January 3, 2020 - Stamford American

STAMFORD

American THE NEW

JANUARY 3, 2020

12 PAGES FULL OF NEWS, SPORTS, AND OPINION SERVING STAMFORD AND JONES COUNTY

INSIDE PAGE 3

REVIEW: What happened in 2019

PAGE 2

CLINIC: Prepares to move into new building

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 11, ISSUE 33 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 98, ISSUE 39 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 114, ISSUE 40

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St. John’s 32nd Christmas Dinner was a huge success on December 25th with over 600 to-go orders filled and over 150 people fed at the church.

$.75

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MARK THE DATE...

DONATE: Denise Dennis is still collecting aluminum cans for recycling to raise money to donate to West Texas Rehab Center. You can drop them off at her house on the corner of Reynolds & Vassar. You can also drop off cans or monetary donations for her here at the Stamford American

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THIS WEEK’S WEATHER FORECAST FEB 8

SMORGASBORD: Swedish Smorgasbord will be Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Avoca, (Ericksdahl Community) Texas. Tickets are $25.00 (sold in advance only). Available Seating Times are 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. For tickets contact Annette Wilson (325)773-2104 or Tena Tankersley (325)668-2796.

Friday 58 | 35

Saturday 62 | 42

Sunday 64 | 35

Monday 58 | 36

Tuesday 55 | 29

Wednesday 56 | 37

Thursday 60 | 38

The weather is provided for you

by Country Drug Store. We’re here for you Rain or Shine.

Happy Birthday!

Jan 2 - Macie Fernandez Jan 8 - Dominic Vega Jan 11 - Michele Copeland Know someone who is having a birthday? Call us at 325-773-5550 and let us know! Each week a drawing will be held, and the winner will receive a free $10 Gift Certificate from Noteworthy! Please provide your name and a phone number when submitting the birthday, so that we can contact you when they win.

Workmen are busy remodeling the Stamford Health Clinic building, 1303 Mabee St. This is the future site of the Clinic, now housed across the street in the former ER of the Stamford Hospital building.

Callie Metler-Smith | Publisher callie@americannewspapers.net Kay Spears | Editor kay@americannewspapers.net Gayle Lovvorn | Office Manager office@americannewspapers.net

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Within Haskell, Jones, and Stonewall Counties: $30 Within Texas: $32 Within the United States: $35 DEADLINE

The deadline to submit news and advertising is 5 p.m. on Fridays. Exceptions may be granted only by permission from the publisher.

SUBMISSIONS POLICY

The New Stamford American reserves the right to reject unsolicited submissions for any reason. Articles and news items submitted are subject to editing by staff.

NOTICE

Any erroneous reflection upon the character, reputation or standing of any individual, firm or corporation will be gladly corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher.

The New Stamford American (USPS 025-332) is published weekly at 102 South Swenson, Stamford, Jones County, Texas by Clear Fork Media Group LLC. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stamford, Texas 79553. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The New Stamford American, P O BOX 870, Stamford, Texas 79553 MEMBER 2019 TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

102 S. Swenson, P.O. Box 870, Stamford TX 79553 * 325-773-5550 * FAX: 325-773-5551

Community

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Stamford’s 2019 in Review

BY KAY SPEARS 2019 had its ups and downs for many of us, hopefully more things to be grateful for than not. There are many events already scheduled for the 2020 calendar to look forward to. These include the Tri Area Stock Show, Bulldogs athletics, Cinco de Mayo, the Chamber of Commerce Awards night, the Texas Cowboy Reunion, the Jones County Fair and, we hope, another Holly Jolly Christmas town roundup to bring Stamford together.

January 2019 brought the Tri Area Stock Show for Stamford, Paint Creek and Lueders/Avoca. The US Postal Service raised the price of stamps from 50 to 55 cents. Jones County Extension Agent Kim Miles accepted a position in Taylor County with the same Texas A & M AgriLife. The Cowboy Country Museum began a Genealogy Society for the area. Denise Dennis was recognized by KTAB TV Station for her contribution to the West Texas Rehabilitation Center in Abilene, Texas.

The Stamford American also reported in January that jurors were drawn from all over Jones County, Texas, for the second of two murder trials within five months. When the trial came to an end, a guilty verdict and a prison sentence of life was handed down for the accused. The Stamford American celebrated the first year of having its archives digitized and made available free of charge on the Portal to Texas History website through the Stamford Carnegie Library and North Texas University via a grant from the Tocker Foundation.

In February Stamford

ISD Superintendent Shaun Barnett retired, and paying Water Bills with credit cards online was approved by the City Council. Fareed Hassen retired from the Economic Development Corporation of Stamford after many years of service. Visual Security was installed at the front entrance of Stamford High School, adding another layer of security for the school.

March brought the Stamford Chamber of Commerce Banquet “Best of Stamford,” highlighting foods from several local restaurants.

Jay Pace was appointed Jones County Constable after former Constable Danny Jimenez became the Sheriff.

Will Brewer was hired and stepped into the position of Superintendent for Stamford ISD. The Sagerton Hee Haw put on its very popular, annual show.

April saw the appointment of Lonnie Vivian to fill the Precinct 2 Commissioner position after Jones County Commissioner Steve Lefevre passed away in February. Dennis Braden resigned from the Stamford City Council and the Stamford Chamber of Commerce hosted the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Harmon Park.

Jones County Commissioners gave the go ahead for the Anson Solar Center to be built, preparing the way for other, similar endeavors. Stamford Carnegie Library received a grant to install broadband internet.

In May, Leigh Nauert stepped down from the Stamford ISD Board after serving for 19 years. Melinda Smith decided not to run again after her 9 years of service on the City Council. Stamford City Election results were announced: Robert Wingrove won the District 1 City Council

OBITUARIES

Velma Bolin-Rorie

In February, Fareed Hassen retired from the Economic Development Corporation of Stamford after many years of service. seat, Curtis Birdsong & Eric Strand were elected to the Stamford ISD School Board with Kevin McCright, Sutton Page and Gary Decker winning the Stamford Hospital District Board of Directors seats. Stamford Diagnostic Services received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation.

Lady Bulldogs won the Softball Area Championship and the Bulldogs were Bi-District Champs in baseball. A community member donated enough money to the City Pool for all children to attend free of charge for the entire summer. Rex Ford replaced Mayor James Decker on the Board of the Development Corporation of Stamford.

June saw the unexpected when the Cowboy Country Museum’s doors closed to the public due to the worsening mold infestation

in the building. Kelli Maberry was hired as the new AgriLife Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent.

Stamford ISD Board welcomed the new Stamford High School Principal Chase Seelke at their monthly meeting.

In July Congressman Jodey Arrington served as Grand Marshal of the annual Texas Cowboy Reunion Parade after hosting a Town Hall Meeting at the Anson Public Library. The parade was a huge success, especially when cowboys drove a small herd of Texas longhorn cattle around the Stamford downtown square. The TCR provided the area with another year of western rodeo and art events. Stamford ISD welcomed the new Stamford Middle School Principal Torrey Price to Stamford.

SEE REVIEW. PG 4

Velma Bolin-Rorie of Stamford passed away Sunday, December 22, 2019 at home after a lengthy illness.

Visitation was Friday, December 27 from 6-7 p.m. at Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home. Funeral Service was held Saturday, December 28 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church , Stamford, 214 N. Swenson St., with Pastor Paul Wright officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery in Tuxedo.

Velma was born April 4, 1927 in Stamford, to William H. Campbell and Velma Cora Farley Campbell. She married Daniel Brice Bolin, Sr. November 12, 1950 in Abilene, Texas he passed away in November 14 1983.

She later married Darwin Rorie February 17, 1990 he also preceded her in death in July 15 of 1994.

She lived in Jones County all of her life. She attended Stamford Schools through the 8th grade and then helped the family work on the farm. Throughout her years she worked in cleaning/maintenance for Big Country/Commodore Savings & Loan. She also worked in the Stamford School cafeteria. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Stamford, Texas.

Her favorite hobbies were fishing, dancing, music, attending the Texas Cowboy Reunion, trying her luck at lottery scratch-offs and Casino slot machines. She liked birds and flowers. She loved playing Skip-Bo with the grandkids. She enjoyed family reunions and loved getting dressed up in her favorite color red with her jewelry and boots for a dance or any occasion. Her never ending quick wit and humor kept all around her in stitches. She was the love of her family’s life and her legacy will live on through them.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; four brothers, Bud, Jim, John and Lonnie Campbell; three sisters Henrietta Hill, Hesper Berry and twin sister – Thelma Newton; and one son-in-law Melvin Mueller.

Family left to cherish her memory are four sons Danny and Matilda Bolin, Austin and Sharon Bolin, Walt and Jan Bolin all of Stamford; Davy and Tricia Bolin of Abilene; three daughters Virginia and Jerry Weems of Abilene; Brenda and Gary Miles of Stamford; Patty Mueller also of Stamford; Step-Son Kerwin and Sandra Rorie of Fort Worth; Sister Lallie Kirkland of Graham; 22 Grandchildren; 33 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Velma’s family want to express their thanks to Dr. Leon Joplin, Hendrick Hospice Care, Stamford VIP, other caregivers; Jackie Cedillo, Minerva Vidaurri and Stella Sanchez.

Memorials can be made to Stamford VIP, Hendrick Hospice Care or Temple Baptist Church.

DEATH NOTICE Reginald Link, 87, of Stamford, passed away Wednesday, December 18 after a lengthy illness. Graveside service was held December 20 at Highland Memorial Cemetery in Stamford, Texas.

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Before and after: 306 East Oliver

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In April, the Stamford Chamber of Commerce hosted the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Harmon Park.

REVIEW: Continued from Page 3 August brought State Representative Stan Lambert hosting a Town Hall Meeting for Jones County at the Anson Public Library.

Jones County Commissioners Court, the Texas Midwest and Jones County Public Facility Corporations approved the interlocal agreement between the US Dept. of Immigration or ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and Jones County, Texas to remodel and utilize the empty detention facility in Anson, to be named the Bluebonnet Center. This step began to lift the finan-

cial burden Jones County has been under for the past ten years.

In September the 61st Annual Jones County Fair was held in Anson, Texas and a changed location for the Home & Garden Show was the newly renovated historic Opera House.

State Senator Charles Perry hosted a Jones County Town Hall Meeting at the Stamford High School Auditorium, where students were included. The second annual Better Stamford School supply drive was a great success and the Stamford Kiwanis Club held

their annual Donny Doster Memorial Golf Tournament.

In October Countywide polling places in Jones County were approved by the State of Texas. This allows county residents the flexibility to vote in any of the polling places in Jones County. The Lady Bulldogs worked hard and are District Cross Country Champions. The coming of a second Solar Center in Jones County was announced and approved in Commissioners Court.

November saw Mark Lundgren being sworn in to serve on the Stamford Hospital District Board of Directors after Erik Richards resigned the position. The Annual Goodfellows Project began taking applications for residents who need holiday help. Stamford Hospital District and Haskell Memorial Hospital District entered into an interlocal management agreement.

Gary Coppedge and Patsy Womble were approved as Commissioners to the

Stamford Housing Authority by City Council.

Bringing an end to the year, in December the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson opened its doors for public tours before the facility received illegal immigrant detainees. Stamford held the first Holly Jolly Christmas Classic benefiting the Noah Project and included the Santa Chase 5K Run, a car show, food and shopping vendors and photos with Santa. Haskell Memorial Hospital entered into an affiliation agreement with Hendrick Health System, also affecting its partner, Stamford Hospital District. St. John’s Methodist Church held a successful Christmas Dinner for the community.

2019 brought some positive changes to Jones County, to Stamford, Texas and, we hope, all of you. All of us here at the New Stamford American wish you a safe and prosperous Happy New Year!

Jones County Commissioners Hold Last Court of 2019

BY KAY SPEARS The last Jones County Commissioners Court of 2019 met on Thursday, December 26, 2019, 9:00 due to the Courthouse being closed December 23rd – 25th for Christmas. The Court will continue to meet in 2020 on the second and fourth Mondays at 9:00am on the third floor of the Jones County Courthouse in Anson, Texas.

Judge Dale Spurgin, the four Jones County Commissioners, James Clawson (Pct. 1), Lonnie Vivian (Pct. 2), Ross Davis (Pct. 3), and Joel Spraberry (Pct. 4) along with County Clerk LeeAnn Jennings, County Treasurer Amber Thompson, County Auditor Gwen Bailey, County Tax Assessor Collector Gloria Little and County Sheriff Danny Jimenez were in attendance.

The minutes of the last regular meeting on December 9, 2019 were approved after Jones County Judge Spurgin called the Commissioners Court to order.

Judge Spurgin gave a report on the Disaster Declarations and all items related regarding FEMA, TDA, TDEM. Updates and new information continue to include Disasters #4269 and #4255.

Regarding Material and Hauling Bids, Judge Spurgin informed the Court of two companies to be added to the vendors list.

Mike Maples and Ed Walsh

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were approved to be added to the County’s vendors list. Judge Spurgin stated he would send an agreement to Mitch Hall to use only pushed up gravel on Hall’s property.

A Memorandum of Understanding with MTC (Management Training Corporation) was approved for a “professional agreement between Bluebonnet Detention Center and Jones County Sheriff’s Department in the event of a substantial case of emergency.

Jones County Sheriff’s Department agrees to provide resources, if needed.”

County Clerk Jennings presented a form provided by the Texas Secretary of State concerning a Joint Resolution and Statistical Information for Joint Primary. Traditionally, Jones County is approached by the Republican and Democratic Party Chairmen. She stated she has not been contacted by the Democratic Party Chair and wanted to have this document in place when the Texas Democratic Party Chair asks for it, if she doesn’t hear from the Jones County Democratic Party Chair. This is a contract for the Commissioners to give the County Clerk permission to hold the election for the two entities and for them to hold their elections together to save funds. The Commissioners approved this action item.

The Court approved

the Salary Supplement for County Part-Time Employees of $1.00 (Road & Bridge employees) and $2.00 (Sheriff’s Department Dispatch). The salary supplement will happen only if the money is available.

The next item on the agenda, Enrolling County Employees for Cyber Security Training from The Texas Association of Counties. The new State law (House Bill 3834) requires all County employees have Cyber Security Training if they access a computer and TAC has been qualified to provide this course.

The Commissioners approved the enrollment of Jones County employees.

All employees taking the training will need a personal email address, if they do not have one, they will be given a Jones County email to do the required training.

Commissioner Davis asked about “road hands” and was told yes, “if they access a computer,” by Judge Spurgin, “If it is related to County business, they have to have the Security Training.” This includes phones able to connect to the internet. The training is free and will cover viruses.

Next, Ratify Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) concerned an amendment of the original agreement.

Judge Spurgin stated the Bluebonnet Detention

Center continues to have openings for Medical and Transportation personnel. This amendment will guarantee a minimum of 350 beds for 30 days.

Having the federal government do the background checks has been a “bottle neck” from the beginning, slowing the employment process. Judge Spurgin stated the real impact for the County is the income from the facility. There will be a 30-day delay of the salary supplements for County employees. He stated he came to the conclusion that “we waited 10 years, I guess we can wait 30 more days.” He stated he has encouraged them to get the background checks completed. He also stated if anyone is or knows someone who is in the medical field or has a CDL with Passenger Endorsement, Bluebonnet needs about 30 more employees in those two categories.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by County Treasurer Thompson.

Sheriff Jimenez stated the TxDOT STEP program has begun, which accounts for the overtime. The Treasurer’s Report was approved.

The Commissioners approved Amend Budget and Line Item Transfers presented by County Auditor Bailey. It was approved to Pay Bills. With no further business to address or discussion items, the meeting was adjourned.

JONES COUNTY CALLS FOR SERVICE Through Dec 30 Abandoned Vehicle 4 Alarm 2 Animal Bite 1 Assault 1 Burglary in Progress 1 Civil Complaint 3 Disturbance 2 Domestic Disturbance 1 Fight 1 Grass Fire 2 Fire 2 Fireworks 1 Identity Theft 1 Information Only 1 Kidnapping 2

Livestock Out 8 Medical/EMS 2 Motorist Assist 6 MVA 2 Prisoner Transfer 3 Public Service 11 Reckless Driver 6 Request Officer 7 Routine Patrol 5 Shots Fired 1 Suspicious Person 2 Suspicious Vehicle 6 Theft 1 Traffic Stop 42 Welfare Check 2

ROTARY CLUB NEWS Our Club meets at the high school and the FCCLA prepares our meals each week. The students have to plan the menu, buy the food and prepare and serve the meals. Under the direction of Ann Heathington, FCCLA instructor, they are well supervised. Sadie Cole, regional level officer for FCCLA, talked to the Club and told us more about the program on the regional level, what she had to do to prepare and compete for the office and what it has meant for her to be an officer. She started last June with her leadership conference, attended the national conference in Anaheim, California and talked about her training. Our students prepare for competition in seven different areas and

have brought many honors back to Stamford. Sadie won at the National Level with her project last spring.

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The paw print

JV Bulldogs Basketball Team PHOTO BY BEARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY

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JV Lady Bulldogs Basketball Team PHOTO BY BEARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY

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Dennis Collecting Cans for Rehab Donation Denise Dennis is still collecting aluminum cans for recycling to raise money to donate to West Texas Rehab Center. You can drop them off at her house on the corner of Reynolds & Vassar. You can also drop off cans or monetary donations for her here at the Stamford American or mail to Stamford American, P O BOX 870, Stamford, TX and note on the check it is for Denise Dennis.

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2020 and the Status Quo Editor’s note: this is a slightly updated reprise of an essay I wrote at the end of 2018. I thought it was worth a re-share for the new year and new audiences.

In the 2016 election, and in the post-election national conversations, much was made of the importance of rural America and the rural vote in the outcome of the presidential election. For months afterwards, politicians, pundits, and prognosticators from all political stripes debated the importance of rural America. They opined that rural America had been “forgotten” and that we needed to repair frayed relationships between the distinctly rural, suburban, and urban segments of the country. For the most part, America’s talking class just talked. They used “rural

ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker America” to justify their pre-established opinions and determined that their pre-determined policy ideas were the perfect solution for whatever ills were troubling the rural folk.

I also saw pushback.

Those with little appreciation for America’s formative history didn’t see the point of helping rural America. A column in the New York Times espoused

the view that it might be too difficult, if not outright impossible, to “save” rural America.

The 2020 election is now drawing near and the talking classes continue to talk about rural America for 2020 just like they did in the post-mortem of 2016’s elections. As with 2016, I don’t really care what the talking class has to say, good or bad, about the future of rural America.

Let’s be clear: many of these people are looking to fill airtime, fundraise for themselves, and accumulate their own power.

“Saving” rural America is the vessel to their cause, not their cause.

And the reality is, we don’t NEED it to be their cause. Problems in American are never solved purely by outside helpers determining that a problem needed to be fixed. Sure, outside help might be needed along the way, but only after the

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folks struggling with the problem decide to fix it.

Our forefathers tamed the Texas frontier by making it their home, fighting to make it safe for settlement, and then calling in the cavalry (quite literally).

Segregation wasn’t ended by outside do-gooders. It was ended by people who faced (or observed) its repugnance on a daily basis and decided to fight back, seeking outside help when it became necessary.

Each of us in local leadership—whether elected, volunteering, or just an interested citizen—are the ones to decide if we want to “save” our piece of rural America. Austin isn’t going to do it. Washington, D.C. isn’t going to do it. Assuming that the group of politicians in either place could sit down and have a rational, intelligent debate about problems and solutions, I have no confidence that they could vote together and actually enact

and fund some agreeable solutions.

Like all those others in American history, we are the ones who must do it. We are the ones to ensure the people of our communities, and future generations, have a better community to come home to.

As 2020 dawns, I place that charge on each of you reading this who are also passionate about your community. Are you satisfied with the status quo? If not, what are you going to do about it? If you think you don’t have a voice in your community, how can you make your voice be heard? Who will it be to improve our local communities? Are we going to wait on “them” to maybe one day get around to thinking about trying to talk about fixing it? Or are we go going to take the lead ourselves?

LOCAL CHURCHES Avoca Baptist Church Rev. Les Mims 773-3531 AM Worship: 11:00 Avoca United Methodist Church Dennis Huffaker 773-3909 AM Worship: 9:45 Bethel Church of God in Christ Pastor Session 407 W Handlan 325-773-5730 Bethel (Christ) Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 1024 E. Vanderbilt 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 9:00 Bethel Lutheran Church Rev. Richard Strait 10707 N. FM 600 325-773-5949 AM Worship: 11:00

Central Presbyterian Rev. Dr. Kelly Pigott 601 Rowland 325-773-3381 AM Worship: 11:00 Common Ground Youth Ministry Paul Wright 219 S Swenson 325-773-3604 Faith Lutheran Church Sagerton, Texas 940-200-0723 AM Worship: 10:30 Family Church of Christ 1505 E. Wells St 325-773-5250 Worship: 9:45 a.m.

1st Assembly 1214 Compton Pastor John Shepard Worship: Saturday @ 6:00PM (325)267-0955

First Baptist Church John Ward 214 N Swenson 325-773-2781 AM Worship: 11:00 House of God Pastor Bobby Acosta 802 Ferguson St Sundays 11:00 am Lueders First Baptist Church Roscoe McCoy 228-4622 AM Worship: 11:00 MacKenzie Trail Cowboy Church AM worship 11:00 Heart of God Church 114 E Campbell Joanne Ochoa AM Worship 10:30 Nugent Baptist Church Craig Thames 228-4457 Worship: 11:00

Nugent Church of Christ Nugent, Texas Wayne Kitchens, Preacher Sun. 10 Bible Classes 11 Morning Assembly Orient Street Church of Christ Wes Horn 510 S Orient 773-3419 Worship: 10:30 Paint Creek Baptist Church Pastor Tony Grand 940-864-3358 AM Worship: 11:00

WANT TO SPONSOR THE CHURCH PAGE? Call 325-773-5550

St Ann’s Catholic Church 1001 S Swenson 325-773-2659 AM Mass: 11:00 St. John’s United Methodist Church Pastor John Erwin 201 S Ferguson 325-773-2561 AM Worship: 10:50 Solomon Temple Baptist Church Rev. Donnie Massey 315 N. Haskell St. 325-773-2213 AM Worship 11:00

Temple Baptist Church Jesse Morton 309 E Campbell 325-773-2550 AM Service: 11:00 Trinity Church Dr. Robert Wingrove 220 E. McHarg

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Paxton Lauds 5th Circuit Ruling Against Affordable Care Act After the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit declared the individual mandate in “Obamacare” unconstitutional on Dec. 18, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed his agreement.

“The Fifth Circuit’s holding is clear: the federal government cannot order private citizens to purchase subpar insurance products that they don’t want,” Paxton said. “The individual mandate is the centerpiece of Obamacare and I am glad the Fifth Circuit recognized that it is unlawful.”

Paxton said he looks forward to demonstrating in federal district court that the rest of the law cannot stand without the individual mandate, and added: “Yesterday’s decision is a win for the rule of law,” he said. “Finally being rid of this law will be a victory for all Americans.”

The lawsuit against the federal government was filed in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Texas by Paxton and a list of other state attorneys general. Paxton said it would be up to the lower court to determine whether any part of the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, referred to as “Obamacare,” can remain, in light of the mandate’s unconstitutionality.

In Texas and 38 other states where the federal government administers health exchanges, health insurance premiums rose an average of 105 percent from 2013 to 2017, Paxton said.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Obamacare in 2012, but a majority of the justices agreed that the law’s individual mandate was constitutional only because its accompanying tax penalty could justify forcing individuals to purchase health insurance

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Sterling

under Congress’ taxing power. Devoid of that penalty, Obamacare’s individual mandate cannot be preserved as a tax, rendering Obamacare entirely unlawful, Paxton said.

Meanwhile, according to U.S. Census data, an estimated five million Texas residents, or nearly 18 percent of the state’s population, do not have health insurance.

TPWD PROMOTES HIKES The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department on Dec. 20 encouraged Texans “to kick off the next decade of adventures at a Texas State Park by participating in a First Day Hike.”

To foster the effort, the agency scheduled a variety of events on New Year’s Day. First Day Hikes aim to help visitors commit to their New Year’s resolutions to get healthy, the agency said.

First Day Hikes events include strolls on scenic trails, midnight walks, polar plunges, bike rides and short treks with fourlegged family members and more strenuous hikes for experienced visitors.

Last year, according to Texas Parks & Wildlife, 77 state parks hosted First Day Hike events in which an estimated 4,000 participants walked, paddled and biked.

A list of events is posted online at tpwd.texas.gov.

JOBLESS RATE STAYS LOW The Texas Workforce

Commission on Dec. 20 announced that the Lone Star State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.4% in November.

The rate marks the sixth consecutive month of record low unemployment in the state. Also, 3.4% is the lowest unemployment rate since series tracking began in 1976, according to an agency news release.

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded November’s lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a non-seasonally adjusted rate of 2.1%, followed by the Amarillo and Austin-Round Rock MSAs each with an adjusted rate of 2.5%.

The College Station-Bryan and Lubbock MSAs each recorded the third lowest rate at 2.6%.

REPS VOTE ON IMPEACHMENT The U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 18 voted to approve two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

The vote on Article I, Abuse of Power, was 230 for, 197 against and 1 present/not voting.

The vote on Article II, Obstruction of Congress, was 229 for, 198 against and 1 present/not voting.

For Texas’ 36-member House delegation, the vote was partisan. All 23 Republicans voted not to approve both articles and all 13 Democrats voted to approve both articles.

As of the deadline for this column, the articles of impeachment had not been forwarded to the U.S. Senate, where the president would be tried in accordance with Article 3 of the U.S. Constitution, with the Honorable John Roberts, chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, presiding.

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New Year, New You I seem to always go to the “New Year’s resolution” every year, but it is something that always seems to be relevant to each and every one of us in some shape or form. However, what makes this New Year a little more significant is that we have not just started a new year, but a new decade as well. Over the last week when I have looked through YouTube I have seen the traditional THOUGHTS FROM year-end lists, but I have also seen videos reflecting on different events UNDER THE CAP of the decade as a whole. It really was something to see what all has Will McClure happened over the last ten years, even some things that I thought happened before 2010. Among all of these extra year-end and decade-in-review items that pop up pretty much everywhere, this is also the time to think about things that have happened not only in our community around us, but also personally. We have all experienced personal growths, triumphs, failures and overall success not only in the last year, but in the decade that has passed. I would continue to dwell on the past and even go into more detail in a “decade review,” but like many of my columns I like to focus on the future.

While looking on the past can be a good thing (and at some points regretful), the fact that we have not only started a new year but a new decade seems like an even bigger excuse to have a fresh start. Many of us always look to make resolutions at this time which, for most of us, are broken within a few weeks. Some of these resolutions we even take the time to really think about and plan for only to cast them aside for some reason or another, with the reason most often being that life gets in the way. I have written in the past in these New Year’s columns about not only making a resolution, but sticking with it as best as we can. However, the more difficult a resolution is, the more likely we are to fail at keeping it. Why do we feel the need to put that much pressure on ourselves? Life in itself is stressful enough, and when we make a big plan for our new year we only make the stress worse.

With this in mind, the fact that we have started a new decade can make the inner pressure in us want to do something big for our resolution. Really and truly, if we want to start the next decade on the right foot, we need to lessen the pressure on ourselves in order to become better people.

We all have goals, both big and small, that we want to get to and making a New Year’s resolution is always a perfect excuse to set a big goal for ourselves. However, in reality we are only setting ourselves up for immediate failure. Every big goal needs to be broken up in steps that are not only attainable but meaningful as well. Hitting a smaller milestone for a larger goal can make more of a positive psychological impact in ourselves than failing miserably. For example, my smaller goal is to be able to read more this year (I know, English teacher cliché but I really hardly have time!). To help me with this I do have a larger goal to go with it: I read a post about and joined a Facebook discussion group called “Shakespeare 2020” where the goal to read all works by William Shakespeare in 2020. While it is a very ambitious project, it is something that I have looked forward to and, even if life does get in the way, by reading and trying to stick to the project will fulfill my reading resolution. No big pressure and I will have fun at the same time. So when you make your resolution this year, not only make it a good one but one that you can achieve easily. As for me, I need to get back to reading Twelfth Night.

Until next time, dear reader, have a Happy New Year and my cap’s off to you!

Stories From An East Texas Cowboy “Tell all them hands out there in the west These East Texas cowboys are still the best.”

Carroll Langham of Grapeland is one of those rare and fortunate individuals who can have outrageous experiences and relate them with vigor. He writes cowboy poetry and stories and has put some of them in 2 books. Their titles are THE CUSTOM COWBOYS OF HOUSTON COUNTY and THE RETURN OF THE CUSTOM COWBOYS OF HOUSTON COUNTY. His wife kept hearing his stories and encouraged him to start writing some of them. That’s just what he has done the past 5 years. One of his stories is about a friend of his who killed a chicken snake just before the vet came to examine some cows. ”He thought how funny it would be to put that snake in one of them cows that the vet was checking. So he lubed

the snake up good and put it in the cow’s rectum. The vet ran his arm in the cow and there was something in there that wasn’t supposed to be. He began pulling the snake out and it was folded up pretty good. When it came out and fell on the floor it started to unfold.

It looked like it was alive.

The vet was so scared he turned and ran, scrambling to get away from that snake.”

You just can’t make up stuff like that. Carroll writes poems about dogs.

“I’ve had a lot of dogs and some good ‘uns I’ve had.

But a dog that won’t handle can sure make you mad.

A dog that will find

and a dog that will stay Can sure make you have a much better day.

The only thing worse than a dog that won’t hunt Is a dog that works behind instead of in front.”

Then there’s the story about his buddy Johnny who had some deer hunters on his land.

“He got to be friendly with them. They had killed a deer and were out there skinning it. One old big heavy boy was bent over skinning on the deer and his britches

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

were kind of open on the back. Well Johnny had some red M & Ms in his pocket that he had been eating. So he just dropped about 6 of them red M & Ms down the guy’s pants. He was busy with the deer and didn’t notice anything. So that night when he went to take a shower all them red M &Ms had melted in his underwear. He thought he was bleeding to death. He went to the emergency room. Johnny said when he got back the next day he was one mad cowboy. They told him at the hospital it was just red M & Ms.” In his writing, Carroll uses his own vocabulary.

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

HELP WANTED

Classifieds

JANUARY 3, 2020 11

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Sagebrush Living Center is accepting applications for Direct Support Staff. Contact Karen Wolsch or Doug Stanley.

Contact Kathy Phillips at 325773-2791 at Sagebrush Living Center, 1101 Columbia St., Stamford, TX.

Hanson Paint & Body Shop in Haskell, Texas is taking applications for the position of auto body paint and repairman. Please apply at 207 S. 1st Street, Haskell, Texas.

8603 FM707 TRUBY RANCH Fantastic Home w/ a pool 126± acres...$975,000 HWY 277 Hawley Faith over Fear home, barn w/horse stalls 51± Acres!.............$460,000 1502 Compton Stamford 3/2/2 Ranch home 1.6± AC!......Reduced! $126,500 1105 New Hope Road 2/2 brick Great Location!.................................... SOLD 703 Columbia Nice 3 bedroom 2 bath on a corner lot w 2 car garage!......$72,000 New! 804 Wells 3/1 w CH/A, tiled walk-in Shower and covered porch!..$67,500 716 E Oliver 4 bedroom/ 2 baths quiet area..............................................$68,900 1207 HUDSON 3 bedroom, 1 bath in a good location!..............................$49,900 New 1315 Hudson Rd 3/1 w CHA Great location!................................$39,900 712 E Vanderbilt Gorgeous 1910 2 story Victorian home.........................SOLD 519 Commercial Ave, Anson- 3/1 Rock home w Metal shop...............$49,000 Sagerton 3 bd 1 bath with fireplace and out buildings on corner lot!........$35,000

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FARM & RANCH

FISHER COUNTY

480± AC SE of Roby Tank, water well 170± Ac SE of Rotan Pasture SOLD Paved Rd frontage IN CONTRACT

CALLAHAN COUNTY

1,015± AC Great Sock Farm or Hay farm SOLD 10 ac Old Peanut Co-op Property

HASKELL COUNTY

126 ac cult. N.380 Rule 227± AC N of Rule Good combo place Pasture and cultivation! Great Hunting!

160± AC – The Kittley Irrigated Farm Northwest of Rule! SOLD 271± AC SE of Weinert Dry land farm w/ pasture, tanks and creek!

619± AC N of Lake Stamford pasture and tanks!

JONES COUNTY

NEW 377 ac on Hwy 277 Pasture/Cult.

Coop water 1,764± Ac Near Lueders Great Hunting!

323 Ac Creek, Cultivation and Hunting!

663± AC Great combo place w/ fence, pens, water well and tank 20± AC Near Ft. Phantom OAK TREES w/ Electric and rural water!

220± AC Cultivation on California Creek and US HWY 6 RD Frontage 247± Stock Farm SOLD 389± AC Cultivation, Rural water and Electric N of Merkle 160± AC south of Avoca IN CONTRACT 139± AC- Farrington Cotton Farm Prime Cultivation 50± AC Cultivated farm 230± AC Ft. Phantom River Ranch, Excellent Hunting!

782± AC N of Neinda Mostly Cultivated farm 45± Acres Right outside of Town

KENT COUNTY

925± AC-Panther Canyon Ranch-Native pasture w/ food plots, springs on Panther Canyon and Croton Creek on the north Boundary!

SHACKELFORD COUNTY

440± AC North of Abilene Cultivation and pasture w/ Spring, Rural Water and 3 tanks!

140 Country Cove Nice Brick 3/2 home with Fireplace & huge back yard! List Price $164,900 Blacksmith Shop, Art Studio and 3 Bedroom Home in Albany List Price $82,500

STEPHENS COUNTY

85± AC Native pasture w/ house

STONEWALL COUNTY

330± ac cult. & pasture, good stock farm 5,900± AC- Seven Diamond L Canyon Ranch two creeks and salt fork river 2,082± -AC- Double View RanchSpectacular views, River, 4/3 Home and Barns, rural water!

800± AC - White Ghost River Ranch - Salt Fork of the Brazos! Views of the River Canyon!

320± AC – Hall River Ranch River Frontage w/ 2 story home and additional acres for lease!

330± AC- Great View of Double Mtns. w/ scenic deep canyons, large neighbors, hunting!

130± AC- Youngers 130 Good Cultivation and great Hunting!

332± AC – Canyon West Ranch Great Views! Water, Electric & Secluded!

133± AC S of Swenson Brushy w/ HWY 380 Frontage Electricity on site!

1,455± Acres Base of the Double Mountains!

165± Acres All pasture, Great Hunting!

TAYLOR COUNTY

5± Acres Off of HWY 351 No Restrictions Reduced $32,500 Taylor Ridge Estates- 20-80 Acre rural tracts Call for info.

707 Ranch 10-12± tracts SOLD 20± Acres White Mines Road Creek, Hunting, No Restrictions $140,000

THROCKMORTON COUNTY

460± AC Morning Star Game Ranch High fenced turnkey w/ Hunting Ranch 160± AC Cultivation and Pasture w/ 3BR Home west of Woodson

DICKENS COUNTY

1,450± AC Fantastic Hunting, Shinnery, Large Stock Tank

Happy New Year!

12 JANUARY 3, 2020

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Lueders-Avoca Lady Raiders played against Strawn Monday morning . Final score Lueders-Avoca 47, Strawn 63 . (Photo courtesy of Roger Niehaus)

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Sorry I missed the news last week, time just slipped up on me. Too much Christmas and lot of visitors. I suppose everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Folks were having Christmas all different days, so they could have all the families.

Darbee, Laynee, and Hazelee New from Haskell spent a few days with their grandparents, Dale and Carm Letz last week end.

Danny and Phyllis Letz was among the many that attended the Christmas Special at the First United Methodist Church in Sagerton last Monday. On Tuesday, Phyllis met her sister, Laura Andress, in Haskell for lunch, a nice visit, and gift exchange.

Later in the afternoon, she went to Abilene to take daughter, Jana Hinkle, and granddaughter, Deann Conner out to lunch and shopping.

Danny Letz and his band played at Buck’s in Sweetwater last Saturday evening.

Matthew Williams, grandson of Peggy Klump Richards, was recently presented the Medal of Honor

by President Trump. He and his family were invited to attend the Christmas Party at the White House.

What an honor! Peggy grew up in this community with her sisters, Hazel and LaVerne. Congratulations to the family.

The Old Glory Community Center was a busy place on the past Sunday afternoon as a family Christmas party was hosted by Sybil Hendrick and her daughter and husband, Jan and D P Harris all of OG. Attending were Kevin and Sara

visited with Kafer and other relatives son, Jayden before going Harms all back. of Abilene, On Tuesday, Amy, Glen and Helen Clark, Jake, Pierce celebratJudson, and ed their 70th Jaxton from wedding anniSweetwater, (Jody had OLD GLORY NEWS versary at their home. Daughto work). ter, Jami Wilde Teddye and By Anita Dozier from Knox City Tris Myers, and her grandMyka and son, Crete Briggs, from Mabree of Aspermont, Haskell brought lunch and Deana Mitchell from Swa big beautiful cake. Others enson, Julie Hull and River present were Kim Lowack Hawkins both of Stanton, and Kelly. Mittie Dunham Kelly Bartley of Knox City visited early in the day, and Bronc Hawkins of but did not stay for lunch.

Aspermont. The group Helen stated they received enjoyed games of Skip-Bo and Bingo, great fellowship flowers, many cards and calls. Congratulations and plenty of delicious to Glen and Helen, that is food. a great honor to make that Mike and Maxelle Balmany years. dree and their grandson, On Christmas Day Fred Duke Baldree, of Tuscola and Tami Baitz from visited with me on Thursday the week before Christ- Sagerton and Mary Letz of Rule visited with Glen and mas. We had a wonderful Helen.

Christmas celebration in Last Saturday, Mittie the beautiful decorated Dunham and Theresa home of Rita Stephens.

Anderson went to Roby to Everyone enjoyed games, attend the Christmas Celgifts, visiting, picture takebration given by Tommy ing and plenty of food. and Gloria Self. Lot of Family present were from musicians present played Prosper, Abilene, Tuscola, lot of great music. Mittie Sweetwater, Pensacola, stated that she enjoyed Florida, Hamby, and Old visiting with folks she had Glory. Had a great day. not seen in a while. The Rylan Letz who recently moved here has now large crowd enjoyed plenty of good food. moved to Seattle, WashingSunday, Mittie met ton for a new job. He is the Theresa Anderson and son of Casey and Emery Shirlene Sikes in AsperLetz. mont for lunch and gift My granddaughter exchange following church and family, Sara and J G services.

Heidenheimer, Zachary Monday, Mittie drove to and Ryan from Pensacola, Hamlin to enjoy Christmas Florida visited with me in the home of her son and on Monday and we had dinner in Aspermont. They family, Rodney and Tracey Dunham. Their daughter, attended Christmas at Dusty and family of Ft Rita’s on Sunday, and then Worth were there. Also Tracy’s family, Eddie and Sammie Offield from Knox City, Kelly Offield from Wichita Falls, Scooter Offield and family of Hamlin.

Tuesday, Mittie had Christmas with Gerral and Shelly Waldon.

Also present were Shelly’s son, Colton Hill and his friend, Kiana Senna from Lubbock. Wednesday,

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Mittie had Christmas for her granddaughter, Sonja Dunham and her family from Abilene.

A large crowd attended the Christmas Program at the Faith Lutheran Church on Christmas Eve. The program was beautiful, and the refreshments following the program was very delicious.

I want to mention a few activities coming up in January.

Wednesday, January 8, the Multi County Retired Teachers and School Personnel will be meeting in the Home Economics Building at the Stamford High School for their luncheon and meeting at 11:30 A M. Mark your calendar. Volunteer hours are due on that day.

Monday, January 13, there will be a Senior Citizens Dance at the Old Glory Community Center from 7 P M to 10 P M with a live band and snacks will be served. Everyone is invited.

Thursday, January 16, the Hobby Club will be meeting at the Sagerton Community Center at 2 P M. On Saturday, January 25, there will be a Musical at the Old Glory Community Center with the concession stand open at 5:30 P M and the program will follow at 6 PM. Be sure and mark your calendar.

Be looking forward to seeing all of you back.

Thought for the week: “If you keep waiting for just the right time, you may never begin. Begin now. Begin where you are with what you are.”

Happy Birthday Wishes go to M’Lynn Johnson, Andrew Hertel, Iona Baldree, Robert Tribbey, Beverly Davis, Randy Wilks, Brian Lehrmann, Jack Redd, Randy Schroenstedt, Jason and Jerel Serafine, Ruby Olson, Pat Gray, Doug McEwen, Clancy Lehrmann, and Joe San Stubbs. We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to Trapper and Morgan Rae Dixon. Have a wonderful day.