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Saturday, December 31, 2016 Volume 118, Number 53 8 Pages $1.00 www.HerefordBRAND.com

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Parting a sweet sorrow for Smith, county

By Chris Aguilar BRAND Staff Writer A heartwarming goodbye to Precinct 1 Commissioner Pat Smith was the top item during Tuesday’s meeting of the Deaf Smith County Commissioners Court.

Smith revealed at the start of 2016 he would not seek re-election to his seat after his name was

not among those who qualified in December 2015.

Although his stepping down from office was something Smith did not want to do, he believes this decision is in the best interest of his constituents and the county.

“My hearing is getting worse,” Smith said. “I have endured a hearing problem all my life, but it

has gotten worse over the past two years.

“I knew I was missing too much information [in meetings] because of hearing problems,” Smith served as Precinct 1 commissioner for 12 years and was aware of his hearing difficulties when first elected in 2004.

Smith admitted “going through” three differ-

ent sets of hearing aids in attempts to ease the problem. Concerns of understanding and communicating with constituents led to his resignation.

“We are going to miss Smith’s experience on the commissioners court, and we wish him well,” County Judge D.J. Wagner said.

“We acknowledge and appreciate everything he has PLEASE SEE SMITH | 2

2016

PHOTO OF THE YEAR

Year in Review

It's tennis, not track

January

By Chris Aguilar BRAND Staff Writer

The new year opened with a bang as Mother Nature flexed her muscle as 2015 ended and Snowstorm Goliath blanketed Deaf Smith County and the Panhandle with biting temperatures, gusting winds and snowfalls measured in feet.

On Jan. 1, the Texas Association of Dairymen (TAD) reported the loss of 35,000 cattle in West Texas and eastern New Mexico areas.

The loss of cattle due to winter storm Goliath affected many dairy producers.

Weather conditions and road closures kept dairy employees, who normally milk the animals twice a day, and tanker trucks, which transports the milk from the dairy to processers, from reaching farms and completing daily duties.

Hundreds of loads of milk ready for processing were lost, and on most farms, cows went almost two days without being milked.

As January came to an end, Hereford Independent School District (HISD) held a Parent Academy for the parents of students that focused on teen substance consumption in the area.

More than 200 parents and HISD staffers were in attendance to raise awareness of teen alcohol, and substance abuse.

Statistics showed that 25.1 percent of adolescents in the state consumed alcohol, 10.8 percent consumed prescription drugs and 37.5 percent had used marijuana.

Along with the Parent Academy, the HISD Board of Trustees approved $2 million from the district’s fund balance to go toward construction projects across the district that included roofs, parking lots and windows.

The items had previously been among those listed in HISD’s failed $42.3 million bond issue that failed in May 2015.

While the appropriation would see those issues solve, the bond topic would be addressed n several occasions throughout 2016.

BRAND/John Carson

As two of the eight members of Team USA for Monday’s Athletics Appreciation Night at Hereford High, right, Lady Whiteface tennis stars Tiffany Jesko and Averye Ferris literally flex their muscles awaiting competition. Whether playing individually as the Lady Herd’s top two singles players or together as the No. 1 doubles team, the duo moved with the grace of gazelles and artistry of ballet dancers on the court. However, when it came to running Monday’s obstacle course – particularly clearing a trio of hurdles – Ferris, above left, and Jesko, above right, displayed dexterity and elegance of motion not seen since the hippo ballet in “Fantasia.” Grinning and bearing it, each made their way through the course that included a 30-foot, head-first slide down a soaked tarp to the finish line.

February

By Chris Aguilar BRAND Staff Writer

The effects of Goliath were still the main topic of conversation when representatives of Deaf Smith County elected bodies met for their quarterly Joint Entities meeting.

Hereford City Manager Rick Hanna and Deaf Smith County Judge D.J. Wagner

both revealed the extent of local efforts in the storm’s aftermath.

As we came into February the City of Hereford still feeling the effects of winter storm Goliath came together in hopes of finding support in rebuilding city property that had been destroyed by the storm.

Hanna reported that city workers used every piece of equipment available to

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JANUARY 9TH

clean and clear roads, costing $476,403 in damage and repairs.

Other topics under discussion were construction at Hereford Municipal Airport, new electronic record program for Hereford Regional Medical Center (HRMC) and an increase of enrollments at Amarillo College.

The rupture of a water main in early February called for an early release for stu-

dents at Stanton Learning Center and a boil water notice for that local community.

Workers were called to the corner of Avenue F and Park Avenue before 8 a.m., to find a ruptured water line had flooded the street. The natural shifting of the ground due to temperature fluctuation was the cited cause. To make the repairs – which took PLEASE SEE FEBRUARY | 2

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT in our Law Enforcement Appreciation Day special section!

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Saturday, December 31, 2016

News/Year in Review

Have news to share? John Carson, Managing Editor, editor@herefordbrand.com

SMITH: FROM PAGE 1

done for the county in his 12 years.

“We are going to miss him.”

For his service to the county and its people, Wagner presented Smith with a plaque of the state of Texas, as well as a U.S. flag that was flown over the state capital on Smith’s birthday.

“I want to thank everyone for all the help that has been given to me over the years as commissioner,” Smith said. “Thank you to all the mentors and crews for doing the work that keeps me elected.”

FEBRUARY: Year in Review FROM PAGE 1

some 12 hours – crews were forced to work in waist- and often neckdeep water.

February also brought the resignation of HRMC CEO Greg Reinart, who had

By Chris Aguilar BRAND Staff Writer

March

March began with a celebration of the women whom helped build Deaf Smith County (DSC) into the hometown Hereford is today. Celebrating Women’s History Month, the county honored five of these women.

Construction of the Love’s Travel Stop – originally slated to begin in late 2015 – was once again put on hold due as delays occurred in state approvals needed for work to begin.

HISD began the search for an outside food-service provider for its campuses.

With approval from the Texas Department of Agriculture, Assistant Superintendent of Support Services Teri Russell began the process of sending out bids that would be due in early April.

Infrastructure woes continued to hit Hereford when damaged sewer lines became a problem in a triangle area leading from Clements Street to First Street to 25 Mile Avenue ending back at Clements Street. Several months of resident complaints had led city officials to investigate the cause of the problems.

After lowering a city worker into a First Street manhole, the problem was clear to see. Broken joints along with collapsed pipes were the cause of the sewer damage.

City officials reported there were extensive problems in that area and significant PLEASE SEE MARCH | 3

been with HRMC since 2002.

“I have been presented with some opportunities that I want to take advantage of,” Reinart said. “There’s nothing more to it.”

His resignation came while the Deaf Smith County Hospital District (DSCHD) Board of Directors had been dealing with issues concerning proper budget-approval pro-

cedures and admitted “image” problems within the community.

Approval of Reinarts resignation from the DSCHD board set about the task of finding a replacement.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS Which of these questions is most interesting to you?

1. What is the gospel ?

2. How do I obey the gospel ?

3. How can I be forgiven of my sin ?

4. If I am once saved, am I always saved? Can I fall from grace?

In Revelation 20: 12, the bible says “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and the books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.”

In II Corinthians 5: 20, Paul said “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God”.

For mankind, the message of reconciliation is found in the books of the bible. Why not make 2017 the year you learn about this message and turn from the ways of the world. Call today for your free bible .... and ask about our study Search For Truth. Please .... don’t risk going before God unprepared.

John Sublett 806-344-7147

James Self 806-344-4070

Hereford BRAND | 3

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Obit/Year in Review MARCH: Year in Review FROM PAGE 2

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work would be needed for repairs.

Part of the problem was that some of the potential damaged lines ran under businesses on the corner of northeast corner of First Street and 25 Mile Avenue.

Able to reroute water and sewer services around the problems, officials had not ventured too far into what was deemed an expensive repair process with year’s end.

March also saw the Hereford City Commission approve bids for repairs at Hereford Municipal Airport.

The work included widening of taxiways and repaving of aircraft parking areas, as well as the driveway and parking lot for the airport.

HRMC continued the search for its next chief executive officer and hospital administrator as more than 40 candidates had expressed interest in the post.

1 Year: $42.00 6 Months: $24.00

Billy J. Deavers 1943-2016

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April

The possibility of suspending mammography services at HRMC was brought to light at the DSCHD Board of Directors meeting at the end of March.

Officials said services were not able to be continued due to a lack of qualified personnel and necessary equipment needed to run a mammography program.

The program cost HRMC $42,000 a year in support services with only a $9,000 profit a year, adding to the possibility of suspending services.

Board members then brought

to attention how the public image of HRMC has become a veritable ongoing topic of conversation and how HRMC quality liaison Dee Salinas had plans to tackle the hospital’s marketing strategy.

A website upgrade would be one of the many ways Salinas plans to fix this issue while adding a proposal for new suggestions for the hospital’s marketing.

Unexpected technical difficulties left Texas school districts including Hereford Inde-

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Bill went to be with our glorious Lord and Savior on Dec. 23, 2016.

A celebration of life service was held Tuesday, Dec. 27 at First United Methodist Church with Danny Mize officiating.

A graveside service was held Wednesday, Dec. 28, at IOOF Cemetery in Maramec, Okla. Services were under the direction of Hereford Heritage Funeral Home.

Billy Joe Devers was born July 23, 1943 to Ray and Florene Devers in Shidler, Okla. He lived in Shidler until the summer of 1959 when his family moved to Spearman, Texas.

After graduating from Spearman High School in 1961, he proceeded to West Texas State University. He loved his time at WTSU – singing in the chorale, performing in various musicals, and holding the honor of student conductor for Dr. Houston Bright.

He graduated with a Bachelors of Music Education in 1966. During his time in college, he met Elva Siburt, and they married on Feb. 9, 1963. Upon graduating college, his first teaching job as a choir director was in Hereford. He and Elva moved to Hereford, started their lives as educators in the Hereford school system, and raised their family there together for 27 years. One of his proudest achievements was performing in the original cast of the musical drama “Texas” from 1966-69.

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Also, anyone who knew him knew his love for barbershop. Over a span of 35 years, he sang in a barbershop quartet with Bobby Boyd and Dean Kelley as the primary members. Others participating through the years were George Ochs, Bill Rawlings, Bill Penn, Bob Stice, Randy Talley, Billy Talley, and Robert McFarland. Knowing the adult musical talent that lived in Hereford, he created the Hereford Chamber Singers in October 1974 accompanied by his wife. Auditions were held each year, and approximately 30 of the best performers were chosen.

Members included educators, businessmen and women, farmers, moms, dads, doctors and lawyers.

For a short time, there were three special members – his daughter, Diana, son, Scott, and brother, Roy Lee. Hereford Chamber Singers provided over 20 years of musical enjoyment not only for Hereford and the Texas Panhandle, but the world. Throughout the years, they performed locally for various groups such as Hereford Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club events, the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, King's Manor, and the Texas Bi-Centennial celebration. They were invited to sing in the rotunda of the Texas Capitol in Austin and invited twice to perform for the Texas Choral Directors Association in San Antonio. During the summer of 1977, the group was invited to sing in Romania under the auspices of Friendship Ambassadors out of New York City. However, one of their greatest honors was being chosen as one of 25 choirs out of 1,000 audition tapes submitted world-wide to perform at World Expo '88 in Brisbane, Australia.

Bill always had a heart to help the poor and underprivileged. He acquired and renovated old army barracks and began Sonshine Acres, a home for transients and homeless people. Though it was only in operation three years, it

helped and blessed many.

Bill received two individual awards of honor.

In 1986, he was chosen as Citizen of the Year of Deaf Smith County, and in 1989 he was one of the seven recipients of the "Seven Who Care" Award, presented by KVII TV in Amarillo, for recognition of his work with the poor and homeless. Even though he received many accolades throughout his professional career, he considered his three children his greatest accomplishments. He was so proud of "My Di" (Diana), "Mockin-Rockin'" (Monica) and "My Boy" (Scott), and always taught them that what is on the inside is what matters most.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Florene Devers, sister, Peggy Devers Redwine; and grandsons, Jason Dye and Bryce Devers.

He is survived by daughters "My Di" of Canyon, and "Mockin-Rockin'" and husband Darren "Holiness" of Canyon; son "My

ACROSS

1 TXism: “packed like sardines in _ ___” 5 TXism: “there’s two chances: slim and ____” 6 TXism for “clothes” 7 squealer (2 wds.)

8 a soft fruit that grows well in TX coastal areas 9 TX Jeannie C. hit: “Harper Valley ___” 12 _____ metal 17 TXism: “bell cows” 19 3-on-3 basketball tournament that is played at TX sites: “____ __ Up” 21 Baltimore MLB team 22 TXism: “a funeralization” 23 blank radar (2 wds.)

28 this WR Washington played for Houston Texans in 2015 29 TXism: “____ rodeo!” (celebrate) 30 Six Flags Over TX ride: “Aquaman _____down” 31 TX Bob Wills hit: “_____ Love” (1950) 35 San _____, TX 36 Texians’ stance at the Alamo (2 wds.)

42 TX Roy Orbison sang “_________ Dreamer” on album “In Dreams” (1963) 44 TX resident 46 TXism: “get your ____ _____” (be still)

Boy" and wife Carissa of Stroud, Okla.; brothers Don "Duck" Devers and wife Charlotte "Riley" of Carlsbad, N.M., and Roy Lee "Werlie" Devers Sr. of Hereford; grandchildren Hannah ("My Precious") Dye and Josiah ("My Man") Dye of Canyon, Shelby Devers of Georgia, Delaney ("Sweet D") Devers and Josh Palmer, Grant ("Whowah") Garrett, and Mallory ("Wonderful Mallory") Devers of Stround, Okla.; great-grandson Jaxson Palmer of Stroud, Okla.; cousins, nieces, nephews; and many close friends.

Express condolences to the family and sign the online guest book at www. herefordheritagefh.com.

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H I L T O N

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13 TXism: “he _______ DOWN ___ through a 1 Hilton’s 1st TX hotel: barbed wire fence” “cross between a (bad eyesight) gold mine ___ _ 14 an actor’s part _________” 15 it has gold at the end 2 newspaper: “Houston of a rainbow (2 wds.)

County _______” 16 TXism: “when ____ 3 TXism: “every now fly” (never) ___ _____” 18 TX Dennis Quaid (occasionally) 1988 crime thriller 4 baby bird’s casa 20 TX Detmer who 9 animal fur won 1990 Heisman 10 TXism: “smart as a 23 TX singer Nat (init.) ____ ____ __ 24 “opposite” abbr. ____” 25 TXns just call it a 11 donkey “blister” 12 TX Woody Harrelson 26 U.S.A. finally got this film: “___ Hate Me” Osama bin in 2011

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38 TXism: “_____ me to a fare-thee-well” 39 early name for the 58 Rio Grande: “Rio __ ___ Palmas” 40 precise 41 red area on skin Middle East 43 TX Tanya (init.) country 45 2nd half of the __-15 rifle Bible (abbr.) __ Pepper 47 “‘____ ___ night booth width before Christmas...” pen tip 48 in Wood County History channel on U.S. 69 2010 documentary: 55 TXism: “___ _ grip “America: The like a snappin’ turtle” Story __ __” 57

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STEVENS CAR & TRUCK CENTER, HEREFORD, TX 1-800-299-2438 - www.stevens5star.com

Hereford BRAND 506 S. 25 Mile Ave., Hereford, TX 79045 (806) 364-2030 www.HerefordBrand.com

N. Hwy 385 806-364-2160 Sundays • NA meeting, 8 p.m., at Hereford Community Center, 100 Ave. C. For more information call 570-4648.

• Praire Acres Activities: 10, Movie & Snacks; 11:30, Background music; 4, Tenth St. Church of Christ; 7:30, Dominoes Mondays • Rotary Club, noon, Sugarland Mall Grill • Deaf Smith County Historical Museum regular hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and only by appointment on Sunday • Troop 50 Boy Scouts, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Northwest Elementary.

All boys ages 11-18 are invited to participate. Call 289-5354 for information.

• Al-Anon Group, 7 p.m. at Fellowship of Believers Church, 245 Kingwood, for more information call 364-6045 or 676-7662.

• Hereford Retired School Employees Association meeting will be

at 12 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center.

• Masonic Lodge, 7:30 p.m., Masonic Hall.

• Hereford Study Club meets at the Hereford Senior Citizens Center at 2 p.m.

• Hereford Senior Citizen Center Activities: 8 - noon, Quilting; 8 - 8:45, Pool Exercise Class (women); 9-9:45, P. Ex. class (women); 10-10:45, P. Ex. class (men); 11:11:45, P. Ex. class (women) 1-1:45, P. Ex. Class (men) • Praire Acres Activities: 9:30, Discussion; 11:40, Background Music; 2, Bible Study/Spanish; 3, Caption This; 7:30, Bingo.

Tuesdays • Deaf Smith County Crime Stoppers Board of Directors, 6 p.m., Hereford Police Department rec room • AA meeting, 8 p.m. Hereford Community Center, 100 Ave. C. For more information call 570-4648 • Support Group for TBI Caregivers meeting at 7 p.m. For information call 806-364-1892 or email: dgproc-

tor@gmail.com • Order of the Eastern Star, 7 p.m.

Masonic Hall • Pilot Club 7 a.m. King’s Manor Lamar Room • American Legion Post 192 monthly meeting at 7 p.m.

• Alpha Alpha Preceptor chapter of Beta Sigma Phi meeting at 7 p.m.

•Xi Epsilon Alpha chapter of Beta Sigma Phi meeting at 7 p.m.

• Hereford Senior Citizen Center Activities: 8 - noon, Quilting; 8 - 8:45, Pool Exercise Class (women); 9-9:45, P. Ex. class (women); 10-10:30, Floor Exercise • Praire Acres Activities: 8:30, Beauty Shop; 11:40, Background Music; 2, Manicures for our ladies & men; 7:30, Watercoloring Wednesdays • Lions Club, noon, Hereford Community Center • Bippus Extension Education Club, 2 p.m.

• NA meeting, 8 p.m., at Hereford Community Center, 100 Ave. C. For

Tel.: 806-363-8200 Voice Resp.: 806-363-8255 Address: 3rd & Sampson Time/Temp.: 806-364-5100 Website: www.ffin.com

more information call 570-4648 • Hereford Senior Citizen’s Association Board Meeting at 9 a.m.

• Hereford Senior Citizen Center Activities: 8 - noon, Quilting; 8 - 8:45, Pool Exercise Class (women); 9-9:45, P. Ex. class (women); 10-10:45, P. Ex. class (men); 11:11:45, P. Ex. class (women) 1-1:45, P. Ex. Class (men).

• Praire Acres Activities: 9:15, Zumba Gold Chair; 10, Discussion; 11:30, Chicken Soup for the Soul; 3, Bible Study; 7:30, Movie Night.

2 p.m.

• The Humane Society of Deaf Smith County meets at 7 p.m. at the Animal Control Building.

• Hereford Senior Citizen Center Activities: 8 - noon, Quilting; 8 - 8:45, Pool Exercise Class (women); 9-9:45, P. Ex. class (women); 10-10:30, Floor Exercise; 10:30-1:00 • Praire Acres Activities: 9:15, Whoga; 10, Discussion; 11:30, Poems; 3, Bean Bag Toss; 7:30, Stain Glass Painting.

Thursdays • Hereford Toastmasters, 6:30 a.m., Amarillo College.

• Kiwanis Club, noon, Hereford Community Center.

• Hereford Day Care Center Board of Directors, noon, Hereford Country Club.

• Merry Mixers Square Dance Club, 7 p.m., Hereford Community Center.

• AA meeting, 8 p.m., Hereford Community Center, 100 Ave. C. For more information call 570-4648.

• Los Ciboleros Chapter NSDAR,

Fridays • Hereford Senior Citizen Center Activities: 8 - noon, Quilting; 8 - 8:45, Pool Exercise Class (women); 9-9:45, P. Ex. class (women); 10-10:45, P. Ex class (men); 11-11:45, P. EX class (women); 1-1:45 P. Ex. class (men); 10-1, Hereford Nursing and Rehab Health Check • Praire Acres Activities: 9:15 Zumba Gold Chair; 10, Discussion; 11:30 Guidepost; 3, Decorating Bottles; 7:30, Movie Night.

4 | Hereford BRAND

Saturday, December 31, 2016

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Hereford BRAND Wednesday, September 7, 2016 Volume 116 | Number 21 12 Pages www.herefordbrand.com $1

Week 1 Football Contest Winners

First place Kristi hollingsworth

second place VicKie dannheim

third place dan odell

HPD probes summer mischief spree

By C.E. Hanna BRAND Staff Writer

A summertime vandalism spree appears to have come to an end as Hereford Police Department (HPD) investigates three juvenile suspects in connection with the crimes.

From July 27 through Aug. 20, 20 criminal mischief complaints concerning vehicles and property, one arson and one theft were reported with damage estimates totaling more than

l i k e l y $8,300. occurred “These These [reports] came primarily from the northwest between [reports] 5:30 p.m.came pripart of town. They range from as far south as West 3 a.m., but m a r i l y Haven [Drive], as far north as Willow [Lane] and as no pattern from the far east as Sunset [Drive]. could be northwest d e t e r part of Brent Harrison m i n e d town,” Hereford Police Chief as most Hereford damage P o l i c e was unreC h i e f [Lane] and as far east as Sunset ported or undiscovered until the Brent Harrison said. “They range [Drive].” from as far south as West Haven According to police, the crimes following day.

The juveniles are suspected [Drive], as far north as Willow

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Plowing for PAYDIRT

of using knives and other instruments to damage tires and other personal property.

“The arson charge is because they blew up a mailbox in one of their own neighborhoods using automotive fuel,” HPD Lt. Robin Ruland said. “The theft charge is from a stolen bicycle.”

The mailbox arson allowed HPD to link one suspect’s residence to the targeted areas, Ruland said.

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Local offerings for enrichment at AC campus

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date or a start date,” Esquivel said. “If the interest was high enough, The latest course we could offer courses offerings from Amarillo over Christmas break. We College’s Hinkson can literally offer them at Memorial Campus any time.”

For businesses, ACHMC (ACHMC) in Hereford customizable adhere to the idea that offers education is not about employee training for what you can do with it, the acquisition of “soft” but what you can become skills – customer service, business management, with it.

Beginning Sept.

6, supervisory skills and ACHMC will offer personal human relations.

ACHMC also offers enrichment courses, including Beginning discounted course rates Photography, Basic for businesses that send employees to these Computer, Excel trainings, he said. and Conversa“The biggest tional/Occupaone has been our tional Spanish, customer service to benefit local course,” Esquivel businesses and said. “We held individuals. one for FirstBank “These classes Southwest, and are not necessarily they really enjoyed about grades,” it.”

ACHMC Executive According to ESQUIVEL Director Daniel FirstBank SouthEsquivel said. west president “It’s about giving people Schueler, six in the community an Mike opportunity to pick up an employees attended the class and returned to work extra skill. to offering “It’s to learn something motivated fun, something you’ve improved customer.

The FirstBank Southwest always wanted to do.”

Prices for enrichment employees in attendance courses range from $45- acquired new skills and $75, and registration can responded favorably, he be completed up to the said.

“By all accounts, it was a day of or even after the very positive experience,” start of a class.

According to Esquivel, Schueler said. “I’d like to one of the benefits of see it continued and would the separation between definitely encourage other personal enrichment businesses to join in.”

For more information courses and traditional academic courses is on personal enrichment or academic courses, contact flexibility.

“We don’t have an end ACHMC at 806-379-2700.

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Photo by Brian Hedrick

At the bottom of this melee of high school football players, Hereford running back Adrian Hernandez (32) has burrowed his way into the end zone to start the Herd on a run of 31 unanswered points in Friday's 38-14 win over Borger. For more the game and this week's match-up with Pampa, see Sports, page 7A.

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New ambulance upgrades EMS

By C.E. Hanna BRAND Staff Writer

Community needs and technology changes make emergency medicine a consistent challenge, but Hereford Regional Medical Center (HRMC) looked to surmount those obstacles with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art Braun ambulance.

The chassis boxes on the

current HRMC ambulance fleet date back to 2008-09, while HRMC’s Emergency Medical Service (EMS) van is a 2014 model.

“It doesn’t seem like a lot of years, but when you consider how hard their driven and what they have to go through, then you almost have to double the miles,” HRMC EMS Director Marcos Castro said.

According to Castro, the actual ambulance boxes date back to 2001 and rising maintenance costs necessitated the $154,154 (more than $5,000 under budget) vehicle.

PLEASE SEE EMS | 2A

BRAND/C.E. Hanna

Hereford Regional Medical Center EMS showed off its new ambulance during an open-house cookout last week. The new vehicle is reported to provide upgrades in emergency capabilities.

Want your business noticed?

506 S. 25 Mile. Avenue • Advertise P.O. Box 673 • Hereford, TX 79045 Here!

Office: (806) 364-2030 Fax: (806) 364-8364 Call the Hereford Brand at (806) 364-2030 or visit us at 506 S. 25 Mile Ave.

www.HerefordBRAND.com

Hereford BRAND | 5

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Classifieds

Have a classified? Andrew Bouillon, Creative Director, design@herefordbrand.com

Apartments

NOW HIRING

Blue Water Garden Apartments now taking applications. 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments available.

Come by 612 Irving St. to pick up an application. Call (806)364-6661 for more information..

Hiring for full time and part time drivers in the Hereford and Plainview area

3 bdrm, 2 bath brick home on Juniper. Contact (806) 346-6401 between 6 & 9 p.m.

Apartments for Rent: 806344-2390 or 806-344-2387.

Tierra Blanca Apartments now leasing, 1 and 3 bedrooms available. Call or come by today! 806-3632775

Employment Mechanic needed. Pay depends on experience. Apply in person at 1909 E. HWY 60 or call 806-3640951.

Hereford Nursing and Rehab seeking full-time dietary aid and housekeeping staff. Pick up application at human resources

Services NEW & REBUILT KIRBY G Models 30% off. New Panasonic Vacuums 25% off.

Parts & Repairs on all make & models in your home.

364-4288.

WANT TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED?

Pet of the Week

JayBe • Health Benefits • Paid Vacation • Local job with home time • Must have two years certified experience

Call or come by in person to 3600 FM 2856 Herford, TX 79045 Call 806-418-5031 or 806-731-3049

Classified Advertising Policies The Hereford BRAND accepts all advertisement for publication in the classified section on the premise that the product is available as described at the address advertised and will be sold at the advertised price. The Hereford BRAND reserves the right to edit, revise, properly classify or reject advertising copy which does not conform to its rules, regulation and credit policies. The Hereford BRAND does not assume liability or financial responsibility for typographical errors or omissions.

We are responsible for the first and correct insertion and report any errors at one. The Hereford BRAND will not be liable for any damages or loss that might occur from errors or omissions in advertisements beyond the amount charged for the advertisements.

Call in a Classified!

806-364-2030

HS 1- Tianna is a spunky little gal that has been picked . She gets along with other dogs and is likely only a year or two old. She will stay small and is looking for a home that will include her in family life. If you are interested in rescuing please call us at 806-363-6499. All our dogs are $100 to adopt which includes her spay/rabies vaccination/microchip at a participating vet!

Part time position available for farm chores and livestock caretaker. Experience with horses and cattle preferred.

Great work environment!!!

Full time LVN needed for home nursing care.

8am to 5pm with some on call.

Competitive pay and benefit package Enthusiastic go-getter a plus!

Please apply in person at: Bluebonnet Home Health and Hospice 304 E. 11th Friona Texas (806)247-0057

Call: 806-364-2030

MINERAL RIGHTS

Both non-producing and producing

Applicant must have dependable transportation and be dependable. Salary commiserate with experience. This would be a perfect fit for a college student or a retired or semi-retired individual.

Interested candidates should come by 133 W. Third Street to apply for the position.

Home Health LVN Position Available

PURCHASE THIS SPACE!

WE BUY

OIL, GAS, &

including Non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI) Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation.

CALL TODAY: 806.620.1422

LOBO MINERALS, LLC PO Box 1800 • Lubbock, TX 79408-1800

LoboMineralsLLC@gmail.com

Mesothelioma may occur 30 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos. Many workers were exposed from the 1940s through the 1970s. Industrial and construction workers, along with their families (second hand exposure) are among those at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer or gastro cancer (throat, stomach, colon).

Call us for professional insight.

EXPERIENCE

COUNTS Lawyers with more than 100 years combined expertise.

Ryan A. Krebs, M.D., J.D. Doctor-Lawyer in Full-time Law Practice

Richard A. Dodd, L.C. Timothy R. Cappolino, P.C.

Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

NO FEE FOR FIRST VISIT

OffICes In HOustOn/COnrOe, teMple and austIn, prInCIpal OffICe In CaMerOn

1-800-460-0606 www.Asbestos Law.com

Ag Brokers, Ltd.

Bulletin Board

Contact us! Visit our website for more detailed information.

www.agbrokersltd.com (806) 679-2645

Land and Ag Business consultants with over 100 years experience:

• Ag businesses • Land brokerage • Brokerage • Oil & gas exploration and development • Mineral leasing and title examination • Ranch leasing

806-364-1919

I’M SOLD ON

Whiteface

Please consider us for your land purchase, sale, management or consulting needs.

RICHARD C. (R.C.) HOELSCHER ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW

out our Service Department for all your service repairs & maintenance 550 N 25 Mile Ave • Hereford, Tx

Monday - Friday

8:30 a.m. thru 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. thru 5 p.m.

Monday - Thursday

Attorney services by Appoinment Only

P.O. Box 1775, 304 West Third, Hereford TX 79045 PHONE NO. (806) 364-1200 • FAX (806) 364-9130

BARRETT PLUMBING Serving Hereford and area for over 45 years Licensed and Bonded #M9828

806-364-1818 Harold Barrett Responsible Master Plumber

GILILLAND INSURANCE ASSOCIATES

B.J. Gililland

P.O Box 1600 Hereford, TX 79045

Ph. (806) 364-1881 Fax (806) 364-8655

201 E. Park Ave. • P.O. Box 232 Hereford, Texas 79045

CHRIS GABEL AUTOMOTIVE

Complete Automotive Service Major & Minor Engine Repair

Transmission Overhauls Computer Controls Oil Changes Air Conditioning Electrical

Tune-Ups Brakes Alignments Mufflers

806-363-2886

240 N 25 Mile Ave

Credit Cards Accepted

• Estate auction • Ranch, livestock and wildlife management.

• Livestock risk management • Wind and solar project, leasing and development.

Advertise Here!

2x2: $30 per week 2x4: $50 per week Ad will be in both Wednesday and Saturday editions.

To advertise call April at 806-364-2030

Steve Sykes, Agent

www.sykesland.com

Lewy Body Dementia?

Parkinson’s Disease Dementia?

Suffer From Visual Hallucinations?

Been hearing or seeing things that are not actually present?

You may qualify for a research study that is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a new investigational medication that may help to reduce the symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia or Parkinson’s Disease Dementia if: • You are aged 50 - 85 years with a diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy Bodies • You suffer from visual hallucinations that occur on more days than not • Medications you take have been on a consistent dose for at least 4 weeks For More Information, Please Contact Sleep Therapy and Research Center, Dr. James Andry or Sue Rafati at (210) 614-6000

6 | Hereford BRAND

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Real Estate

Want to advertise? Andrew Bouillon, Creative Director, design@herefordbrand.com

Denise Teel Broker/Owner 806.341.5937

Each office is independently owned and operated

Jerry Teel REALTOR® 806.341.5936

803 W. 1st • Hereford, TX 806.364.4561

FIND YOUR DREAM HOME

THANK YOU for letting us serve YOU for the past 42 years.

YOU have made 2016 a very

There's No Place Like

Home for the Holidays PURCHASE THIS SPACE 806-364-2030

successful year for us.

A happy and successful 2017 to

YOU!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hereford BRAND Real Estate Listings Your one stop search for all new home properties for sale in our local area!

Thank you Hereford for allowing us to serve your Real Estate needs in 2016.

Wishing you a prosperous and

HAPPY NEW YEAR from all of us at:

JUST LISTED! DEAF SMITH COUNTY CRP – 320 acres +/- NW of Hereford with 319.7 acres in CRP until 2021, mid contract shredding maintenance completed in July 2016. Wildlife and excellent grass cover.

501 SE 2nd Dimmitt Industrial Building with additional vacant lots.

Concrete/Metal/Steel structure with over 10,000sqft includes a Store Front, Office, Bathroom, Storage and Workshop with concrete floor, electricity, heaters, two overhead doors and an additional semi-enclosed storage area on the north side of building.

Dimmitt, TX. -1006 W Cleveland – 3/2¾/2 brick home with nice updates, large basement (2 rooms), fireplace, central heat/air, very nice patio and landscape with sprinkler system, EFFECIENCY APARTMENT with workshop/garage.

CASTRO CO., TX - NAZARETH, TX. – 102 +/- acre dairy w/home, east of Nazareth on Hwy. 86.

CASTRO, CO., TX – 661 ac. +/- w/464 ac. +/- of CRP just expired, 121.6 ac. +/- in CRP until 2020, bal. native grass, on pvmt., great home for a cow or developing for farming.

MINERALS/STRONG WATER/PERRYTON, TX. – 830 ac. +/- just out-oftown & adjacent to a city owned property, on all-weather road, beautiful home, tremendous potential for irrigation or residential development.

LIPSCOMB CO., TX – 320 ac. developed for irrigation w/2 pivot points in a strong water area!

SOUTH OF HEREFORD-65 ACRES – 4/2¾/3 exceptional built brick home with many extras and updates, large basement, office, fireplace, central heat/air, mature landscape with sprinkler system, metal frame barn with concrete floor and electricity, cattle working pens/horse corrals, workshop.

PALO DURO CREEK/CITY LAKE ROAD - 280 ac. +/- West of Canyon w/ irr. circle & strong irr. well on top, beautiful area dwn. below w/lvstk. pens.

HART, TX. – 709 ac. +/- in strong water area of Castro County, fully developed w/wells & sprinklers, on pvmt.

WALKING G ARENA – Castro Co. - 6.65 ac. +/-, located just on the edge of town, a 120’ X 350’ rodeo arena, ten 12’ X 40’ horse stalls. Electric hookup for RV & trailers. Large concrete slab for dances, auctions, etc., on pvmt.

WIND-ENERGY INVESTMENT – Castro Co., TX. - 1,391 ac. +/-, 9 wind turbines, plus cash lease of irrigated farmland.

EXCELLENT LOCATION - Let’s look at 200 S. 25 Mile Ave. A nice, well maintained commercial building w/8 offices, 4 restrooms, reception area, break room, 2 central heat/air units. Two long-time renters w/room for a third.

SWISHER CO. – Choice ½ section, 2 pivots, on pvmt. PRICE REDUCED! DONLEY CO., TX. – 160 ac. +/- CRP. Good hunting. Irrigation potential.

LAMB CO. – 880 ac. +/- sprinkler irrigated, 5 contiguous quarters & 80 ac. +/- 1.75 mi. east, highly improved farm!

FOR SALE - JUST DOWN THE ROAD - HOMES and COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN DIMMITT Please view our websites for details on these properties, choice NM ranches (large & small), choice ranches in the high rainfall areas of OK, irr./ dryland/CRP & commercial properties. We need your listings on any types of ag properties in TX., NM, OK or CO. www.scottlandcompany.com www.texascrp.com Ben G. Scott – Broker Krystal M. Nelson – CO Broker (806) 647-4375

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impared is 1-800-927-9275.

Hereford BRAND | 7

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Year in Review

Have news to share? John Carson, Managing Editor, editor@herefordbrand.com

May

By Chris Aguilar BRAND Staff Writer

APRIL: FROM PAGE 3

pendent School District (HISD) in disarray during state testing early March.

HISD experienced issues with Internet service the week prior to testing which continued and became a problem for the students affected by the inconvenience.

April also marked the

By Chris Aguilar BRAND Staff Writer

45th anniversary of the most devastating recorded tornado to hit Herefofrd.

The twister hit DSC around midnight on April 18, 1971 and left a path of destruction that brought down power lines and trees, damaged homes and businesses and left 20 people injured.

June

Hereford Independent School District (HISD) ended its 201516 school year with the Class of 2016 walking the stage and receiving diplomas.

Hereford Whiteface Stadium stands were filled as family and friends cheered for the graduating class.

More than 270 graduating students made way through the football field to end one

chapter of their lives while beginning a new one.

Legal wheels also began to turn in the case of DeLaCerda, who was facing a pair of Class 2 misdemeanor charges that required appearance in Deaf Smith County Court.

DeLaCerda declined to comment on the arrest and pending trial after a July 7 court date was set.

Deaf Smith County Chamber of Commerce

August

By Chris Aguilar BRAND Staff Writer

In the wake of unwarranted civilian shootings and subsequent targeted attacks on law enforcement officers, Hereford Police Department (HPD) added body cams to uniforms to aid in both internal investigations against an officer and in capturing unsolicited outburst against civilians and hopefully

A gun scare at Hereford Junior High School (HJH) occurred in early May that left one student in custody and tested Hereford Independent School District’s (HISD) safety protocol.

HISD security and Hereford Police Department (HPD) were notified after a report concerning a gun in a backpack on campus was made to HJH staff.

Campus administrators held students in place while resource officers secured the suspected student and backpack.

Reports show that an unloaded BB gun was found, and the minor in possession was taken into custody.

Officials said the entire incident took less than 15 minutes and because of the fast timeline the school did not go into lockdown.

Sewer lines remained an issue for the city during the month of May, and a correction of current problems would steadily make progress.

After city workers discovered numerous problems with cracked pipes and fractured joints along a major sewer line in the area of the U.S. 60/U.S. 385 intersection, construction would be set to begin early summer.

executive director Sid Shaw announced that following a two-year hiatus, an Independence Day firework celebration was back on the calendar.

The chamber contracted with Leonard based Pyrotex to fire the show in Hereford every year on July 3 after being unable to find a company with an annual opening on July 4.

As mid-June approached Hereford Independent School District (HISD) Superintendent Kelli Moulton made the announcement that after 16 years of service, she would be leaving after being named the lone finalist for the same position in Galveston.

Moulton started her career in 1999 as first director of secondary curriculum at HISD and then promoted to principal of Hereford Junior High School the following year.

She became assistant superintendent in 2004 before ascending to superintendent in 2008.

The hunt for a CEO for Hereford Regional Medical Center (HRMC) ended late June when Deaf Smith County Hospital district named Jeff Barnhart as sole contender

de-escalate conflicts.

Officials said body cameras may serve as a means to the truth in accordance with maxim the “cameras don’t lie.”

This proved to come in handy when a 911 call that left two officers injured following an assault by a local man was captured on body-cam video.

As HISD summer break came to an end, parents of HISD students who take their children to school would have to embrace some unfamiliar routines

The month closed with arguably the quintessential Memorial Day remembrance in Deaf Smith County.

On May 26, a law enforcement escort – led by Hereford Police Department, Deaf Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Texas State Patrol and Amarillo Police Department units – accompanied the remains of U.S. Marine Pfc. Elmer Mathies Jr. in his return to Hereford.

Mathies was killed in action during the opening hours of the Allied invasion of Tarawa in November 1943.

His battlefield grave was lost, and Mathies was of-

out of 65 applicants from which a 12-candidate short list was compiled.

Barnhart came to HRMC from Lynn County Hospital District where he began his career as an emergency medical technician.

However, the naming of a new CEO did not come without controversy when the Deaf Smith County Hospital District (DSCHD) Board of Directors refused to make public the names of the four finalists being interviewed for the position.

The board, as well as its attorney, cited specific state statute that allowed the names to be withheld from the public.

However, when the BRAND questioned the validity and legality of the cited statute, board attorneys demanded a formal Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

While DSCHD named Barnhart CEO during the state-mandated 10-day period the board had to respond to the FOI request, board attorneys admitted the board had no legal standing to withhold the finalists’ names and revealed the names of the other three finalists.

By Chris Aguilar BRAND Staff Writer

ficially deemed unrecoverable by the Department of Defense in 1947.

However, a 2015 discovery of 35 previously lost graves on Tarawa were found, and Mathies’ were the first remains found.

Official identification through DNA in February began Mathies’ journey home – where he was laid to rest with full military honors next to his parents in West Park Cemetery the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend.

The month ended with Hereford Regional Medical Center undergoing changes in its marketing budget as part of the way to fix image issues.

July

Lights in the sky both natural and man made is how the residents of Deaf Smith County (DSC) would spend the first weekend of July.

Mother nature lit up the sky like the 4th of July only a day too soon.

After a two-year break, a community fireworks show brightening nighttime skies on July 3.

A mishap with a traffic lights at the intersection of 25 Mile Avenue and Moreman Street became a problem for travelers driving through Hereford for most of the remainder of the year.

A truck hauling debris from a repaving project at Northwest Elementary School brought down the light standard on the southwest corner of Moreman and 25 Mile.

Within the hour, a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) truck sent to assess the damage took down the standard on the opposite corner.

Completely correcting the problem took virtually the rest of the year.

Temporary standards – with an altered light pattern – were put in place and remained there until late November.

TxDOT officials blamed repair delays on the unavailability of replacements poles and the subsequent need to have ones specifically constructed for the intersection.

Originally set for July 7, the County Court trial of County Clerk Imelda DeLaCerda was continued until August.

Reasons for the delay was Deaf Smith County Judge D.J. Wagner recusing himself from the trial and pre-trial motions by DeLaCerda’s attorney calling for the case’s dismissal on grounds that four of DeLeCerda’s Constitutional rights had been violated.

A new trial date in August was set with a Randall County judge assigned to hear the case.

when it came to their morning commutes.

A summer incident that occurred early July involving two vehicles knocking down light fixtures on two separate occasions on the intersection of 25 Mile Avenue and Moreman Street would be the cause of the traffic mayhem.

Due to the incidents, temporary traffic signals were installed to help guide travelers but would only cause more frustration for travelers as the

Deaf Smith County Hospital District (DSCHD) Board of Directors approved the $18,000 budgetary increase that would allow officials to be more direct with advertising in specific areas. A plan on cutting advertising in telephone books and yellow pages would add for advertising through radio, social media and the hospitals website.

Memorial Day saw the arrest of Deaf Smith County Clerk of Court Imelda DeLaCerda for a traffic violation and giving a false identity.

Effectively spending the night in jail, DeLaCerda bonded out the next day.

light’s cycle had been altered to accommodate anticipated traffic turning onto Moreman to get to the Hereford Junior High and Northwest Elementary schools.

The trail of Deaf Smith County Clerk of Court Imelda DeLaCerda would amount to little more than formality after all her objections and Constitutional challenges to the charges were dropped and entered a guilty plea.

Under conditions of the plea

After months of delays dirt finally began clearing for Love’s Travel Stops newest location on First Street in Hereford.

With construction originally slated to begin in October 2015, officials had projected the location would be operational by summer. However, delays in rectifying ingress and egress issues with the City of Hereford and TxDOT – as well as Love’s in house issues – saw those dates pushed back.

Hereford Independent School District’s (HISD) superintendent vacancy was filled – at least temporarily in late July after HISD Board of Trustees named an interim in a 4-3 vote.

Rodney Hutto assumed the role as the board began a search for a permanent replacement.

School officials said Hutto on specifically brought on board because he had experience with successful bond issues in other districts.

To add fuel to the fire HISD would place an amended bond issue on the Nov. 8 general election ballot was confirmation from Hutto that he only intended to be interim until the end of October.

July ended with the HISD Board of Trustees forgoing a November bond election.

agreement for a second-ormore charge driving while license suspended/invalid and giving a false identity, DeLaCerda was required to pay a $500 fine plus court costs, given a 180-day suspended jail term for each charge and placed on 1-year probation, She was also ordered to perform 40-hours of community service and serve 13 days in jail, which she did in 24-hour increments on Fridays and Saturdays during the next three months.

8 | Hereford BRAND

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Year in Review September

Have news to share? John Carson, Managing Editor, editor@herefordbrand.com

October

By Chris Aguilar BRAND Staff Writer

By Chris Aguilar BRAND Staff Writer

A summertime vandalism spree appeared to have come to an end as Hereford Police Department (HPD) investigated three juvenile suspects in connection with the crimes in early September.

From July 27 through Aug. 20, 20 criminal mischief complaints concerning vehicles and property, one arson and one theft were reported with damage estimates totaling more than $8,300.

The juveniles were suspected of using knives and other instruments to damage tires and other personal property.

Late August and early September rain showers, totaling more than 5 inches in parts of Deaf Smith County (DSC), proved to be a missed blessing for area farmers and a case of too little, too late.

Since cotton is a warm-weather crop, the rain did not prove to be beneficial as cloudy skies and precipitation work to lower overall temperatures. The wet weather would prove to be beneficial for sunflower farmers and wheat farmers due to the moisture.

Most feedlots begin planting wheat crops in August, while commercial farmers tend to wait until the end of September.

The rain put a crimp in the construction schedule for Love’s Travel Stop with expections of a December completion pushed to 2017.

Following a near three-hour deliberation, HISD Board of Trustees named Assistant Superintendent Sheri Blankenship the lone finalist for its superintendent position by a 4-3 margin.

A total of 20 candidates tossed their hats in that ring. The list was pared to six from which Blankenship was selected.

The 2016 election season officially hit the backstretch as absentee ballots had been mailed to voters in Deaf Smith County (DSC).

A total of six different DSC races were on the ballot with four of them being county wide.

Running unopposed in county-wide voting were Tax Assessor-Collector Teresa Garth and Constable Bryan Hedrick and Precinct 3 County Com-

missioner Mike Brumley.

Sheriff J. Dale Butler ran for re-election facing off against Independent Fidel Reyna.

The only truly, county-wide contested race would come from Deaf Smith County Hospital District Board of Directors, where five were vying for four available seat on the seven-member board.

Chris Woodard tossed his hat into the ring against incumbents Har-

By Chris Aguilar BRAND Staff Writer

By Chris Aguilar BRAND Staff Writer

with the community.

A long running annual event in many communities, the program was brought to the attention of Hereford Police Chief Brent Harrison by Officer Zack Coleman, who ultimately secured a state grant for the project that provided more than 40 children with $50 Walmart gift cards for Christmas shopping.

A total of 45 youngsters would show to the event, and what may have looked like a tough situation never materialized as officers and an unnamed donor came forward to ensure that no child would leave empty handed.

As the month and year came to an end, Deaf Smith County (DSC) bid farewell to Precinct 1 Commissioner Pat Smith.

Revealing in January his stepping down was due to a hearing issue that has prevented him from hearing important information regard-

Hereford BRAND Holiday Deadline

January 4th Edition Must be received by Jan. 3rd at 10 a.m.

The BRAND office will be closed Jan. 2nd

pendent School District (HISD).

The school year reached its first chronological milestone with the completion of the first six-weeks for some 4,200 students.

A summer of planning and preparing for the school proved to be successful for staff and students while reaching the milestone.

HISD received more good news when preliminary results showed

ing DSCCC meetings.

Although his stepping down from office is something Smith really did not want to do, he believes this decision is for the interest of his constituents and the county Smith served as City Commissioner for 12 years and became aware of his hearing difficulties when first elected in 2004. Smith admitted “going through” three different sets of hearing aids in attempts to ease the problem.

Concerns of understanding and communicating with constituents lead to his resignation.

For his hard work and dedication to the county Wagner awarded Smith with a plaque of the state of Texas. A U.S. flag that was flown over the state capital for Smiths birthday was then presented to him in honor of his 12 years of service to Deaf Smith County.

the district had all its campuses meet Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability standards for the first time since 2005.

Needing to only meet three-of-four “student indexes” to achieve metstandard status, HISD had all but one campus hit all four indexes.

The district also saw an increase in distinctions increase from six in 2015 to 13 for 2016.

November

Deaf Smith County election officials expected early voting to go out much the same way it came in – with a bang.

Closing early November, early voting proved once again to be a hit with voters.

As of the close of voting, 24.6 percent (2,124) of the county’s 8,642 registered voters had taken part in early voting, with an additional 433 mail-in ballots received. Election officials said 2,557 voters (29.6 percent) had tuned in early ballots.

The 2,557 ballots already cast were more than early voting, mail-ins and election-day totals from the March primary which drew 2,268 total votes (27.1 percent). County vote totals were expected to swell after polls opened for the general election Nov. 8.

As election day approached one-third of all registered DSC voters had avoided the election day crowds by early voting According to figures from DSC Clerk of Court Imelda DeLaCerda there had been 2,911 ballots cast in the county through mail-ins and early voting. The total represents 33.7 percent of the 8,642 registered voters in the county. Of that 2,911, 2,462 voted early with 449 mail-in ballots (5.2 percent) collected.

Before polls opened on election day DSC had already had a larger voter turnout than the spring primary.

Two medical professionals from Deaf Smith County were honored as being among the best in their profession by the Panhandle Organization of Nurse Executives and Texas Nurses Association (TNA) District 2.

Deaf Smith County Hospital District

December

As residents approached the holiday season, Deaf Smith County (DSC) officials sounded the alarm to alert citizens of a legal scam that began to perpetuate in the county.

DSC Clerk of District Court Elaine Gerber reported her office had dealt with an increasing number of residents who appeared to be have been victims of a legal aid scam.

The issue specifically surrounded court documents – most often divorce papers – that had reportedly been obtained through what victims believe is the state’s Legal Aid service, but was actually a private company.

Hereford Independent School District (HISD) and the staff and students at Hereford High School (HHS) joined forces to increase student reading levels through Achieve 3000.

The program provides cloud-based instruction for non-fiction reading and writing that is tailored to each students reading level. HISD adopted the program in the 2013-14 school year at Hereford Junior High School (HJH) and after researched showed the program was the best method available to improve reading level it was quickly transferred to HHS, where the program became a success in the history department.

A local auto repair shop that once tuned engines and changed tires turned into a work zone.

Renovations to the building were done to provide new locations for Snap Fitness and the local state Department of Family Services offices.

The holidays in Deaf Smith County turned a distinct shade of blue as Hereford Police Department (HPD) would play Santa’s elves in its first Shop with a Cop event.

The event focused on sharing positive experiences with the children of Hereford and HPD officers, in hopes of building better relationships

old McNutt, Debbie Gonzalez, Rose Mary Barrett and June Rudd.

Plans for construction began early spring for the city airport project and crews started work at Hereford Municipal Airport to bring secondary areas of the facility up to capabilities of others.

From logistics to academics, the 2016-17 school year had gotten off to a top-notch start for the Hereford Inde-

(DSCHD) leaders and Hereford Regional Medical Center (HRMC) registered nurses Nancy Griego and Meri Killingsworth were part of the inaugural class of Panhandle Great 25 nurses. They were nominated by peers and selected by a review committee based on their performance as role models, leadership, service, caregiving and other significant contributions to nursing.

Hereford Senor Citizens’ annual Festival of Trees officially moved past the quarter-century mark when the 26th edition opened a several days earlier than usual. Officials said the early opening was to avoid conflicts with similar events in neighboring areas.

There was a lone blip on the electionday radar as Deaf Smith County voters let their voices heard.

In one of only two contested county races, Chris Woodard made a strong challenge against a quartet of incumbents for the one of four at large seats on the DSCHD Board of Directors.

Woodard not only grabbed one of those seats, but did so in somewhat of a commanding fashion by accruing the most votes of the five.

In topping the four incumbents, Woodard finished with 1,417 votes to outdistance Harold McNutt (1,320), June Rudd (1,086), and Debbie Gonzalez (1,046) who all retained their seats.

Left out was Rose Mary Barrett.

Come mid-Nov. HISD officially broke its 10-year drought of having all campuses achieve met standard ratings when Texas Education Agency (TEA) 2016 accountability results became final.