The County Line - October 2009, v2i25

October, 2009 County Line Community News Page 1 •

COUNTY LINE Business & Community Journal October, 2009

Volume 2 Issue 25

Rip Fest Pageant Winners!

Baby Miss Rip 0-23 months - Jaydyn Bartee Tiny Tot Miss Rip 2-3 years - Teagan Crowder Petite Miss Rip Pk-K - Tessa Rutledge Little Miss Rip 1st-3rd Grade - Macy McGaha Pre-Teen Miss Rip 4th-6th Grade - Alexius West Junior Miss Rip 7th-8th Grade - Jessica Huckaby Senior Miss Rip - Meghan Moore

Contents

• Page 2 County Line Community News October, 2009

October, 2009 In This Issue: From The Backside

Phone: 254-631-8407 Fax: 866-633-8715 (toll free)

Tumbleweed Smith

Email: countyline@wolverinedesign.com

Zach Havens

www.county-line.net

Diana McCullough

Advertising rates please contact:

Ray Parton Clint Coffee

Mike Norris 254-631-8407

Jim Kennedy Wanda Skinner

County Line is published monthly and distributed in the following cities:

Mike Norris

Albany Baird Breckenridge Carbon Cisco Cross Plains DeLeon Desdemona Eastland Gordon Gorman Olden Ranger Rising Star Strawn Thurber

On the Cover:

Photo by Ray Parton

Ray Parton MC’ed the Old Rip Pageant, Saturday September 26th, 2009.

There were 21 contestants in 7 age groups. Pictured are the winners from each category.

The annual event was well attended and the winners will appear in the Old Rip parade, Oct. 3rd.

Contact Information:

Thank you for reading the County Line, Mike Norris, Publisher September 12th at Gordon Gym - C.A.R.E. presented ELVIS tribute artist R.J. Quick from Jacksboro. (more on page 5)

October, 2009 County Line Community News Page 3 •

A R-eel Fish Story Two weeks ago a group of four men, Steve Jr., Bruce, Ken and Erik, set off on an overnight off-shore fishing trip. They left at noon on a Tuesday and went about 120 miles out into the Gulf.

They were having a great night of fishing, catching big snapper, grouper, ling and kings. About 3am, two of them went down below to catch some sleep. The two remaining on deck were catching fish and drinkin beer.

All at once, Bruce got a big run on his line. This thing went all around the boat and took over twenty minutes to bring up.

When they got it up to the surface, they did not know what it was. It looked prehistoric. Steve Jr. put a gaff in it and the two men drug it aboard the 33 foot boat. As soon as this big thing hit the deck, it went after them. It was an eel over 6 feet long, weighing close to 100 pounds. It had a mouth full of teeth and was extremely pissed off.

It was estimated at a later day to be sixty years old. Bruce said it

came at him and Steve, Jr. like an anaconda with it’s head up striking them like a rattlesnake. It was highly agitated. Next, the creature fell down below on to the floor between the two sleeping men on their bunks. When they heard the thud and turned on the light, the eel raised it’s head right above Ken’s face. Erik rolled over and grabbed the 9mm pistol. Steve Jr. started yelling. “Don’t shoot the gun in the boat! We’re 120 miles from land!” Next thing you know, all four fishermen are on the deck and the gigantic eel had control of the bottom of the boat.

The four needed to work up a plan of action, so they drank awhile. It was determined that Steve Jr. would distract the eel because he drank the most alcohol and thought that he was bulletproof. He opened up the sliding door down below to see what the “monster” was doing. As the door opened, the eel came up the two steps biting at anything along the way.

The four brave men ran to the wheel house like women and shut the door. They never did identify which one screamed like a girl.

Inside the wheel house, they started calming down and decided they would drink a

couple more beers. They then came up with a new battle plan. Steve Jr. went out on the deck to get it’s attention. The eel attacked and Steve Jr. climbed up on top of the captain’s chair.

Ken threw a blanket on top of the giant eel while Erik and Bruce beat the hell out of it with a steel gaff and 120 quart ice chest lid. After the creature was subdued, they put it into a 190 quart ice chest.

The four brave sailors got themselves a beer and were laughing at the situation when the ice lid was knocked off and the eel slithering out of the ice chest and after them again. Bruce said the eel was in attack mode and out for vengeance. The four each picked up something and the fight was on. After beating the creature with gaffs, ice chest lids and fire extinguishers again, they subdued the massive

carnivore and put it back into the ice chest. This time, they tied the lid down and put another ice chest on top of that one. Eighteen hours later they returned to the dock and started unloading the boat. They did “rock, paper, scissors” to determine who would peek into the ice chest. Here is a picture of Bruce Gordy with the eel that he caught and fought.

Steve Hoyland, Sr.

Reprinted with permission Seabreeze News, San Leon, Texas.

• Page 4 County Line Community News October, 2009

Life Planning Issues

LEGAL DOCUMENTS AREN’T JUST FOR DYING This is the stuff they should teach you in high school… but don’t. Once you reach 18 years of age, you need to obtain the basic legal documents. It is astonishing how many individuals and families I meet without a single legal document. Most people think of dying or preparing to die when they hear “legal documents.” And at 18 – or almost any age – most of us don’t want to think in those terms. So we simply don’t – or assume the state will handle distributing any estate. And it certainly can (though perhaps not as you would like). What Texas does not have, however, is an efficient plan to take care of you in the event your ticker is still ticking but you are incapacitated and unable to make decisions.

by Jim

Kennedy

sin appointed the uncle’s neighbor to act as his durable power of attorney and medical power of attorney, without notifying extended family members. After two years in this authoritative position, the neighbor had purchased a second home in North Carolina and many other luxuries, which shrunk the estate of her uncle from over $2 million to less than $500,000.

I mentioned this to a close friend recently and she said her family was very familiar with these documents because of a situation with her grandmother.

After sixteen months of surviving on life support, one of her aunts decided her mother would not want to live like that and wanted the doctors to end it.

The other daughter, however, wanted to keep her mother alive. The mother died of pneumonia before a court could reach a decision. It has been eight years So if you are in a car accident today since this event and the two sisters are and die without a will, your estate will still not speaking. still pass to your heirs. It might be costly and inefficient, but it will pass So what documents do you need? eventually. (Though do you really want the state to determine who will care for Durable Power of Attorney. The DPOA your minor children?) But if you were effectively delegates to a chosen repreto survive and end up in a coma, do sentative the power to legally conduct you know who would be legally autho- your affairs. Without it, no one could rized to talk with your insurance com- gain access to your bank account, sepany or take care of your financial mat- curities or any other property in your ters? Who would decide whether or not name without resorting to lengthy legal you go into surgery or to keep you on proceedings. Even a spouse can only life support? If you’re married, you’re make decisions about assets that you probably thinking your spouse can le- hold jointly.

(Don’t confuse a durable power of atgally do this, right? Wrong. torney with a General Power of AttorAfter tremendous expense and time, the ney, which has a serious flaw that prostate will eventually appoint someone hibits it from functioning as a method to fill these roles, which might in fact of planning for incapacity: The law be your spouse, though they would not considers a General POA to be autohave immediate legal rights to oversee matically withdrawn when you lose matters. Worse…you’re not married capacity. This means that if you have a and the court appoints a distant, self- stroke or other incapacitating event, the interested relative to take care of these POA is no longer effective.) matters. Or someone completely unreMedical Power of Attorney. This is a lated: document by which a person designates Recently, one of my clients got married the person who will make medical decito a victim of this insanity. “Julia’s” sions for him or her in the event of inaunt and uncle lived in Wisconsin. Af- capacity. The document has no effect as ter her aunt’s passing, Julia’s uncle de- long as the principal has the physical or veloped Alzheimer’s disease. Wiscon- mental capacity to make his own deci-

sions, but if the principal loses capacity, the agent obtains authority.

Living Will. Also known as a directive to physicians, this is designed to help an individual communicate his wishes about particular medical treatment in the future if he is unable to make his wishes known because of illness or injury. In the document one can specify whether he wishes to have life-sustaining treatment in the event 1) he is suffering from a terminal condition from which he is expected to die within six months, even with available life-sustaining treatment, or 2) he is suffering with an irreversible condition so that he cannot care for himself or make decisions for himself and is expected to die without life-sustaining treatment.

Fortunately, you can obtain these documents, plus a basic will and health-care proxy for $300 to $500 through most attorneys. You can also buy software or use an online law office if you want to do them yourself. However, we strongly recommend the use of an attorney as the boilerplate language of do-it-yourself solutions may not cover all of the situations that your document should address.

Bottom line: Everyone needs these documents, and now. Don’t wait until you’ve created your own horror story.

Jim Kennedy is a Registered Representative with VSR Financial Services, Inc. Kennedy Financial is independent of VSR Financial Services, Inc. Securities & Advisory Services offered through VSR Financial Services, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser & Member FINRA/SIPC.

Local History Wanda Lee Beck Skinner ©September 21, 2009

History is so important. Drive around our county and find sites of schools, communities and churches that are no longer in existence. See if there are people who will help you write a history of one of these sites and locations. Then do the history and place it in one of our county libraries. (Persons note) Eastland Centennial memorial Library welcomes new data. To enhance your history please include pictures, old annuals, church directories and community group pictures.

To get a better handle on this, visit the Eastland Library and see the genealogy shelves and the file cabinets that are filled with this type of history.

Help make those who come to Eastland County for research feel like we are proud to be an Eastland County resident..

It would be so nice if you would send some easy recipes for those busy men and women who are racking their brain to find good, economical and easy meals for those precious times they are able to sit down and eat a meal as a family.

Forever gone it seems are those days when women spent many hours in the kitchen without being rushed to prepare a meal so that the next thing on the agenda could become a reality.

I want to invite you to visit my web site Acclaimlife.com.

I have many interesting things on this site and I change it often.

Thank you and may God bless you and your. Pray that God will also bless America.

But remember He wants us to keep in touch by Bible Study and Prayer.

October, 2009 County Line Community News Page 5 •

ELVIS!

CARE events for October

Presented by C.A.R.E. (Community Animal Rescue Effort)

Community Animal Rescue Effort

Sept 12 - Gordon Gym C.A.R.E. presented ELVIS tribute artist R,J. Quick from Jacksboro. Due to bad weather the tractor pull at Gordon had to be cancelled but ELVIS arrived on time.

Rain may have kept some folks at home but those in attendance had a great time. Mr Quick performed many Elvis favorites, kids danced and adults sang along.

CARE also sponsored a silent auction with many nice items, featured items included a 1923 victrola, some Elvis memorbila and a 1957 photo of Elvis at Ft. Hood. This was a fundraiser for the CARE groups low cost spay/neuter program which is in the works for CARE area.

Community Animal Rescue Effort serves Strawn, Mingus, Gordon and Lake Palo Pinto, those interested in the spay/neuter program or other CARE projects can contact:

Oct. 3, 2009 Big Adoptaton sponsored

by Pet-Sense in Mineral Wells CARE as well as other humane societies and animal shelters will be part of a special adoptathon Oct 2 & 3, 2009 Oct. 10, 2009 Crazy Water Festival at Mineral Wells CARE will have a booth and adopathon downtown Mineral Wells Oct. 24, 2009 CARE Pup-Kin Fest in Gordon, Tx City Park Pet parade, costume contest, games and more. Fun for all Gordon City Park- noon to 4 pm, info call 817-929-5355 Oct 31,2009 Gordon Fall Festival CARE will have booth with spay/neuter info as well as fun activities.

Pam at 817-929-5355

New Email Address for The County Line Business & Community Journal Mike Norris - Publisher

Email: countyline@wolverinedesign.com

www.county-line.net

SunShine Gift Shoppe

Did You Know?

by Kelly Davidson

Your Texas Driver’s License:

The SunShine Gift Shoppe is part of the Eastland Memorial Hospital. It is located downstairs by the Earl & Billye Bradley Rehab and Wellness Center.

Our gift shoppe volunteers are warm and welcoming. The great gift ideas are not just for hospital patients but also wonderful for birthdays and anniversaries.

The Shades of Hope section of the gift shoppe will turn pink for October. We will recognize BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH with an assortment of pink items for sale.

This was news to me.

And trust me, I got my license out and It’s really there! It’s very, very small, but it’s there. Something all Texans should know, especially since this has received very little or no publicity. Your Texas driver’s license has a phone number on the back, just above the bar code on the lower left side:

The store hours are Monday- Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Our phone number is 631-0110.

Come join the fun and be a helping part of your community, be an E.M.H. Volunteer.

You may contact Rhonda Reeves, volunteer director, at 631-5153 for further information.

1-800-525-5555. (It’s in VERY SMALL PRINT, but it IS there.) This number can be called for emergency assistance on the highway or wherever you might have trouble while in your car. A service truck will be sent to you. This service is state operated and paid for with your tax dollars. If you are ever stranded, just call the number on your driver’s license...help is on the way. A state trooper will be sent to make sure all is well. This one is worth passing on especially to all the women you know.

• Page 6 County Line Community News October, 2009

Big Bend Ranch State Park to Host Fiesta Nov. 14 PRESIDIO, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department hopes the third time will be the charm for a daylong Fiesta set for Saturday, Nov. 14, to celebrate expanded recreational opportunities at Texas’ largest and wildest state park — Big Bend Ranch State Park.

The public is invited to learn first-hand about the many wonders of the more than 310,000-acre state park tucked into the far southwestern corner of the state during a free, daylong Fiesta at the park’s Sauceda Ranger Station. Two previous attempts to hold the outdoor celebration had to be cancelled when the Rio Grande uncharacteristically flooded the Presidio area in fall of 2008 and again in May of this year when nearby Mexico suffered an outbreak of the swine flu.

Saturday’s “open house” will feature a free barbecue lunch at noon, followed by a performance by cowboy singersongwriter Dennis Jay. Activities being offered include park tours, hikes, guided mountain bike and horseback rides, desert survival and camping demonstrations, a student art show, Buffalo Soldiers encampment and informational displays on everything from bats to river recreation. One guided tour will go into part of the recently acquired Fresno Ranch, a significant and strategic 7,000-acre addition to the park featuring wild canyons, stunning vistas, historical roads, rich riparian habitat and Rio Grande frontage.

Park rangers, as well as natural and cultural resource specialists, will be on hand to share information about this true wilderness park in the Big

Bend Country’s scenic Chihuahuan Desert highlands.

The purpose of the Fiesta is to increase awareness of the state park’s greatly expanded public use opportunities and to provide Texans, especially local citizens, a chance to visit and experience one of the great parks of the West.

Thanks to the labors of park staff and friends during the past two years, today’s adventurers now have more opportunities to hike, bike and ride horses along many miles of newly accessible trails and jeep roads, and much greater access to more than 50 new campsites, many of them in the more rugged, remote and scenic areas of Big Bend Ranch’s backcountry.

Information booths will be open and special Fiesta programs running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Special pre- and post-Fiesta tours, as well as “early bird” tours beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, will be offered by advanced reservation. The regular $3 park entry fee for persons 13 and older will be waived Thursday, Nov. 12 through Sunday, Nov. 15.

Visitors attending Fiesta weekend can make arrangements to stay overnight, but should be aware that there are limited tent camping options.

Camping is free during the Nov. 1215 time frame, but reservations are required. No lodging will be available at Sauceda.

To reserve a campsite during Fiesta weekend, call Big Bend Ranch State Park at (432) 358-4444. To reserve a spot on one of the Fiesta event tours, call TPWD’s Customer Service Center in Austin at (512) 389-8908 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. To learn more about the state park and Fiesta activities online, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Web site.

Credit Texas Parks and Wildlife http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us

October, 2009 County Line Community News Page 7 •

What is your objection to term life insurance?

By Clint Coffee CLU ChFC State Farm Insurance® agent

One objection to purchasing term life insurance is just that: when the term is over, the policy is finished. That’s it. No more coverage.

Many people I’ve talked with about term insurance worry they will outlive the policy period and ‘waste their money’ on something they didn’t need.

It can be difficult to counter these arguments except by explaining how term insurance can be an affordable way to provide life insurance coverage for a specific time period.

Until now. Insurance companies are offering term policies that actually return the premiums you’ve paid after the level premium period ends. In other words, if you purchase a 20-year term policy and are still living when the 20 year level premium period ends, the premiums you paid will be returned to you, in many cases free of federal income tax.

Those returned premiums can have a number of uses. If you still need life insurance you could purchase another policy. You could also use the premiums that are returned to pay down your mortgage or even add to your retirement savings.

Life insurance can provide peace of mind that your loved ones’ financial burdens may be eased if you are no longer there. The benefit provided by life insurance can help keep dreams alive.

One objection to buying term life insurance has been addressed by a policy that may return the premiums you paid.

Ask an insurance professional about a product that provides needed life insurance coverage but has the potential to return your premiums at the end of the term.

2010 Census Cautions

By Susan Johnson - August 3, 2009 12:07 PM

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers.

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country.

Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data. The big question is - how do you tell the d ifference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice: ** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home. ** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org.

• Page 8 County Line Community News October, 2009

Tumbleweed Smith

THE CALF HAD MURDER BRANDED ON IT Tumbleweed Smith One of the most intriguing stories to come out of the Texas mountain country is one that took place more than a hundred years ago near Marathon. I visited with Carl Williams in Midland the other day and he has done some research on the story. Carl is a former sheriff of Brewster County where the incident occurred and is writing a book about some of the lawmen, crimes and criminals of the Big Bend.

In the 1890’s the Indians had pretty much left the Big Bend and ranchers had moved in along with an occasional outlaw or two. There were few lawmen in this vast country and many times disputes were settled with gunfire. Sometimes the shooting incidents went unreported.

The range was open then, no fences. Ranchers helped each other round up cattle. Once the herds were separated, the calves were identified and branded before they were sold.

This story took place in the Glass Mountains of Northeastern Brewster County during January of 1890. A rancher named Henry Harrison Powe owned a small herd and joined other ranchers in rounding up calves that were missed in the fall roundup. During these roundups, owners of large ranches sent representatives to make sure their calves didn’t end up with someone else’s brand.

Powe’s young son R. M. Powe is the one who has given the most accurate account of what happened that day. He was helping with the roundup of several thousand cattle. His father selected a calf he thought was his and got it ready to brand. But a representative of one of the larger ranches, Finus Gillilland, thought it belonged to his employers, Dubois and Wentworth Ranches. The calf was moved back and forth while each man claimed ownership. Anger turned to rage and finally Powe went to a nearby horse and removed a gun from the saddlebag.

He fired a shot at Gilliland, but missed. Gilliland fired back and shot Powe to death. He mounted his horse and fled the scene.

Young Powe rode to Alpine to report the shooting to Sheriff James B. Gillett. A search party was formed and riders began looking for Gilliland.

The sheriff sent a description of Gilliland to area law enforcement officers. Just by chance one day in the Glass Mountains, Gilliland encountered a couple of Texas Rangers, Thalis T. Cook and James Putnam. A gunfight ensued and Gilliland was killed.

Carl Williams says at this point, legend gets mixed up with fact. Nobody wanted the calf. Neither of the two entities that claimed ownership would brand it. Someone branded the word MURDER on the side of the calf and it was set free to roam the range. Some say an apparition of the calf appears and disappears like the Marfa lights at bunk houses, bars, saloons or lonely spots where violence and murder have occurred. Some say the sheriff shot the calf to prevent further hard feelings and killings.

OBAMA HEALTH CARE PLAN WOULD HURT RANCHING FAMILIES Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association www.texascattleraisers.org For Immediate Release September 9, 2009 Contact: Carmen Fenton office: 512-469-0171 cell: 512-673-3906

Fort Worth, Texas - The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) released the following statement today after President Barack Obama rallied Congress for support of his government-run health care proposal.

“President Obama’s plan for a federal takeover of America’s health care industry will be especially harming to ranching families, many of whom depend on TSCRA’s insurance services for their health care,” said TSCRA President and rancher Dave Scott.

TSCRA began to offer insurance services to its members in 1977 to meet the growing need for affordable health care for independent businessmen and women. TSCRA currently insures more than 5,000 people through their insurance services.

“TSCRA is unlike most associations because we offer our members, many of whom run small ranching businesses with a small number of employees, health care insurance similar to what would be offered to employees at a large company. Our members are able to get full health care benefits, including dental and vision, at a lower price because they are part of the larger TSCRA insurance system,” said Jerri McDonald, TSCRA executive director of insurance services.

“Our fear is that Obama’s plan will drive private insurance premiums so high that it will become nearly impossible for our members to afford TSCRA insurance, eventually putting us, and other private insurance companies, completely out of business.

“There is no doubt that our health care system needs reform, but that reform should not take away the fundamental freedom of choice and the ability to choose quality health care like what is offered at TSCRA and other private insurance companies across the country.”

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 132-year-old trade organization and is the largest livestock association in Texas. TSCRA has more than 15,000 members who manage approximately 4 million head of cattle on 51.5 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma.

TSCRA provides law enforcement services, livestock inspection, legislative and regulatory advocacy, insurance services and educational opportunities for its members and the industry.

Make A Note!

New contact information for The County Line Business & Community Journal Mike Norris - Publisher Email: countyline@wolverinedesign.com

October, 2009 County Line Community News Page 9 •

Toyota Texas Bass Classic Comes to Lake Conroe In October Angling Competition Benefits Texas Parks & Wildlife; Kids 17 & Under Free LAKE CONROE, Texas — The Toyota Texas Bass Classic, a Professional Anglers Association (PAA) sanctioned event, will make its debut on Lake Conroe October 16 thru 18. The competition benefits Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) efforts to introduce young people and urban families to fishing and the outdoors.

The field will consist of 60 anglers. Twenty of the anglers qualified for the event by being a top 20 angler in the FLW Tour, FLW Series or BASS Elite. The other 40 anglers qualified by being in the top 40 of all three PAA Carrot Stix Tournament Series events in 2009. The field will compete head-to-head for the title of world champion as well as $500,000 in cash and prizes with the first-place winner getting cash and prizes worth $250,000.

Activities will continue all day both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday night’s concert will feature Texas country music legend Pat Green and rising star Zona Jones. Sunday’s weigh-in and crowning of the new world champion will take place between performances by Julianne Hough and Josh Turner.

Advance daily tickets are available for $10 each through the tournament web site, www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com. Onsite tickets purchased at the gate will be $10 for Friday and $20 each day Saturday and Sunday. Youth ages 17 and under will be admitted free with a ticketed adult.

Credit: Texas Parks and Wildlife http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Cisco Senior Nutrition Program Spaghetti Lunch Oct 4th

The CSNP will be having a spaghetti lunch for all who’d like to attend Oct 4th from Noon-1:30pm $6.00 for adults $3.00 for children. The luncheon will be located at the Myrtle Wilks Community Center on I-20 (Old Russell-Newman site) All proceeds will go to help fund the Cisco Senior Nutrition Program.

Come enjoy a great meal and check out the center.

Contact Cisco Chamber of Commerce 254-442-2537 ciscoinfo@ciscotx.com

• Page 10 County Line Community News October, 2009

Believe it or not, These are REAL 911 Calls!

Dispatcher : 9-1-1 What is your emergency?

Caller: I heard what sounded like gunshots coming from the brown house on the corner.

Dispatcher: Do you have an address?

Caller: No, I have on a blouse and slacks, why?

Dispatcher: 9-1-1 What is your emergency?

Caller : Someone broke into my house and took a bite out of my ham and cheese sandwich .

Dispatcher : Excuse me?

Caller : I made a ham and cheese sandwich and left it on the kitchen table and when I came back from the bathroom, someone had taken a bite out of it.

Dispatcher : Was anything else taken?

Caller : No, but this has happened to me before and I’m sick and tired of it!

Dispatcher: 9-1-1 What is the nature of

your emergency?

Caller: I’m trying to reach nine eleven but my phone doesn’t have an eleven on it.

Dispatcher: This is nine eleven.

Caller: I thought you just said it was nine-oneone Dispatcher: Yes, ma’am nine-one-one and nineeleven are the same thing.

Caller: Honey, I may be old, but I’m not stupid.

Dispatcher: 9-1-1 What’s the nature of your emergency?

Caller: My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart Dispatcher: Is this her first child?

Caller: No, you idiot! This is her husband!

Dispatcher: 9-1-1 Caller: Yeah, I’m having trouble breathing. I’m all out of breath. Darn...I think I’m going to pass out.

Dispatcher: Sir, where are you calling from?

Caller: I’m at a pay phone. North and Foster.

Dispatcher: Sir, an ambulance is on the way. Are you an asthmatic?

Caller: No Dispatcher: What were you doing before you started having trouble breathing?

Caller: Running from the Police.

County-Line New Phone Number!

254-631-8407

October, 2009 County Line Community News Page 11 •

IS THIS FIELD BAITED? Zach Havens Eastland County Game Warden This month I would like to share information that will hopefully help the sportsmen of Eastland County have an enjoyable dove hunting season. I have encountered several dove hunters in violation of the law. A few of the problems I want to discuss include: no hunter education, no migratory game bird stamp, unplugged shotgun, shooting past sunset, and baiting.

The most common violation I have encountered this dove season is hunters not having their hunter education course. Every person born after September 2, 1971 is required to be hunter education certified.

Everyone seventeen and older must be hunter education certified to hunt legally with a firearm or archery equipment. Children under sixteen years of age must be accompanied by a person who is at least seventeen, is licensed to hunt in Texas, has passed hunter education or is exempt (born before September 2, 1971), and you must be within normal voice

control. Proof of certification must be on your person while hunting. Hunter education classes are scheduled in Eastland County for October 10th and October 17th. These classes require students to successfully complete an online course of study, followed by participation in field exercises. Contact Jim Bruton at 254-629-3851 to reserve a class. You may also go to tpwd.state. tx.us and look under hunter education for course options and class locations in other parts of the state.

A migratory game bird stamp is required to hunt dove, ducks, geese and any migratory game bird in Texas. This stamp is required in addition to having a valid hunting license. A few hunters this season have not had the stamp.

One hunter was hunting dove with the upland game bird stamp. The upland game bird stamp is only valid to hunt non- migratory game bird species such as quail, turkey, and pheasant.

Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells total while hunting migratory game birds. One hunter was very complimentary to see the game warden out. He maintained a good attitude while signing his citation for hunting dove with an unplugged shotgun. A pencil or whittled mesquite limb makes a good temporary plug if you find yourself in the dove field and realize your gun is not plugged.

Legal hours for dove hunting are one-

half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Sunset is when the globe of the sun drops below the horizon. It is still light after sunset. Use a gps, go online, or check the newspaper for official sunrise and sunset times. Shooting must stop at sunset so the dove have a chance to finish feeding, water, and go to roost.

As a hunter it is your responsibility to know if an area is baited. Baiting is defined as “the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could serve as a lure or attraction for migratory game birds to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them.

A field is considered baited ten days following the complete removal of all such salt, grain, or other feed.” Pay attention to the ground when hunting.

Look for signs of harvested grain that has been scattered on top of the ground to attract dove. Grain crops that have been planted and allowed to mature may be shredded and dove may be hunted on these crops. Just don’t go to the barn or grain hopper, get a load of grain, scatter it on the field, and call all your buddies up and hunt dove on it. If you find yourself on a baited field, leave.

One last tip I would like to share with you concerns transporting dove after the hunt. Migratory game birds must be kept in the possession of the person that harvested them while in the field.

A hunter may give their dove to another person provided they tag the birds with a resource document. Keep each person’s birds separate. An easy way to do this is to use Ziploc bags, and a permanent marker. Write your name and the date on the bag. If you give your dove to another person, include a wildlife resource document. To be valid include the hunter and receivers name, phone, address; date harvested, location, number and type of species or parts, donors signature and date. A sample form is available online and in the outdoor annual. Think of the resource document as a way to tag your harvested dove. Putting all the dove together from a group hunt places one or two individuals in possession of all the birds. Think of the fines, court cost, and civil restitution that could

have been avoided by keeping the birds separate, and documented with a resource document.

The above mentioned situations do not cover all the laws pertaining to dove hunting. These are just some of the violations here in Eastland County this dove season. Read the Outdoor Annual available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Be Safe! See you in the woods and on the water.

4th FRIDAY MUSICAL We will have our 4th Friday night Musical on September 25, 2009.

1007 Humble Ave. In Hillside Village.

Come join us for a night of fun & fellowship.

Greet old friends, meet some new friends, and listen to some good Country & Gospel music.

The doors open at 5:00 PM. We start serving at 5:30PM. Music starts at 6:00 PM. Admission is free. The only cost is For food & drinks.

Our menu for September is Meat loaf, Pinto Beans, Mashed Potatoes, and Corn Bread and assorted deserts.

The drinks are Coffee, Tea, Cokes, Dr Pepper, & Bottled Water.

We hope to see you there!

We are a Smoke free, Alcohol free, and Drug free establishment.

• Page 12 County Line Community News October, 2009

Pig Tales From Hogtown What a blessing this rain has been! I hope it continues from time to time for a while – we sure need it. Did you see the fantastic lightening show Monday evening?

Well, we will soon have another month pass us by – can you believe it will be October already! Time to start thinking about Christmas shopping. And speaking of Christmas shopping – Hogtown Hootenanny is coming on the 17th of October. Besides food, music and games, we will have a great craft show.

If you have attended one of our spring craft shows, you know that we have wonderful vendors with high-quality work. It will be a great time to begin your Christmas shopping. Come and see.

Hogtown Hootenanny will run from 10:00 until 6:00.

The guys will be cooking and serving bar-b-que sandwiches at lunch time.

Our new month will begin here at the DAC on Saturday, October 3rd with ‘Breakfast at the DAC’. We had a full house last month and look forward to another on the 3rd!

Johnny Johnson and the Memory-Makers will be back on Friday, October 9th for our regular dance. Great band! Great people! Great fun!

If you are looking for domino fun, come to the DAC on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 P.M. If you are looking for some jamming fun, come to the DAC on Thursday afternoons at 3:00.

We do have fun at the DAC! See you in Desdemona!

Carol Pell

County-Line New Phone Number!

254-631-8407

October, 2009 County Line Community News Page 13  •

Make A Note!

New contact information for The County Line Business & Community Journal Mike Norris - Publisher Email: countyline@wolverinedesign.com

• Page 14 County Line Community News October, 2009

Water bills may fluctuate due to more accurate measurements City of Eastland Press Release September 10, 2009

Much more accurate measurement of water usage will be one of the elements of The City of Eastland’s installation of a remote sensing water metering system.

The City has contracted for the new system from the Aqua Metrics Company.

Their subcontractor, Great Southwest Meters, is installing the meters which should be complete in a few weeks.

“Not only will the new meters give accurate readings, we will also be able to monitor water usage directly from City Hall. We will be replacing over 1,800 meters, a number of which are well over 20 years old and far beyond their life expectancy which is normally about ten years,” said City Finance Director Leslie Zander.

Due to their age and wear, many of the meters were becoming undependable and troublesome. The new system will also take considerably less manpower to perform meter reads each month. This manpower will be shifted to water and sewer line replacement where more help is needed.

The research leading up to the decision to install the new system indicated that The City has been realizing a 10-20 percent loss of water each month due to a number of meters not accurately gauging the amount of water flowing through them. “And that’s where the rub is and will be for some folks who have had the faulty meters. Even though their water rate has not increased, their water bills will go up if they have been using more water than previously measured by their old meter”, said Ron Holliday, Eastland City Manager.

The new meters won’t begin automatically transmitting their readings until about November 1. However, about 80% of the meters are installed and are being used for billing purposes. Most citizens who have seen a noticeable difference in their utility bills have seen them increase, but a few have actually gone down.

“The new meters are very accurate but they are not infallible’, Holliday added.

“If after they get their new meter, people see a radical jump in their utility bill that defies common sense, they should give us a call at 629-8321 so we can check it out”, he said.

October, 2009 County Line Community News Page 15 •

More Deere.

Less dough.

The new 6D Series: Feature-loaded, economically priced.

The John Deere name says reliable. The price says affordable. The allnew 6D Series Tractors are loaded with features you might expect only in premium tractors. Features like 100 to 140 engine horsepower to handle just about any job. An impressive 17.6 gallon/minute hydraulic flow rate. A 540/1000 rpm PTO to match any implement you have. Ease of shuttle-shifting. And loads of flexibility. Just add a loader and stack bales, move pallets, clean pens, load brush, whatever you need. Stop by the dealership and dare to compare the new John Deere utility tractors to all the rest. These are the tractors that only look expensive.

CLARK TRACTOR & SUPPLY INC. 509 W. NAVARRO DE LEON, TX 76444 (254) 893-2061 www.clarktractor.com

CLARK TRACTOR & SUPPLY, INC. 11150 HWY 36 S. COMANCHE, TX 76442 (325) 356-2593 www.clarktractor.com

Nothing Runs Like A Deere

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• Page 16 County Line Community News October, 2009

@ the Ranger Library...& More!

By Diana McCullough

It’s just a little more than an hour until newspaper deadline.

The library is quiet with only four computers in use and one lady perusing the books, but I hear the jingle of the front door—add another computer user! Oh, and there is another lady examining the books on the “quarter shelves” out in the foyer. Our library has had 26 adults and one child visit so far today, but it’s nearly time for the school kids—so I need to type fast!

But what can I say? I believe that’s why I haven’t written sooner!

I read a book to a little girl this morning— little Haven brought three books to my desk and asked me to read to her.

I had her choose ONE, then we walked out to the loveseat and I read “Lady and the Tramp”--the same story I once read to my own little girls. That will probably be the highlight of my day. Haven is a very appreciative listener, and exceptionally smart, too.

She’ll have a lucky school teacher next year.

Yesterday’s Go Texan and Texas Capital Grant Fund workshop at the Connellee Hotel in Eastland was good. I brought home an extra packet and I’ll share if someone has an immediate need or a special interest. It was a very informative day.

I also worked in a flu shot.

It is my understanding that

the area clinics are quickly depleting their flu vaccination supplies so IF you need a flu shot, mark your calendar for NEXT week, Oct. 2nd or 3rd.

Wal-Mart in Eastland will be having a flu shot clinic from 1:00 to 3:00 for adults and children over the age of four.

After church last Sunday, we ate at the Maverick Pizza place in Eastland. We used to eat there often after church when it was owned by Jody, and the place was really packed.

My mom suggested that I advertise for them--so okay!

The pizza was delicious, the salad bar was fresh and everything you could want was available, and they have these tasty little cinnamon roll pastries that you should probably try to resist! We left happy and favorably (and flavorably!) impressed.

Ranger College President, Dr. Bill Campion, invited me to meet with his faculty at their meeting on Tuesday morning—and I accepted. Our college has a very nice faculty, and we have a president with big ideas. The City of Ranger, the Ranger College, and our Ranger Citizens Task Force will be combining our efforts for our next “Get ‘Er Done Day” which we will be calling “Day of Champions”.

The date is set for Saturday, Oct. 24th. Dr. Campion has warned me to expect 300 to 350 student volunteers to participate. “Warn” is not the word he uses—it’s the one that I THINK! Dr. Campion is very correct when he says we will have an immense ability for achievement that day. But I’m taking suggestions! 300 students is nearly overwhelming to me as far as organizing—but I KNOW we can be successful!

We just have to have a GREAT PLAN. LOTS of teamwork. We are having a “Special Emergency”

meeting of our Citizens Task Force tonight—we only have ONE MONTH to prepare.

See...we may have a huge crew of laborers but only a limited amount of tools—one of those pesky details that we have to figure out; but Mary Crenshaw offered a suggestion that I’ve been chewing on. Mary said that a number of our Ranger property owners are elderly or need extra help with their yards—and they probably (hopefully) OWN tools like rakes, hoes, and shovels, so we might possibly be able to HELP OTHERS with their own tools. It’s just a thought.

We will also plan to pick up trash along the streets and I think we can work on our old street signs. The mayor has consented to our painting the old street sign posts. Police Officer Abel Saldana says the posts also need to be straightened. Sounds like a good job for the cowboys—a post is a post, right? Our matching grant for our “Paint the Town Day” hasn’t come through, but I’d still like for us to PAINT something!

Make a difference. Then there are the practical ones that remind me that “surface preparation” is KEY to a good paint job—we can’t just go paint something! See how complicated this can be?!

And I’m not even going to mention the REALLY good ideas! But I’m welcoming them!

No promises of course. More details will be forthcoming—stay tuned.

Say a prayer for Ranger if you are so inclined.

We’ve had two previous “Get ‘Er Done Days”.

Each event we considered tremendously successful. Each day gave me so MANY personal stories—some I’d never repeat unless I’m married to you. Some of you were PART of these stories, and we know with a single glance

the shared history of some of those touching experiences.

Some of the stories, we repeat often. More than once I’d see a HUGE task and I’d say, “We can’t do that!” And Rita Charman would say, “Yes, we CAN!” Then to my astonishment we (3 non-macho women) lifted and loaded a huge, heavy piece of steel or (with another group that did include Ken Charman with heavy equipment and their strong sons) completely loaded and obliterated a mountainous pile of rubble. Rita told me, “Diana, YOU are the one with the FAITH!” And I said, “Rita, you said we could and I BELIEVED you!” I’ve got lots of favorite stories. And authors. And songs.

One of our challenges that I am perceiving is MONEY. Our task force has only raised $250—which sounds like a lot, but that won’t buy much paint or anything else these days.

But I do have FAITH. Let’s just see what we can do!

And remember, I own the t-shirt, “Ranger, Unlimited Possibilities”. (You can own one too for $12.)

The school kids have arrived, and I suddenly feel younger, and smarter— answering their precious questions. We are discussing the 7 Deadly Sins—the girls are doing a survey on My Space. And I’m laughing!

One young teenager just commented that she knew a lot of people doing “gluttony”. (I guess that’s not REALLY funny, but it SOUNDED funny when she said it.) Now they’re saying the words in Latin, because I had them google. They are really getting into this.

The cooler weather has been so pleasant. Let’s pray for a glorious day for our “Day of Champions”, Oct. 24th. Take care, and as always...ENJOY READING!

Cisco AARP Chapter 2447

will have theirregular monthly meeting Thursday, October 15, 2009.

In the Hillside Village, Wheatley Community Center at 1006 Humble Ave.

We each bring a covered dish for a potluck supper.

Drinks, paper plates, & cutlery are furnished by the Chapter.

We eat at 6:00 PM. Come join us for Fun, Food & Fellowship.

Followed by a brief business meeting We hope to see you there.

October, 2009 County Line Community News Page 17 •

From the b a c k s i d e

By Henry J. Clevicepin Collaborated by Nellie Frecklebelly and Agnes & Ophilia Fudpucker Well, Fall has set in here in Buzzard’s Roost and cooled the temperature down some to where you can almost get a light chill in the mornings. It’s about as chilly as our economy around here. My mule barn partner, Estee K. Bibbles , said his bunch was so broke that all his grandson had to play with was a tumbleweed. Besides being poor, the kids around here are dumb. The local officials had to raise the legal drinking age to 32 to keep the High School kids from drinking. The only people who don’t know the economy is bad, is them thieving sapsuckers in Washington. For the first time in history, this Democratic Congress we have is not allowing a cost of living adjustment increase in social Security. However, the monthly Medicare insurance premiums are increasing form $96.40 to $120.20 by 2011. Also, remember them suckers passed a bill to get their annual pay increases automatically so they wouldn’t have to vote on it every year. I think the Senior voters need to remember this and vote all them incumbents out in the coming elections. They just don’t understand we are tired of them stealing our money and spending it and then wanting more to spend. It’s kinda like that fancy dan out of state lawyer that was passing thru Buzzard’s Roost awhile back and ran a stop sign. When our local Barney Fife policeman pulled him over and explained he didn’t come to a complete stop, the lawyer said that he had slowed down before proceeding and if the cop could show him the difference between slowing down and stopping, he would gladly pay the fine. So, oh Barney pulled the lawyer out of his car and started beating him him his nightstick and ask him “ Do you want me to stop or just slow down?” The lawyer paid the fine !!!!!!

Me and ol Estee K. been confused over the word service. We always hear of the Internal Revenue Service, the Postal Service, Civil Service, Customer Service and Public Service. We just didn’t understand what service meant until we were down at the local coffee shop and we heard a farmer telling another farmer he had leased a bull to “service “ his cows and BAM, it hit us…..that is what these agencies are doing to us. Now you’ll understand every time you hear the words service.

I was trying to explain to Estee K. how the government works so I explained it to him this way. Once upon a time the government had a giant scrap yard. Congress said someone might steal it, so they created a night watchman job. Then Congress said , how does the watchman do his job without instructions so they created a planning dept. Then Congress said how will we know the watchman is doing his job correctly, so they created a Quality Control dept. Then Congress ask how are all of these people going to get paid, so they created a payroll dept. Then Congress ask who will be accountable for all of these people so they created an administrative dept. Then Congress said we have had this operation for over a year and now we are $18 million over budget…we must cut back. So they fired the watchman.

And that my friends is how our government works. Does anybody remember why the Dept of Energy was created by Carter in 1977? To lessen our dependency on foreign oil…now that really worked didn’t it. Now 32 yrs later their budget is $24 Billion with 16,000 employees and 100,000 contract employees and we still depend on foreign oil. Now just think what they can do with our Healthcare system !!!!!!!!! You know Congress is looking into the Bernard Madoff scandal. Now folks, this is just great….a guy who made 50 billion disappear being investigated by a bunch who made 1.5 trillion disappear.

And just to let you know God is still answering prayers. As I mentioned last month my ol buddy Jerry Reynold’s, who does the Carguy Show every Sat. morning on WBAP radio in FT Worth, 26 yr old son was in the hospital with a virus in his heart. Well after 32 days in the hospital and our excellent healthcare system and lots of prayers BJ got to go home this week. He has a ways to go to get his heart back to where it was but with more prayers and rehab and his youth I bet he makes it.

Speaking of rehab, the Buzzard’s Roost gals, Nellie Frecklebelly & Agnes & Ophilia Fudpucker are all in a tizzy over who is going to get to help with his rehab. Jerry said BJ had lost some weight and needed some fat on him……well, let me tell you, any one of these ol gals can put some fat on him. They just can’t wait to see which one he picks .

Words of Wisdom from Henry J : When you put the words “the” and “IRS” together it spells “theirs”.

You can email ol Henry J at : henryjclevicepin@aol.com

Cisco Chamber of Commerce 7th Annual Hunter’s AppreciationLuncheon Nov 7th - 11am-1pm

Community Pavilion 309 Conrad Hilton Ave Next to Fire Station Food, Door Prizes, Raffles & More!!!

Your Valid Texas Hunting License is your admission!!

Current Sponsors: Brandt’s Plants, Stan’s Tire Center, Brookshire’s, WTG Inc, Tri-Tex Sales, Subway 1st Annual Leon Boles Memorial Gun Show Hilton Center Next to Pavilion Nov 7th - 9am-5pm & 8th - 1pm-5pm $3.00 Admission Cisco Chamber of Commerce 254-442-2537 or ciscoinfo@ciscotx.com

• Page 18 County Line Community News October, 2009

Desdemona Hogtown A Day In Desdemona

By Ray Parton A benefit Bar-B-Q supper was held on Saturday, September 19th for the Howard Cemetery Association at the home of Gary and Shirley Shirley in Desdemona. There was some great Bar-B-Q and entertainment on hand. That’s where I come in. I’m Ray Parton and I really enjoy small towns, good food and down home people. My plan was to meet Carol Pell and find out about a little jewel that’s tucked away in South Eastland County. And I have to say what a jewel Hogtown is. Wait right there is this Desdemona or Hogtown? Well it’s Desdemona and Hogtown.

Helen Depwe, Nell Moore, Virginia Griffith

Carol & Ron Pell

called Hogtown before it was called Desdamona. He went on to tell me that the name Desdemona came from the first Postmaster. Desdemona was his daughter’s name. Hog creek lies just outside of town & so does the old hog ranch.

My impression is you can call it Hogtown or Desdemona, I meet two native born and You won’t offend them by raised Desdemonians Mrs. using either one.

Nell Moore And Mr. Lindley Clayton. And I heard them both This once thriving refer to the area as Desdemona “Boomtown” had a population and Hogtown. Mr. Clayton who of 20,000+. Once home to Fort has Clayton’s Guns, which is Blair. It seems there were five in the old First National Bank banks in this now crossroads Building told me the town was community. FM 2214 (Ranch Rd. 8) & St. Hwy 16. And there is some great food to be enjoyed in Desdemona as well.

The Hogtown “Wagon Wheel”

Pizza is loaded down with toppings. There’s Porker’s Cafe with down-home cookin’.

Coffee and Lunch at the Crossroads Cafe. I’m headed back soon to try the Steaks at the Boomtown Restaurant. I think I’ll start a culinary review next.

At the Desdemona Activity Center on Saturday October 3rd they have a monthly ‘Breakfast at the DAC’ A great gathering event for their activity center, 150 friendly folk’s attended last month. I’ll add what a nice facility they have put together including a library in the center that has Internet access for you to use. I didn’t count the books. But I have to say this volunteer operated library is

impressive and open from 3 to 5pm Monday - Thursday & Tuesdays 6-8pm. On Thursday afternoons you can enjoy some music while you browse for a good book. Even better, bring your musical instrument and join in the pickin’ and grinnin’.

Stop in and check it out, get a library card while you’re there.

The “bones” hit the tables every Tuesday evening, with the “shakin’ of the bones” starting at 6p. The DAC is a fun place to get in on a Domino’s game that also has some tasty ‘goodies’ to enjoy. Wow they love to gather and have good times at the DAC. A Two-Steppin’ monthly Second Friday Dance also happens there. October 9th is the next dance. So clear your dance card and be there.

Here’s

Helen Depwe, Nell Moore, Virginia Griffith, MariePatty

another

date

you to go to Desdemona, October 17th is Hogtown Hootenanny! The Hootenanny will consist of a wonderful craft show (their second of the year), food, music and games.

The Hootenanny craft show will be a great place to start your Christmas shopping, as they will have everything from gorgeous gourds to jewelry and everything in between!

If you like to sing or play an instrument take it along and join in the fun at the Hogtown Hootenanny.

One thing is for sure, your welcome to a good time in Desdemona. Stop in to the Desdemona Community Center to find out just what I’m talking about or give Ron & Carol Pell a call 254.758.2420 for or 254.734.6665.

Marie Patty

October, 2009 County Line Community News Page 19 •

Cisco AARP Chapter 2447

We will have our 4th Friday night Musical on October 23, 2009.

1007 Humble Ave. In Hillside Village.

Come join us for a night of fun & fellowship.

Greet old friends, meet some new friends, and listen to some good Country & Gospel music.

The doors open at 5:00 PM. We start serving at 5:30PM. Music starts at 6:00 PM. Admission is free.

The only cost is For food & drinks.

( Word Converter - Unregistered ) http://www.word-converter.net

Our menu for October is Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Bread and assorted Deserts.

The drinks are Coffee, Tea, Cokes, Dr Pepper, & Bottled Water.

We hope to see you there!

We are a Smoke free, Alcohol free, and Drug free establishment.

Angel Food Ministries

Cut off date for ordering October food is Wed. Oct. 14th.

Delivery is Sat. Oct. 24th.

The ordering date has been extended 4 days which makes delivery alot sooner.

Order On Line with debit or credit card. www.angelfoodministries.com Food Stamp Orders to call 442-1969 Also you can place your order at the FBC in Ranger and all orders will be delivered from FBC.

Saturday, October 9th City Park BBQ Cook-Off Sanctioned by Lone Star BBQ Society Parade at 10:00 a.m.

For life insurance, call a good neighbor.

Call me and I’ll help you get the right life insurance for you and your family.

Musical Entertainment

Pumpkin Carving Contest at 11:00 a.m.

Pecan Pie Bake-Off –entry by 11:00 Antique Cars & Tractors

Clint Coffee ChFC CLU, Agent 959 E Main St Eastland, TX 76448 Bus: 254-629-1222 clint@clintcoffee.com

Arts & Craft Booths Food Booths

Vendors Welcome Rising Star, Texas 254-643-4261 254-643-1212-Fax

statefarm.com® State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI), State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company P062046 12/06 (Licensed in NY and WI) - Bloomington, IL

• Page 20 County Line Community News October, 2009

A Halloween Tale...

by Mike Norris We’re coming up on one of my favorite holidays - Halloween.

So in honor of Halloween traditions long passed, let me share a tale.

Back in my day, before there were paintball guns and back when Nerf® only made squishy footballs, the only things we had at our disposal to wage adolescent war with was the trusty, old reliable, water balloon! And much like the traditional muzzle-loaders and flint-lock muskets we learned about in history class, the art of water balloon warfare and the outcome of most engagements, depended largely on your skill at reloading, or filling, the water balloons.

It was inevitable that the more technologically advanced forces would solve the issues of water balloon reloading, and thus have a greater advantage on the field of battle. At that time, some of the most advanced forces on the battlefield were the juniors and seniors. They had pick-up trucks with beds filled with garbage cans. And to solve the issue

of reloading water balloons, they filled those garbage cans with pre-armed water balloons. This allowed them to fight an entire engagement without the need to stop and reload. They also carried the latest in rapid deployment special forces - which they called “buddies”.

These “buddies” would ride in the back of the armored assault pick-up truck, and engage any target within range while the vehicle maintained a speedy, agile stance. If a high value target was out of range, the “buddies” would bail out over the side of their transport vehicle and engage in close quarters pursuit...usually having the target heavily outnumbered. These were the elite forces on the water balloon battlefield.

And to their credit, they enjoyed great success.

To counter such technical marvels as the fast attack vehicles and the “buddy system” tactics, the lesser-advanced forces, also known as “us kids” and just about anyone who wasn’t lucky enough to be in the back of someone else’s truck, had to develop tactics such as “run and hide”, or “stick together”, and of course the surprising tactic we liked to call “split up”. However, where

they had pre-filled water balloons at the ready, we had an elaborate network of covert operatives that carried unarmed water balloons with them by the dozens.

These resourceful combat engineers found water in and around the areas of engagement, which included the entire downtown Carbon area. Every available faucet, spigot or unguarded water hose became a supply depot where two or three combat engineers would gather to quickly fill water balloons and deliver them to the front lines. We also employed advanced ammunition in the form of MLSC’s (Menthol-Laced Shaving Cream) water balloons. There were rumors of other exotic weapons modifications, such as the addition of food coloring, or ketchup and mustard.

These rumors would sometimes keep the armored attack vehicles at a distance due to the corrosive properties of such exotic weaponry against combat clothing and vehicle paint. Whether or not such weapons were ever used, their rumored existence served their purpose none the less.

But the most feared weapon in the water balloon war was the Stealth Bomber.

These pin-point, precision attack vehi-

cles held the ultimate advantage on the battlefield. They were so far advanced beyond the underclassmen, that they never saw them coming. In fact, the underclassmen fell prey to them over and over and over again. These sleek, covert vehicles would cruise through town keeping a low profile until their targets were located maneuvering within the battle formations. Then these vehicles would pull straight into the heart of the battle, seemingly oblivious to the war itself, and approach their intended targets with focused determination. As the stealth bomber approached, it had the surreal affect of being able to cease all hostilities in its midst. As weapons were lowered, the curious, and unexperienced would approach the vehicle and unknowingly expose themselves to the emminent attack. As the windows on the stealth bomber would lower, and from literally point-blank range, salvos of water balloons would errupt from the vehicle in all directions! Sending the inexperienced underclassmen scampering amid all manners of shouts and yelling!

These were highly advanced weapons, even too advanced for the upperclassmen to deploy. (cont. on page 21)

October, 2009 County Line Community News Page 21 • (cont. from page 20)

No, only our parents could get away with such treachery!

Exactly how all this relates to the holiday known as Halloween was never quite clear to me. You never see on the Discovery Channel® anything about the druids in ancient Europe breaking out of their entranced dancing and idol worshipping to engage in mass water balloon carnage...or in their case, maybe tomatoes or other such squishy vegies. But throughout my junior high and high school years, it seemed to be a rite of passage for the students of Carbon High School to gather in the parking lot after the annual Halloween Carnival and for some reason or another a water balloon fight would always break out.

At the time, I never knew what we were fighting for or why were fighting.

I just thought that was what we were supposed to do and besides, it was allot of fun! Once the balloons were in the air nothing really mattered anyway except how many balloons you had in your hands and where the nearest tree was located. (by the way, on a personal note, don’t fall down while carrying dozens of armed water balloons...they

tend to go off unexpectedly) But now, since I have grown up and learned much in the ways of adulthood, I know why we were fighting and what we were fighting for. Now I know why we looked forward to that night every year, and now I know why those memories are so important.

Since those years, I’ve seen more and more restrictions and more and more uproar about Halloween than I ever could have imagined. But because of that, now I know why we fought the great annual water balloon war every Halloween in Carbon, Texas.

It’s because deep inside, we all remember being kids and trying to have fun. And for one night a year, it’s kind of nice to take off the grownup mask and let that kid come out and play.

Happy Halloween!

And if you plan on coming by my house this year, bring a towel.

If you have a Halloween story you would like to share, send it to me. mike@wolverinedesign.com

Alameda Cemetary - Desdemona, Texas photos by Ray Parton

• Page 22 County Line Community News October, 2009 OUR ADVERTISERS KEEP COUNTY LINE FREE....

REMEMBER TO SHOP WITH THEM AND THANK THEM!

October, 2009 County Line Community News Page 23 •

Seeds of Wrath Wanda Lee Beck Skinner ©September 21,2009 Proverbs 15:18 KJV “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.”

We have the capacity to open doors to anger which usually bring strife. It brings strife and stress not only to us but to others. I would prefer to choose the path of slow to anger and change my stress level and the burdens to other persons I care about.

In all you actions and reaction do your very best to live peaceable with all men.

Don’t Grow Weary Galations 6:9 KJV “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

The word weary describes so many people today. I have that feeling often.

Set your mind on giving you body time to rest and trust in the Lord. Never give up on your dreams and remember that it takes perseverance to reap the desired reward. It would not hurt if you called on God to help you with learning.

County-Line New Toll-Free FAX Number!

866-633-8715

Social Media Seminar On Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at noon, the Eastland Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Tech Small Business Development Center will host a social media seminar at the Connellee Hotel. The discussion will cover advertising and marketing on networks such as MySpace, Twitter, and WordPress. These sites are free to use, easy to set up, and are accessible to millions of people.

Lunch will be provided at 11:30 a.m.

If you are interested in attending the seminar, please contact Cristal Rose at 254.629.2332 or ecofccr@ txbusiness.com by Friday, October 2, 2009.

• Page 24 County Line Community News October, 2009