People of all ages enjoyed the KJT Society Number 12’s fundraising dinner and dance, featuring the Red Ravens Orchestra.
See inside for more photos.
Hornets win again!
The Hornet basketball team is on a three-game winning streak in District 22-4A.
See this week’s Sports Page for more about their latest victories.
The Republican Party is hosting a candidate forum on Jan. 18 from 6-8 p.m. at the Caldwell Civic Center for the contested races of Sheriff, Commissioner Pct. 1 and 3, Constable Pct. 1 and 4, State Representative and Congress. All Burleson County residents are encouraged to attend. Pizza will be served. And, if you are able, bring a snack or dessert.
The Chriesman Community Center will hold its annual meeting on Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. at the community center.
Officers will be elected and activities over the past year will be reviewed. Everyone is welcome. Call (979) 567-6919 for more information.
The Burleson County Farmers’ Market meets every Saturday in downtown Caldwell from 7 a.m. until noon.
The Caldwell Rotary Club will be holding its annual Casino Night on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 6-10 p.m. at the Burleson County Expo Center.
There will be poker, slots and dice, along with a great meal, door prizes and several raffle drawings. Sponsorships start at $300 and individual tickets are $50.
on page
By Roy Sanders
Members of historic New Tabor Brethren Church were stunned and saddened by a Wednesday, Jan. 10, fire that consumed the building, helplessly watching as the old structure that defined them steadily came down.
The cause of the fire remains unknown but is believed to have started in the attic area near the bell tower steeple, said Caldwell Fire Chief David Pevehouse.
No foul play is suspected, and the church’s insurance company is continuing their investigation into the cause and point of origin, he said.
The fire was toned at 3:54 p.m. after a church parishioner, Bubba Smith, saw the smoke and called 911, said Pastor David Johnson. Also assisting him at the scene was parishioner Carson Parker, he said.
Caldwell, Cooks Point
See FIRE, page 3A
addresses church
DAVID
bers at their Sunday service.
By Roy Sanders
A new St. Joseph Health Burleson Hospital emergency room expansion project could cost up to $8 million, more than double the reserve funding that Burleson County Hospital District set aside to fund it. That means the district must re-think how to finance it, with a voter-approved bond
By Roy Sanders
Sunday was not a normal worship service for New Tabor Brethren Church, and no one will ever forget it.
After a Wednesday, Jan. 10, fire destroyed the church building, members gathered at their fellowship hall, which was spared, for worship.
A packed house.
The church’s work continued.
And they had plenty of company. Visitors joined them to show their support, and Brethren churches statewide rang their bells in unison at 10 a.m., just as the New Tabor service was starting, to show solidarity for their friends at New Tabor.
“They are with us in spirit, in body and in sound,” Rev. David Johnson said to the gathering.
Church members were also relieved that their own bell was preserved from the steeple which
By Denise Squier
After 2023 being lauded as the “hottest year on record”with 75 100°plus days, 2024 entered with the first cold records in almost three years.
Winter Storm Heather hit Burleson County -- this wasn’t your typical Texas winter, but brought a potent mix of freezing temperatures, icy conditions and even some snowfall.
The Weather Channel PASTURES
See WEATHER, page 6B
Somerville Council hears comments on smoke shop
By Roy Sanders
The Somerville City Council must decide next month whether or not to permit gift shop/smoke shops for permitted use in the general business district -- something not specified in the current ordinance. The council heard public comments and concerns on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at a joint public hearing with the city’s
By Denise Squier
Sales tax revenues showed an decrease for January 2024 from January 2023 for Burleson County in Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar’s latest monthly report.
However, all cities within Burleson County had increases in their sales tax revenues. The report was based on sales made in November 2023 by businesses that report monthly.
Burleson County Burleson County’s January 2024 receipts were down 17.67% from January 2023’s receipts, with the 2024 total of $120,504.16 compared to last year’s total of $147,378.74.
City of Caldwell Caldwell’s Januar 2024 receipts were up
4.9% to $171,032.72 from $163,034.37 last year.
City of Snook Snook’s $9,352.26 in January 2024 receipts were up 31.01% from last year’s total of $7,138.11.
City of Somerville Somerville’s $34,560.84 in January 2024 receipts were up 34.53% from $25,688.48 last year.
Statewide
Overall, Texas counties will receive $1.1 billion in local sales tax allocations for January 3.3% more than in January 2023, according to the comptroller.
Sales tax revenue totaled $4.06 billion in December 2023, 3.2% more than in December 2022.
The majority of December sales tax revenue is based on sales
made in November and remitted to the agency in December
Hegar said, “Overall sales tax collections grew moderately compared with December 2022, with most of the increase among major sectors coming from the manufacturing and service sectors. Among the sectors driven primarily by business spending, both the construction and manufacturing sectors showed modest gains compared with a year ago. Receipts from the mining sector, which have been up sharply since the pandemic, were down slightly relative to December last year. Wholesale trade remittances were down once again.”
“Remittances from the retail trade sector were up slightly, led again by strong growth in electronic shopping. Receipts from home improvement centers and furniture and home goods stores continued to slide in December, as decreased consumer spending on those goods persists following the pandemic peak.”
“Service sector receipts grew moderately last month as consumers continue to spend on live entertainment. Receipts from restaurants were up from a year ago, but at less than the rate of inflation for food away from home.”
Hegar said. Total sales tax revenue for the three months ending in December 2023 was up 2.2% compared with the same period a year ago. Sales tax is the largest source of state funding for the state budget, accounting for 57% of all tax collections.
Texas collected the following revenue from other major taxes:
* Motor vehicle sales and rental taxes: $522 million, down 8% from December 2022.
* Motor fuel taxes: $317 million, up less than 1% from December 2022.
* Oil production tax:
$501 million, down 3% from December 2022.
* Natural gas production tax: $171 million, down 54% from December 2022.
* Hotel occupancy tax: $41 million, down 29% from December 2022.
* Alcoholic beverage taxes: $136 million, down less than 1% from December 2022.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a webinar on how to proactively manage nuisance aquatic vegetation on Jan. 16.
The webinar is from 6-7:30 p.m., and registration cost is $35.
To register, visit https://tx.ag/AquaticVegetationWebinar.
One Texas Department of Agriculture general continuing education unit will be available upon completion for live attendees.
A recording will also be provided to paid participants who cannot attend live.
The hourlong webinar will feature speaker Brittany Chesser, AgriLife Extension aquatic vegetation management program specialist and lead diagnostic scientist at AgriLife
Extension’s Aquatic Diagnostics Laboratory.
Chesser said the webinar goal is to help pond owners address aquatic vegetation issues before they get out of hand. She will start with discussing why vegetation, like “pond scum” or cattails, may be taking over ponds. Then she will cover how to address these issues using different prevention strategies, including cultural, physical, mechanical and biological methods, to control nuisance vegetation. There will be a 30-minute questionand-answer session at the end of the webinar.
For more information, contact Chesser at brittany.chesser@ tamu.edu.
FROM PAGE ONE FIRE and Deanville firefighters responded, with Caldwell arriving first, but it was apparent to Pevehouse from the start that the fire was going to be challenging.
“It was fully involved in the attic, and we spotted the smoke coming completely from the attic,” Pevehouse said. “It was going all the way through the attic and coming out of the steeple.”
Later, heavy black smoke and flames came out of the steeple area with a north-northwest wind blowing it to the east, he said.
It soon became obvious that the fire would fully consume the building, and it was too dangerous to let anyone, including firefighters, to go inside to contain it.
“The fire load was so heavy, I wouldn’t let anyone go in. It was a defensive fire,” he said.
Even so, Pevehouse managed to get inside alone and helped salvage a few items. Between Pevehouse and a few other parishioners that got inside early, the church’s communion table, a Bible, some old pictures of previous pastors and other important memorabilia were preserved.
As he entered, he knew he could not stay for long.
“There was heavy black smoke all the way down to my knees,” he said.
Firefighters primary focus was getting the flames under control -- and keeping the fire from spreading to the nearby fellowship hall, which would have been a total loss for the church.
The wind direction helped, Pevehouse said.
“It helped the building next to it (the fellowship hall). If it had not been for that wind, we probably would have lost the other building too,” Pevehouse said.
As the building steadily collapsed, firefighters remained outside, trying to contain and stop the blaze.
Caldwell responded with two grass trucks, an engine and a rescue truck and seven firefighters, he said. Cooks Point brought an engine, two grass trucks and five firefighters, and Deanville brought a tanker, an engine, a brush truck and seven firefighters, he said. All of them were needed as the flames steadily spread from the attic area, into an adjoining room nearby and to the sanctuary, slowing consuming it while the bell tower finally collapsed.
“That steeple was coming down, and there was no way to know which way it would fall,” he said.
Church members were grateful that they were able to save the bell, but the rest of the structure was a total loss.
And firefighters returned four times through Thursday, Jan. 11, to wash down hot spots that flared up.
Church members watched and offered each other condolences as more and more county residents arrived at the scene, some out of curiosity and some to comfort their friends.
There were no words.
Yet as the fire brought down the rest of the sanctuary, Rhonda Johnson, the wife of Rev. David Johnson and herself an ordained Brethren church minister, shared this message.
“Our church is not burning. Our building is. The church is all these people you see standing here (along County Road 225 surrounding the building). We will get through this,” Rhonda Johnson said.
Tears were shed, but most of the congregation remained remarkably calm, an unusual resolve in such a tragedy.
The church’s 130-year history reflects the county’s pioneer heritage, rural residents strong in faith and durable in adversity. Many of the parishioners are descendants of the orig-
inal charter members, including many Czech descendants. It was not the first time they had endured difficulty -- as a church or as individuals. A tornado had destroyed the church building in 1915. They quickly rebuilt and moved on.
Even so, it was hard to watch.
Donnie Suehs, a longtime church member and craftsman, recalled seeing the beautiful stained glass windows destroyed, making an exploding noise as they finally collapsed and were gone.
“It was just sickening,” Suehs said.
His wife Betty Suehs, a lifelong member, was shattered.
“That church building is my heart,” Betty Suehs said. “Those memories are still in my heart.”
Suehs had served as a pianist and organist there (including for the Czech language services), and she and her sisters were all married there, baptized and confirmed there. That also included her children and grandchildren. Her grandson Dillon Narro was planning a wedding there, she said.
Her family roots go back to the Trcaleks, Masars and Mrnustiks, all of whom were faithful members, she said. Barney Homeyer shared the sentiment.
“This has been a community worship place. A lot of families all went to church here,” Homeyer said.
Weddings, funerals, baptisms and confirmations were all special memories, he said.
Homeyer said he was grateful that the church bell was salvaged. Albert “Peewee” Surovik was among those working to preserve it.
And the church will rebuild, Homeyer said. “It will never be what it was. It is like a death in the family, but a new one (building) is born. We are all part of it,” he said.
As with the church’s forebearers, “you put something out there for the future, where people can be fed the word in a place of worship,” he said.
Pastor David Johnson called the fire “a heartbreak” and a “gut punch.”
The church had recently remodeled the sanctuary and the adjacent room, he said.
And he was planning a new series entitled “A New Day,” he said. No one knew at the time just how prophetic that would be.
Johnson said he was overwhelmed with gratitude for local residents and other churches and ministers who have offered their help.
Several congregations have offered their build-
ing, along with Strickland Funeral home for use of their chapel, he said.
“People have been overwhelming with the love and healing responses. It has been empowering,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the church will rebuild at the same spot, a process likely to take about two years.
Fortunately, they still have use of the fellowship hall, where church services were held on Sunday, Jan. 14, with many visitors attending.
Johnson also expressed gratitude to the firefighters “who worked their hearts out,” and the Caldwell Ministerial Alliance. Even without the building for now, the church continues, Johnson said.
The church will improvise, as it did during Covid when the church was held from a flatbed trailer using a sound system for those in their cars parked nearby.
“I am pretty proud of our people. We are struck down but not destroyed. We will continue to do what we have done in the past, ministering, helping and loving people,” he said.
“It still hurts and disappoints, but we will figure it out,” Johnson said.
The persons listed below are wanted by local law enforcement authorities for criminal offenses. If you have information which may lead to the arrest of any individual wanted for a criminal offense, call Bluebonnet Area CRIME STOPPERS at 567-TIPS or 1-866-930-8477. You do not have to give your name when you call CRIME STOPPERS, you will be given a special coded number. If the information leads to the arrest of a wanted person, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00. CALL CRIME STOPPERS: 567-TIPS www.bluebonnet.crimestoppersweb.com POSTED: 1-15-24
1. JESSICA FELIPA RUBIO, W/F, DOB 11/13/85, MOTION TO REVOKE (MAN. DEL. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE).
2. HECTOR AREGULLIN-CASTILLO, W/M, DOB 01/14/57, VIOLATION OF PROBATION (DWI WITH CHILD UNDER 14 YEARS OF AGE).
3. ARDAVAN BERYEJI, W/M, DOB 10/06/99, BOND FORFEITURE (TAMPER FABRICATE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE WITH INTENT TO IMPAIR) BOND FORFEITURE (EVADING ARREST DETENTION WITH VEHICLE).
4. HEAVEN ZHANEA WILLIAMS, B/F, DOB 08/01/95, VIOLATION OF PROBATION (BURGLARY OF HABITATION).
5. ARTY JOST GARZA, H/M, DOB 01/03/82, VIOLATION OF PROBATION (BURGLARY OF A HABITATION).
6. FANNY LATICIA ALEMAN, W/F, DOB 01/21/86, CONTINUOUS VIOLENCE AGAINST THE FAMILY.
7. DONALD JAMES ESPERICUETA, H/M, DOB 12/01/95, FIRST MOTION TO REVOKE PROBATION AND ADJUDICATE/POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PG2 LESS THAN 1G.
8. QUINTON TROYEL HOWARD HUEY, B/M, DOB 05/24/90, BOND
The Burleson County Grand Jury met in regular session on Thursday, Jan. 4, and returned 11 felony indictments.
Only the names of those arrested are released and include:
* Lance Aaron Floyd Roth, 35, of Somerville; aggravated assault with deadly weaponsecond degree felony.
* Jose Guadalupe Parr-Villalva, 29, of Caldwell; evading arrest with vehicle - third degree felony.
* L uis Erasmo Gomez, 50, of Austin; theft property <$2,500 two/ more previous convictions - state jail felony.
* Devontea Devell Banham, 31, address unknown; Count 1:
evading arrest detention with vehicle - third degree felony. Count II: unauthorized use of vehicle - state jail felony.
* B randon Lee Balcar, 43, of Caldwell; theft of property >=$2,500<$30K - state jail felony.
* Kelvin Burns, 61, of Caldwell; finacial abuse elderly >=$2500<$30Kthird degree felony.
* Rebecca Josephine Cook, 36, of Caldwell; theft of property two/ more previous convictions - state jail felony.
* Alfred Dewayne Stephens, 50, of Caldwell; theft property <$2,500 two or more previous convictions - state jail felony.
* B randon Lee Bal -
car, 43, of Caldwell; burglary of habitation - second degree felony, enhanced to first degree felony.
* Lance Aaron Floyd Roth, 35, of Somerville; unauthorized use of vehicle - state jail felony.
* Jeremy Ray Perez, 44, of Caldwell; evading arrest detention with vehicle - third degree felony.
* Joshua Allan Snedecor, 18, of Somerville; Count 1: aggravated assault with deadly weapon - second degree felony. Count II: violation bond-protective order two+ times within 12 months - third degree felony. Count III: prohibited weaponthird degree felony.
FORFEITURE (UNL. POSS. FIREARM BY FELON).
9. CHRISTOPHER ANTONIO MORRIS, B/M, DOB 04/26/01, BOND FORFEITURE (EVADING ARREST DETENTION WITH VEHICLE).
10. BREANA ELIZABETH MACDONALD, W/F, DOB 07/24/01, MOTION TO REVOKE (PROBATION ON ORIGINAL OFFENSE ASSAULT FAM./HOUSE MEMBER IMPEDE BRETH/CIRCULATION). THOSE LISTED ABOVE ARE WANTED AS OF JANUARY 15, 2024.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE DESIGN CONSTRUCTION FOR A PARK RESTROOMS/CONCESSION BUILDING FOR THE CITY OF SNOOK, TEXAS
THE CITY OF SNOOK
P.O. Box 10 Snook, Texas 77878
Telephone: (979) 272-3021
The City of Snook, in accordance with Section 2254.004, Texas Government Code, is requesting proposals for the selection of a Design Build firm/team for the design construction of a park restrooms/concession building. It is the policy of the City of Snook to purchase services in accordance with Section 2254.004, Government Code. It is understood that the City of Snook City Council reserves the right to arrive at such determination by whatever means deemed appropriate and shall be the sole judge in the matter. Instructions for submitting proposals can be obtained by contacting the City via email at david@cityofsnook.com or by mail at the address listed above.
Request for Proposals will be received by the City of Snook at 10245 FM 2155 Snook TX or by email at david@cityofsnook.com until 2:00 P.M., Local Time, January 26, 2024 J11-2TC
NO. 31013
BOBBY HOOD AND SUZANNE HOOD § IN THE DISTRICT COURT Plaintiffs, § V. § 335th JUDICIAL DISTRICT
FISH ENTERPRISES, LTD., § Defendant. § OF BURLESON COUNTY, TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION
TO: FISH ENTERPRISES, LTD.
You are commanded to appear and to answer before the District Court of Burleson County, Texas, at or before 10:00 a.m. on the first Monday after the expiration of 42 days from the date of issuance of this citation, being at or before 10:00 a.m. on Monday, the 5th of February 2024, then and there to answer the Plaintiff’s Original Petition in Cause Number 31013 styled Bobby Hood and Suzanne Hood, Plaintiffs, V Fish Enterprises, LTD., Defendant; and filed in said court on July 25th, 2023.
If this citation is not served within 90 days after the date of its issuance, it shall be returned unserved. This Citation by Publication shall be published in the Burleson County Tribune for the time and manner required by law.
ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THIS COURT on this the 20th day of December, 2023, at Burleson County, Texas.
ATTEST: DANA FRITSCHE, CLERK, DISTRICT COURT BURLESON COUNTY, TEXAS By: , Deputy
THIS HISTORICAL marker for the City of Caldwell is one of many in Burleson County. The Burleson County Historical Commission will be meeting Jan. 22, and one of its agenda items is to discuss where future historical markers could be added within the county.
The Burleson County Historical Commission is holding their first meeting for 2024 on Jan. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the courthouse museum in Caldwell. All Historical Commission members of the county will be in attendance.
The meeting’s agenda will include reviewing the 2023 year events to finalize the county’s report to the state historic commission and starting to make plans for 2024.
In addition to the annual Heritage week scheduled for March 18-24, the commission is also planning to explore some inventorying, cleaning and restoration of historical markers within Burleson County as well as discussing ideas for other historic markers that might be needed and appropriate for our community.
The public is invited to attend the commission’s meetings, and
NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN WATER QUALITY PERMIT RENEWAL PERMIT NO. WQ0010813001
APPLICATION. City of Caldwell, 107 South. Hill Street, Caldwell, Texas 77836 has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to renewTexas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. WQ0010813001 (EPA I.D. No. TX0023175) to authorize the discharge of treated wastewater at a volume not to exceed a daily average flow of 711,000 gallons per day. The domestic wastewater treatment facility is located on the west bank of Davidson Creek, 0.8 miles southeast of the intersection of State Highway 21 and State Highway 36, in Burleson County, Texas 77836 The discharge route is from the plant site to Davidson Creek; thence to Yegua Creek. TCEQ received this application on October 4, 2023 The permit application will be available for viewing and copying at City of Caldwell, City Hall, 107 South Hill Street Caldwell, Texas prior to the date this notice is published in the newspaper. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility's generallocation is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For the exact location, refer to the application. https://gisweb.tceq.texas.gov/LocationMapper/?marker=-96.682938,30.529792&level=18
ALTERNATIVE LANGUAGE NOTICE. Alternative language notice in Spanish is available at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/wastewater/plain-language-summaries-and-publicnotices El aviso de idioma alternativo en español está disponible en https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/wastewater/plain-language-summaries-and-publicnotices
ADDITIONAL NOTICE. TCEQ’s Executive Director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application.After technical review of the application is complete, the Executive Director may prepare a draft permit and will issue a preliminary decision on the application. Notice of the Application and Preliminary Decision will be published and mailed to those who are on the county-wide mailing list and to those who are on the mailing list for this application. That notice will contain the deadline for submitting public comments.
PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting on this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ will hold a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing.
OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for submitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Unless the application is directly referred for a contested case hearing,the response to comments, and the Executive Director’s decision on the application, will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are on the mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also provide instructions for requesting reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision and for requestinga contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court.
TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name, address, phone number; applicant's name and proposed permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the proposed facility; a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment periodand, the statement "[I/we] request a contested case hearing." If the request for contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representative for receiving future correspondence; identify by name and physical address an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are relevant to the group’s purpose.
Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material water quality concerns submitted during the comment period.TCEQ may act on an application to renew a permit for discharge of wastewater without providing an opportunity for a contested case hearing if certain criteria are met.
MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/or the county mailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below.
INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE. For details about the status of the application, visit the Commissioners’ Integrated Database at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cid. Search the database using the permit number for this application, which is provided at the top of this notice.
AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. Public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address, and physical address will become part of the agency's public record. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Education Program, Toll Free, at 1-800-687-4040 or visit their website at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/pep. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040. Further information may also be obtained from City of Caldwell at the address stated above or by calling Mr. Camden White at 979-567-3271.
Issuance Date: December 19, 2023
anyone with an interest may join the group by applying through the county judge’s office.
You may also visit the Burleson County website at https:// www.co.burleson. tx.us/page/gov.bchc or the Burleson County Historical Commission’s Facebook page for more information.
AVISO DE RECIBO DE LA SOLICITUD Y EL INTENTO DE OBTENER PERMISO PARA LA CALIDAD DEL AGUA RENOVACION PERMISO NO. WQ0010813001
SOLICITUD. La ciudad de Caldwell, 107 South Hill Street, Caldwell, Texas 77836 ha solicitado a la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas (TCEQ) renovar el permiso del Sistema de Eliminación de Descarga de Contaminantes de Texas (TPDES) No. WQ0010813001 (EPA I.D. No. TX0023175) para autorizar la descarga de aguas residuales tratadas en un volumen que no exceda un flujo promedio diario de 711,000 galones por día. La instalación de tratamiento de aguas residuales domésticas está ubicada en la orilla oeste de Davidson Creek, 0,8 millas al sureste de la intersección de la carretera estatal 21 y la carretera estatal 36, en el condado de Burleson, Texas 77836. La ruta de descarga es desde el sitio de la planta hasta Davidson Creek; de allí a Yegua Creek. La TCEQ recibió esta solicitud el 4 de octubre de 2023. La solicitud de permiso estará disponible para ver y copiar en la Ciudad de Caldwell, Ayuntamiento, 107 South Hill Street, Caldwell, Texas, antes de la fecha de publicación de este aviso en el periódico. Este enlace a un mapa electrónico de la ubicacióngeneral del sitio o instalación se proporciona como cortesía pública y no forma parte de la solicitud o aviso. Para conocer la ubicación exacta, consulte la aplicación. https://gisweb.tceq.texas.gov/LocationMapper/?marker=-96.682938,30.529792&level=18 AVISO ADICIONAL. El Director Ejecutivo de la TCEQ ha determinado que la solicitud es administrativamente completa y conducirá una revisión técnica de la solicitud.Después de completar la revisión técnica, el Director Ejecutivo puede preparar un borrador del permiso y emitirá una Decisión Preliminar sobre la solicitud. El aviso de la solicitud y la decisión preliminar serán publicados y enviado a los que están en la lista de correo de las personas a lo largo del condado que desean recibir los avisos y los que están en la lista de correo que desean recibir avisos de esta solicitud. El aviso dará la fecha límite para someter comentarios públicos.
COMENTARIO PUBLICO / REUNION PUBLICA. Usted puede presentar comentarios públicos o pedir una reunión pública sobre esta solicitud. El propósito de una reunión pública es dar la oportunidad de presentar comentarios o hacer preguntas acerca de la solicitud. La TCEQ realizauna reunión pública si el Director Ejecutivo determina que hay un grado de interés público suficiente en la solicitud o siun legislador local lo pide. Una reunión pública no es una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso.
OPORTUNIDAD DE UNA AUDIENCIA ADMINISTRATIVA DE LO CONTENCIOSO. Después del plazo para presentar comentarios públicos, el Director Ejecutivo considerará todos los comentarios apropiados y preparará una respuesta a todo los comentarios públicos esenciales, pertinentes, o significativos. A menos que la solicitud haya sido referida directamente a una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso, la respuesta a los comentarios y la decisión del Director Ejecutivo sobre la solicitud serán enviados por correo a todos los que presentaron un comentario público y a las personas que están en la lista para recibir avisos sobre esta solicitud.Si se reciben comentarios, el aviso también proveerá instrucciones para pedir una reconsideración de la decisión del Director Ejecutivo y para pedir una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso. Una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso es un procedimiento legal similar a un procedimiento legal civil en un tribunal de distrito del estado.
PARA SOLICITAR UNA AUDIENCIA DE CASO IMPUGNADO, USTED DEBE INCLUIR EN SU SOLICITUD LOS SIGUIENTES DATOS: su nombre, dirección, y número de teléfono; el nombre del solicitante y número del permiso; la ubicación y distancia de su propiedad/actividad con respecto a la instalación; una descripción específica de la forma cómo usted sería afectado adversamente por el sitio de una manera no común al público en general; una lista de todas las cuestiones de hecho en disputa que usted presente durante el período de comentarios; y la declaración "[Yo/nosotros] solicito/solicitamos una audiencia de caso impugnado". Si presenta la petición para una audiencia de caso impugnado de parte de un grupo o asociación, debe identificar una persona que representa al grupo para recibir correspondencia en el futuro; identificar el nombre y la dirección de un miembro del grupo que sería afectado adversamente por la planta o la actividad propuesta; proveer la información indicada anteriormente con respecto a la ubicación del miembro afectado y su distancia de la planta o actividad propuesta; explicar cómo y porqué el miembro sería afectado; y explicar cómo los intereses que el grupo desea proteger son pertinentes al propósito del grupo. Después del cierre de todos los períodos de comentarios y de petición que aplican, el Director Ejecutivo enviará la solicitud y cualquier petición para reconsideración o para una audiencia de caso impugnado a los Comisionados de la TCEQ para su consideración durante una reunión programada de la Comisión. La Comisión sólo puede conceder una solicitud de una audiencia de caso impugnado sobre los temas que el solicitante haya presentado en sus comentarios oportunos que no fueron retirados posteriormente. Si se concede una audiencia, el tema de la audiencia estará limitado a cuestiones de hecho en disputa o cuestiones mixtas de hecho y de derecho relacionadas a intereses pertinentes y materiales de calidad del agua que se hayan presentado durante el período de comentarios.Si ciertos criterios se cumplen, la TCEQ puede actuar sobre una solicitud para renovar un permiso sin proveer una oportunidad de una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso. LISTA DE CORREO. Si somete comentarios públicos, un pedido para una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso o una reconsideración de la decisión del Director Ejecutivo, la Oficina del Secretario Principal enviará por correo los avisos públicos en relación con la solicitud. Ademas, puede pedir que la TCEQ ponga su nombre en una or mas de las listas correos siguientes (1) la lista de correo permanente para recibir los avisos de el solicitante indicado por nombre y número del permiso específico y/o (2) la lista de correo de todas las solicitudes en un condado especifico.Si desea que se agrega su nombre en una de las listas designe cual lista(s) y envia por correo su pedido a la Oficina delSecretario Principal de la TCEQ.
CONTACTOS E INFORMACIÓN A LA AGENCIA Todos los comentarios públicos y solicitudes deben ser presentadas electrónicamente vía http://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/o por escrito dirigidos a la Comisión de Texas de Calidad Ambiental, Oficial de la Secretaría (Office of Chief Clerk), MC105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Tenga en cuenta que cualquier información personal que usted proporcione, incluyendo su nombre, número de teléfono, dirección de correo electrónico y dirección física pasarán a formar parte del registro público de la Agencia. Para obtener más información acerca de esta solicitud de permiso o el proceso de permisos, llame al programa de educación pública de la TCEQ, gratis, al 1-800-687-4040. Si
Sovereignty is a word seldom used by most people, but it plays a big part in the lives of most people, and especially in the lives of those who strive to obey God. The best definition of sovereignty is having
supreme power or authority like that possessed by the heads of state, whether a president or other ruler. But the Bible speaks of a different kind of supreme authority -- the kind of ultimate authority where all things are under His control.
Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines God’s Sover-
eignty as His “absolute right to do all things according to his own good pleasure.” This is one of the most difficult things for people of faith to live out in their everyday routines. Yet if we’re obedient Christians, we have no choice -- God is Sovereign and God rules. God not only rules in our
personal affairs but in all of creation. Not only in places of worship but factories, offices, colleges and political affairs. It may seem foreign to those who don’t study or believe what the Bible says, but it’s attested to over and over again in the pages of Scripture. But not much in our dai-
10:30 a.m.
SNOOK ASSEMBLY OF GOD 10137 CR 270, Snook 979-272-8082 Dennis Bonnet, Min. S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m.
BLACK JACK BAPTIST
7866 CR 301, Rockdale 979-535-4738 Ellis McKinzie, Min. S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wed. 7 p.m.
GALILEE MISSIONARY BAPTIST
240 E. Martin Luther King Dr., Caldwell, 979-567-6621
Calvin Arnold, Min.
S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.
HARMONY BAPTIST 6670 State Hwy 36 S., 979-567-3931
Charles Cole, Interim
S.S. 9:30 am.; W.S. 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wed. 7 p.m.
JOHN THE BAPTIST
MISSIONARY BAPTIST CR 227
Tommy Hatchett, Min.
S.S. 10:30 a.m.; W.S. 2nd & 4th Sun. 11:30 a.m.
LITTLE FLOCK
S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11:15 a.m. Wed. 6:30 p.m.
PROVIDENCE BAPTIST 10300 CR 368, 979-535-3773
C.E. Embra, Min.
S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m.
PROVIDENCE BAPTIST FM 243 S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
SECOND STREET MISSIONARY BAPTIST 194 2nd St., Somerville 979-596-3408
Arthur Glover, Pastor S.S. 10 am.; W.S. 11 a.m. Wed. Bible Study 6:30 p.m.
SEVEN STAR BAPTIST 2736 CR 377, 979-567-6800
Emerson Ayers, Min.
S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Wed. 6:30 p.m.
CALVARY BAPTIST Hwy 36 N., 979-567-9405 Rick Mitchell, Min. S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 10:45 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wed. 7 p.m.
CORNERSTONE BAPTIST
194305 Hwy 36, Somerville 979-277-8560
Dan Davis, Min. S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wed. 6 p.m.
DABNEY HILL
MISSIONARY BAPTIST CR 267 #305, Snook 979-272-8498 979-272-7619
Tyree Workmon, Jr., Min.
S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Wed. 7 p.m.
FIRST BAPTIST
300 South Thomas St., Caldwell, 979-567-3646 fbccaldwell.org
Shane Dismuke, Pastor. W.S. 8:30 a.m.; S.S. 9:45 a.m.;W.S. 11 a.m.
FIRST BAPTIST
255 9th St., Somerville 979-596-1023
Corby Brizendine, Min.
S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wed. 6 p.m.
FIRST BAPTIST OF LYONS
180 C.R. 415, Somerville John Dowling, Pastor 979-596-0149
S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. johndowling@firstbaptistlyons.com See us on Facebook!
BAPTIST CHURCH 10590 CR 276, Somerville 979-272-2811
LONE OAK BAPTIST
5200 FM 60 E., 979-272-3240
Derrick Neill, Min.
S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Wed. 6:30 p.m.
MACEDONIA BAPTIST Fawn, Caldwell, 979-567-3125
Fred Harrison, Min.
S.S. 8:45 a.m.; W.S. 10:15 a.m. & 6 p.m.
MACEDONIA-HIX
10822 F.M. 2000, 979-820-2543
Jimmy Haile, Min.
W.S. 10:30 a.m.
MISSION BAUTISTA EMANUEL 1500 W 9th St., Caldwell
S.S. 10 a.m., W.S. Bilingual 11 am. Wed. 6 p.m. MT. ZION
MISSIONARY BAPTIST
173 FM 60 E., Somerville 979-596-2261
Basil L. Lister, Min.
S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11:15 a.m. Wed. 5 p.m.
FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST 9000 State Hwy 36 N., Caldwell 979-567-0540 Daryl Mize, Min. W.S. 10 a.m.
NORTHSHORE BAPTIST Park Road 4, 979-324-2936 Jack Ramage, Min.
S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wed. 6 p.m.
OLD BETHLEHEM
MISSIONARY BAPTIST 5306 FM 2039, 979-272-3155 Robert Lavergne, Min.
SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST 2487 CR 168, 979-562-7644
Floyd Kesee, Min.
S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Wed. 7 p.m.
ST. JOHN’S BAPTIST C. Davis, Min. S.S. 9:30 a.m.
ST. MATTHEWS BAPTIST 6017 FM 2000, 979-272-8807
Gilbert D. Harmon, Min. S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S.
PAGE 6-A, THE TRIBUNE, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024
ly experiences confirms this belief, because it’s often drowned out by arrogant egos and impersonal forces. Most of us are knocked around much of the time by forces that fail to show God’s sovereignty. Yet generation after generation of men and women with strong faith in God continue
to bear witness to the sovereign rule of the Creator God. One of the wonderful titles given to Jesus is “King.”
The question is how do believers live obediently under God’s authority in a world that’s mostly ignorant or defiant of God’s rule? It begins with our wor-
ship and obedience to the Word of God. This is how we begin to submit to the Lord in word and deed -- seeing and feeling the reality of God, instead of the nonsense we’re exposed to in school curriculum and media reports. The books of Kings in the Old Testament shows us what we can
expect if we choose to live under God’s sovereign rule. In 1 Kings we read about the prophet Nathan, who witnessed to some of the kings of Israel and chastised them when it was needed. All of us need a Nathan in our lives. We need someone of integrity and courage to remind
us of the importance of heeding God’s will when we’re making decisions.
David did a lot of very stupid things in his life, but he was smart enough to listen to Nathan’s counsel and heed his rebuke. David’s son Solomon wrote, “Without good direction, people lose
their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances” (Proverbs 11:14). We need to continually be asking ourselves who the Nathan might be in our lives. What’s he saying to you and I? And how well are we listening? -- Buddy Preuss
KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESS 130 CR 212, 979-272-5020 Moses Hendricks, Min., 979-234-3211
S.S. Spanish 10 a.m., English 1 p.m. Wed. Spanish 7:30 p.m. Thurs. English 7:30 p.m.
BAHA’I FAITH 480-822-8170
ELIZABETH LUTHERAN Hwy 21 E., 979-567-4286 Rev. Dr. Bobby Leggett Rev. Dayna Leggett S.S. 10:30 a.m.; W.S. 9 a.m.
9:30 a.m.; W.S. follows immediately
CALDWELL CHURCH OF CHRIST 1103 W 12th, 979-567-3883 Lon Elkins, Min. S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wed. 7 p.m.
SOMERVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST 7th Street & Ave C, Somerville Ron Riley, Min, 979-535-8145 S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Wed. 6 p.m.
CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST Elder V. Swain, Min.
S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m.
SOMERVILLE CHURCH OF GOD 17758 Hwy 36 N., Somerville Stanley E. Smith, Min., 979-596-1079 S.S. 9:30 a.m.; W.S. 10:45 a.m. Wed. 7 p.m.
BURLESON CO. COWBOY 300 CR 169, 979-567-6723 Harvey Abke, Min. Wed. 6 p.m. W.S. 10:30 a.m. TRIPLE C COWBOY 11538 FM 3058, Snook 979-272-5563 W.S. 11 a.m. Wed. 6:30 pm.
GOSPEL FELLOWSHIP 727 Beaver Creek Dr., 979-272-1282 W.S. 11 a.m.
TRINITY GOSPEL LIGHTHOUSE 843 State Hwy 21 E., 979-567-3481
TRINITY GOSPEL LIGHTHOUSE 1505 CRD, 165 Old Somerville, 979-567-9219
Kenneth & Shirley Lange, Mins. S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wed. 6:30 p.m.
FIRST LUTHERAN 481 6th St., Somerville 979-596-1772 Skip Stutts, Min. W.S. 8:45 a.m.
CHRIESMAN METHODIST CHURCH 210 Post Oak St., Chriesman 979-224-3195 Roy Dillard, Min., 979-775-3164 W.S. 9 a.m.
COOKS POINT METHODIST CHURCH Hwy 21 E., 979-272-8996 Frank Coats, Pastor
S.S. 9:45 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m.
CALDWELL METHODIST CHURCH
306 W Fox, Caldwell Pastor Kevin McMachen
& 10:30
Dr., 979-220-1289 Kay Polasek, Min.
S.S. 10:30 a.m.; W.S. 11:45 a.m.; Lunch after.
COMMUNITY CHAPEL Somerville, 979-676-1641
Joel Lamb, Min. W.S. 10:45 a.m. Wed. 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.
HOLY TEMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST Hwy. 36 South Helen Green, Min. S.S. 10 a.m.; W.S. 11 a.m. Wed. 7:30 p.m.
JUBILEE CHRISTIAN CENTER 17462 Hwy 36 S., Somerville
Gary & BJ Faulkner, Mins., 979-229-2291
W.S. 10:30 a.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.
NEW BEGINNINGS FAMILY FELLOWSHIP @Caldwell Middle School Cafeteria/Gray St., 979-567-6364
Bobby Irvin, Min. W.S. 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
NOW FAITH MINISTRY
105 N. Echols St., Caldwell 979-574-1821
THE CHURCH AT CALDWELL 790 Hwy 36 S., 979-567-9214
Calvin & Claudette Arnold, Mins. S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m. Wed. 6 p.m.
LYONS EVANGELICAL CHURCH 320 Silver Maple Dr., www.lyonsevangelical.org
Michael Zwernemann, pastor 979-219-3827
S.S. 9 a.m.; W.S. 10:30 a.m.
REDEMPTION FAMILY CHURCH 1562 St. Hwy. 21 E., Caldwell De Wet and Meribel Steyn, Pastors 979-200-0139 Sun. 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Wed. 7 p.m.
By Denise Squier
Somerville ISD is one step closer to becoming a District of Innovation.
Last Wednesday, the Somerville School Board held a public hearing to consider moving forward in developing a plan to become a District of Innovation (DOI).
The District of Innovation concept, passed by the 84th Legislative Session in House Bill 1842 in 2015, gives traditional independent school districts additional flexibility in several areas governed by the Texas Education Code.
And, after the hearing, the board voted to appoint a committee to develop a plan, which if later approved, would be submitted to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to notify the state of that Somerville ISD has adopted a local innovation plan and should be designated as an Innovation District.
The school board approved a resolution during its December regular meeting to hold the public hearing regarding the creation of the plan.
Somerville ISD’s Jerod Neff and Amy Wallace presented the proposal to develop a DOI to the board during the hearing.
Neff said the state began to allow school districts to become DOIs because new charter schools were able to have more flexibility than established public school districts.
“It’s an opportunity to have some flexibility with some of the state regulations within the operations of the school district,” Neff said. “It gives you a lot more local control over things like: the calendar, contracts and things like that. It also gives the district an opportunity to rethink how we have done school.”
Neff said that there were two things that Somerville ISD would still have to accomplish in order to be eligible to become a DOI:
* Have acceptable performance on accountability ratings.
“So, with the last couple of years, we’ve had some good scores at various places,” Neff said. “And, because... districts were not rated...we could be in a situation where we could take advantage of this opportunity to jump in the pool with what is probably a vast majority of districts across the state.”
About 80% of traditional Texas public school districts now have a District of Innovation certification.
“It’s a great opportunity for us,” Neff said.
* Create a plan, which then must be board approved.
“This is what we’re here to talk about today,” Neff said.
Wallace said that policies the district would like for the DOI to target are:
* Class size ratio.
Wallace said that if you go over the 22:1 class size ratio for elementary in the middle of the year you have to
Main Street site visit
Caldwell Main Street will host the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMAS) for a site visit on Sunday, Jan. 21, from 2-4 p.m. at The Rodney. This is part of Main Street’s first quarter goals for 2024, which includes an upcoming cooperative effort with NOMAS for downtown design plans.Caldwell residents are urged to join in for the site visit.
request a waiver to the state to go over that ratio.
“This would allow us to go over that ratio if we had to. Of course, our goal is to always stay below that and keep small class sizes, but this allows us that flexibility,” she said.
“One of the things we put in there is that if we have to go over the ratio, we would have to report it to the board,” Wallace said.
* Inter-district transfers.
Wallace said that currently SISD cannot remove a transfer student who is a discipline problem.
“When you accept an inter-district transfer you have to keep them for a year, per the state.”
“The DOI allows us to have some control when a student is an ongoing discipline problem or attendance problem,” Wallace said.
* Minimum minutes of instruction.
Wallace said this is focused on the “school start date and calendar changes.”
“It allows us to address if we’d like to have longer school days and decrease the number of days in the year. It allows us more flexibility in our schedule.”
* Probationary contracts.
“Currently, as the law stands, if a seasoned teacher comes from outside the district, you can put them on a probationary contract for one year,” she said.
“What we’d like to do in the DOI is saying we could extend it for two years...which will give more time for the district to decide if it would like to renew a teacher contract.”
* School start date.
Wallace said that now SISD cannot begin school before the fourth Monday of August.
Being a DOI, would give the district flexibility on the start date.
* Teacher certification -- a local certification.
Wallace said that this would be focused mainly on the higher grades.
She gave an example of if the district would begin an engineering program, someone with engineering experience would be better suited to teach the subject than a teacher who only passed an engineering test.
“It gives us the flexibility to use people with experience to teach, such as an accountant teaching accounting...We could hire that teacher until they could be certified.”
Wallace said that the board could set parameters, such as having a four-year degree in the subject matter or related field.
* Teacher contract days.
This would be based on the school start date and school schedule.
Wallace said that once the committee is selected, the plan is created and the board approves the plan, the district should be able to notify TEA of its intent to become a DOI on Feb. 22.
Computer skills clinic
The Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library hosts a computer skill clinic every Monday and Wednesday at the Caldwell Civic Center from 4-5:30 p.m.
Pokemon club
The Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library will host its Pokemon club on Jan. 22 from 4:305:30 p.m.
Ani-Manga Club
The Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library will host its Ani-Manga Club on Monday, Jan. 22, from 5-6:30 p.m.
BC Historical Commission meeting
The Burleson County Historical Commission is holding its first meeting for 2024 on Monday, Jan. 22, at 5:30 p.m. at the courthouse museum in Caldwell. (See related story in this issue for more information.)
Caldwell School Board meeting
The Caldwell School Board will be having its regular board meeting on Monday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m.
Ag Breakfast
The Burleson County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the annual Burleson County Ag Breakfast on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the Burleson County Cowboy Church. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. with breakfast served at 7 a.m. Tickets are $25 each or a table of eight for $200.
Homeschool Lego Club
The Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library will host its Lego Club for homeschool students on Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. at the Caldwell Civic Center.
GED classes
The Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library hosts GED classes at the Caldwell Civic Center every Monday and Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. Foundations of GED is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m., and Pre-GED classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. Registration is required for all classes.
ESL classes
The Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library hosts ESL classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Caldwell Civic Center from 6-8 p.m. Registration is required for all classes.
Caldwell City Council meeting
Due to the winter storm, the Caldwell City Council has moved its regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 5:30 p.m.
Creative Memories Quilt Guild
Creative Memories Quilt Guild meets every fourth Wednesday of the month, beginning at 9 a.m. at Caldwell Methodist Church, 306 Fox Street. Quilters are invited to attend the meetings as well as anyone wanting to learn to quilt. For more information, email Jeannie Englemann at englemann@suddenlink.net or Twana Benner at bennertwana2@gmail.com.
Bookworms Storytime
The Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library hosts a storytime for babies, toddlers and preschoolers every Wednesday from 9:30-10 a.m.
Coffee con Amigos
The Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library hosts Coffee con Amigos every Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Caldwell Civic Center -- a place where English language learners can come together to practice English in an easygoing setting. For more information, call (979) 567-3271 extension 502.
Food bank
In God’s Hands Ministry will be open Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Main Street planning at A&M
A three-day event hosted by NOMAS is also planned for Friday, Jan. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 28, at the Langford Building at Texas A&M University where teams of architecture professors and students will be formed to develop plans for Caldwell.
Go Texan fundraiser
Burleson County Go Texan is holding its annual scholarship fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Burleson County Fair Association’s Event Center. Doors open at 7 p.m., and tickets are $10 each. The silent auction begins at 7 p.m. with the live auction at 9 p.m. Live music for the dance will be provided by CrossRoads Band. Concessions will also be available. For more information, contact Brandon Kiphen at (979) 412-1624 or Carolyn Doonan at (979) 820-2337.
Knot Just Knitting
Knot Just Knitting meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Caldwell Civic Center from 2-4 p.m. for members to stitch or learn knitting, crocheting, spinning and embroidery. “Gal”entine’s Day
The Burleson County Women’s Forum Committee is hosting “Gal”entine’s Day -- an evening of wine, personal charcuterie board making, snacks and bingo for great prizes -- at the Old Post Office on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 6 p.m. The 21-and-over event is for women to focus on heart health in a fun and relaxing way. A cash bar will also be available. There will only be 75 tickets sold -- advance only -- with each costing $40. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at (979) 567-2308 or email holly.narro@ag.tame.edu.
Private applicator training
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is hosting a training class on Feb. 9 to help area residents obtain their private applicator license to use or supervise the use of restricted-use of state limited pesiticides to produce agricultural commodities. The training will take place at the Burleson County Extension Office, with registration at 7:30 a.m. and the training from 8 a.m. until noon.
The cost is $60, and people may register by calling (979) 567-2308. Testing will not be conducted at the training, but will need to be scheduled at a later date at an official testing center.
Food bank
In God’s Hands Ministry will be open Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Valentine dance
Caldwell High School Class of 2024 Project Graduation is hosting a Valentine Dance on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 8 p.m. until midnight at the Deanville Hall. Tickets are $10 per person. There will also be a silent auction and a raffle.
The Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library will host its Afternoon Lego Club on the second Monday of the month at 5 p.m.
Main Street Board meeting
The Caldwell Main Street Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Caldwell Civic Center. The next meeting will be held. on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The meetings are open to the public, and anyone is welcome to attend.
The Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library is hosting Pizza & Paperbacks for teens on the second Tuesday of the month (Feb. 13) from 6-7:30 p.m. in the library, with this month’s theme: “The Princess Bride Take II.”
FROM PAGE ONE
had burned down. And it will continue to be used, church members said.
Johnson expressed gratitude to all who had helped them in the crisis, firefighters, ministers and other church members and the Unity of the Brethren. He also offered a special thanks to church member Bubba Smith who first saw the flames and called 911.
“If Bubba had not seen that, we would not be meeting in here today. I consider him to be a hero,” Johnson said.
The overriding theme of the service was that the church would continue, with that Sunday’s service and in the future.
The responsive reading was “Hope and a Future,” and the message, delivered by Rhonda Johnson, Pastor Johnson’s wife who is also an ordained Brethren minister, was entitled: “A New Day, Hearing God’s Voice.”
Songs included “How Great Thou Art” and “It Is Well With My Soul.”
“We are not allowing this crisis to alter our plan and what we had
REV. DAVID JOHNSON joins Carson Parker and Bubba Smith at the Sunday service. Johnson commended their quick response when the fire erupted. -- Tribune photo by Roy Sanders
intended to do today,” David Johnson said. That included the installation of elders, which had been planned for Jan. 14, before the fire erupted.
In Rhonda’s sermon, she told the gathering that “long before we knew what was going to happen, we knew we would be here today.”
In fact, the sermon topic “A New Day” had already been discussed before the fire, making Sunday’s service all the more appropriate.
“Our job is the same as it was before. We just lost the building,” Rhonda said.
Now it is time to rebuild.
“It is a big job, but our God is a big God,” she said.
Surovik said rebuilding will be a process that could take up to two years.
Having served on the Caldwell School Board with church member Barney Homeyer when a tornado hit the campuses, Surovik said rebuilding is a lengthy process.
The church board was scheduled to meet on Monday night, he said.
Meanwhile, the church’s insurer is continuing their work on a cause of the fire and point of origin, he said.
Surovik added that “it has been amazing how people are constantly reaching out and saying, tell me what I can do.”
vacuum truck services to provide additional water.
The statement said “we are humbled by the prayers and resources that have been offered to the church. As we move forward, we will need this support,” the statement said.
For those who want to offer monetary support, they are working to create a donation portal and hope to have it available by later this week, the statement said. The church will provide updates through their Facebook page, New Tabor Church, and their website, www. newtaborchurch.com.
“We are strong in the body of Christ here. The Holy Spirit is moving in all of our lives,” Surovik said.
David Johnson concluded that church members were now called to do what their forebears did in times of crisis.
H p B rthda nif S p !
David agreed, saying “we are the church,” meaning the members, not the building, “That building didn’t save one soul, didn’t baptize one person or meet one need in the county,” David said. “We are committed to continue what God has called us to do. The church didn’t get hurt. The building did.”
Church Board President Albert “Peewee” Surovik addressed the gathering after the service, offering some updates.
In a prepared written statement, he also expressed gratitude to community members and church members offering help.
Also recognized were the three fire departments, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) that supported them, the Burleson County Sheriff’s Office led by Sheriff Gene Hermes and the EMS crews.
Surovik also cited those that provided
The church was previously destroyed by a tornado in 1915 and quickly rebuilt in just two months.
“It is our turn,” Johnson said. “You have the ability to be the moms and dads (of the modern era as were their forebears). Just like our forebears, they made it for the future.” “It will be a challenge, but we will get through it,” he said.
By Denise Squier
The Caldwell Hornet soccer team went 3-1-1 last week, placing second at the Rice Raider Soccer Tournament and winning a hard fought come-from-behind game at home against Hearne.
The Hornets won their tournament group with four points, going 1-0-1.
In their first group game, the Hornets took on Hallettsvile with the game ending in a 1-1 tie.
Caldwell’s Jeffry Tobias scored the team’s lone goal with an assist from Mark LaSeur.
Caldwell then drew the host team Rice Consolidated, beating the Raiders 2-1.
Tobias scored the Hornets’ first goal with an assist from Ben Jaimes.
LaSeur had the winning goal with an assist from Brady Nelson.
Caldwell had a rematch with Hallettsville in the semifinals, this time beating the Brahmas 2-0.
Tobias once again scored first for Caldwell with an assist from Jaimes.
Jaimes scored the insurance goal with an assist from Tobias.
The win over Hallettsville sent Caldwell to the championship game against Columbus on Saturday where the Hornets fell to the Cardinals 4-0.
Columbus senior Tomas Elias had a great game, scoring three goals for the Cardinals from four shots on goal.
Jesus Mendoza scored the other Cardinal goal.
Columbus’ Edmundo Rubio had three assists, and Mario Rubio had one.
Columbus goalkeeper Giovanni Martinez had two saves on three Caldwell shots on goal in the win.
Before the tournament, Caldwell hosted Hearne last Tuesday, wining a comefrom-behind game over the Eagles 5-3.
The Hornets struck first in the 10th minute, with Francisco Martinez scoring,
By Roy Sanders
Caldwell Hornets
The
got two huge district victories last week, winning at Taylor 65-56 on Jan. 9 in their first win over the Ducks in 17 meetings and surging late at home on Friday against Giddings to win 55-34.
Caldwell improved to 13-14 overall and 3-1 in district play, looking like a major factor in the district championship race.
Against Taylor, Caldwell Head Coach Rene Cantu said the focus was on limiting their best player’s scoring opportunities and playing great defense and creating turnovers.
The Hornets succeeded on both counts.
Caldwell built a 27-26 halftime lead before the Ducks made some adjustments allowing their best players to get more open looks and to score.
Taylor rallied to cut the Hornets’ lead to 4845 after three quarters, but Caldwell clamped down defensively in the fourth quarter and created more turnovers to
assisted by Jaimes.
However, Hearne tied the game in the 21st minute 1-1.
In the second half, in the 45th minute of the game, Hearne took a 2-1 lead and then scored again in the 52nd minute to extend the Eagle lead to 3-1.
The Caldwell offense then caught fire, scoring four goals in 15 minutes, led by Jaimes with three of the four goals -- in the 60th minute (assist by Tobias), the 63rd minute (assist by LaSeur) and the 68th minute (assist by Daniel Morales).
Martinez then scored his second goal of the game in the 75th minute, assisted by Ben Jaimes for the 5-3 win.
Caldwell is scheduled to host Hallettsville this Friday at 7 p.m. for Youth Night.
The Hornets will begin district play on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at home against Rockdale at 7 p.m.
By Denise Squier
The Lady Jays lost two district games last week, falling to Burton and Normangee.
Last Tuesday, Snook hosted Burton, losing to the Lady Panthers 63-32.
Burton jumped out to a huge 20-6 lead early in the first quarter, led by freshman Adison Harmel with 10 points in the first -- including two threepointers.
The Lady Panthers went into halftime with a 29-10 lead.
Snook had a strong third quarter, outscoring Burton 15-13, but the Lady Panther offense caught fire in the fourth, scoring 21 points to Snook’s nine for the win.
Alana Stringfellow led Snook in scoring with nine points.
Other Lady Jay scorers included: Alexis Macik, eight points; Braynija Pool, four points; Dakota Kienow, four points; Mykia Munson, four points; Karla Lara, three points.
Burton’s Tiara Burns led all scorers with 17 points.
On Friday, Snook traveled to Normangee, falling to the Lady Panthers 47-30.
Snook was scheduled to host Mumford on Tuesday, Jan. 16, however due to inclement weather, the game was postponed until Wednesday, Jan. 17.
The Lady Jays will travel to Iola this Friday with a tip-off set for 6:30 p.m.
Crawford scored a season-high 44 points to lead the Yeguas’ offense against Burton in their district opener on Friday. In addition, he had 15 rebounds, nine steals, four assists and seven threepointers.
FROM PAGE 1B
get the win.
Nathan Scott led the Hornets in scoring with 20 points. Harrison Novak had 17, Travis Cunningham, 15, and Dylan Chapman, 11. Novak and Grant McManus led the team in rebounds with 6 each, and Scott and Jimmy Kearney each had 4. Cunningham was 4-4 in free throws for 100%.
Against Giddings, Caldwell built big leads until letting the Buf -
faloes get within 2 at 28-26 late in the third.
Then the Hornets, paced by some strong shooting from Scott steadily pulled away.
“The Giddings game was exactly what I thought it would be,” Cantu said. “Coach Majewski does a great job of coaching his teams and having them ready to compete every year. I knew this was going to come down to adjustments by each team and who could execute and play fundamentally for 32 minutes.”
Going into the second half, Giddings did a good job of slowing the game down and cutting off Caldwell driving lanes, Cantu said.
The Hornets utilized their screens to open up lanes, got back on track in the fourth quarter and never looked back, he said.
Caldwell held leads of 16-5 in the first quarter, 26-17 at halftime and 35-26 in the third.
Novak led the scoring with 13 points, Scott scored 12, and Chapman and Cayden Zboril both scored 7. McManus scored 5
Jamin White was 1-2 at the free throw line.
Cantu said he was especially proud of the team’s defensive play “because we were able to hold them to single digits in three out of the four periods and
Against Hearne last Tuesday, Jaimes was instrumental in the Hornet comefrom-behind 5-3 win, scoring three goals in eight minutes (60th, 63rd and 68th minutes of play).
for being able to make adjustments during the game.”
Offensively, it was again a team effort, he said.
“I was very pleased to see the mentality we have worked on all season of ‘It doesn’t matter who scores as long as Caldwell scores,’ ” he said.
Cantu said Caldwell is playing with a lot of confidence, especially since this was the first week they have had their full team together for the games.
Caldwell was scheduled to face Smithville and Austin Achieve this week on the road to finish the first round of district play.
“We are focused on making a push for the district title and making the postseason,” Cantu said.
The Snook Bluejays struggled defensively in a 52-32 road loss to Normangee last Friday in their district opener. Snook fell to 8-13 overall.
The Bluejays trailed 9-4 in the first quarter and slumped in the second as Normangee went on a 15-8 run for a 2412 halftime lead.
Snook trailed 38-24 going into the fourth before the Panthers outscored them 14-8 in the fourth quarter.
Normangee’s 1-3-1 defense caused the Bluejays trouble throughout the game, said Snook Head Coach Marc Minatrea.
And Snook had too many defensive letdowns.
“Our defense was good until Normangee shot the ball,” Minatrea said. In addition, Snook’s rebounding was not good enough, he said. “We need to continue to improve and to finish off defensive possessions with rebounds,” he said. Snook must also “get better at valuing the ball on offense,” he said. Bud Moore led the scoring for Snook with 11 points, followed by Ke’Treen Carter, 8, A.J. Watson, 4, Justin Hruska, 3, and Brett Withem, John Carr and Josh Green with 2 each. Snook was scheduled to play Mumford at home on Tuesday, Jan. 16, and travel to Iola on Friday, Jan. 19.
By Roy Sanders
Somerville is hitting its stride at exactly the right time, soaring to a 92-49 win last Friday at Burton in the district opener.
The Yeguas, using an overpowering, man defense, improved to 17-5 overall in one of its best starts and strongest games in recent history.
Somerville led all the way with an extra powerful night from Keith Crawford, who scored a season-high 44 points to lead the Yeguas’ offense.
Somerville was on a mission defensively, locked into an aggressive game plan that worked.
Head Coach Terrance Preston said his team is steadily improving, week by week.
“We were locked in on defense, everybody talking to each other and communicating,” Preston said, noting that team’s basketball IQ is improving.
“Even during timeouts they are correcting mistakes and offering suggestions,” Preston said.
Statistically, it was one of Somerville’s
strongest games.
Crawford, in addition to 44 points, had 15 rebounds, 9 steals, 4 assists and 7 3-pointers
Dawud Majied scored 13 points, had 3 rebounds and 2 steals; KeKe Daniels scored 12 points, had 8 rebounds and 4 steals; and Gardner Shivers with 9 points, 12 rebounds and 2 steals and 1 block.
Somerville was scheduled to face Iola on Tuesday, Jan. 16, but the game was moved to Wednesday, Jan. 17, due to the weather. It was still being determined at press time if the game would be played at home, as originally planned, or moved to Iola due to a clock malfunction issue that is being corrected in Somerville.
The Yeguas are scheduled to play at Normangee on Friday, Jan. 19.
And with always tough Mumford still to come, Somerville will face challenges in district play.
“I feel as a team we are getting a whole lot better each week which is what you always hope for,” Preston said.
“I don’t think we have clicked completely, and we are still struggling with free throws, leaving a lot of points out.” Preston said the Yeguas must take care of business. “If we take care of what we can control, I think we’ve got it,” he said.
By Denise Squier
The Lady Yeguas lost two district games last week.
On Tuesday, Somerville hosted Mumford, losing to the Lady Mustangs 61-8.
On Friday, the Lady Yeguas were on the road in Burton, falling to the Lady Panthers 78-16.
Kylie Neuendorff led Somerville’s scoring with seven points.
Somerville was scheduled to host Iola on Tuesday, Jan. 16, however due to inclement weather, the game was postponed. The Lady Yeguas will be in Normangee this Friday with a game time of 6:15 p.m.
BY SLOAN PREUSS
-- The good news came first as the Houston Texans shocked the world with a 45-14 blowout victory over the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Wild Card game on Saturday. I don’t know about you, but I was surprised the Texans even won, much less that kind of lopsided win. It was a thing of beauty when we expected it least. Kind of like a sweet apple dropping out of a tree instead of a sour lemon. Are there really lemon trees? I don’t have time to check that out right now. Like they say, Google it.
C.J. Stroud was back at it, becoming the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game after throwing for 274 yards and three touchdowns. A boy became a man right in front of our very eyes. And the defense did the rest, returning two picks for scores, becoming the first team to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a game since Seattle did it against Washington on Jan. 5, 2008.
It was definitely a wellrounded team effort on both sides of the ball, if you will.
On the flip side, it was the worst loss for the Browns since they lost 34-0 to the Baltimore Colts back on Dec. 29, 1968. Yep, that’s going way back, especially since it was before I was even born. And I’ve been around for a long time, you know, like a good 49 years or so.
What’s good for one team is bad for another, as the old saying goes. Houston is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2019, when they won the AFC South division.
Speaking of what’s good for one guy is bad for another, Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson was quarterback for the Texans during their last playoff run, but played just six games for the Browns this season before having season-ending shoulder surgery. Watson was forced to
watch from the sidelines the coming out party for the man who replaced him as Houston’s franchise quarterback. He was probably saying to himself, “It could have been me, should have been me.” If only he would have stayed out of those massage parlors. Going into the second round of the playoffs, the Texans are probably singing that song, “Do that to me one more time, once is never enough…”
Houston will try to keep the good times rolling with a road trip to play the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Playoffs this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on ABC. The Ravens are favored to win by 9 points, and will roll up an easy 35-17 victory.
A REAL SHOCKER
-- Right when we were thinking this would be the year for the Dallas Cowboys to make a legitimate playoff run, they flopped once again.
This time it was a 48-32 blunder at home against the Green Bay Packers, and the score appeared even closer than it really was. Ouch. A friend of mine called me after the pitiful loss and made good sense when he said the Cowboys can fire the head coach and all the assistant coaches, but still won’t win any playoff games before they get rid of quarterback Dak Prescott.
The more I thought about it, the more I think he’s right. Dak has never performed well in the playoffs, and he needs to go. Bring back Troy Aikman or Danny White or whoever you need to, Dak simply isn’t cutting the mustard.
Dak is more like mayo only on two pieces of stale bread on pimento cheese. We need some fresh slices of rye bread with roast beef and pepper jack cheese on top!
A change is necessary, and hopefully imminent.
Kind of like changing your Subway order after
getting tired of ordering the same old sandwich. Like anything in life, if things aren’t going your way, then try something different. The same goes for football, or it should be that way, anyway.
I guess that Dallas team owner Jerry Jones will continue to stay stubborn and never live to see another Super Bowl, or he will get demanding and make some changes. Time will tell. All I know right now is that Cowboys fans are fed up and disgusted. A season full of promise went down in flames, and the ashes are still flickering waiting to reignite the fire any second now.
What are you going to do, Jerry? Keep the status quo and keep on losing, or replace your quarterback to start winning?
Kind of like the advice to take two aspirin and call me in the morning. Well, don’t call me, because I probably won’t recognize your number and not answer. Worse yet, I might answer and give you a piece of my mind!
REST OF GAMES -- In other NFL games, the Kansas City Chiefs finally came to life as they always do in the playoffs and beat the Miami Dolphins 26-7, the Detroit Lions held off the Los Angeles Rams 24-23, the Buffalo Bills beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 3117, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers whipped the Philadelphia Eagles 329. After the Texans-Ravens game at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers will host the Green Bay Packers at 7:15 p.m. on Fox 7. Then on Sunday, we can watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions at 2 p.m. on NBC, and the Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills at 5:30 p.m. on CBS.
Try to enjoy the games, even without the Cowboys, since the Texans are still in it to win it!
Caldwell ISD School Board:
William Foster, President
Erica Chollett, Vice-President
Pam Evans, Secretary
Gregory Cook, Member
Matthew Hicks, Member
Vicki Ochs, Member
Krista Zwernemann, Member
Snook ISD School Board:
Justin Hruska, President
Bradley Prihoda, Vice-President
Tiffany Sodolak, Secretary
Joey Withem, Member
Cameron Schluens, Member
Dana Yezak, Member
Adam Janac, Member
The following is the menu for the Caldwell Independent School District for Jan. 22-26: Lunch, Elementary: Mon., 1/22: Macaroni and Cheese with Ham Roll, Broccoli Dippers, Steamed Mixed Vegetables, Fruit.
Tues., 1/23: Chicken and Waffles, Ranch Style Beans, Sliced Cucumbers, Fruit.
Wed., 1/24: Steak Fingers, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Green Beans, Roll, Fruit.
Thurs., 1/25: Hamburger/Cheeseburger, Seasoned Curly Fries, Baby Carrots, Sandwich Trimmings, Fruit. Fri., 1/26: Pizza, Buttery Corn, Garden Salad, Fruit. Lunch, Intermediate/
Snook Elementary School’s 100th Day of School Celebration
Wednesday, Jan. 31
Come dressed like you are 100 years old or decorate a shirt with 100 items on it.
Somerville ISD School Board:
Jason Urbanosky, President
Melissa Tharp, Vice-President
Linda Pinkerton, Secretary
Joe Gonzales, Treasurer
Kim Casanova, Member
Keith Howe, Member
David Idlebird, Member
First-Grade
All A’s
Junior High: Mon., 1/22: Chicken and Waffles, Popcorn Chicken with Roll, Cheesy Broccoli, Fresh Veggie Cup, Fruit.
Tues., 1/23: Pizza, Lasagna with Breadstick, Carrot Coins, Garden Salad, Fruit.
Wed., 1/24: Chicken Fried Steak, Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Roll, Fruit.
Thurs., 1/25: Nachos, Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla, Bean Dip, Mexicali Corn, Salsa Cup and Fresh Pico, Fruit.
Fri., 1/26: Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Hamburger or Cheeseburger, Tater Tots, Sliced Cucumbers, Sandwich Trimmings, Fruit.
Lunch, High School: Mon., 1/22: Chicken Nuggets, Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Fresh Tomato Cup, Roll, Fruit.
Tues., 1/23: Barbecue Sandwich, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Seasoned Curly Fries, Sandwich Trimmings, Fresh Veggie Cup, Fruit.
Wed., 1/24: Chicken Fajitas, Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla, Spanish Rice and Bean Dip, Mexicali Corn, Salsa Cup and Fresh Pico, Fruit.
Thurs., 1/25: Crispitos, Chili Dog, Steamed Broccoli, Baby Carrots, Fruit.
Fri., 1/26: Pizza, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Tuscan Vegetables, Garden Salad, Fruit.
Somerville ISD menu
The following is the menu for the Somerville Independent School District for Jan. 22-26: Mon., 1/22: Chopped Barbecue or Chicken Sandwich, Baked Chips, Lettuce/ Tomato/Pickle, Carrot Dippers, Assorted Fruit. Tues., 1/23: Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli, Dinner Roll, Assorted Fruit.
Wed., 1/24: Italian Dippers, Seasoned Corn, Veggie Dippers, Assorted Fruit.
Thurs., 1/25: Fried Chicken, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Assorted Fruit. Fri., 1/26: Cheeseburger, Baked Fries, Lettuce/Tomato/Pickle, Veggie Dippers, Assorted Fruit.
January 22
Snook High School Cafeteria 6-7 p.m.
A showcase of student learning!
Fifth through 11th-graders and parents: Come learn more about future opportunites in academics, fine arts, athletics and CTE.
SNOOK FAFSA PARENT NIGHT
Wednesday, Jan. 24 • 6 p.m. Snook Cafe
Blinn College will be on hand to assist with the completion of your student’s FAFSA application. Bring your 2022 income tax return.
For more information, call (979) 272-8307.
Harper Gaas, Allison Griesbach, Boyd Howell, Allison Hundl, Isabella Jolly, Makailah Lopez, Kolt McAllister, Charlye Rodriguez, Adilyn Rok, and Jacob Wood. A-B
Skylar Bishop, Vivian Bishop, and Isabella Pietro.
Second-Grade All A’s Tallis Bishop, Joseph Charanza, Paizley Gaas, Chance Hundl, Briah Jones, Kya McDonald, Declan Schubert, Adelynn Watson, and Olivia Wright. A-B
Kambri Ellis.
Third-Grade All A’s Emersyn McAllister and Beau Speckman. A-B
Aleandra Gallegos,
Snook ISD menu
The following is the menu for the Snook Independent School District for Jan. 22-26: Mon., 1/22: Barbecue Sandwich, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Fruit of the Day. Tues., 1/23: Frito Pie, Pinto Beans, House Salad, Fruit of the Day. Wed., 1/24: Chicken and Waffle, Oven Fries, House Salad, Fruit of the Day. Thurs., 1/25: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Black Eyed Peas, Broccoli, Garlic Bread, Fruit of the Day. Fri., 1/26: Sub Sandwich, Lettuce and Tomato, Baby Carrots, Fruit of the Day.
Izabella Howell, and Ayden Thomas. Fourth-Grade A-B
Paisley Fraley, Aaron Olson, Ayden Rok, and Alexandria Wright. Fifth-Grade All A’s Charlie Speckman. A-B Christopher Jackson, Eli Legg, and Kaden Royall.
Sixth-Grade All A’s Greyson Behler. A-B Easton Becka. Seventh-Grade All A’s Clayton Fraley. A-B Adelina Gallegos and Sawyer Vann. Eighth-Grade All A’s LyzaBeth Dismuke. A-B Wade Kosh.
Bulldozing and Tractor Work Available. Fenceline clearing. Right-of-ways. Culvert installation. Road building and driveway repair. Rock, road base, asphalt millings, crushed cement, sand, clay, bull rock. Delivered with 18-wheeler loads. Free estimates. 512-308-7477. J11-4TP The Burleson County Appraisal District is accepting applications
Riverrat Complete Automotive and Transmission. Now offering PM and brake service for semi truck and trailers. • Fluid Changes. • Air Cleaner Replacement and Service. • Front and Rear Brake Shoes • Axle Bearings. • Wheel Seals. • Brake Chamber Replacement. • Air Bag Replacement. J11-8TP
or mail it to us with a check or money order.
DEADLINE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024, 5:00 P.M.
By Roy Sanders
The Caldwell City Council us scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 23, to authorize City Administrator Camden White to award a contract for renovation of the old Truist Bank Building for the new interim city hall. The authorization required that the cost not exceed $100,000.
The meeting was originally scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 16, but was postponed due to weather conditions.
The council authorized the purchasing the building at 114 Echols St., for $1,075,000 at their Oct. 17 meeting, and the sale closed on Dec. 11, 2023.
White said after that meeting that the city was seeking the building for much needed extra space at city hall.
The city is building a new city hall along Fox, Main and Shaw streets to address that issue, but the project has stalled due to disagreements with IKLO Construction of Houston, the contractor. The city is in arbitration with IKLO and with Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Co., their
gave the mid-January arctic blast the name Heather, however the National Weather Service (NWS) has not used the name.
“Winter Storm Heather” or “unnamed arctic blast” -- it’s just been downright cold, setting records for cold weather for the first time since the February 2021 winter storm when Monday, Jan. 15, tied the record
bonding company, regarding IKLO’s performance on the project.
White said previously that the city was still actively involved in arbitration concerning the new city hall construction project and will evaluate how to proceed with post arbitration.
However, the Truist building, 9,496 square feet, would offer the city an interim alternative to address its space issues until the city hall project is finished.
In addition, the city could still use its existing city hall on Hill Street.
Municipal court and the city council meetings could still be held there, and the city has discussed the idea previously of relocating the police department there to allow them more space, White said.
Long term, the city could also lease out some office space at the old Truist location, perhaps for economic development prospects seeking office space, as a way to generate additional revenue, he said. As another option, the city could also sell the building later if the new city hall construction
with that date in 1930 for its low temperature at 19° and breaking the 1917 record for the coldest high temperature of 34° with Monday’s 23°
To put this arctic blast into perspective, the last time high afternoon temperatures only reached the 20s was over 1,000 days ago on Feb. 16, 2021, when the high temperature only reached 27° Tuesdays temperatures also broke the previous records for
project is finished and the staff moves into the new building, he said. Or they could hold onto it and continue leasing it out for office space to economic development prospects, he said.
White said the city could cover the cost of the purchase of the Truist building from its $18 million reserve funding. In other business at the Tuesday meeting, the council was to hear a proposal by Armory Disc Golf of College Station on expanding the existing disc golf course at John E. Hejl Park. The council is considering expanding the course from nine to 18 holes to attract major tournaments and visitors.
Members of the Texas A&M University Disc Golf Club briefed the city council on the concept at their Oct. 17 meeting.
They included Josh Mueck and Spencer Lutton with the club and Dustin Sanford of Armory Disc Golf.
Mueck said Caldwell’s location would be ideal for an expanded disc golf course. College tournaments are al -
cold, reaching down to 16 ° , breaking 2008’s record of 19°, and tying the lowest high temperature at 31° with 2007.
And, those freezing temperatures with frigid winds brought the “feels like” temperatures into single digits.
The NWS issued several winter weather warnings during the storm, including a hard freeze warning which was scheduled to expire Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. and a wind chill
ready held in Waco, Austin, Houston and College Station and in some smaller communities.
Caldwell’s close proximity to Texas A&M University also make it a natural fit.
The Texas A&M Disc Golf Club hosted three conference events this year, and Caldwell could be a future location, Mueck said.
In addition, a top level course would encourage people to drive by and play the course or to even move there as the Brazos Valley becomes a disc golf destination for travelers, Sanford said after the meeting Caldwell’s current course is nine hole and 2,648 feet, and it could be expanded to 18 holes and about 8,000 feet, Sanford said after the meeting.
Gary Easter, a member of the Caldwell City Council, has talked previously with the group about the concept and is impressed with their ideas, research so far and work ethic. The group visited the course recently and did some preliminary research in temperatures over 100 degrees.
advisory set to expire at that same time.
With those temperatures came freezing precipitation which began Sunday evening with freezing rain, sleet and snow flurries.
And, it was ice that did the most damage within Burleson County -- mainly by icy roads causing automobile accidents.
Ice-coated roads and surfaces created hazardous travel conditions. Bridges and overpasses were particularly dangerous due to the formation of black ice. This resulted in several accidents across the region.
Monday morning, the Burleson County Office of Emergency Management messaged those subscribing to its emergency notification system that the county was “experiencing icy road conditions making travel hazardous. Emergency responders have already responded to multiple crashes this morning. Unless absolutely necessary, please stay home and do not attempt to travel. Stay home. Stay warm. Stay safe.”
Though ice accumulated on roadways, Burleson County Commissioners did not report any issues of downed trees or road damage in their precincts.
Pct. 2 Commissioner Vince Svec said, “We dodged a bullet this time.”
The ice conditions did result in many businesses being closed or closing early on Monday.
City and county offices and schools were closed Monday due to the Dr. Martin Luther King Day holiday, but closed Tuesday due to the ice.
Around 630 Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) customers in Cooks Point reported they were without power around 8 a.m. Monday morning. Power was restored, but then lost again for about 200 customers, according to BTU, with all power restored around 12:15 p.m. on Monday.
Other power entities in the area did not have any major issues during the storm, though ER-
And he is impressed with the sport’s popularity.
Caldwell Mayor Janice Easter said she had also received feedback during the Kolache Festival from an attendee excited about disc golf.
Sanford said the next step for the city is determining a budget and how they would proceed with expanding the course.
Sanford said disc golf is less expensive for construction than pickleball.
Caldwell could invest about $30,000 into an expanded course, and “it would be really nice and would draw people from all over the state,” Sanford told the council in October.
Sanford said the events can draw up to 100 players and a total of up to 200 visitors counting family members joining them.
The tournaments are usually two rounds (about three hours each) of 18 holes, 36 total, and can last multiple days. And being a small town is no impediment.
Gary Easter said a recent horseshoe pitching championship was
COT asked Texans to conserve electricity usage due to high demand and asked government agencies to implement programs to reduce energy use.
Tuesday saw sunny weather returning to the region, however weather forecasters predict another arctic cold front to hit Thursday, bringing a return of colder temperatures and breezy north winds.
Lows Friday morning will include the low 30s with high temperatures in the mid-40s.
Friday night is shaping up to be quite cold with a hard freeze.
A sunny sky is forecast Saturday. However, the sky is expected to become cloudy to mostly cloudy Saturday night through Sunday. Arctic high pressure will shift east of the region beginning Saturday night, bringing a return of
held in Buffalo with 12 states represented, including Caldwell’s own Doris Hieden. Everyone wanted to return to Buffalo, Easter said.
Sanford said his family’s business can also help with promotion of tournaments.
Since the tournament can last two days, visitors can enjoy Caldwell’s restaurants, and food vendors are possible at the tournaments, Sanford said. Sanford added that the design-build phase for an expanded Caldwell course would take about a year. The council was also to order the May 4 city election for three seats now held by Mayor Janice Easter, and council members Lee Glidewell and Jessie Enrique Jr. Another agenda item included the reappointment of David Pevehouse as fire chief for another one-year term. The agenda also included the department and community reports and reports by the administrative staff and council members.
southerly breezes and warmer temperatures.
High temperatures Saturday are forecast to be in the low and mid-40s.
Low temperatures Sunday morning are predicted to be in the low and mid-30s.
High temperatures Sunday will be in the mid and upper 40s. Near-steady temperatures are forecast Sunday night. Next week’s weather is shaping up to be considerably milder, with a trend toward wet weather. Periods of rain showers and scattered thunderstorms are forecast from Sunday night through late next week. Significant totals of rain will be possible over the upcoming period.
High temperatures next week look to be in the 60s, with lows in the 40s and 50s.
By Roy Sanders
New Burleson County representative Jeff Zgabay was sworn into office on Tuesday, Jan. 9, for a four-year term on the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors.
Zgabay replaces Tommy Tietjen as the Burleson County representative for municipal water interests.
Also sworn in as a new board member for a four-year term was Robert Yekel of Milam County, replacing Bob Wilson as the rural water representative.
The board also elected its officers for 2024, reelecting Ward Roddam of Milam County as board president, and electing John Reddington of Milam County as board vice president and Becky Goetsch of Burleson County as secretary-treasurer.
Jekel was also elected as the board’s financial officer.
In other business at the Jan. 9 meeting, the board heard a report from David Smith of 4-H Water Ambassadors, including program highlights over the last years and future events, and the board approved again sponsoring the program in 2024 at the same level of $5,000.
The program emphasizes youth education in water conservation in an effort to develop future water leaders.
A scholarship is available to Burleson and Milam county students active in the Texas 4-H Water Ambassador Program. It fosters career interest in the water industry and develops future leaders.
The scholarship provides $250 annually to cover participation fees, along with full reimbursement for attending 4-H H2O events, including retreats and conferences.
Additionally, students can accrue an annual scholarship of $1,250, totaling up to $5,000, which is paid to their chosen post-high school institution upon graduation.
The scholarship is administered by the district.
On the consent agenda, the board also approved its groundwater well monitoring network update, which now includes 411 wells. Those include 58in the Hooper Aquifer, 69 in the Simsboro, 80 in the Calvert Bluff, 139 in the Carrizo, 44 in the Queen City, 24 in the Sparta, 20 in the YeguaJackson and 7 in the Brazos River Alluvium.
The district actively seeks new well monitoring sites to add to the network and encourages residents interested in participating to contact Water Resources Specialist Gregory Perry at gperry@posgcd.org
or call (512) 455-9900.
The board was also briefed on its Groundwater Well Assistance Program (GWAP), which showed 25 wells serviced for 2023, compared to 39 in 2022, 41 in 2021 and 20 in 2020.
The total that POSGCD spent in 2023 for the GWAP program was $338,667, with $57,825 reimbursed to the district by the Vista Ridge and I-130 water export projects.
Also reviewed and approved was the updated Aquifer Conservancy Program (ACP), which showed an additional 12 properties added from four property owners, totaling $2,277.44 in signup bonuses paid by the district.
The ACP program offers an incentive to property owners to conserve their water rights by agreeing not to lease the land for water export projects.
Also approved in the consent agenda was a permit issued to Yegua Water Systems of Somerville for a replacement well for municipal use for 100 gallons per minute. It will not increase the total amount of the permit. Also approved was a consulting agreement with Robby Cook of Riceland Consulting for legislative services in 2024 and with Ede and Company for auditing services for 2023. Cook will be paid
Virginia Kay Surovik
Mitcheltree Lenz, aged 75, peacefully met her savior on January 5, 2024, following a courageous battle against heart failure.
Virginia was born October 3, 1948, in Caldwell, Texas. She was the daughter of Fred A. Surovik, Sr. and Ann Pomykal Surovik.
Virginia graduated from Caldwell High School and earned a degree from Texas Woman’s University in childhood education.
After retiring from her tenure at Co Serve Electric Cooperative in Denton, Texas, she dedicated herself to the Corinth Veterinary Clinic, sharing her compassion for animals.
Subsequently, Virginia and her husband, Larry Lenz returned to Caldwell to enjoy country life.
Virginia’s commitment to community service extended beyond her professional pursuits. Ac-
tive in the Denton Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, she served with distinction as Grand Matron in 1991 and 1998.
Returning to Burleson County, Virginia served on the Kolache Committee and volunteered at the Woodson Memorial Library reading to children from the Boys and Girls Club each week.
Virginia’s love of continuous learning was evident in her diverse pursuits from quilting and Czech language classes with siblings to floral design and computer classes at the library.
Her artistic flair manifested in creating blankets and bows, crafting wreaths and birdhouses; gifts she dotingly gave to family.
She contributed seasonal artwork which Co Serve used on their billing statements.
Additionally, Virginia loved the pastimes of gardening with her brother, Fred, and spoiling the donkeys.
Virginia had a fun loving and adventuresome personality. She enjoyed engaging strangers in conversation.
She enjoyed target practice and even bought a cherry red Harley Davidson motorcycle after learning to ride.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, David (Mitch) Mitcheltree; and sister, Cynthia Mabry. She is survived by her
$4,000 monthly, and Ede’s fee is a standard hourly rate of $250, plus out of pocket costs, with a gross fee not to exceed $8,500. They also approved
the amended 2024 budget, the draft 2023 annual report, and they were briefed by General Manager Gary Westbrook on his monthly report.
Barbara BoulwareWells, the district’s general counsel, also gave a presentation on conflicts of interest for groundwater districts.
By: Dee Boedeker
The Caldwell News and The Burleson County Ledger from 1932...92 Years Ago
Burleson County Farmer Makes Good With Poultry
Mr. John Loehr, Route No. 3, Caldwell, Texas, in his report to the County Agent, G.C. King, shows that with a flock averaging 422 White Leghorn hens he had a total egg production of 81,275 eggs, or an average of 192 and one-half eggs per hen. The total feed cost for this flock was $530.25. Total egg sales $1230.33; total value of birds sold $240.22. Making a total income of $1470.55; less cost of feed $538.25 leaves a net profit of $932.30.
The secret of Mr. Loehr’s success was that he was able to sell $855.99 hatching eggs to local hatchery.
Caldwell Banks Show Deposits
Over $500,000.00
Local Physician Takes Latham Hospital Over Dr. A.G. Krueger of this city said that he has arranged to take over the Hospital formerly operated by Dr. Latham and that he will operate it and do minor and major surgery, principally for patients of his, and others who requested. He arranged for two rooms of the former hospital, the part used before for a hospital. He said he would operate the hospital in connection with his present office, and intended adding such equipment as he might need. He said he is considering purchasing an X’ray.
decided to make the race for sheriff. I have had lots of people ask me to make the race. I was born and reared in Burleson County. I know most everyone in this county, and if I am elected I will enforce the law with the help of the good citizens of this county. I served in the World War. Mr. Lewis has had this office for about ten years and I think that’s long enough for any one to hold an office. But I am going to let the people be the judge.
S.S. Wood
W.H. Hundley Out For Re-election
As County Clerk
loving husband of 25 years, Larry Lenz; sisters, Janice Elsik and husband, Gene, of College Station, Jean Kotrla and husband, Claren, of Hill Top Lakes, Elaine Perez and husband, Tony, of Austin; brother, Fred A. Surovik, Jr. and wife, Connie, of Caldwell; sister-in-law, Carla Castner of Denton; brotherin-law, Richard Mabry and wife, Kay, of Frisco; 15 loving nieces and nephews; plus 14 greatnieces and nephews; plus a great-great-niece and nephew; as well as many cousins and friends.
Virginia was baptized and confirmed in the New Tabor Brethren Church where she was also a member of the Brethren Youth Fellowship and sang in the choir. Virginia enjoyed attending summer camps at Hus School Encampment.
The family wishes to thank the Physicians, Nurses and staff of Baylor Scott & White Hospital for their kind and compassionate care of Virginia during her nine month stay.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the New Tabor Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to HART, Haven Animal Rescue of Texas, P.O. Box 247, Caldwell, Texas(www.havenanimalrescueoftexas.com).
Robin W. “Wayne” Edwards, 88, of Somerville Texas, died on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Services will be held at Snook Assembly of God Church at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Please visit www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share deepest condolences and view Wayne’s life story.
Six cent cotton failed to seriously reduce the deposits of the two local banking institutions of this city the past year, as is reflected by their recent published statements of financial condition issued the early part of this week, as shown by their books December 31. The decline approximated $123,382.67 as compared with the same date last year. The decline is accounted for partly by the unusual amount of cotton being held in the cotton yards and on the farms of the county unsold. The two institutions at the close of business on December 31, list deposits totaling $577,240.60, compared with deposits totaling $700,623.27 in 1930 on the same date, and $372,250.16 on September 16, 1921, the date or period of the last business depression. Both institutions will hold their annual meetings this month to elect directors for the ensuing year.
A.T. Autrey Leases
Neal Barber Shop
The City Barber Shop owned by S.N. Neal and operated here by him for several years, was recently leased to A.T. Autrey, who will have charge in the future and manage and operate it. Mr. Autrey took over the business January 1st.
The City Barber Shop is the oldest shop in the city and has enjoyed an extensive patronage here for a long number of years. Mr. Autrey has been employed in the shop several years.
Old Folks Dance O.D.H.S. Hall, Deanville, Texas. Saturday Night, Jan. 9th Music by Home Boys Admission 50¢
San Antonio School (By the Seventh Grade)
We are thankful for the nice sunshine we are having today and hope we will have plenty more of it. We are all back in school after out midterm exams. All of the children are going forward in their studies to make better grades for the last term of school.
The following are on the honor roll, Dorothy Spacek, Hazel Dotson, Sophie Budnik, Albina Kostohryz, Ruby Kopecky, Norace Gerland, Edward Lesikar, Alvin Dusek, Steve Wotipka, Loraine Wotipka, Lela Wiederhold, Ruby Dotson and Esther Gerland.
Mr. and Mrs. James Johnson and son motored to Cameron Monday.
Mr. Johnnie Jaap of Smithville visited home-folks here during the weekend.
Lewis Wyatt spent the weekend with Paul Albright of Red Hollow.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Schweda of Caldwell were guest of their parents Mr. and Mrs. A. Wotipka.
Messrs. J.C. Brymer and V.A. Wyatt went to A. and M. College Sunday.
We are glad to report that Laddie Kristof is back in school after a long illness.
A program was presented by the primary room Friday morning and two interesting stories were read followed by a pep rally.
Former Constable Announces For Sheriff’s Office
To the voters of Burleson County, I have
W.H. Hundley, County Clerk of Burleson County, an official who is always on the job, who has won a county wide reputation as a loyal citizens and public official requested this week that his name be placed before the voters as a candidate for re-election to the office he now holds to succeed himself.
Mr. Hundley is well known to every one. He has made a faithful and competent county clerk. He has discharged the duties of the office ably and has merited the friendship and good will of practically all. His administration has been an outstanding success and credit to the county, and his candidacy for re-election deserves the highest consideration of all. In his hands, the important office of county clerk is assured of being competently and capably managed.
Two Photgraphers
Locate Here And Open Business
Mr. F.E. Dearing of Teague and Mr. R.C. Poston of Dallas have recently located here and have opened a photograph studio in the Barnett building. They stated that they are experienced photographers and cater to the different kinds of picture taking and developing work. They solicit the patronage of the public. Last week they announced the opening of their office through the advertising medium of the News.
FROM PAGE ONE
issue as one option.
The district’s board met on Jan. 8 to discuss its options and decided to wait until its Monday, Feb. 26, meeting to determine financing plans, said Hospital District Board Chairman Kirk Chapman.
In addition, the board must still decide whether to proceed with a conventional design/build construction contract or with a construction manager at risk system, Chapman said.
Chapman said after the meeting that designs provided by architect Perry Harrell of Houston indicate that the cost could reach $8 million, and the district has $4.4 million set aside in reserves.
Finding the additional funds means the district would have to seek a voter-approved bond issue, which would likely require a tax increase, Chapman said. If the costs could be contained to less than $8 million, perhaps as to just $5 million, a tax increase might not be necessary, he said.
However, the district is required to seek voter approval for any bond issue, even without a tax increase, Chapman said.
Regarding the construction contract plans, Chapman said the board is considering the construction manager at risk system.
That involves hiring a single contractor who is responsible for hiring sub-contractors and holding the overall cost to a specific figure.
If the project exceeds that cost, the construction manager is liable for those costs, not the hospital district. If the contractor brings the project in under budget, they may share in some of the savings, Chapman said.
Chapman said that system is preferred to the typical design/build system in which the project is bid out based on specifications, usually to multiple contractors, and where cost overruns can occur, he said.
The planned expansion would double the number of rooms and create more privacy for patients.
Final designs by Harrell Architects were approved in 2022 for the renovation and expansion project.
The new design would take the existing kitchen and dining room space and convert it to ER space, Chapman said previously. It would also add space by moving the exterior wall in that area forward by the north by 20 feet, he said.
A new entrance will be built on the east side of this area as the access area for the emergency room. It will also include a new waiting room. Chapman said previously that there were four existing ER rooms, and this would give them eight. Of those eight, one will be dedicated for cardiac patients, and one will be to isolate patients with highly contagious diseases.
All of the rooms will be enclosed to ensure patient privacy while being treated, he said. Currently, the emergency room treatment area is partitioned between patients, but there are no enclosed rooms, he said. By adding additional space to the ER, construction could continue still using the present ER.
As that phase is finished, the new area will be used as the ER while the existing ER is renovated, he said. They also plan to put a kitchen in the present ER registration and waiting room areas.
In other business at the Jan. 8 meeting, the board approved its 2024 budget.
That includes $1,592,902 in total expenses, compared to $1,753,000 budgeted for 2023.
The budget decreased due to bond payments for the clinic now paid off, Chapman said.
The budget also includes $2,513,902 in revenue, compared to $2,526,518 last year.
St. Joseph Health Systems, who operates the hospital, will pay the district $471,024 to lease the hospital in 2024.
The hospital district will pay St. Joseph Health Systems $600,000 to operate and staff the hospital.
The district is budgeting $6,113,480 in reserve funding.
The hospital district is a taxpayer-funded entity that owns the Caldwell hospital building and its equipment and ambu-
lances.
The hospital district contracts with St. Joseph Health Systems to operate the hospital, staffing it with doctors, nurses and other medical personnel.
The board was also briefed by hospital administrator Kyle Sims in her report.
Sims also briefed the board on the Burleson St. Joseph Manor Nursing Home.
EMS Director Billy Rice also briefed the board in his report.
Rice said St. Joseph EMS was recently recognized in an article by EMS1, the world’s largest EMS publication, for its outstanding large incident management procedures.
The article was entitled: “Tech Meets Tradition: Wristband Technology and Software Transform Emergency Response.”
The article details Rice and his team’s efforts to handle large-scale events, such as Chilifest, The Live at the Station Concert and the Texas Renaissance Festival using a high-tech system involving wristbands.
EMS staff place the wristbands, which include a unique alphanumeric code, on the patients, and a Pulsara platform device is then used to scan the barcode on the band, the EMS1 article stated. That establishes a care channel accessed by subsequent health care providers using Pulsara to ensure accurate communication about care already provided, the article stated.
The article stated that the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) plans to duplicate the Brazos Valley system across Texas.
On another matter, Rice said the county will receive a new ambulance sometime in February, and an old ambulance will be remounted and available for use in February of 2025.
The new ambulance will cost the hospital district just under $300,000, Rice said after the meeting.
The board approved the remount of the old ambulance at the Jan. 8 meeting.
Rice said the remount will require $217,925 in costs to the hospital district, due at delivery. That includes $143,675
for the box refurbishment and $74,250 for the F450 diesel engine.
Rice also updated the board on its fleet status.
Medic 21, provided in 2022, now has 43,952 miles with $8,905 in maintenance costs.
Medic 22, provided in 2020, now has 92,402
Planning and Zoning Commission concerning the shop Smoke Heaven located at 114 10th Street, which is already open for business.
The Planning and Zoning Commission wants the council to determine whether this should be added to the city’s C-2 General Business District ordinance, since the current ordinance does not address smoke shops.
The city has no issue with the gift shop portion, but the smoke shop issue must be determined. The city council is expected to make a final decision at their Tuesday, Feb. 13, meeting.
Dick Meyer, chairman of the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, said the business opened without the commission’s knowledge.
“We have got to be careful not to legislate our morality,” but in this situation the store opened before the issue was addressed.
Regarding the current ordinance, Meyers said “smoke shops were not on our radar at that time (when the ordinance was written).”
Somerville Police Chief Jake Sullivan said he had no problem with the gift shop, but he was concerned about the smoke shop.
“I am concerned for our community and our children,” Sullivan said. Sullivan added that a sale was made to a minor.
City Administrator Danny Segundo said after the meeting that the minor made the purchase and went to school, where a school resource officer discovered it. Segundo said the minor and the shop were ticketed.
Steven Ahsan, one of the shop owners, said at the hearing that the incident had occurred, but it was a mistake in the first few days after opening and not tolerated by the business. The employee involved was fired, and the company has since been vigilant about not selling to minors.
“We did make a mistake, and we are not in business to sell to minors,” Ahsan said. “Since then, we have become hyper vigilant.”
Ahsan added that the store is now strictly enforcing the age 21 requirement and does not want anyone in the shop unless they are 21.
Ahsan also added that the shop had met all of the necessary legal requirements to open their business, including for
miles with $16,959 in maintenance costs.
Medic 23, was issued new in 2023. The remounted ambulance, originally provided in 2018, has 270,998 miles and has $48,825 in maintenance costs.
Another ambulance, issued in 2015, has 344,161 miles with $65,913 in maintenance costs. That ambulance will continue to be maintained as long as possible, only as a transfer vehicle and not for everyday use, Chapman said after the meeting.
sales tax, a certificate of occupancy and a tobacco license.
Segundo said at the meeting that gift/smoke shops must meet a city ordinance requirement that no more than 15% of the building space be used for the smoke shop portion.
Also addressed at the hearing was other businesses in town that sell vaping products, a legal process. A customer may legally make the purchase, but they could be arrested depending on what substance they put in a vaping pen and in what quantities.
Rev. Vickie Simons, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Somerville, also attended the public hearing, asking several questions about the current ordinance, what is available at other local stores and other legal requirements.
Simons said she is against vaping, citing health concerns, and she wants to ensure that whatever ordinance the city develops has consistency for all businesses in the community.
“We need to decide what kind of town we want to be,” Simons said.
The Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday, Jan. 18, to approve a recommendation to the council for the February meeting.
In other business, during citizens comments, Steve McCoy gave the council an update on the Haven Animal Rescue (HART) project in Burleson County.
Recapping their work in 2023, the group had an intake of dogs rescued of 372, a 25% increase over last year, and 335 dogs processed out, a 36% increase over last year.
A workable budget for 2023 was created at $180,800, including donations, grants and fees for adoptions.
They also had an enhanced grant application program to achieve funding for capital programs, and they developed a plan and program to obtain a permanent, multipurpose building.
They also have an enhanced partnership with Project SNIP of Burleson County for partnering with HART, including fundraising and resources to make the facility multipurpose.
In addition, they raised funds for an additional transport vehicle, with the purchase completed in the first week of January.
The council also:
* Tabled action on funding and repairs of a wall at the fire station.
The need for repairs was discovered after demolition of the old city hall. The council was originally to consider a proposal by Summerlin Stucco and Masonry of College Station that would have included replacing loose, damaged brick, removal of electrical outlets and conduit and placing a stucco finish on the wall, according to a city memo.
The council was to consider two separate options with the city paying for the repairs from their $98,616 fund balance in the Fireman’s Fund account.
However, council mem-
ber Sue Ellen Bernal said the wall was part of the original city hall and not part of the fire department building. She also said repairs should not come from the fireman’s fund, which addresses specific needs for the fire department.
One possible option discussed is replacing the wall with the same materials and design for the other three sides of the fire department.
Council member Jeff Schoppe suggested tabling the matter to determine costs for that option before proceeding, and the council agreed to do that.
Bernal also told the council that the fire department is in need of a new city-owned engine. That process is expected to be expensive, in excess of what the city has in its fireman’s fund, Segundo said after the meeting. The city must still decide how to address that issue, he said.
* Approved a Planning and Zoning Commission report for a variance request for 452 Ave. F. The commission recommended approval of the request by property owner Ron Gary of Oak Creek Homes to allow a 9-foot setback on each side yard, instead of the standard, required 10 feet, to allow for installation of a manufactured home on 452 Ave. F.
* Approved receiving and approving a Planning and Zoning Commission report for a Special Use Permit on 572 Gun Range Road.
Property owner Gwendolyn Chambers was seeking approval for a 10by-10 foot workshop at the rear of her property
The city’s zoning ordinance allows accessory structures in residential districts by Special Use Permits.
* Denied a recommendation by Segundo to close the Lakefest bank account.
The city has $29,470.23 in the account with Citizens State Bank, which is designed to help fund operations at the Lakefest event.
Council member Amanda Flencher said she preferred keeping the account open in case it is needed later.
* Approved an Onsite Septic System Facility (OSSF) application at Low Wood Road for property owner Jennifer Hegstad.
There is no city sewer line near the property, and she plans to move a manufactured home onto the property after approval and installation,
The council’s approval only grants her permission to apply for an OSSF system with the Burleson County Environmental Office, which has final authority for approval.
* Was briefed by Chief Sullivan in his report.
The department has 177 calls for service in December and issued 77 citations.
The department’s accreditation process is continuing, and an on-site accreditation assessment is scheduled for Jan. 2224, he said.
The department has also applied for a grant from TxDOT to reimburse officers for traffic stops, he said.