The County Line - November 2009, v2i26

This Issue....

Mailing to Our Troops!

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Ranger “Day of Champions!”

NEW WEBSITE ► www.mycounty-line.com

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Breckenridge Spirited Businesses

Business & Community Journal

November, 2009

Volume 2 Issue 26

T k a ! e

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Gold Lantern

Christmas Tree Showcase!

Cisco Scares

►► Look Inside

Up Some Friendly Faces! ►► See “On the Cover”

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

• Page 2 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

November, 2009

vol.2 Issue 26

On The Cover:

Dennis & Janelle Campbell

Contents

Campbell Insurance Agency - Cisco, Tx For our first issue of The County Line, my wife and I went on a scavenger hunt for a really great cover photo!

As we drove around the county searching for something and eating up lots of batteries in our digital camera, we couldn’t help but notice all the scare crow decorations around Cisco. They’re everywhere! And of course, we picked up a few of them in some of our photos. Ruthie actually had a heck of a time getting a picture of the scare crow holding his bicycle at the corner in the Crossties parking lot!

But the display outside of Dennis and Janelle Campell’s place of business really caught our eye! The contrast of colors was striking and I just loved the little sign dangling around the scare crow’s neck - “This is such a corny job!”

A few days later, I stopped by the

Scare crows greet visitors at Campbell Insurance Agency in Cisco, Texas.

Photo by mwnorris

In This Issue: Flying Blind John C. Jones Breckenridge CoC Ranger College City Limits Tumbleweed Out of the Past The Backside John Yates Clint Coffee Kelly Davidson Ranger Library Jim Kennedy Gorman I.S.D. Wanda Skinner Zach Havens Footnotes

On The Web:

More Articles...

Advertiser Lists...

Distribution Maps...

Photo by mwnorris

Campbells’ to ask about using their scare crows as our first cover. When I walked in, Janelle greeted me with a smile, and perhaps some surprise when I told her why I was there.

But without hesitation, she agreed and when I turned my attention to the decor of their offices, she took a moment to show me around and let me take a few more pictures.

In Janelle’s office, she had pitcures Photo by mwnorris of several fall displays from over the years and Dennis’ center piece was a picture of him fishing on Lake Cisco silhouetted by an iconic Texas sunset.

From spending just a few minutes with the Campbells I also learned that they enjoy helping with the group of volunteers that put up the downtown Cisco Christmas lights each year.

Janelle pointed to a group of boxes sitting in one corner of their break room and said, “Don’t pay any attention to those boxes. That’s the lights for putting up in downtown this year for Christmas.” Of course, I responded, “That’s allot of lights!”

I get the feeling that the Campbells really enjoy sharing the spirit of the seasons with their community. I really admire that and I can’t wait to see the Cisco Christmas lights! ~mwnorris

The County Line Published by Mike Norris Wolverine Design

P.O. Box 1156 Eastland, Tx 76448 Phone: (254)631-8407 Fax: (866)633-8715 (toll free)

Visit Our Website:

www.mycounty-line.com

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The County Line is published monthly and distributed in the following cities: Albany Baird Breckenridge Carbon Cisco Cross Plains DeLeon Desdemona Eastland Gordon Gorman Olden Ranger Rising Star Strawn Thurber

Thank you for reading The County Line!

Mike &rris Ruth No

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

Page 3 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

■ Flying

Blind, Mike Norris

“There’s the football field...the airport should be right over there!”

My flight instructor and I were flying at night on our way to our destination airport.

This was a navigation task so I was plotting our course and monitoring our progress on the sectional map that I was holding in my lap.

I had my trusty hand-held GPS mounted on the dash, but to keep me from cheating, my flight instructor had insisted that I leave the backlight display turned off. So it was up to me, the map, my watch, and thousands of street lights to find our way to a safe landing.

We crossed the interstate almost right on time, just a few more minutes and we would be over the airport.

As we got over a noticably dark area on the ground, my instructor said, “Now key the mic three times and the runway lights should come on.”

Click, click, click! Nothing.

“Hmm, well there’s the football field...the airport should be right over there!” he said as he pointed out across the cabin out my side window.

“Try it again.”

Click, click, click! Nope!

We casually circled around town and tried to come in from another direction. But again, no runway lights.

I studied my map for a few minutes and compared what I was seeing out the window to what the map said I

should be seeing. Everything was right where it was supposed to be.

Maybe the airport lights were down for some reason. We decided to try the landing lights and see if we could find the runway. Nope! It wasn’t there.

Something wasn’t right, but all of our navigation had been right on the money. But we had been flying over this small town for a good 15 minutes and hadn’t found the airport yet.

I finally reached up and turned on the light for my GPS. “Oh! There it is!” I pointed, “We missed it by about 20 miles.” I turned the little Cessna north and we climbed up to a safe altitude. My little GPS just happily pointed the way home.

The lesson I learned from that little excursion is that you can have the best information available and still choose to ignore it. You can even spend some time flying around in circles looking for better information, but sooner or later, you still have to land the plane.

You could apply that analogy to allot of things lately...such as the economy, healthcare, and the war in Afghanistan. We keep flying around in circles clicking on the microphone looking for answers. Meanwhile, the truth is right in front of us, being ignored. ~mwnorris

■ “Planning

•

Ahead...”, Cisco

by Marilyn Loeser Oct. 27, 2009

It may seem too early to start thinking about the holidays, but if you’re mailing to a loved-one serving in the military, it’s a good idea to know the 2009 mail-by dates — some are less than a month away.

It costs the same to mail a letter or package to an overseas military address as it does to any other domestic destination. With timing and the right shipping product, you can save money and be assured it’ll arrive in-the-Nick-of-time.

The recommended Parcel Post mailing date to overseas military installations, including Iraq and Afghanistan, is Nov. 13.

Parcel Post packages can weigh up to 70 pounds and measure up to 130 inches in combined length and distance around the thickest part. A surcharge applies to certain items including packages weighing over 35 pounds — 25 pounds for books and printed matter — and certain shapes such as tubes and large packages.

The next cut-off is one to two weeks later for Space Available Mail — SAM. SAM parcels are paid at the Parcel Post postage rate with maximum weight and size limits of 15 pounds and 60 inches in length and

girth combined. SAM parcels are first transported domestically by surface and then to overseas destinations by air on a space-available basis.

The next option is Parcel Airlift Mail — PAL. PAL is a service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space-available basis. It’s designed for Parcel Post items not exceeding 30 pounds in weight or 60 inches in length and girth combined.

A PAL surcharge is added to the regular surface rate of postage for each addressed piece sent. Deadlines are December 1 – 4 depending on the address.

In many cases, Priority Mail is your best option. Not only can you wait until December 4 – 11, depending on the address, but if you print your label online at usps.com, you’ll save additional money as well. Labels and customs forms can be printed online any time using Click-N-Ship and with Carrier Pick-up, your carrier will pick up the packages from your home or office the next day.

If you’re using a Large Priority Mail Flay Rate Box, you’ll save an additional $2. The domestic price is $13.95, but for packages to APO/

Visit our website for more articles, photos, and news about the things that interest you -- http://www.mycounty-line.com

(continued on page 16)

• Page 4 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

■ When

A Community Comes Together, Cisco

by John C. Jones When the leadership of the new Myrtle Wilks Community Center and MTC came together and agreed to start the massive project, we knew it was bigger than one family, one church, or one town could successfully do.

We started the project with “faith in our area townspeople” and already that has proven itself. Already with just our first month in the building we have had the following people or businesses donate to our Community Center for Eastland County. We do have needs. We have needs for people to serve working with our youth, to serve as greeters and helpers with the building and the many, many things that are inside for our Community to do (Family Game Rooms with Arcades, Pool Tables, Wii Bowling, etc).

The Senior’s Nutrition Program needs cooks, servers, people to deliver meals, people to serve on the days the seniors come to the Community Center to eat lunch and to clean up, as well as those who enjoy providing arts and craft opportunities for the seniors who are interested in these types of activities.

If you are interested in being a help, call 254-442-4479, ask for secretary, Jennifer Rasco, and share your desire and that will be passed on to the proper department or people. We still have landscaping needs, needs for commercial nursery cribs, and other items for nursery and/or daycare use.

We would like to acknowledge gifts in the month of September/October from: I-20 Resale with 7 Various Tables for the mall and Starbucks dining area (Cisco)

Brandon Orms Pea Gravel for kids playground (Eastland) Golden Lantern for Silk Tree and Ceramic Pot (Eastland) Del Brandt (Landscaping and Nursery) for 12 Crepe Myrtle Trees (Cisco) Delbert Schaffer for Youth Alley Sign (Cisco) The building is open at least 8 to 5 p.m. at the present with plans soon to be open 8 to 9:00 p.m. During this time there is a Family Game Room, Indoor Walking Area, and pre school play area (up to 6 years old) for parents to sit and watch the children play in an indoor setting in the mall.

The community center has various rooms for public use and rental.

The remaining 2009 and some 2010 calendar dates have already been reserved and people have rented the rooms for several activities. There is a Chapel for weddings or funerals, the Chapel also can be arranged for meetings, class reunions, as well as 5 other meeting rooms, the Starbucks area for dining up to about 40+, the auditorium (which is being sought for proms, High School Graduation nights, 5th Quarter use after games, hosting large conventions up to 400+, larger dining needs, banquets such as the 300+ Open Door Life Banquet which is upcoming this month, a Youth Alley complete with some 30 free Wii games, Arcade games, and [an indoor playground] structure that will be installed this week or next - (perfect for birthday parties, etc), and much much more. Call 254442-4479 or 254-631-1392 for more information or a referral to the Events Coordinator.

Fall Bazaar

Lone Camp Community Center Located on Hwy 4 between Santo and Palo Pinto November 13th & 14th from 9 to 5 .

Come shop for Christmas and have breakfast and/or lunch. Arts, crafts, jewelry and lots of unique items.

For more information contact Karen Locke.

940-659-2141 The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

Page 5 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

■ Chamber

Buzz, Breckenridge

Congratulations to the winners of our “Most Spirited Business” contest!

1st Place - First National Bank 2nd Place - Breckenridge Medical Center 3rd Place - Bealls And a special thanks to all that participated: Ms. Jessica’s Daycare, IntegraCare, Solaris Hospice, Austin Finance, Wishes, Main Street Floral, Tees & More, ABC Printing, The Marketplace, Buckaroo Bakery, and Girlfriends!

Breckenridge Fine Arts Center Exhibits: “Friends” - East Gallery September 20 - November 25 Paintings by Emily Arnot, Hollee Clawater & Corinee Arnot “Artists of Bosque County” - Main Gallery October 13 - November 25 Paintings and sculptures by Mike Irvin, Hugh Gaither, Jo Beck, Mike Windsor, Betty Graham & Dina Gregory Events: Illustrator Appreciation Workshop for Children November (sometime before Thanksgiving)

For more details, call Van Moore at 559-6602.

Christmas will be here before you know it so make sure to mark your calendars for this year’s festivities! *Thursday, December 3rd* TSTC Tour of Homes *Friday, December 11th* Merry Marketplace & Foundation Park Christmas Tree Lighting (Be sure to check out our new Christmas tree!) *Saturday, December 12th* Merry Marketplace & Christmas Parade!

The parade theme is “A Frontier Christmas” and float information/ sign up packets will be available for pickup on November 1st!

Questions? Call the Chamber! 5592301 Library Book Sale November 12 - 14 Thursday night preview sale - 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm Friday book sale - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday book sale - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm The library is taking donations of hardback books and paperbacks in good condition.

■ Announcement, Cisco Bake Sale - CNB & FNB November 13 Sale will begin at 8:30 am and will last until all items are sold!

Anyone wishing to donate baked goods for the sale should contact Grady Fox at 559-2123.

If you have any questions or would like more details, call Judy Credicott at 559-5505.

Say HELLO to our newest Chamber Members!

Plaza Motel 254-559-6501 6924 Highway 180 West Breckenridge, TX 76424 www.plazamotel.blogspot.com J.E. Mikeska M.D. 254-559-3363 101 South Hartford Breckenridge, TX 76424 Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce 100 East Elm Street P.O. Box 1466 Breckenridge, Texas 76424 Phone: 254-559-2301 Fax: 254-559-7104 chamber@breckenridgetexas.com

AARP & Hillside Village Fourth Friday Musical

We will have our 4th Friday night Musical on November 27, 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 4:30 PM. We start serving at 5:00PM. Music starts at 6:00 PM. Admission is free. The only cost is for food & drinks.

Our menu for November is Soup 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.

This will be our last musical this year. Our next musical will be January 22, 2010

Visit our website for more articles, photos, and news about the things that interest you -- http://www.mycounty-line.com

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• Page 6 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

Page 7 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

■ Tumbleweed

Smith, Big Spring

Some Stories From Rosebud I had the privilege of speaking at the Rosebud Chamber of Commerce Banquet this year and enjoyed learning about the Falls County town with a unique name.

It was first called Mormon. Other names were Pool’s Crossing and Greer’s Horse Pen. When the railroad came through a mile down the road, the small group of residents moved and decided to call the new town Mullins, to honor one of the settlers who had planted a rose garden. When the post office department rejected the name Mullins, the citizens voted to call the place Rosebud.

Within a few years it had two hospitals, two banks, a newspaper, library, auction barn, grain warehouse, meat processing plant and two cotton gins. Many of the 100-year-old buildings in town have historical markers for their unique architecture.

For a while, every house in town had a rose bush.

Diane Dolan of Rosebud says her grandfather came to Texas and became an expert at shearing sheep. “He was so fast and good at it that the farmers said they couldn’t pay him what he charged, so he started teaching school at Flat and The Grove. Later he came to the community of Rogers and opened a store. About the time he heard the railroad was coming to where Rosebud is now located, he got on his bicycle and rode cross-country to get here. There were no roads.

On his way here, a man was out in his field plowing with his mules.

When my grandfather passed by, the bicycle scared the mules so bad that they ran off.”

Her grandfather settled down in Rosebud and opened a general store.

In 1904 he built a new home. That’s where Diane and her husband live now. The house had the first bathtub in Rosebud. It was made out of tin.

“It had wooden rails on it,” says Diane. “It was years ago when my uncle Finn was young and mischievous. He usually had a small rifle with him. This tub came in a crate

and Finn started shooting holes in the crate, which of course meant the tub was full of holes. They had to get a new tub.”

Her grandfather made wine. “He put it in these big crocks and put it in a storage room out here behind the house. About that time the city was putting in sewer lines for the first time.

Men were working on the road by the side of the house and when they got thirsty they went in that storage room and drank up all my grandfather’s wine.”

Diane’s father was born in 1909.

“He decided he was going to sell lemonade. My grandmother got him a number ten washtub and he got the lemon and the sugar and he made this big batch of lemonade. He made a sign reading “LEMONDADE. ALL YOU CAN DRINK FOR A NICKEL.” Across the street from my grandfather’s house was a man named Mr. Brown. He was a big man and rode a big horse. He came riding up and saw the sign and asked my dad if the sign was correct. My dad said it was. So Mr. Brown gave my dad five cents and let his horse drink the lemonade.”

When Diane travels, she gives people a little sticker that has a picture of a rose on it.

Visit our website for more articles, photos, and news about the things that interest you -- http://www.mycounty-line.com

•

• Page 8 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

■ Out

of the Past, Luther Gohlke Fort Polk Here I Come

Have you ever been on a journey you didn’t really want to take and going there would or could lead to unknown places and events not of your choosing? Well this happened to me in 1961.

After church and a good home cooked dinner, I kissed my wife Pat good bye, hugged my children who were then 4, 2 and 10 months old and began a trip to Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Tears were shed because I didn’t know when or if I would see them again. It was a long trip, about 12 hours alone and I was not really wanting to go.

You see, I was in the National Guard, the 49th armored Division, and we had been activated because of the Cuban and Berlin Crisis. Where was Fort Polk, Louisiana? I didn’t know.

I had never been there before. I had taken my old Ford and was to meet up with the regular unit next day. It was Head Quarters Battery, Division Artillery out of Wichita Falls, Texas.

I had joined the National Guard in order to serve my military time.

The army was drafting doctors and a 4 year stint in the military was the order of the day. Also, I had a good friend, Charles Arnett, a full time National Guard Recruiter living in Ranger. There was also a guard unit with building and supplies in Ranger.

The Armory building as it was called, now belongs to Ranger College. They use it for a student union building and cafeteria.

I was not trying to draft dodge. I am a patriotic person and wanted to serve my time. Doing this at home with my wife and children was the right move, I thought. Also I was in the early stages of forming and building my practice in family medicine.

Charles assured me we were all safe from active duty because the 49th had not been called to active duty in who knows when. Guess what? After all the paper work, a two week tour at summer camp at North Fort Hood, the 49th was called to active duty by the President of the United States of America - JFK. I hadn’t been in the guard for six months! Now active

duty! I was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant because I was a doctor.

Going on active duty, my rank soon became Captain. My tour of duty would total 9 years during which I had to attend drills monthly. My position was a good one in division artillery as a captain in a Lieutenant Colonel slot. I could have moved up the ranks rapidly, but I chose rather after 9 years to retire and spend more time with my family and medical practice.

A few days before leaving Ranger the community threw a going away party for all the local guard members.

I still remember a lot of their names and frequently run into someone I served with back then over 50 years ago.

Times were uncertain in our world at that time. As far as that’s concerned they still are today. Russia was the culprit. Russia was communistic and a radical world power. They had long range missiles aimed at the United States and we had missile sites aimed at them. A ticking nuclear time bomb, but they wanted missiles based closer to the U.S. so Cuba came into play with Fidel Castro and his communist regime.

The Russians were also dividing Berlin Germany into East and West with a large dividing wall.

East Berlin was forced to be pro Communist and West Berlin was pro American by choice. So those are the reasons for the 49th call up. Things were happening fast and were a threat to our home land.

The trip to Ft. Polk was a long and lonely one. It rained, pouring down at times for more than half the way.

I think about 550 miles and about 11-12 hours drive.

Texas roads were great, but Louisiana became an instant nightmare - no shoulders, no middle line markers, no road signs of any kind, water and wild hogs every place. Their class “A” highway was equivalent to one of our Texas country roads. On top of all this it was dark as pitch, no names of towns, or distance signs to be seen.

By the grace of God, which my wife and I firmly believe in, I arrived

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

(continued on page 17)

Page 9 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

■ From

•

The Backside, Henry J. Clevicepin Liberals & Conservatives

By Henry J. Clevicepin and Collaborated by Nellie Frecklebelly and Agnes & Ophilia Fudpucker Well, looks like fall has finally hit Buzzard’s Roost. The air has been a little chilly. It was so chilly one morning I saw my mule barn partner, Estee K. Bibbles, standing on the south side of Ol Nellie Frecklebelly to block the cold wind from the north.

Big as Ol Nellie is she makes a good windbreak in the winter. I think them politicians up in D.C. are getting a chilly response to this new health care boondoggle they are trying to come with too. I can’t believe Nancy Pelosi said with a straight face that this new healthcare program was going to cut the deficit. How do you spend nearly 900 Billion (that’s with a B ) and cut the deficit. Where is that money going to come from? If I could tell stories like that and keep a straight face I shore could sell a lot more mules. I had to tie Estee K. to a tree the other day cause he was madder than a step on red ant bed about the government giving low cost cell phones to people on welfare. Me and ol Estee K. have to holler across the street at each other and here is our illustrious government helping people on welfare get cell phones. I bet they aren’t using them to try to find a job either. I tried to

explain to Ol Estee K. that was the way them liberal sapsuckers thought up there in Washington. Then he wanted me to explain the difference between a liberal and a conservative so I explained it this way.

If a conservative doesn’t like guns, he doesn’t buy one.

If a liberal doesn’t like guns, he wants guns outlawed for everybody.

If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn’t eat meat.

If a liberal is vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everybody.

If a conservative sees a foreign threat, he thinks about how to defeat the enemy.

If a liberal sees a foreign threat, he wonders how to surrender gracefully and still look good.

If a black man or Hispanic is conservative, they see themselves as independently successful.

Their liberal counterparts see themselves as victims in need of government help.

If a conservative is down and out, he thinks about how to better his situation.

A liberal wonders if the government is going to take care of them.

If a conservative doesn’t like a talk show host he just switches the channel.

Liberals demand that those they don’t like be shut down and kicked off the air.

If a conservative is a non-believer,

he just doesn’t go to church.

A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced (unless it is a foreign religion of course) If a conservative decides he needs health care, he shops for it or gets a job that provides it.

A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.

If a conservative slips and falls in a store, he gets up, laughs and is embarrassed.

If a liberal slips and falls he grabs his neck, starts moaning and then sues.

After that little explanation Ol Estee K. declared it was no wonder that Washington was screwed up worse

than a mule in a glass stable since they had so many liberals up there.

And folks, as I tell Estee K., it ain’t gonna change unless we get off butts and quit sending the idiots back up there year after year. Well, it’s getting kinda chilly….think I’ll go huddle up with Ol Nellie and try to get warm.

Words of Wisdom from Henry J: It is always darkest right before the dawn, so if you are going to steal your neighbors newpaper , that is the time to do it !!!!!

You can contact Henry J at : henryjclevicepin@aol.com

Visit our website for more articles, photos, and news about the things that interest you -- http://www.mycounty-line.com

• Page 10 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

■ E.M.H.

Volunteers, Eastland

by Kelly Davidson The Eastland Memorial Hospital Volunteers have been working diligently over the past year, raising funds to help buy needed equipment for our hospital. Each department will be asked to submit their purchase requests to the Volunteers. Requests will be reviewed and the Volunteers will vote on what items will be purchased. Items purchased in the past include: dry erase boards for each bed in every hospital room, monitors for acute care, adornment of

the hospital’s chapel, and a cash gift of $25,000.00 towards the building of our new facilities.

In November the SunShine Gift Shoppe, located downstairs across from the Earl & Billye Bradley Rehab and Wellness Center, will be decorated for Fall. Featured this month in the SHADES OF HOPE section of the gift shop will be Lung Cancer/ Lung Disease Awareness Month.

The colors will be clear and pearl. In order to broaden awareness, not only

will there be pearl and clear colored jewelry for sale, but also statistics on this disease.

The volunteers will be attending market again very soon and will have an array of new inventory in the gift shop, just in time for Christmas shopping.

Looking ahead, the Volunteers will have a Christmas fun raiser from BOOKS R FUN. This is a two day event planned for December 9th and 10th. Books, calendars, cards and

gift items will be available. More information about the fund raiser will be coming soon .

Have a happy and safe TRICK OR TREAT.

BEGINNING NOVEMBER 4TH

THE SPECIALISTS TO SEE

FOR COMPREHENSIVE EYE CARE ARE COMING TO EASTLAND Dr. Teague and Dr. Strickland will be opening a satellite office at the Eastland Memorial Hospital Outpatient Clinic to offer the following services: ♦ Comprehensive Eye Exams ♦ Cataract Diagnosis Board Certified in Ophthalmology

♦ No-Shot/ No-Stitch/ No-Patch Cataract Surgery at EMH

CLIPPER STRICKLAND, O.D.

♦ Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment

BRETT J. TEAGUE, M.D.

♦ Diabetic Eye Exams

People You Know Caring For People You Love 304 S. Daugherty Eastland, Texas 76448

Medicare ♦ BlueCross/BlueShield ♦ FirstCare and most other insurance plans accepted.

Please call 800-592-4743 or 325-673-0900 to schedule an appointment.

Se Habla Español.

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

■ @The

Page 11 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

Ranger Library, Diana McCullough Day of Champions!

W h a t a glorious, awesome day! I am a positive person, and I have high expectations, but these people continually amaze me. I am referring to last Saturday’s “Day of Champions”, and it WAS. Remember when I was “overwhelmed” with the concept of 300 – 350 Ranger College students participating in our Clean-up effort? They were WONDERFUL! I got up bright and early this morning, no not really, it was 5 AM and dark, but my point is I started writing wellearned Thank You notes. I had a partial list of 22 names (not counting couples or families separately), then Beverly Neely gave me a list of 10 more. My hand-writing is going to get pretty sloppy before I finish. I told a couple of the people on our Ranger Citizens Task Force that the general mass email that I sent to them might have to suffice for them.

They are a GREAT GROUP to work with and they do deserve medals, but I think we all agree that trophies are a waste! And

mostly, our efforts are rewarding and fun.

The scary part of thanking so many people is knowing I will omit someone extremely important, but I will take my chances, like usual. First my husband, he puts up with a lot of meetings, AND he is observant and offers valuable advice. Sometimes I listen. Dr. Bill Campion, Ranger College President, deserves a lot of credit, as well as our college students and faculty for their BIG efforts. They were VERY well organized, too. (I heard so many great stories on these kids! They made wonderful impressions on the people that they helped—doing MORE than what was asked, and for just being NICE.) OUR MAYOR, JOHN CASEY—definitely one of our great champions, along with the support of our City Council, and Tim Huckaby, and Troy and Tricia Emery.

Tricia was at our library when our plans were first hatching and she immediately volunteered herself and her husband (our City Secretary) to work at the Recycling Center where we were hauling all of the debris. (continued on page 14)

ARNOLD LOCKSMITH SERVICE 24 Hour Emergency Service

254-442-1878 • 254-488-1935 1308 W. 14th St. • Cisco, Tx 76437 Certified/Insured

Visit our website for more articles, photos, and news about the things that interest you -- http://www.mycounty-line.com

TX Lic B15738

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• Page 12 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

■ Ranger

College, Amanda Leffingwell

■ City

Ranger College Changes Lives Ranger College’s motto states, “We’re changing lives…”

With the addition of new campuses, programs and course offerings, they are doing just that. By making themselves more accessible and broadening the list of certificates and/or degrees available, Ranger College is affording people extraordinary life-changing opportunities.

Beginning next summer, Ranger College will offer a Wind Energy Program at the Ranger Campus. The program will offer both certificate programs and a two-year Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Wind Turbine Technology. The facility will also be used for both extensive continuing education and to raise awareness of wind energy. The Texas State Technology Center-West Texas (TSTC-WT) will be participating and providing the training and instruction in the technology and laboratory areas. Ranger, Eastland and Erath Counties and surrounding areas will all benefit from the economic impact of this new program. Studies suggest that demand for training and the growth in wind energy will stimulate the economies of these areas by tens and possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

Also in the works is a Vocational Nursing Program and a Certified Nurse Assistant Program for the Ranger College Campus. Ranger College will coordinate with Eastland Memorial Hospital for both programs. Currently, the college offers Vocational Nursing

Programs at the Early and Comanche Campuses, with an additional program beginning Spring 2010 in the new Stephenville Campus.

The Stephenville Campus, located in the Bosque River Center in Stephenville, will offer four intercession courses between the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 semesters.

In addition to the new Vocational Nursing Program being offered at this location, a new Cosmetology Program will begin Spring 2010.

Intercession courses will also be offered at the all new Brown County Center, with full course offerings beginning in the Spring. The Brown County Center will also be the campus that hosts an RN Program, set to begin in January 2011.

Holding true to the “changing lives” theme, on October 24th Ranger College participated in the first annual “Day of Champions.” Students and personnel of Ranger College volunteered their time to help cleanup and make necessary repairs to the town of Ranger. For their efforts Ranger College received the notice of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and President Obama’s Collegiate Honor Roll for Community Service.

Ranger College is definitely growing in exciting new ways! With all of the expansion, not only are opportunities for students growing but many employment opportunities are available as well. To find out more or to get involved, visit www.ranger. cc.tx.us.

Limits, Announcements and News

Cities of Cisco & Eastland Offer Commendation in Unusual Joint Statement October 16, 2009 A commendation aimed at the Eastland County Commission and County Judge Rex Fields was contained in an unusual joint statement issued by the cities of Cisco and Eastland.

“On behalf of our cities, and in actuality, all the people of Eastland County, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the County for taking important steps toward assuming the responsibility for rural fire protection in Eastland County”, said Cisco Mayor Hal Porter and Eastland Mayor Mark Pipkin in a joint letter to County Judge Rex Fields.

This commendation was in reference to recent Eastland County actions regarding who should fund fire protection outside the towns’ city limits.

“For a long period of time, we have asked Eastland County to acknowledge the inequity of the towns bearing a disproportionate share of fighting fires outside our city limits.

We have also asked them to begin a process that would ultimately result in everyone paying their fair share of these services”, said Mayor Pipkin.

“In a recent County budget meeting,

the County acknowledged that it is indeed unfair for the cities to bear this burden and they increased support a modest amount for all county fire departments. While we have a long way to go on this issue, we would be remiss to let these recent positive actions go un-noticed”, he added.

“Indeed we are appreciative of these steps toward the ultimate goal of everyone paying their fair share.

Nevertheless, we want to emphasize that we view this as the beginning of a process that should ultimately reach the goal”, according to Mayor Porter.

“It is imperative that everyone in Eastland County embrace the reality that fire protection is an essential service. It should not be viewed as a budget afterthought.

Instead, it should be funded as fully as roads and law enforcement”, Porter stated.

The two cities experience roughly the same ratio of calls made by their fire departments, with approximately four out of every ten being made outside their city limits. The cost of this service far exceeds the County provided funding, which was $10,000 to each city last year. The recent action lauded by the mayors was

RANGER COLLEGE RANGERS NOVEMBER ATHLETIC CALENDAR – HOME EVENTS **All following events will be held at RANGER COLLEGE.**

Date 11/09 11/10 11/11 11/17 11/19 11/21

11/28

Event Opponent Time Men’s Basketball – Mrs. Polly Night vs. Blinn College 7:30 pm Women’s Basketball vs. Western Oklahoma 5:00 pm Men’s Basketball – Ron Butler Night vs. Trinity Valley 7:00 pm Women’s Basketball vs. Tyler Junior College 5:00 pm Men’s Basketball vs. Angelina College 6:00 pm Women’s Basketball vs. Odessa College 2:00 pm Men’s Basketball vs. B.F.C. Pro Sports Group 4:00 pm Women’s Basketball vs. Western Texas College 2:00 pm The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

(continued on page 16)

Page 13 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

■ InPrint, John Yates

Put Your Money Where It Feeds You (Your Mouth) In mid-September, Federal Reserve chairmen Ben Bernanke announced the recession is over – sort of. He said based on the numbers, the recession is likely over yet he also pointed out that the economy is going to feel weak for some time.

That sounds promising.

For those of us that live in the real world where we don’t get millions of dollars in corporate bonuses, we rely on our weekly paycheck to not only nourish our sense of worth, but nourish the bodies of us and our

children. That means the recession and its lingering effects are getting closer to home every day. Grocery bills are rising. Credit is scarce.

Doom and gloom.

What’s a small business to do?

How can you earn more money in an economy where everyone is tightening the budget and cutting costs even when the recession is over?

Put your money where your mouth is…in your mouth. No, don’t shove a $20 bill in your mouth. Put more money into marketing. Promote your

business. Do the things necessary to get people to buy from you or use your service thus making you more money to eat more food.

The recession is over. Things will be tight for awhile. But this is your move to get the upper hand on the competition. If Joe’s Tire is hiding their head in the sand, you need to be waving your arms around like an idiot. Why? You’ll get noticed.

You’ll get business. You’ll eat more food. You and your family.

■ Clint

For life insurance, call a good neighbor.

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

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

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

John is the Promotional Marketing Manager for AlphaGraphics in Eastland http://www.agwestex.com/promo http://inprintblog.wordpress.com

Coffee CLU ChFC, State Farm Insurance® Agent Give Your Grandchildren the Gift of Life

When you are trying to choose just the right gift for your grandchildren, you can have a tough time sifting through the newest trends and fads. Last week it was this pop star, next week it may be a new cartoon character.

On top of that, you don’t want to get something that won’t last 10 minutes out of the package.

One gift that will last for many years is a life insurance policy. There are many reasons why it can be an excellent gift for your grandchild.

● Affordability – The younger the child’s age, the lower the premiums. ● Protection – Illness or injury may affect a child’s ability to purchase life insurance coverage later in life. Coverage purchased now will continue to provide protection, even if a child’s health changes, provided premiums are paid as required by the policy. ● Financial Security – Life insurance can be the foundation for a strong financial plan. The child may be able to borrow against the accumulated cash value (with interest charged) to pay for future expenses. While loans decrease death benefits and cash surrender values, the proceeds can be used for important expenses such as a college education or the purchase of a home.

Giving a gift of life insurance to your grandchild can be one of the most significant things you do during your lifetime. He or she may not understand at the time how important the gift is, but should grow to appreciate it in the future.

Take the guesswork out of your gift shopping. Life insurance is a gift that will last a lifetime.

Visit our website for more articles, photos, and news about the things that interest you -- http://www.mycounty-line.com

•

• Page 14 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

■ Life

Planning Issues, Jim Kennedy

■ continued from page 11...

Can You Reduce Your 2009 Tax Bill?

4 Questions...

Tax planning of any sort is undeniably becoming more and more complicated.

Yet at the same time, it is also becoming increasingly more valuable to taxpayers. Talk with your professionals about these 4 ways that could help you trim your tax bill for 2009: #1… What is in the “2009 Act” that could put dollars into your pocket? If you are thinking “nothing that can help me,” you might want to talk with your tax professional.

The deepest recession in years has led to a comprehensive economic stimulus plan that our lawmakers hope will stimulate the economy and create new jobs. Part of this plan is the American Recovery & Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 (the “2009 Act”). The “2009 Act” includes…well, what does it not include may be easier. Brand new tax credits are allotted on a number of things from both increased existing and brand new tax credits, to the AMT exemption increase, to a deduction on car purchases to changes in business expensing... and the list goes on. You might be surprised what will fit your unique situation. #2…If you are a high-income professional, an independent consultant or self-employed, did you know you have the potential to shelter up to $195,000 individually in a retirement plan? This means $195,000 will be subtracted from your taxable income. Of course, this depends on you and your spouse’s employment status, earned income, actuarial assumption and other variables such as current tax laws. There is just one catch—but it’s a big one: you must open this retirement plan before the end of the year. NOW might be a good time to pick up the phone, call us and ask questions. (P.S. If you already have a plan in place that fits your situation, don’t forget to find out the

highest amount you can contribute to it and max it out!) #3…Are you aware that Congress has provided tax incentives to stimulate domestic natural gas and oil production financed by private sources? Section 263 of the tax code allows investors to deduct up to 100% of the intangible expenditures of drilling, which is usually 65 to 80 percent of the well, during the year the investment was made.

Additionally, tangible drilling costs are 100 percent tax deductible and may be deducted as depreciation over a seven-year period. Are there alternative investments that could be helping you minimize your tax bill? There might be…but you have to go looking for them, they won’t come to you. #4…Do you know how much you could be paying Uncle Sam for 2009? By this time of the year you probably have a good idea what your income will be for 2009, as well as a general estimate of any major capital gains or losses.

Once you know these numbers, a tax professional can help you estimate your tax. I encourage you to speak with your tax professional and financial advisor within the next couple of months to talk about your current outlook as well as any tax-trimming strategies. For example: carryover losses from 2008, along with different types of losses realized in 2009, provide opportunities for immediate tax benefits. You may want to make your January mortgage payment in December, pre-pay property taxes due in early 2010 or make specific charitable donations. The key here is to ask questions.

important planning opportunities for many taxpayers, but change is the only current constant in our tax law. Asking questions could help you best take advantage of them – but don’t wait until December. You need to start now in order to make use of every opportunity available to reduce your 2009 Tax Bill.

Securities & Advisory Services offered through VSR Financial Services, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser and Member FINRA/SIPC. Kennedy Financial Services is independent of VSR Financial Services, Inc. VSR does not provide tax or legal advice.

I felt VERY good about this arrangement for several reasons: 1) Tricia and Troy are environmentally friendly and intelligent and I knew that every recyclable item, such as corrugated cardboard and metal would NOT be filling a dumpster or a landfill. 2) One Ranger employee is not enough for these big days. When Bobby is compacting a dumpster, it’s hardly convenient for him to direct traffic. College kids rounded out their crew—yay! We ARE getting smarter. Tricia knew the need, and I am still thankful. Freddy Wiesen, another champion! He helped in a tremendous way—he hauled a huge dumpster out to the Recycling Center. His contribution greatly expanded our capacity for clean-up.

(I really didn’t understand the concept of dumpsters last week, because how would it be emptied and returned to him? NOW I know! Our mayor assured me it’d be taken care of and Freddy was very nice and patient—he knew I was confused. These Clean-Up Days are educational!) I spent a good chunk of the day working with Julie Austin—she’s a One-Woman Crusader in Ranger’s Clean-Up—about time she got some help! Irenee Shubert also joined us for a time on a property clean-up. I told her God had sent me an angel because I was crawling through brambles, unable to drag my plastic trash bag—it would have been ripped to shreds. Anyway, from the opposite side Irenee was able to collect the trash that I was gathering. Team Work. Have you noticed the new paint on the old Montgomery Ward building? Jill Page took the (continued on page 17)

Our government has spun quite a few webs in the tax code over the past couple of years. Some of these provisions will stay and some will go in the upcoming year(s).

And there will be new provisions.

Bottom line: The laws present

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

Page 15 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

■ Gorman

I.S.D., Latricia Hampton

Red Ribbon Week Red Ribbon Week is a drug prevention program during the last week of October.

By wearing red ribbons and participating in the school antidrug events, students pledge to live a drug-free life and pay tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique’ “Kiki” Camarena.

Ribbons, bands, stickers and posters were provided by ARCADA in Abilene.

The PAL students at Gorman ISD help coordinate the Red Ribbon Week activities. Each day had a theme and the students were encouraged to dress accordingly. Monday was “Hula Away Drugs”. Tuesday was “Sock It To Drugs” day and students wore crazy socks.

Wednesday was “Protect The World From Drugs”, superhero day. Thursday was “Tackle

Drugs” and Friday was “Rope Up Drugs” in elementary and “Say Boo To Drugs” in middle school and high school. The PAL students worked through the elementary P.E. classes to teach the students to take make good choices. The PAL students worked hard to prepare activities and they are true

leaders. Thanks PAL students for all of the work you have put into Red Ribbon Week, you have made Red Ribbon Week 2009 special.

2009 PAL students: Adriana Madera, Kimi Seaton, Kathryn Fritts, Brittany Henderson, Perla Maldanado, Brenda Velasquez and Erica Limon.

Visit our website for more articles, photos, and news about the things that interest you -- http://www.mycounty-line.com

•

• Page 16 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

■ continued from page 3...

■ continued from page 12...

FPO addresses, the price is reduced to $11.95.

All Priority Mail boxes are free and can be picked up at the Post Office or ordered online at usps.com.

An easy way to get to know your Priority Mail military options is by ordering a free Military Care Kit, designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas.

The mailing kits can be ordered by calling 1-800-610-8734 and asking for the care kit. Each kit includes two “America Supports You” large Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, four medium-sized Priority Mail FlatRate boxes, six Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and six customs forms with envelopes.

The mail-by date for First-Class Mail cards and letters also is December 4 – 11 depending on the destination.

And, last but not least, for the procrastinator there’s Express Mail Military Service — EMMS. EMMS is available to military Post Offices with the exception of APO/ FPO/ AE ZIP Code 093. Packages to all other military ZIP Code areas should be mailed by December 18 for December 25 package arrival.

For ordering free Priority Mail and Express Mail boxes, paying for and printing labels, printing customs forms, requesting package pick-up, ordering holiday stamps and additional information on all postal products and services, log online to usps.com.

Happy Holidays!!

■ Announcement, Rising Star Rising Star is Stepping Up! Beginning in November, the downtown area of Rising Star will be undergoing some minor renovations.

The street curbs in the downtown area will receive some much needed attention and maintenance over the coming days to make access to and from the streets and sidewalks safer and better!

Eastland County’s raising this amount to $12,500 for each fire department for the next fiscal year.

Contained in the joint letter to Eastland County was an offer by the cities wherein they said they will continue to provide fire protection service to out of town residents for $20,000 in 2011, $30,000 in 2012 and for actual costs in subsequent years.

“We care very much about our friends living out in the County and want them to continue to have good fire protection coverage. It is to everyone’s benefit for us to continue to provide them this crucial service, which we want to do, provided the burden is equitably shared. We also need to assure our city taxpayers that we are being financially responsible to them”, said Porter.

“Especially after the horrific Carbon Fire and the more recent Cedar Mountain/Morton Valley Fire, County residents are more willing than ever to bear their fair share of the cost of providing fire protection service.

Most folks actually don’t understand who pays for what in this regard, and once they have the facts, most people are very supportive of bearing their share of the burden. We encourage everyone to look into this situation and let their elected officials know their feelings”, added Pipkin.

Commenting on the unusual nature of the two party letter and statement, Mayor Porter concluded, “The fact that our towns see eye to eye on this subject shouldn’t be taken lightly. Continuing to provide this essential service is absolutely crucial to all our County residents.

Government is often maligned for not properly looking after the needs of citizens. If all parties will continue to cooperate appropriately, we have a chance to get it right on this issue” - ###

■ Daily

Devotional, Wanda Lee Beck Skinner

Genealogy Advances Wonderful Web Site A friend requested my help as she tried to help another friend with her family research.

She seemed to have questions about the organization of information.

We quickly went to TheTXGenWebProject and clicked on Counties, went down to W, and then clicked on Wise. Oh, what a pleasant surprise. This lady had relatives from four sides of her family in that county. We found so many actual county records. It did not cost anything to copy the information.

I wish that several people in our county would look at the web site and see if there might be something you could help get on Eastland County Web Site. On the site were indexes to Birth, Marriages, and Deaths. There were records from cemeteries including many pictures of tombstones.

There were obits, family history and much much more. Please check it out.

If you are interested in helping our county, go to Eastland Web Site and e-mail the person in charge. It would be a great help to the numerous researcher who have roots in our county.

way prepared to open Heaven’s door while you live on this earth. But all the opportunity will come to an end for those dwelling her and facing the door to eternity. You do have today.

Prepare today, right now, for the door to open for you on that day your final call comes. If you do not know how to get the door open, contact a Christian friend or call a church and they will be very happy to share with you the path of salvation.

Wanda Lee Beck Skinner©

Don’t Allow the Door to Close Matthew 25: 10B-11 KJV. “And the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.”

One of the saddest sentences in Scriptures are the words: the door is shut. There is a

THE COUNTY LINE IS GROWING!!!

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

Page 17 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

■ continued from page 8...

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■ continued from page 14...

in Leesville, Louisiana about 1 a.m. on that dreary Monday morning. I was beat, tired as all get out, hungry and basically alone and lost, plus my gas tank was on empty.

In the distance I could see a light which turned out to be a service station and it was open. I was able to gas up and get a snack and soda. I asked the lone attendant, “Where is Ft. Polk?” He answered in a Louisiana drawl, “Down the road a few miles to the main gate turn left.” I found it with no problem. Now where? I kept driving and in the distance I saw one street light; the only light in the entire south part of Ft. Polk. I drove to it and knocked on the door of a building. There was a car there - the only vehicle I had seen the last 100 miles of the weary trip - so I knew someone was there. I knocked on the door louder, and a sleepy soldier finally opened it. “Where is everyone?” I asked. “Where do we sleep?” He answered in a sleepy voice, “Just you and I are here far as I know. There are mattresses from who knows where in that building,” pointing to an adjacent building. “Watch out for rats”. He replied as he closed the door.

I was totally given out, slept like a log. It was still raining as I dosed

off.

Next morning, blue skies and the sun high in the sky greeted me. I looked around. What a dismal sight.

There were sunflowers, weeds every where, obviously no care for at least 15 years. Every expansion joint every 20 yards or so in each paved road were just patches of 5 to 6 foot weeds and sunflowers.

I got directions from the soldier next door (I really think he and I were absolutely the first troops to arrive) as to how to get to the North Fort Polk, the destination of my unit. It was several miles north. I drove slowly, crossing weed filled road expansion joints. I could not believe all this. I did see other signs of life – wild hogs and plenty of armadillos. Water was standing every place.

I finally got to north fort and found the dispensary, parked there and waited. Soon convoys with a large number of troops began pulling in, including my unit and people I knew.

Before long our unit began to get organized. The cook truck had a hot meal going in no time. I feasted – I was so hungry.

We located our unit area, barracks and unit headquarters building. There were many, many empty buildings in poor repair.

It took weeks to get that base in shape.

With 15,000 t r o o p s moving in, an entire division, things were soon in hand.

T h e Officers quarters were a joke. Just a dilapidated two story w o o d e n structure, short beds, 3-4 men to a room, a common

latrine area, showers that barely dripped.

All my companions were officers, leaders. Most of them acted like a set of city dogs coming to the country – loud music, up late hours and running around.

This was not my life style. I soon found out I could live off the base.

After several days of looking, I found a small frame house in DeRidder, Louisiana. I called my wife Pat and she was as lonely as I was and ready to move to Louisiana.

The order was cut; a moving van brought my family and belongings to DeRidder, even our old dog Spot.

Life, after about 3 weeks since arriving at Ft. Polk, was looking up. My family was back together in a new place – it made no difference – we were together. That was what mattered.

Frequent maneuvers left my family alone for short periods, but we would soon be reunited. During one such maneuver all three of our children contracted mumps and measles. They survived as did my wife though it was a trying time. Also the year we were there had the coldest winter with ice and snow and the hottest summer many old timers could remember.

We lived life one day at a time, as it should be lived. Our future was uncertain with Russia and Cuba acting up, but we were again a family unit, loving each other, back in church.

We would be here only about a year. Life was again beautiful. We made many weekend trips visiting places in Louisiana we might never have seen otherwise. We found that it was really a beautiful and interesting area.

Ft. Polk got organized as headquarters for the 49th Armored Division and soon the political and world problems stabilized.

In retrospect, I think our government mobilized the 49th just to clean up and reorganize that dump they called Ft. Polk, Louisiana.

“In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

- Psalm 5:3

...lead position on this project and a number of people helped her including her husband Tom, Barbara Bridges, Jim Blackwell, college kids, and more. Betty Siver, manager of The Quarter Store, managed our “Headquarters” that day—it was nice to depend on her capabilities, and she had assistants, too. The Lions’ Club had a number of volunteers out—AJ Ratliff, Mickey Clark, Margaret Hetrick, Jim Cockburn, probably more. Our Ranger Fire Department! They made me so proud! Darrell Fox and his department painted fire hydrants that day—have you noticed? If you’ve ever needed their help, you know these guys are already “Champions” and they joined the work of the day, their esteemed status stands. Roseatta Stephens!

GO LOOK AT THE TENNIS COURTS! Oh my goodness, Roseatta started BEFORE Saturday, and she made a WORLD of difference. While you are out drive by the Little League and Girls’ Softball fields—this is another area that our Mayor John Casey took responsibility and he bragged on the college crews that worked in those parks. Tom and Martha Peebles and Chuck Lemaster made improvements and recommendations for our City Park.

Really, they did a lot more than that...but I’m making myself tired. Look above the doorway of the old Smart Shop—the old wood is removed and the beauty of its original architecture is shining through.

(I give Mary Crenshaw a lot of credit for that, but the owner did the actual work, and we LIKE it!) From the college campus, I should also mention more exceptional leaders—this is where I’m going to mess up—I cannot name all of the leaders, but some of them are Johnny Gann; Athletic Director Brent Leffingwell; Jerry, Kathy, and Beth Glidewell; Laura Flowers, Lori Foster, Diane Wilson, Elizabeth Price, and many more. My mom, Sandi Herod and Mary Crenshaw and Cliff Squyres and others worked around the Main Street entry at the traffic light. Mama said that Cliff stopped by and said, “Ma’am, you need a weedeater.” And the next thing she knew (well practically), he was back and USING HIS weedeater. Mama and I like these happy stories.

Speaking of happy stories, County Commissioner Norman Christian shared some on his crew of college students, and then I heard a similar story from one of the homeowners that they assisted. Joyce Buyers and Mary Botts also worked with us.

John Ward entered Headquarters with the perfect timing to take over our weedkiller canister leadership—I think we had four canisters. Our mayor planned, prepared, (continued on page 19)

Visit our website for more articles, photos, and news about the things that interest you -- http://www.mycounty-line.com

• Page 18 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

Page 19 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

■ Outdoors

■ continued from page 17... ...and arranged the plots for many of our success stories, just so you know.

Our Ranger Citizens Task Force spent about $616.18 at Tindall’s Hardware— Troy Tindall, another valuable team worker. We couldn’t spend this money for these improvements if not for the support of many of our citizens. If you bought a hot dog at our Hot Dog Fundraiser at the Gazebo this summer, you helped! For our “Day of Champions” (or Get ‘Er Done Day 3), these people contributed money—and my list is growing: Bob and Margaret Green; Bill and Sandi Herod; Troy and Tricia Emery; Tom and Jill Page; and Virginia Kennedy.

The “Charming Family” (also known as the Charmans) deserve a prize for putting up with me all day. That would be Ken (on a big, orange, tractor), Rita (driving the truck), Joey (driving the dump truck), and Brock, Randy, and Troyce. Now for a time, Randy—age 11—went with Leslie Newcomb, and they BOTH wielded gaspowered weed eaters downtown. Those Charmans, they understand machinery.

Ken hollered at me twice (because I didn’t understand him the first time), he yelled, “Get out of the way!” He was about to use his shredder. Sometimes that’s the best thing I can do: Get OUT of the way. I’ve heard that about God too. God can accomplish a lot when we GET OUT OF THE WAY and stop interfering. I sat on a sidewalk with Julie Austin, watching our world change shape.

Rita Charman also scored TEN CASES of bottled water from Eastland’s Brookshires, very appreciated. Other donors include Dr. Webb (2 boxes of trash bags); Dr. Dan Brudnak (a box of surgical gloves); Dr. Larry Cunningham (a box of gloves); Great Western Dining Services (2 boxes of gloves, 2 rolls of trash bags); Eagle Construction (water); Ranger College Maintenance Dept. (3 boxes of gloves, 2 rolls of bags); Ranger Care Center (1 box

gloves, 1 roll of bags); Eastland Memorial Hospital (2 boxes gloves; 1 case of trash bags); Edwards Funeral Home (1 box of gloves); and Dairy Queen (200 trash bags).

(I apologize if I left you out, it was not deliberately.) See why I have to wake up early and work on Thank Yous?

Which brings me back to Julie Austin and Beverly Neely—they helped secure these donated supplies. Yes, we do have some supplies, even paint, left over. Yes, we do plan to use them AGAIN. Folks, our work ain’t finished, but it has BEGUN. Our Ranger Citizens Task Force, my biggest thank you of all: (I’ll omit someone for sure) Leslie Newcomb; Kay Levi; Patrick Ready; Mary Crenshaw; Betty Siver; John Ward; Sandi Herod; Ken Charman; Pat Gohlke; Barbara Bridges; Jill Page; Charles Calvert and MANY, MANY more. Regular citizen volunteers—you are wonderfully appreciated too, and just as needed. If you gave us permission to clean your property, you are part of the solution.

(Remember we can’t “promise”, but we sure can TRY.) I called Gary Decker today. He’s the guy that started Reclaim Stamford. I told his secretary that we were about 5 years behind Stamford, and Carolyn said, “You’ll catch up!”

Could you use a college desk? The college has about 200 of them, but there is nowhere to store them. Call me quick!

(647-1880) Hallelujah! Our Loan Star Grant Plan of Action has been submitted! People helped me with that too. Richard Barron and Mary Blakney at Radio Shack are two locals, but there’s more.

So many people to thank! What a difference we can make when we work TOGETHER. From one of our books: “We can’t all be shining examples, but we can at least twinkle a little.”

So “twinkle” when you can, and as always...ENJOY READING!

Visit Our New Website - http://www.mycounty-line.com

•

With Zach, Zach Havens Deer Hunting Anyone?

The chill of an early fall is arriving just in time for the opening of deer season. Hopefully the cool fronts will keep the air crisp.

This may be the deer season you actually use that warm hunting coat instead of passing the time sweating and slapping mosquitoes. This month I would like to discuss the deer rut, mention a monster buck killed this bow season in Kaufman County, and close with four safe gun handling tips.

I have two simple ways to observe when rutting activity is happening in the county. One is based on the deer I see moving in the country side while patrolling the back roads.

Doe with tails partially raised and bucks running around like a bird dog are easily noticed as they drift the pastures. More noticeable is the buck deer illuminated by vehicle headlights as it stands in the middle of the road.

These love crazed deer could care less about the vehicle or poacher’s bullet that is about to knock them off the road. This leads me to the second way I get information that that the rut is on.

My phone rings like crazy about car/ deer collisions. Recently, I have seen several buck deer looking for doe and I have had several calls about deer/car collisions. The primary rut is not at peak activity yet, but I predict that the bucks will be on the move during the first part of November. This may be the year to put your tag on a trophy buck early in the season.

One bow hunter in Kaufman County decided not to wait for the gun season to bag the buck of a lifetime. Game Warden Eric Minter was perched high

in a tree on the morning of October 21st when he glimpsed a deer slipping thru the timber. The deer was large with several points at odd angles. The deer drifted out of sight leaving Eric to think about the monster buck he had just witnessed. After about ten minutes the deer returned and came directly toward Eric’s location. At 30 yards the deer turned broadside and Eric let an arrow fly. The shot was true and a quick follow-up shot anchored the deer. Eric’s buck was 5 ½ years old; field dressed 165 pounds, and sported 27 non-typical points.

The deer has not been scored yet but appears to be a 200 non-typical class animal. This was Eric’s first buck to kill with a bow. He has taken a few doe and several pigs with his bow since he started bow hunting six years ago. I went thru the Game Warden Training Academy with Eric twelve years ago.

Eric was a quick learner then and it looks like he is still succeeding at newly learned skills. I am usually skeptical when someone kills a huge animal on their first try. In this case I am proud for Eric because I know that he spent hours honing his skill as an archer and that he earned all 27 points on his buck of a lifetime. Eric is a dedicated Game Warden who works hard to serve the people of Texas.

In closing, remember these four quick gun safety tips to share with others: 1. Point your gun in a safe direction. 2. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. 3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. 4.

Check what is in front of and beyond the target you are about to shoot.

Have fun, be safe. See you in the woods and on the water.

not enough time to get it all done.

This issue represents my first step forward down a new path and I feel like I have rounded the mark and now it’s time to enjoy a little smooth sailing with the wind at my back.

But before I go, please keep an

eye on the new County Line website (http://www.mycounty-line.com) because there’s lots of content that couldn’t fit into the printed issue, and all that and more is going to be coming to the website in the next few days! ~mwnorris

■ Footnotes, Mike Norris Time waits for no man...

In putting together this issue of The County Line, I was faced with a multitude of challenges! My wife is in the hospital and my daughter has more things going on than a circus juggler.

I have had a marathon session here at the computer trying to meet the printing deadline and I am happy to say that this issue is the best I can make it! But I want it to be better. I still have lots of work to do on the new County Line website, and there’s just

Visit our website for more articles, photos, and news about the things that interest you -- http://www.mycounty-line.com

• Page 20 County Line Business & Community Journal November, 2009

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com