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Volume 4 Issue 47
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The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
Monthly Issue
April ,
2011
In This Issue:
NEW FEATURE!
Presidential Papers of Ronald Reagan
Growing Up Small Town by Mike W. Norris
Texas Conservative by Chuck Norris
@Ranger Library
by Diana McCullough
Star Pride
by Ginger Tobin
Good Neighbors
by Clint Coffee NEW FEATURE!
Texas Traveler by Jeff Clark
Reader Submissions by Various
Tumbleweed Smith by Bob Lewis
Daily Devotional
by Wanda Lee Beck Skinner
Love Lessons
by Vicki Stiefer
Treasure Hunters
by Jerry Eckhart NEW FEATURE!
The Breckenridge Wall Local Advertisers
Out of the Box
by Joellen Hodge NEW FEATURE!
Rising Star Bulletin Board Local Advertisers
Out of the Past
by Luther Gohlke NEW FEATURE!
This Week In Texas History by Bartee Haile
From the Backside
by Henry J. Clevicepin
Ruthie’s Page
by Mike & Ruth Norris
Please Visit Our Website
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vol.4 Issue 47
President Ronald Reagan
Address to the Nation on the United States Air Strikes Against Libya - April 14, 1986 My fellow Americans:
out the following morning. The next day they reported back to Tripoli on At 7 o’clock this evening eastern the great success of their mission. time air and naval forces of the United States launched a series of Our evidence is direct; it is precise; strikes against the headquarters, it is irrefutable. We have solid terrorist facilities, and military assets evidence about other attacks Qadhafi that support Mu`ammar Qadhafi’s has planned against the United States subversive activities. The attacks were installations and diplomats and even concentrated and carefully targeted to American tourists. Thanks to close minimize casualties among the Libyan cooperation with our friends, some of people with whom we have no quarrel. these have been prevented. With the From initial reports, our forces have help of French authorities, we recently succeeded in their mission. aborted one such attack: a planned massacre, using grenades and small Several weeks ago in New Orleans, arms, of civilians waiting in line for I warned Colonel Qadhafi we would visas at an American Embassy. hold his regime accountable for any new terrorist attacks launched against Colonel Qadhafi is not only an American citizens. More recently I enemy of the United States. His made it clear we would respond as record of subversion and aggression soon as we determined conclusively against the neighboring States in who was responsible for such attacks. Africa is well documented and well On April 5th in West Berlin a terrorist known. He has ordered the murder of bomb exploded in a nightclub fellow Libyans in countless countries. frequented by American servicemen. He has sanctioned acts of terror in Sergeant Kenneth Ford and a young Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, Turkish woman were killed and as well as the Western Hemisphere. 230 others were wounded, among Today we have done what we had to them some 50 American military do. If necessary, we shall do it again. personnel. This monstrous brutality is It gives me no pleasure to say that, but the latest act in Colonel Qadhafi’s and I wish it were otherwise. Before reign of terror. The evidence is now Qadhafi seized power in 1969, the conclusive that the terrorist bombing people of Libya had been friends of of La Belle discotheque was planned the United States. And I’m sure that and executed under the direct orders today most Libyans are ashamed and of the Libyan regime. On March disgusted that this man has made their 25th, more than a week before the country a synonym for barbarism attack, orders were sent from Tripoli around the world. The Libyan people to the Libyan People’s Bureau in East are a decent people caught in the grip Berlin to conduct a terrorist attack of a tyrant. against Americans to cause maximum To our friends and allies in Europe and indiscriminate casualties. Libya’s who cooperated in today’s mission, I agents then planted the bomb. On would only say you have the permanent April 4th the People’s Bureau alerted gratitude of the American people. Tripoli that the attack would be carried
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The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
3Growing Up Small Town ■
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, Mike W. Norris
Government Shutdown? BRING IT ON! So far this year (January to April) the federal government has spent in excess of $607.5 Billion dollars. (http://www.usaspending.gov) On average, that equals $6.3 Billion dollars spent every day -- even on Saturdays and Sundays! And though that sounds like a lot of money, we’re just getting started! Last year the federal government spent an average of $10.2 Billion dollars per day over the entire year for a total of $3.7 Trillion dollars spent. (http://www.usgovernmentspending.com) The House Republicans, answering the calls of the nation’s Tea Party conservatives, have taken over the nation’s finances from the irresponsible Democrats. They entered the process with two goals ~ to trim $100 Billion dollars from FY2011 spending and to pass a FY2012 budget which reinstitutes the same spending levels as FY2008. In 2008, the federal budget averaged $8.0 Billion dollars per day. It doesn’t require a mathematics or economics degree to figure out that $10.2 Billion dollars per day minus $8.0 Billion dollars per day equals $2.2 Billion dollars per day of savings. That essentially equals a target of saving $803.0 Billion dollars from FY2010 to FY2012! We have to ignore FY2011 because the irresponsible Democrats failed, refused, did not even discuss or attempt, to pass a FY2011 budget! So ignoring FY2011, we can see that $803.0 Billion dollars is about a 27% reduction in government spending from FY2010 to FY2012. Simple as that. The argument follows that if we survived 2008, then we should see no reason to fear going into 2012 with the same budget. Doesn’t that make sense? I believe it does. End of discussion.
but the Republicans say that there was no agreement? Why is the media all a-twitter warning of a government shutdown and why are they setting the stage for the Republicans to take the blame for it? The Answers....
patty bingo expecting to be able to spin the government shutdown into a black eye for the Republicans and thereby win a few political points. Period! Let me be clear....
According to a Library of Congress Congressional Report, during the 21-day shutdown of 1995: the National Institute of Health (NIH) was unable to accept new clinical research patients; the Center for Disease Control (CDC) was unable to track the spread of monitored diseases such as AIDS and enfluenza; 3,500 bankruptcy cases were suspended; there were delays in processing alcohol, tobacco and firearms licensing; 368 National Park Service sites were closed; approximately 200,000 passport applications were delayed; 53,000 Bureau of Indian Affairs benefit recipients and 25,000 American Indians were delayed in receiving their assistance payments and oil and gas royalties; $3.7 Billion dollars of Washington area contractors were affected by funding lapses; and the National Institute of Standards was unable to issue a new standard for lights and lamps by their January 1, 1996 deadline. Woe, woe is me.
During 1995, the federal government shutdown during two episodes of the budget debate because Democrat President Bill Clinton and the Republican Leadership of Newt Gingrich could not agree on a budget for FY1996. The end result of the shutdown was a political gain for President Clinton and political turmoil for the Republicans who took the blame for the fiasco. The combined outcome was a Clinton re-election in 1996. So, do you remember the government shutdown of December 1995? Probably not. The reason it’s difficult to remember is because the federal government was designed and conceived by our Founding Fathers to have very limited power over the lives of the American Citizens. In other words, a government shutdown, by design and Source: Shutdown of the Federal Government: according to original intent, should have little Causes, Effects, and Process; Kevin R. Kosar Analyst or no direct influence on your daily life. in American National Government Government and Finance Division; Updated September 20, 2004 Big whoopity-do-dah!!! The Democrats are playing political cow Send Comments to: smalltown@mycounty-line.com
So what’s the problem?
Simply put, the problem is the $100 Billion dollars that the Republicans want to cut from this year’s spending. Theoretically, the Democrats don’t have a budget to adhere to so there’s no obvious reason that they should refuse to agree to the $100 Billion dollars in cuts for this year. In fact, since we aren’t operating under a written budget, we can’t even accurately calculate how much of a percentage of savings that $100 Billion dollars reflects. $3.8 Trillion dollars is the assumed figure for FY2011 and $100 Billion dollars reflects only 2.6% of that total. Only a tenth of what the Republicans are shooting for in the FY2012 budget! A tenth!!! Oh my gosh!!! The pain!!! So why are the Democrats willing to grandstand on this $100 Billion dollar issue? Why are the Democrats refusing to sign on to a continuing resolution that funds the government for the rest of the year? Why are the Democrats stepping up to the microphones and saying that “the Tea Party is holding the Republican House leaders” in an unwinnable situation. Why is President Obama saying that we have an agreement The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
4Texas Conservative ■
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, Chuck Norris - The Man
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Obama Triangulates on Gun Control
Loyal readers will recall that I warned last year of the perfect storm approaching on gun control. Now, with the Tucson, Ariz., tragedy as a steppingstone and with eyes firmly focused on his re-election, President Barack Obama has opened a campaign to appease his base on the polarizing
issue. Let me completely disclose my position: I am a strong Second Amendment advocate. I believe in protecting our fundamental rights, including our Second Amendment rights, through the political process. To that end, I serve as honorary chairman of the “Trigger The Vote” voter registration campaign. That campaign is funded by the National Rifle Association’s Freedom Action Foundation. We work in every election cycle to register gun owners and hunters to vote and add them to the ranks of millions of grass-roots voters who have established Second Amendment issues as the new “third rail” of American politics. Those voters and the newly registered voters we can add to their ranks between now and November 2012 will have their job cut out for them in the next election cycle. The 2012 election now looms large for this administration. Even while the president’s top aides are deserting the White House to staff up his campaign office, those left behind seem to be working from a mandate to begin patrolling the divided Democratic base. Up until now, the Obama White House had given a wide berth to the gun control debate, abandoning campaign promises to pursue new restrictions on our gun rights. This avoidance does not reflect any shift in position; it is merely recognition of the political reality that most members of his party have no interest in having yet another political loser of an issue crammed down their throats. At the same time, those in Obama’s liberal base have grown restless and rancorous over his first two years in office because he hasn’t done everything they’ve wanted, at least regarding more restrictions on our Second Amendment rights. They resent the president’s avoidance of fulfilling his campaign rhetoric. Gun control groups have thrown tantrums for months that Obama wouldn’t champion their agenda, with one group resentfully awarding him an F. So only now is Obama sticking his toes into the swirling currents of the Second Amendment debate. His campaign kicked off in the Arizona Daily Star, with a subtle op-ed that was intentionally vague. The words could be read as a broad endorsement of proposed gun control measures; they also could be read as embracing the NRA mantra that enforcement of current laws is what’s needed. But Obama’s attempt to place himself at the center of an ideological divide over guns is pure political positioning, and it comes with the rank odor of cold, crass calculation. One can almost hear the tearing of another page from the Clinton playbook. One thing he definitely got wrong, however, was his arrogant statement that he had “expanded” the rights of gun owners. The Bill of Rights is guaranteed and can’t be “expanded” by government, as it contains fundamental natural rights. Those rights can, however, be restricted by illegitimate government fiat, which is why the clear language of the Second Amendment prohibits even “infringement” upon it. But infringement is
clearly on the agenda, despite Obama’s rhetorical vacillations. Implementation of the goals set out in his article came via phone calls from Justice Department operatives seeking to arrange a series of “active listening” meetings for groups on both sides of the gun control debate, as well as industry companies and groups. The proposed meetings were intended to develop an agenda of new legislative and regulatory proposals for the White House to embrace and push in Congress. Let’s tally the results thus far. First, my friends Wayne LaPierre and Chris Cox at the NRA not only declined the invitation but did so in the form of a strong letter that gave lie to many of the article’s core assertions. Second, gun control groups eagerly attended their meeting, reporting on the process in glowing tones, which must have brought a rosy glow to the White House operatives assigned to the realignment of the political base. They continue their private muttering about a “lack of leadership” from the White House. Third, the media panned the Obama strategy and operation. The White House must have been particularly stung by criticism from the editorial board of the Arizona Daily Star itself. The meetings with other groups will continue. You can bet that we haven’t heard the last of this issue. But so far, all that Obama has proved is this old political adage: The only thing accomplished by sitting in the middle of the road is that you can be hit from both sides. Editor’s Note: For details, please visit the following http://www.TriggerTheVote.org
http://www.nraila.org/pdfs/obamaletter314.pdf http://bit.ly/g2i80i
Send Comments to: chuck@mycounty-line.com
To find out more about Chuck Norris and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2010 CHUCK NORRIS - DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM - Reprinted under license by Mike Norris for The County Line. The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
5@The Ranger Library ■
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, Diana McCullough
Carnival Conquest to Mexico
The Ranger City Library is a destination unto itself, in its own quaint, humble way, but sometimes it’s nice to get away. Sometimes it’s even refreshing to leave town, leave Texas, and even the United States— but not for LONG of course! Here’s what I wrote in my journal last Saturday, unedited for at least a FEW minutes. “Today is the last day of our cruise—a “Fun Day at Sea”—sailing northwest back towards Galveston. The time is 7:20 AM, old rock songs are playing on Channel 39, and Jim is sleeping in peaceful slumber beside me. Jim didn’t intentionally wake me up at 5:40 AM, but I slept well through the night, gently rocking on this huge ship, and I was ready to wake up. I finally finished “Wicked Lies” (Lisa Jackson) just a little while ago. It took me a long time to read it, although I enjoyed the suspenseful story. “Live Wire” by Harlan Coben is within arm shot, as is Boom Town, USA (7 ½ Keys to Big Success in a Small Town). We’ve had a good trip! Lucky to have our third daughter and her husband. Having them added more uncertain variables, but it’s all worked out! Katy is four months pregnant and she makes me proud. A little bit too much like her father, though. Their impatience to drive into Parking Lot B (last Sunday, in Galveston) was nearly too much. Her husband, Justin, plugged in the earbuds to his iPhone iPod, deliberately ignoring them. I wasn’t so distracted, but I persevered! And yes, we were nearly the first to enter Parking Lot B. Charlie Sheen’s “Winning…duh!” drew frequent laughs this trip. Jim and I like the SHIP. It is the Carnival Conquest, and it’s longer than three football fields and entertains 2,974 guests and employs a staff of 1,150. Jim and I don’t have to gorge ourselves in the Renoir or Monet Restaurants to be happily well-fed. In fact, we feel better when we make HEALTHY choices. Wednesday, at our first port of call, Katy and Justin
chose a water adventure excursion and Jim and I booked the Lethe (pronounced “Let – t”) Village tour. (I’ll send a picture if I can!) Thursday, we walked around SOME in Grand Cayman, seriously hampered by torrential downpours. I LOVED the sound of that rain! It’d been five months since Grand Cayman had had rain like that, according to two different locals. Then Friday was our last port-ofcall, Cozumel, Mexico. Man plans, God laughs, you know. Katy had talked to her dad about Passion Island before she ever left North Texas. By the time we were in Galveston, she had her dad’s Mastercard, booking reservations for Mr. Sanchos—an all inclusive beach resort (all you can eat/ drink with water sports) in Cozumel. We left the ship easily enough, among the throngs of people. Got a taxi, easy enough. Our driver Jose, who preferred his middle name “Arturo” (attended school in Barceló, Spain, married a Puerto Rican girl, had a two month old baby, and had lived in Cozumel for nearly 17 months) sped to the resort with windows down. Law enforcement, parked near the entrance, delivered the news in Spanish: A problem. Mr. Sanchos was closed due to their failure to pay taxes. Our driver quickly drove us back to Paradise Island, and we exited his taxi, nearly bewildered at our sudden change of plans. Fortunately we only had a $5 deposit EACH in Mr. Sanchos’s establishment. Paradise was going to cost us $50 each. We were uncertain. Then our driver made an offer: “How would you like an “Island Tour”?” “For four or five hours.” “Just $50 more, for ALL of you.” I was game! And what an unexpected, glorious day. Our driver was excited, animated. I wish I could understand Spanish better! He drove east, I think, then turned north, then stopped at a gorgeous point. There was an outdoor gift shop but Arturo gave no inclination that he expected us to LOOK, but I looked QUICKLY and there might have been some little trinket that should have come home to Ranger! First, we walked out on the white beach, took a picture, then walked further—out on a volcanic lava-looking formation where water and waves pushed through. Walking around the “holes” in the rock made me feel a little antsy and I didn’t walk as far as Katy and Justin, who slipped down a rock into an area where the ocean waters lapped in to. Jim walked further than me, too, but I was
Photos provided by Diana McCullough
in a GREAT position to take pictures, absorbed in the beautiful mystery of creation. Our next stop was similar, yet different. Our third stop was Playa Bonita—“Pretty Beach”. We enjoyed “loco nachos”, the Mexican music, and the free atmosphere. At $7 a pop, we skipped the Mayan ruins, we’ve done that before, but someday I’d enjoy climbing those steps again. Before heading to the downtown area and back to the port, Arturo stopped at La Mission, a Tequila Restaurant and we enjoyed the “Green Agave Tour” (MY description) and the demonstration of how different tequilas are produced. Before boarding our ship, we bought vanilla for our daughters and t-shirts for our grandkids. Jim and I enjoyed watching the island fade as we sailed away. What a day! Who needs an all inclusive resort? Not me! Katy joined us for a late afternoon room service supper of sandwiches and a wrap, with New York cheesecake for dessert. We fell asleep early, rocking with the gentle waves of the Caribbean Sea.” No matter how far we roam, it’s always good to get back home. And we returned to WINTER weather, with RAIN! But by the time you read this, it’ll probably be 90 degrees again—the mesquite trees are blooming! We do love Texas, thank you for the warm welcome home. As always, please take care, and… ENJOY READING! Send Comments to: rangerlibrary@mycounty-line.com
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
6Star Pride ■
www.MyCounty-Line.com ~ April Fools Issue, 2011 v4.47
, Ginger Tobin RECYCLING
As promised in my last column, the “committee” has contacted the local recycling business at Mayben and E. Smith Streets in Rising Star in regard to a few more details. Some additional information about junk car recycling is as follows: You must have the car title OR must have a “Transfer of junked vehicle to a Demolisher” form, which is available at City Hall for a fee of $5.00 per car. I checked with Kathy Wilson, one of the owners, about what the current price is; and it is $160.00 per ton, although this can vary, according to prices elsewhere. She did say that the weight of BIG tires on BIG trucks will be deducted from the weight paid.
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Signs are currently being planned by the recycling company which list several items that are NOT accepted; you can call Kathy at 254641-0140 Monday through Friday, and even until Noon on Saturday for additional information. It seems to Star Pride that having a recycling center right here in town could really benefit citizens and Rising Star as well. I know that we all are eager to have our town look its very best; and recycling vehicles, appliances (without refrigerants or CFC’s), and other metals, etc. is an excellent way to do just that. Several people have told me Rising Star used to be a beautiful town; well, it’s still beautiful to me; however, for whatever reasons, there are
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
Continued on page 18...
7Presidential Papers ■
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, Ronald Reagan (continued from page 2)
Europeans who remember history understand better than most that there is no security, no safety, in the appeasement of evil. It must be the core of Western policy that there be no sanctuary for terror. And to sustain such a policy, free men and free nations must unite and work together. Sometimes it is said that by imposing sanctions against Colonel Qadhafi or by striking at his terrorist installations we only magnify the man’s importance, that the proper way to deal with him is to ignore him. I do not agree. Long before I came into this office, Colonel Qadhafi had engaged in acts of international terror, acts that put him outside the company of civilized men. For years, however, he suffered no economic or political or military sanction; and the atrocities mounted in number, as did the innocent dead and wounded. And for us to ignore by inaction the slaughter of American civilians and American soldiers, whether in
nightclubs or airline terminals, is simply not in the American tradition. When our citizens are abused or attacked anywhere in the world on the direct orders of a hostile regime, we will respond so long as I’m in this Oval Office. Selfdefense is not only our right, it is our duty. It is the purpose behind the mission undertaken tonight, a mission fully consistent with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. We believe that this preemptive action against his terrorist installations will not only diminish Colonel Qadhafi’s capacity to export terror, it will provide him with incentives and reasons to alter his criminal behavior. I have no illusion that tonight’s action will ring down the curtain on Qadhafi’s reign of terror. But this mission, violent though it was, can bring closer a safer and more secure world for decent men and women. We will persevere. This afternoon we consulted with the leaders of Congress regarding what we were about to do and why. Tonight I salute the skill and professionalism of the men and women of our Armed Forces ■ Good
who carried out this mission. It’s an honor to be your Commander in Chief. We Americans are slow to anger. We always seek peaceful avenues before resorting to the use of force -- and we did. We tried quiet diplomacy, public condemnation, economic sanctions, and demonstrations of military force. None succeeded. Despite our repeated warnings, Qadhafi continued his reckless policy of intimidation, his relentless pursuit of terror. He counted on America to be passive. He counted wrong. I warned that there should be no place on Earth where terrorists can rest and train and practice their deadly skills. I meant it. I said that we would act with others, if possible, and alone if necessary to ensure that terrorists have no sanctuary anywhere. Tonight, we have. Thank you, and God bless you. Send Comments to: president@mycounty-line.com
Neighbors, Clint Coffee CLU ChFC State Farm Insurance® Agent
Child Passenger Safety
Although the number of crash-related fatalities for children has steadily decreased since 1975, motor vehicle crashes remains one of the leading causes of death for children1. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that, on average, 6 children under the age of 15 years were killed and 673 were injured in crashes everyday in 20042. Sadly, most of these deaths could have been prevented. Half of all children under age 15 killed in crashes were completely unrestrained2. Although all 50 states currently have some form of child restraint laws, parents and drivers need to make sure children are appropriately restrained every car ride. Here are some tips to help keep kids safe in vehicles: ● All children 12 and under should ride in the back
seat of the vehicle appropriately restrained3 ● Make sure children are appropriately restrained according to current best practices. NHTSArecommends the following guidelines4: • Infants: Birth until at least 20 pounds and at least 1 year old should ride rear-facing in an infant or convertible seat • Toddlers: Over at least 20 pounds AND over at least 1 year old; up to 40 pounds should ride forward facing in a convertible or combination seat • Young children: Over 40 pounds; Up to at least age 8, unless 4’9” should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat with a lap and should seat belt • Older children: Over 8 years old or 4’9” should use a lap and shoulder seat belt. ● All child safety seats should be used and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions,
as well as the vehicle owner’s manual instructions ● Never place a rearfacing infant seat in front of an airbag Be a good role model... always wear your seat belt. For adults, seat belts in combination with air bags provide the best protection against injury and death in crashes. For more information about child passenger safety and state laws, please visit: www.statefarm.com. 1Insurance
Institute For Highway Safety 2National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 3American Academy of Pediatrics 4Current as of May 2003
Send Comments to: neighbors@mycounty-line.com
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
8Texas Traveler ■
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, by Jeff Clark, Freelance Writer and Historian Silent Night, Holy Night Visits Palo Pinto County
Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright… There’s a quiet serenity drifting across the Dodson Prairie tonight, a peaceful blessing rising in my heart the farther west I drive. Dodson Prairie’s St. Boniface Catholic Church will celebrate its 100th anniversary on its patron’s day June 5, 2012. Masses were said in this stately building regularly until the fateful letter from Bishop Delaney arrived in May 1997. Not enough people, it said. Better move your flock south to Strawn. There were 20 parishioners attending St. Boniface pretty steady back then. I pull to the corner in front of the church, slide my car lightly through its unlocked front
gate. They’re having Wednesday night rosary in ten minutes. I invited myself. Friends greet friends and talk outside – about who was in the hospital, about visiting grandkids, about last week’s tragic death of a man they all know, about yesterday’s rain…thank God for that, and about a fall off a pickup truck running board that resulted in this new blasted walking cane. There are two canes in attendance this night, joined by one rolling walker. The median age is high 70s, middle 80s. They are casual in jeans and sweaters, work shirts. They close the door to the night wind outside, once all are inside. This church used to be filled from front to back. Tonight these friends sit together in the back, sit in the last three rows of hard wooden pews with room left over. There are twelve people, if I counted correctly. This sanctuary has plank wooden floors, soaring seasoned stained glass windows, potted poinsettias, a Christmas tree and life. Two majestic white candles burn in the far distance, atop the front altar. Behind that a red vigil candle flickers its soft light toward these parishioners in invitation. St. Boniface’s Church has always been a mission church. They still have the occasional funeral, wedding, or baptism out here. Weddings can fill this old building up, I’m told. The diocese pays the insurance bill, but this community of friends pays for everything else, pays with the labor of their own hands in many cases. The petition part of tonight’s
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service is unlike any I’ve ever heard. I like the way these people do their petitions better. Petitions are prayers to God asking for the healing, care or strengthening of people, the Church, or most anything suitable that comes to mind. Most Catholic churches recite a formal litany of lines as they fire these prayers off toward heaven. This night, these older people are in quiet conversation with their Lord and with each other. “We need to pray for so and so, whose husband died last week,” they use only her first name since they know who’s being prayed for personally. They all nod. They all pray. Another says softly to the others, “She’ll be okay. She’s a strong woman.” One lady prays that someone she knows can find work, talks about the hardship this family faces each dinner time. I have a picture in my mind of a benevolent grandfather God rocking beside his fireplace, listening, attentive, pen in hand writing these folks’ prayers in His little book. My imagination doesn’t comply with official omniscient dogma sometimes. But that’s what I see. Their rosary begins: Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee… Weathered hands worn wrinkled and tender through 70 and 80 and 95 years of life hold sparkling rosary beads before them, the first bead pinched between two fingers as their circle prayer begins. Blessed are thou among women…
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
9Texas Traveler ■
www.MyCounty-Line.com ~ April Fools Issue, 2011 v4.47
, Continued...
These folks aren’t praying TO Mary, as is often wrongly believed. It’s like when I need a big favor, I call someone sitting close to the Decision Maker, someone who can get his attention – in this case His mom. The youngest in the room is my age. This community of faith hopes some young people will move out on the Prairie, one day soon. The Gospel reading tonight is about the man who hates his brother, a wasted reminder out here. The family names seated around me read like a centuryold roll call to the history of these parts: Teichman, Holub, Bearden, Boyd, Nowak and others. The service ends. There are chocolate chip cookies by the back door. I talk to a few, cut up with a couple more, get told about the day in 1943 when the school kids loaded up their stuff and tromped from the old school up the hill to the new school. These folks are those 1940s kids. “How long are y’all going to
keep this going?” I ask, then wish I hadn’t. “As long as we’re able,” one kindly older woman replies. “We’re going to continue even if there are only two or three of us.” W h e r e two or three are gathered in His name… As I leave through the gate I look back at the small covey of cars parked around this stillso-holy church. I take one last photograph, knowing that what I saw tonight will too soon pass from this earth. The song remains. Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace… Send Comments to: txtraveler@mycounty-line.com
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
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10Reader Submissions
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The Ranger Good News Club Note - The County Line welcomes reader submissions and articles. When sending articles, please provide complete information about the author so that proper credit can be cited. Articles appear in The County Line at the sole discretion of the owner and publisher, so if I don’t like it, it probably won’t get published.
The Ranger Good News Club is an after school bible club that is open to students K-6th grades at Ranger Elementary. We meet at 3:30-4:30 pm in the school cafeteria. The GNC is a non-denominational ministry of Merriman Baptist Church. We teach basic Bible doctrine to the students. All our volunteer workers have current background checks. Our volunteers for this semester are Marilyn Lively, Kandy Jonker, Chrystal Speed, Dona Jackson, Pat Bowles, Kamee Sanders, Cliff Lindsay, and Dalene Lindsay. Merriman Baptist partners with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) to present the Good News to Ranger students. All volunteer workers are trained by CEF, and all our curriculum is purchased from them. Last semester, we studied in the Old Testament with Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. This Spring semester, we will be teaching “Life of Christ II” in the New Testament. We also have songs, games, memory verses, and review questions that reinforce the Bible lessons. The kids are great, and we have lots of fun. We have had the GNC since Spring 2005. We certainly enjoy it, and we thank all the people that help us bring the Gospel to the students at Ranger Elementary. Please keep us in your prayers. All students need parental permission to attend the GNC. If your child attended Club last semester, you do NOT need a new permission slip. Permission slips are in the school office for new students to join. We look forward to teaching the students the Gospel. Any questions? Just call: Merriman Baptist Church – (254)647-1102 or Dalene Lindsay – (254)647-3377 Send Comments to: submissions@mycounty-line.com
Located in Cisco, Texas North Side I-20 Between Exit 332 and 330 Look for the red airplane tail!!!
Store Hours... Thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
11Reader Submissions
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Myrtle Wilks Community Center Newsletter
Note - The County Line welcomes reader submissions and articles. When sending articles, please provide complete information about the author so that proper credit can be cited. Articles appear in The County Line at the sole discretion of the owner and publisher, so if I don’t like it, it probably won’t get published.
Bistro Opens at MWCC Chef Martin Vine is proud to present Bistro at MWCC, a great place to get a healthy delicious lunch. Bistro has been open for a little while now, and more and more people are coming in for lunch each day. With Chef Martin’s wife Rebecca Vine managing the front, and the variety of soups, salads, and Panini’s changing often, Bistro is able to run as a family operation without sacrificing quality or integrity. Chef Martin is also offering a revolving selection of entrees that differ each week, ranging from Kobe beef burgers to a Salmon Caesar salad with homemade dressing. “We wanted to bring unique cuisine to Cisco,” the Chef says. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Dallas, Chef Martin has worked at several fine dining establishments to hone his craft. His wife Rebecca is a native of Cisco, and they decided several months ago to move back here to be close to family and open a restaurant that will offer people a taste of something different, with an emphasis on fresh and healthy ingredients. The Bistro at MWCC is open Monday through Friday from 11-2 for lunch, and special events at MWCC can be catered with prior notice. Call 254-442-4479 for takeout orders.
congratulate the winners on a job well done! MWCC ARCADE COMING SOON!!! Plans are in the works to transform the Family Game Room into a state of the art Arcade that will rival Primetime in Abilene! There will be loads of new games including Dance Dance Revolution, Racing Games, Shooting Games, Skeeball and much more! Best part is, from 3:30 to 5 kids play for FREE! Volleyball League Starting May 3rd Sign your team up for our Beach Volleyball League! Every Tuesday Night starting May 3rd we will be having volleyball games from 5:30-8:30. We will be playing with 4 person teams ages 12 and up. No cost to enter, so get your friends together and come by MWCC to join up! Send Comments to: submissions@mycounty-line.com
Things get spicy at MWCC Chili Cook-off The competition really heated up March 6th at Myrtle Wilks Community Center. Set to live music from Javier and the Wingnutz, contestants battled it out with their secret chili recipes to see who would take home first prize. A panel of judges tested many different styles of chili and had a hard time picking who would take home the honors. Pat Qualls came in first place, with Tiffany York in second and Mickey Hogan in third. Many people from the community came out to try the chili and cornbread offered and enjoy the live music. We look forward to hosting the event next year, and MWCC would like to thank all of those who participated in the contest as well as
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
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www.MyCounty-Line.com ~ April Fools Issue, 2011 v4.47
, Big Spring
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Farm History on Wheels
Marion and Sherry Newton have a farm north of Big Spring. When they’re not tending to their crops, they’re fooling around with old farm equipment. They are big time collectors of it and have two barns full of old tractors and antique implements. “The oldest tractor we have is a 1925 regular Farmall,” says Marion. “The next one we have is a McCormick-Deering from 1927. Then we have some John Deere 1935’s, a John Deer 1936, two or three of them, a 1934 HartPar and several old, old tractors.” He has some tractors with names I’ve never heard of before: Co-Op and General. He says some of them are easy to find, others are more difficult. His Co-Op came from Wisconsin. “It was a total pieced of junk when we got it,” says Marion. “But now as you can see, it looks pretty nice. I worked on it three or four years to get it like I wanted it.” I told him his hobby must be some kind of investment. He just laughed and said, “Yes it is. It’s quite an investment.”
Some of his old tractors have steel wheels and start with either a hand crank or flywheel. He keeps them in running condition. Some of them look brand new. When I asked him what he did with the old things, he replied, “We just play with them.” He started one of the tractors and it played a unique tune with its popping sound and irregular rhythm. He shows off the old machines in parades and antique tractor shows, hauling them all over the state. He says his hobby started with four tractors. “I wanted in magazines and other publications devoted to get some of the tractors I grew up with. Then I wanted a 560 Diesel ‘cause that’s to the hobby. “You used to see them in fields as you drove along the highway, but no more. the first tractor I bought brand new in 1962.” They’ve nearly all been picked up.” I had my six-year-old grandson Caleb with In addition to their full-size tractors, they have me when I visited the Newtons. Marion took a a room full of miniature tractors. They, too, tractor outside and let Caleb drive it. It made a great photo. Marion’s wife Sherry thinks are in nearly pristine condition. All the levers the tractors are great. “I love them. So do and gears work and the steering wheels turn our kids and grandkids. Marion really loves the wheels correctly, just like on a real tractor. them. We’ve had a good time collecting them, Some of them aren’t so miniature. They’re restoring them and looking for them. It’s like nearly big enough to ride. with any hobby, you The Newtons are big time collectors of old know. There’s always farm tools. One entire wall is full of them. one out there you’re Marion says it’s probably the biggest collection looking for. So that’s of old tractor tools in the state. “They’re getting Marion. He’s still pretty hard to come by. If I find one I don’t looking.” have, I get it.” Marion says when One of their barns is full of antique farm he started collecting items: wash pots, cotton scales, horse-drawn the old tractors, they buggies and wagons, one of the very first were fairly easy to cotton strippers, a cultivator, butter churns, find on farms all over butter molds, sewing machines, irons, washing the country. When machines, walking plows that were pulled a farmer bought a by mules, old advertising signs and vending new one, he parked machines, even a barber chair Marion uses to the old one just in relax. All his items relate to the period when case he needed it tractors replaced equipment pulled by mules for parts. Then the or horses. “The tractors are a whole lot better hobby got so big and than a mule or horse,” says Marion. collectors bought the older ones. Now you Send Comments to: tumbleweed@mycounty-line.com see them advertised
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
13Candidate Biography
www.MyCounty-Line.com ~ April Fools Issue, 2011 v4.47 ■ Community
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Exercise Your Right to Vote
My name is Troy Emery and I have lived in Ranger for the past four years. I was born in Tom Green County in the City of San Angelo on August 7, 1966. I come from a rather large family of 9 children and also have a son of my own who is now 24. While attending and graduating from Wall High School, I was employed by Dairy Queen for two years and then went to work for a well known construction company in San Angelo for another two years.
Announcement
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Palo Pinto County On Tour
Palo Pinto County On Tour April 30th, from 9 am to 4 pm. Come join us for a fun day, a driving tour and see all of our beautiful wildflowers in Palo Pinto County. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit some of the wonderful historic places in our county such as Lover’s Retreat, Jail Museum Complex, First Christian Church in Palo Pinto, Old Santo School in Santo, Johnson League north of Gordon, Texas, Belding Ranch Possum Kingdom Lake area, Young Hart Ranch, Graford area and Texas Frontier Trails in Mineral Wells Texas. Fun for the whole family. Adult 16 or older $10, children $2. You can get a ticket at any location or advance tickets available at the Mineral Wells Area Chamber or Possum Kingdom Chamber. Don’t miss out on this fun filled day.
It was at this time that I decided I wanted to do more with my life and enlisted in the United States Navy as a Seabee specializing in construction as a Planners for the event, Palo Pinto County Historical Commission. Steelworker. After traveling to numerous Duty stations (Guam, Iraq, Spain and Virgina to name a few) during my 20+ years of active-duty service, and attaining the rank of Navy Chief, I decided to retire and ■ Daily Devotional, Wanda Lee Beck Skinner return to my home state of Texas. My wife and I chose the City of Have You Taken A Look Around You Today? Ranger as our new, permanent residence. My core values of, “Honor, We are so busy all the time that we seldom stop to visit or to talk to others. Why Courage and Commitment” make me a good candidate to serve you! don’t we take time to spend just thinking about the people who really need someone to Shortly after moving to Ranger in 2007 I applied to the City of Ranger to become YOUR City Secretary. I was offered, and accepted, the position in February 2008. I happily took on the challenge and soon learned a lot about the inner workings of the City of Ranger. I also learned about the laws and regulations governing the operations of our City. In addition to City Secretary, I was also City Clerk, Human Resources, Payroll and Accounts Payable during most of that time. After almost three years with the city, I decided to resign my position. Instead of merely giving the standard two-weeks notice, I gave 10 weeks to have time for the city to find my replacement and so that I could also fully train this person. Since moving to Ranger, I have been an active member of the Ranger Historical Preservation Society as well as the Ranger Citizens Task Force. I have volunteered at all six city-wide clean-up days organized by the Task Force and look forward to continuing to do so. Ranger is now my home! I ask for your vote as I truly believe that I would be beneficial to the City Council of the City of Ranger. Pol.Adv. by Troy Emery
talk to them today. I spend some time home alone lately. It was quite an experience for me. You see my helath had been great until one Sunday when I got home from church and felt I did not have enough energy to fix me a meal. I found something in the refrigerator but it didn’t taste good. So I just laid down and rested. By the next morning I felt really bad and decided to go to the doctor. “A Stroke”, he said. Well, I will have to get some rest. The rest turned inton three months at home and I discovered we do not realize how others feel when they have no where to go and no energy to do any chores. So I intend to spend my time visiting others who cannot get out and see anyone. It does not take long and it means so much to those you see even for a little while. Can you help someone today? Easter Was so Long Ago But It Is Still Important Today. Easter will be here soon and I began to think about the day and what it means to me. I am certain that Chirist took on the cross and its suffering for me. Have you thought about that? I am sure many people who read this live their lives the way they want. But do they stop and think of Christ coming down from heaven for them. If there had been only one to save He would have come anyway but think how many He came to save. I drove to Fort Worth a while back and was amazed at the number of people in their cars, people walking on the streets and people just sitting on a bench. Jesus vision is so much better than mine, He sees them each and every one and He cares about them. What a difference this one day made for all of us. Do your best to do what would make Him happy today. Just a Thought I sat down this morning and began to think about the time I was a kid. Mother took some time off on Saturday to spend with me. I was so fortunate. Do you have time today to spend a few minutes with your children,coloring eggs, painting pictures on the eggs and just telling the story of the real meaning of Easter.
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
14Love Lessons Learned So Far ■
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, Vicki Stiefer
Men And Wrestling
I admit it, I watch wrestling. I did not at first. Come on, I’m a girl. Fighting is gross and SO uncivilized! One of the first dates my husband and I went on was his house for pizza and wrestling. I wanted to be on a date with him so what we did really did not make that much of a difference. It was a trauma-twofer walking into a single man’s apartment. First to see the way he lived and second to see his passion for wrestling. What is wrestling but a soap opera? My husband has branded it a man-opera and proud to watch. Wrestling has everything you could want in entertainment. It’s flashy, there is intrigue and mystery. Good guys, bad guys and lots of skin. That is the first thing that got my attention. I ask myself if he was watching it because of all the girl parts flinging and flying around. Then I wondered how those women can wrestle wearing false eyelashes and hair extensions. Have any of them had a wardrobe malfunction?
Mom can tell me to say my prayers and take my a go-to guide to impress your guy if he’s in to wrestling and you know nothing about it. Drop any vitamins, brother! of the following into a conversation and your man How can the undertaker be a dead man? Did he will think you are a wrestling genius! undertake himself? It was sinful that I didn’t know 1. “Yeah baby, KoKo B Ware’s parrot was who Animal and Hawk The Road Warriors were. named Frankie. He’s got a facebook page.” Blasphemous that I didn’t think Gorgeous Jimmy Garvin was a great wrestler. All I really wanted 2. “I can do the boogie woogie just like to know is if Rowdy Roddy Piper was wearing Jimmy Valiant.” underwear under there. I started to enjoy wrestling for the pure entertainment that it has turned out to be. Ever since that first date my husband and I make every Friday a date night. We order some sort of Italian food and turn on the wrestling. We laugh, love to hate, cheer on the underdog, bet each other on the outcome of the matches and further solidify our relationship. By opening my mind to something SO uncivilized I found fun and love. Right from the beginning my husband was teaching me. I was learning and growing and I didn’t even know it. Does your family watch wrestling? My husband talks about growing up with his friends and family watching pay-per-views and making posters.
After believing him when he promised the I guess women have a place in their hearts for underwear trail from the bathroom to the laundry hamper was not a normal thing, he said he didn’t half naked men and women wrestling and talking smack to each other in 13 week story lines. Is really watch the women wrestlers. wrestling any different than a woman’s favorite I rolled my eyes and said, “Yeah right!” He may soap opera? Charly McClain sang it best, “Who’s not have kept a close eye on them, but I was glued cheatin’ who and who’s being true, and who don’t to all the glitter and feathers that paraded around even care anymore…” I think we as human beings every Friday night. I watched the women more are drawn to drama. If there isn’t something to than I watched the glistening, sinewy ripples and oogle and ogle at it’s a boring life. six-packs…more on the men later. Yum! So shows like wrestling with all the I wondered if my husband wanted me to look like star power, drama, and pyro mystify them. He knows me. False eyelashes are for prom us and keep us coming back for more. and your wedding photo. I don’t go to work with The characters represent bigger than a fake tan and super metallic t-shirt. It took me a life personalities that face the same long time to realize that wrestling is really just a good and evil that normal people face everyday. You have to decide man soap opera. in your life if you’re a heel or a baby face. That’s wrestling talk for bad There was so much I had to learn. guy and good guy. Who cares if I can smell what the Rock is cooking? If you’re not a wrestling fan, here’s Where is Austin 3:16 in the bible? Nobody but my
3. “No, the Nature Boy Ric Flair’s robes looked really masculine, not girly at all. Feathers become his blond hair.” 4. “I still believe in the American Dream, Dusty Rhodes that is.” 5. “I’m not afraid of snakes when Jake the Snake brings Damian into the ring.” Sure fire phrases to catch his attention and help you learn a little bit about what he loves. Now, go google everything so you know what you’re talking about. Give your man a clothes line on to the bed and then a big smooch followed by a little John Cena ‘you can’t see me’. Have fun with it.
Send Comments to: lovelessons@mycounty-line.com
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
15Treasure Hunters ■
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, Jerry Eckhart
Editor’s note: To see more of Jerry’s treasure finds, visit his Facebook profile. Just search Facebook for “Jerry Eckhart”
Birds of a Feather
As a kid, whenever I started running around with the wrong crowd, my mother would quote that old saying, “Birds of a feather flock together.” She used it in a negative meaning to let me know I wasn’t doing right. Fortunately, there are positive meanings for that same phrase because those with hobbies like to associate with those of similar interests. Of course, there are a few grouchy individualists who won’t associate with anyone who pursues the same thing they do. They are not the ones we are talking about today. Throughout the nation, there are stamp clubs, coin clubs, writers clubs and so many more, including metal detecting clubs. The majority of us, who enjoy metal detecting like to gather and swap stories or tips. That’s why about 1991, a few of my friends and myself got together to form what is now known as the Southwestern Searchers. The general idea behind this club was to have a place where we could learn about metal detecting, share tips and places to hunt. We put an announcement in the newspaper, and on the local radio station to let others know what we were doing. At our first meeting, we not only had the original five, but an additional 3 showed up. AS the word got around, our numbers grew. Now we have a total of 30 members with around 25 attending each month. We had no idea that the Southwestern Searchers would ever become that large. Even more encouraging, is that new treasure hunters seem to call on a regular basis wanting
to know if there is a club in the area. Our goals have changed over the years. Where once we concentrated only on how to find coins, we have now expanded into many different areas. We became affiliated with the Texas Council of Treasure Clubs which sponsors an annual extravaganza where metal detectors, coin finds and deep sea treasures are displayed and treasure hunting seminars occur. Locally, we now have programs on prospecting, lost treasure hunting, Spanish treasure symbols, historical seminars, coin collecting, and just about anything else the treasure hunter may be interested in. We feature guest speakers and our own club members who have a wealth of information to share. Each meeting begins with a short business meeting which we try to keep short, very short, then progresses to a time for folks to tell what, where and when they made finds. We will discuss future plans and programs, then go into our program. Whenever there is a guest speaker, that speaker is inundated with questions from the members. It is a great time.
The most favorite time is the refreshment period where snacks are served and members have a chance to visit and share stories or ideas. Some members will bring their most recent finds to share what is out there still waiting to be found. Our meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM and usually last about an hour or until the diehards are ready to go home. We meet at 116 West 7th which is the old Cisco City Hall that has been converted into the Lela Latch Lloyd Memorial Museum. The museum, open on Saturdays, is worth a visit for itself. On meeting nights it is open to club members and features one room devoted to treasure hunting finds, while the remaining rooms feature historical items from Eastland and surrounding counties. Contact may be made by calling 254-631-6809. Come see us and have a treasure of a time.
Send Comments to: treasure@mycounty-line.com
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
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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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Angel Food Ministries Ordering Cut-Off Date Friday April 15th
Go online to Order: www.angelfoodministries.com
Distribution Saturday April 23rd **NOTE** Ranger orders can be made online or at designated locations and can be picked up in Cisco or delivered by Church of God of Prophecy. Call Ilene for more information
(254)442-1969
Benefit Brisket Supper & Auction May 14 5:30pm to 8:00pm Donation Only
Carbon Community Center Please Contact Linda Norris 254-639-2349 to donate items for the auction.
To Benefit Ruth Norris Medical Expense Fund
Rising Star Trade Days April through October 4th Weekend each month Call 254-643-1611 for details
Business For Sale
Established downtown bookstore and gift shop with complete inventory, display shelves and cases. Turn-key. I’m ready for retirement and would like to see someone continue this enjoyable and social business. Call for details: (254)559-2770
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
18Out of the Box ■
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, Joellen Hodge
Free Will, Free Choice
Tough year so far…tough enough to inspire me to make some creative changes about my life in general. Despite the difficult decisions to be made, I am still the one in charge of making them. Don’t you hate the feeling of being forced into a situation without a lot of control on your part? For instance, just a few years back, I needed a fridge. My new home came without that particular kitchen staple. No big deal, it was just time to go shopping. Now, I am not a fancy chick, so the ones with televisions in the door that make ice, cook turkeys, and give massages were not on my list. (Well, massages would be nice). Anyway, all I wanted was your basic keep it cold and don’t let the hamburger thaw until I want it to thaw kind of box. The reality hit me hard because the prices were HORRIBLE! I mean, come on! The basic principals of a fridge are not rocket science. They do not require any special education or degree to operate on a daily basis. I have a 6 year old niece who has grasped that the concept of saving lettuce is pretty much get in/ get out quick. So, these new models are running 500.00 or more for the most basic units. Worst of all, I know I am going to put out the money because it is a “have to situation.” No shopping around time. This decision is on the clock. There has got to be some way to keep the milk and bologna from going green despite the unpronounceable list of preservatives on the side of the packaging. Fortunately, I was able to run into a friend who had a 10-year old model living in his garage, just used for cold drinks in the summer. He let it go for the huge sum of 50.00. That was three, four years ago and it is still running like a dream. This fridge is like a lot of the choices I have made in my life. It fits my needs, was not out of the range of my pocket book, and other than a two-dollar fix of some metal shelves at a yard sale, has needed little more than a good cleaning once a week. The Point is this; if you make your choices based on what is right for your life without worrying about what is good for everyone else, you are going to be a lot happier in the long run. It is not always the easiest way to live. Sometimes, you have to do things that others just don’t understand or can reconcile themselves to. If you decided to rent instead of buy because that is what you can afford, or because you don’t want the responsibility of ownership, then ok. If you skipped college and run the deli because you are good at it and make enough for your lifestyle, then ok. If you bought a house, work three jobs and have just finished your doctorate in basket weaving, then ok. Just do it because it is right for you and not because you were forced into a way of living by society or other’s expectations of you. My family has long ago given up hope that I will ever coordinate anything. Even my sheets never match. Who cares? They are clean and smell nice. I close my eyes when I go to sleep anyway…and I can’t see them in the dark. What I can see is this; my choices make my life what it is. No blaming or finger pointing allowed. Free will, free choice are both powerful tools. Enjoy them with caution!
Pride, Continued...
situations that could be cleaned up to benefit everyone. Think about it! STAR PRIDE AWARD: Members of Star Pride gratefully accepted a beautiful plaque on Thursday night, March 24, 2011, from the Rising Star Chamber of Commerce (at the banquet) for OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE OF THE YEAR. Barbara Medley and several of the group at the annual banquet were very grateful for this recognition of the ongoing projects that Star Pride has initiated recently. Each person who has donated money or time or both to Star Pride is a part of this award; thank you so much! EVERYONE is invited to become an active part of this dynamic group of citizens of Rising Star and surrounding areas as we search for ways to improve the town. There are no requirements for membership unless you count the fact that you agree to work hard for no pay! Star Pride’s next meeting will be Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 4 PM at Rising Star Library. Next fund raiser will be the day before Mother’s Day; a bake sale on Saturday, May 7 at Star Grocery. The current project for Star Pride members is the installation of new street signs purchased for Rising Star by Star Pride. Rising Star’s entry in Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Parade on March 19, 2011, won FIRST PRIZE for a decorated car. This entry, sponsored by THE ANTIQUE MALL, Rising Star, was decorated by Mike McGinn and driven by Ginger Tobin (both shown in photo).
Send Comments to: risingstar@mycounty-line.com
Send Comments to: outofthebox@mycounty-line.com
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
20Out of the Past ■
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www.MyCounty-Line.com ~ April Fools Issue, 2011 v4.47 , Luther & Pat Gohlke
Family Reminiscing
My brother Duane passed away last evening 1-3-11 from complications of advanced Alzheimer’s disease and pneumonia. He was 65 years old, 11 years younger then me. He was a very talented high school choir director and musician. He had obtained a masters degree in music and had become adept performer of piano and organ. His death has caused me this morning to reflect on our lives, our families, our children and grandchildren. Most of us were raised as Christians believing in God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, sin, forgiveness and the life here after. Our parents insisted on placing Jesus first in our lives, getting an education, marrying Christian mates, and living the Christian life. I know that I am an idealist. There are many uncertainties in life. It can be tough, it may not seem fair, it can be filled with good times, but also tragedy. Families can be very functional with few heart aches, while others may be very dysfunctional and filled with heart aches. That’s why Jesus told us to bring our burdens to Him. Get rid of that extra baggage by leaving it at Jesus feet. I know, this sounds pessimistic. I really did not intend for it to be. So let’s reflect on a couple of really good times that our families have experienced over the years. We have a hunting cabin named Bucksnort. Our son Martin named this place and made a sign with the name and the head of a buck, all hand crafted and burnt into the wood with a soldering iron. The little old metal hunting shack and sign are still there to this day. I think the name was a misnomer – maybe 1 or 2 bucks have lived in these 320 acres. Maybe should have been called “gobble, gobble” because of the many turkeys out there or maybe “oink, oink” for the many wild hogs there. But the name in the beginning was appropriate because the name and sign and the place have stood the sands of time. Now go back about 25 to 30 years. I remember that first deer hunt and cookout we had. The shack is one room, cold - man was it cold that night, and dark since it have no electricity. All of our kids and grandkids, my brother Gene and his wife Judy and their kids, and my brother Duane and his wife Bobbie and their kids were there. About 98% of our families were there. We had a pit lined with rocks dug out in the front yard, in it a big, warm fire was going. We cooked out that night, t-bone steaks,
baked potatoes and baked onions which Duane wrapped in foil with lots of butter, and salt and pepper then placed in the hot coals. The potatoes were baked the same way. All cooked on the make shift grill concocted by our son Martin and my brother Duane. The girls brought all the accessories and trimmings including tossed salad. I guess we ate by candle light or fire light or maybe flash light. But mainly we were all together that night laughing, having fun and good food. What a great time we had we wished it had never ended. I’ve never tasted such good food especially the baked onions. After the food and fun the ladies all went home, only the brave men stayed to bed down in that one room cabin for the night. The room was wall to wall guns, clothes, hunting gear, sleeping bags and cots. Spiders and other varmints that might have called that place home were soon forgotten. Joking. laughter, bedding down continued to about 1 a.m. Then it was Gene’s snoring and his son Mark shouting at him, “Turn over dad, stop snoring so we can get some sleep.” By the way, there was also no running water or indoor facilities. No one slept too good that night in Bucksnort cabin. Five a.m. came fast, followed by a scramble to get dressed and assemble hunting gear. It was cold! Some hot coals were still in the pit and soon a hot fire was again going. We had bacon, eggs, burnt toast, coffee all over that open fire and it was tasty. After all the hustle and bustle, the great white hunters all left for predetermined blinds. By now there was probably not a deer, turkey, hog, rabbit, bird or squirrel within 8 miles of that place. I think our hunters were all so sleepy that early morning, that when they arrived at their blind, they went sound to sleep. To heck with those deer. Of course everyone returned empty handed, but that was okay! There would be another day to hunt. Now I am back and forth to Bucksnort about 3 times a week. It’s nostalgic! I often day dream and recall the fond memory of that night 25 – 30 years ago. The next great family time we had was at another place
we call Blueheart in June of 2009. We had a family reunion with all five of our families being present, about 90% attendance. Everyone seemed to have a good time. The Blueheart house is across the road from Bucksnort cabin. The weather was beautiful. The cabin has electricity, running water, beds, couches, tables and chairs and even indoor facilities. Martin cooked meat and the girls all pitched in with the extras that each family brought. Two or three things really stand out that day. The main one was that we were all together, talking, laughing, eating, enjoying life. Second, when Duane’s bunch arrived all 4 of their daughter Jennie and her husband Matt’s kids got out of their car playing and running and never stopped the whole day. Thirdly, Steve had his mule (not an animal but a vehicle) were there and he took everyone who wanted to go on a tour of Blueheart, the county road and Bucksnort. Uncle Steve even let some of the small ones steer the mule. They thought this was great, and finally, I had a surprise 75th birthday party. It brought tears to my eyes even though it was belated. But now 25-30 years later our kids are all grown and have families of their own. Most of the older grandchildren are married and starting their families. Life is filled with swift transition; life is but a vapor according to the writer of the book of James. The years roll swiftly by almost too fast. For that reason we must not forget some of the good times. Let us all place our trust and hope in Jesus Christ. Send Comments to: outofthepast@mycounty-line.com
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
21This Week In Texas History ■
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www.MyCounty-Line.com ~ April Fools Issue, 2011 v4.47
, by Bartee Haile
Texas Golf Greats Dominate The Masters
For the ninth time in 17 tournaments, a golfer from the Lone Star State won the Masters on Apr. 8, 1956. Byron Nelson of Waxahachie and Fort Worth was only 23 years old, when he played in the second Masters, and his first, at the Augusta National Golf Club in 1935. He finished nine strokes off the pace but still in the Top Ten. “Lord Byron” dropped to 13th place the following spring before starting a streak of a dozen Masters during which he never came in worse than eighth. During that impressive run, he took home the top prize twice -- $1,500 in 1937 and the same amount in 1942. Going into the back nine on the fourth and final round of the 1937 stroll through the Georgia pines, Nelson trailed another Texan, Ralph Guldahl of Dallas, by four strokes. He made up the difference and then some by shooting a two and a three on the 12th and 13th holes to Guldahl’s five and six to win with a couple of strokes to spare. Guldahl, a back-to-back U.S. Open title holder, was Masters runner-up again in 1938 before hanging on to beat Sam Snead by the narrowest of margins in 1939. Then to everyone’s amazement he simply fell apart and never won another major event before quitting the PGA Tour for good in 1942 at the age of 31. Meanwhile, Byron Nelson got better and better. He added the U.S. Open to his trophy case in 1939 and the PGA Championship the next year. Nelson finished in a dead-heat with an up-and-comer from Dublin and Fort Worth in the 1942 Masters. Five holes into their playoff, Ben Hogan jumped out to a three-stroke lead but Nelson shot five under par the rest of the way to claim his second Masters. While Byron Nelson would not triumph again at Augusta, he astonished the sports world in 1945 by winning 11 consecutive tournaments and a total of 18 of the 35 he entered. Although he continued to play the Masters well into the 1960’s, Nelson retired from full-time competition in 1946. The baton was passed to two other Lone Star legends, Hogan and Jimmy Demaret of Houston. Of the two, the flamboyant Demaret with the colorful clothes and ear-pleasing singing voice was the first to win a major – the 1940 Masters. Lloyd Mangrum, whose hometown was tiny Trenton in Fannin County, grabbed the lead with an eye-popping opening round of 64, a Masters record that would stand for 46 years. But Demaret caught him on the second day and coasted to a four-stroke victory.
Battle of the Bulge with three Purple Hearts, he accumulated 36 tour victories (five more than Demaret) and ten straight Top Ten finishes at the Masters before a bad heart forced him into early retirement. Jimmy Demaret claimed his second top-money purse at Augusta in 1947 by shooting four under-par rounds, a Masters first. He beat Byron Nelson by two strokes, Ben Hogan by three and Lloyd Mangrum by six. Three years later, Demaret chalked up another first with his third Masters title, but it took some doing. Jim Ferrier, the first Australian to win on the PGA Tour, squandered a four-stroke advantage with four bogeys and one double-bogey on the last six holes to hand the championship to Demaret on a silver platter. In spite of the Aussie’s dramatic collapse, the main attraction at the 1950 Masters was Ben Hogan. Fourteen months after a head-on collision with a Greyhound bus, “The Hawk” not only defied doctors’ original prognosis that he would never walk again but played evenpar golf to tie Byron Nelson for fourth. But a Masters title was a long time coming for Hogan, who won the U.S. Open and the PGA twice before tasting victory on Alister MacKenzie’s course. He broke the drought at last in 1951 by shooting a bogey-free 68 in the fourth round for a two-stroke win. Two years later, Hogan was in a class by himself as he bettered the Masters four-round record by five strokes with a 14-under 274. His closest competitor was a speck in his rear-view mirror five swings of a golf club behind him. Nineteen fifty-three was the year of the historic “Hogan Slam.” No golfer before or since has won the first three major tournaments on the professional calendar – the Masters, the PGA and the British Open – and the gutty little Texan accomplished that feat at 40 and in constant pain. No one has ever come from farther behind to win the Masters than Jack Burke, Jr. did in 1956. Of course, it helped that amateur Ken Venturi blew an eight-stroke lead that opened the door for the son of a Houston country club pro. Burke’s thrilling victory was the ninth by a Texan in the 17 Masters tournaments between 1937 and 1956. The “Golden Age of Lone Star Golf” was over. With the exception of Charles Coody from Stamford in 1971 and Austin’s Ben Crenshaw in 1984 and 1995, it has been slim pickings for Texans at Augusta for more than half a century.
Mangrum has been called “the forgotten man of golf” and with good reason. A WWII veteran of the Normandy Landing and the
Send Comments to: texashistory@mycounty-line.com
Bartee Haile lives in Friendswood, TX and is the author of one of the most long established Texas History newspaper columns in the state. Column collections available at twith.com or request list from Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 152, Friendswood, TX 7754
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
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www.MyCounty-Line.com ~ April Fools Issue, 2011 v4.47
The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
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23From The Backside ■
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www.MyCounty-Line.com ~ April Fools Issue, 2011 v4.47 , Henry J. Clevicepin
The Brain Droppings of Henry J. Clevicepin By Henry J. Clevicepin Collaborated by Nellie Frecklebelly and Agnes & Ophilia Fudpucker
Well, it’s so dry here in Buzzard’s Roost, we don’t even have to dust the catfish for ticks any more….cause the tanks all dried up and the catfish died. I even saw ol Estee K. Bibbles, my mulebarn partner, and Nellie Frecklebelly out behind the Buzzard’s Roost Bar & Grill doing their little naked rain dance and that didn’t even work. But like ol Estee K. said….we are one day closer to a rain !!!!!! Just hope it comes soon. I’ll tell ya this ol country is getting in a mess ain’t it. With this ol economy so bad, a man sure has to be careful about these scammers out to get your money. Here’s a heads up for all of you older men out there……ol Estee K. was even the target of a scam last month and he has been warning all of the men to be careful going to these large stores in the big cities. Here is how it works: Two good looking young girls will come over to your car or truck as you are packing your packages away and start wiping your windshield and with them short shorts and low cut t-shirts it’s impossible not to look !!!!! When you thank them and offer a tip they say “no, but would you give us a ride to McDonalds.” While you are on the way, one of them will start crawling all over you and trying to pull some of your clothes off, while the other one steals your wallet. I’m tellin you, they are good…..ol Estee K. had this scam pulled on him 5 times last month and told me just today he was pretty
shore it was gonna happen again this coming weekend !!! So you guys be careful out there. And ol Our elected officials are kinda like the ol Estee K. said you could buy them cheap wallets Indian that walked into the bar with a shotgun for .99 cents at the dollar store. in one hand and leading a bull buffalo with And ain’t our Federal Government in a the other. He told the waiter “want coffee”. mess. They just keep passing them continuing The waiter says “sure chief , coming right up resolutions to keep the government going 2 !!” The Indian gulps down the coffee and gets or 3 weeks at a time. Can you believe them up and blast the bull buffalo with the shotgun sapsuckers haven’t even passed a budget for causing parts to splatter everywhere and then this year and here we are a third of the way walks out. The next morning the Indian walks thru the year? And the National debt is plum back into the coffee shop with his shotgun out of control. Now folks, do you realize our and leading another bull buffalo and tells the debt is up to nearly 14 trillion dollars…..me waiter ”want coffee.” The waiter says “ whoa and ol Estee K. don’t even know how many Tonto….we’re still cleaning up the mess from zeros that is !!!! But I saw a deal the other day yesterday…what was that all about???” The old that kinda put in perspective. If an individual Indian smiles and proudly says “me training for had as much debt as the government compared high up position in Congress….come in, drink to the government income here is what it would coffee, shoot the bull, leave mess for others to be…..if you make $6000 per month your credit clean up and then leave for the rest of the day card debt would have to be $310,000 to equal !!!!” That pretty well sums up our government what our governemt owes compared to its at work !!!! income. Now wouldn’t you be in a mell of a Well, me and Ol Estee K. are gonna go hess if you made $6000 per month and owed down and see if we can get scammed by them $310,000……well our government is in a mell little ol gals …again !!! of hess too and we better start raising cain with our congress yeahoos and make’em cut some spending. And them idiots are arguing over Words of Wisdom from Henry J : Behind whether or not they are going to cut 200 billion every successful man is a woman and behind from the budget and a lot of them think that the fall of every successful man is usually is too much…..200 billion off of a 14 trillion another woman !!!! dollar debt is like cuttin a pimple off a fat man’s butt !!!!!
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The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com
Hello everyone!! I am finally home and I am back at work. That is a wonderful feeling. It is really good to be back at work. My coworkers did a great job while I was gone. A big Thank You to Carrie, Donna Leigh, Eddie, Marvin and Ms. Carolyn! If you haven’t been by Goodwill lately, you need to come by. It has totally changed. I think for the best, but that’s just my opinion. Come by and see me and my team. There are so many people to thank. First, and foremost, is Michael for being so supportive during my 2-1/2 months in Dallas. My in-laws for taking care of Sherrie and to Sherrie for not being too much trouble for Nana and Pa. My neighbor for checking our mail and taking care of our dogs, Saxon and Drover (even in the snow!) All the friends that came to see me in the hospital and everyone that called and checked on me. Thanks for all the cards that were sent and for all the donations that were given in such generosity. Everything was very much appreciated! I have to tell you, these last 14 weeks have been wonderful, well except for the first 6 weeks when I was so sick. I no longer have to take shots and with my new pancreas, I am no longer diabetic. I don’t have to do dialysis anymore at night and no more tubes in my stomach. And
best of all, I can eat anything I want! Having these new organs, I am leading a normal and new life, which is wonderful! If you are not an organ donor, please think of how my life has been changed and consider how you might help someone else experience a wonderful life as well. Don’t let that go to waste! I would like to thank everyone for purchasing a t-shirt! (see them down below) I still have plenty more so please contact me if you are interested in buying one. I also wanted to let everyone know that on May 14th, from 5:30 to 8:00pm, there will be a Benefit Supper and Auction held for me and my family at the Carbon Community Center. There will be plenty to eat - brisket, beans, potato salad and desserts. Please come out and enjoy a good meal and good company. Thank you all again for the thoughts and prayers. My family and I are truly blessed by our wonderful community and it is greatly appreciated.
~Ruthie
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Ruth Norris Benefit Fund 930 East Main Eastland, TX 76448 (254) 629-3282