Stephenville Empire-Tribune 2-3-2013

E-T SPORTS

A PIVOTAL WEEKEND

E-T DIGITAL

Cassidy Cline and the Bees secured the 7-3A championship Friday, while the Jackets inched closer to the same feat. Tarleton’s teams then hit the hardwood on Saturday…Page B1

Empire-Tribune STEPHENVILLE

Your Community. Your News. Your Website: www.yourstephenvilletx.com

Sun day, F eb r uar y 3, 2013

Still no arrest in Friday slaying

For more unpublished photos, blogs and video from area events, visit yourstephenvilletx.com

Scan this QR code with your phone to go to yourstephenvilletx.com

STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS H CITY OF CHAMPIONS

$1. 50

2 shot dead at Rough Creek Lodge Chris Kyle, author of “American Sniper” among the dead

BY DONNIE BRYANT

BY SARA VANDEN BERGE

donnie.bryant@empiretribune.com

sara.vandenberge@empiretribune.com

Joint investigation among Erath County Sheriff ’s Office, the Texas Rangers, Department of Public Safety and the Stephenville Police Department are ongoing in the homicide case of Jeffrey Vegas Sewalt, 56.

The Sheriff ’s Office had received word of the shooting that resulted in the death of Sewalt who was found lying in an enclosed porch at his home off Pigeon Road Friday afternoon reportedly by his girlfriend.

“Mr. Sewalt suffered a gunshot wound to the head,” Sheriff Office Capt. Jason Upshaw reported.

“We have interviewed numerous people, and everyone has been extremely cooperative with law enforcement.”

Upshaw stated the same people will be interviewed several times over the next few days as new information becomes available.

Motive is unknown at this time and no arrests have been made.

Sewalt’s body was sent to the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy, and results are pending.

A former Tarleton State University student who wrote the best-selling book, “American Sniper,” was one of two victims shot and killed at Rough Creek Lodge Saturday.

Chris Kyle, 38, and another man were found dead at Rough Creek’s shooting range between 3:30 and 4 p.m.

Saturday, according to Sheriff Tommy Bryant.

Eddie Ray Routh, an Iraqi war veteran, was arrested hours later after a manhunt led authorities to Lancaster where Routh was taken into custody just before 9 p.m.

Saturday.

Routh, 25, is expected to be charged with capital murder.

Investigators had not released the name of the second victim at press time, but reports indicate he may have been Routh’s neighbor.

Bryant said the three men were at the shooting range Saturday when Routh shot the victims at Chris Kyle point-blank range before fleeing in Kyle’s truck .

Kyle was a former Navy SEAL who served four tours of duty in Iraq, where he was given the nickname “The Devil of Ramadi” by insurgents.

In 2008, he made his longest successful shot after he spotted an insurgent with a rocket launcher near a U.S. Army convoy at a range of 2,100 yards (1.2 miles).

Kyle was recently honored by the Tarleton Alumni Association as the Outstanding Young Alumnus for 2013.

“Our hearts go out to Chris’ family and friends at this tragic moment,” Tarleton State University President, Dr.

Investigators were on scene Friday working what appears to be a murder investigation.

JESSIE HORTON /E-T

See KYLE on Page A2

BUSINESS NEWS

DREAM SEASON

Meet InterBank’s new president

Commemorative football magazine on shelves now

BY DONNIE BRYANT

more banks and subsequently founded donnie.bryant@empiretribune.com InterBank. But Martin was emphatic that each bank was allowed to retain its Stephenville learned change was unique, community flavor. All banks in coming to town last November when it the InterBank family will carry its logo was announced InterBank was acquirwith the town’s name above it. ing locally owned Town “What you are going to and Country Bank. And find is this company grew Monday morning saw the up in community banks,” genesis of a new banking he said. “And this bank will arrangement. be Stephenville InterBank.

President of the Central There will be no other SteTexas Region of Interphenville InterBank.”

Bank Mark Martin was Martin realizes there are visibly excited about the some Town and Country cusmove to Stephenville. tomers who might be a bit “InterBank is here troubled by the changes they because it is such a great see in the institution, but he opportunity to be in wants them to know they will Stephenville,” he said. “It’s be minor adjustments and Mark Martin a wonderful place, and stressed the positive aspects I have a big background of being part of a bigger here - it’s almost like compicture. ing home for me.”

“Let me tell you what it is going to A Breckenridge boy by birth, Martin mean to you,” he said. “You are going to has strong ties to the area, having besee a different sign out by the street very come a Tarleton State University student soon. As you reorder checks, you will see in the fall of 1970. Four years later, he a new bank name on your check.” graduated with a degree in business In addition to no discernible interrupadministration. tion in operations of the institution, he His next move was into the oil and reflected on how being a part of a family gas industry, and that field is what led to of banks will benefit its customers. his eventual entrance into the world of “We are bigger, and we have more banking. resources,” he said.

“I had a partner I worked with in the And what about those checks that oil and gas industry and he bought a many still have stashed in desk drawbank in Breckinridge,” Martin explained. ers, sporting the Town and Country “I went to work for him, and I was there logo? Martin said customers can use the for 15 years.”

His friend would go on to acquire See BANK on Page A2

Good morning, Subscriber Gary Henderson, Stephenville, TX

20 pages H Vol. 113, No. 25 H ©2013

BY JESSIE HORTON

jessie.horton@empiretribune.com

Copies of Dream Season are on sale now at various locations throughout Stephenville including HEB, WalMart and

E-T Sports Editor Brad Keith holds up a copy of “Dream Season,” a magazine chronicling the Yellow Jackets’ road to the state championship. The magazine is on shelves now. SARA VANDEN BERGE/E-T

the Empire-Tribune office, located at 590 E. South Loop.

The Stephenville High School Yellow Jackets completed the 2012 season 13-1 and earned the school district’s fifth state title. Only 17 schools have done so in Texas football history.

As the excitement from the 2012 3A Division I State Championship continues, the Empire-Tribune has released Dream Season, a commemorative magazine that follows the team from the first snap to the final seconds of the championship game at Cowboys Stadium.

E-T Sports Editor Brad Keith said it was an honor to cover such high-caliber high school football and the magazine is a great way to share the newspaper’s passion with the community.

“Covering the state championship was an awesome experience for us and I’m sure it was an awesome experience for everyone in this community who had the opportunity to take part in the playoff journey,” Keith said. “It was a fun and memorable year. It truly was a ‘dream season.’”

The magazine includes features on the championship journey, the record-setting offense and coach Mike Copeland’s fifth state title, as well as photos from the championship celebration and throughout the season.

See MAGAZINE on Page A2

A8 | Sunday, February 3, 2013

The Stephenville Empire-Tribune

Weather Forecast

www.yourstephenvilletx.com

LOST CREEK LAND COMPANY TODAY: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

Light south southeast wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

TONIGHT: A 20 percent chance of rain after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. South southeast wind 10 to 15 mph.

MONDAY: A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. South wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

TUESDAY: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. North wind around 5 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon.

TUESDAY NIGHT: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. South southeast wind around 5 mph.

Sunday

191 Reta St. Stephenville, TX 76401

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DEDICATION

Morgan Mill students celebrate new playground

BY JESSIE HORTON

wooden equipment began to deteriorate. But with little in the way of funds, the school and community began what would turn Check out the photo gallery and into a years-long project to get new equipment. video from this event online now at yourstephenvilletx.com After more than five years of fundraising, officials at Mor“We had several setbacks and grants we hoped would help that gan Mill ISD dedicated the new playground equipment to the didn’t come through,” Buchanan said. “With the amazing supcommunity Friday morning with hot dogs and smiles. port of this community, we were able to raise the money needed to install new equip“We are dedicating the new equipment to the community because of all the hard ment.” work everyone has put in to make this dream a reality,” said Shannon Buchanan. “The Superintendent Dean Edwards said he was pleased to dedicate the playground people of this community have continually come out to help during work days and equipment to the community. donated every time we’ve had a fundraiser. We have this equipment thanks to each of “We are so blessed to be gathered like this,” Edwards said. “To me, this playground them.” and the positive endeavor that has been undertaken represents so many things that The school realized the need for new equipment several years ago when the older are right, not only with Morgan Mill schools, but with this community.”

EXTRA, EXTRA!

jessie.horton@empiretribune.com

IT

Morgan Mill students tore through a thank you sign at the dedication of the new playground equipment on Friday. JESSIE HORTON/E-T

COMMEMORATIVE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP MAGAZINES

EmpirE-TribunE STEPHENVILLE

www.yourstephenvilletx.com

Have a story idea or news tip that could or should be published?

Then email us at: tips@yourstephenvilletx.com Not all ideas and/or tips will appear in the Stephenville Empire Tribune print and/or online edition.

The Stephenville Empire-Tribune

www.yourstephenvilletx.com

Business & Finance

Sunday, February 3, 2013 | A7

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Chamber of Commerce minds its local businesses

BY DONNIE BRYANT

donnie.bryant@empiretribune.com

Though a native of New Mexico, July Danley was born to be an Erath County gal.

As a child, she was heavily involved in 4H and FFA and grew up in what she described as “a family that rodeo’d.” It was Tarleton State University’s rodeo program that drew Danley to Stephenville, and she earned two degrees at the institution.

Danley has served as the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce executive director since 2006 and is the head of a hard-working staff of three she considers to be the heart and soul of the operation.

1) Question: A chamber of commerce is vital to the growth of a community.

But what exactly does the organization do? And how do you foster the success of your member businesses?

Answer: "In 2012 we had 1,400 visitors walk through the doors. Some of those were local chamber members, but probably 80 percent were people looking to relocate to Stephenville or people just visiting. Our number one requested item is a map - we give out thousands a year. We are the information source for people.

"We have over 630 members. Small businesses make up 85 percent of them. The combination of our large corporate partners, non-profit organizations and numerous small businesses is what makes our community so special. We provide member benefits and opportunities for them to promote themselves.

"We have the monthly networking mixers and a weekly email newsletter that keeps them abreast of programs and events. And we answer a lot of their questions and give them resources to help them to improve their business."

2) Question: Those big ribbon-cutting scissors show up in the newspaper all the time. What is the process you go through with a new business before its official opening for trade?

"When a business is ready to join, we show them a packet with member benefits. Once they sign up, Jenna Richardson, Teresa Burdick, Jennifer Grandpre and July Danley pose we get a business description from with those famous giant scissors. DONNIE BRYANT/E-T them. Then we plan a time to have their ribbon cutting.

3) Question: The town is practically humming with excitement "We promote it on our website and Faceover this month's banquet, and tickets were sold out within a book page and through our ambassadors. week.

What do you think caused that feverish response? And We usually have 30 to 50 people come to the how do you prepare for such a popular occasion? ribbon cutting. The business owners have a Answer: "We’ve sold out the last four years in a row, but never in one chance to speak and introduce their staff. It week.

Last year we sold out in about two and a half weeks. But this year, gives the business owner an opportunity to it was wild. I guess it’s become the social event. have the floor, share a little bit about what "It’s takes quite a bit of work, but we have a banquet planning comthey do, and why they opened the business. mittee made up mostly of our Chamber Ambassadors. They help us Then we stand in front of the signage with brainstorm ideas. If it weren’t for our ambassadors, we wouldn’t be able those big, huge scissors. to have the auction. They solicit all of the auction items. And we have a “We had a record 60 ribbon cuttings last committee that helps us to decorate. Our volunteers are vital to putting year. My first three or four years here we had on this big of an event." an average of 30. In 2011 we had 50."

Women's group selling Valentine cookies

Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting

E-T STAFF REPORT Love is in the air - and so is the smell of freshly baked cookies.

The Cross Timbers Business and Professional Women are once again selling homemade, heart-shaped sugar cookies. Proceeds from the sale will be used to fund the Bea Marin Memorial Scholarship.

Cost is $15 per dozen and $10 for 1/2 dozen.

Order online at crosstimberspbw.com.

The Stephenville Chamber of Commerce recently held a Ribbon Cutting for 1015 Grill, located at 230 W. College Street. Owner and Executive Chef Tucker Morris serves up Texas favorites and fresh seafood with his own unique Gulf Coast twist. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner MondayFriday. Courtesy Chamber of Commerce

Help your children avoid student debt burden FINANCIAL FOCUS

ROSS FAMBROUGH non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to ordinary income tax plus a 10% penalty on the earnings portion.) Contribution limits are high, and, contributions may be eligible for a tax deduction

NETWORKING WOMEN IN ACTION

It’s not so easy being a college kid these days.

The job market for recent graduates has been shaky while, at the same time, students are leaving school with more debt than ever before. If you have children who will someday be attending college, should you be worried?

You might indeed have cause for concern. Americans now owe more on student loans than on credit cards, according to the Federal Bank of New York, the U.S. Department of Education and other sources. For the college class of 2011, the most recent year for which figures are available, the average student loan debt was about $26,500, according to the Institute for College Access and Success’s Project on Student Debt.

This type of debt load, coupled with the struggles to find a well-paying job commensurate with their education, is causing many recent graduates to get off on the wrong foot in terms of developing savings and investment strategies that could help them throughout their lives.

So, what can you do?

If you want to help your kids pay for college, you may want to consider a 529 plan. When you invest in a 529 plan, all withdrawals will be free from federal income taxes, as long as the money is used for qualified college expenses. (However,

or credit for residents in certain states.

A 529 plan, while valuable, is not the only college savings vehicle available.

You may also want to consider a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which, like a 529 plan, can generate tax-free earnings if the money is used for higher education expenses.

However, a Coverdell account’s contribution limits are much lower than those of a 529 plan. You could also establish a custodial account, known as an

WHEN: Saturday, February 9, 2013 WHERE: Delux Inn of Stephenville 2865 W. Washington St. TIME: 9am to 3 pm We will have lots of different vendor booths!

Arts & Crafts - Baked Goods Jamberry Nails - Pink Zebra Scentsy - Hip Hammers Mary Kay - Pampered Chef Tastefully Simple - Hand Made Crafts Blessings Unlimited - Vault Denim No Ears Goast Milk Soap - Cindy’s Beads Foot Jewelry - 31-One Pure Romance and more...

Come out for a fun day of shopping in Stephenville!

UGMA or UTMA, which offers some tax benefits and no contribution limits.

Nonetheless, while these vehicles may help you save and invest for college, they may also divert resources that you might have used for other financial goals — such as a comfortable retirement. Of course, it’s not an “either-or” situation — there’s nothing stopping you from contributing to a 529 plan, Coverdell account or custodial account along with your 401(k) and IRA.

Clearly, though, it will take discipline and perseverance on your part to save and invest for both your children’s education and your own retirement. Like everyone else, you don’t have unlimited resources. But you do have another ally — time. The earlier you begin investing for education and retirement, the greater your chances of achieving your goals in these areas. And by understanding how your goals interact, you can work to make sure

you don't inadvertently derail one when saving for another.

Avoiding the student loan “debt trap” while still making progress toward your retirement savings will require creative thinking — and both you and your children may have to make some sacrifices along the way. But the ultimate goals — a college degree that isn’t one big IOU and a comfortable retirement — are worth the effort.

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C6 Sunday, February 3, 2013

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A6 | Sunday, February 3, 2013

School Zone

The Stephenville Empire-Tribune

Huckabay Students of the Week

GILBERT AWARDS OUTSTANDING CHARACTER

Rett Douglas

Juan Hernandez

Mario Lopez

Tayleigh Pendleton

Sydney Brown, Jeyton Freed, Xavier Badillo, Javier Velazquez, Paige Thomas, Andrea Perez, Anya Kalsbeek, Seunghee Lee and Kimberly Sanders. Contributed

Nine Stephenville High School DECA members competed at the District 5 Career Development Conference at Leander High School Jan. 19. Nineteen schools were represented at the conference with a record-breaking 530 students competing. The eight SHS DECA members advancing to state competition are: Marketing Management: Paige Thomas; Sports and Entertainment Marketing: Xavier Badillo; Buying and Merchandising Team: Sydney Brown and Jeyton Freed; Business Law and Ethics Team: Anya Kalsbeek and Andrea Perez; Travel and Tourism Team: Seunghee Lee and Kimberly Sanders.

In addition, Javier Velazquez competed in Quick Serve Restaurant Management but did not advance to state. The next competition will be the Texas State DECA Career Development Conference Feb. 25 - March 2 in Corpus Christi.

Stephenville 20th Century Club for our annual Children’s Fine Arts Benefit and Silent Auction Thursday, February 7, 2013 5:30 – 7:00pm • Agave’s City Hall

Many exciting auction items include: Antique Quilt Baby Quilts Amber & Silver Necklace Opal Black Painting TSU Planetarium Passes (4) Season Family Pass to Splashville Sting Camp Gift Certificate Valentine’s Day Gift Basket Child’s Cooking Basket Hand Made Dolls Valentine’s Dinner, 1015 Grill Chocolate Facial

Membership to Fitness Center Guitar Lessons Tire Rotation & Balance Scrapbooking Basket Manicure & Pedicure Baby Gift Basket Dr. Dre Beatbox Coach & Rayban Sunglasses Orgreenic Cookware Custom Designed Flyers & Posters 1 Hour Massage 15 Volume Set of Classifcal

Music Garden Basket Custom Designed Rings & Necklaces Guess Watch Antique Candlesticks College Student Survival Kit Wine & Cheese Baskets Pet Crate Planters Many Gift Certificates to Area Businesses & Special Items too numerous to mention!

A Wild Hair Apple Tree Dana Adams Ag Texas Bluff Dale Winery Jan Anderson Donald Anderson Mary Anderson Antique Mall AT & T Connie Banks Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant Bays Enterprises – Larry Bays Beallara A Design Studio - Lara Lowrie Beans & Franks Ben Franklin Store Bludd Dale Chuck Wagon Steakhouse Shane Bledsoe, LMT Mary Boyd Bramlett’s Implements Bre’s Dog Grooming Rita Bruton Cindy’s Beads Cinema 6 Cornerstone Animal Hospital Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council Diva’s Den Salon – Nancy Stamp Don Nico’s Restaurant

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Timothy Zamira

Alyssa Gibson

Gilbert Elementary continues to celebrate students throughout the school year for being positive influences among their peers. “G-Pride” winners are named weekly. After receiving G-Pride tickets for being examples of six positive characteristics, including respect, fairness, good citizenship, responsibility, trustworthiness and caring, four of the tickets are drawn from a hat with the winners being announced every Friday.

Rett Douglas and Tayleigh Pendleton were commended for being good citizens, Alyssa Gibson was praised for being respectful and Timothy Zamira was recognized for being responsible. Contributed

DECA members prepare for state contest

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Stephenville Independent School District Schedule of Activities Week of February 4 - February 10, 2013

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2013 5:00 PM – Close Hook – Hook Night @ Sonic (Either location – Just mention Hook) 6:00 – 9:00 PM SHS – Dual Credit Science Labs (rooms 511 & 513) 6:30 PM SHS – Fall Sports Banquet @ The City Hall Ballroom @ Agave (Doors open @ 6:00 PM) 7:00 PM SHS – Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Small gym) ---------- SHS – FFA – Barrows Arrive @ Fort Worth TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 ---------- SHS – FFA – Steers Arrive @ Fort Worth 4:30, 6:30 PM SHS – Yellowjacket Baseball Scrimmage – SubVarsity B/G vs. Cleburne 5:00 PM SHS – Yellowjacket Baseball Scrimmage – V @ Cleburne 5:00, 6:30, 8:00 PM SHS – Honeybee Basketball – JV, V, 9 @ Venus 5:00, 6:30, 8:00 PM SHS – Yellowjacket Basketball – JV, 9, V @ Venus 5:00 PM SHS – Honeybee Soccer – V @ Wichita Falls 5:00, 7:00 PM SHS – Yellowjacket Soccer – JV, V vs. Byron Nelson @ Lem Brock WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2013 12:00 – 1:00 PM Hook – PTO Board Meeting (Library) 2:00 PM SISD – School Health Advisory Council Meeting @ Admin Building 6:00 – 9:00 PM SHS – Dual Credit Science Labs (rooms 511 & 513) ---------- SHS – FFA – San Antonio Gilts THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013 ---------- SHS – FFA – San Antonio Gilts ---------- SHS – FFA – Barrows/Steers Show @ Fort Worth ---------- SHS – Powerlifting @ San Saba 8:45 – 9:15 AM SHS – Student Council Meeting (JC Helm Auditorium) 4:00, 6:00 PM SHS – Honeybee Softball Scrimmage – V vs.

Cleburne FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 ---------- SHS – FFA – San Antonio Gilts ---------- SHS – FFA – Barrows/Steers Show @ Fort Worth TBA SHS – Tennis @ Wichita Falls 5:00, 6:30, 8:00 PM SHS – Yellowjacket Basketball – JV, 9, V @ Hillsboro SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2013 ---------- SHS – Stings ADTS Regional Concert @ Killeen ---------- SHS – FFA – San Antonio Speaking Contest ---------- SHS – FFA – Gilts Stock Show @ San Angelo 10:00, 11:30 AM SHS – Honeybee Softball Scrimmage – V vs.

Eastland/Bangs @ Eastland 12:00 PM SHS – Yellowjacket Baseball Scrimmage – Sub-Varsity B/G @ Springtown 12:00 PM SHS – Yellowjacket Baseball Scrimmage – V vs.

Springtown 8:00 PM SHS – CX Debate (JC Helm Auditorium) TBA SHS – Tennis @ Wichita Falls TBA SHS – UIL West Zone Band Solo & Ensemble Contest @ Howard Payne University SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2013 ---------- SHS – FFA – Stock Show @ San Antonio ---------- SHS – FFA – Gilts Stock Show @ San Angelo

CLASSIFIEDS

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Sunday, February 3, 2013

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www.yourstephenvilletx.com 254.965.3124 245 Help Wanted Full Time

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School Zone

The Stephenville Empire-Tribune

Sunday, February 3, 2013 | A5

SHS STUDENTS EXCEL AT UIL MEET

STING PERFORMS IN NEW YORK Stephenville High School UIL students made a splash at the Glen Rose High School practice meet held last weekend. The physics competitors all placed in their event with Renato Rios nabbing the top physics trophy. Pictured are Dani Huckabee, Rios, Shelton Stephens and Kristin Kaiser.

Contributed

Stephenville High School freshman, Kristen Peacock, recently represented The Stingerettes Drill Team by traveling to New York City after she was selected to participate in the Danceline Productions Elite Performing Group. Contributed

A-LIST

SHS senior admires dad, sets sights on Tarleton Interview and story by Jessie Horton Ivan Salazar, a 17-year-old senior at Stephenville High School, likes listening to Spanish music, especially Corridos, and spends his free time studying, doing homework and hanging out with friends. After graduation, the son of Marcela and Fidel Salazar, said he plans to major in business administration at Tarleton State University. He took a few minutes from his busy schedule to sit down with the Empire-Tribune this week.

1- What is your favorite class/ teacher?

My favorite class is US history with Mrs. (Linda) Brown. She makes the class both fun and educational. I like learning about our history.

SHS senior Ivan Salazar is this week’s A-lister.

2- What are you reading/ watching right now?

3- Who is your biggest influence?

Right now I'm reading Animal Farm and my favorite show is probably Pawn Stars.

My biggest influence is my dad. He taught me to be my own inspiration because no one will benefit more from what you do than you.

Winter SALE 30% to 75% off

on most merchandise

Sale ends February 9th

The Checkerboard 119 North Patrick St. • Dublin - 254.445.2970

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Have a story idea or news tip that could or should be published?

Then email us at: tips@empiretribune.com Not all ideas and/or tips will appear in the Stephenville Empire Tribune print and/or online edition.

C4 | Sunday, February 3, 2013

The Stephenville Empire-Tribune

www.yourstephenvilletx.com

YOUR HOROSCOPE

by Bernice Bede Osol

In coming months, go out of your way to make an effort to develop good relationships with all of your co-workers.

Although it may not be apparent to you at first, they could be of enormous help in furthering your ambitions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) -- You are about to enter a profitable cycle for ideas. Chances are, you will conceive something that will be quite ingenious and which could make ample amounts of money.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Try to keep your day as loosely structured as possible, because something spontaneous could develop in which you’ll want to participate. It will have a lot of potential for success.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Utilize your gift of being able to sense a problem before it occurs. It’ll not only help you avoid a tight spot, but will keep you one step ahead of any other problems.

TAURUS (April 20-May

20) -- A willingness to adapt is your best asset, which will help you fit comfortably into most any group or situation you encounter. You’ll be a welcome addition to any venture.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- You have a strong desire to be first in everything, which is all the motivation you’ll need to stand out from the pack.

Your competitive spirit should bolster your performance.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Try to break away from your usual routine and engage in something different. Experiment with activities that bring you in contact with people who’ll stimulate you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Your greatest asset is likely to be an ability to solve most any problem you encounter. In situations where others see no solution, you’ll come up with several ingenious fixes.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) -- You’ll function best as one of the troop instead of as a self-appointed chief. Show others how

to be an exemplary team player, and you’ll come out ahead.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Something you possess, which could be knowledge, a product or a method, will be of more value to others than it is to you. You’ll find a great market waiting for it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- This could be the perfect day for you to get together with two individuals who can help you further an ambition. Present your proposal with enthusiasm, and don’t leave anything out.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- An important situation, whose slowness to develop has caused you considerable concern, could suddenly start to turn in a favorable direction.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) -- An individual you’re about to meet will play a significant role in your plans. The two of you will have an instant rapport and should be quite successful together.

COPYRIGHT 2012 United Feature Syndicate, Inc.

Last Week’s Answers:

BRIDGE Judge the skill of your opponents

by Phillip Alder

Sun Tzu, an ancient Chinese general and strategist, wrote, “To win 100 victories in 100 battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.”

At the bridge table, sometimes your judgment of the opponents’ skill will influence your play -- as in this deal. South is in four hearts. West leads the diamond 10. East takes the first two tricks in the suit, then shifts to the club six. Declarer wins on the board and plays a trump to his king. West takes the trick and returns a diamond. How should South continue?

North’s transfer bid followed by three no-trump showed five hearts and

See Tuesday’s edition of the Empire-Tribune for Sunday’s crossword answers.

WORLD ALMANAC DATABANK

Today is the 33rd day of 2013 and the 44th day of winter.

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1626, Charles I was crowned king of England.

In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ending the war between the United States and Mexico.

In 1943, the Russian victory at Stalingrad was concluded when German forces surrendered to the Soviets.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: James Joyce (1882-1941), author; George Halas (1895-1983), football coach/team owner; Elaine Stritch (1925- ), actress/comedian; Stan Getz (19271991), jazz musician; Farrah Fawcett (1947-2009), actress; Christie Brinkley (1954- ), model; Shakira (1977- ), singer.

TODAY’S FACT: Since the release of the popular movie “Groundhog Day” in 1993, crowds of up to 30,000 have visited Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania each year on Feb. 2 to see whether Punxsutawney Phil observes his shadow.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 1876, the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs was established.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “If you live long enough, lots of nice things happen.” -- George Halas TODAY’S NUMBER: 100 -- times in the 126-year history of Groundhog Day ceremonies that Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter.

TODAY’S MOON: Between full moon (Jan. 26) and last quarter moon (Feb. 3).

game values.

South starts with three top losers and only nine winners (one spade, four hearts and four clubs). He seems to need the spade finesse to work. However, after West’s diamond lead at trick five, if hearts are splitting 3-2, declarer could discard a spade

from the dummy, ruff in his hand, cash his last trump, cross to dummy with a club, draw trumps and claim. Note, though, that this fails here because West gains a second trump trick.

If West is a beginner, South must guess what to do. But if East and West are experts, West cannot have the spade king.

If he did, he would have dropped the diamond nine at trick two as a suit-preference signal and East would have shifted to spades, subduing the contract.

West’s defense strongly suggests that hearts are 4-1. Declarer should ruff on the board, cash his two top hearts, return to dummy with a club, draw the last trump, and take the spade finesse.

COPYRIGHT 2012 United Feature Syndicate, Inc.

B4 | Sunday, February 3, 2013

The Stephenville Empire-Tribune

COLLEGE BASEBALL | ASTROS IN ACTION D-II INVITATIONAL

Texans win opener

Perez strikes out eight in seven innings E-T STAFF REPORT Pete Perez showed why he was voted Lone Star Conference Preseason Pitcher of the Year Friday, striking out eight batters to lead Tarleton State (1-0) to a seasonopening 5-2 win over Arkansas Tech in the Astros In Action D-II Invitational at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Perez allowed a run in the first, but regrouped to strike out the side, setting the tempo for the rest of his night. He struck out five batters and allowed only four hits over the next six innings, finishing with a run on

six hits and a walk in seven frames.

“Pete was excellent,” said Tarleton head coach Bryan Conger, according to a release from the university’s athletics communications department. “He really settled in after (allowing a) leadoff triple and showed why he is a No. 1 (type pitcher.”

All five Tarleton runs and six of its seven hits came from its 1-5 hitters, led by left fielder Lajide Fola at 2-4 with an RBI. Designated hitter Alvaro Moreno was 1-3 with two RBIs including a solo homer.

After Arkansas Tech used a triple and a single to grab a brief lead in the top of the first, Tarleton’s bats wasted no time going to work.

Ryan Small doubled down the right-field line on the first Tarleton at bat of 2013, only to be outdone

by Rustin Thomas, who stepped up

next and ripped an RBI triple to left-center. Thomas scored on a sacrifice fly by Moreno, and the Texans led the rest of the way.

Lajide drove in a run with a double down the line in left in the bottom of the sixth, then scored on a ground out by Jonathan Schmitz to make it 4-1. Moreno finished the Tarleton scoring with his solo shot to left in the eighth.

Closing pitcher Landon Thompson got into a jam in the bottom of the ninth, but with one run already in and runners at second and third, he got a fly out to right and a called strike three to end it.

Tarleton faced Ark.-Monticello on Saturday, and concludes its weekend against Emporia State at 10 a.m. today, both also at Minute Maid Park.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL (M) | TARLETON 68, A&M-COMMERCE 55

MEN

From Page B1 The Texans led 48-32 after a pair of free throws

by Guy with 12:20 left, but A&M-Commerce scored eight of the next nine to trim its deficit to 49-40 with 9:49 still to go.

The junior guard’s biggest points came from 3-point land with 2:39 left, as he pushed the advantage back to 62-50.

The teams stacked up evenly in most categories with Tarleton shooting 43 percent and A&M-Commerce hitting 44 percent.

The Texans out-rebounded the Lions by just two, 32-30. It was the fourth straight game they out-rebounded an opponent. The biggest difference came in turnovers, with A&MCommerce giving the ball away 15 times to Tarleton’s eight.

Angelo St. at Tarleton St. Wednesday Women - 6 p.m.

Men - 8 p.m.

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COLLEGE SOFTBALL | ST. MARY’S INVITATIONAL

TexAnns drop two to start E-T STAFF REPORT Tarleton State (0-2) got a rousing effort from season-opening starting pitcher Randi Fentress in their first game, and rallied from behind in their second.

But it wasn’t enough either time, as the TexAnns fell to East Central, 3-0, and to Southeastern Oklahoma, 9-7, to begin their 2013 softball campaign in the St. Mary’s Invitational in San Antonio.

Fentress (0-1) went the distance and allowed just two earned runs. She was touched up for eight hits and also surrendered six walks. She was outdone by her counterpart, Ali Manship, who tossed a completegame five-hit shutout with four walks.

Freshman center fielder Melody Mayse was the brightest spot in the lineup for the TexAnns. Batting leadoff, Mayse went 2-3 with a walk. Unfortunately, the 2-5 hitters for Tarleton combined to go 1-11.

Mayse singled to begin Tarleton’s first at bat, stole second and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. But a strikeout and line out to left left her there, the first of four times a TexAnn leadoff hitter would reach base only to be stranded. The others came on an error, a hit by pitch and a walk.

East Central led just 1-0 before adding a pair of insurance runs in the top of the sixth. A pair of singles were followed by a bunt and a line out, before an infield single brought in the first run. Back-to-back walks forced in the second.

The TexAnns fell behind 4-0 in the first inning against Southeastern Oklahoma (2-0), only to take a 7-6 lead into the bottom of the fifth. But the Savage Storm scored the final three runs in the shootout, one to tie it in the fifth and two to win it in the sixth.

Whitney Hamilton had the decisive 2-RBI single to left center in the sixth, bringing in runners who reached on an error and a hit-by-pitch. Hamilton, who was 2-4 with three RBIs, also led off the bottom of the fifth with a game-tying home run moments after Tarleton had grabbed its only lead.

The TexAnns went down in order in the seventh.

The Savage Storm jumped ahead early with a 2-run homer by Courtney Moore highlighting their 4-run bottom of the first.

The TexAnns finally got their bats going in the top of the fourth when Arianna Rodriguez walked and designated player Courtney Vroman slammed a 2-run homer. Kelsey Latta followed with a double to left and eventually scored on a throwing error to make it 4-3.

Moore, a catcher who was 3-4 with three RBIs, drove in another score as part of a 2-run bottom of the fifth that put SOSU up 6-3. Tarleton committed a fielding error in the inning, and Fentress, who relieved Brenna Hennan (0-1) to start the fourth, issued a wild pitch and hit a batter.

Rodriguez singled and later scored on a throwing error in the top of the fifth, before Ashley Noak launched a 3-run double to right center to give Tarleton a brief 7-6 edge.

Vroman was 2-3 with two RBIs for the TexAnns, while Rodriguez and Latta each reached base twice, both on a hit and a walk.

Hennan allowed five earned runs and Fentress three as each went three innings in the circle. Southeastern racked up 13 hits.

Tarleton faced St. Edward’s and Texas A&M-International on Saturday and concludes its weekend against Texas-Permian Basin at 9:30 a.m. today.

SPORTS SHORTS S’ville fall sports banquet set for Monday Brian Word was one of three Texans to score in double figures when he netted 11 points in Saturday’s 68-55 victory over Texas A&M-Commerce at Wisdom Gym. Courtesy TARLETON

COLLEGE BASKSETBALL (W) | TARLETON 75, A&M-COMMERCE 65

WOMEN

From Page B1 Lowrance was lost to a season-ending knee injury and Moore suffered a dislocated finger in an overtime loss at Midwestern on Jan. 12.

Wright also had two blocked shots and two assists, both on passes out of double teams to set up open shots.

“She’s just unbelievable,” said 10th-year Tarleton head coach Ronnie Hearne, who has won more than 1,000 games in his long career.

“I can’t remember ever coaching a girl who had 20 and 20 in the same game. She’s playing so well all around. She’s scoring, rebounding, playing defense and she’s an excellent passer.”

Wright said it isn’t just the first 20/20 game of her college career, but of her life. It was also the first such performance by a Tarleton player since the school joined the NCAA and the LSC in 1994.

“I’ve never done that, not in high school, not ever,” she said.

As Hearne pointed out during post game interviews, Tarleton needed Wright to be at her best on the boards, and she was.

“We needed every last one of those rebounds,” said Hearne, who saw the rest of his team combine

for just one more board - 22 - than Wright had by herself. “There were times I thought she was the only player we had rebounding.”

Tarleton survived a mind-boggling 34 offensive rebounds by A&M-Commerce, who the TexAnns routed 79-51 a week prior. But the Lions could never sustain any offensive momentum in the second half, when they shot just 22.7 percent from the floor.

It was just 51-48 after A&MCommerce’s Sarah Duran buried a 3-pointer near the 10-minute mark of the second half, but the TexAnns outscored the Lions 18-5 over the next seven minutes and change, building a 69-53 lead.

Erin Sims scored all of her five points during the surge, when Berry netted five of her 10. Peyton Adamson had 13 for the TexAnns, 11 of them in the first half. Brianna Bledsoe scored seven while Morgan Ashmore and Keyra Johnson each added five.

Tarleton shot 47.2 percent and held the Lions to just 32.8 percent.

A&M-Commerce furthered its troubles by going just 9-20 (45 percent) from the free throw stripe.

The one area where the Lions had a big advantage while keeping it close early on was points in the paint, where they were ahead at one

time 16-2. But Tarleton - thanks largely to Wright - took over and dominated inside as the game went on, outscoring the Lions 28-10 in the paint the rest of the way and 30-26 for the game.

The first half was back and forth with the exception of a 9-0 TexAnn run that gave them the breathing room they would need until the final 10 minutes of the game.

Three-point field goals by Adamson and Meagan O’Dell fueled the run, the majority of which came with Wright on the bench. It was 24-14 after an Adamson free throw.

A&M-Commerce slowed the momentum with consecutive baskets and stayed within nine the rest of the half. Tarleton led 40-35 at the break.

The TexAnns have won six straight against the Lions dating back to Dec. 18, 2008. They are 8-6 against A&M-Commerce under Hearne.

Abilene Christian led the LSC entering Saturday’s games, but was upset at Eastern New Mexico and is a half game behind Tarleton and Midwestern in third. Incarnate Word fell to Cameron Saturday and is two games back in fourth.

Tarleton hosts Angelo State at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Stephenville High School’s annual fall sports banquet, hosted by the Stephenville Athletic Booster Club, is moving from its traditional site at the SHS cafeteria.

The banquet, set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, will be held at City Hall on the grounds of City Limits. Pre-sale tickets are $9

and are available at the SHS athletics office and Town & Country Bank.

All tickets purchased at the door are $13.

All Honeybee and Yellow Jacket football, volleyball, cross country and cheerleading athletes as well as athletic trainers and others will be recognized.

Ambassadors coming to HJH Monday The famed Harlem Ambassadors are coming to Stephenville to challenge a team of local residents known as the Erath County Ball Hawgs.

The game, set for 7 p.m. Monday at Henderson Junior High, is being hosted by the Erath County Veterans to raise funds and awareness of veterans in the county.

Tickets are $7 for seniors and students and $9 for adults if purchased in advance at HJH, Dublin

High School and businesses around Stephenville. They may also be purchased by calling Bradley Oglesby, chairman of the ECV board of directors, at (254) 5926053. Tickets at the gate are $9 for seniors and students and $11 for adults.

All children under 4 will be admitted for free.

The Ambassadors will also hold a “Stay in School, Stay off Drugs” assembly at HJH at 9:45 a.m. Monday.

Jacket baseball program selling popcorn The Stephenville baseball team is holding a popcorn fundraiser, and time is running out to choose from any of six popular flavors.

Large cans of popcorn are $16 each with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the high school baseball program.

Orders can be made by contacting your favorite Yellow Jacket baseball player, by calling SHS athletics secretary Lisa Hughes at (254) 552-6417, or by visiting Hughes’ office at the high school. Orders must be made and money collected by Tuesday.

A4 | Sunday, February 3, 2013

Viewpoint

The Stephenville Empire-Tribune

www.yourstephenvilletx.com

Public discourse is alive and well Allow me to introduce myself.

I am a traitor and a dumb-dumb and I should exit the world of spewing commentary and slip back into the kitchen. Preferably with an ugly apron.

Those are just a few of the suggestions from angry readers who took offense to last week’s column suggesting that women don’t belong on the front lines of military combat.

“So, women are smart enough and strong enough to birth and raise the humans in our country but not qualified to fight along side the same humans? What a bunch of BS! If society stopped stroking the egos of men over women as the ‘stronger’ gender, this would decline,” one woman posted on Facebook.

See what I mean? Public discourse is alive and well.

To wit: Yes, yes and no it wouldn’t.

Here’s why.

Intelligence and brains have nothing to do with the ability to give birth. Women’s bodies just happen to be made to do so just like men’s are typically made to be bigger and stronger. Those are facts.

FROM THE EDITOR

SARA VANDEN BERGE And saying those facts out loud in no way changes that undeniable truth.

Where women’s libbers get tripped up is in their inability to accept that men and women are not created the same.

They are equal in the sense that they should be granted equal opportunities for advanced education, equal pay for equal work and the right to pursue happiness - you know the drill.

But the latest rallying cry seems to suggest that if we don’t embrace the notion that girls can fight alongside - or against the boys, we are somehow stuck in a day and time we would rather forget.

In fact, one Tarleton student stated that my opinion took “the women’s movement back.”

I’m pretty sure she missed

the more than 100 columns I’ve written over the past 13 years on women’s rights (not to mention the more than 50 I’ve written on equal rights for gays and minorities). I figure she was probably busy learning to ride a bicycle without training wheels back then.

“Oh, and Wonder Woman would not have (backed) down from a fight,” she added. “She took on many male and female villians (sic). It takes a whole lot more then putting breakfast on the table and fighting grammar villains to be wonder woman…”

True that.

And here’s another truth.

Wonder Woman doesn’t exist.

She is fictitious - and so are her bracelets that deflect bullets.

Though I jest about feeling Wonder Woman-ish at times and marvel at my remarkable ability to juggle a busy home life and demanding job, I do know my limits.

Here is something else I’ve learned: No matter how many miles I run or how many weights I lift, I will never match my husband’s physical strength. And that’s OK. Women have only half

the upper body strength as men.

True liberation means we accept ourselves for who and what we really are. Our differences should be celebrated not denied.

Arguments against women in combat have nothing to do with skill, patriotism or misogyny.

Those who think women should be engaging the enemy on the front lines should ask themselves this: If your son were at war, who would you want them to fight alongside? Or how about this: If your son was hurt in combat, who would you trust to throw them over their shoulder and carry them to safety? A female soldier or a male?

I know who I’d choose.

That’s no offense to girls, of course. I am one and I have a daughter of my own and I would fight like hell to make sure she has the same rights as her brothers.

I will also fight like hell (no pun intended) to make sure she never has to engage a vicious enemy on the front lines of a war.

So should society.

“I have watched this country come a long way for women’s rights and you being a writer in

Republicans still refuse to face reality Now here’s a worthy project: Speaking to the Republican National Committee recently, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal declared that it was time for the GOP to “stop being the stupid party.

It’s time for a new Republican party that talks like adults ... We had a number of Republicans damage the brand this year with offensive and bizarre comments. We’ve had enough of that.”

Perhaps not surprisingly, there were few cheers. Today’s GOP thrives on idiot contumely. Nor did the crowd applaud Jindal’s pronouncement that Republicans “must not be the party that simply protects the well-off so they can keep their toys. We have to be the party that shows all Americans how they can thrive ... We are a populist party and need to make that clear.”

Now exactly what Jindal means by a populist GOP is almost as interesting as what he thinks would constitute an intelligent political conversation. Apart from those attention-getting pronouncements, his speech was basically what you’d expect from a Louisiana governor to a Republican Party shell-shocked by President Obama’s decisive re-election.

You know, Washington bad, Baton Rouge good; taxes bad, business good, government wicked. A lifetime public employee; Jindal scorns the federal government -- except, of course, he wants to be president.

Despite Jindal’s superficial appeal, the idea that any Deep South governor advocating the policies he’s championed would be considered a viable candidate for the presidency in 2016 speaks volumes about the Republican Party’s refusal to face reality.

But more about that anon.

Republicans have commit-

COMMENTARY

GENE LYONS ted the unpardonable political sin: They believed their own propaganda. Many can scarcely comprehend how most Americans see things.

Last week Wall Street Journal columnist Peggy Noonan wrote something shrewd about the right-wing fixation with President Obama’s otherness. It was always a mistake, she said, to claim “that he’s a Muslim, he’s a Kenyan, he’s working out his feelings about colonialism.

Those charges were meant to marginalize him, but they didn’t hurt him. They damaged Republicans, who came to see him as easy to defeat.”

They also hurt Republicans among voters who wondered about the character, motives and competence of people who ranted about transparently false allegations.

However, Noonan then proceeded to conjure her own imaginary Obama: a hardcore leftist determined to redistribute income from rich to poor, the striving middle class be damned. “’You didn’t build that,’” she wrote “are the defining words of his presidency.”

That’s right, conspiracy buffs. To Noonan, President Obama’s political legacy consists of a truncated quote yanked out of context to distort his plain meaning: basically, that the best restaurant in town couldn’t thrive if customers had to bushhog their own roads to get there.

This same Obama, a veritable American Lenin, emerges in the columns of the Washington Post’s Charles

Krauthammer. “Obama is the apostle of the ever-expanding state,” he writes. “His (inaugural) speech was an ode to the collectivity.”

As evidence, Krauthammer cites the president “clinging zealously to the increasingly obsolete structures of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid ... the very definition of reactionary liberalism.”

Did somebody mention the stupid party?

Putting aside Krauthammer’s characteristic intellectual dishonesty -- he pretends that demographic changes since 1936 doom Social Security -- he fails to grasp a fundamental fact of American politics: All three programs are extremely popular with voters. Sixty-eight percent in a recent poll opposed cutting Medicaid; Social Security and Medicare are valued even more. People don’t think they’re obsolete; they want their finances improved and defended.

Obama made a crucial point in his inaugural address. “We recognize that no matter how responsibly we live our lives,” he said, “any one of us at any time may face a job loss or a sudden illness or a home swept away in a terrible storm. The commitments we make to each other through Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security, these things do not sap our initiative. They strengthen us.

“They do not make us a nation of takers. They free us to take the risks that make this country great.”

Once people see that Obamacare enhances their personal freedom by making it possible to change jobs without giving up medical insurance, it’s apt to prove equally popular. A political party incapable of grasping this elemental truth deserves to lose power.

Meanwhile, down in

EmpirE-TribunE STEPHENVILLE

Your E-T staff

Sara Vanden Berge, managing editor: sara.vandenberge@empiretribune.com Daryl Robinson, circulation manager: daryl.robinson@empiretribune.com Brad Keith, sports editor: brad.keith@empiretribune.com Donnie Bryant, staff writer: donnie.bryant@empiretribune.com Jessie Horton, staff writer: jessie.horton@empiretribune.com Morgan Downs, graphics/composition: morgan.downs@empiretribune.com Joseph Myers, graphics/composition: joey.myers@empiretribune.com

Louisiana, Gov. Bobby Jindal’s idea of populism is to eliminate state income taxes altogether while doubling sales taxes. According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, this scheme would greatly benefit corporations and the richest 1 percent, while sharply raising everybody else’s taxes. A public outcry recently caused him to back off a scheme to trim Medicaid costs by eliminating hospice care for terminally ill patients.

Due to entrenched poverty, Louisiana receives far more from the accursed federal government than it remits in taxes -- and always has.

People mostly understand that.

In today’s America, however, I seriously doubt that Bobby Jindal’s act is going to play.

Sara Vanden Berge is the managing editor of the Empire-Tribune.

She can be reached at 968-2379 ext. 240. Follow her on Twitter @ ETeditor.

READER FEEDBACK

What is your favorite part of the Super Bowl?

Commercials and the half time show - Brandy Fisher Commercials for me - Amber Robinson Carpenter Commercials AND food! Stephanie Elizabeth Haby Being able to spend time with great friends - Stephanie Armstrong Diener The halftime show - Brandon Hughitt This year it’s the cold beer, no work, food and Colin Kaepernick.

- Morgan Downs

Arkansas Times columnist Gene Lyons is a National Magazine Award winner and coauthor of “The Hunting of the President” (St. Martin’s Press, 2000). You can email Lyons atenelyons2@yahoo.com.

For Your Information

Address: 590 South Loop, PO Box 958, Stephenville, TX 76401 Phone: 254-965-3124 Toll Free (Subscription and service) | Fax: (254) 965-4269 Website: www.yourstephenvilletx.com The Stephenville Empire-Tribune is published 5 days a week, all rights reserved.

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a published paper have taken us back many generations,” another wrote on Facebook. “Perhaps you don’t realize the responsibility you have and your personal opinions should be kept to yourself and left to those who are trying to pick this country up.

We have fought many wars right here in Texas to have women’s rights equal. This article makes me angry I have gone through unequal rights and when no matter how cold it was we as females were not allowed to wear pants to school. I wanted to be a firefighter but my dad said no you are a girl. My whole life would have been different if it weren’t for people like you. Stick to writing recipie (sic) columns.”

No can do on the recipe columns, though I have a good one for chicken tacos you might enjoy. Message me and I’ll get it to you.

Meanwhile, I’m going to keep speaking the truth.

Corrections: The Empire-Tribune will gladly correct any error or clarify any information that is unclear or misleading that is published in the newspaper or website. To request a correction, call the newspaper office between 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Letters: All letters must be signed and include a valid phone number and hometown of the author for verification purposes. Names of businesses will be omitted. The newspaper has the right to edit for grammar and style. Please limit letters to 400 words. One letter per month per writer, please.

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www.yourstephenvilletx.com

Club News Stone tree houses of Texas Three or more years ago Charles Garrett, aspiring writer-photographer, called me from a Stephenville business phone. I hadn’t met him before but we did have a common interest…..history, especially the history found in rocks. He said that he was working on a future publication about houses built entirely of petrified wood and other rock. He lived in east Texas and was traveling around the state taking photos of buildings that fit that description and whenever possible writing something of the history of each structure. He had called me because someone told him that I might have some information on the Wolfe Nursery office building, built of petrified wood and fossilized stone. He understood that it that no longer existed.

Charles’ question immediately fired up my indignation once more that the old Stephenville landmark, known as ‘the building that time built’, had been bulldozed early one morning to make way for yet another fast food restaurant. I feel that the destruction of that house that Ross Wolfe built with fossilized stone, petrified wood, even a complete dinosaur track was a sin and a disgrace to the town of Stephenville and the people who care about preserving precious pieces of the past.

Ross Wolfe had collected the materials that went into that building from across the country when he was making trips to buy trees and plants for the world famous Wolfe Nursery. That building was a treasure that can never be replaced and now can only be remembered in photos and the minds of those who saw it.

The part of the Wolfe estate where the treasured building stood was listed with a realtor and the buyer wanted it gone; the land paved over and a strip mall built in its place. There was a struggle by those that saw the building as an historic site, to keep it in place but one morning, while it was not yet completely light, the destruction crew came and started their giant machines.

It was not yet fully daylight but shoppers at Wal-Mart saw the big yellow machines and phones began to ring; one of them was mine.

When I got there the building was just a pile of crushed stone which was rapidly being loaded into dump trucks.

The footprint of a giant Theropod that lived thousands of years before humans walked the earth was now only pieces of broken rock to be loaded up as worthless trash and hauled away.

A city-boy in a suit and tie climbed from his little foreign-made car and asked if he could help me. I was standing there in despair, tears in my eyes.

“I just come to see the murder’ I told him.

“What murder?” He asked.

“You have just killed a treasured landmark.”

With that, the idiot reached down and picked up the piece of a creature that had lived a million years ago when this part of the earth was covered by an ocean.

Now this bit of the earth’s history was only a piece of broken rock. When he handed it to me, it is to my credit that I only dropped it at his feet instead of obeying my instincts while it was in my right hand.

And so when Charles Garrett asked me about the old

The Stephenville Empire-Tribune

KIWANIS HONORS 'TERRIFIC KIDS' The Kiwanis Club honored the following first graders as "Terrific Kids." First row: Keila Cristobal, Jennifer Sanchez, Dylan Cabrera, America Pantoja, Conner Wilber, Lukas Navarrette, Peyton Young, Mykah Neckar (second) Memo Ramos, Bernardo Monreal Jr., Trevor Phipps Jr., Ava Thompson, Mason Haynes, Noah Bullion, Kierstyn Hoffman, Aubrey Mieron, Mason Kennerly (third) Lanie Clark, Madalyn White, Adolfo Martinez, Madison Boase, Hannah Boles, Kayden Coleman, Nathan McMullin, Morgan Millar, Jordan Pursell, Valeria Vidal (back) Gene Morrison, Principal Barry Cavitt, and Donna Kirklen, Kiwanis Club president. Courtesy DAVID SWEARINGEN

PATCHWORK

JOYCE WHITIS rock Wolfe Nursery building, I agreed to share what I had. What I did have was an interview with Hugh Wolfe only a few months before the destruction of that wonderful building. I had also taken several pictures at that time including of one Hugh sitting on the front step. The building was completed in 1929 and this date was imbedded on the stone step just to the side of the three-toed track of a dinosaur that once stomped around what is now West Washington. The story and the pictures I was happy to share with the writerphotographer. He took them and disappeared from my life and my mind until just a few months ago.

One day last October, I got a phone call that Mr. Garrett had finished his book.

It had been published and he wanted to visit me in Stephenville and give me a check! Well, a check always sounds good so we met at Jake and Dorothy’s and over several cups of coffee, he shared with me his travels across Texas photographing rock buildings and writing about them. He has included my story and pictures about the Wolfe Nursery building in the book and he gave me an autographed copy along with a check. I am so grateful that the story of the “house that time built” is included. I found the pictures of houses built across Texas, fascinating. The photographs are wonderful and it is a joy to see these works of art cared for by families through the years. Hopefully no one else will ever find it necessary to destroy such a building.

There is another rock house in Stephenville included in the book, the Latham house and thank goodness it is still standing. Of course it is very doubtful that any of these rock houses would be destroyed without the help of destructive machines. These buildings are constructed to last for centuries just as the material from which they are built. Several structures in Glen Rose are included in the book. The book comes in hard or soft cover but really lends itself to hard cover coffee-table style. The author has traveled across Texas visiting with folks, taking pictures and writing personal histories of many of the buildings featured. Most of the buildings, both businesses and residences were built in the late ‘20’s and early‘30’s and each has its very own personality. During the Depression, labor was cheap and jobs were hard to find. Building these rock buildings took lots of time and men had plenty of that.

The cover picture is known as the Pressley House and is located near Cameron.

Porch posts are petrified tree trunks and the builder has worked an attractive design in petrified wood throughout the house.

Each trip through the book brings something new to the eye. For those that enjoy the history and wonders found in petrified wood and fossilized stone, turning the pages is a never-tiring journey.

Stone-Tree Houses of Texas may be purchased on line at www.rockstonepress.com

Sunday, February 3, 2013 | C3

Second grade "Terrific Kids" include (first row): Presleigh La Duque, Autumn Bohanan, Kayden Salinas, Emily Sword, Cameron Territo, Anna Newcomb, Tanner Crosswhite, (second) Lucero Perez, Zalleth Miramontes , Maria Arroyo Ortiz, Kaylee Granjeno, Marisa Otero, Seren Fowler, Melissa Orsonio, Trinity Leal, Ryan Leseberg (third) Mila Saldivar, Dominika Roman, Sultana Smith, Phoebe Tipton, J. Ryan Thompson, Bradley Beaty, Xavian Martinez, Alexis McLemore, Lesley Jarrell, Hayden Martin, Alejandro Loyola, (back) Gene Morrison, Principal Barry Cavitt and Donna Kirklen.

Nickolas Ordonez Warren is not pictured. Courtesy DAVID SWEARINGEN

STUDY AND GARDEN CLUB NOTES SPECIAL TO THE E-T The Bluff Dale Study and Garden Club met on January 17 at 1:30 p.m. with 24 members in attendance. President Nelda Estes called the meeting to order and introduced Robin Scott, the

speaker. He spoke about finding the original Railroad Ticket Office with Bluff Dale on the front. He was called to a ranch to tear it down. He spoke on the effort to preserve it by moving it to Green Street near the old Bank Vault. He gave many de-

tails on ways to earn money for the project as well as using the old bank vault to look like a water tower for steam engines. The program was educational and informative.

Hostess provided soup, crackers, vegetables, cake and cookies.

DRT DONATES TO HUCKABAY SCHOOL'S LIBRARY

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Chaplain Anita Lane gave the DAR New Members Oath to Pat Sharp and Sherri Morgan at the Teha Lanna Chapter's January meeting.

PHOTO GALLERY

To see more unpublished photos, please visit our home page at www.yourstephenvilletx.com

Jodi Wilfong, librarian with Huckabay School, received a history book written for children about Jane Long, often considered the “mother of Texas.” The book was presented to the students at Huckabay by local Bosque River chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Joyce Whitis of Huckabay made the presentation on behalf of the DRT chapter, with the hope that children will become interested in the men and women that built the great state of Texas.

Recently a transplant to Texas from Minnesota made the observation that, “the children of Texas are brainwashed” when it comes to Texas and its history. While that might be a little strong according to some, the fact is that Texas has such a glorious history of victory over adversity; men and women that don’t ever give up and just plain love for anything under the Lone Star Flag, loving Texas and what the people stand for, is worth speaking up about. The DRT chapter in Stephenville hopes that students everywhere across this beautiful land will grow up to know and appreciate their heritage. Contributed

Stephenville High School drama teacher Mindy Pope and the junior varsity drama group presented vignettes depicting early American historical events for the Teha Lanna Chapter NSDAR January meeting. Contributed

www.yourstephenvilletx.com

Sports Fan

The Stephenville Empire-Tribune

Sunday, February 3, 2013 | B3

HS GIRLS SOCCER | STEPHENVILLE 2, BURKBURNETT 1

Strohmeyer, Choate score in win

Bamma Strohmeyer, above, scored first and Carly Choate provided the winner when Stephenville defeated Burkburnett 2-1 in non-district soccer action at Lem Brock Field Friday night. Courtesy DONNA STROHMEYER

HS BASKETBALL

BEES

Stephenville at Venus Tuesday night Girls - 6:15 p.m.

Boys - 6:45 p.m.

From Page B1 poured it on. Stephenville didn’t allow a field goal in the second half, as Alvarado scored only on four free throws and the Bees rolled to a 12-0 third quarter and a 20-4 fourth.

Culpepper had 14 points to lead Stephenville, which played in front of its largest crowd of the season. Diaz started on fire with nine points in the first quarter and finished with 13.

Stokes scored nine, Leslie Billings eight and Dally Friedrich six. Chrislyn Wells moved up from the junior varsity and hit a 3-pointer to end the third quarter and a two off a steal to start the fourth. She joined Cassidy Cline with five points each, while Jaynelle Nowell had four and Meagan Parsons and Kourtney Seaton each added two.

Seaton, a freshman, joined Wells in the move up from the JV Friday as the Bees make final adjustments to their roster for the upcoming playoffs.

Stephenville concludes regular season action at Venus at about 6:15 p.m. Tuesday.

The Honeybees torched the Lady Bulldogs 79-11 in the first half of district play.

JACKETS

From Page B1 Taylor blocked a 3-point attempt, quickly collected the ball and sped the other way for a layup and a 6-0 push.

Adams scored for Alvarado to briefly stem the tide, but Taylor hit a free throw and Kelmendi nailed one of his four triples to make it 28-20 at the break.

It was 34-24 before a 7-0 Yellow Jacket push midway through the third. Juder Stidham dished a touch pass to Sweet for a fast-break layup and a 12-point lead before Adams was forced to check out with four fouls at the 3:52 mark of the period.

Jarrett Stidham then buried a 3-pointer, immediately stole the ball back and dished an impressive assist to B.J. Walker for a layup and a 41-24 lead. The period ended with a Kelmendi 3-ball to make it 48-30 heading to the fourth.

Stephenville was up 51-31 after a 3-pointer by Sweet, but Adams began chipping away at the margin.

He made one of two free throws, hit a runner, then knocked down

Breyana Diaz’s little sister had a sign commemorating the 286 times she has watched her older sister play basketball for Stephenville. It was the perfect addition to the senior night festivities at Gandy Gym Friday. RUSSELL HUFFMAN/E-T

two from the stripe for five straight points by himself.

Kelmendi slowed the Indian push with a free throw, but Alvarado point guard Reggie McNeil quickly cut it to 52-38 with 5:25 still to play.

But Adams committed a reaching foul trying to strip Jarrett Stidham right in front of the Stephenville bench, and Kelmendi immediately followed with his final long ball to bury the Indians.

Taylor scored seven and Juder Stidham and Gunter each had six for Stephenville. Walker added five, Jarrett Stidham three, Colby Brandon two and Hayden Prosise two.

Since adding a handful of players from its state champion football team in December, Stephenville has relied on wholesale substitutions, often changing out all five players every 3-4 minutes. Friday was different, but the depth was still on display.

Normand had 1-2 subs ready at just about any whistle, and was always aware of the personnel he had responsible for Adams, who had just six points in the first three quarters.

Taylor and Brandon Stevens were

in the starting lineup Friday, switching spots with Jarrett Stidham and Tyler Pettit, who came off the bench.

Normand flew off the bench and celebrated the work of the group when Alvarado was forced to call a timeout trailing 7-0 early on.

The Indians rallied with an 8-0 push for a brief lead, and the game remained close until the third.

Reggie McNeil led Alvarado with 14 points.

B.J. Walker and Stephenville enjoyed parent appreciation festivities at Gandy Gym Friday.

RUSSELL HUFFMAN/E-T

The Stephenville Empire-Tribune

www.yourstephenvilletx.com

Sunday, February 3, 2013 | A3

Empire-Tribune 3.0 POLICE BLOTTER

TODAY’S HOT TOPICS

Compiled by Donnie Bryant

The top 3 stories at yourstephenvilletx.com and beyond

The following reports were taken by the Stephenville Police Department Jan. 25 – Feb. 1.

JAN. 25 • Driving while intoxicated arrest in the 900 block of N. Garfield Ave. • Public intoxication arrest in the 1200 block of N. Lydia Ave. • Minor accident report in the 900 block of the E. South Loop.

• Criminal mischief offense report in the 1000 block of N. McCart Ave. • Forgery of a financial instrument offense report in the 1500 block of W. Long St. • Theft offense report, less than $50, in the 2700 block of W. Washington St. • Minor accident report in the 2200 block of the W. South Loop.

JAN. 26 • Public intoxication arrest in the 300 block of S. Barton Ave. • Threats offense report in the 2700 block of W. Washington St. • Minor driving under the influence arrest in the 1600 block of W. Shirley St. • Driving while intoxicated arrest in the 2900 block of W. Washington St. • Theft of property offense report, $50-$500, in the 900 block of W. Tarleton St. • Driving while intoxicated arrest in the 2300 block of the W. South Loop.

• Welfare concern incident report in the 300 block of N. Belknap Ave. • Possession of marijuana arrest, less than two ounces, in the 400 block of N. Belknap Ave. • Possession of marijuana arrest, less than two ounces, in the 1800 block of E. Washington St. JAN. 27 • Interfering with public duties offense report in the 700 block of S. Sixth Ave. • Driving while intoxicated arrest in

the 400 block of S. Lillian Ave. • Out of jurisdiction warrant service arrest in the 100 block of the W. South Loop.

• Theft of property offense report, $50-$500, in the 900 block of S. Second Ave. • Follow up offense report in the 1200 block of W. Swan St. • Public intoxication arrest in the 2500 block of W. Washington St. • Theft of property offense report, $50-$500, in the 2200 block of the Northwest Loop.

JAN. 28 • Theft of property offense report, $500-$1,500, in the 2800 block of W. Frey St. • Lost property incident report in the 1100 block of W. Frey St. • Credit/debit card abuse offense report in the 2700 block of W. Washington St. • Suicide attempt incident report in the 1400 block of W. McNeil St. JAN. 29 • Emergency Medical Services incident report in the 900 block of W. Jones St. • Major accident report in the 900 block of N. Harbin Dr. • Driving with invalid license in the 2700 block of W. Frey St. • Assault causing bodily injury incident report in the 900 block of N. Dale Ave. • Unauthorized use of a vehicle in the 200 block of the E. South Loop.

• Out of jurisdiction warrant service arrest in the 2100 block of the West South Loop.

• Animal bite incident report in the 600 block of E. Broadway St. • Theft of property offense report, $50-$500, in the 2700 block of W.

Washington St. JAN. 30 • Theft of property offense report, $20,000-$100,000, in the 700 block of East Rd. • Truancy offense report in the 2700 block of W. Frey St. • Truancy offense report in the 2600 block of W. Overhill Dr. • Minor in possession of tobacco offense report in the 2600 block of W. Overhill Dr. • Theft of property offense report, $50-$500, in the 900 block of W. Sloan St. • Theft of property offense report, $50-$500, in the 1000 bock of the E. South Loop.

• Theft of property offense report, $50-$500, in the 1300 block of W. Washington St. JAN. 31 • Hit and run accident in the 1300 block of W. Washington St. • Runaway incident report in the 300 block of E. Broadway St. • Major accident report in the 1900 block of W. Washington St. • Minor accident report in the 2100 block of W. Washington St. • Found property incident report in the 300 block of N. Belknap Ave. • Out of jurisdiction warrant service offense report in the 1400 block of W. Washington St. • Sexual assault offense report in the 1300 block of Inglewood Dr. • Follow up offense report in the 300 block of S. Lillian Ave. • Major accident report in the 800 block of the W. South Loop.

FEB. 1 • Burglary offense report in the 1400 block of W. Hyman St.

STATE NEWS Police chief: No sign of fear from slain attorney KAUFMAN, Texas (AP) — Authorities don’t know whether a Texas prosecutor who had extensive experience with organized crime had feared for his life before he was fatally shot, but they’re poring through the cases he handled for leads to his killer, officials said Friday.

No arrests have been made since assistant district attorney Mark Hasse was gunned down Thursday morning in a parking lot about a block from his office at the Kaufman County courthouse. Authorities are searching for one or two suspects. Witnesses have said the killer was dressed in black with facial features covered.

Kaufman police Chief Chris Aulbaugh said there’s no indication that Hasse, 57, had been afraid he might be killed and, although the prosecutor was a licensed peace officer, officials refused to say whether he was carrying a weapon.

“We are reviewing Mr.

Hasse’s cases and following up on any leads that would give us rise for a person of interest,” Aulbaugh said. In addition to local authorities, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the FBI and the ATF are investigating the case.

That could be a daunting task. Hasse joined the Kaufman County DA’s office three years ago and previously worked in the Dallas County district attorney’s office, where he specialized in organized crime cases.

Kaufman County DA Mike McLelland said Hasse was one of 12 attorneys on his staff, all of whom handle hundreds of cases at a time.

“Anything anybody can think of, we’re looking through,” McLelland said.

Video surveillance cameras from convenience stories and other businesses in the area are being monitored to see if a vehicle linked to the killing was spotted, au-

thorities said. The vehicle is believed to be an older model gray, four-door sedan.

Authorities also hope that reward money — which had grown to nearly $65,000 Friday — will lead to tips.

“We will follow every lead that we receive,” Aulbaugh said.

Hasse was shot multiple times just before 9 a.m.

Thursday in the parking lot behind courthouse annex. He was taken away in an ambulance, but it’s unclear whether he died at the hospital or en route.

Hasse had been chief of the organized crime unit when he was assistant prosecutor in Dallas County in the 1980s, and in Kaufman County, 33 miles southeast of Dallas, he handled similar cases.

McLelland described Hasse as a hard worker who knew the dangers of his job.

“You know there is the potential for somebody bad to do something to

you, because they’ve done something bad to somebody else,” McLelland said.

But, he added, Hasse “had an absolute passion for putting away bad guys.

He enjoyed nothing better.”

WARM BODIES (PG-13) 1120 205 430 705 MAMA (PG-13) 1110 210 435 710 HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 3D (R) 1105 430 700 BULLET TO THE HEAD (R) 1115 200 425 715

Rescuers searched for survivors Saturday and authorities promised a thorough investigation after an office building blast killed 32 people and injured 121 at the headquarters of Mexico’s state-owned oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos.

2) Suicide bomber attacks Pakistani mosque, 23 dead A suicide bomber detonated his explosives outside a Shiite mosque in northwestern Pakistan as worshippers were leaving Friday prayers, killing 23 people and wounding over 50 in the latest apparently sectarian attack in the country.

3) South Texas family charged in tax scheme

Federal prosecutors say members of a South Texas family collected more than $750,000 in refunds by filing false tax claims using the names of dead people. About 340 claims were filed that used the name, Social Security number and date of birth for people who had died.

E-T POLL QUESTION What is your favorite part about the Super Bowl?

1. Watching the game 2. The commercials 3. The food Vote online now at yourstephenvilletx.com Latest poll results: What team will you root for in the Super Bowl Sunday?

1. San Francisco 49ers - 17% 2. Baltimore Ravens - 21% 3. I don’t care - 62%

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ZERO DARK THIRTY (R) 1100 225 60 HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS (R) 200 THE IMPOSSIBLE (PG) 1105 200 440 720

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BIRTHS

Framed: a law degree and a ransom note

Lifestyles

Burge Amber and Stephen Burge are the proud parents of daughter, Grace Ann, who was born on Dec. 17, 2012, at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth.

She weighed eight pounds and was 21 inches long.

Grandparents are Tami Arrambide of Stephenville and Mike and Marsha Burge of Stephenville.

Great-grandmothers are Jean Dillon of Stephenville, Mildred Tankersley of Cisco and Joreta Laird of Hollis, Okla.

Proud aunts are Amanda Arrambide of Stephenville and Susan Burge of Stillwater, Okla.

Grace was welcomed home by brother Grant, age 2.

In January 2004, incredibly grateful to Scott Allen for my first attorney-ing opportunity, I was determined to work as hard as possible to become an asset to his firm.

During my first month, Mr. Allen offered me the key to a nearby building where a variety of framed art was stored. My personal decorating budget being limited to my diplomas and license, I gladly traded lunch plans for that key and beelined up the street for some artwork.

Stepping inside, I closed the door behind me . . . and somehow dislodged the doorknob, its brass innards clattering on the floor.

Ruh-roh. By the window light (vacant building, no electricity), I gathered the doorknob entrails.

The knob’s exterior remained in place, but the interior pieces would not realign.

At the building’s rear, I happily discovered another door. And then not-so-happily discovered a vehicle parked flush against the building, such that opening the outermost door wide enough to make an escape was impossible.

All the windows were onepiecers - there’d be no window exit without committing my first (and probably last) paycheck to a replacement.

Attempts at a bang-and-holler approach against a wall adjoining Jim Elliott’s office quickly revealed the wall’s impervious-to-distressed-damsel, bank-vault-quality thickness.

Perplexed, I sat at a window

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COMMUNITY VOICE

SHELBY SLAWSON overlooking Graham. When in the reflective glass of the storefront across the street I saw Mr. Elliott exit his office in a courthousebound direction, rescue seemed imminent. But then he jaywalked right across that street, oblivious to my glass-knocking and “Help!”yelling.

Upon discovering scissors, sticky labels, and old newspapers, I fashioned an appeal to potential passersby. “Help,” begged the ransom-style note, “I’m stuck!

Please open door!” I taped it to the window using the labels.

As the end-of-lunch-hour-traffic picked up, I danced “Hey! Look at me!” jigs in the window, hoping to catch the attention of someone stopping for the intersection. Only one fellow looked my direction.

I pointed at my sign. He looked away.

I sat on a rolled-up rug, and contemplated: who would miss me first? Mr. Allen had an afternoon full of meetings; my husband wouldn’t expect me until after dark.

Ruing my Lucy Ricardoness, I debated whether I had enough newspaper and tape for a farewell note. Oh, but staring at those scissors, my Nancy Drewity finally

kicked in. Scissors!

Digging into the doorknob carcass with the scissors, I twisted this way and that, trying to knock the outer knob onto the sidewalk.

Maybe someone would come along, stoop to pick it up, and I could summon the last of my strength to call for help through the hole.

But then, miraculously, the scissors turned some mystery part and the door opened. Freedom!

When Mr. Allen asked later that day whether I’d brought back any art, I sheepishly explained that the only thing I’d made it back with was hunger pangs and my ransomlooking note. Through laughter, he insisted I frame the note. I did just that, and prominently displayed it near the door of my office.

In subsequent years, a glance over the midnight oil to read the “Help! I’m stuck! Please open door!” plea held a different, but still entertaining, irony.

I remain grateful for a boss who not only laughed at the LucyNancy-Shelby threefer he’d unwittingly hired, but encouraged me to embrace and enjoy the humor in such escapades. Because goodness knows: this life has a LOT of laugh opportunities.

Shelby Slawson, attorney turned mommy turned writer on a quest for trophy wifehood, authors the blog “Other Such” at www.othersuch.net.

She is also a member of the E-T's community columnists. She can be reached at shelby@othersuch.net.

MILLING AROUND

BY BETTYE KEY

Crissey A girl, Eleanor Grace Crissey, was born Jan. 5, 2013, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas to Brian and Amy Crissey of Arlington.

She weighed eight pounds two ounces and was 21 inches long.

Grandparents are Bill and Vicki Lambert and Dana and Cindy Crissey.

Great-Grandparents are Ruby Hedge and Charlene Crissey.

Eleanor was welcomed home by her sisters and brothers, Lilly, 7, Kyle, 5, Carson, 4 and Meredith, 2.

Hurrah for Morgan Mill!

The student of the month for February is David Clark Jr. better known as Junior. He is in the third grade and has only attended Morgan Mill School.

His favorite subject is recess.

He is especially fond of the new playground equipment with the new rock climbing feature. His favorite teacher is Mrs. Turley and he makes good grades. He likes Morgan Mill because of its teachers. When he is at home, he likes to play video games especially Star Wars. Soccer is his favorite outdoor activity. He listed Alex, Jake, Faith, Elizabeth, and Crissy as his brothers and sisters. He takes care of a cat, dog, and fish.

Junior’s proud parents are David and Grace. Congratulations to a neat kid.

Senior Citizens/Commu-

nity Supper this week is Feb. 7 at 6:30. The program is United Coop. They were a hit last time because of all the goodies that they gave away and everyone went home with something. Call your neighbors and bring your favorite pot luck dish to the Community Center.

It is breakfast week in Morgan Mill. The only Saturday that I enjoy getting out of bed is for Morgan Mill bacon, eggs, sausage, biscuits, hash browns, and pancakes. The Community Center has been in existence for eight years and never had to have a fund raiser for operating expenses because you have generously given to the breakfast donation jar. Roscoe Davis and his band of volunteers keep the food coming and the atmosphere is always welcoming. The part that I like is that it is not bring a dish. Invite your friends and come enjoy a time of

fellowship.

Saturday, Feb. 9, is going to busy with the Morgan Mill School Valentine Dance/Party that night.

It has become a tradition for the seventh and eighth graders to put their best foot forward and see how the parents can decorate the Center. It has been covered with twinkly lights, balloons, and lots of food for all. It is a special time for these kids.

Looking ahead, the 4-H kids will be the program for the Thursday, Feb. 21, Senior Citizens meeting. The parents will supply the meats and soups and you will need to bring salads and desserts.

This is always an entertaining program for Morgan Mill.

Remember Line Dancing is meeting on Wednesday at 10 at the Community Center. If you have not tried it, there is still time to get started. Everybody is welcome.

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B2 | Sunday, February 3, 2013

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COMMUNITY BASKETBALL

Ball Hawgs prep for Ambassadors

The Erath County Ball Hawgs, including Stephenville Mayor Kenny Weldon, above, practiced last week in anticipation of their meeting with the Harlem Ambassadors at 7 p.m. Monday at Henderson Junior High. The event is a fundraiser for Erath County Veterans. Contributed

HS BASKETBALL

Indians cruise, Gorman upsets Lingleville Huckabay girls also win against Gordon

Lady Cards drop close one to Lady Panthers

E-T STAFF REPORT

E-T STAFF REPORT

Eleven Huckabay (23-4, 7-0) players scored in another balanced effort by the No. 4 Indians Friday night, as they marched to an easy 87-47 victory over District 17-A Division II rival Gordon.

The Indians racked up 31 points to Gordon’s six in the first quarter, and the rest was just a formality. Huckabay scored 23 points in the second and 26 in the third.

The Indians, who visit arch-rival Lingleville on Tuesday, picked up 15 points each from Mario Lopez and Junior

Fragoza and 12 from freshman James Weiss. Six others had at least five points - Cade Bray with nine, Gavin Fuentes eight, Garrett Stewart seven, Cade Little seven, Levi Dowell six and Ky Bray five.

Austin Wells and Tyler Stegall chipped in with two and one, respectively.

It was the 14th straight victory for the Indians, who are two games ahead of Gorman and Lingleville after the Panthers upset the Cardinals on Friday.

Huckabay’s girls (16-13, 2-7) defeated Gordon 47-26. The Lady Indians tip off Tuesday’s doubleheader at Lingleville at about 6:15 p.m.

Huckabay girls/boys at Lingleville 6:15 Tuesday

Lingleville’s District 17-A Division II championship hopes took a big hit Friday night, when the Cardinals were upset 54-42 at Gorman.

The Panthers outscored Lingleville (17-8, 5-2) 39-27 in the second half, breaking open a 15-15 tie at the break.

The teams are now tied for second in the district, and both have a contest remaining against league-leading Huckabay, which is now two games clear of the Cards and Panthers. Lingleville hosts Huckabay for a doubleheader beginning with girls action at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday.

Robert VanKranenburg scored 22 points before going down and having to be helped from the floor with about

two minutes remaining. Initial reports suggested the injury may have been to a leg muscle.

Gorman already appeared on its way to celebrating the upset.

“We missed a lot of easy shots tonight, and at times our execution wasn’t very good,” said Lingleville head coach Kade Eckert. “But I have to give Gorman a lot of credit - they forced some of those misses and they forced a lot of our poor execution.”

Ruperto Huerta scored 13 for Lingleville, jayden Stoker netted our and Tucker Click added three.

Lingleville’s girls fell 59-52, and will be looking for a season sweep of Huckabay on Tuesday.

JH BASKETBALL

HS BASKETBALL

Eighth grade Jackets win district

Dublin teams swept by Breckenridge on road E-T STAFF REPORT Dublin’s teams were swept at Breckenridge Friday night, where the No. 9 Buckaroos picked up an impressive 32 points from senior guard Caleb Spoon.

The Lions kept it close in the first but were outscored 23-9 in the second to trail 38-22 at the break.

Aaron Callaway led Dublin with 17 points while Zoey Kendall added 10.

The Lady Lions fell 39-32 despite 10 points each from Cline and London Jones and eight from Sidney Beck.

Dublin hosts Eastland at 6:15 and 7:45 p.m. Tuesday. It’s the season finale for the Lady Lions, who will celebrate senior night.

SCHEDULE Basketball Tuesday Stephenville girls/boys at Venus, 6:15 p.m.

Eastland at Dublin girls/boys, 6:15 p.m Huckabay girls/boys at Lingleville, 6:15 p.m.

Hico boys at San Saba, 6:15 p.m.

Soccer Tuesday Stephenville girls at Wichita Falls, 6:30 p.m.

Stephenville boys at Byron Nelson, 7 p.m.

The Henderson Junior High eighth grade boys basketball team went undefeated in district play, capturing another district title. The Yellow Jackets were also undefeated during district play in football.

Basketball team members include (back, left to right) Kaegan Williams, Cameron Frazier, Aaron Abila, Colby Vandenberg, Dustin Lundy, Coach Jacob Marowitz, (front) Seth Heupel, Colby Trinkle, Ragan Wood and Rett Dittfurth. Contributed

Basketball Wednesday Angelo State at Tarleton State women/men, 6 p.m.

Powerlifting Thursday Dublin at San Saba meet

A2 | Sunday, February 3, 2013

OBITUARIES

The Stephenville Empire-Tribune

www.yourstephenvilletx.com

BANK

FACES & PLACES

From Page A1

Sharon Ann Johnson

Nov. 22, 1942 – Feb. 1, 2013 Stephenville - Services for Sharon Ann Johnson, 70, are pending at Lacy Funeral Home.

KYLE

From Page A1 Dominic Dottavio, said. “We are proud of his exemplary service to our nation and are deeply saddened to hear the news of this tragic event.”

Kyle leaves behind a wife, Taya, and two children.

MAGAZINE

From Page A1 Those who pre-ordered Dream Season can come by the newspaper office and pick up their copies.

The first 200 will also get a special bonus CD with pictures from all the games, including a number of photos from the state championship game.

OUT & ABOUT

Kindergarten through sixth grade students cheered in front of their family and friends. Mrs. Jennifer Edwards and the Huckabay cheerleaders held mini cheer camp practices after school to teach the cheers and a dance. Pictured with the mini cheerleaders are varsity cheer instructors Nakoma Carley and Baylee Godfrey. Contributed

A list of calendar events for Stephenville and the region

FEB American Legion hosts Four-

3

Chaplains service

A Four-Chaplains service will be held at 2 p.m. at Turnbow-Higgs American Legion Post 240, located at 801 E. Washington St. This will honor the memories of the four World War II chaplains who gave their lives at the sinking of the U.S.A.T. Dorchester on Feb. 3, 1943. The public is invited.

Covenant Life Church welcomes area youth

Covenant Life Church is hosting a kidfriendly get-together Sunday at 10:30 a.m. There will be puppets, music and prizes, including a bicycle give away. The gathering will take place at 811 W. Oak St. Call 254-968-5854 for more information.

Morgan Mill students posed for a photo Friday in front of their new playground equipment. JESSIE HORTON/E-T

checks until they run out.

“If they have a 10 year supply, they can use it,” he said. “No one is forced to reorder.”

Martin also reported there would be no change in employees, citing the previous leadership as pivotal to Town and Country’s success.

“There will be no changes,” he said. “The reason is it was such a well-run bank. Jim Chambers did such a tremendous job.”

Martin is aware his staff holds Chambers in high regard, and he would have liked for him to stay on after the change.

“We had hoped he would stay,” he said.

“The ownership made a big push to get him to stay, and (Chambers) discussed it with his wife. But they have a new grandchild and wanted to do some traveling. He just wanted to take a break.”

Chambers founded the bank in 1977, according to Martin, who anticipates the possibility of Chamber’s return after a brief hiatus.

“I hope he will take a well-deserved break,” Martin said. “But I have high hopes he will come back on board.”

Martin has some remaining responsibilities in Oklahoma lingering for an unforeseen period of time and will be juggling them with his newly adopted role in Stephenville.

“But I don’t plan on leaving here again,” he said. “It’s like coming home.”

SUPER BOWL

Are you ready for some football? Local fans are

BY DONNIE BRYANT donnie.bryant@empiretribune.com

Super Bowl Sunday is finally here, and the mania surrounding the highly anticipated event is no less powerful than a combination of small town homecoming games coupled with the Oscars.

There will be athletes vying for attention with super stars and in sync dancing cheerleaders.

But one has to ponder the question, what exactly are we most looking forward to with the upcoming game? Is it the commercials? Do we really care which team wins? Are we just wanting to nosh all day long on chicken wings and nachos? Will Beyonce flub up the national anthem?

Stephenville is certainly serious about its football, and the streets will likely be deserted by 5 p.m. Our football-loving residents were more than happy to share their own plans - be they traditional or something new for 2013.

E-T Sports Editor Brad Keith - I don’t have any traditions, just love watching the game and can’t wait!

I like both teams and both organizations, but am electing to cheer for the Ravens solely because I’d

in from Fort Worth and Illinois for a visit on Super Bowl Sunday. We don’t celebrate the super bowl but

What is your favorite part of the Super Bowl?

1. Watching the game 2. The commercials 3. The food Vote online now at yourstephenvilletx.com

like to see Ray Lewis, the greatest linebacker ever in my opinion, go out with a second Super Bowl title.

E-T Staff Writer Jessie Horton - We will be watching at my house. The only tradition we have is cooking out and getting together with friends. It’s hard not to cheer for a great guy like Ray Lewis.

But since the only team that matters, the COWBOYS, aren’t playing, I don’t mind either way.

Both are good teams who truly earned their places on that field.

SHS teacher Kim Adams - I have a small family gathering planned. When Daniel and Austin were home we hosted their friends for a real party. Many times they played football outside for most of the game. Now I just happen to have family coming

use it as an excuse to get together with friends and family just like New Year’s Eve. I can guarantee we will miss most of the game because of the visiting and eating. I don’t think I know who is playing so I will root for the underdog, as I tend to do with most professional sports.

SISD Superintendent Dr. Darrell Floyd - We will get together with a small group of friends. Good snacks, good fellowship, good football. Pulling for San Francisco...but wouldn’t mind Ray Lewis and his team winning, since he is retiring.

CTFAC Executive Direc-

tor Julie Crouch - No special plans or traditions.

Usually watch with family.

I predict that a Harbaugh coached team will win! As a Cowboy fan, not much interest in either team -bad memories of 49ers and not a fan of the AFC. Mayor Kenny Weldon - Today I am heading to Austin to represent CTFAC at the Texas Commission on the Arts biennial conference. I plan to visit my Austin friends over the weekend and make my way back late Sunday --hopefully in time to see part of the game (and commercials).

St. Luke’s Reverend Curt Norman - My family and I will watch the game together. Karina and Cade are looking forward to the Puppy Bowl more so than the football game. A lot of folks have joked that they’ll be rooting for Coach Harbaugh. But since the Cowboys aren’t in the game, and I don’t have a strong feeling about either

50 Years

the Ravens or 49ers, I like the idea of rooting for the Harbaugh family. I read that Jim’s and John’s sister is married to Tom Crean, the head basketball coach at Indiana University. It’s a great family story!

Central Elementary

Principal Kelly Magin - We get together for the super bowl to eat yummy food and watch the commercials!

Police Chief Pat Bridges - Keeping it simple, I won’t be watching as I am not a fan of either team.

For those we love

Flowers to Comfort the Living

Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

200 W. College • Stephenville

St. Luke’s

Better!

Happy Birthday Sammy!

254-965-5979

www.stephenvillescottsflowers.com

Episcopal Church USA “We believe what we pray” Corner of McIlhaney & Vanderbilt 254-968-6949

Come worship with us. • Sunday 8:00 & 10:00 AM

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Lifestyles

Sunday, February 3, 2013 | C1

VALENTINES SERIES

Young couple reflects on courtship and family

BY DONNIE BRYANT donnie.bryant@empiretribune.com

Editor's note: February is the month of St. Valentine's Day, and romance is definitely in the air. In honor of the holiday revered by love birds the world over, E-T has invited two couples--one relatively new to the world of marriage, the other having shared several decades together --to share their stories of nuptial bliss. This week's couple profiled is Amber and Stephen Burge.

Marriage is an odd combination of perfect choices and rash decisions. It takes a leap of faith to commit to another person, and perhaps the happiest of couples are those who approach their union as an adventure rather than a strategic maneuver.

Such is the relationship of Amber and Stephen Burge, who recently celebrated their third anniversary.

“Nov. 1, 2008, was the day we met, and we have been together ever since,” Amber said. “We didn’t know each other before that. I kind of knew of him, but he didn’t know of me.”

Stephen had actually graduated with Amber’s sister. But it was a mutual friend that would lead to the fateful meeting of the two.

“I was having dinner with a friend,” Stephen said. “And one of Amber's coworkers was dating that friend. Amber happened to be at the restaurant, too.”

It was a passion for sports that initially drew the two together.

“We were both watching the same football game at the restaurant,” he said. “And we got to talking about the game.”

Once the meal and game came to an end, Amber and Stephen decided to continue their evening.

“We finished the night at a concert at City Limits,” Amber

said.

They did not realize in the beginning they had both attended Stephenville High School at the same time.

“It took a couple of days before we figured it out,” Stephen said. “It took me a couple of days to connect the dots.”

Those moments of ease with one another the night they met were not replicated their next date. Stephen conceded their first formal date was awkward.

“We had spent five hours or so together the first night we met,” he said. “So we had

A mutual passion for football was an initial attraction for the couple.

Here they are pictured at Eskimo Joe's in Stillwater, Okla. before they headed to an Oklahoma State University game several months prior to their wedding. Contributed already gone over everything at the beginning.”

Amber agreed things weren’t as relaxed at the second meeting.

“We had pretty much covered everything you cover when you first meet someone,” Amber added.

Relief from that self-conscious stage came with a 21st

Amber and Stephen celebrated six months of wedded bliss in Switzerland.

Amber had found out she was expecting Grant just before they left for Europe.

Contributed

century form of communication.

“We played 50 questions through text messaging,” Stephen said. “For two or three days we texted each other questions.”

The method seemed successful as they shared the minutia that reflect one's personality.

“We asked each other, ‘What’s your dream car?’

‘What’s your favorite color?’” Amber said.

Although neither claimed theirs was a love-at-first-sight experience, Amber said she felt there was a connection at the very outset.

And Stephen was gallant in his assessment of their early wooing.

“It didn’t take long to fall in love, though,” he said. “At least not for me.”

The young parents of two year old Grant and five week old Grace are determined to maintain the romance in their marriage.

“We try to go on regular date nights,” Stephen said. “But it’s been hard to do that lately.”

Stephen is a recent graduate of Tarleton State University and owns a barbecue catering shop affiliated with his family's business. He had been juggling a toddler, his wife’s pregnancy, his shop and studying for a degree at the same time. One has to wonder how he managed it all.

“It was pretty fun,” he said with a note of sarcasm. “I learned when the hormones got to flowing, it was time to go to work or time to study.”

Amber, a college graduate of child and family studies, was anxious to start a family soon

Amber and Stephen were married Jan. 23, 2010.

Contributed

after the two were married.

“I was the one who thought, ‘Okay, we’re married now - let’s have a baby,’” Amber said. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

But both concede a slower pace in becoming parents might be a wiser one.

“Words of wisdom wait,” Stephen said emphatically. “Don’t have kids very quickly. We were married four months when Amber got pregnant with Grant. We love them to death, wouldn’t change it,

but it would have been nice to have had a year or two together."

While neither would trade a moment with their two little ones for anything, they still look forward to time together as empty nesters in the future.

“We look at the bright side of it all now,” Amber said. “When we are retired, we’ll be in our early forties, and our kids will be making their own lives. Then we can enjoy each other.”

Grant describes his new little sister, Grace, as "boodiful."

Contributed

Amber and Stephen Burge are proud parents to Grant and Grace. DONNIE BRYANT/E-T

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Sports Fan

The Stephenville Empire-Tribune

Sunday, February 3, 2013 | B1

HS GIRLS BASKETBALL | STEPHENVILLE 68, ALVARADO 24

Bees win 7-3A title on senior night S’ville defense doesn’t allow a second-half field goal in rout

BY BRAD KEITH brad.keith@empiretribune.com

District 7-3A girls basketball champion Stephenville recognized its six seniors at Gandy Gym Friday night, including (left to right) Merideth Culpepper, Leslie Billings, Breyana Diaz, Sheridan Stokes, Jaynelle Nowell and Meagan Parsons. RUSSELL HUFFMAN/E-T

COLLEGE BASKETBALL (W) | TARLETON ST. 75, A&M-COMMERCE 65

Historic night for Wright

As head coach Alan Thorpe worked feverishly to get all his seniors on and off the court during the waning moments on senior night Friday, three of his upper class leaders teamed up for a steal and transition basket that perfectly summed up how No. 2 Stephenville has run roughshod through District 7-3A. The Honeybees set a trap and Alvarado tried to pass over the top of the defense. Sheridan Stokes batted the ball, Breyana Diaz stole it and advanced a couple dribbles before firing a pass to Merideth Culpepper underneath.

Culpepper finished by kissing one off the glass and in, just a routine takeaway

and fast-break basket for a team that has made a living off them in league games.

The contest was long since determined, and so, in reality, was the district championship that became official when the Bees dominated Alvarado 68-24 at Gandy Gym. It wasn’t always pretty, especially in the second quarter when Stephenville outscored the Lady Indians 15-13 after allowing them to score only 15 points the entire game when the teams met in Alvarado during the first half of district play.

But the Bees were already on top 21-7 entering the quarter, and still led 36-20 at the break.

Then the defense really See BEES on Page B3

HS BOYS BASKETBALL | STEPHENVILLE 61, ALVARADO 46

BY BRAD KEITH brad.keith@empiretribune.com

Kiara Wright grabs one of her 21 rebounds to go with 23 points Saturay night, the first 20-20 performance by a Tarleton player since the school joined the NCAA in 1994. Courtesy NATHAN BURAL/Tarleton State

Kiara Wright has made a habit of posting double-doubles, but she took it to another level Saturday night.

The junior post continued to strengthen her argument for Lone Star Conference Player of the Year, scoring 23 points and collecting 21 rebounds to lift Tarleton State (14-4, 10-2) to a 75-65 victory over Texas A&M-Commerce (710, 5-7) at Wisdom Gym. Wright, who had 13 points and 13 boards in the second half alone, is averaging 26 points during Tarleton’s current three-game win streak that has the TexAnns tied with Midwestern State atop the LSC standings.

“Every game matters. We have to focus and work hard every game, no matter who we’re playing,” Wright said of being tied and defending their 2012 LSC title.

“With Shanae (Lowrance) and Karli (Moore) out, it takes everyone. Everybody is important and everybody has to play their role.

The All-American candidate pushed her averages to 17.7 points and 12.7 rebounds for the year. She’s shooting 62.4 percent from the floor, including going 9-15 Saturday. She’s averaged 22.5 points and 11 boards in four games since See WOMEN on Page B4

COLLEGE BASKETBALL (M) | TARLETON ST. 68, A&M-COMMERCE 55

Texans win fourth straight, even LSC mark

BY BRAD KEITH brad.keith@empiretribune.com Chuck Guy poured in a career-high 25 points including a 3-pointer to restore Tarleton State’s double-digit lead with just less than three minutes remaining, and the Texans held off Texas A&M-Commerce 68-55 at Wisdom Saturday night.

It was the fourth straight win by Tarleton (12-6, 5-5), which has recovered from a 2-5 mark to even its record in Lone Star conference play. The Texans completed

a sweep of A&M-Commerce, beating them twice in eight days as part of LSC rivalry week.

Coleman Furst scored eight points in the opening moments, and he and Brian Word each netted 11 for the Texans, who started the game on a 15-2 run and never trailed.

A&M-Commerce rallied with a 13-4 push to cut its deficit to 19-17, but Tarleton answered with a 7-2 run of its own and was ahead by at Junior guard Chuck Guy amassed 25 least three three rest of the points and had six rebounds to lead way.

Tarleton State to its fourth straight win See MEN on Page B4 Saturday night. Courtesy TARLETON

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Junior guard Grayson Sweet knocks down a transition layup for two of his 11 points in Stephenville’s District 7-3A victory over Alvarado at Gandy Gym Tuesday.

RUSSELL HUFFMAN/E-T

New rotation, same result as Jackets roll

BY BRAD KEITH

brad.keith@empiretribune.com

First, head coach Jonathan Normand debuted a new starting lineup. Then, he shook up his substitution pattern. The rest, however, remained the same.

No. 7 Stephenville (21-7, 6-0) used several different combinations of players Friday night, and in the end, still had too much transition offense and depth for a District 7-3A foe.

Arbnor Kelmendi led all scorers with 17 points and Stephenville hit eight 3-pointers to dispose of Alvarado 61-46. The victory earned the Yellow Jackets at least a share of the 7-3A title. They can clinch the crown outright with a victory at Venus Tuesday or in Hillsboro next

Friday.

The Yellow Jackets limited arguably the strongest individual offensive weapon in 7-3A, holding New Mexico pledge Xavier Adams to 11 points before he fouled out with 5:06 to play. Adams scored 35 points and collected 20 rebounds when the teams played in Alvarado on Jan. 15.

Kelmendi fired a bounce pass through traffic to Brice Gunter, setting up an easy layup for a 20-18 lead with 3:25 left in the opening half.

Stephenville would lead the rest of the way, with Gunter’s basket in the paint touching off a 10-2 run to end the first half.

Grayson Sweet, who scored 11, took an assist from Kelmendi in transition off a steal for a 22-18 lead, and Malik See JACKETS on Page B3