The County Line - May 2010, v3i36

Business & Community Journal --- May Mid-Month Edition, 2010

w w w. M y C o u n t y - L i n e . c o m

Volume 3 Issue 36

Speak up, join the discussion, take part!

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

Business & Community 2 •County Line Mid-Month Edition

2010

MAY,

vol.3 Issue 36

On The Cover:

Contents

Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36

Growing and

Growing!!!

June First Edition Deadline -- 05/28/2010 June Mid-Month Deadline -- 06/11/10

H

owdy all you County Line readers! Guess what! I have an itty bitty, teeny tiny, little problem. Well...it’s turning into a big problem. I know that most of you won’t see this as a very big deal, but in the printing world, believe me...this is a big deal! I need more space for County Line content!

O

This Texas Longhorn was enjoying a nice afternoon in a field of lush, green grass and bluebonnets!

Longhorns and Bluebonnets...that’s getting down deep in the heart of Texas right there.

Photo by mwnorris

In This Issue:

Growing and Growing Growing Up Small Town Carbon - Then & Now Daily Devotional Ranger Library Tumbleweed Smith Health Care Law Meet Melissa Morgan 2nd Annual Lake Leon Bass Tournament Life Stories (reprint) Out of the Past Life Planning Issues Rising Star Library Notes Fox’s Mercantile Out of the Box From the Backside

More on the Web...

h that’s nothing to get your skivies in a bunch, I know, I can hear you now.

But the simple fact is this...in order to print one more article, in order to make enough room for just one more announcement, or one more ad, or even a footnote, I practically have to come up with four more pages of content! You see, every sheet of paper in The County Line displays 4-pages of content. So my point is this -- I have more content than I can fit in a 28-page newspaper. And because of that, I’m getting ready to try my first 32-pager. No, it’s not this issue, let me explain why...here’s the problem; I need more advertisers!

Y

ou guys are my eyes and ears out there in all these communities. You know how hard it is for small businesses to make ends meet now-a-days. It’s just as hard for them as it is for you, trust me! But you can help them out by letting them know that you read The County Line!

I

know that sounds silly, but think about this for a minute -- everything about business has become “Internet this” and “search engine that.” We rarely pick up the Yellow Pages anymore when it’s so much faster to Google everything!

I know because I’m just as guilty of it as everyone else is. But the main thing that hurts those of us in the advertising business, is that the Internet makes it so much easier for businesses to track how productive their advertising dollars are being spent.

I

f a store owner is paying $0.10 per click for Internet ads, and he receives 250 clicks, he knows that he paid $25 to get those clicks. Well if the same store owner places a $25 dollar ad in The County Line, how does he know that he got anything for his money? Hmm...figured it out yet? OK, I’ll tell you...because you have to drop by his store and tell him that you saw his ad in The County Line! That’s how it works! There’s no other way for an advertiser to know that you saw his ad and came into his shop because of that. You have to tell him!

Better yet, take the latest issue of The County Line in with you and show him!

I

know it sounds silly. But if the places you do business with know that you are a regular reader of The County Line, then they will see the value in advertising with us...and we can grow! So please, pass the word that you are a County Line reader! And if you know someone who isn’t a County Line reader, then please hand them your copy when you get finished with it! Or roll it up and hit them with it...whatever works! *haha* ~mwnorris I was only kidding, honest!

The County Line Published by Mike Norris Wolverine Design

P.O. Box 1156 Eastland, Tx 76448 Phone: (254)631-8407 mike@mycounty-line.com

Visit Our Website:

www.mycounty-line.com Advertising inquiries, article submissions, news releases, comments, please email: info@mycounty-line.com

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

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36• ■ Growing

Up Small Town, Mike Norris

Send comments to: smalltown@mycounty-line.com

The Cisco Folklife Festival -- An Adventure In De-Stressful Life!

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Cisco Folklife Festival.

I had intended to be at the parade so I could have some photos for The County Line, but unfortunately, I was running way behind schedule and I completely missed the parade that morning!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned since I took over this publication, it’s that one person cannot be in multiple places at the same time!

What a surprise, huh?

So anyways, I was running late, and once I am running late on something I generally resolve myself to stop worrying about it. As I was driving toward Cisco along Highway-6 out of Eastland, I came across the extraordinary bluebonnet display which graced the front cover of the May First Edition!

What a stroke of luck! It was the exact photo scene that I had told my mother about when the whole family took a country drive a few weeks ago trying to find “the perfect bluebonnet setting.”

I have received so many comments and compliments about the bluebonnets on the cover of the last issue, that I just had to mention it once again. And say “Thank you!”

So back to the Folklife Festival...

I finally made it over to Cisco and I was completely stunned to realize that there were no booths, no people... nothing going on at all except for some die hard car enthusiasts who were hanging around the Conrad Hilton visitor center. They were enjoying some beautiful sunshine and great conversation...and I walked along and took a few pictures. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was

missing something...surely I hadn’t missed the whole festival...I thought it was a two-day event?!?

Well, I’ll go ahead and admit now that I don’t remember the last time I went to the Cisco Folklife Festival... it was a long time ago. And I drove back to Eastland just feeling sick that I had missed the whole thing. When I got back home I called my wife and told her what had happened.

She was nice enough to inform me that the festival was up on the Cisco College hill campus.

Oh. Really?

Ok, so I’m not immune to momentary spells of stupidity... don’t tell anybody, please!

I loaded back up in the truck and headed back to Cisco. Sure enough, there was a whole crowd of folks up on the Cisco College campus. And there was a sign on the entry gate that said “Adults - $3”.

You guessed it...my total financial empire at that exact moment in time consisted of a single one-dollar bill and a cup holder full of nickels, dimes, quarters and pennies. I began to debate whether or not the Lord was trying to send me a message.

I decided that He wasn’t trying to tell me not to go to the Festival, but rather that He was testing me to see if I would back out of going. Nope, not this time!

Back to Eastland and back to the house. From my super secret stash, I retrieved a crisp $20 bill and slid it into my wallet. Then I headed back to Cisco!

By mid-afternoon, I paid my $3 entry fee, received my ink stamp on the back of my hand, and with camera in tote, I entered the festival grounds.

For the next couple of hours,

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I enjoyed the sights and sounds of kiddo’s running and playing, vendors promoting their wares, and some great music from the tented stage. I also got to see a few friends whom I hadn’t spoken to in a while, including some past co-workers and a couple of County Line advertisers.

In the end, it was a good day and a relaxing afternoon...and believe me, while I was sitting there under that tent listening to some live, handstrummed, guitar and hearing kids laughing and playing all around me, I began to realize just what the Folklife Festival is all about -- letting go of the stresses of everyday, forgetting

about the pressures of schedules and work demands, and not worrying about money or bills or debts. Just sit back, enjoy the weather, let the kids have some fun, and tap your foot along with the music of a life less-stressed. ~mwnorris

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

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36

■ Carbon

- Then and Now, Linda Neeley

Send comments to: chs@mycounty-line.com

The Year 1939, Part 2

Around the world in 1939 – 71 people died in Australia’s worst ever bush fires. An earthquake in Chili killed 30,000 of its citizens. In Spain Dictator Francisco Franco conquered Madrid, ending the Spanish Civil War. Murderer Eugene Weidmann was decapitated by the guillotine in France, which was the country’s last public execution. The Pact of Steel was signed between German and Italy, and the assassination attempt on Hitler failed by eight minutes.

In the United States, Albert Einstein wrote President Franklin Roosevelt about developing the Atomic Bomb using Uranium which led to the creation of the Manhattan Project. The Worlds Fair and LaGuardia Airport opened in New York. The Neutrality Acts were amended to allow sending military aid to countries in Europe.

Born in 1939: Tina Turner Marvin Gaye Francis Ford Coppola George Hamilton Paul Hogan Ayatollah Khamenei Ralph Lauren Lee Majors Neil Sedaka Lee Harvey Oswald Major World Leaders: United States – Franklin Roosevelt United Kingdom – Neville Chamberlain Russia/Soviet Union – Joseph Stalin Mexico – Lazaro Cardenas Germany – Adolf Hitler Italy – Benito Mussolini Canada – William Lyon Mackenzie King Meanwhile in Carbon High School, the students were busy with classes and extracurricular activities including basketball, tennis, volleyball, and track. Unfortunately, the photos which I have are not of the quality that can be reproduced clearly so the the exploits of the mighty Wolverines in this article will be told in the words of the 1939 Sandstorm Staff.

The staff was comprised of Topsy Reece, Editor; Dorothy Whitehorn, Assistant Editor;

Dude Medford, Business Manager; Bernice Tucker, Sports Editor; T. G. Greer, Assistant Sports Editor; Maurice Sherrell, Art Editor, E. G. Gross, Staff Advisor; and H. E. Thomason, Photographer.

GIRLS BASKETBALL Roster: Lila Glee Walker, Guard Marciel Greer, Forward Lila Pearl Hollis, Forward Bonnie Ruth Campbell, Guard Opal Greer, Forward Billie Green, Guard Bernice Tucker, Forward Dorothy Jackson, Guard Coach: Marie Sparks The Carbon basketball girls enjoyed their best season in many years during the 19381939 school year. They won 31 of the 36 games in which they participated. Two of the two games lost were to the powerful Rising Star girls who were third place winners in the state tournament, and these games were lost by very close scores.

The girls entered three invitation tournaments and won first place trophies in two of them, Morton Valley and Olden. Bonnie Ruth Campbell, Captain of the team, Opal Greer, and Dorothy Jackson were recipients of special awards for outstanding work in all the tournaments entered.

In the Eastland County tournament the Carbon girls lost to Desdemona in the semi-finals by one point. This loss was especially “hard to take” since the Carbon lasses had won from

the Desdemona aggregation on every previous meeting of the teams. The game was not really basketball and Carbon certainly did not get the breaks in officiating as the game was marred by the calling of 52 personal fouls on the members of the two teams. Opal Greer was awarded the medal for being the outstanding girl player in Eastland County.

All the girls were awarded royal and white jackets at the close of the season in recognition of their meritorious play during the year.

Bernice Tucker, Lila Pearl Hollis, and Dorothy Jackson will be missing when the call comes for another season.

BOYS BASKETBALL Roster: Bryan Lee Butler T. G. Greer James F. Vaughn Robert Belmont Sam Stone L. N. Koen Jack Stubblefield

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

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36• ■ Carbon

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- Then and Now, Continued

Joe Ford Bernard Campbell (co-captain) Wayne Campbell Glenn Justice (co-captain) George Gilbert Guy Morris Vernon Foster Coach: E. G. Gross The Boys Basketball team under the leadership of a new coach had a fairly successful season. Of the 32 games played during the season the Wolverines took the heavy end of the score in 21 of them. The material in comparison with past seasons was meager; however, the handicap was overcome to a great extent by a great team spirit which is characteristic of all Wolverine quintets. It was this same hustle and never-say-die attitude that carried the boys to victory over many superior teams; notably the Cisco Loboes, who were previously unbeaten. Carbon was the only team in Eastland County to turn the tables on the favored county champions. Entering four invitation tournaments during the season, the Wolverines established themselves as strong opposition.

They won first place trophies at Olden and Morton Valley.

After losing their first game at Olden they upset the dope bucket by defeating the favored Gorman Panthers twice in the two final games. In the Morton Valley tournament, earlier in the season, the Wolverines swept through all opponents without a loss.

At times the boys showed excellent form and really should have placed higher than .500% in the county championship race, had they been able to hold the fast pace in all games. The boys made up in fight what they lacked in height and this team will be remembered for it hustle that

snatched many games from the fire by their refusal to be beaten before the final gun had fired.

The team was led by two boys who were true examples of spirit and loyalty. Wherever the Carbon team went, the boys tried at all times to live to their motto: “Go win or lose as you can, but, be each, pray God, a gentleman.”

TENNIS Members: Marian Gilbert, Opal Greer, Bernice Tucker, Marciel Greer, Lila Glee Walker, Maurice Sherrell, James F. Vaughn, T. G. Greer, Louise Nowlin, Billye Green, Wayne Walker, Jack Stubbblefield, Robert Belmont, Rufus Jordan and George Gilbert.

Sponsor, T. G. Jackson GIRLS BASKETBALL Roster: Opal Greer, Bonnie Ruth Campbell, Dude Medford, Rosa Mae Harbin, Lila Peal Hollis, Mary Green, Bernice Tucker and Loraine Byrd.

This team was Carbon’s most successful since the initiation of the game on the Campus.

They defeated every team in Eastland County, except Rising Star. They won two of the three invitation tournaments entered and were second in the Eastland Country meet. They won first in Desdemona’s and Morton Valley’s tournaments and second in Carbon’s meet. Opal Greer and Bonnie Ruth Campbell are the only players to return next year.

TRACK Members: T. G. Greer, Bryan Lee Butler, Joe Anderson, Joe Collins, Wayne Walker, James Frank Vaughn, Vernon Foster,

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

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36

■ Carbon

- Then and Now, Continued

George Gilbert, Bobbie Belmont and L. N. Koen. Coach: E. G. Gross In an effort to build up track at Carbon High, Coach Gross spent a great deal of time with the juniors. The senior material was way below par. However, Captain Vernon Foster’s halfmile performances kept the squad in balance.

Foster won the county in the 880, while two juniors placed in their events. Track should be very popular at Carbon in the next few years, as much interest was manifested by the junior boys and the future of the spring sport is upon their shoulders. Early in the season, Coach Gross took two of his men to the Fat Stock Show Meet in Ft. Worth. Strong competition was encountered, but the Carbon boys ran well in comparison to the great track stars of Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. With the younger blood on hand and the interest shown last season Carbon should come up with some good track and field men in the future. It is hoped that the Stock Show will be an annual affair with the Carbon cinder path men.

And that was the year 1939 in Carbon, Texas, and around the world.

Contact Information: Linda Neeley P. O. Box 8992 Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657 Phone: 830-598-5613 Email: lneeley47@yahoo.com School website: www.carbonhighschoolreunion.org

■ Daily

Devotional, Wanda Lee Beck Skinner

Genealogy

The world of information available today is truly amazing. The internet has made it possible for a person who doesn’t travel to find a tremendous amount of information about their family ties. One word of warning: Just because it is on the internet doesn’t mean it is true. The proof of the information needs to be proven.

One of the web sites I use a lot is the usgenweb.

Put this on your search and you will be taken to a place to choose a state, then to one where you can choose the county. Some of the counties have information on births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, land records and even family histories.

Another very interesting site is pilot family search.

It is free. I think all of us appreciate those sites that do not charge for searching them.

If you are history buff as well as a genealogist you might try going on the search engine and searching WPA then a state. This is a site where the WPA in 1936-1940 interviews those who at the time were old timers. These are very interesting stories directly from the people they were written about.

Just a personal note there: A few years ago a group started this project in Eastland County. These were placed on CD and in notebooks. The notebook can be found at the Eastland Library and the CD can be seen at the Eastland Museum.

Inspiration Tuesday morning Mary 11 a group left Harmony on a trip to Senior Day camp at the Leuders Big Country Camp. The Tri County Baptist Association in Cisco had planned a program that inspired senior citizens from all over the area.

The last time I had attended a camp there was over fifty years ago and was I ever impressed by the growth and changes at the place that held many precious memories for me.

The morning session began with a service of singing of familiar hymns, prayer by Harmony’s

pastor Ray Rodgers followed by singing by Sandra Dee Mahone.

The message was delivered by Bill Thorn an eighty eight year old who is a speaker and a writer.

His words kept the group of at least 370 people in stitches as he spoke of memories in a way that was so comical and yet touched hearts because everyone in the audience could relate to the words.

It was evident that He knew the Scripture and was not afraid to use them. You would be blessed by buying one of his books. It will be great reading and it will really inspire you.

The meal prepared by the kitchen crew was so delicious and filling. The afternoon session began with singing by the Big County Baptist Assembly Adult Choir. The testimony of Charlie Mahone was about his life’s storms, finding Sandra Dee and her help in his accepting Jesus as his personal Savior.

His testimony touched all for his experiences were familiar to all of us. Then Sandra allowed us to hear her singing once again.

The outgoing personalities of the three celebrities were so encouraging to all of us. It was a joy to have sweet Christian fellowship with so many who loved the Lord.

Editor’s Note: I received this eMail in response to Wanda’s column in the May First Issue: “Did you notice Wanda Skinner’s plea for information for William Houston Auther in your last County Line? That was my husband, Jim’s, great-grandfather. He wrote out some stuff which I typed and emailed to her.

Hope all’s going well with you and yours, Diana” Would you believe that came from another County Line contributor, Diana McCullough of the Ranger Library? Yes, it really is a small world after all!

YOU Missed a Spot!!!

You could have advertised here for less than a tank full of domestically refined foreign oil!

Support the American economy!

Advertise with The County Line!

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

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36• ■ Kathy

Swift Memorial Golf Tournament, Cyndie Mace

1st Annual Kathy Swift Memorial Golf Tournament

Format: 4 Person Scramble

Hosted by: Lone Cedar Golf Club and Texas Hooter Honeys Saturday, May 22, 2010 Lone Cedar Golf Course Eastland, TX Guest speakers include Texas State Representative - Jim Keffer and Case Keenum, quarterback from the University of Houston and front runner for the Heisman Trophy.

We would like to remember and honor the life of Kathy Swift and help to raise money to fight the disease that took her life. All proceeds will be donated to the Susan G Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer effort.

The following entities and individuals have pledged to sponsor this event and your efforts are greatly appreciated!

Eastland Memorial Hospital Clear Fork Roofing Stanley Ford Terry Cook Pat Lewis Eastland County Newspapers Ann Williams Realty Moylan Construction-Corporate Sponsorship Sherri Thetford First Baptist Church Gorman Lake Leon Baptist Church La Quinta Girling Health Care Arther Business Products Ambit Energy- Gail Norris, Norma Taylor, Larry Mace Larry Roberts Earl Ragland Bill Culverhouse

Glenn Newberry Blake Fulenwider Dodge Russell Walker Fullen Motor Company Kenneth Payne Williamson Surveying Jodi’s Floral Kathy’s Friends at the District Attorney’s Office Eastland County Tire and Auto Lazy 3 Animal Care Coats Furniture Certified Auto Glass Linda Martin-United Country/Smart Real Estate Buck Wheat Resources The County Line Paper Maverick Barbershop J & J Air Conditioning First Baptist Church Eastland Concepts in Stone Joels Body Shop Sterling Monument First Financial Bank Security Title Co. Basic Energy Services C & H Monograms/Polkdot Patch Town and Country Realty Jay Way Supply Kennedy Financial Services Eastland Drug/The Gold Lantern Kinnaid, Rossander and Perry Insurance Jim Farrar Eastland Heaven Sent Floral Allegro Mobility ABC Printing and Office Supply Francie’s Fountain and Deli Clint Coffee State Farm Edwards Funeral Home Big “S” Construction Elite Plumbing Bird Electric Eastland Community Health Center First Financial Bank Beaty Travel Agency Big Country Real Estate Maverick Car Wash Kokomo Construction

Kathy Swift Memorial Golf Tournament May 22nd, 2010

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

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■ @The

Ranger Library, Diana McCullough

Send comments to: ranger@mycounty-line.com

Texas Library Conference Once upon a time, a long time ago...yet not that long ago, a young girl named Norma Jean Richardson was a pretty cheerleader at Ranger High School. She was popular, and she was nice, and she was smart, and Norma Jean liked to read.

But I didn’t know her back then. It was in the sunset days of her life that I learned to love Norma Jean Carnes. She was fun, and she was feisty, and she was nice to me. And Norma Jean liked to read.

Norma Jean LOVED our library! Because Norma Jean enjoyed books.

Especially suspense, that was her favorite genre. She and me, we shared that.

Her enthusiasm was so contagious! Boy, do I miss her sometimes.

Norma Jean did us a great big favor, just being herself—she started a tradition.

At the very first Texas Library Association Conference I ever attended, incidentally in Austin, I confessed on my very last bus ride to a couple of librarians that I was still putting the old fashioned cards in our adult library books, along with the all important barcodes—because our adults NEEDED to see their names on the cards to remember if they’d read that particular book.

These librarians laughed and claimed to understand, then encouraged me to recommend to our readers (that care!) to initial the Due Date Slip, which is in every book. It’s worked like a charm! Great advice! I never unnecessarily typed another card—but I admit immense enjoyment recognizing names in our older library books! Especially my own daughters’ names and Leah, Reagan, and Evan’s.

Well...back to Norma Jean. Norma Jean started “grading” our books. Not only did she write “NC”--she also made a comment—a VALUABLE, useful comment. When I mentioned this in a Big Country Library workshop in Abilene, John Pecoraro, our lead administrator, said, “EVERY library needs a patron like that.” Norma Jean was really one of a kind!

When we lost Norma, we gained her seven little address books. I picked up a perfect little basket for them at our Quarter Store. Grading books and authors

was not new to her. She would write the author’s name on the appropriate page, and frequently refer back to her books and to her grading system.

When we lost Norma, I thought we’d lost our most valuable patron, and my heart did ache. But you know what? Norma Jean seemed to have taught many of our other patrons, perhaps through osmosis, judgment levels and succinct, communicative grading. I love it! This is a blessing. A legacy. And Norma Jean was the instigator!

Okay...moving on to books that Norma would love! I finished ACCUSED

by Mark Gimenez—one of my most favorite authors, from east down the Interstate. It was GREAT! His last three books are still not available for purchase in the USA, but our library owns them all! Including three copies of ACCUSED. A little ocean can’t keep us from owning books that we want!

Then I read CAUGHT by Harlan Coben, and now I’ve started Shattered by Karen Robards—Norma Jean would love them all!

And now, sitting on my desk, waiting for processing, eyeing me with suspicion, is Blue-Eyed Devil, I guess the last of the late Robert B. Parker, and The Talisman, Volume 1: The Road of Trials by Stephen King and his pal Peter Straub.

Our Summer Reading Club supplies have arrived! Oh my...summer will soon be upon us. Our summer reading program dates have not been finalized, but I’m thinking RIGHT AWAY—I’m expecting another grandbaby!

Thanks to all of our kind patrons and sweet friends who encouraged me today, when I needed encouragement. My brother’s devotional started out tonight with, “Never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never give up.

NEVER give up.” Do you know who said this? Several from the audience rightly answered, “Winston Churchhill”. I’ll close with another Winston Churchhill quote: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” May the good Lord bless us to see the latter--Norma Jean would approve. Take care everybody, and as always...ENJOY READING!

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

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36• ■ Tumbleweed

Smith, Big Spring

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Send comments to: tumbleweed@mycounty-line.com

Stories From World War Two Veterans Charles Anderson of Abilene spent 32 years as a teacher and school administrator in Snyder. He has a lot of empathy and feeling for those who serve in the military. He has written five books, most of them of a military nature. His specialty is interviewing World War Two veterans, writing their stories, putting the information in booklet form and giving them copies. The number of World War Two vets is dwindling.

Most of them were born in the first part of the 20th century.

“I think we’re losing twelve to fifteen hundred of them every day,” says Charles. “I’d like to urge the children and grandchildren and relatives of World War Two men and women to record their histories.”

He is serious about what he does and he does it simply because he thinks it should be done.

“It’s something that anybody could do if they’re willing to spend hours and hours doing research. Some valuable information is being lost. I take letters they had written, talk to people all over the United States who knew them, then put it in a presentable form.

About seventy percent of the people I’ve talked to have passed on. I’ve done probably twenty or twenty-five

complete stories ranging from thirty to sixty pages. Then I’ve done a lot of shorter stories. All these were combat veterans.”

Charles works part time at an Abilene newspaper and occasionally puts stories of veterans in the paper. I asked him why he was doing this.

“I guess because they think they are being forgotten, that a lot of people are forgetting what they did. Some of these soldiers and sailors and marines feel like they’re the forgotten generation.”

When Charles goes to a book signing or makes a speech somewhere about the veterans, he’ll ask people what they know about World War Two. “They’ll scratch their heads and indicate they know nothing about where or when it took place. They have no idea.”

He says some veterans are reluctant to talk about their experiences.

“But if you’ll listen and approach them just right, they’ll talk. Just take it easy. Don’t rush them. Let them know that you’re not trying to put out something that’s real gory, that you just want them to tell their story.”

Charles was in the military in Europe right after World War Two. He says something in his childhood had an effect on him.

“I remember when I was a kid going to a small country school in East Texas down at Cook’s Chapel near Mount Pleasant. I remember them bringing the soldier boys back and burying them in the cemetery. I would look through the fence and we would see the flagdraped coffin and hear the bugler playing taps in the background.

That stuck in my mind.

I remember how we looked at these soldiers as heroes.”

Editor’s Tie-In: Pictured above is the USS Eastland (APA-163) which was a Haskell-class (as in Haskell, Texas) attack transport acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II for the task of transporting troops to and from combat areas.

Named for Eastland County Texas, she was launched September 19, 1944 by the Oregon Shipbuilding Corp. for the Maritime Commission; sponsored by Mrs. Allan Hunger; and transferred to the Navy and commissioned into service on October 26, 1944, Commander G. L. Harriss in command.

The Eastland was 455ft long and could carry nearly 3,000 tons or over 1,500 officers and troops. She operated in the Pacific and made runs between the coastal United States and occupied Japan.

She downed three enemy aircraft while at anchor in the Kerama Islands during March and April, 1945.

The Eastland participated in “Magic Carpet Ride” operations carrying troops home after the fighting ended.

She was awarded a single battle star and was scrapped on January 23, 1974 at Brownsville, Tx. (one day before the editor’s 4th birthday) My grandfather, Truet Norris, was a sergeant in the 27th Infantry in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign. He once told me the story of riding on a transport ship across the Pacific ocean during his occupation deployment after the war. I was a youngster so the only thing I remember about the story was how he described the ship pitching up...and down...and up... and how they all got so sick they couldn’t stand it. I’ll never forget PawPaw making those exagerated wave motions with his arms while he was telling the story!

The passage took about 32 days. They were aboard a Navy “Tank Landing Ship” (LST) which is considerably smaller than the USS Eastland pictured above. ~mwnorris Picture by Bill Van Haften, NavSource.Org Naval History Website.

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

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6900 I-20 (West-Bound Side Access Rd) Exit 349 Ranger, TX (254)647-3800 Closed Tuesday’s Open 10am till 9pm Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat Open 10am till 3pm Sun Brisket * Sausage * Chicken * Ribs * Daily Desert The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36• ■ New

Health Care Law , submitted by Mary Ann Olson

Summary of Mandates and Changes That Will Effect Small Businesses

The following comes from the office of House Representative, Randy Neugebauer in a letter addressed to Chamber of Commerce Members all across Texas: “The health care bill that President Obama signed into law contains numerous provisions that will affect your small business and you personal health insurance plan. I wanted to reach out and provide you with more information about some of the major mandates included in the bill that likely to affect you.” ~ Randy Neugebauer, Member of Congress January 1, 2011 Establishes tax credits for health insurance-related expenses of small businesses. (Sec. 1421) Requires employers to report the value of an employee’s health benefits on the W-2. (Sec. 9002) Requires businesses that pay any amount greater than $600 during the year to corporate and non-corporate providers of property to file an information report with each provider and with the IRS (in a manner similar to the way in which businesses file a W-2 form to report employees’ wages). (Sec. 9006) January 1, 2013 $2,500 cap on the amount of money individuals can contribute tax-free annually to a Flexible Savings Account. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that this provision will cost Americans an additional $13 billion in taxes over 10 years. (H.R. 4872 Sec. 1403) 0.9 percentage point increase in the Medicare payroll tax and a new 3.8 percent tax on unearned, non-active business income. The tax applies to individual taxpayers earning more than $200,000 ($250,000 for taxpayers filing jointly). The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that this provision will cost Americans an additional $210 billion in taxes over 10 years. (Sec. 9015 and H.R. 4872 Sec 1402) Increase in the threshold for the deduction of medical expenses from 7.5 percent to 10 percent of adjusted gross income. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that this provision will cost Americans an additional $15 (continues on page 16) billion in taxes over 10 years. (Sec. 9013)

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Melissa Morgan, submitted by Paula Howard

Eastland County Losing to Win Competition Plus, A Night With Melissa Morgan

The Losing to Win competition is open to all Eastland County residents.

The fee is $20 dollars to sign up, and all proceeds will go towards the jackpot.

Several local businesses are donating products & services to go toward the prizes for the winners.

This will be a 3 month competition.

It starts June 4th, and will end August 27th.

Winners will be announced September 3rd.

There will be three different categories; men, women, and teams.

The kick off meeting will be June 4th at the Second Photo courtesy Melissa Morgan Baptist Church in Ranger, Texas. That will be the initial weigh in, your before photo will be taken, and if you have any questions you can come & ask them that night.

Also, June 18th Melissa Morgan, a competitor off the reality show The Biggest Loser will be in Eastland County to speak to us about her weight loss adventure. There will also be a question/answer session for anyone who has questions to ask her.

Tickets for Losing to Win competitors will be $5 dollars in advance, and $10 dollars at the door. The tickets for non competitors will be $10 dollars in advance, and $15 dollars at the door. Again, proceeds from this event will go toward the jackpot.

For more information on the competition, or a Night with Melissa Morgan call Paula Howard at 325-733-7279, Wendy Rodgers at 254647-5486, or Monica Henderson 254-442-2242.

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

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36

■ 2nd

Annual Lake Leon Bass Tournament, by Mike Norris

Send comments to: features@mycounty-line.com

Above: La Mancha’s pavilion served as the weigh-in and presentation stage.

Below: Sunday’s Jr Division participants pose for photos. Tyler South (far right) took 1st place while Blake and Payton Freeman (front) took 2nd and 3rd.

Brian Bird took home bragging rights after weighing in this 7lbs 13oz Biggest Bass on Sunday

The 2nd Annual Lake Leon Bass Tournament appears to have been a huge success!

The weather was great and the competitors had two good days of fishing even though the water level was lower than ideal.

When we made the drive around the lake on Saturday, it was clear that every boat ramp was being utilized with boat haulers of all sizes present and accounted for.

The field was comprised of 61 competitors in the adult division and 11 competitors registered for the Jr Division. Anglers came from all over to put their hooks in the ring for a chance at landing a piece of over $8,000 in awards and prize money.

Eastland, Ranger, Cisco and Carbon were represented, as well as Dublin, Clyde, Abilene and Stephenville. Then as you unfold the map, competitors drove in from Hermleigh, Weatherford, Azle, Glen Rose, Frisco, Alvorado, Mansfield, Royse City, Midlothian...(unfold the map some more)...Plainview, Lubbock, Friona, and back the other way to Bryan, Tx! By anyone’s measure, that’s casting a big net!

Sunday drew a larger crowd as the anglers trickled through with their day’s catch. Every weigh-in was announced and the top spots changed several times throughout the closing hour. After weigh-in, each angler reported to the polygraph administrator for certification --

No fish tales allowed!

While the Adult Division results were being certified, the Jr. Division winners were announced: Tyler South, First Place; Blake and Payton Freeman, Second and Third respectively. Saturday’s Big Bass $500 winner, sponsored by Clint Coffee State Farm Insurance, was Danny Nelson of Frisco, Tx. Sunday’s Big Bass $500 winner, sponsored by Bird Electric, was won by a nice 7lbs 13oz entry by Bird Electric owner, Brian Bird...who then donated the prize money to the charity pool, with the crowd’s approval!

If you missed it, then enjoy a few pictures...

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

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36• ■ 2nd

Annual Lake Leon Bass Tournament, continued...

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Bill Sanders, representing the Court Appointed Special Advocacy (CASA) Cross Timbers Area group, was presented a donation of $500 from event organizers, Terry Rose of Outdoor Specialties and L.V. Coffee of First Financial Bank of Eastland.

Ron Harden from KATX 97.7 radio handed the mic over to Bill for a few words, “CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children. We work to seek permanent placement and get them out of the foster system as rapidly as possible...We have offices in Stephenville, Mineral Wells and we just opened our office this year here in Eastland...What it means for us to have local volunteers here is that it adds up to just one more child, two more, three more children that can have an advocate and get in and out of the foster care system as rapidly as possible. We have a motto: Do the least possible harm to the children! And the shorter time they are in the sytem, the least possible harm is done.

Thank all of you for being here and specialy all you sponsors.”

Ron then introduced Glenn Stockard from the Eastland County Children’s Advocacy Center who gave his thanks to the sponsors and participants, “I want to thank all of the sponsor s for making this possible. And thanks for all the participants because without the participants, sponsors would not be motivated to hold this event. What this means for us, being a community-based non-profit, we rely on the community to help support the efforts that we do. Your efforts today will provide over 40 hours of counseling for a child that has been abused. Without counseling, that child has to live with the trauma they have endured, for the rest of their life, by themselves. It’s really good to see ya’ll out here. On behalf of the children that we serve, the children that Bill serves, we thank you.”

Terry Rose and L.V. Coffee presented Glenn with the sponsors’ donation of $500 from Outdoor Specialties and First Financial Bank of Eastland.

This year’s tournament winner was Tanner Morgan of Stephenville, Tx with a two-day total of 25lbs 10oz. Tanner is a member of the Tarleton State University fishing team and has competed for the last few years on the National Guard FLW College Fishing Circuit.

Just last month, Tanner and the Tarleton team competed in the National Championships hosted by the University of Tennessee.

Tanner is a founding member of the Tarleton State Bass Club and served as the club’s president for the first two years. The club currently has over 20 members and the group enjoys club tournaments on several area lakes, including Leon.

When Ron asked him about his winning strategy, Tanner replied “Well yesterday was cloudy and cool so the top water rigs worked well. But since today the sun was shining, I knew that the top water wasn’t going to work so I changed it up to fish deeper.”

Terry Rose and L.V. Coffee are shown presenting Tanner with the 1st Place Prize of $3,000, sponsored by Stanley Ford, Security Title, and KATX 97.7 radio.

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

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■ 2nd

Annual Lake Leon Bass Tournament, continued...

Send comments to: features@mycounty-line.com

Mike Kidd, 2nd

Danny Campbell, 3rd

Danny Nelson, 4th

Guy Adams, 5th

Adult Division Final Results Place

Angler

City

2-Day Total

1st Place

Tanner Morgan

Stephenville

25lbs 10oz

2nd Place

Mike Kidd

Eastland

23lbs 15oz

3rd Place

Danny Campbell

Friona

21lbs 5oz

4th Place

Danny Nelson

Frisco

20lbs 4oz

5th Place

Guy Adams

Hermleigh

20lbs 3oz

6th Place

Allan Nance

Glen Rose

19lbs 12oz

7th Place

Terry Rose

Cisco

19lbs 3 oz

8th Place

Brian Bird

Eastland

17lbs 2oz

9th Place

Butch Willingham

Cisco

15lbs 9oz

10th Place

Donald Burke

Clyde

15lbs 0oz

Tyler South, 1st Place Jr Div.

Junior Division Final Results Place

Angler

City

2-Day Total

1st Place

Tyler South

Eastland

12lbs 12oz

2nd Place

Blake Freeman

Eastland

1lb 15oz

3rd Place

Payton Freeman

Eastland

1lb 9oz

Biggest Bass Winners Saturday Biggest Bass

Danny Nelson

Sunday Biggest Bass

Brian Bird

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

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36• ■ 2nd

Annual Lake Leon Bass Tournament, continued...

Send comments to: features@mycounty-line.com

ARNOLD LOCKSMITH SERVICE 24 Hour Emergency Service

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

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TX Lic B15738

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

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36

■ New

Health Care Law , Continued

Deadline to eliminate the deduction for employers who maintain prescription drug plans for their Medicare Part D-eligible retirees. (H.R. 4872 Sec. 1407) January 1, 2014-- Start of Insurance Mandates Employers Most employers with 50 or more fulltime equivalent employees, with at least one full-time employee (30 hours/week) who purchases insurance subsidized with a tax credit through the Exchange, would have to pay a monetary penalty if they do not offer insurance.

Send comments to: features@mycounty-line.com

“The American People voiced strong opposition to the new law, but the President and Congressional leadership did not listen. My goal is to work for repeal of this law and replace the flawed policies with reforms such as those that will provide more affordable solutions to improve health care access and lower costs.” ~ Randy Neugebauer

If the employer does not offer a “qualified health plan” and at least one employee receives a tax credit for the purchase of insurance through an Exchange, then the annual penalty is: $2,000 times the number of full-time employees minus 30 employees (e.g., a firm with 100 full-time employees would have to pay the $2,000 annual penalty on 70 employees; (100 – 30) x $2,000 = $140,000 total annual penalty).

January 1, 2014-- Start of Insurance Mandates continued

Most individuals must maintain insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents or pay a new penalty (Sec. 1501).

Coverage may be: Part A of Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP, the TRICARE for Life program, the veterans’ health care program, the Peace Corps program, an eligible employer-sponsored plan, plans in the individual market, a grandfathered health plan, and any other health benefits coverage, such as a State health-benefits risk pool, as recognized by the Secretary. (Sec. 1501 and Sec. 1312) Penalties: Individuals who fail to comply with the health insurance coverage mandate must pay a penalty for themselves and their dependents for each month they are in noncompliance.

The penalty is the greater of either (1) a percentage of applicable income or (2) a flat dollar amount. Applicable income is the amount household income exceeds its personal exemption for a tax year. The penalty amount based on household income is one percent in 2014, two percent in 2015, and 2.5 percent in 2016 and later years.

If the employer offers a qualified health plan but at least one employee declines the insurance coverage and uses a tax credit premium subsidy to buy health insurance through an Exchange, then the annual penalty is the lesser of (a) the penalty outlined above, or (b) $3,000 times the number of full-time employees who received a tax-credit to buy insurance through the Exchange.

(Sec. 1513 as amended by H.R. 4872 Sec. 1003)

The annual flat-dollar penalty is phased-in ($95 in 2014, $325 in 2015, $695 in 2016, and adjusted for inflation thereafter), and the penalty is assessed for each taxpayer and any dependents. The flat-dollar penalty is reduced by 50 percent for dependents under the age of 18. Regardless of family size, a family’s penalty is capped at 300 percent the flat-dollar amount, and the penalty for noncompliance can not exceed the national average premium for bronze-level qualified health plans offered through an Exchange (for the relevant family size). (Sec. 1501)

“Qualified health plan” will be a health plan that is certified as meeting a specified list of requirements related to marketing, choice of providers, plan networks, and other features, or is recognized by each exchange through which such plan is offered; and provides the essential health benefits package which will be specified by the Secretary.

If you have further questions about the health care law or other issues in Congress, please feel free to call his office at 888-763-1611. You can also visit his website at www.randy.house.gov to send him an email or sign up to receive his weekly email newsletter, Randy’s Roundup, to help you stay upto-date on issues he is working on in Washington on your behalf.

Employers with more than 50 full-time equivalent employees must report to the Secretary information on their employees who accept and do not accept insurance. (Sec. 1514) Employers with more than 200 full-time employees who offer health benefits must automatically enroll new employees into an offered plan, unless the employee opts out of enrollment. (Sec. 1511) Individuals

Mary Ann Olson Executive Director 100 E. Elm P.O. Box 1466 Breckenridge, TX 76424 Phone: 254-559-2301 Fax: 254-559-7104 maryann@breckenridgetexas.com www.breckenridgetexas.com

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

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36• ■ Life

Stories - Kay Clampit, By Ruth Norris

On April 25th, The County Line was invited to Kay Clampit’s 96th birthday party at The Woodlands.

I got to interveiw her before her party started and we talked as guests were arriving.

“I have always enjoyed reading and embroidering when I’m able,” Kay says.

We also talked about her favorite food which is lemon pie. She says her least favorite food is brocoli, which is something she probably had in common with most of her students.

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She was a pre-school and kindergarten teacher for many, many years and we shared a few stories of some of the kids she remembers most. Miss Kay had several friends and former students at the party. I got the chance to talk with most of them and when I asked how long they’ve known Kay, they all replied, “Forever!”

It was a pleasure talking to Miss Kay and listening to her speak of how the world has changed since she was a little girl.

Happy 96th bithday, Miss Kay!

Miss Kay felt back in the classroom, keeping all the youngsters in line!

Photos by Ruth Norris.

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

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■ Out

of the Past, Luther & Pat Gohlke

Send comments to: thepast@mycounty-line.com

I Just Want to Get Well Elsie Clemmer, an elderly lady who lived in Eastland, Texas was involved in a two vehicle collision late one afternoon early 1990’s. She was brought to the ER

by EMS - neck collar, back board, the works. She appeared moderately injured, but voiced no complaint.

Mrs. Clemmer, a widow, a Christian in her 80s was a very sweet lady, I can still see her on the X-ray table - Eastland hospital fully immobilized - standard operating procedure. I was called out since I was her regular doctor.

It was obvious she was injured, but she was alert, appearing in no pain, cooperative, not complaining. Her right forehead was very swollen, in fact her eye was nearly swollen shut. The eyebrow was cut about 1 inch and the forehead bump knot was about 3-4”, black and blue. Blood poured from her nose.

As we did our usual examination drew blood, got X-rays, started IV lines etc; I asked “Are you hurting any other place?”

“Well”, she replied “I’m a little sore here”, pointing to her right chest area.

“Any place else?” I asked.

“Well this wrist is a little sore,” she said pointing to the right wrist.

“Any place else?” I asked.

She replied, “Just my forehead.”

Her right chest was slightly tender black and blue - good lung sounds. Her right wrist was bruised, swollen and slightly tender.

Now I’ve seen people who wanted a 100 mg of Demerol IM for a pimple, but she beat all.

After X-rays her injuries were as follows: (1)1” laceration right eye brow which I sutured (2)A large contusion - hematoma involving the right forehead and periorbital area - eyeball intact.

(3)Non-displaced fracture of right radius.

and thorax okay.

(5)Other minor bruises to knees and arms.

As I informed her of her injuries the need to suture and cast and a short hospital stay, I asked “Why aren’t you complaining, you must be in a lot of pain?” I continued, “Do you want a pain shot?”

Her reply, “I’m okay and no I don’t need a pain shot, I will let you suture my eye and cast my wrist and I’ll stay in the hospital.”

“But Mrs. Clemmer, why aren’t you complaining? I know you hurt!” I asked She replied, “I’m saving all my strength to get well! Complaining just delays the healing process and wastes your energy” She did well with lots of TLC and made a full recovery.

Emma’s Tea Set

By Pat Gohlke As I sit here in the stillness amid the musty, messy, mishmash of my antique shop work room, I wistfully study the child size tea set spread out before me.

Each piece is arranged exactly as if awaiting the arrival of some small thirsty guests. The green color of the translucent glass is still brilliant after all these years, and I have been wrestling

for over an hour with the decision of whether or not to sell it. The adult business woman in me says, “Sell!” But a little eight year old girl lurking in the recesses of my memory cries out, “No!” I lean back in my squeaky old desk chair, close my eyes and attempt to recall the circumstances that brought the tea set into my possession.

Then I smile to myself as I remember that skinny, little girl with straggly, blond pony tails protruding unevenly from either side of her head. Her name was Emma Lou and she was my best friend in the whole wide world. We shared everything, all the myriad secrets and treasures in our eight-year-old existence.

set, I think as I peruse a pricing guide, maybe $300.00. It is complete, original, no chips or cracks.

I pick up a tiny plate and hold it in my hand. The coldness of the glass causes a chill to run down my spine and sends my memories cascading back to when Emma and I held the most magnificent tea parties on that enormous porch. We dressed all our dolls and stuffed animals in their most elegant attire and they would sit around the porch always on their best behavior. Emma’s mother provided us with some of her dresses, hats and gloves so that we could dress properly for the occasion.

I loved going to her house which sat majestically at the end of a long narrow sidewalk, its two-story height looming before me as I approached it.

Two immense cedar bushes stood guard regally on either side of the three broad front steps which led up to an enormous front porch.

Emma’s mother would also bake a recipe of her chocolate chip cookies.

Oh, yes, those wonderful chocolate chip cookies, I thought. The memory of the smell of those cookies baking makes my mouth water even now. And remembering the sweet, tartness of the lemonade she made us to serve our guests makes my mouth draw up in a pucker.

The clanging of the bells on the front door of my store suddenly breaks my reverie. As I walk to the front to greet my customer, I think to myself, it was really just an old, drafty, dilapidated frame house. Emma only lived there one year and we were playmates. So why is this tea set causing me so much trouble?

My business transaction completed, I stepped back into my work area. I could get $200.00 for that tea

Then the significance of the tea set and how I happened to have it came painfully home. Hot tears begin to well up in my eyes when I remembered looking out our front door that warm June day long ago and seeing Emma standing there with the tea set all neatly arranged in its box. Each piece was nestled carefully in its place.

I thought she had come to play until I looked passed her and saw their family car packed with all their belongings.

She slowly handed me the box as she said, choking back the tears, “Daddy said there wasn’t room for it, so I wanted you to have it to keep forever.”

I will never forget the crushed feeling I had as I stood there holding that box and watching my best friend in the whole wide world drive out of my life forever.

I look back at the tea set sitting there on my work table. Then I gently pick up each piece and arrange it neatly back in its place in the box. After sticking a paper tag on the box, I place it carefully in the show case then walk around to the front I check to make sure the tag shows clearly. In big letters it reads for all to see “EMMA’S TEA SET - NOT FOR SALE AT ANY PRICE.”

(4)Four broken ribs right chest, lung The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36• ■ Life

Planning Issues, Jim Kennedy

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Send comments to: lifeplanning@mycounty-line.com

Credit Cards Are Good for Your Financial Health I bet you don’t hear that every day, especially from the professional who handles your family’s finances.

Nonetheless, it is true. Let me explain…

Credit Cards are associated with debt and many of us were taught either by someone else – or through our own bad experiences with them – that they are the devil and should be locked away in the top dresser drawer or cut up into tiny little pieces.

However, for most folks this just simply isn’t the case.

You are probably aware that you need to establish and maintain good credit, but believe it or not your use of credit cards is a major factor in how your credit score is calculated. There are many individuals who attempt to lead a purely cash lifestyle. Though if you think about it, is this really practical in today’s world? A large portion of the population now shops on-line, which often requires the use of credit cards. Many retirees are interested in leasing vehicles or financing motor homes and other recreation vehicles. This all requires good credit – and most insist on credit cards for security. Moreover, if you read the article from last week, Have the Urge to Own Your Home Free and Clear?, you already know that not taking advantage of good debt could cost you thousands of dollars. In fact, you might remember the recent

Fed study that found that at least 38% of those who were making extra payments on their mortgage were “making the wrong choice.” (P.S. If you have not read the article…take a peak…it’s astonishing how the numbers work out.) Last, employers are using credit scores more and more to measure an applicant’s ethical and behavioral standards.

According to credit expert Philip Tirone, author of 7 Steps to a 720, a significant portion of your credit score is determined by your “mix of credit” (mortgage and/or installment loans, credit cards, etc). He suggests obtaining and using 3-5 credit cards from major carriers. Did you notice there is emphasis on “using”? If you get a credit card and just stick it in your dresser drawer, you’ve missed the point. The credit card companies will declare your account inactive and your score won’t be helped.

Want some ideas?

First: Pay them off every month. Having a credit card doesn’t mean you have to be in debt.

Second: Don’t Miss a Payment - Ever. If you do, this just defeated the purpose of building your score.

Your payment history, according to Mr. Tirone, sums up to about 35% of your credit score.

monthly NetFlix bill, book club, gym membership, etc. Then set up the cards to be paid each month automatically from your bank account. Now you can lock these cards in your dresser drawer if you would like.

Fourth: This one requires a little homework. Find a credit card with a really great rewards plan and a large credit limit that fits your lifestyle. I have seen everything from cash back opportunities, to new vehicle purchase, to travel. But again: do your homework. Many cards offer the same rewards, but their point systems vary. Once you have the perfect card for you, put your life on this card every monthly expense you can. You’ll probably buy yourself a free airline tickets, or two or three, every year or whatever your reward plan offers. Just don’t forget the first idea: pay it off every month.

(Some fine print you need to know: Another factor in calculating your credit score involves your “utilization rate”. This is the balance on your card vs. your credit limit. You never want your card usage to exceed 30 percent of your limit.)

Bottom line? Go out there and use that plastic – but be sensible.

Third: Use 2-4 of these cards to make 1 automatic purchase every month. Think small like that

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.

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

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■ Rising

Star Library Notes, Ginger Johnson Tobin Check Your Due Dates!

Hello Patrons:

Rising

Star

Library

Library Patrons, please do us a BIG favor and check those DUE DATES on your RISING STAR LIBRARY books and DVD’s! We have many many books checked out…and some are actually OVERDUE. We promise that you will be treated well, even if your books have past due dates… just bring them in or drop in the NIGHT DROP. Other readers have asked for some of these books, so please allow them the privilege of reading them too! YOUR HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. BOOK REVIEW: I came across a neat little book at the library recently by DALE EVANS ROGERS, “The Woman at the Well.” Some of our younger patrons might not know who Dale Evans was or even have heard of her very famous movie cowboy husband, Roy Rogers. Well, that’s sad. These two were VERY FAMOUS and very beloved on the television screen when I was a kid (doesn’t seem that long ago).

Here’s a beautiful photo of Dale Evans Rogers in her young years.

She was actually born Frances Octavia Smith in Uvalde, Texas. While she was living and working in Memphis, Tennessee using her new married name of Frances Fox, the radio station manager who employed her changed her name to Dale Evans. Eventually, Dale went to Chicago where she was a vocalist with a number of “big” bands and was a featured soloist at notable hotels such as the Blackstone, the Sherman, the Drake and the Chez Paree Supper Club. She had a screen test for a Hollywood movie with Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby but didn’t get the part as her dancing wasn’t up to Fred Astaires’.

Dale was finally signed by Republic Studios for a one-picture contract and was then in several other movies. Since Dale had by then a large following and a good reputation as a singer and, being from Texas, could ride ‘n rope (well, kind of), she was chosen to play in a movie with Roy Rogers, who was a big star already. History was made and destiny seemingly was fulfilled with release of The Cowboy and the Senorita; and Dale and Roy were married on the Flying L Ranch in Davis, Oklahoma, where they had just completed filming Home in Oklahoma.

children and many never-before-told experiences comprise a great part of this book. This true story will bring tears, smiles, and challenge to the hearts of all who read it.

A REVIEW FROM JAIL: “I was losing hope in God and my stay at county lockup brought this wonderful book my way. Since I am not a bookworm and there is not much to do in jail, I picked a rather worn edition of Dale Evans book “The Woman at the Well.” I am a country fan so that may have invited the book my way. Once I started to read the book, I could not put it down; it made me cry, it inspired me and made me believe very strongly in God again. If this family can go through all this and still have a strong faith, there must be a God. I truly believe anybody wondering about God should start here with this book.”

ANONYMOUS If you want to read this book, ask for it by name and author at RISING STAR PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Dale had her son, Tom, from her previous marriage, and Roy had an adopted daughter, Cheryl. He had birth children, Linda Lou and Roy Rogers, Jr. Roy and Dale had a child together, Robin. They also had Mary Little Doe of Native American heritage, John David, a battered child from a Kentucky orphanage; Marion, their foster child from Scotland; and Debbie, a Korean War orphan. A rather large family quickly became the center of their lives!

I will not go further into Dale’s life as this book, THE WOMAN AT THE WELL, is also an auto-biography; she can tell about her life better than I can. The deaths of three of her The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36• ■ Fox’s

Mercantile, Ranger, Tx, Mike Norris

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Where in the World is Ranger, Texas?

Jeff Angus is the new owner and proprietor of Fox’s Mercantile in Ranger, Texas.

“Where in the world is Ranger, Texas?” is a question that Jeff has been asked many times since he moved to Ranger last September.

He tells his friends, “Well, you gotta get a map of Texas and then find Dallas and Fort Worth. Follow Interstate-20 west until you see Abilene.

Somewhere about halfway between here and there, you’ll find Ranger.”

Jeff says he’s still getting used to the laid back lifestyle of Ranger. “Yea back home,

getting a flat tire was something that made you go out of your mind... sideways! But out here it’s like, no big deal. I got a flat the other day on my van and I waited a week to get it fixed.”

idea, one day the wife comes across this house for sale and sent me the link and says ‘You gotta look at this!’ So here we are!”

Jeff and his wife, Robin, have been in Ranger for over 6-months. During When asked that time, they’ve what brought been revitalizing him and his wife, and refurbishing the Robin, all the Mercantile Jeff Angus, owner, says “Yes, the neon sign indicates that we are really open for business!” Fox’s way to Texas from building, mostly on California, Jeff doesn’t Texas? Her whole face just Lubbock!” Jeff burst out the inside, but Jeff has plans beat around the bush, “My turned into one big smile laughing before going into for the outside as well. “I had wife was born and raised in and she hollered ‘I’m going details, “I broke out a map all the chalk lines marked up Lubbock. When I decided I home to Lubbock!’ And I and told her, ‘Now from on the outside east wall so I was finished with California, had to calm her down real here on up to there it gets could paint Fox’s Mercantile I asked my wife what she quick before I pointed out I too damn cold in the winter on the side. I had a heck thought about moving to hadn’t said anything about and everything turns to ice... of time with that doing it from there over that way you mostly by myself using just look out and see red dust on a ladder and tape to hold the everything every morning... chalk line in place. And then all along through here there’s I came in here the other day crazy folks with guns running and all my chalk lines were wild along the border.’ So I on the sidewalk! In other circled an area from Austin words, the rain came and up around most of central washed all my chalk lines Texas and I said ‘pick any away.” Jeff chuckles and lets town in here with less than out a long sigh, “Yea, I’m 10,000 people where we can still getting used to this laid do our own thing and not rub back lifestyle. You just got the neighbors the wrong way to laugh and go with it.” and we’ll go check it out.’

That’s what got us to looking Jeff gave me the tour of here.” the store. I commented about the shelves being so bare and Jeff points around the he laughed and offered up store and says, “We came another story, “Well, as you across this place and the ad can see, I have lots of room. said 5,000sqft downtown We opened the doors at 11am commercial property and on our first day open to the from owning a radio and public...and my inventory electronics repair store in Los delivery still hadn’t arrived Angeles I couldn’t believe yet. I was fit to be tied! the asking price! While I About lunch time, the truck was toying around with that arrived and we unloaded

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

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36

■ Fox’s

Mercantile, Ranger, Tx, Continued

goods off the truck and put it straight on the shelves. I was running up and down the isles with a price gun putting stickers on everything.

That same day, Dollar General closed the doors at 3-o’clock on their downtown store across the street.

I had everything priced and on the shelf before they shut down, so I was ready to pick up right where they left off.”

Send comments to: smalltown@mycounty-line.com

crackers over there on the shelf...and right back here...” I followed him down the isle where he has candy bars and snacks along with some dimestore toys for the kids (everything except the packets of itching powder which he placed behind the counter so kiddos wouldn’t accidentally rip open a pouch Fox’s Mercantile reminds me of the biggest little convenience store I’ve ever seen. and spill any on Jeff has this Texas-sized thing down pretty good! the candy bars I complimented him on his strategic attention, but I didn’t see any coolers. smart thinkin’) Jeff reached behind sense of timing, but he says that he He kept talking, “No nevermind. an old radio box and produced a hasn’t picked up quite as much of the Coolers cost over two grand a piece, small, wooden coffin with a hinged market as he had hoped. “I’m trying so I don’t have any coolers yet. But lid, about a foot long. “Here’s one of to keep things simple and not put too when I get them, they’re going in my coffins.” much inventory on the shelf. I have over there. It all takes time and you allot of canned foods and dry foods, just have to go with the flow.”

Speaking of the radio box, Jeff so they have a good shelf life, but the owned a radio repair shop back in fresh vegetables only stay fresh for a I asked Jeff about his front window, Los Angeles and he moved his entire couple days. So I have to manage my where it says “Fox’s Mercantile - operation with him to Ranger. About orders.” Jeff showed me a basket of Everything from Crackers to Coffins” one-third of his floor space is devoted potatoes priced at $0.17 each, “These and he chuckled. “Well, you see the to shelves of radio accessories potatoes here, basket started off full but I’m gonna have to let these stragglers go before they sprout legs, get up and walk out on their own.”

We both laughed.

ranging from antique vacuum tubes to oscilloscopes and various tools and testing equipment. Jeff proudly mentions that he is an authorized Motorola radio sales and service technician, which he points out is a valuable service for local businesses and police and fire departments who use portable radios in their work. He also repairs antique vacuum tube radios...the electronics on the inside and the woodwork on the outside.

We walked around the back end of the store for a while, the part that will one day be part radio workshop, part warehouse and part office space.

Right now it’s mostly just storage with a little bit of organization thrown in to mess things up. Jeff has plenty of plans and lots of work to do, but one thing is for sure...since moving to Ranger and slowing down from the fast-paced atmosphere of the West Coast lifestyle, Jeff and Robin have found out that they have plenty of time on their hands to get it all done. ~mwnorris Jeff waits on customers while my daughter and I explore the shop. Sherrie later receives an introduction to the inner workings of a 1920’s player piano, which Jeff has adopted as a tinkering project between vistors.

Jeff pointed back to the corner of the building, “You see those coolers over there?”

I glanced around to where he was directing my The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36• ■ Out

of the Box, Joellen Hodge

Send comments to: thebox@mycounty-line.com

Why Soul Food Has So Much Soul Just discussing Soul Food can become a major debate at any table. There is only one fact that everyone agrees on…

African influence is the greatest contribution to the flavors of the Soul Food diet.

That said, the discussions often break into factions of Native American influences vs. French additions from Louisiana and so on. There are so many different components to this traditional cooking method, I now characterize Soul Food like this: If it came from my grandmother’s table, it was Soul Food. It was southern in nature and steeped in tradition. The recipes depended heavily on whatever foods were available. If they weren’t in season, then they had been canned or frozen. It was carefully prepared with love and time. This kind of cooking was meant to fill your belly and your soul.

Soul Food is as much about the ingredients as where it came from. Certain items are in every soul kitchen. Okra, hominy, dry beans and peas are staples in my cupboards, along with the chicken, beef, pork, and fish in the freezer.

Greens, mustard, collard, turnip, Polk salad or any of the others are just as important as the proteins and carbs when you serve up Sunday dinner.

Some of the most flavorful additions to the table come from the root vegetables: potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, onions, etc.

You can’t talk about Soul Food without covering the breads. The breads may be the very backbone of pulling together the entire menu.

Hot water cornbread, biscuits, Johnny cake, hoecake, hush puppies, big puffy yeast rolls, sweet bread made with molasses and wheat bread and the list goes on and on. Of all the food I have fed into my mouth, none bring the pleasure of a piece of hot bread dipped in gravy or butter…or both.

■ Ranger

23 ..

Spotlight

Ranger Citizen Task Force

Last Saturday morning, May 10th a group Last, but certainly not least, there are the of interested citizens came to the new Foxes desserts. So many pies, sweet potato, chess, Mercantile Store to meet and greet the new Ranger buttermilk, any kind of fruit and that greatest citizens, Jeff and Robyn. They are wanting to make of all, the pecan pie. You can also choose from their store a place that will help the people living bread pudding, peach cobbler, Red Devil Cake, down town get the groceries and commodities they apple fritters, oatmeal cookies, banana pudding need. They have a large variety of items already and custards. My favorite was always the angel and are wanting to stock more things as they see food cake with its almost magical coat of frothy a need. If you haven’t met Jeff and Robyn, just pink boiled icing. All of this is not just a list of go by and welcome them to town. You might find sugary delights, but an entire table at every after something there that you just can’t live without. church social south of the Mason/Dixon line.

They have a unique shop with many interesting All these foods come under the heading of and unusual items.

“Soul Food”. The tastes and traditions do come from many different cultures. They have all added On following Saturdays we will pick other their own spice to the pot. If you truly want to businesses new and not so new to focus on. “Shop know where Soul Food comes from, head into Ranger first “ should be our motto. Watch the paper the kitchen and throw on an apron. The stories to find out where we will be going next. Keep your told over a boiling pot by the cook are the most eyes open as you drive down Main street and see engrossing. A young woman of twenty telling the what the Task Force is up to. Watch for further story of a grandmother who, freed from slavery, information in The County Line Paper. made her living by selling gumbo bowl by bowl on the docks of the bayou is far more compelling We have in the planning stages a revival of than “intellectuals” discussing the origins of corn Roaring Ranger Days. Remember how much fun pone. that was. If you would like to get involved check I can look back at my entire life and taste the with Dianna at the Ranger Library. Also while most important parts of it. Food arrived with at the Library check out the hand made bench births, holidays, weddings and funerals. Some and hand made afghan that will be raffled off on of the dishes came from our own kitchen, while Roaring Ranger Day. Tickets can be bought from others were brought to the front door by aunties any member of the Task Force. and neighbors. It was simply understood that no life event was complete without a decent pot of ■ EMH Volunteers, Kelly Davidson beans to commemorate the occasion. This is what 4th Annual EMH Golf Tournament makes it soul food to me, the smells and flavors are blended together with the sounds of a new baby brother’s crying, the pain of losing my great The E.M.H. Volunteers are out in force collecting grandfather and the excitement of leaving home sponsor money, raffle items and door prizes as a young adult. for the upcoming Fourth Annual E.M.H. Golf Tournament.

If you have an idea about an article, e-mail me: johodge@bboxlady.com The one-day golf tournament is on Saturday, June 5th at the Lakeside Golf Course. First, Second and Third place winners in each flight will receive $$CASH$$ prizes. Door prizes and raffle items will be available throughout the day! A BBQ dinner will follow for all players.

Come out and play for the day!

If you are in need of an entry form, you may contact Rhonda Reeves at 631-5350 or Leisha Hodges at 631-5368.

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

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36 Send comments to: footnotes@mycounty-line.com

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

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36• ■ From

The Backside, Henry J. Clevicepin

25 ..

Send comments to: backside@mycounty-line.com

Financial Planning and Mulebarn Trivia

By Henry J. Clevicepin Collaborated by Nellie Frecklebelly and Agnes & Ophilia Fudpucker

Well, we been having some of them thunderboomers around Buzzard’s Roost and it finally washed all of the dust off the catfish.

We shore needed a little rain. My old grandpappy always said don’t pass up a heifer calf, a good rain or a chance to go fishing. He was purty smart.

Talk about smart and financial planning, we had an old boy that lives around here that worked for the family business owned by his father. His mother was dead and he found out his daddy was going to die and leave him a fortune. He decided to go to one of them financial planning meetings and he spotted a good looking ol gal that he had never seen. She was so purty it just took his breath away. He went up to her and said” I may look like an ordinary guy to you, but in a year or two my father is going to die and I will inherit $200 million dollars” Impressed the woman ask for his business card and one week later she became his stepmother !!!!!! Women are so much better at financial planning than men.!!!!

Now I was giving ol Estee K. Bibbles, my mulebarn partner & beer drinking buddy, a little trivia lesson the other day. I said” Estee K did you kow that race car spelled backwards still spells race car and eat is the only word that if you take the first letter and move it to the last it spells its past tense “ate”. Well, ol Estee K., not to be out done by Henry J. said, “well have you ever noticed that if you rearrange the letters in “illegal immigrants” and add just a few more letters it spells out: Go home you free-loading, benefit grabbing, kid producing, violent, non-English speaking sapsuckers and take those hairy faced, bomb making, goat herding, camel ridin radical muslims with you !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just couldn’t believe Estee K. was smart enough to come up with all of that. He just amazes me sometime.

Now speaking of them illegals, people have raised cain for years about them. And Arizona, after getting a rancher killed out there , decided to do something about it and now a bunch of people are in an uproar over their new law. And all out illustrious goofball U.S. Attorney General come out badmouthing the new Arizona law and then admitted he had not read it….ain’t he a piece of work.

I read an article by a vet who was on disability and had applied for food stamps or as they now call it social assistance and was told he could get them but it would be deducted from his disability pension.

Now folks, this is someone who fought and was injured to make sure we are free…..this just ain’t right.

I also read about a 25 year old illegal woman in Florida with 8 kids that receives almost $1500 per month per kid, plus medical and food stamps….oops….I mean social assistance. Do a little math on that one….thats nearly $12000 a month and she doesn’t pay one cent in taxes or medical care.

Did you know the Federal Governement provides any refugee in this country with a monthly stiphon of $1840, plus $580 in social assistance….that’s almost $30,000 a year tax free.

And Obama and his little gang in Washington are just making it worse.

I hope everybody that wanted the first black President is happy. I still want to know who voted for him since I can’t find anyone to admit it now. And ol Estee K says what is this about him being the first black man…..his mother was white. Like ol Tonto would tell the Lone Ranger….” Chemosavy, him half breed….no can trust” !!!! Now ol Tonto was plenty smart. Him and the Lone Ranger was sleeping out on the prairie one night. Tonto woke the Lone Ranger up and said”chemosavy, look up and tell me what you see. The Lone Ranger said, Tonto, I see the stars, the moon, the milky way and all of God’s creation. Tonto said, chemosavy, you dumber that buffalo dung……when I look up I see someone has stolen our tent !!!!!!”

Well, I got to go play a little more trivia with ol Estee K down at the Buzzard’s Roost Bar & Grill.

Words of Wisdom from Henry J. : A taxpayer voting for Obama and the Democrats is like a chicken voting for Colonel Sanders !!!!!

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

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Starting the first week of sale, April 5th!

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

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36

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

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ MAY MID-MONTH EDITION, 2010 v3.36• ■ Footnotes, Mike Norris

Send comments to: footnotes@mycounty-line.com

Are you offended by the American Flag?

The headline reads, “California Students Sent Home for Wearing U.S. Flags on Cinco de Mayo.” OK, have you seen this? Are you following this story at all? I’ll make a long story short...

Cinco de Mayo, May 5th for us everyday American citizens; California...Five students sent home for wearing American flags and sporting the red, white and blue to school. The reason: Might be offensive to those wishing to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Excuse me?

The very symbol of the freedoms which allows one to celebrate his or her own freedom of expression is not allowed because it might in some way offend another (presumably) American citizen? Is that what you are trying to tell me?

Is that what you’re saying? Are you serious? Could your head be any further up your southern border?

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I rarely go out on a limb with a chainsaw, a pair of pruning shears, a weed-wacker, and a beaver-skin hat, but for this one I’m sprinting out there and I’m jumping up and down and screeming!

If you have a problem with this country where the mere sight of Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes, the American Flag or the words “I pledge allegiance” send shivers of anger up and down your spine and rattle your teeth to no end, then maybe you ought to practice one of this country’s greatest freedoms and pack up all your crap and get the heck out!

■ Help

Go the heck on. You’ve heard of “open borders” right?

Well the door swings the other way, too. Be gone!

On the other hand, before you hit the door, please... please...take a few minutes of your time to sit down and write to me, in English if possible, but if you only speak Spanish then please don’t let that stop you, I have friends who can translate for me....but please write to me your collective thoughts for justifying the intolerable belief that you can fly your flag but I can’t fly mine.

I’m absolutely serious, if you agree with the school administrators who sent these kids home for wearing OUR colors on a day where WE recognize that OUR country is made up of more than ONE single culture...then I doubledog-dare you to put your money where your mouth is and send me an article where you attempt to justify their actions.

Bring it on...if it wasn’t for the Star Spangled Banner still being there at dawn’s early light, then we might not have the choice to fly any flag, or wear any color, or express any opinion, or type this article or criticize each other in any way, shape, form, or fashion. The Red, White and Blue is the ultimate expression of FREEDOM, wether if it’s held by the hands of our military, gracing a silver pole at the local fire station, or standing silent vigil over the community cemetary...the flag still stands for Freedom, and by God, you can’t take that away!

Wanted

EBAA Iron Inc. is now accepting applications for full-time experienced maintenance personnel for night shift(10:30pm-7 am). Background in hydraulics, pneumatics, and industrial electronics a plus. Applicant must be able to work in a challenging and fast paced environment. Benefits include base pay with incentive, 401K, credit union, medical, dental, vision and life insurance. Apply in person at the Eastland plant on Tuesdays, 8:00am till 10:00am located on CR442, or send resume, by e-mail to kaelj@ebaa.com or mailing to: EBAA Iron Inc P.O. Box 877 Eastland, Texas 76448

CUBSCOUT SIGN-UPS GRADES K-4TH

MAY 23, 2010 2:00 -4:00 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BASEMENT GET READY FOR FUN AND ADVENTURE. PINEWOOD DERBY, HIKING, BIKING, CAMPING AND MUCH MORE!

$15.00 TO JOIN

SIGN UP NOW PAY LATER.

Gorman City-Wide Garage Sale May 22, 2010

$5.00 to have your sale on the map.

Booth space in park or sidewalks.

Maps will be available at the Community Center For information call: Jill Rainey 254-734-2317 Cliffa Vaughn 254-734-3933.

27 ..

Cisco AARP Chapter 2447

4th Friday Night Musical on May 28, 2010.

1007 Humble Ave 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 5:00 PM. Music starts at 6:00 PM. Admission is free. The only cost is food & drinks.

Our menu for May is Red Beans & Cornbread, or Sandwiches 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.

Cisco AARP Chapter 2447

Regular monthly meeting Thursday, May 20, 2010 Hillside Village Wheatley Community Center,1006 Humble Ave Come join us 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.

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