coral drift rose, a hardy low and mounding rose, which blooms from spring to fall. The rose was won by Glenda Wendt. After the presentation, the group enjoyed a walking tour of the backyard. The next meeting will be May 20 at Betty Parma’s.

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Contributed Photo

Testing The Waters

Brothers Levi and Layton Schoeneberg take a ride in a boat they just built with their daddy, Budd Schoeneberg, to check out the creek next to their house in Hillje after recent heavy rains on Saturday. They reported five inches at their house.

Small animals like chickens or quail can be suffocated by an attack. Management facts: Sanitation – Remove anything sitting on the ground that is not absolutely necessary. Inspect items arriving and leaving your property for infestation. Control sucking insects on plants (ants love the honeydew). Reduce moisture in potential nesting areas. Be observant, inspect your property regularly. Apply appropriate, approved pesticides. Chemical (barrier) controls: Apply insecticides to create a buffer zone around structures. There are many effective formulas. These barrier zones will need to be renewed periodically. Follow the label instructions. These pesticides share the property that the chemical cannot be detected by the ant until it’s too late. Bifenthrin – A safe, inexpensive insecticide leaving a good residual barrier. Controls a long list of pests. This is one label that you will enjoy reading because of its effectiveness. Termidor SC – A pesticide (Fipronil) with very long residual activity for termite control. A special label exemp-

tion has been approved for use against Crazy Ants in Texas counties where the ants have been confirmed. For professional pesticide application only. Phantom – Chlorfenapyr is the active ingredient in this barrier spray approved for interior use along baseboards. Often found in aerosol products under various brand names. Used to create that chemical barrier inside a structure. Additional barrier pesticides – Acephate, cypermethrin, deltamethrin and permethrin Baits: Crazy Ants are not attracted to most ant baits. Whitmire Advance Carpenter Ant Bait is somewhat effective when part of a control program. Maxforce Complete Granular Insect Bait attracts Crazy Ants, but field testing is not complete. You will need to use all of these tools to reduce Crazy Ant populations to tolerable levels. Most folks can do the clean-up work. If you cannot do the pesticide part, local pesticide application firms are available to help you get the job done. Just like my article on Chili Thrips, these Fire Ants and Crazy Ants are long term problems and you have to be active and vigilant to control (but not eliminate) them. For more details find the

the air smells so clean” insurance

– Reduce Crazy Ant populations to tolerable levels (Continued from Page 3-B)

“

Texas A&M Urban Entomology website and click on what bugs you. Always read and follow the instructions on the pesticide label. – Leon Macha is a consulting certified Horticulturist/ Arborist with 40+ years of experience in our region.

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Page 7-B

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Lifestyle Today Retired USN captain shares world travels with ECHS class Lonny McClung, Captain USN retired, talked to El Campo High School social studies students about his flight, the London to Sydney Centenary Air Race 2001. He flew a 28day race in an Amphibious Sea Plane from London, England to Sydney, Australia. McClung told about the amazing places and people he saw. Three pilots flew in the race. He also shared information about a photo journal book, “The Adventure Continues,” written by a Sam Stewart, a college student who flew on the trip to document all the places they visited around the world. McClung trained pilots at the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB. He was Chief Officer of Topgun, Chief of Staff of the Carrier Enterprise, Wing Commander in Kingsville, NAS, flew 250 combat missions in Vietnam, has 12,600 flight hours and has 7,500 flight hours in the F4 Phantom and F14 Tomcat. Capt. McClung is a flight instructor of Eclipse private jets.

Start an exciting career as a

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT CLASSES STARTING IN JUNE! Scholarships Available! CALL FOR INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

979-543-6750

NEC Contributed Photo

Flying High

Northside Education Center 707 Fahrenthold, El Campo northside_center@yahoo.com

NORTHSIDE EDUCATION CENTER

Capt. Lonny McClung shares information about his flight, the London to Sydney Centenary Air Race 2001, with students in an El Campo High School social studies class. He and two others flew in the 28-day race from London, England to Sydney, Australia.

Announce your wedding in the Leader-News Congratulations! Now that you are engaged there is much planning to do. It’s a special day and you want to remember it as such by publishing your engagement announcement or wedding in the El Campo Leader-News. Your announcement in the newspaper will also serve as a keepsake. Here is how you can submit your article for publication: • Engagement: Fill out the online form (www.leader-news.com/forms). There is a $50 fee. Or come by our office to pick up a form.

• Weddings There are two options when publishing your wedding. Each is due in our office, using our form, at least a week prior to publication. Once the article is typeset, you will receive a proof for approval and payment will be collected prior to publication. Here are the two options: 1. Basic Form ($75) - Wedding articles are limited to 10 inches of copy; therefore, some of the information provided may be omitted. If there is something of particular importance please indicate it

on the form. The photo is included in this price. 2. Full Length Form- This version is $25 for first 10 inches of copy, plus $8.08 per column inch thereafter. Photo is $50. Payment must be made prior to being printed in the El Campo Leader-News. Parties may also be published by picking up a form at our office. We are located at 203 E. Jackson. Call 979-543-3363 for additional information or email: lifestyle@leader-news. com

Contribution Helps ECVFD RVOS Lodge 26 made a $2,500 contribution to the El Campo Volunteer Fire Department. In attendance for the presentation at left are (l-r) Diana David, secretary/treasurer; Charlie Merta, president; Jimmy George Jr. and Kenny Socha, ECVFD and Charlene Smith, vice president.

Contributed Photo

Hermann Sons Youth Camp Making Memories & Securing Futures! Hermann Sons Youth Camp in Comfort is operated by Hermann Sons Fraternal Insurance and is a benefit for life insurance policyholders ages 9-13. • Riverside Camp for Girls • Hilltop Camp for Boys Online registration now under way! www.hermannsons.org Call today for information on life insurance for every member of the family!

Dennis Wigginton • 832-278-9636 Donald Wigginton • 361-293-9937

Leader-News Classifieds Get Results! 979-543-3363

www.lea de r-n e ws. co m

ADVERTISE IN THE EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS! 979-543-3363 | advertise@leader-news.com

SHRED DAY. You’re invited to Commercial State Bank’s 3rd Annual Shred Day. Any type of paper can be shredded, so bring unwanted documents containing personal information to safely discard. At Commercial State Bank, being an active member of the community is important to us. That’s why working with us just makes sense.

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Page 8-B

Theresa’s Polka Picks

El Campo Leader-News Crossword Puzzle

6 4 7

4 7 5

820 W. Loop, El Campo

543-8182

S (PG)

STARTS FRIDAY!

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(PG)

WED, THU (APR. 22,23) 4:45 7:20 FRI, SAT 7:20 9:45 SUN-THU 7:20 TUE (APR. 28) 1:00 $2.50 MATINEE (PG13)

4TH WEEK!

WED, THU (APR. 22,23) FRI SAT 1:30 SUN 1:30 MON-WED THU (APR. 30)

Spring Festival

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,T EX AS

at 11:00 a.m. - ADULTS $9.00 - CHILDREN $4.50 (12 & Under) PLATES-TO-GO (Main Serving Line) $9.00

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AUCTION

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3RD WEEK!

Fried Chicken & Sausage Dinner

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FURIOUS 7

SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015

HELD OVER!

LONGEST RIDE

E HA

M T.

DO YOU BELIEVE?

Movie Schedule For April 22-30

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1:00 p.m.

2:00 - 6:00 p.m.

ATTRACTIONS! H H H H H H H

License 741110101

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H HAMBURGERS H COLD DRINKS H SNOW CONES

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H Surprise Packages H Children's Activities

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Music By: Czechaholics & Red Ravens (11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.)

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Admission and entertainment is free. For information call 979865-3407 or www.bellville.com. – Theresa says: Lots of entertainment this coming weekend. Get out, get going. Dance one for me! A ray of sunshine does everyone some good! God bless America.

Sudoku Puzzle #3607-D

Sudoku Puzzle #3607-M

1 3

Theresa’s Polka Picks are selected each week by polka musician Theresa Zetka Payne. Thursday, April 23 • El Campo: Gravel Road plays for the Senior Citizens Dance, American Legion Hall, 7:30-10 p.m. Friday, April 24 • Hallettsville: Chris Rybak Band performs at the Fiddlers Frolic at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Other bands perform April 23-26. It’s fiddlin’ for the whole family! For information, call 361798-5934. Saturday, April 25 • Yoakum: Al Sulak & the Country Sounds perform at Turner Hall for the Pearl City Dance Club. Guests are welcome. Dancing is 8 p.m.-midnight. Sunday, April 26 • Sweet Home: Gone Country Band plays Country Western music at the Sweet Home Community Center, 3-7 p.m. It’s a nice drive to Sweet Home. • Weimar: The Czechaholics and the Red Ravens Band play for St. Michael’s Spring Festival at Weimar Veterans Park. Music is from 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Day includes games and bingo from 2-6 p.m.; auction at 1 p.m. and fried chicken and sausage dinner served at 11 a.m. • Crescent: Music the week of April 25 through Saturday, May 2 at the Wharton County Youth Fair is as follows: Saturday, April 25- Zach Walther Band Sunday, April 26- The New Texas Plainsmen and Polka Fest from 1-5 p.m. Monday, April 27- Al Sulak County Sounds. Tuesday, April 28- Steel Country. Wednesday, April 29- Bubba Westley. Thursday, April 30- Senior Citizens Day with jam session from 2:30-4:30 p.m.; Bubba Westley. Friday, May 1- No Limit Band. Saturday, May 2- Tejano Night. Sunday, April 26 • Bellville: The public is invited to Fruehling Saengerfest (German Spring Singing Fest) at the Concordia Hall in Bellville on Sunday April 26. Activities begin at 11 a.m. with a barbecue chicken and sausage dinner. There will be German music, Bier Garten music, cake walk, vendors, outdoor dance and sing-a-long.

April 23 through May 2

Difficult

Puzzle Solutions On Page 10-B

GRAND OPENING MENU

NOVAK’S MEAT MARKET YOU’RE NOT THROUGH SHOPPING ‘TIL YOU SHOP AT NOVAK’S! SINCE 1981

NOVAK’S #1 HAMBURGER $3.59/LB

40# SPECIAL

NOVAK’S “COUNTRY STYLE” SMOKED

PURE PORK

PAN SAUSAGE

$1.99/LB

$1.99/LB 10# HAMBURGER SAUSAGE PORK STEAK 10# FRYERS $3.59/LB PORK RIBS $2.29/LB 10# ROUND STEAK 10# PORK CHOP PORK NECK BONES $1.19/LB PORK TENDERS DRUMSTICKS $1.09/LB AND STEAKS $3.89/LB DUCKS & MANY $129.95 THIGHS $0.89/LB MORE SPECIALS!

TACOS BURGERS

HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 7 A.M.-6 P.M. • SATURDAY 7 A.M.- 4 P.M.

THE PORKY - $8

SOUTHWEST - $12

1/3 lb. Angus beef topped with jalepeno jack cheese, bacon, avacado, fried egg and onion strings. Includes a side.

CRAZY ASIAN - $12

1/3 lb. Angus beef topped with cream cheese, spicy mayo, avacado, bacon and fried jalepeno slices. Includes a side.

C.J.’S BURGER - $8

1/3 lb. Angus beef topped with lettuce tomato, onion and pickles. Includes a side.

GREAT FOR GRILLING OR SHISH KABOB

205 N. WASHINGTON ST. • 543.8664

Three tacos filled with beer battered cod, asian-style coleslaw and spicy mayo Three tacos filled with pulled pork, coleslaw and spicy ranch

COUNTRY STYLE

FRYER

THE ASIAN - $8

STUFFED BAKED POTATO - $8

Fully loaded potato with pulled pork and BBQ sauce

SANDWICH OF THE DAY: THE ULTIMATE - $8

Grilled cheese with bacon, boiled egg and jalepeno jack cheese. Inlcudes a side.

Add Ons (Cheese, Bacon, Avacado, Fried Egg) - $1.50 | Sides (French Fries, Fried Onion Ring) - $3

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

C lassifieds

Classifieds Deadlines:

Wednesday edition 4 p.m. on Monday Saturday edition 4 p.m. on Thursday 001

Houses for Sale

002

Lots for Sale

003

Farms for Sale

004

Real Estate Wanted

005

Farms for Lease

006

Wanted to Lease

007

Hunting Leases

008

Crop Allotments

009

Business Opportunities 010 Employment Help Wanted 021 Work Wanted 022 Retirement 023 Schools 024 Rentals Apartments - Unfurnished 041 Apartments - Furnished 042 Houses for Rent 043 Miscellaneous for Rent 044 Rooms - Furnished 045 Wanted to Rent 046 Repairs - Services Appliances - Repairs 061 Contracting and Repairs 062 Misc. Services 063 Automotive - Machinery Autos - Trucks, Wanted 071 Trucks, Trailers 072 Used Cars 073 Motorcycles & ATV’s 074 Farm Machinery 075 Marine Boats 091 Marine Supplies 092 Mobile - Recreational Mobile Homes 111 Travel Trailers 112 Motor Homes 113 Camper Covers 114 Campers 115 RV’s 116 Pets Dogs, Cats, Pets

021 Help Wanted

Rates:

Word Ads: $0.76 per word. Minimum $15.20 - Up to 20 words. Combination Rate: Run Wednesday and Saturday. Minimum $24.40 - Up to 20 words. Display Ads: $8.50 per column inch.

Errors, Omissions:

Please check your ad the first day it appears. We cannot be responsible for incorrect ads after the first day of publication. We make every effort to avoid errors. If you find an error, call the Leader-News immediately at (979) 543-3363 and it will be corrected as soon as possible. Liability for errors shall not exceed the cost of that portion of space occupied by such error.

MORE EXPERIENCE = ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

LOCAL WORK - EL CAMPO area Excellent Money

• Quarterly Safety Bonuses • Excellent Benefits including 401K • Sign-on Bonus for Experienced Drivers CDL-A w/ “X” Endorsement and 1 year 18-Wheeler or Tanker Experience Needed eoe

Apply Online at www.gulfmarkenergy.com

Call: 800–577–8853

021 Help Wanted

AG. AVIATION GROUND HELP Wanted. Job includes: chemical mixing, heavy machinery, long hours, manual labor, and working with others. Preferred interest in math, agriculture and aviation. Must be able to read & write English & pass drug test. Starting $10 hourly. Serious inquires only call 979-543-5712.

CLASS A CDL DRIVERS needed in the Glen Flora, TX area. Good MVR. Physically Fit. Minimum 2 years flatbed experience. Normal schedule is Mon. – Fri., Sat. on occasion. Good pay and benefits package. Qualified candidates please send resume to tmitchell@treetownusa. com

EDNA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL District is currently accepting applications for: Custodial Services Supervisor. Submit applications online at www.ednaisd.org under “Employment” tab. Edna I.S.D. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOW HIRING DAY MAINTENANCE, Overnight Stockers, Inventory Control (4 p.m. - 1 a.m.) and Cashiers: All Shifts. All positions part-time. Apply online at www.walmart.com or in store at the hiring kiosk.

EXPERIENCED SELF-MOTIVATED Carpenter wanted for local, hometown company. Must have valid driver’s license & reliable transportation. Call Dream Maker Construction at 979-543-6800.

DRIVERS CDL-A: CO-$2,500 Sign-On, Excellent Pay Package & Outstanding Benefits! O\ Op’s-$4,000 Sign-On + 76% of line haul! Call 855-252-1634.

F / T S E C R E TA R Y W A N T E D Knowledge of Quickbooks and Microsoft Office Suite a plus. Must possess good customer service skills. Please send resume to: Secretary, PO Box 1180-A, El Campo, TX 77437.

WANTED: LICENSED JOURNEYMAN Electrician. Valid driver’s license with good record. Excellent benefits. Inquiries, resumes to: barbee@sbcglobal.net. Barbee Services, Inc., Wharton.

Ganado Nursing & Rehabilitation Center We are currently interviewing for an:

• Admissions/Marketing Coordinator This position is responsible for inquiry and referral generation, coordination of clinical and financial approvals for admission process, providing internal and external marketing services, and representing the facility in the community. • Healthcare marketing experience is preferred. • LVN or RN a plus. Benefits include: Health Insurance, Dental,Vision, 401K, PaidVacation, and SickTime

www.leader-news.com

Apply in person at: 107 East Rogers; Ganado,Texas No Phone Calls Please. E.O.E

Now Hiring for manufacturing positions in El Campo and East Bernard!! • Operators • Helpers • Maintenance Tech

• Cabinet Assemblers • Loaders • Assembly Line

You can complete an online application at either office location: 600 Sam Bishkin Rd., El Campo, or 16856 Cabinet Rd., East Bernard. You may also apply online at www.Leedo.com, or submit your resume to jobs@Leedo.com All applicants must complete a pre-employment drug test and physical. EOE

CDL DRIVERS - HILLJE, TX Patriot Oilfield Services, LLC has immediate openings for

TMP PRODUCTION VACUUM TRUCK DRIVERS 3.792 x 5”

jb/jb

Drivers must have class A CDL, tanker and hazmat endorsements. Ideal candidates must have oilfield experience and clean driving records. Must pass a drug and alcohol test. Overtime opportunities. Excellent benefits. Please e-mail resumes to: vactruckdriver@yahoo.com or call Thomas Jackson @ 979-648-2416. Tree Town USA’s tree nursery in Glen Flora, Texas has an immediate opening for a Plant Health Scout. The position inspects crops for pest and disease and assists the Plant Health Manager in other duties related to monitoring and maintaining health of the nursery crops.

FOR SALE BY OWNER: BEAUTIFUL two-story, 2 BR, 2 BA town home in Plaza V, El Campo. 2-car garage, patio, deck, and bonus parking space. Call 979-616-0111 for more information. Shown by appointment only.

Tree Town USA is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to treat all job applicants, and to administer all employment opportunities, strictly on the basis of an individual’s qualifications. Selections are made without regard to age, race, creed, color, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by law.

BY OWNER: 6918 FM 3012, Wharton. 2,000 sf. brick, 3 BR w/ loft. Mueller galvanized building w/lean-to 30x40. One-acre lot. Asking $169,000. NO OWNER FINANCING! Call 979-532-5111.

Part-time help needed in the INSERTION DEPT. Inserting advertising supplements in the newspaper.

Must be able to work flexible hours, be a quick learner & able to work at a fast pace. Please apply in person between 8 a.m. & 5 p.m.

007 Want to Lease I NEED TO LEASE PASTURE, 20-300 acres, for Red Brangus heifers. Experienced local cattle management. Wharton County. Call 979-533-1471.

LEHIGH HANSON IS ACCEPTING applications for an Experienced Third Shift Supervisor at the Arena Plant located at 1924 County Road 111 in Garwood. Applications may be picked up Monday thru Friday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Lehigh Hanson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workplace diversity. M/F/D/V GR AVEL HAULERS NEEDED. Class-A CDL required. Competitive pay and some benefits available. White’s Home & Auto C a l l G r e s h a m Tr u c k i n g a t 979-648-2580. Is Now Hiring for Part-Time Lawn Mower Mechanic/ General Help (Including appliance deliveries.) Must be a good multi-tasker and willing to accept multiple duties. Apply in person only at:

Whites Home & Auto, 117 S. Mechanic, El Campo

203 E. JACKSON STREET • EL CAMPO Work references required. Anyone with a criminal record need not apply.

HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED. BILINGUAL required. References necessary. 4 miles from Wharton. Call for interview: 979-532-4300. NEWGULF GOLF CLUB IS HIRING part time office help. Must work Sundays. Apply in person. Call 979-657-4639. RO S E N B E R G : E X P E R I E N C E D Front Line help wanted. Excellent pay. Call Teresa or Clifford, 281-342-4445.

LOOKING FOR FULL TIME EMTS AND Wheelchair Drivers. Great Starting Pay. Employee Benefits and Sign-on MIKESKA’S BAR-B-Q & CATERING. Bonus. Call Amber, 281-235-4621. Help wanted at freeway location. NOW HIRING PART-TIME SALES Apply in person at 22730 Hwy. Person. Call RadioShack at 59 S. 979-532-0011 or send resume to EL C AMPO: P/T STORE AND 423 E. Boling Hwy., Wharton, TX Wa r e h o u s e C l e r k n e e d e d . 77488. Computer knowledge required. Background check required. $9 EXPERIENCED R ANCH HANDhourly. Mail resume to: 1097 O.B. Ranch equipment knowledge, Ranch Road, Wharton, TX 77488. must have experience w/ cattle. Bilingual required. References necessary. 4 miles from Wharton. NURSING AND Call for interview: 979-532-4300. Classified Advertising

Wharton Journal-Spe

REHABILITATION CENTER

LVNs Needed 2 p.m.-10 p.m. and 10 p.m.-6 a.m. New Wage Scale. Sign on Bonus • CNAs needed new wage scale and $500.00 Sign on Bonus Health Insurance & Dental Insurance Please come by for an application EOE

CONTACT: KAREN PULLIAM: (979) 532-1244 FAX (979) 532-1142

GARDEN VILLA HEALTH CARE CENTER NOW HIRING: Text Changes

March 7,RNs 2015• LVNs • CNAs ($1,500 Sign-On BOnuS fOr CnAS) March 28, 2015 Housekeeping

Offering competitive salaries & benefit packages consisting of: 2015 Medical • BOS040539B Paid Holidays2 • Paid Vacation

East Bernard Express: 2/7/2015 Applications are available at:CEARLY AD Thursday OnlyVilla TFN Garden Health Care Center 106 Del Norte Drive El Campo, TX 77437

979-543-6762 El Campo Leader-News: 3/7/2015 TFN E.O.E Wednesday & Saturday

J O B P O S I T I O N AVA I L A B L E : Sandblaster, welder’s Account No. helper, 2132 facilities maintenance. Submit application to: Star Metal Fabrication, Customer: 707 Nelson Lane, Wharton.

Avalon PlaceBONUS EARN $100 MONTHLY $8/HR to start, regular raises. High school diploma not req’d. Date: 3/7/2015 We’ll trainRun you. Flexible hours for someone who can handle hard physical labor. You must like dogs. Call 979-532-9194.

Wednesday & Satu

Size: TRACTORS 2x2” DRIVER: HAUL AND Farm Equipment. 4 col. in.Class A CDL License required. Apply in person at Wharton Tractor Co. Call 979-532-3172. Cost: $29.88 per run

BARBEE CR ANE SERVICE, Wharton, TX. Wanted: NCCCO Crane Operator. Minimum 5 years Please and experience. CDL proof Good driving record. Email inquiries/resumes: fax any changes to 979-53 barbee@sbcglobal.net OR email

classified@journal-specta

El Campo Memorial Hospital KINTHE0001

Thank you, Helen Sevier PRN basis; Classified ER/RN: Manager 979-532-8840 Full-time, 7 p.m. - 7 a.m., Nursing - RN/LVN:

weekends required, rotating shifts. One year experience FAX Karen required.

532-1142MLT: Laboratory

Full-time, 7 p.m. - 7 a.m.

Housekeeping:

Plant Health Scout - Tree Town USA

3 BR HOME WITH 3,000 SF equipment barn & 26 acres in El Campo for sale. $335,000. Call 281-676-8771.

SALE/LEASE OPTION, WEST Wharton. 702 Mattie St. Clean 2 BR, 1 BA home, approximately one acre of land. Close to markets, stores and medical. Call Bill Coleman 916-799-4561 candbprops@aol.com $50,000.

FULL TIME SMALL ENGINE mechanic needed. Must have experience working on 2-cycle/ 4-cycle engines and hand held products. Must have the ability to diagnose and repair equipment. Pay to be discussed with experience. Stop by Schmidt Implement for an application. 25410 US 59 Hwy, El Campo.

SEEKING CARING AND HAPPY PEOPLE FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

Qualifications include experience scouting for pest and diseases in an agriculture or nursery setting, familiarity with personal computers and Microsoft office, willingness to work outside in all weather conditions, and an ability to work with teammates. Bilingual skills in Spanish and English and prior nursery experience are a plus. Compensation based on skills and experience. To apply, contact Joe Ray at jray@treetownusa.

002 Houses for Sale

classified@leader-news.com

021 Help Wanted

131

Livestock - Feed - Seed Poultry & Supplies 132 Cattle - Hogs - Horses 133 Feed - Hay 134 Seed - Plants - Etc. 135 Miscellaneous Misc. for Sale 151 Household Goods 152 Wanted to Buy 153 Garage Sales 154 Notices Lost and Found 171 Special Notices 172 In Memoriam 173 Card of Thanks 174 Public Notices 175

(979) 543-3363

www.leader-news.com

Real Estate Real Estate for Sale

Page 9-B

PRN basis, weekends required.

Business Office: Insurance Specialists:

Kindred at Home in Wharton, TX is seeking qualified candidates for the following roles:

RN Case Manager – Hospice Job #: 220008

Qualifications: Graduate of an Associate Degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma program, Bachelors of Science in Nursing preferred. Valid nursing license in practicing state is required. A current CPR certification is required and a current driver’s license and auto insurance. A minimum of 2 years nursing experience, preferably in a home health setting is required, and Supervisory/Managerial experience preferred.

Full-time, experience preferred.

Mid Coast Medical Clinic LVN: Full-time, some weekends, experience preferred.

LVN/MA:

PRN basis, experience preferred.

Contact Human Resources 979-578-5251

CNA – Hospice Job #: 220010

Qualifications: Valid driver’s license, auto insurance and must provide proof of education and/or experience to perform tasks as assigned. High school diploma or GED and current CPR certification and previous caregiver experience preferred. Apply online at www.kindred.com and search desired job #. Or Contact Kimberly.Tilley@Kindred.com EOE. M/W/V/D. Drug Free Workplace.

Ganado Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Locally owned, beautiful, hotel-like, 91 bed, skilled nursing facility is currently seeking to fill the following open positions:

LVN - All Shifts - FT/PT • CNA - All Shifts - FT/PT Medication Aide • PRN Laundry/Housekeeping PT Dietary Aide • FT Dietary Aide Apply in person at: 107 East Rogers; Ganado,Texas No Phone Calls Please. E.O.E

Ralph Gonzales Trucking Needs CDL Drivers

Call 979-543-4381

Page 10-B

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Realty Listings

The Real Estate Service 107 E. Monseratte St., El Campo, TX

(979) 543-2523

Fax (979) 543-5830

Like us on Facebook!

www.TheRealEstateService.com or www.HAR.com NEW LISTINGS

PENDING!

SOLD!! Commercial Lot 1.3 acres on West Loop

BEVERLY STEPAN

Cell: 979-332-0370

SOLD!

30 +/- acres currently in row crop. Louise Area. $25,000 - 0.5 +/- D acre lot. Home L ! SOarea. building site. Nice 61+ Acres Row Crop Land - Black top SOLD! frontage. $73,000 - 3 BR, 1 BADcountry feel w/ ! city services. SOL $95,000 - 2-story, 3 BR, 1 BA on large corner lot. Great layout, wood floors under carpet. $119,000 - 3 BR, 1 BA on 1+ acres. City services, quiet neighborhood. $140,000 - Brick 3 BR, 2 BA, nice area. ING! ENDyard. Huge fencedPback $167,000 - 4 BR, 2 BA, 2-car garage on 2+ acres just outside city limits. 2,200+ sq. ft. living area. $215,000 - 3 BR, 2 BA, 2-car garage. Immaculately kept. Tile & carpet flooring, solid surface counters, stainless steel appliances, great yard. $248,000 - Brick, 2-story, 4 BR, 3 BA, 2-car garage, granite counters, open concept. Built in 2008. Extra lot available. $359,900 - 4 BR, 3.5 BA, 2-car garage. Perry built home. Established in 2014. 3,381 +/- sq. ft. living area, granite, tiles, raised ceilings, formal living & dining, game room, family room with fireplace, extended entry, open concept. Neighborhood amenities. $710,000 - Get away to the country. 10 acres surround an unbelievable home with wrap around porch, gourmet kitchen, wood burning fireplace, grand dining area & huge family room. Additional guest accommodations. Recent appraisal.

$275,000 - 3 BR, 2 BA, Colonial in Louise on 30 acres. Additional acreage available. $100,000 - 3 BR, 2 BA, MH on 1.4 +/G! DIN PENcity acres. Just outside limits. Make offer. $70,000 - 3 BR, 2 BAIN outside city limits END G! on 3/4 acre. P

RESIDENTIAL

$25,000 - 3 BR, 2 BA, mobile home. $38,000 - 2 BR, 1 BA starter home or investment property. $41,000 - 2 BR, 1 BA. Make offer. $125,000 - 4 BR, 2 BA outside city limits on 1 +/- acres. $139,500 - 3 BR, 3 BA in nice neighborhood. 1,744 +/- sq. ft. living. Large lot. $180,000 - 3 BR, 2 BA, bonus room over garage. Beautifully landscaped on cul de sac, large living & dining rooms, open concept. $220,000 - Quiet area, 7 BR, 3 BA, office, activity room and workshop. Close to hospital and shopping, this property would make a great group home, bed & breakfast or investment for rentals. $550,000 - 2/3 BR, 2.5 BA, 2 car garage 3,800 +/- sq. ft. living. 2,680 sq. ft. barn. Outside city limits, on 2 acres.

REDUCED

LOTS AND ACREAGE

$30,000 - 3/4 acre lot on Brent Street. ENDING! Outside cityPlimits. $40,000 - 2 lots at Cape Carancahua. Septic, water, electric. $45,900 - Chapel Creek Addn. Large lot, perfect for your new home! 2+ Acre Lot - Located in The Fairways. Waterford Estates - 1.2+/- acre lots.

COMMERCIAL

$32,500 - Lot along W. Loop. $95,000 - 1.47 acres West Loop. $215,000 - Commercial Prop. 5 +/24064 Classification#: RE acres. Hwy. 59 frontage. Bldg. on site. Location. 3.8 $450,000 Beverly - Fabulous Stepan Name: +/- acres West Loop 525 and West Jackson. Ad Size: 2 col. x 5 in.

$92,500 - 3 BR, 1 BA quiet Acct country #: living, sits on 1.81 +/- acres. Flooring, roof & kitchen counters installed 2010. $175,000 - Barnaminium on 2.4+ acres. Built in 2010. 1 BR, 1 BA, G!open concept. NDINRV PEpond, Shop, stocked hookup, well FOR LEASE & aerobic septic system. Run Dates:Remodeled, 3/18 3 BR, 1 BA in the country. $208,000 - Brick, 4 BR, 2 BA, 2-car garage, outside city limits. Quiet central A/H, appliances included. Ad Cost per plus Run:deposit. $ 64.40 $1,300 monthly neighborhood. $223,000 - Traditional country home Brick 3 BR, 2 BA, 2-car garage in Rec’d: 3/16 How: monthly, Email By: on 2+ acres. 4 BR, 2 BA, horse pasture, town. $1,400 plusSM $1,400 stalls, tack & feed room. deposit. 1x Sat: x $225,000 - 2-Story Victorian Home on 2 BR, 1 BA, Wed: Wood Frame outside corner lot. Wrought Iron Fencing, 3 BR, city Due: limits.$$650 monthly, 64.40 Paid:plus Chg.$650 2 BA, office, wood burning fireplace, Total deposit. storage, wood floors.

For more details on these and other listings please or see our website. El call Campo Leader-News

Stacy Morris Melissa Rod - Broker ...........................Home 979-543-3906...Cell 637-7971 Classified Manager Stacey Vesely - Agent ........................................ Cell 979- 578-1260 979-543-3363 classified@leader-news.com

208 Fahrenthold, El Campo, TX.

Office: 979-543-3373 Classified Deadlines

The Real Estate Leaders® 1707 West Loop • 979-543-7006

Monday before 4 p.m. for Wednesday Paper Cell: 4979-541-7929 Thursday before p.m. for Saturday Paper

www.SellingTexasProperties.com 021 Help Wanted

063 Misc. Services

Ganado Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

F.H. Hernandez

Locally owned, beautiful, hotel-like, 91 bed, skilled nursing facility is looking for a:

Foundation & Piers

• Director of Nursing in small town of Ganado, TX.

We are looking for someone with great management skills, who is well organized and supportive of staff. Applicant must have caring attitude to promote excellent patient care while maintaining policies and procedures, and state regulations through staff education and supervision. Requirements: •Valid RN License in State ofTexas • Experience with administration and management in a healthcare organization a plus. • Experience in long-term care nursing preferred.

Apply in person at: 107 East Rogers; Ganado,Texas No Phone Calls Please. E.O.E

022 Work Wanted

ERNIE’S LAWN SERVICE Mowing, Weedeating & Edging of Residential Lawns.

Call Ernest Dorotik 979-543-9162 024 Schools CNA CLASS: MAY 4, 5 P.M. - 9 p.m. Medication Aide Refresher Class: June 20, 9 a.m. Please call Erica 979-282-2225.

044 Misc.-Rent

House Leveling Lifetime Warranty Free Estimates

30 Years Experience

Senior Citizen Discount

Hot Mop Roofing

361-782-8575 361-782-5148 301 Bryan St.,

www.johnpettyrealtors.com www.landsoftexas.com

All we do is Real Estate. All the time. FARM, RANCH & COUNTRY LIVING

! SOLD

New Listing - 300 Acres Great hunting, Colorado River. $3,250 per acre. $450,000 - 21 Acres - 60’x125’ barn, pond, water wells. New Listing - 60.4 Acres Morales. Oaks, brush, camp house, water well, elect. $5,000/ acre. New Listing - 11.237 Acres in Nada area (CR 115). $5,000 per acre. Chase Nielsen Marie Powell

New Listing - $150,000 CR 343 country home on 5 wooded acres. Attached metal barn, beautiful land with pond and oak trees. New Listing - $275,000 - Ranch style home. 3 BR, 2 BA, 2,368 sq. ft. of living area, fireplace, 7.1 ac. fenced. Reduced - $270,000 - 11.4 acres on Wilson Creek. Big oak trees. 1,200 sq. ft. 2 BR, 2 BA barn house. Reduced - $199,500 - Custom built, well maintained 3 BR, 2.5 BA home on 2 acres.

979-578-3585 979-541-3335

John Petty Nancy Pfardrescher Michele Ellis

www.HAR.com www.landwithminerals.com

$48,500 - New home building lot. St. Luke’s Dr. New Listing - $345,000 - Totally New Listing - $35,000 - 1.6530 updated, in Heights area. 3,700 sq. ft. acres on Brent St.

RESIDENTIAL/ IN TOWN

Reduced - $235,000 - 4 BR, 3 BA home in great neighborhood. New Listing - $132,000 - Brick 3 BR, 2 BA, on large lot. Fenced yard, 1,642 sq. ft. of living area with 2-car garage. New Listing - $116,000 - 3 BR, 2 BA on Dorothy St. Reduced - $97,000 - Brick 4 BR, 1 BA. Betty St.

979-541-7929 979-332-2902 979-541-3790

Glen Pasak Rick Schmidt

COMMERCIAL

$45,000 - Approx. 1 acre commercial lot on Hwy. 71 N. New Listing - $250,000 - RV Park with nice brick house. 9 spaces, all occupied, with room for at least 11 more. 2 acres of land. Walking distance to Tres Palacios River. Call John for details.

979-543-0378 979-541-3675

Edna, TX 77957

U-LOCK MINI STORAGE 704 E. Calhoun St., El Campo

Monthly Rentals Access 24 Hours a Day

5’x10’ Space 10’x20’ Space 15’x20’ Space You carry the key!

Self-Service Storage

979-543-5911

Painting

Residential Exterior / Interior

Jeff Barosh, Jr.

979-332-1983 Free Estimates

Coastal Bend

Foundation Repair

Guaranteed Lifetime Transferable Warranty Slabs • Pier and Beam Senior Discount • Free Estimates

COMMERCIAL SPACE AVAILABLE on West Loop in El Campo. 1,160 sq. ft. in prime location. Call 979-637-0130 for more information.

Danny McBride - Owner Trey Ganem - Sales

063 Misc. Services

www.coastalbendfoundationrepair.com

Linda’s Sand & Gravel, LLC.

Tyler’s Jewelry and Pawn New 14K Gold Jewelry

Call Linda

We make loans on most anything

979-541-7621 or 979-578-6308

of value. We buy scrap gold.

800-460-8594

2310 N. Richmond Rd.

979-532-0971 • Wharton

063 Misc. Services

075 Farm Machinery

111 Mobile Homes

Ray's Tree Trimming

ROBERT LAITKEP’S AFFORDABLE Tree Service. Tree Trimming, Stump Grinding, Tree Removal and Topping, Tractor Work. Insured. Free Estimates. Senior Citizen Discount. Credit cards accepted. Call 979-532-4403.

1998 JD 9610 COMBINE. 2,299 hours, 4-wheel drive, barn kept, field ready. $49,500. 1996 JD 9600 Combine. 2,276 hours, 4-wheel drive, barn kept, field ready. $42,500. JD 844 40” corn head. $8,500. Call 281-239-5379.

I PAY TOP DOLLAR FOR USED MOBILE HOMES! Clear title or small payoff is ok. Must be ‘85 model or newer! Call Chris at 979-743-0551.

Trimming • Skylighting • Topping Tree and/or Stump Removal Quality Work Free Local Estimates No job too little or too big Over 25 Years Experience

979-543-9153 Ray Mach, Owner

HERRERA ROOFING

New and Reroofing Composition • Free Estimates •

Edi Herrera

979-543-1186 or

979-332-2117 NOLAN’S AFFORDABLE LAWN SERVICE. Certified Landscaper. Mowing, mulching, tree trimming, edging, weeding, hedge trimming, pasture and lot shredding. Call 979-253-9323. TEX-MEX HOUSE LEVELING & R O O F I N G . We a l s o d o remodeling, painting, sheet rock, electrical, plumbing, etc. Free Estimates. Call 979-233-0369 or 979-201-3808. HOUSE LEVELING SLAB, PIER AND beam, replace rotten seals. Mobile home leveling. Free estimates. Call 281-232-6268.

073 Used Cars 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 4-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, 101,600 miles, leather seats, power windows & locks, tilt steering, cruise control, CD player and alloy wheels. $599 down financing available and YOUR JOB IS YOUR CREDIT. Call Discount Automotive today to start your application: 979-543-7199. 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS 4 - d o o r, s t i l l u n d e r fa c to r y warranty, 4-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, 53,300 miles, power locks & windows, tilt steering, cruise control, CD player and alloy wheels. LIKE NEW! Offering special financing for vehicles just like this one is what we do! YOUR JOB IS YOUR CREDIT! Call Discount Automotive today to start your application: 979-543-7199.

135 Seeds, Plants

KALINA’S NURSERY: COUNTY Road 428 Original Greenhouse 111 Mobile Homes Location is open and fully stocked. HUGE SELECTION OF NEW AND Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 5:30 used single wides and double p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Call wides in stock!! Our competitors 979-532-1124. hate our low prices! Come see the 151 Misc. for Sale difference! Reliable Homes of Sealy *390 Gebhardt Rd.,* Call 1 SET OF 2 1,000 WATT FISHING Lights. In boxes with stand 979-885-6767* RBI33813 a n d 3 , 0 0 0 wa t t , 6 . 0 h . p . , 3 BR, 2 BA MOBILE HOME IN Tecumseh engine industrial/ Wharton Mobile Home Park, commercial generator. $550. Call $28,900, Owner Finance, Low 979-543-0224. Payments. For Sale, Why Rent? Call BOSS CX2000M MONO BLOCK 832-457-6760. C a r A m p l i f i e r. U s e d o n c e , 3 BR, 2 BA MOBILE HOME still in great condition. Make For Sale in Nice Wharton Mobile Offer! If interested call or text Home Park, nice, clean, new 906-282-0246. washer and dryer, Owner FinanceOnly $575/month! ($26,000, MOTORCYCLE HALF HELMET, $2,000 DP, 11.5APR, 144 months, small, $20. If interested call or text RET0034878) Call 832-457-6760. 906-239-9118.

CROSSWORD / SUDOKU SOLUTIONS Sudoku Solution #3607-M

9 4 7 5 1 8 1 6 5 2 9 2 4 3 3 7 8 6

5 8 6 4 7 2

1 3 4 9 8 5

7 9 2 6 3 1

8 1 3 2 9 6 4 7 5

2 6 5 7 4 3 9 8 1

Sudoku Solution #3607-D

3 2 8 1 5 4 7 6 9

6 5 9 3 2 7 8 1 4

4 7 1 8 6 9 3 5 2

3 7 9 2 4 5 6 7 2 1 9 4 1 8 5 8 3 6

1 4 3 7 8 2

2 5 6 9 1 3

7 9 8 4 5 6

4 2 1 6 7 8 5 3 9

8 6 5 1 3 9 4 2 7

5 8 2 3 6 4 9 7 1

6 1 4 8 9 7 3 5 2

9 3 7 5 2 1 8 6 4

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Page 11-B

Realty Listings

Susan Radley Realtors

Town & Country REAL ESTATE, INC.

979-543-7767

202 Fahrenthold St. El Campo, TX. 77437

www.townandcountryrealestateinc.com

Like our Facebook page Town and Country Real Estate Inc. Available Days, Nights & Weekends:

Beulah Buchanek, Broker 541-3482 Jimmy Roppolo, 543-0160 Paul Herrmann, 541-3057 Sandie Roppolo, 578-1040 Jenni Koudela, 578-2483

2395 E. Jackson El Campo, TX 77437 www.wmerealestate.com Ed Ritter - Broker/Owner (979)533-9093 Laura Anderson, Realtor (979)541-6412

REATA REALTY

El Campo, Texas • (979) 543-1442 www.reatarealty.com

RURAL AND FARM LAND — WHARTON COUNTY 1,359+/- ACRES - S. Wharton Co. FM road frontage, !! irrigation well, undergroundSirrigation, OLD bass lakes, rice & row crop farm. Excellent duck hunting. ! Rock Island. Excellent 320+/- ACRES - Colorado Co.NN. G!of I D N hunting, Oak timber, easy water & utilities. PEaccess, Gary Radley - Broker Clint Radley - Agent James R. Larkin - Agent

Taylor Radley - Associate Broker DeeAnn Rawlinson - Agent Scott Clifton – Agent

151 Misc. for Sale

154 Garage Sales

FOUR CEMETERY PLOTS FOR SALE in Evergreen Memorial Park in Catholic section near a tree. $900/ plot. Discount for purchasing all four. Call 361-550-2521. LED CHEVY TRUCK LIGHTS. LIKE new, in box. Headlights fit 2007. Taillights fit 2003-2005. Call 979-253-0178 for details.

153 Want to Buy LOOKING FOR LARGE NUMBER of pecan trees to cut for barbecue wood. Standing, dead, green or bulldozed. Call 713-956-0151. CASH! TO BUY JUNK CARS, junk trucks, junk farm machinery, salvage metal, batteries etc. Call 979-618-1204 or 979-618-0880, Joey.

Annie Macha Estate Sale 1930 CR 218, Hungerford Fri., April 24, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sat., April 25, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Furniture, Appliances, JAX Beer Glasses, Victrola, Linens, Jewelry, Vintage Clothing, Tools, Fishing Gear & More!

Your Hometown REALTORS® with a World of Experience! Kacy Bain - Broker/Owner 979-541-7096 E-Pro, GRI, TAHS

Sales Associates:

MONICA MATTOON • 979-533-2416 BRANDI JOHNSON • 979-332-2140 BEVERLY STEPAN • 979-332-0370 LIN HUTZENBILER • 979-541-9945 RACHAEL PIEPRZYCA • 979-243-4309 MARSHA BARBEE • 979-533-9439 RHONDA MERTA • 979-578-1431

RE/MAX Professionals

View all of our listings at:

www.SellingTexasProperties.com

PILGRIM 979-543-1890 Real Estate

106 W. Strand, El Campo, TX.

Fri., April 24, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Sat., April 25, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sun., April 26, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. New Item’s Daily!

172 Special Notices

EQUIPMENT AUCTION Saturday, May 2 10 a.m. 1036 S FM 331 Sealy, Texas Tractors  Hay Equipment  Farm Implements Autos & Trailers  Construction Equipment 10% Buyer Premium on Items $1000 or Less

Accepting Consignments Daily 8-5! TXS #7342

w w w.sw it z e r a u c t i o n . n e t

ESTATE AUCTION Tidewater Oaks

Palacios, TX

Saturday April 25, 2015 VIEWING 8:30 A.M. AUCTION 10:00 A.M. Items of Interest: 2-Bedroom, 1-Bath house (Reserve) - Contact Lin Hutzenbiler (Realtor), 979-541-9945, Letter of Credit, 2000 Ford F350 Heavy Duty Crew Cab 162,000 miles (Reserve) 8,000, 1999 Jeep Cherokee (Reserve) 2,500, Terry 43’ 5th Wheel Travel, Cub Tractor, Mitsubishi Tractor, Low Boy Trailers (2), Aluminum Craft Boat/Trailer, Shredder, Bar-B-Que Pits, Generator Powermate 4000, Arc 180 Welder, Troy Built Tiller, Black Max Compressor, Delta 8” Drill Press, Craftsman 12” Band Saw Sander, Lawn Tools, Bird Baths, Crocks, Drop leaf Table, Curio Cabinet, Mantle Clock, Kitchen Tables/Chairs, Lawyer’s Book Case, Capodimonte and much more! EVERYTHING MUST GO! Moore’s Hillje Auction • Auctioneer - Archie Foegelle #9271 Phone: 979-543-5340 (Home) 979-541-6227 (Cell) 979-648-2176 (Hillje) E-Mail: jmmoore65@sbcglobal.net Web: www.mooreshilljeauction.com NO BUYER’S PREMIUM • NO MINIMUMS • CONCESSIONS • AC • MASTERCARD / VISA • A LITTLE COUNTRY AUCTION •

Zalman & Company Real Estate Services announces closed sale of VJ Hall Co. Properties to Pearl Park Place, LLC.

979-543-2228 1209 N. Mechanic Residential $225,000 - Ranch Style Setting 3 BR, 2 BA, Central A/H, Updates, Front & Back Porches, 12x24 Storage Building, 12x40 RV Shed, .75 Acre +/-, 2-car Garage. $200,000 - 2-story, Spanish style brick home with 2 courtyards, 2 balconies, 2 living rooms, 2 master suites, formal dining, fireplace, marble floors, granite counter tops, raised ceilings, & 2-car attached garage, corner lot. Just Listed! $124,900 - Charming 3 BR, 1 BA on 1 acre close to town. Updates, fruit trees & corner lot. Sandy Corner Rd. $98,000 - Charming 2 BR, 1 BA, entry, kitchen, family room and formal dining. Updates! Front porch, pool with palapa bar, great for entertaining.

$53,000 - Premier lake-front lot in the Fairways. 106 Legends Way. Commercial and Land $750,000 - Industrial property. 19.836 acres located at southeast corner of main streets Hwy. 71 South & Hwy. 59. Dist. warehouse approx. 2,500+ sq. ft. New Listing $149,000 - High profile commercial tract located at the intersection of Business 59 and Sam Bishkin Rd. entering & exiting El Campo onto US 59 freeway. 4.5 acres, ideal for development. 32 Acres - Great location for development. Located in close proximity to parks & town amenities. Adjacent to city limits.

Daniel Zalman Rosann Zalman Danielle Zalman Agent Broker/Principal Broker/Principal 979-541-7856 979-543-0225 979-541-3565 danielle@ dzalman@ rzalman@ zalmanandcompany.com

204 W. Mulberry Wharton, TX 2 BR, 2 BA updated home, 1,168 sq. ft. $75,000

We Need AdditioNAl listiNgs to Work! Investment Property - Residential rentals. Call Ray for information.

Make an Offer.

Available Soon!

www.texanareal.com

After Hours CAll ... rAy Pilgrim, 543-3754

Clear-Out Sale

154 Garage Sales

Garage Sale

Clearing out items in Movie Time Building at

2905 Hutchins Ln. Friday, April 24

8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Dining Room Table w/ 6 Chairs, Glass Table w/ 2 Chairs, 2 Small Flat Screen TV’s & Other Misc. Furniture, Misc. Clothing & Shoes and Other Household Items.

• Shelving - Metal • 5 Ft. Gondolas - 10 • Movies • 6 Ft. Showcase • Queen Size Poster Bed w/ Springs & Mattress • Lots of Other Items Call Odis for More Info: 979-541-3662

Cherie’s Treasures

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Church Wide Garage Sale 304 Oscar St.

Fri., April 24 & Sat., April 25

8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wide Variety of Items. Rain or Shine!

Deadlines: --------

Boutique Clothes !

Monday & Thursday By 4 p.m.

175 Public Notices

154 Garage Sales

Huge Garage Sale

Wharton County

Wharton County, Texas, will accept sealedAd bidsSize: for construction 3x6.75 of an office building located at 736 Clubside Drive, East Bernard TX Run Dates: 4/22 & 4/29 77435. Construction Documents be picked up starting April 22, Ad may Cost per Run: $ 172.13 2015 at the office of Ken Shanks J&K Storage, Ganado AIA, 1613 Avenue C, El Campo, Rec’d: 4/20 How: Email By: SM TX 77437. Hwy. 172 South Michael Kors Clothing, Purses, Wallets, Shoes & Much Much More!

Storage Unit Sale

Sat: Bids submittedWed: must be2x sealed and x 9 a.m. – ?? clearly marked “Precinct 2” on the Total Due: Paid: outside$of344.26 the envelope. BidsChg. will Washer & Dryer, Beds, Vanity, be received until 3:00 p.m., May Clothes... Lots of Misc. 21st at the Office of Wharton County Judge, 309 E. Milam, Suite El Campo Leader-News 600, when they Stacy will be opened Morris publically. All bids will be date and Classified Manager time stamped. Any bids received 314 Margaret St. after the specified time will not 979-543-3363 be considered. A 5% bid bond Saturday, April 25classified@leader-news.com payable to Wharton County, along with other required supplemental 8 a.m. – ?? information according to specificaA Little Bit of Everything! Classified Deadlines tions shall be included.

Saturday, April 25

Garage Sale

Monday before 4 p.m. for Wednesday Paper for labor, material, tools, 175 Public NoticesbeforeBids Thursday 4 p.m. for Saturday Paper equipment, transportation and supervision are invited for the following work:

The Commissioners’ Court of Wharton County will receive sealed bids for activities funded by its County Transportation Infrastructure Fund Grant Program Contract CTIF-01-241 until 2:00 p.m. on May 7, 2015, at the County Judge’s Office, 309 E. Milam St., Ste. 600, Wharton, TX 77488. The date and time of the bid opening and the phrase “Road Reclaim and Re-grade Bid” shall be clearly marked on the outside of the sealed envelope containing the bid. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Judge’s office at 2:00 p.m. May, 7th, 2015. Bids are invited for project locations and quantities of work as follows: Length 2.8 miles

175 Public Notices

7970 Hwy. 71, Garwood 10336 NOTICE Classification#: TO BIDDERS 175 Saturday, Acct April#:25 8 a.m. – ?? TheWharton Commissioners’County Court of Household Items, Furniture,Name:

Advertisement and Invitation for Bids

Project Locations County TIF Projects (1 Location)

221 Elm St. Blessing, TX 4 BR, 2 BA, 2-car garage, lovely 2,473 sq. ft brick home w/ pool & a large yard. $189,500.

979-245-9040 • 979-245-1441

Building Sites - In town and out of town. Call for availability.

154 Garage Sales

Websites: zalmanandcompany.com har.com & landsoftexas.com Find us on Facebook!

Texana Real Estate

Rentals - 3 BR, Central A/H, refrigerator, range and dishwasher.

New Spring Arrivals:

881 CR 364

REAL ESTATE SERVICES “WHERE PERFORMANCE AND SKILL MEET”

The Real Estate Leaders® 1707 West Loop El Campo, TX 77437 979-543-7006

Selected Home Decor - $5

Call Ray 979-543-2564

60 Cutter

Visit our Web site at:

979-541-5845

Moving Sale

979-637-6354 Cell 979-578-1115 Cell

www.susanradleyrealtors.com

410-A, N. Mechanic

Casino Delta Downs

979-541-3035 Cell

Taylor Radley - Associate Broker Cori Radley - Agent

908 N. Mechanic Saturday, April 25

172 Special Notices

979-885-2400

Susan L. Radley - Broker

Judy Peter, Realtor (979)578-1600 Gail Lawrence, Realtor (361)771-6315

2902 MYATT LANE - SOLD!! NEW LISTING: 304 E. Calhoun. Spacious town home with 4 BR, 3 BA. Call Judy for details at 979-578-1600. NEW LISTING: 3020 Lamar Cir. Updated 3 BR 2 BA, new kitchen and much, much more! Call Judy, 979-578-1600. REDUCED TO $170,000: Almost 15 acres on Blue Creek Rd! Lots of wildlife and small house w/ barn. Call Judy, 979-578-1600. EXCELLENT COMMERCIAL LOCATION: 2.5 acres on S. Wharton across from United Ag Co-op. 6,000 sq. ft. shop/office, $190,000. Call 979-533-9093. EASY ACCESS TO HWY 59: 25 acres in Blue Creek Industrial Park. 2,400 sq. ft. closed barn w/loading dock, 2,000 sq. ft. open barn. Call 979-541-6412 LOVELY LOVELY LOT LOCATED IN TURTLE CREEK SUBDIVISION: Wharton. Call Judy at 979-578-1600.

Vinton, La. Sunday, May 3 $18 per person $7 Cash Voucher Leave El Campo Walmart at 6 a.m.

714 N. Mechanic St., El Campo, TX 77437 Office:979-543-6666

Area 32,853 SY

Bid/Contract Documents including the bid schedule, maps of the Project Location, and the County’s Design Criteria and Specifications are on file at the Office of the Wharton County Judge, 309 E. Milam St., Ste. 600, Wharton, TX 77488 Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, or bid bond payable to Wharton County, Texas, in the amount of five percent (5%) of the amount bid as a guarantee that the contract and bonds will be entered into by the Contractor. Within 30 days of contract execution and prior to beginning work, the Contractor must provide a performance bond and payment bond each in the amount of the total contract price. Contractors must pay workers not less than the general prevailing rate of per diem wages contained in the contract documents for all work performed on this project, in accordance with Texas Government Code Chapter 2258. Contractors must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, age or national origin. HUBs are encouraged to apply. Bids may be held by the County for a period not to exceed 30 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidders’ qualifications prior to the contract award. All work under this contract must be completed by September 1, 2015. The County reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding. Contact the Precinct 3 Commissioner at steven.goetsch@co.wharton.tx.us, http://www. co.wharton.tx.us/ to arrange for informal pre-bid meetings with County personnel familiar with the work contained in this bid.

1. Construct one commercial office building containing approximately 3,516 sq.ft. as follows: The project will include but not be limited to reinforced concrete foundation, parking, building framing, complete electrical, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, flooring and full finish-out. Bid/Contract Documents, including Drawings are on file at the office of Ken Shanks AIA, 1613 Ave. C, El Campo, Texas, Ph. 979-637-0245. PDF files will be furnished. Copies of the Bid/Contract Documents may be obtained by depositing $100.00 with Ken Shanks, AIA for each set of hard copies obtained. The deposit will be refunded if the documents and drawings are returned in good condition within 10 days following the bid opening. Make checks payable to Ken Shanks & Associates, LLC. Bids may be held by Wharton County for a period not to exceed 30 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidders’ qualifications prior to the contract award. Wharton County reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids and act in the best interest of the County. Sharon Howard Boedeker County Auditor

Page 12-B

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Sports Beat Thank You!

’s El k h o o t S op H o 2015

We just want to thank everyone for all the love, support and donations. Without God, none of this could have been possible. You can count on Oliver being back next year!

From: The Miles Family Oliver & Priscilla

Don’t Move … Improve !

www.WhartonRemodeling.com Exuma Construction and Development LLC

Your Home Town Builder

832-250-6224

www.ExumaConstruction.com

Builders / Developers / General Contractors

L-N Photo by Kaitlynn Bianconi

Hornet Baseball

The 2015 Louise Hornet varsity baseball team includes, front row from left: Harrison Cook, Walter Lilie, Jase Bill, Steven Appling, Tyler Collins and Head Coach Joe Bill. Back row: Chris Kutac, Ty Tucker, Hunter Koudela, Clay Gonzales and Blaine Machicek.

to battle Cardinals for top seat

FLASH?

—Ricebirds (Continued from Page 1-B)

2 runs and 2 RBI, and Mamerow added 1 RBI. Stock had 3 runs and 1 RBI, and Priesmeyer added 1 hit and 1 RBI. Chad Quinn was 2-3 at the plate with 2 runs and 3 RBI. Jones went 1-2 with 1 run and 1 RBI, and Saucedo was 2-3 with 2 RBI. Crivellari went 1-1 with 2 runs and 2 walks, and Brock Brandl added 1 hit. Kruppa was 2-2 with 1 run, and Collin Quinn had 1 run and 1 walk. “We hope to close out the district with two more good wins versus Columbus and Wharton,” Krenek

said. “We should see good pitching in both games.” The Ricebirds hosted the Columbus Cardinals last night. They were looking to redeem themselves after falling to the Cards in their single district loss this season. Left-handed pitcher Blake Pflughaupt proved to be a challenge for the Birds in their first district match-up. Results were not available at presstime. The Birds will travel to Wharton on April 28 for their final district game. The Birds defeated Wharton 14-4 on April 7 in the first round of district play.

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NEED CASH IN A

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979-543-0378

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PEACE • LOVE • WCYF

WHARTON COUNTY YOUTH FAIR PREVIEW

WEDNESDAY • APRIL 22, 2015

Page 2

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Wharton County Youth Fair 2015 President’s message – Page 4 2014 fair dedicated to Patrick, Helen Hlavaty – Page 5 Need-to-know facts before heading out to the fair – Page 6 Animal shows abound – Page 7 EC teen ready for competition – Page 8 Jr. Miss Pageant – Page 10 Princess Pageant – Page 12 Little Mr. & Miss Pageant – Page 13 Who will be 2015 Queen? – Page 16 Top-rated WCJC cowboys compete in NIRA event – Page 19 Music plays nightly at fair – Page 20 Share your youth fair moments with newspaper – Page 20 Mighty Thomas Carnival returns – Page 21 Veterans Day Tuesday – Page 22 Senior Day Thursday – Page 22 Favorites return to Midway – Page 23 Day honors special students – Page 24 Bull Blowout April 28-30 – Page 26 Family Fun Night – Page 26 Sale Of Excellence Saturday – Page 27

The 2015 Wharton County Youth Fair Preview is a special section of the El Campo Leader-News. For information, contact (979) 543-3363 or visit www.leader-news.com.

WHARTON COUNTY Thursday, April 23rd

3 p.m. – 6 p.m………..…….…………….…..Creative Arts Check-In

Friday, April 24th

YOUTH FAIR Admission Gates Open - 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

9:30 a.m…….………..……...………………Judging of Creative Arts 12 p.m………...……………………... Rodeo Slack (Johnson Arena) 7p.m……..…….....…..WCJC host "NIRA" Rodeo (Johnson Arena)

Saturday, April 25th

Schedule of EvenTs Admission Gates Open – 8 a.m. until 9 p.m.

9 a.m……….…..…........….....Open Team Roping (Johnson Arena) 12:30 p.m…...ADULT Go – Texan Washer Pitching (Beer Garden) 1 p.m……………..…..………Little Mr/Miss Pageant (Crescent Hall) 3 p.m……….ADULT Go-Texan Horseshoe Pitching Thursday, April 23rd (Beer Garden) 3 p.m……….…..……..……....…..Princess Pageant (Crescent 3 p.m. – 6 p.m………..…….…………….…..Creative Arts Hall) Check-In 5 p.m…………..……..................…Jr. Miss Pageant (Crescent Hall) th Friday, April 24 7 p.m…………………………………Queen Hall) Admission Gates Open - 5Pageant p.m. until(Crescent 8 p.m. 7 p.m…….……............WCJC host "NIRA" Rodeo (Johnson Arena) Arts 9:30 a.m…….………..……...………………Judging of Creative 8 p.m…………..DANCE – ZACH WALTHER BAND (Beer Garden) 12 p.m………...……………………... Rodeo Slack (Johnson Arena) th 7p.m……..…….....…..WCJC host 26 "NIRA" Rodeo (Johnson Arena) Sunday, April th

Saturday, 25 8 p.m. Admission Gates Open - 10April a.m. until Admission Gates Open – 8Church a.m. until 9 p.m. Stage) 10:30 a.m……..…………...…….…Cowboy (Midway 9 a.m……….…..…........….....Open Team Roping (Johnson Arena) 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m…..…….......Wee Folks Pet Show(Midway Stage) 12:30 p.m…...ADULT Go – Texan Washer Pitching (Beer Garden) 1 p.m.…….…….……....Ag Mechanics Show (Carnival Parking Lot) 1 p.m……………..…..………Little Mr/Miss Pageant (Crescent Hall) 1 p.m. – 6 p.m…….….…..…..……..Creative Arts Open for Viewing 3 p.m……….ADULT Go-Texan Horseshoe Pitching (Beer Garden) 1 p.m.…..................................Go-Texan Dominoes (Beer Garden) Hall) 3 p.m……….…..……..……....…..Princess Pageant (Crescent 1 p.m. – 5 p.m... Polka Fest–New Texas Plainsmen (Beer Garden) Hall) 5 p.m…………..……..................…Jr. Miss Pageant (Crescent 2 p.m………………………...……..Kolache Bake-Off (Beer Garden)Hall) 7 p.m…………………………………Queen Pageant (Crescent 3 p.m.............……………..Chute Barrel Rodeo (Johnson Arena) 7 p.m…….……............WCJC&host "NIRA" Rodeo (Johnson Arena) 3 p.m. …………...…….…...……...….Poultry ShowBAND (Ammann 8 p.m…………..DANCE – ZACH WALTHER (BeerBarn) Garden) 7 p.m……….……..…...………...….Ranch Sunday, AprilRodeo 26th (Johnson Arena) Admission Gates Open - 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. TBA . . . . ……………….………...Chicken Chase (5 years & under) 10:30 a.m……..…………...…….…Cowboy Church Stage) TBA………………………………...Cash Scramble (6 & 7(Midway year olds)

1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m…..…….......Wee Folks Pet Show(Midway Stage) Monday, April 27th 1 p.m.…….…….……....Ag Mechanics Show (Carnival Parking Lot) Admission Gates Open - 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. 1 p.m. – 6 p.m…….….…..…..……..Creative Arts Open for Viewing 9 a.m…………………………….......….Rabbit Show (Crescent Hall) 1 p.m.…..................................Go-Texan Dominoes (Beer Garden) 9 a.m…………………..…….....……...Horse (Johnson Arena) 1 p.m. – 5 p.m... Polka Fest–New TexasShow Plainsmen (Beer Garden) 4 p.m. – 9 p.m……............….…..…Creative ArtsBake-Off Open for(Beer Viewing 2 p.m………………………...……..Kolache Garden) 4 p.m…...…...……………...…….…….Swine Show (Ammann Barn) 3 p.m.............……………..Chute & Barrel Rodeo (Johnson Arena) 5 p.m. – 8 p.m……...…………………………Learning Center OpenBarn) 3 p.m. …………...…….…...……...….Poultry Show (Ammann p.m……….……..…...………...….Ranch Rodeo (Johnson Arena) 6:307p.m……...………..……………………...CRC (Johnson Arena) TBA . . . . ……………….………...Chicken Chase (5 years & under) TBA…...………….………..….….Chicken Chase (5 years & under) TBA………………………………...Cash Scramble & 7 year TBA………………………………...Cash Scramble (6 & (6 7 year olds)olds) th

Monday, April 27 7 p.m. ……AL SULAK & THE COUNTRY SOUNDS(Beer Garden) th Admission Gates Open - 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Tuesday, April 28

9 a.m…………………………….......….Rabbit Show (Crescent Hall) Admission Gates Open - 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. 9 a.m…………………..…….....……...Horse Show (Johnson Arena) Salute to Our Veterans 4 p.m. – 9 p.m……............….…..…Creative Arts Open for Viewing 11 a.m……........…….……..Beef Merit Heifer ShowShow (Ammann Barn)Barn) 4 p.m…...…...……………...…….…….Swine (Ammann 3 p.m….……..…..………..………..…..Lamb Show (Ammann Barn)Open 5 p.m. – 8 p.m……...…………………………Learning Center 6:30 p.m……...………..……………………...CRC (Johnson Arena) 4 p.m. – 9 p.m…….……......….……Creative Arts Open Viewing TBA…...………….………..….….Chicken Chase (5 for years & under) TBA………………………………...Cash ScrambleCenter (6 & 7Open year olds) 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.……………......………………Learning 7 p.m. ……AL SULAK & THE COUNTRY SOUNDS(Beer Garden) 6 p.m….…………….….………………..Steer Show (Ammann Barn)

Tuesday, April 28th (Johnson Arena) 6:30 p.m……..………..…….……...Mutton Bustin’ Admission Gates Open - 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Arena) 7:30 p.m…….………..…...….…….....Bull Blowout (Johnson Salute to Our Veterans TBA…….……………..……….…..Chicken Chase (5 years & under) 11 a.m……........…….……..Beef Merit Heifer Show TBA………………………………...Cash Scramble (6 & 7(Ammann year olds)Barn) 3 p.m….……..…..………..………..…..Lamb Show (Ammann Barn) 8 p.m…………………………..…STEEL COUNTRY (Beer Garden)

4 p.m. – 9 p.m…….……......….……Creative Arts Open for Viewing 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.……………......………………Learning Center Open 6 p.m….…………….….………………..Steer Show (Ammann Barn) 6:30 p.m……..………..…….……...Mutton Bustin’ (Johnson Arena) 7:30 p.m…….………..…...….…….....Bull Blowout (Johnson Arena) TBA…….……………..……….…..Chicken Chase (5 years & under) TBA………………………………...Cash Scramble (6 & 7 year olds) 8 p.m…………………………..…STEEL COUNTRY (Beer Garden)

Wednesday, April 29th

Preschool and Special Friends Day Carnival opens 5 – 10 p.m. “Buddy Night” - Wednesday Only 2 ride for price of 1 Admission Gates Open - 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

9 a.m…………………………...…Special Friends Day (Beer Garden) 9 a.m. …………….….Extra Special Livestock Show(Ammann Barn) 10 a.m……..……..……….….Pen of Three Heifer Exhibitor Interviews 10 a.m………………………...…………....Goat Show (Ammann Barn) 4 p.m……….……......…...Pen of Three Heifer Show (Ammann Barn) 4 p.m. – 9 p.m…….....……….…....….Creative Arts Open for Viewing 5 p.m. – 8 p.m……………..………………….…Learning Center Open 6 p.m………..……..….………......….Ag Day Banquetth (Crescent Hall) Wednesday, April 29 (Johnson Arena) 6:30 p.m…..…..…..….…..…………...Mutton Bustin’ Preschool and Special Friends Day Arena) 7:30 p.m……..….……..…...……………Bull Blowout (Johnson Carnival opens 5 – 10 p.m. “Buddy Night” - Wednesday Only TBA…..………….…...……..……….Chicken Chase (5 years & under) 2 ride for price of 1 TBA…………………………………...Cash (6 &107 p.m. year olds) Admission Gates OpenScramble - 8 a.m. until 8 p.m…………………………….……BUBBA WESTLY Garden) 9 a.m…………………………...…Special Friends(Beer Day (Beer Garden)

9 a.m. …………….….Extra Special Show(Ammann Barn) Thursday, AprilLivestock 30th 10 a.m……..……..……….….Pen of Three Heifer Exhibitor Interviews Senior Citizens Day - 62 & older (Free until 5 p.m.) 10 a.m………………………...…………....Goat Carnival open 5 – 10 p.m. Show (Ammann Barn) 4 p.m……….……......…...Pen of Three Heifer Show (Ammann Barn) Admission Gates open - 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. 4 p.m. – 9 p.m…….....……….…....….Creative Arts Open for Viewing 9 a.m……………..…..……..………..Sr. Citizen’s Day (Crescent Hall) 5 p.m. – 8 p.m……………..………………….…Learning Center Open 10:306a.m………….…………Dairy/Dairy Merit Show (Ammann Barn) p.m………..……..….………......….Ag Day Banquet (Crescent Hall) 2 p.m……….……....…...…..Jr. Breeding Beef Show (Ammann Barn)Arena) 6:30 p.m…..…..…..….…..…………...Mutton Bustin’ (Johnson 2:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m…..….Sr. Citizen’s Polka Dance (Beer(Johnson Garden) Arena) 7:30 –p.m……..….……..…...……………Bull Blowout 4 p.m.TBA…..………….…...……..……….Chicken – 9 p.m……………...……...…. Creative ArtsChase Open(5 foryears Viewing & under) 4 p.m…….….…..…………………..Bucket Calf Show (Ammann TBA…………………………………...Cash Scramble (6 & 7Barn) year olds) 8 (show p.m…………………………….……BUBBA WESTLY (Beer Garden) will immediately follow the Jr. Breeding Beef show)

5 p.m.– 8 p.m……….……......…..…..………….Learning Thursday, April 30th Center Open 6:30 p.m..…..……………..…………...Mutton Bustin’ (Johnson Senior Citizens Day - 62 & older (Free until 5 p.m.)Arena) 7:30 p.m…...…………..…...…….……...Bull Blowout (Johnson Arena) Carnival open 5 – 10 p.m. Admission Gates open - 8Chase a.m. until 11 p.m. TBA……..………….……...……....….Chicken (5 year & under) 9 a.m……………..…..……..………..Sr. Citizen’s (Crescent TBA…………………………………...Cash Scramble (6 Day & 7 year olds) Hall)

10:30 a.m………….…………Dairy/Dairy Merit Show (Ammann Barn) TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK!! 2 p.m……….……....…...…..Jr. Breeding Beef Show (Ammann Barn) 8 p.m……………….….................................HORIZON(Crescent Hall) 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m…..….Sr. Citizen’s Polka Dance (Beer Garden) 8 p.m.……..…………………..………BUBBA WESTLYArts (Beer Garden) 4 p.m. – 9 p.m……………...……...…. Creative Open for Viewing 4 p.m…….….…..…………………..Bucket Friday, May 1st Calf Show (Ammann Barn) (show Student will immediately follow the 5Jr. Breeding Beef show) Day (free until p.m.) 5 p.m.– 8 p.m……….……......…..…..………….Learning Center Open Carnival open 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. 6:30 p.m..…..……………..…………...Mutton Bustin’ Admission Gates open 7:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. (Johnson Arena) 7:30 p.m…...…………..…...…….……...Bull Blowout (Johnson 8:00 a.m……….…….…………….... Academic Rodeo(Crescent Hall)Arena) TBA……..………….……...……....….Chicken Chase (5 year & under) 9 a.m……….………………………Spelling Bee(Office Bldg.Complex) TBA…………………………………...Cash Scramble (6 & 7 year olds)

10 a.m……………………..…….YOUTH Washer Pitching(CCC/Gym) TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK!! 10 a.m. – 2 p.m……...……..…...... ….Creative Arts Open for Viewing 8 p.m……………….….................................HORIZON(Crescent Hall) 10 a.m. – 4 p.m……..………… ….....………….Learning Center Open 8 p.m.……..…………………..………BUBBA WESTLY (Beer Garden) 12 p.m…………..………..…….……Freezer Sale stOpens (Office Bldg) Friday, May 1 12:30 p.m……...….. Livestock Judging Registration (Johnson Arena) Student Day (free until 5 p.m.) 1 p.m………………..YOUTH Shuffle Board Tournament (CCC/GYM) Carnival open 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. 1:30 p.m………..............Livestock Judging Contest (Johnson Arena) Admission Gates open 7:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. 3 p.m……..….......................YOUTH Horseshoe Pitching (CCC/Gym) Hall) 8:00 a.m……….…….…………….... Academic Rodeo(Crescent 5:30 p.m..…..…..…………...………. Awards Banquet (Crescent Hall) 9 a.m……….………………………Spelling Bee(Office Bldg.Complex) 10 a.m……………………..…….YOUTH Washer(Beer Pitching(CCC/Gym) 6 p.m……..…..…..ADULT Shuffle Board Tournament Garden) 10 a.m. – 2 p.m……...……..…...... ….Creative Arts OpenArena) for Viewing 6:30 p.m………….…………………Family Fun Night (Johnson

10 a.m. 4 p.m……..………… Center Open (Pig–Loading only – ages 4-6 ….....………….Learning & Chicken Chase 5 & under)

12 p.m…………..………..…….……Freezer Sale Opens Arena) (Office Bldg) 7:30 p.m………...………...….........Family Fun Night (Johnson

12:30 Livestock (Pig p.m……...….. Chase, Goat Loading, Club Judging ChallengeRegistration (Johnson Arena) 1 p.m………………..YOUTH Shuffle & Cash Scramble – 6&7 year olds) Board Tournament (CCC/GYM) 1:30 p.m………..............Livestock JudgingLIMIT Contest (Johnson 8 p.m………....…..........................................NO (Beer Garden)Arena) 3 p.m……..….......................YOUTH Horseshoe Pitching (CCC/Gym) nd Saturday, MayAwards 2 5:30 p.m..…..…..…………...………. Banquet (Crescent Hall) Carnival open 12 p.m. – 11Tournament p.m. 6 p.m……..…..…..ADULT Shuffle Board (Beer Garden) Admission Gates open - 10 a.m. until 10Night p.m. (Johnson Arena) 6:30 p.m………….…………………Family Fun

11 a.m…….…………….....…….….Buyer's Hall) (Pig Loading only – ages 4-6 Luncheon & Chicken (Crescent Chase 5 & under) 7:30 p.m………...………...….........Family Fun Night (Johnson 12 p.m………………………. …Sale of Excellence (Crescent Hall)Arena) (Pig Chase, Goat Loading, Club Challenge Immediately followed by Freezer Sale and Buyer's Meal & Cash Scramble – 6&7 year olds) 6:30 p.m. …………….....…………...TEJANO DANCE (Beer Garden) 8 p.m………....…..........................................NO LIMIT (Beer Garden)

Saturday, May 2nd

TICKETS

Carnival open 12 p.m. – 11 p.m. Fair Office: (979) 677-3350 SEASON PASSES Admission Gates open - 10 a.m. until 10$30 p.m. www.whartoncountyyouthfair.org (Advance fromLuncheon Queen Contestants) 11 a.m…….…………….....…….….Buyer's (Crescent Hall) Adult •Child 6-12 $5 12 p.m………………………. …Sale of $10 Excellence (Crescent Hall) Child 5 & under FREE Immediately followed by Freezer Sale and Buyer's Meal 6:30 p.m. …………….....…………...TEJANO DANCE (Beer Garden)

Page 4

ood Aug. 1-31.

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

WEE FOLKS PET SHOW wcyf@whartoncounty youthfair.org whartoncountyyouthfair.org

ENTRY BLANK

Wharton County Youth Fair Midway Stage

SundaY, april 26, 2015 1:00 p.m. Children ages 2-12

Pre-registered entries are preferred. Mail Registration to: KULP 515 E. Jackson, El Campo, Texas 77437 Fax: 979-543-1546. Email: STACIE.D@kulpradio.com

Entry forms are available on the WCYF website:

www.whartoncountyyouthfair.org

DOGS BEST COSTUME BEST TRICK LOOKS LIKE OWNER BEST ON A LEASH UGLIEST

ALL OTHERS (NO FISH PLEASE) BEST COSTUME BEST TRICK MOST UNUSUAL LARGEST SMALLEST

SPONSORED BY:

Trophies and Carnival Wristbands will be awarded to First Place in each category.

All participants will receive a ribbon.

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fair contestants! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! 3056 N Mechanic • P.O. Box 966 • El Campo, TX 77437

P: 979.543.1650 • F: 979.543.4699

W W W . C PA N I M A L C L I N I C . C O M HOURS: MON-FRI 7AM-5PM • SAT 8AM-12PM

AGRICULTURE: Helping Wharton Count y Grow The El Campo Leader-News is proud to cover Agriculture in West Wharton County!

Welcome To The Fair

Volunteer traditon makes it work Welcome to the 39th Wharton County Youth Fair. This year’s theme is “Peace and Love at Our County Fair.” The fair requires thousands of people and volunteers to make it work. I personally would like to thank all the volunteers, even the ones that have passed on, for making the fair what it is today. Our first President was John Joyce in 1977. Because of him, and all the great presidents through the years, the fair has grown to what it is today. If you were to ask any of the past/present presidents or volunteers, “Why do you do it?” the one phrase you always hear is, “It’s for the kids.” In the 2013-14 year, the WCYF gave out 61 scholarships totaling $71,735 to the students. We also raised $1,266,534 in sales for the exhibitors. We, at the WCYF, would like to thank you for all the support we receive from individuals and businesses that donate to the fair. We are always looking for more supporters, no matter how small, to help our youth. Last year, the board of directors voted for and built a covered pavilion in the midway along with parking lot improvements. This year’s project is to get new concession stands built with a covered area. The WCYF kicked off with the Annual Go Texan Cook-Off. This year the Youth Steer Saddling will take place with the three nights of bull riding. Other events are Family Fun Night, livestock shows, Creative Arts exhibits, Ag Mechanics competition, The Learning Center, pageants, Special Friends Day, Senior Citizens Day, Tough Enough to Wear Pink, dances for all from polka to country & western, and plenty of other outdoor entertainment. Thanks to all the supporters for making the WCYF what it is today. With your help, we can make it bigger and better for the kids and community. –Mark Bain

WEproud ARE to We are PROUD TO SUPPORT THE the YOUTH OF of support youth WHARTON COUNTY! Wharton County! Good Luck to all exhibitors

to all& fun andHats have off a safe participants! time at the fair!

TRISKA FUNERAL HOME Family owned and operated since 1929 JIMMIE & CECI TRISKA third generation owners

612 Merchant Street • El Campo • 543-3681

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Page 5

2015 WCYF honors EC couple’s dedication, volunteerism “We created friends while we worked the youth fair,” Patrick Hlavaty told the Leader-News. It’s the reason he and wife, Helen, will be found on the Crescent fairgrounds this year and in years to come. For the last 40 years, the couple who has no children of their own, have given countless hours to the Wharton County Youth Fair. From work night labors to the president’s office, Patrick Hlavaty has been there while Helen has organized events and served up cold ones for the adults in the Beer Garden. Those constant efforts prompted directors to dedicate the 2015 fair to the Hlavatys. Both said they were honored to be selected, but then quickly rattled off a list of other volunteers they said deserved the same. “There are more deserving people than us,” Patrick Hlavaty said. Each WCYF is dedicated to someone who has worked to make the event a success and benefit the county’s children since its creation. The Hlavatys agreed, their interest is part of a giant’s legacy – not a fairy tale one, but rather a towering, yet gentle man from Louise. “Pretty much everybody has kids in it, but we started with Wayne (Popp),” Helen Hlavaty said. Even before he and Helen married, Patrick Hlavaty – an El Campo High school graduate originally from Louise – had been friends with Wayne Popp. The two had played semi-pro baseball for the HiLos (Hillje-Louise) team. Then Patrick served in the Army from 1969 to July 1970 with a tour of duty in Vietnam. Overseas, he earned a purple heart for wounds sustained in conflict, two bronze stars for meritorious service and two Army commendation medals. He returned, played softball at Anna Duckett Park with his buddy Wayne and got engaged to Helen Roznovsky of El Campo. The Hlavatys married May 22, 1971 and Patrick start-

Patrick and Helen Hlavaty ed work as a loan officer with Wharton County Savings & Loan Association in 1974. The couple helped park cars, worked the WCYF ticket booths and helped with the barbecue cook-off all the while. In 1976, their involvement with the WCYF became more official. Patrick became the barbecue cook-off chair. “I was just a volunteer. I ran it for 10 years. The year I took it over there were 10 to 25 teams. My last year, there were 103,” he said. “I had a lot of friends that helped. It was not a tough job.” Helen Hlavaty agreed. “It wasn’t like work,” she said. Helen and and Shirley Popp were part of the Pabst Blue Ribbon Queens at the cook-off during those years while Helen also handled the only truly adult area of the fair – the beer garden. “I like the people. I like being around them as they come in to unwind,” Helen Hlavaty said, adding “I’m like a fixture there and I like it. It’s just a good place to be.”

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The WCYF beer garden operates separately from the rest of the fair as County Connection, an organization created by Vern Evanicky, Shirley Popp and the Hlavatys among others. The group’s profits – aside from that needed to maintain the garden – are donated directly to the fair. In 1984, Patrick with a paying job at a bank, became the fair’s assistant treasurer and was later named treasurer. Despite the office job, he and Helen also continued to show up and do their part at the pre-fair work nights. “We never quit the dirty work,” Patrick Hlavaty said. “We worked weekends. We worked the fair. I worked in the office and I worked the other parts.” Both said they’d like to see more people give their time adding concern about the decades to come. “Today’s generation is a lot different than back when we were growing up. Now people have more to do,” Patrick said. “I’d like to see more younger folks get involved in operations, not only how it’s put on, but the grounds too.” “We are old school,” Helen added. “We always had to work.” She recalled picking cotton as a youngster and other “normal” labors of rural life Patrick served as the fair’s president from 2004 to 2007 and on several committees. He helped with the construction of the new office as well as the remodeling of the Crescent Community Center kitchen and all sorts of carpentry jobs. Helen helped start the Special Friends Day and coordinates Go Texan events and other competitions. Outside the fair, both are heavily involved with the El Campo Volunteer Fire Department (he as past president and now retired fireman, she as a founding member of the auxiliary and constant top seller in its annual cheeseball fundraiser) as well as St. Philip Catholic Church. In the fire department, he served as president from 1992 to 1995 and 1997 to 2009. His fire service was recognized in 2005 with state and national Firefighter of the Year honors. Patrick also belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Patrick Hlavaty stayed in banking until 2007. He and Helen are now owners of Helen Hlavaty Homes as well as Fire Protection and More.

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Page 6

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Tickets, tokens needed to enjoy fun, food at this year’s fair Before you round up the kids, neighbors and grandparents for a trip to the 2015 Wharton County Youth Fair, make sure you know how much it will cost, where to park and what’s available to munch. Admission

General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Children under the age of 5 are always admitted free. For those planning regular visits throughout the fair’s run, a $30 season pass may be the best bet. With it, visitors get unlimited access to everything from rodeo events and Midway fun to animal competitions and nightly music. Carnival rides are not included (please see related story on the Mighty Thomas Carnival). Parking

Lots are accessed through the main entrance gate on FM 961.

The train-like people movers will be in service too Sunday, April 26 from 1 to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, April 29 from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 30 (Senior Citizen’s Day) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Visitors are always welcome to drop seniors or those with walking issues off at the fair entrance before parking and those who feel they may need help after parking should stop at the main en-

Serving Your Community Since 1902

trance. “The people at the main gate will work with you,” Blaha said. Attendees can enter through either the main or exhibitor gate. Tickets are on sale at both. Food & Beverage

Tokens of assorted denominations, not tickets, will be needed to purchase food or beverages along the Midway or in the Johnson Arena. The non-refundable tokens, available

via booths on the Midway or near the Johnson Arena concession stand, are good for everything from burgers and fries to gizzards and sausage-on-a-stick as well as any non-alcoholic beverage. “Most all of our concessions are operated by our various non-profit organizations that use (the proceeds) to fund their projects,” chairman James Socha said. Old Time Funnel Cake and Tom’s Ice Cream will return to the Midway as well. They aren’t non-profit organizations, he said, but have proven to be crowd favorites. WCYF visitors don’t tend to go home quickly, Socha said. “They’re coming out and spending time, enjoying the good food made by local organizations,” he said, adding the token payment system implemented last year, has proven successful. Those wanting to buy beer need to purchase tickets available only at the beer garden every night. During the three nights of bull riding as well as during the ranch rodeo, beer tickets can be purchased in the Johnson Arena. Be prepared to show identification proving you are at least 21 years old. –By Shannon Crabtree

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

From Chicks To Steers

Animal competitions abound The area’s best 4-H and FFA students come together at the Wharton County Youth Fair to showcase their talents in raising and showing livestock projects. Throughout the week, these exhibitors will have their animals judged and vie for a spot in the Sale of Excellence, Freezer Sale and Replacement Heifer Sale. The youth will also have a hand in the Livestock Judging Contest held during the fair. Livestock shows, their start times and locations on the WCYF grounds are: Sunday, April 26

Poultry Show at 3 p.m. in the Ammann Barn. Monday, April 27

Rabbit Show at 9 a.m. in Crescent Hall. Horse Show at 9 a.m. in the Johnson Arena. Swine Show at 4 p.m. in the Ammann Barn. Tuesday, April 28

Beef Merit Show at 11 a.m. in the Ammann Barn. Lamb Show at 3 p.m. in the Ammann Barn.

Steer Show at 6 p.m. in the Ammann Barn. Wednesday, April 29 Extra Special Livestock Show at 9 a.m. in the Ammann Barn. Goat Show at 10 a.m. in the Ammann Barn. Pen of Three Heifer Show at 4 p.m. in the Ammann Barn. Thursday, April 30

Open Dairy/Dairy Merit Show at 10:30 a.m. in the Ammann Barn. Junior Breeding Beef Show at 2 p.m. in the Ammann Barn. Bucket Calf Show at 4 p.m. in the Ammann Barn immediately following the Junior Breeding Beef Show. Friday, May 1

Livestock Judging Contest at 1:30 p.m. in the Johnson Arena. Saturday, May 2

Buyer’s Luncheon at 11 a.m. in Crescent Hall. Sale of Excellence at 12 p.m. in Crescent Hall immediately followed by Freezer Sale and Buyer’s Meal.

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Page 8

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Finding Her Calling

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Proud to Support the leaders of tomorrow at the Wharton County Youth Fair!

People search years, sometimes forever, to find a calling in life, but El Campo senior Kaitlyn Davlin figured it out as soon as she started working with animals.

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GOOD LUCK

TO ALL FAIR CONTESTANTS

“I’ve been raising animals since I was a freshman,” she said. “I got started kind of late.” Most children start when they are 8 years old, or in the third grade, she said. During those early years, she remembers competing as a cheerleader and was on the high school junior varsity squad her freshman year. That same year, Davlin joined the Future Farmers of America and that’s when she heard the calling. “The El Campo FFA is a pretty amazing organization,” Davlin said. “I started out with a steer and a pig and fell in love with it. I thought, ‘I finally found where I’m supposed to be.’” Since that enlightenment, she has devoted her time to her animals – raising, grooming, feeding, walking – everything it takes to get them ready for the show. A difficult task while trying to maintain passing grades. “It is a lot of hard work,” Davlin said. “You have to be really dedicated.” But the experience has taught her the skills she needs, she said. “You learn dedication, time management, hard work ... life lessons. It has taught me a lot.” Prior to a show, time is needed to prepare the animals and that means less time for others. “In the six to seven months before the fair, I’m with the animals probably more than my family,” Davlin said. In addition to participating in the Wharton County Youth Fair, Davlin has shown animals at the American Royal in Kansas, the National Western in Denver, the Charolais Junior Nationals in Kansas, as well as junior and open shows in Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston. Davlin also serves as president of the El Campo FFA and secretary of the Junior Charolais Association. She currently holds the title of Texas Charolais Queen. Her specialty is showmanship and she’s won numerous awards at other shows. “It’s so rewarding when you come out with a win,” Davlin said. “It warms my

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

OUR YOUTH... OUR FUTURE! Have you started planning for yours? It’s not too early or to late to start!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL PARTICIPANTS! Robert Nursey, RFC 219 W. Jackson, El Campo - (979) 543-4350

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El Campo High School senior Kaitlyn Davlin takes her pig project for a stroll in preparation for the upcoming Wharton County Youth Fair. The daughter of Chris Davlin and Jennifer Svetlik, she will show 10 different animals at this year’s fair including Wild Thing the pig shown above. Davlin’s goals include attending Sam Houston State University and ultimately managing a pure bred herd. heart to know that it’s working ... all that hard work pays off in the end.” This year, she is showing a pig named Wild Thing, a steer named Smoke, four heifers, and four other cows. Davlin plans to attend Sam Houston State University in the fall. She will study animal science with a minor in agriculture business, to possibly become an embryologist “I want to come home and manage my own pure bred herd with my dad (Chris Davlin), she said. Davlin’s mother is Jennifer Svetlik. –By Jody Larimer

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Page 10

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

LAELAH BICKHAM

HANNAH CHUMCHAL

LANA FOYT

Junior Miss Pageant

14 middle schoolers compete L-N Photo by Quala Matocha

Jr. Miss Winners

Sanae Brandes of Louise, daughter of Daryl and Michele Brandes, was crowned Jr. Miss during the 2014 pageant. First runner-up was Savanna Eggemeyer of El Campo (right), daughter of John and Misty Pierce. Second runner-up was Zoey Zahn of El Campo (left), daughter of David and Michele Zahn.

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The Jr. Miss Pageant, the third of four contests at the Wharton County Youth Fair on Saturday, April 25, takes place at 5 p.m. inside Crescent Hall. Sixth through eighth grade girls entering the contest have an opportunity to win the title and represent Wharton County over the next year.

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

ERICA GEORGE

SAMANTHA HENKE

KENDAL KLATT

The girls will also be selling raffle tickets and proceeds from that will benefit the fair. Individual interviews, self-introductions and modeling in Western wear on stage, plus fair and 4-H involvement will all be considered in determining who the 2015 Jr. Miss will be. Points will also be awarded for selling a minimum number of raffle tickets and a prize will be awarded to the person selling the most tickets. Jr. Miss contestants are as follows: • Laelah Bickham of Boling, daughter of Chad and Laura Bickham. • Hannah Chumchal of East Bernard, daughter of Kelly and Sandra Chumchal. • Lana Foyt of Wharton, daughter of Dana Foyt. • Erica George of Louise, daughter of Richard and Susan George. • Samantha Henke of Louise, daughter of Chris and Sheila Henke • Kendal Klatt of El Campo, daughter of

KENNEDY KLATT

DUSTIE KOUDELA

Dwayne and Amanda Klatt. • Kennedy Klatt of El Campo, daughter of Dwayne and Amanda Klatt. • Dustie Koudela of El Campo, daughter of James and Heather Givens. • Amerie Melendez of El Campo, daughter of LaShawna Thomas. • Brooke Petrenella of East Bernard, daughter of Craig and Rebecca Schmidt and Joe Petrenella. • Amber Sutton of El Campo, daughter of Donald and Fredia Sutton. • Savannah Tyler of Boling, daughter of Shane and Sara Tyler. • Taylor Watz of El Campo, daughter of Mike and Jackie Watz. • Zoey Zahn of El Campo, daughter of David and Michele Zahn. The Jr. Miss pageant is being chaired by Keith Ermis. The Jr. Miss will receive a buckle, leather sash and prizes.

Page 11

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Page 12

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

CAMILLE BURNS

KASEY BURNS

KINSLEY CERNY

BRIDGET DOROTIK

EMILY GLAZE

KYNLEE HALL

SAMANTHA HUBERT

22 girls share dream of princess crown Twenty-two young ladies, third through fifth graders, will have a chance at the Princess title in the second of four pageants held at the Wharton County Youth Fair Saturday, April 25. The pageant gets under way at 3 p.m. in Crescent Hall. The pageant consists of individual interviews prior to the contest, then self-introductions and modeling of Western attire on stage during the pageant. Points are also awarded for fair and 4-H involvement. The contestants are as follows: • Camille Burns of Boling, daughter of Taylor and Brooke Burns. • Kasey Burns of El Campo, daughter of Chris and Jennifer Burns. • Kinsley Cerny of El Campo, daughter of Keith and Kristie Cerny. • Bridget Dorotik of El Campo, daughter of Brian and Denise Dorotik. • Emily Glaze of El Campo, daughter of Josh and

MADELYN JAY

BRIANNA JENSEN

Laura Glaze. • Kynlee Hall of East Bernard, daughter of Krisit Hall. • Samantha Hubert of El Campo, daughter of Bo and Lacey Hubert. • Madelyn Jay of Boling, daughter of Craig and Shauna Simpson. • Brianna Jensen of El Campo, daughter of Brian and Stephanie Jensen. • Kynedy Johnson of Wharton, daughter of Gary and Cassidy Ashton. • Zoey Johnson of Wharton, daughter of Gary and Cassidy Ashton. • Alyssa Jones of Louise, daughter of Jarret and Keri Jones. • Karli Joyce of Boling, daughter of Michael and Misty Joyce. • Kylee Joyce of Boling, daughter of Kevin and Susan Joyce.

KYNEDY JOHNSON

ZOEY JOHNSON

• Jolie Konarik of El Campo, daughter of Jay and Amy Konarik. • Hailey Peters of Boling, daughter of Shawn and Angela Peters. • Baylee Snow of Wharton, daughter of Taft Snow III and Nicole Snow. • Sarah Spitzmiller of El Campo, daughter of Robert and Kelley Spitzmiller. • Hannah Sutton of El Campo, daughter of Donald and Fredia Sutton. • Ariana Thompson of Wharton, daughter of Larseen and Mayra Thompson. • Riley Wallis of El Campo, daughter of Kyle and Andrea Wallis. • Leslie Zahn of El Campo, daughter of David and Michele Zahn. Each contestant will receive a trophy and prizes. The girl selected WCYF Princess will receive a trophy, prizes, crown and buckle.

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Page 13

Little Mr. & Ms. kicks off pageant Saturday JOLIE KONARIK

HAILEY PETERS

BAYLEE SNOW

SARAH SPITZMILLER

HANNAH SUTTON

ARIANA THOMPSON

RILEY WALLIS

LESLIE ZAHN

Peace & Love at Our County Fair is the theme of this year’s Wharton County Youth Fair. While the fair kicked off with the cook-off Saturday, April 17, the fair gets into full swing the following weekend when four pageants: Little Mr. & Miss, Princess, Jr. Miss and Queen’s contests, take place on the same day, Saturday, April 25. The first pageant, beginning at 1 p.m., will feature 22 girls and nine boys for the Little Mr. & Miss contest. Dressed in their white shirts, red bandanas and blue jeans, these youngsters from kindergarten through second grade will take the stage in Crescent Hall. Little Miss This year’s Little Miss contestants are as follows: • Laney Arriaga of Boling, daughter of Tim and Carole Arriaga. • Presley Bacak of El Campo, daughter of Bart and Heather Bacak. • London Cavness of East Bernard, daughter of Jarrod and Ryan Cavness. • Sadie Favors of Wharton, daughter of Derek and Paula Favors. • Mia Fitzgerald of Boling, daughter of Jess and Kristen Fitzgerald. • Madelyn Glaze of El Campo, daughter of Josh and Laura Glaze. • Kaylie Hodge of Boling, daughter of Dustin and Miranda Chudalla. • Adeline Hundl of El Campo, daughter of Philip and Ann Hundl. • Taylor Kalina of Wharton, daughter of Clint and Heather Kalina. • Khloe Joyce of Boling, daughter of Michael and Misty Joyce. • Carly Kubicek of East Bernard, daughter of Justin and Kelly Kubicek. • Kamryn Mears of Boling, daughter of Denny and Monica Mears • Riley Meyen of Louise, daughter of Amie Collins. • Allie Page of Boling, daughter of Luke and Holly Page. • Layni Rawlinson of El Campo, daughter of Garrett and Stephanie Rawlinson. • Camie Riha of El Campo, daughter of Troy and Tiffany Riha. • Simone Riha of El Campo, daughter of Toby and Megan Riha. • Callie Schubach of Boling, daughter of Troy and Melanie Schubach. • Lyla Seymour of El Campo, daughter of Brian and Gretchen Seymour. • Kate Wakefield of Wharton, daughter of Jared and Melissa Wakefield.

• Suri Weaver of Boling, daughter of Ryan and Rachel Weaver. • Raley Wied of El Campo, daughter of Ladd and Jody Wied. Little Mr. Little Mr. contestants are as follows; • Quinn Burns of Boling, son of Taylor and Brooke Burns. • Jett Garrett of Boling, son of Melanie Garrett. • Nathan Henke of Louise, son of Chris and Sheila Henke.

Little Mr. & Miss Selections Hayden Jones, son of Jarret and Keri Jones of Louise, was named Little Mr. and Myla Mahalitc, daughter of Tommy

and Holli Mahalitc of East Bernard, was crowned Little Miss during the 2014 fair. L-N Photo by Quala Matocha

• Canyon Jones of Louise, son of Jarret and Keri Jones. • Morgan Mahalitc of Boling, son of Louis and Cindy Mahalitc. • Riley Riha of El Campo, son of Todd and Alicia Riha. • Konley Socha of El Campo, son of Kevin and Katrina Socha. • Seth Tyler of Boling, son of Shane and Sara Tyler. • Cayden Voldan of Boling, son of Heath and Mandy Voldan. This event is being chaired by the husband and wife team of Peter and Robin Stelzel, along with many other helpers and volunteers. The Little Mr. and Miss will win several prizes, including a leather sash and trophy.

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Page 16

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

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WCYF Rodeo schedule FRI. & Sat. apRIl 24th & apRIl 25th WHARTON COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE HOSTS

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Who Will Be Queen?

Ten vie for WCYF title Ten young ladies will be vying for the Wharton County Youth Fair Queen’s title Saturday, April 25. The pageant starts at 6 p.m. inside Crescent Hall. Each contestant will have an individual interview with the judges and then while on stage, they will introduce themselves and model Western wear of their choice. This year’s contestants are as follows: Sanae Brandes of Louise, daughter of Daryl and Michelle Brandes, is a freshman at Louise High School where she is a member of the Louise FFA. She plays sports and is a varsity cheerleader. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and One Act Play. Brandes will be showing a goat this year at the fair. She enjoys mudding, riding fourwheelers, fishing, texting and hanging out with her friends. While at the fair, she enjoys “hanging out with friends,” she said. She also likes showing her animal project and attending the pageants. This is her first year to compete in the queen contest, but she has prior experience, as she has served as Little Miss, Princess and Jr. Miss. If she were chosen fair Queen, she would “love to teach the younger generation about the fair and tell everyone it’s

fun and a great learning experience.” Brandes says her role model is her mom, “because she takes me anywhere and does anything for me. She is there for me no matter what.” When describing herself using the first letter from her first name, she chose the word shining, because, “I feel like I can shine and represent myself well.” Brandes hopes to pursue a career in radiology for ultrasound. “I have always been interested in the medical field,” she said. Abigail “Abby” Kalina of Wharton, daughter of Gary and Rosemary Kalina, is a junior at Wharton High School and is a member of the Wharton FFA. She runs track and is a member of the Student Council, FFA, FCA and is a student trainer. K a l i n a serves on the WCYF Junior Fair Board and, in her spare time, she enjoys fishing,

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hunting, dancing and reading. Kalina says she loves the fair because it brings the community together ... from all across Wharton County. If she were chosen fair Queen, she would like to help others. “The community does so much for the youth of Wharton County, and by being Queen, this would give me an opportunity to give back even more,” she said. This is her second year to show an animal. Last year, she showed a beef merit heifer. Kalina looks up to both of her parents, but says her dad has been her rock. “My dad has been supportive in helping me with my animals,” she said. “He is my pageant dad.” When asked to describe herself using the first letter from her first name she said: “Active. I am involved in a lot of things. The list I gave the fair office doesn’t cover it all. I am also involved in YLT, Youth Leadership Training with the Diocese of Victoria.” Kalina is active in her church, Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton. After high school she hopes to pursue a degree in physical therapy and work her way into becoming an NFL trainer. Paiton Kalina of Boling, daughter of J.T. and Melissa Kalina, is a sophomore at Boling High School. She is a member of the Boling FFA, Student Council and FCA. She plays volleyball and runs track. This is her second year to show a goat. She started out showing rabbits. Altogether, she has been showing animals at the fair for seven years. She enjoys sports, watching movies and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite part of the fair is the Thursday night dance and the carnival rides. Kalina wants to be fair queen because she wants to be a positive role model for

other young girls. “When I was Jr. Miss, I saw how much of a role model the queen was,” she said. “And I think it would be a fun and unique experience.” Kalina was Jr. Miss in 2012. Her role model is her mom, “because she is my biggest supporter. And because she is very successful and a very smart woman.” When Kalina was asked to describe herself using the first letter from her first name, she said: “Perky ... I am always energized!” As far as a career choice, Kalina is considering working in real estate. Shyann Kocurek of Louise, daughter of Mike and Lisa Kocurek, is a sophomore at Louise High School and a member of the Louise FFA. She plays volleyball and softball. She also enjoys hanging out with her family, hunting and fishing. Kocurek’s favorite part of the fair is meeting new people, the animals and just the excitement of helping people at the fair. If she were chosen fair Queen, she says she would enjoy the “experience and being a positive role model for younger girls, someone to look up to,” she said. Her role models are her friend Savannah Hopson because of her inspirational words. Also, Audrey Anderson, who “is good at giving encouraging words.” Last year, when Kocurek participated in the fair queen pageant for the first time and was nervous, Anderson helped her through it. When asked to described herself in one word using the letter “S” (the first letter of her first name) she said, “Shy. I am shy only when I do not know the person, but when I get to know someone, I am not shy.” Kocurek wants to pursue a career in nursing or as a masseuse. She is especially interested in the field of pediatric nursing.

Cheyenne Novicke of East Bernard, daughter of Kyle and Kelly Novicke, will be showing a swine this year at the fair. This is her eighth year to show animals at the fair. She previously has shown chickens. Novicke is a sophomore at East Bernard High School. She is a member of the East Bernard FFA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and serves as class reporter. She also plays volleyball and softball and enjoys hunting, sports and reading. Her favorite part of the fair is show day. “I like going into the ring and showing my animal ... seeing all my hard work is being paid off.” Novicke wants to be fair queen, because she feels it would be a great experience. “It would be a really good opportunity to educate others, to get more experience and to better myself and others,” she said. Because Novicke loves spending time on the beach, she is interested in becoming a “marine biologist and work as an environmentalist out on the oil rigs,” she said. Her role models are her mom and grandmother, “because my mom has always been there for me. She has done a lot with her life ... and my grandma, she has a business of her own and has prospered throughout her life.” Novicke chose the word caring to best describe herself (using the first letter of her first name). “I like to make sure everybody is okay in whatever they are dealing with in their life,” she said.

Page 17

Chelsey Ott of El Campo, daughter of Daniel Ott and Teresa Ott, is a freshman at El Campo High School. She is a member of the El Campo FFA, Anchor Club, FFA and Derby Doll Prep. She also plays volleyball. Ott will be showing broilers and entering items in the Creative Arts division at the fair this year. She enjoys, dancing, shopping and working with her fair animals. Carly Simpson of Boling is a freshman at Boling High School. She is the daughter of Craig and Shauna Simpson and Rob and Lesley McIntyre. Simpson is a member of the Boling FFA and the Texas High School Rodeo Association. She plays volleyball, runs track and is on the yearbook staff. This is her second year to show a swine. Her first year animal project was a goat. She will also be showing a horse and riding in the CRC this year. She enjoys barrel racing, pole bending and hunting. What she enjoys most about the youth fair, “is watching all the other participants show their animals and to see how hard they have worked and how they do at the fair.”

(See WHARTON, Page 18)

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Page 18

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

–Wharton County Youth Fair queen to be crowned in Saturday pageant Simpson wants to become fair Queen because she feels “it would be a good opportunity.” It would also allow her the opportunity to expand her leadership role. Her two role models are her father and her grandfather. “My grandpa used to rodeo in his prime years.” Now she finds herself following in his footsteps in the arena. Her dad, she says, “has always been there for me as well as through the tough times.” Using the letter “C” from her first name, she describes herself as caring. “I am caring, because even if I don’t know someone and they are having a bad day, I will give them a compliment to make them feel better. You never know what a difference it would make.” Because Simpson loves animals so much, she hopes to become a veterinarian someday.

“When I was little I always looked up to the fair royalty and I thought they were royalty,” she said. “I would love to be a role model to girls in Wharton County, someone to look up to.” When talking about her role models, Svatek spoke of her late grandmother, Delores Svatek. “Nanie was so giving, she would give the shirt off her back to a total stranger,” she said. “I hope I can be that giving one day and help others out as much as I can.” When asked to described herself using one word that starts with the first letter of her first name, she said, “Giving.” “Sometimes people get so self-centered, I try to give, like give hope to someone taking a test, or I help them financially sometimes.” After high school, Svatek plans to attend Texas A&M University to become an ag teacher.

Gabbie Svatek of Boling, daughter of Jerry Svatek Jr. and Leah King, is a freshman at Boling High School. She is a member of the Boling FFA and a varsity cheerleader. Svatek is a member of the Student Council, FCA, Art Guild and FFA. She will be showing a swine at the fair. While she enjoys working with her fair animals, she also likes to camp and fish. Svatek’s favorite part of the fair is showing animals. This is her third year to have an animal project. “Working with animals gives me a sense of responsibility, a sense of success and achievement in knowing all my hard work has paid off,” she said. If she were chosen fair queen, she would want to serve as a positive role model for others.

Hannah Tupa of El Campo, daughter of Danny and Shawn Tupa, has been showing animal projects at the fair since she was in the third grade. She has also entered the Wee Folks Pet Show. She is a junior at El Campo High School. She is a member of the Outdoor 4-H Club, El Campo FFA., Interact, yearbook and Anchor Club. Tupa will be showing a pen-of-three heifers at the fair. She is also a member of the Junior Fair Board. She enjoys photography and dancing. Tupa says she enjoys meeting new people, especially at the fair. She loves showing her animal projects each year, and the Thursday night dance. She would like to be fair queen because she feels she “would be a good role model

(Continued from Page 17)

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and represent the fair well,” she said. “I feel I could execute the spirit of the fair.” Selecting a word that begins with the first letter of her first name to describe herself, she chose “happiness, because when you are happy, you radiate happiness,” she said. “Happiness can brighten your day a little bit. Happiness can power the world.” Tupa would like to pursue a career in ag business or photography. Danielle Vacek of East Bernard, daughter of Joe and Linda Vacek, is a sophomore at East Bernard High school. She is a member of the East Bernard FFA, Student Council, Green Team and FBLA. Vacek will

be showing a goat and broilers at the fair. She enjoys dancing, arts and crafts and being outdoors taking care of animals. The contestant chosen as queen will represent the fair and Wharton County during the coming year. The queen, first and second runners-up as well as Queen of Ticket Sales will each receive an award and prizes. The Queen will also receive a $500 scholarship, crown and belt buckle; first runner-up will receive a $300 scholarship; second runner-up will receive a $200 scholarship; Queen of Ticket Sales will get a $250 scholarship, as well as the contestant who receives the Director’s Award who will also receive a belt buckle and prizes. Miss Congeniality will receive an award and prizes. –By Quala Matocha

Queen’s Court Michelle Sutton of El Campo (center) was crowned 2014 WCYF Queen. Sutton is the daughter of Donald and Fredia Sutton. First runner-up was Jena Herndon of Boling (left), daughter of Russ and Sharon Herndon. Second runner-up was Sara Beth Zahn of Wharton (right), daughter of Arthur Jr. and Donna Zahn.

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Page 19

Top-rated junior college rodeo team competes this weekend Wharton County Junior College will host the annual National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association at the Youth Fair Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25. The WCJC men’s team is currently ranked No. 1 in the southern region and 12th in the national standings. “We have a good number of guys that are doing fantastic in the region, and we just have one rodeo left before we finish here,” WCJC Rodeo Coach Sean Amestoy said. “This will be the last one, and all these guys are vying for the regional and team title. They’ve all been doing fantastic.” The WCJC team is looking for a national title. “We have a substantial number of guys that have a really good shot at going to the college finals,” he said. “They’re working really hard.” While the main events during the Youth Fair will be at 7 p.m. in Johnson Arena, the NIRA College Rodeo actually starts at noon Friday with a slack performance. “Friday will be a very unique performance,” Amestoy said. There will be a “Need for Speed” night, with steer wrestling, barrel racing and team roping. WCJC will host an “Open Team Roping” event at 9 a.m. Saturday and the final performance will take place at 7 p.m. that night. Events include bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc, barrel racing and bull riding WCJC faces off against teams from the NIRA southern region including: Texas A&M University, Sam Houston State University, McNeese State University, TAMU Commerce, TAMU Kingsville, University of Texas Austin, Hill Junior College, Trinity Valley Junior College, Panola Junior College and Northeast Community College. –By Kaitlynn Bianconi

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Page 20

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Country, Polka, Tejano sounds can be found at 2015 fair The Wharton County Youth Fair has another strong lineup of entertainment including three featured dances with live music. Horizon, an area band, will highlight the fair’s lineup of performers with a dance starting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 30 in Crescent Hall. The Youth Fair kicks off its entertainment lineup on Saturday, April 25 with an 8 p.m. dance in the Beer Garden with music by the Zach Walther Band. The next day, on Sunday, April 26, is the traditional Polka Fest in the Beer Garden.

The event will feature the New Texas Plainsmen from 2 to 6 p.m. Polka Fest features an afternoon of polkas, waltzes and country music. Door prizes will be given away. On Monday, April 27, Al Sulak & The Country Sounds will play at 7 p.m. in the Beer Garden. On Tuesday, April 28, Steel Country will perform in the Beer Garden beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 includes a performance by Bubba Westly at 8 p.m. in the Beer Garden. In addition to Horizon’s performance on Thursday,

April 30, Bubba Westly plays that night at 8 p.m. in the Beer Garden. On Friday, May 1, No Limit will play at 8 p.m. in the Beer Garden. The Youth Fair’s entertainment lineup concludes on Saturday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. with the Tejano Dance in the Beer Garden. The Tejano Dance will feature Grupo Vizion, Boni Mauricia and Nick Villareal. –By Keith Magee

Share your youth fair moments with all If you capture a truly special moment at the Wharton County Youth Fair, please consider sharing the image. Whether it’s a photo of a child offering a hug to their favorite animal in the petting zoo, enjoying a ride, cotton candy or celebrating a victory, the newspaper accepts reader submissions. The same is true of those pictures of cheering adults, those enjoying the grandkids or dancing to polka sounds, just to give a few examples. When submitting an image, please in-

clude the name of those photographed and information about what is shown. Send to news@leader-news.com. Remember action photos are always the best. If sending more than one photo, please send each separately. The El Campo Leader-News will publish a selection of received photos in upcoming editions of the newspaper. For questions, call 543-3363 or email news@leader-news.com.

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Page 21

Mighty Thomas Carnival returns with rides for entire family Not everybody wants to spin until standing still just isn’t an option – but some do. Others believe a ride should prompt a glass-shattering shriek to receive a thumbs up. Most carnival-goers are looking for family fun, however, and Mighty Thomas Carnival Business Manager John Hanschen says a combination of all three is headed for the Wharton County Youth Fair for a Wednesday, April 29 to Saturday, May 2 run. The Mighty Thomas will offer 23 to 25 rides along with an assortment of games and plenty of traditional carnival food. Ranking high on the family favorites list is the gondola wheel, Hanschen said, with riders sitting in a circle as the big wheel goes round and round. “During the day, the kids’ rides are most popular, but most popular (of all) are rides that the adults can ride with (their children),” he added. Options, including Up, Up and Away (a hot air style balloon ride), the Rio Grande train, the Barnyard (a bright red barn caught up in a tornado’s swirl) and the Dizzy Dragons, provide the possibility. “The teens have fun with (Dizzy

Dragons) too,” he said. “It is self-spinning (the dragons will revolve as fast as the riders inside can spin the wheel).” The Monster Trucks ride is “probably the most popular of the kiddie rides. Maybe because they sound like the big trucks,” Hanschen said. “They’re in there steering like crazy even though it’s on a fixed track.”

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The carousel, bumper cars and the big slide return as well. Aside from bobbing and whirling rides, Mighty Thomas offers attendees games along with an assortment of food items. “Games are not as popular as they used to be,” he said. “And most of our games are pretty easy to win. I don’t think people have as much disposable income. Yet, folks are very interested in food. Good food and variety are very important in a carnival.” The caramel apples are made fresh as is the cotton candy and popcorn, he said, adding the corn dogs are a favorite. Although buying food and drink throughout the rest of the fair requires tokens, the carnival takes cash or credit cards. Separately, ride costs vary with kiddie rides costing less than the bigger

offerings. The average cost is $3.75 – unless, Hanschen said, you buy a ride band. Then, the cost of the ride depends on use. It can go down quickly. “Like on the slide...kids will line up there and go down over and over again,” he said. Pre-sale tickets are $18 through April 29. After that, the cost is $23 per band for designated time periods (check before you buy). On Buddy Night – 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 29 – two can ride for the price of one. Pre-sale bands can be found at the fair office, First State Bank branches in El Campo, Louise and Wharton, Texas Gulf Federal Credit Union in El Campo and Wharton, Super S Foods in East Bernard and Community Bank in Boling. –By Shannon Crabtree

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Area veterans offered free admission on Tuesday The Wharton County Youth Fair salutes those who served the nation Tuesday. Active duty service personnel or those who wore an Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine or Coast Guard uniform in the past are welcome to enter the gates free of charge throughout the day. Spouses and children (immediate family) are welcome to join them so long as the veteran places the names on a sign-in sheet. “We do appreciate that,” Vietnam Veterans Association President Leonard Sternadel said. “We’re not looking for freebies, but we do appreciate this.” The only special activity planned takes place in the Johnson Arena during bull riding that night where veterans and their families are asked to sit in a designated area. As part of the opening announcements at 7:30 p.m., that group will be recognized. A strong showing of veterans visited the fair last year, Sternadel said, adding he encourages attendees to wear service caps. People tend to notice the caps, he added, saying some also offer their thanks. “Again, we appreciate it, but expect nothing,” Sternadel said. “No one owes us anything.” The event, sponsored by Anderson Dental Clinic, is the brainchild of El Campo dentist Dr. Ross Anderson and chaired by youth fair volunteer and veteran Eugene Ott of El Campo. No additional events are planned at this point. –By Shannon Crabtree

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Day-long event honors county’s seniors with polka, food, more Each year, the Wharton County Youth Fair honors older residents with Senior Citizens’ Day. This year’s special event is planned for Thursday, April 30.

Admission is free for all senior citizens age 62 and older until 5 p.m. The program begins at 9 a.m. in Crescent Hall. There are a number of booths set up on such topics as health care, insurance, education and more. Senior citizens can stop and visit all of the booths and pick up some free goodies, too. A chicken noodle soup meal will be served around 11 a.m., and entertainment will be provided by the East Bernard Elementary School third grade choir. There will also be music provided by Lawrence and Brian Svetlik & Friends. The Cotton Square Dancers will perform, and there will be bingo and prizes. Sherrill Speer of Wharton will be the master of ceremonies.

Cash prize awards will be given for: • Oldest man and woman. • Longest married. • Most recently married. • Most children. Seniors are also invited to tour the fairgrounds as well as livestock and poultry barns. After filling up on chicken noodle soup, seniors are encouraged to walk over to the Beer Garden for an afternoon of polka music. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Frank Milder, Lawrence & Brian Svetlik, Charlie Merta, Theresa Payne, Jim Brzozowski, Gene Janis and others will take the stage, providing two hours of Czech music. Other musicians are welcome to come and join in the festivities. Free popcorn and door prizes are given throughout the afternoon. There will be a photo booth, sponsored by DWS Septic Services, set up and photos will be given to those who attend. For more information about the polka dance, call Helen Hlavaty at 543-0173 or Shirley Popp at 332-0258. –By Keith Magee

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Page 23

Family favorites among returning Midway shows Thrilling shows and fun activities will keep the whole family entertained at the Wharton County Youth Fair & Exposition Midway April 29 to May 2. “We have a lot of new stuff in the Midway this year,” Fair Coordinator Cindy Blaha said. Featuring a magician, hypnotist, swine show, chainsaw sculptor, petting zoo, Rainbow the Clown and a learning center, every age group can find something to enjoy. Something that will surely keep attendees enthralled is Swifty Swine Racing and Swimming Pigs, where racing pigs compete for Oreo cookies. “When Swifty and his friends come to town, you know that you are in for a real treat,” said Swine Master Zach Johnson. For those who would like to be the star of the show, check out Jaydee Hypnotist. Don’t worry about being subject to (See EL CAMPOAN, Page 25)

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Page 24

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Wednesday fair event dedicated to county’s special students “That first year, if I’d have blinked my eyes, I’d have flooded the room. It really hits you in the heart.” Talking about the upcoming Special Students Day at the Wharton County Youth Fair, Brian Svetlik’s smile came across the telephone line as easily as his words. The El Campo polka music man volunteers as a deejay there and says he’ll do so as long as he is able. “With a polka band, they (the audience) appreciates the music – but not like this,” he said. “I guarantee I get 200 hugs. At least.” The day-long party catered to 276 special students last year – folks not really capable of showing animals, building swings, baking cookies or creating competition works of art. This year, organizer Helen Hlavaty said, they hope to have 300 visit with another 200 or so teachers and aides.

Limbo Time

L-N File Photo

Margie Merta of El Campo dances during a previous Special Students Day at the fair. Ryan Casper, an El Campo High School STEP II student, has been asking his teacher Barbara Hlavaty about the

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fair since Spring Break, Life Skills Instructor Angela Wenglar said. “He has it written on his calendar in the classroom and checks the calendar every morning.” He, like ECHS seniors Collin Linzza and Greg Olvera, says the dance is

among the highlights in a day including a meal, visit to ag barns, a take-home goodie bag and other entertainment. The group prefers songs with a high energy beat, Svetlik said, but added, “I like to mix it up. They love Elvis and Frankie Vallie. I play ‘The Chicken Dance,’ ‘The Hokey Pokey,’ and the ‘Macarena.’ And I play ‘The Bunny Hop.’ They just love it.” The fair royalty comes each year to dance with attendees and help keep the atmosphere upbeat. “They dance with the kids so they feel like they are a part of the fair,” Hlavaty said. “It makes you feel good to know you are helping them out a bit.” WCYF’s Special Friends Day started in 2000 with 15 in attendance. It grows each year. Texana Learning Center client Ashley Thonsgaard is among those who attended last year and is looking forward to the 2015 fair. “She really enjoys it,” her mother Mary Thonsgaard told the Leader-News. “It’s an opportunity to get together with others throughout the county. She enjoys the whole thing.” (See SPECIAL, Page 25)

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

–Special Students (Continued from Page 24) Special students of all ages are welcome and, over the years, the event has started drawing attendees from nearby counties as well. “We don’t turn anybody down,” Hlavaty said, adding a core set of volunteers make sure all runs smoothly. “I have Lloyd Klatt and his crew cooking the chili, Charlene Socha and her crew does the cold soft drinks, Kendra Charbula and a crew do the serving line, Brian Svetik does the D.J.ing; Taryn Socha (who is studying to be a Special Ed

Teacher), Melea Socha and Emily Strnadel come in and dance with the clients,” she said. The fair is “fun,” Olvera said, adding he enjoyed seeing the pigs each year. The Pilot Club is sponsoring sun visors for the group this year while Czech Catholic Home provides a photo booth. Now the greatest challenge is fundraising. “That’s my hardest part. Trying to find people to help defray the costs,” she said. Additional items for the 300 goodie bags would be welcome, Hlavaty said. –By Shannon Crabtree

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–El Campoan clowning around on Midway (Continued from Page 23) anything embarrassing or humiliating – the show boasts being clean, classy, funny and suitable for all ages. “We seem to always have a really good crowd for the hypnotist,” Blaha said. Marty Westerman will present a high-energy and explosive magic act, incorporating his humor and wit. If you love animals, stop by the Great American Petting Zoo, where llamas, deer, wallabies, goats and more run around freely with the public. “We have a new petting zoo,” Blaha

– Cindy Blaha

said, adding they discovered the company at a fair convention. “They have a really nice set up.” A father and son team return to the fair, wielding chainsaws and sculpting anything from wildlife to chairs and whatever is requested. Fitting in nicely with this year’s fair theme, a Wharton County child of the 70s, Rainbow the Clown, will again make her way around the Midway, sculpturing balloons and painting faces. Those with a thirst for agricultural knowledge, can visit the Learning Center to learn about hatching eggs, cuts of meat and rice production. After paying the gate fee, all Midway attractions are free. “There are a lot of things to see,” Blaha said. “We’re hoping to have really good entertainment this year.” Also returning to the Midway this year is Cowboy Church, a non-denomi-

Congratulate Your Champion!

national service held on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. The service will be performed by Pastor Jim Bo of Coastal Plains Cowboy Church. The dress is casual and informal – come as you are. Following the service, check out the Wee Folks Pet Show on the Midway Stage at 1 p.m.

Contact the Leader-News 543-3363 for pricing.

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Fair EntErtainmEnt Sat. April 25th

“We seem to always have a really good crowd for the hypnotist,”

Page 25

8 p.m. Crescent Community Center

Sun. April 26th 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Crescent Community Center Kolache Bake-off - 2:00 p.m.

CreSCeNT CoMMuNiTy CeNTer

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Monday, April 27th Al Sulak & The Country Sounds - 7:00pm

Tuesday, April 28th Steel Country 8:00pm

Wednesday, April 29th Special Friends Day - Brian Svetlik - DJ 9:00am Bubba Westley 8:00pm

Thurs. April 30th 8 p.m. • Crescent Hall

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Page 26

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Club challenge adds to excitement during WCYF Family Fun Night The Wharton County Youth Fair is known for fun. But Family Fun Night, Friday, May 1, is likely the group of events that produces the most knee-slapping laughs for many fair-goers. “It’s a popular night,” Carrie Lopez of the WCYF said. “Everyone looks forward to it.” Because many entrants have waited in recent years until the 11th hour to sign up, the Calf Dressing event has been eliminated from the line-up this year. “It got to the point where we really needed people to register so we could get a head count and get the calves ready,” Lopez said. “People got worse and worse about signing up beforehand. We decided to not to it this year, then revisit it next year.” New to the lineup this year is the Club Challenge – a five-event battle of area student groups. Teams comprised of local 4-H groups, two FFA teams, the Louise High School band and a National Honor Society team from El Campo will attempt to win a $250 prize, decided by which team elicits the loudest cheers from the crowd. Events in the Club Challenge include hoop toss, backlash, ball carry, dragon race and noodle carry. Friday’s events begin around 6:30 p.m. with the popular pig loading. Younger kids will battle in three-person teams to keep a pig sequestered in a wagon long enough to cross the finish line. “This is always a fun event for the participants and the crowd,” Lopez said. “Mom and Dad like it because it gives the little ones something to do while the older kids are doing exhibitions.” The pig chase also returns to Family Fun Night. Kids in age divisions 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13 will be on their own to track down and gather up a wild baby pig in exchange for prizes. Goat loading also returns to the events in 2015. “This a big event,” Lopez said. “Right now we have a total of 27 teams. Kids really love this one.”

20 1 WCY F

B LAM

The Wharton County Youth Fair’s Bull Blowout features professional riders going for eight seconds and top prizes. Riders take to the chutes Tuesday through Thursday starting at 7:30 p.m. each night. A salute to the area’s veterans (please see related story) is planned during the first night of the Bull Blowout. On the last night of the competition, the Bull Blowout will feature a Tough Enough to Wear Pink night, Thursday, April 30, in support of the American Cancer Society. Look for chicken chasers, calf scramblers and youth steer riders during breaks in the rodeo action. The pint-sized action of Mutton Bustin’ will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Johnson Arena each night. In this event, youngsters scramble atop on unshorn sheep for a hoped-for eight second ride.

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Page 27

Youth fair officials hoping for another record sale

2014 Grand Champion Steer

L-N File Photo

Bringing the Wharton County Youth Fair to a close again this year is the Sale of Excellence, where award winners sell their projects. Sale proceeds go to the contestants to invest in future projects, pay for school expenses or simply to enjoy. “It all goes back to the kids,” Chairperson Penny Kmiec said, adding 5 percent stays with the fair. Last year’s sale raised a record $1,181,019, bringing the total raised since 1977 to $16,857,197.87. Those interested in buying a project must register prior to the event. “They can either call the fair office or register the day of the sale and we can get them a buyer number,” Kmiec said. Some choose to pool their funds with others to make a more cost-effective purchase. “The fair funds have tables set up in the back,” Kmiec said. “Each town, El Campo, Louise, Wharton, East Bernard and Boling, has what we call a fair fund.” Prior to the big event, buyers will be treated to a buffet lunch at 11 a.m. More than 100 volunteers give their time to help pull the event off. “(They’re) from every community,” Kmiec said. “Parents, grandparents and people who just want to be involved.” The sale begins at noon on the final day of the fair, Saturday, May 2. A total of 275 lots will be auctioned off, filled with award-winning animals and arts projects. Those whose projects don’t make the final sale will have a chance to recoup some of their investment through the Freezer Sale, which is held directly following the Sale of Excellence. In 2014, the Freezer Sale generated $82,126.80.

El Campo Junior/Senior 4-H member Madysen Korenek’s Grand Champion Steer, “Boots.” Boots sold for $20,000 during the 2014 Sale of Excellence.

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