February 7, 2020 - Stamford American

STAMFORD

American THE NEW

FEBRUARY 7, 2020

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

$.75

INSIDE PAGE 2

RETIREMENT:Long time city employee retires

PAGE 8-9

BASKETBALL: Photos and Scores from Friday’s Game

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN VOL. 11, ISSUE 38 STAMFORD AMERICAN VOLUME 98, ISSUE 44 STAMFORD LEADER VOLUME 114, ISSUE 45

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Candidate for the 11th Judicial Court of Appeals Frank Hunold, District Attorney Joe Edd Boaz and Jones County Republican Chair Dub Harrison relax between dinner and the dessert auction at the Jones County Extension’s Meet the Candidates on January 30, 2020 held at the historic Opera House in Anson, Texas.

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2 FEBRUARY 7, 2020

MARK THE DATE...

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

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 51 | 29

Saturday 52 | 37

Sunday 52 | 37

Monday 53 | 42

Tuesday 56 | 42

Wednesday 64 | 41

Thursday 64 | 39

The weather is provided for you

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

Raymond Pippin was given a retirement party at City Hall to commemorate his 26 years working for the Stamford, Texas Water Department. The get together was held on Friday, January 31, 2020.

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.

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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

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Community

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 3

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

2020 Meet the Candidates a Great Success

Lou Jean Lovvorn

BY KAY SPEARS What a fun night!

About 125 Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike came together for the Meet the Candidates soiree put on by the Leadership Advisory Board of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Jones County.

It was held Thursday, January 30, 2020 at the Johnson Hall in the Anson Opera House on the downtown square, 1120 11th St., Anson, Texas.

The dinner started at 6:00pm and the candidates began three-minute speeches about forty-five minutes later. Scattered in between the presentations, desserts were auctioned off to benefit Jones County 4-H and Extension Education Association programs.

County Extension Agent Steve Estes did a great job introducing the candidates and serving as auctioneer. The audience was attentive to the speakers however the cake auction was another matter.

Dub Harrison let it be known in no uncertain terms that the Jones County 4-H was going to make some money that night when he would bump up a bid by $50.00 or donate the cake he won, after he paid the winning bid, to be auctioned off again.

He and Joe Ed Boaz went a humorously verbal round or two questioning if a bank account check would cover a bid, bringing Stamford Mayor James Decker in on it wondering if he would use a

OBITUARIES

Jones County’s Extension Agent Kelli Maberry, Extension Administrative Assistant Pam Jones and Extension Agent Steve Estes were instrumental in getting the 2020 Meet the Candidates and Dessert Auction under way at the Opera House in Anson, Texas on Thursday, January 30, 2020.

City check or not. Lighthearted fun. Dub Harrison is the Republican Jones County Chairman and Joe Edd Boaz is the District Attorney for the 259th Judicial District.

The highest bid was made by Jones County Sheriff Danny Jimenez when he bought a German Chocolate cake baked by Ashley Soliz for $310.00.

Meet the Candidates events have been going on for many years during election years, but this appears to be the first time a candidate for President of the United States has attended. Democrat Robby Wells came for the dinner of ham, cheesy potatoes, green beans and salad, to meet Jones County voters and to spend his three-minutes

letting them know his views before heading off to Houston, Texas during his trip around the country.

In their press release, Steve Estes and Kelli Maberry, County Extension Agent – Family Community Health, stated the fundraiser raised over $3,600 with the dessert auction counting for $2,420 of that amount. Those purchasing desserts made by 4-H families and EE members were: Ross Davis, Billy Scott, James Decker, Dub Harrison, Janay Williams, Bryson Cole, Joe Edd Boaz, Paul Stokes, Danny Jimenez, Sarah Alfaro, Stan Lambert, Sutton Page, Jan Lefevre, Bonnie Estes, Stacy Wood, Jay Pace, Joy Ashworth, Regina Lively, Beth Stone,

Billy Wise, Dona Morgan, Tom Watson and Brooks Hagler.

The evening met its purpose “to educate those attending of the local, state and national candidates that are running in the Primary election that will be held on March 3rd.” The presentations were laid out in the following manner: U.S. President – Robby Wells U.S. Representative District 19 – Jodey Arrington (represented by Dub Harrison), Vance Boyd, Tom Watson U.S. Senator – Victor Harris State Representative District 71 – Stan Lambert SEE CANDIDATES, PG 5

Lou Jean Lovvorn, 95, passed away Monday, February 3, 2020, in Stamford, Texas.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Stamford with Pastor John Ward officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Kinney-Underwood Funeral Home.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2020, at the funeral home.

Lou Jean McAllister was born March 11, 1924, in the Tuxedo Community to the late Jesse and Nixie (Link) McAllister. Some of her favorite childhood memories were watching the trains roll by her farmhouse in the midst of cotton fields and visiting the Chicago World’s Fair in 1933 with her family. Lou Jean attended a three room schoolhouse in Tuxedo where she skipped the second grade. Beginning her junior year of high school she transferred to Stamford, where she graduated in 1940. She then attended Draughon’s Business College and HardinSimmons University where she was an assistant to her Bible professor.

Lou Jean married her high school sweetheart, James Douglas Lovvorn, on June 17, 1943, in Abilene, Texas. While Doug was serving in the Air Force during World War II, they lived in La Grande, Oregon, and Santa Ana, California, where Lou Jean assembled fuel tanks for aircraft in similar fashion to Rosie the Riveter. After the war, they moved to the Corinth Community to rear a family. She helped Doug harvest crops by driving cotton trailers to the gin. They were married for 63 years.

Lou Jean enjoyed reading books and newspapers, watching game shows, and sending greeting and birthday cards to a veritable plethora of family and friends. She prided herself on exercising proper spelling and grammar, and on putting her best foot forward.

Upon being widowed, she began a weekday tradition of playing dominoes and eating at the VIP Center. Until the last, for more than four decades “Grandma” held an annual Christmas gathering that provided indelible memories. She religiously attended Sunday school and church as a lifetime Baptist and longtime member of First Baptist Church in Stamford. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Survivors include two sons, Leslie Lovvorn and wife Jamie of Canadian, Texas, Marc Lovvorn and wife Diane of Stamford; two daughters, Karen Nauert of Stamford, Janet Duncan and husband David of Amarillo; 10 grandchildren, Amy (Brian) Holland, Scott (Jennifer) Lovvorn, Courtney (Brian) Love, Colin Lovvorn, Derek Lovvorn, Marci (Kirk) Acheson, Mandi (Brad) Whittlesey, Logan Nauert, Blake Nauert, and Austin (Cassy) Duncan; 10 great grandchildren; eight nieces; three nephews; a sister-in-law, Harriet Provost; and an assemblage of family and friends.

Lou Jean was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a sister, Winifred Osgood and husband Ervin; two brothers, Warren McAllister and wife Lois, and Neil McAllister; brother-in-law Vernon Lovvorn and wife Mary; sister-in-law Nancy White and husband Lynn; and son-inlaw Dwain Nauert.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Austin Duncan, Logan Nauert, Blake Nauert, Scott Lovvorn, Colin Lovvorn, Derek Lovvorn; and grandsonsin-law, Kirk Acheson, Brad Whittlesey, Brian Love, and Brian Holland.

Honorary Pallbearers will be J C Riddle, Don Taylor, Oscar Armstrong, Arlon Baize, and David White.

4 FEBRUARY 7, 2020

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Local Chit-Chat

BY KAY SPEARS Things are looking up for Stamford and the reopening of the Cowboy Country Museum. The museum and its Research Room have been sorely missed since it closed in June 2019 due to mold infestation.

Mayor James Decker stated on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 that the tests have returned and the CCM can open soon. Now it is up to the City Council and the CCM Board Members to meet and make their formal decisions on the reopening.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE ARREST REPORT 1/19/20--1/25/20 1/19/2020 5:56:00 PM Jed Ray Buckbee, Driving While Intoxicated 3rd Or More F3, Resist Arrest Search Or Transport MA, Assault Public Servant F3 1/21/2020 8:25:00 AM Eric Todd Usry, Warrant (Jones) - Credit Card Or Debit Card Abuse FS, Warrant (Jones) - Credit Card Or Debit Card Abuse FS 1/22/2020 1:13:00 AM Chase Tyler Leake, Poss Marij <2oz Mb, Unl Carrying Weapon MA 1/23/2020 12:48:00 PM Alyssa Mercedes Flores, Warrant (Taylor) - Theft From Person Fs, Warrant (Taylor) - Poss Of Hydrocodone 3f, Warrant (Anson)- No Proof of Rabies Vacc, Warrant (Anson) - Dog At Large

1/23/2020 7:35:00 PM Lori Benavides, Warrant (Blue) Parole Violation -Failure To Notify/Report 1/23/2020 10:47:00 PM Esequiel Hernandez, Assault FAM/House Mem Impede Breath/Circulat F3, Evading Arrest Detention MA , Poss Marij <2oz MB 1/24/2020 4:39:00 PM Carnell Lewis Hampton, Warrant (Blue)- Parole Violation 1/25/2020 8:44:00 PM Charles Hershell Hill, Driving While Intoxicated 3rd Or More F3 54040011status = NA

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Stop Signs to Replace Yield Signs in Town

BY KAY SPEARS On Monday, February 3, 2020 at 5:15pm the Stamford City Council met at the Stamford City Hall. Mayor James Decker opened the meeting before the invocation and Pledge of Allegience were given.

Councilmen in attendance were Robert Wingrove, Ken Roberson, Jimmy Doan and Paul Wright along with City Manager Alan Plumlee, City Secretary Kim Bryant and City Attorney Raymond Hollabaugh, CFO Karen Lou Graham and Chief of Police Darwin Huston.

Mayor Decker stated there was a quorum present and turned the next few minutes to the Public Comment segment of the meeting. Gwen Baker spoke to the Council regarding bringing resources together to help when an individual or family has a disaster occur, such as a house fire. Roberson reminded Council members there is an Emergency Preparedness Plan in place through the Council of Govenments for disasters such as a dam breaks or a major fire threatening the city. Baker said there is a need to have something in place for Stamford residents where different resources can be contacted when the individual or family are having a difficult time thinking clearly to know how to ask for

help at the time of their disaster.

The Consent Agenda consisted of the minutes of the last Regular City Council Meeting on January 21, 2020, which the Council approved. The following bid was approved: Bid for entity property located at 307 N. Ferguson (The North Fifty Feet (N 50’) of Lot Seven (7) and North Fifty Feet (N 50’) of the East One-half (E/2) of Lot Six (6) of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas) from Eli Quinonez (R14579).

In the Regular Agenda the Council moved on to Resolution 2020-1 – Atmos Steering Committee. It was approved to pay five cents per capita to the Atmos Steering Committee.

This provides the City of Stamford affordable legal representation in negotiating Stamford’s gas rates.

This will cost $156.00 for the year and the City has participated for many years.

It was approved to adopt the Code Updates on Orginance No. 915. City Manager Plumlee stated he received a call from the ISO (Insurance Services Office) insurance raters with their plan to visit in April 2020.

Mayor Decker explained having updated codes affects insurance rates. Their last visit was four years ago. He stated Manuel Ramos has been hired as the full-time Code Enforce-

ment Officer.

Plumlee gave an update on Water, Sewer and Public Works. He acknowledged the retirement of Raymond Pippin after 26 years with the Stamford Water Department. He stated from January 21 – 31, six water leaks were repaired and there were no sewer issues.

Street gutters are being addressed. FEMA money has been received and the streets affected are being worked on. A pre-construction conference for the raw water pumps, rehabilitation of the pump house and electrical at the lake is scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2020.

City Manager’s report included an advertisement for the maintenance and care of the Post Office lawn. He stated he made a guide sheet of what issues are to be addressed and it will be turned in by February 12, 2020. The next step will be to open contract proposals at the Council Meeting on Monday, February 17, 2020. After the proposals are received they will be compared to the smaller lawn maintenance jobs of the library and the VIP Community Center.

There was a house fire last week and another one this weekend. Mayor Decker stated the fire last week was “a poorly designed effort by somebody.”

Plumlee stated a map of Stamford’s city boundaries was sent to him regarding

the 2020 Census. He stated the city limits signs are up and that the sign on the north side of town does not include the population count where the sign on the south side of town does show Stamford’s population. He surmised this might be due to the north side of town being in Haskell County and the south side sign in Jones County. He said he noticed the highway department has addressed other signs on the downtown square.

He has been discussing the change out of yield signs for stop signs, stating he has ten on order to begin with. Yield signs around schools will be changed to stop signs first.

A Candidate Forum will be held for County Commissioner and Sheriff’s candidates on Thursday, February 13, 2020, at 6:00pm at the VIP Community Center, 508 E. Gould St., Stamford, Texas.

The next scheduled meeting is on Monday, February 17, 2020 at 5:15pm in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 E. McHarg, Stamford, TX. If attendance is not possible, the paper has begun the first live streaming of the proceedings and is attaching it to its Face Book page, The New Stamford American.

JONES COUNTY CALLS FOR SERVICE 1/19-1/25 Abandoned Vehicle 2 Alarm 1 Attempt to Locate 1 Burglary 1 Case Follow Up 4 Control Burn 1 Criminal History 1 Criminal Mischief 1 Disturbance 1 Domestic Disturbance 2 Fire-Grass 2 Fire--Other 1

Fire--Structure 1 Funeral Escort 3 Game Warden 1 Harassment 1 Information Only 3 Livestock Out 6 Major MVA 1 Medical/EMS 6 Minor MVA 2 Motorist Assist 1 MVA 4 Prisoner Transfer 1 Public Service 6 Reckless Driver 2

Request Officer 7 Smoke 1 Suspicious Person 2 Suspicious Vehicle 1 Theft 4 Traffic Stop 26 Warrant Service 1 Welfare Check 3 No Call Type Assigned 1

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

CANDIDATES: Continued From Page 3 Justice, 11th Court of Appeals District, Place 2 – Frank Hunold District Attorney, 259th Judicial District – Joe Edd Boaz Sheriff – Chris Levens, Marcus Lively, Danny Jimenez Tax Assessor-Collector – Gloria Little County Commissioner Precinct 1 – Roy Spalding, Billy Scott, Tony Cole County Commissioner Precinct 2, Unexpired – Zane Wedeking, Lonnie Vivian, Jan Lefevre County Commissioner Precinct 3 – Ross Davis, Paul Stokes, Todd McWilliams Constable – Gary Bouton, Jay Pace County Republican Chair – Isaac Castro The Leadership Advisory Board members expressed their appreciation to the candidates for taking the time to speak with the vot-

ers of Jones County, Texas.

Appreciation is given to the Deatherage family for cooking the ham, 4-H, EE, LAB volunteers and Kelli Maberry, CEA-FCH for putting together and serving the meal.

Texas AgriLife Extension program in Jones County thanks those who made the night a success for the programs. Jones County Extension Office is in the basement of the Jones County Courthouse, 1100 12th St., PO Box 152, Anson, Texas 79501, (325) 823-2432, jones@ag.tamu. edu.

Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and the County Courts of Texas Cooperating.

Judy, Mel and Clay Deatherage enjoy the dinner at the 2020 Meet the Candidates evening, January 30, 2020, at the Opera House in Anson, Texas. The dessert auction benefits the 4-H and Extension Education programs.

STAMFORD PD REPORT FOR JANUARY Monthly report for the Stamford Police Department for the month of January 2020.

104 Traffic Stops Conducted 166 Calls For Service 10 Arrests 32 Citations Written

Stamford Hospital District Board Member Sutton Page and 259th Judicial Court Judge Brooks Hagler attended the Meet the Candidates evening at the Anson Opera House on Thursday, January 30, 2020.

Miriam sits on dad James Decker’s lap but is fascinated by Texas State Representative Stan Lambert at the Meet the Candidates event on January 30, 2020 in Anson, Texas.

FEBRUARY 7, 2020

‘TOUGH YEAR,’ SAYS PERDUE AS USDA BOOSTS TRADE-WAR PAYMENTS TO $14.5 BILLION At the same time he saluted the de-escalation of the Sino-U.S. trade war, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced on Monday the release of $3.6 billion in trade-war payments to farmers and ranchers. The money will raise the total payments on 2019 production to $14.5 billion.

UK’S JOHNSON OPENS DOOR TO GMO FOODS FROM THE U.S., AS HE SEEKS TRADE DEAL British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wasted no time, after officially exiting the European Union last Friday, in courting a bilateral trade deal with America, decrying “hysterical” fears about U.S. food standards such as genetically-modified crops, The Guardian reported.

USDA HAS CHRONIC DATA ISSUES, EXPERTS SAY During the Trump administration, the USDA has repeatedly rolled out policies and program changes without accurate data, a report from Politico found.

From trade war bailouts to cutting food stamp benefits to relocating essential USDA agencies, several members of Congress, experts, and former USDA officials say the department is playing loose with facts to move its agenda forward.

CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM IS ‘COMPETITIVE’ THIS YEAR, DESPITE LOWER RENTAL RATES Despite lower rental rates,

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KASN AG REPORT With Richard Kemp enrollment in the land-idling Conservation Reserve Program is “competitive” this year, a USDA official said at a House Agriculture subcommittee hearing on Tuesday.

DOJ PROBES DEAN FOODS/DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA PROPOSED MERGER The Department of Justice is looking into the potential antitrust implications of a proposed deal between bankrupt milk processor Dean Foods and the giant dairy cooperative Dairy Farmers of America (DFA).

6 FEBRUARY 7, 2020

Stamford ISD would like to join districts across Texas in celebrating School Board Recognition Month

In our state, school board members are elected positions that are voluntary and therefore are unpaid positions. Although these are uncompensated positions, the men and women that serve on the Stamford ISD School Board are charged with the time-consuming commitments of reading reports, learning laws, attending required trainings, and establishing policies that create the structure for operations within our school district.

In addition to these commitments, board members serve as a vital connection between the school district and the community.

The Stamford ISD board members are truly dedicated to serving all 644 students and 107 staff members of the Stamford ISD family. In addition, these board members are responsible for being good stewards of an annual budget of $7.8 million dollars. We are fortunate to have men and women on our board that are public servants who fully accept these responsibilities.

Serving on the Stamford ISD Board of Trustees are Jennifer Caddell (Board President), Curtis Birdsong (Vice President), Justin Corzine (Secretary), Gwen Baker, Cary McClintock, Callie Metler-Smith, and Eric Strand.

It is truly an honor serving alongside these men and women. Please join me in celebrating School Board Recognition Month throughout the month of January.

With gratitude, Will Brewer Superintendent Stamford ISD

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Stamford Hospital District Board Meets

BY KAY SPEARS The Stamford Hospital District Board met on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 in the Stamford Hospital Board Room. All Board Members were present, Kevin Corzine, Gary Decker, Mark Lundgren, Kevin McCright, Chuck Muehlstein, Wyatt Oakley and Sutton Page. In addition, Haskell Chief Operations Officer Michelle Stevens, Stamford Staff Lab Director Bill Lee, Billing Manager Nancy Clark and Administrative Assistant Debbie Walters were in attendance.

Kevin McCright, Board President, opened the meeting after Kevin Corzine gave the invocation. The minutes from the January 21, 2020 meeting were approved. Nancy Clark gave the Financial Report, going over statistics and data from December 2019 while those at the table perused their packets. The inventories of the hospital and clinic have been completed.

Bill Lee stated they are out of network with everybody which means “we are, basically, not getting paid for what we are doing. We’re collecting a small amount, but even what we are collecting is a small percentage of what we should be getting once we get into contract.” He stated there is positive movement on the IDPF application 855 and the Medicaid application for

Country Elegance has been sent.

The boiler bids have come in and Lee was invited to attend the Pink Ladies meeting the second Thursday of the month. He stated the better bid is coming from a company in Hawley with a good reputation. The different areas of the financial report were discussed to the satisfaction of the Board and the report was approved as presented.

Michelle Stevens gave the Clinic Operations Report stating Chris Strickland will be calling the Advisory Board to set up a meeting to finalize the management contract. The lease for subletting the Stamford Clinic building is being worked on. Lee stated he was looking at the progress of the Clinic construction last week. He observed there were a few rooms to be completed and he saw “bubbles in the floor” due to water flooding the floor from the hot water heater. The CT machine will be sold for $26,000 and moved soon.

Lee reported that a maintenance man has resigned, and they should be fine until the outside work needs to be attended to in warmer weather. It was stated that the liability is too high to hire a high school student for the lawn work and the better idea will be to get contract bids for the work.

Radiology Associates is

being used and their new employee and it was approved to credential Jason Kimball, D.O. The following property bids were approved: A bid submitted by John Millies for the purchase of (R16230), Lot Two (2) in Block Ninety-two (92), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $100.00.

A bid submitted by John Millies for the purchase of (R28330), Lot Three (3) in Block Ninety-two (92), Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas; being that property more particularly described in a Warrant Deed with Vendor’s Lien Recorded in Volume 108, Page 824 of the Deed Records of Jones County. The Bid Amount is $1,000.00.

A bid submitted by the City of Stamford for the purchase of (R19380), Lot Nine (9) in Block Eleven (11), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $10.00 and Consideration.

A bid submitted by Angie Looney for the purchase of (R20521), Lot Three (3) in Block Thirty (39) (as approved by R. Douglas Jordan, PLLC), of the Original Town of Stamford, Jones County, Texas. The Bid Amount is $35.00.

It was approved to raise the subsidy to $2,500 per month for Stamford EMS. Next, Bill Lee brought up an IT license needing renewal.

Options and different scenarios were discussed.

He will look into it further to see if they will accept a month to month, 3-month renewal or 6-month. The system will change when Haskell Memorial Hospital District and SHD merge more completely.

The business for this meeting was covered and the meeting was adjourned.

The next meeting of the Stamford Hospital District Board of Directors will take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 7:45am.

ROTARY CLUB NEWS The boys and girls basketball teams began in early November preparing for the 2019-2020 basketball season.

They have been in several tournaments as well as individual games preparing for District competition. The Club invited Missy Dutchover, girls’ coach and Dean Edwards, boys’ coach to talk to the Club and tell about their programs, their players and their expectations for the season.

There are 33 players involved in the boys’ ninth grade, junior varsity and varsity basketball programs. There are more than 20 girls participating in the girls’ ninth grade, junior varsity and varsity basketball teams. Stamford is involved in a district with several competitive teams. The coaches think that our kids can be competitive.

James Decker, Mayor for the City of Stamford, was asked to bring an updated report on what Reclaiming Stamford has done over the past six months. More than 25 dilapidated houses and lots have been demolished and cleared for maintenance and redevelopment. Another campaign is scheduled this Spring for clearing more properties after the completion of a comprehensive study to have priorities in the removal of many other burned out and dilapidated structures. Over the years more than $150,000.00 has been spent by Reclaiming Stamford to brighten and clean up several major thoroughfares as well as around schools and other public areas. Still much work is needed, but where work has been done has helped the looks of our community.

We have certainly been enjoying some spring like weather, but the weatherman said it is coming to an end on Tuesday evening. I really don’t like the cold but they don’t want my report.

Well, this is the big day (Sunday). I sure would like to have a little of the money that is floating around. I would be afraid to bet on a game, I would never get close to the score.

Oh well, all have their own thing.

The Lodge meeting that was scheduled for Sunday was canceled due to illness. I saw on the news that some of the schools in the area are closed due to illness. I do hope things get better soon, this is getting scary.

Just remember..the musical will be on Saturday, February 22....

While Mittie Dunham was in Aspermont on Tuesday she had a nice visit with Alice Winters. On Wednesday Mittie and daughter, Shelly, went to Abilene to keep some appointments.

Don’t forget the Senior Citizens Dance at the Old Glory Community Center on Monday evening from 7 P M until 10 P M with a live band and snacks will be furnished.

Little Laynee New of Haskell came to visit with her grandparents, Dale and Carm Letz, on Friday and stayed until Saturday evening and they took her back home. Then Dale and Carm decided they would have

OLD GLORY NEWS

By Anita Dozier dinner with the family, Micah and Lacey New, Darbee, Laynee and Hazelee.

On Sunday, Dale and Carm joined Doug Vahlenkamp for lunch in Stamford.

Hobby Club will be meeting at the Sagerton Community Center on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 2 P M. Mittie Dunham was in Aspermont on Friday and had lunch at Gerral and Shelly’s food truck and got to visit with them. She also got to visit with her sisterin-law, Catherine Dunham from Jayton.

On Sunday Mittie met Theresa Anderson, Johnnie Nell PIttcock, Charley and Mary Grisham and Mattie Weaver all of Aspermont and Bob and Juandell Giles from Spur for lunch in Aspermont.

Visiting with Glen and Helen Pierce on Saturday were Gerral and Shelly Waldon. On Sunday, Tami Baitz and her mother, Mary Letz, visited with Glen and Helen.

Sybil Kendrick visited with friends in Breckenridge and Graham on

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Garry and Julie Hull from Stanton is spending the week end with Sybil.

Daughter, Rita Stephens, from Abilene met me at church in Sagerton this morning. Following church services we drove to Aspermont for lunch and later visited with Gladys Vahlenkamp who is in the Aspermont hospital. She was doing much better and should be back at home soon.

We need to keep all the sick folks in our daily prayers.

I found this quote by an American Educator I thought was worth repeating; “A fool and his money are soon parted. What I want to know is how they got together in the first place.”

Happy Birthday wishes go to Marilyn Martin, R G Hanson, Laramie Letz, Jerry Wienke, Chet Holt, Russell Schonerstedt, Whitney Hunt, Buddy Tredemeyer, Carl Stegemoeller, Jerry Kainer, Tristen Stafford, Ashley Thomas, Kyle Martin, Brett Hight, Chad Spitzer, Joe Castro, Brannon Manske, Maribel Garcia, Harold Bredthauer, Kami Ransom, Jesse Meier, Darlene Hold, Marilyn Brasher, Jacky Ray, Kelsey Pierce, David Jouett, Thomas Letz, Celie Gentry, Sadie Gentry, Elizabeth Womack, Bo Jenson Martin, and Jon McAden. We wish you many more.

Anniversary greetings go to Rody and Hannah Goodwin.Have a wonderful day.

JONES COUNTY CALLS FOR SERVICE 1/26--2/1 Abandoned Vehicle 1 Agency Asst 1 Animal Cruelty 3 Assault 1 Case Follow Up 8 Control Burn 1 Criminal Mischief 1 Criminal Trespass 1 Disturbance 1 Fight 1 Fire--Grass 1 Fire--Other 1

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 7

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Fire--Structure 1 Information Only 3 Intoxicated Motorist 2 Prisoner Transfer 3 Public Service 6 Reckless Driver 4 Request Officer 11 Smoke 1 Suspicious Activity 1 Theft 3 Traffic Stop 41 Welfare Check 3

Jones County Burn Ban lifted January 17, 2020 Jones County has lifted the burn ban for Jones County. Jones County no longer has a burn ban and requests its citizens to exercise extreme caution regarding outdoor burning in Jones County. Persons conducting outdoor burning should be aware of sur-

rounding conditions and weather conditions before any controlled burns. Any persons conducting large controlled burn events should contact Jones County Dispatch at 325823-4604 to report location and time of controlled burn to avoid unnecessary response from volunteer fire departments. Person

responsible for fires may be held personally responsible for any damages caused by a fire or smoke.

8 FEBRUARY 7, 2020

Bulldogs Squeak By Albany

The Bulldogs came out on the winning end of a close one on Friday night against the Albany Lions. Despite a 10-4 point deficit in scoring in the 4th quarter, the Dawgs won 39-36. Austin Brewer had 14 points, Trace Price 9, Keyven Mueller 8, Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Marcus Barber 6 and Charles Moore 2.

Stamford 16 5 14 4--39 Albany 5 7 14 10--36

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

The paw print

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THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

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District Realignment Revealed

The 2020-22 Football District Alignment has been announced. Stamford will be joined by former district rivals Anson, Haskell, and Hawley, as well as Colorado City and Forsan, in 2A Division 1, Region 1, District 3. For Basketball, Stamford will be in Region 2, District 10 with Albany, Anson, Cisco, Hamlin Haskell, and Hawley.

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Worse Than You Think In my last essay, I continued my series inspired by pastor Stephen Witmer’s book, “A Big Gospel in Small Places: Why Ministry in Forgotten Communities Matters.” My essay, and Witmer’s book, conclude that small places are better than we think, because God sees them as far more valuable and important than modern society does.

But small places are also worse than we think.

You probably didn’t expect that from me, given my perennial optimism and championing of rural life, so go ahead and read it again. It’s not a typo.

Small places are often derided by the world as unimportant. However, they are also often idealized. This problem dates back thousands of years.

Witmer notes that Roman poets often wrote of the

ESSAYS FROM WEST OF 98 James M. Decker Roman countryside as a literary utopia, the home of virtue, industry, and stability, as opposed to the dirty, immoral cities. Witmer compares that to the themes of modern country music, where country life is also often idealized. I could write an entire treatise on the misguided themes of what passes as modern country music, but that’s an essay for a different day.

It’s a Mayberry-ization of

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

rural life, pretending that we live in the Andy Griffith Show. This is not a new phenomenon. Witmer cites a letter written in 1802(!) by a woman from Maine named Eliza Southgate who told a friend, “our novelists have worn the pleasures of rural life threadbare.”

Listening to those country music sounds, it’s clear that we’ve only gotten more threadbare. But why does society do this?

Witmer quotes rural demographer Calvin Beale, who found that “the countryside was a time machine in which urbanites could see the living past, and feel nostalgic or superior, as the sight inclined them.” Witmer points out that evangelical Christians are just as guilty, contrasting their mission work in the sinful, complex cities to life in peaceful, simple rural America, where nothing bad ever happens.

Rural Americans idealize

our small places too. Reading this chapter of Witmer’s book was a bit of a gut punch for me. He quotes essayist Kathleen Norris, who wrote that small towns on the Dakota plains idealized their isolation to contrast their idyllic life with the bad world outside.

As a West Texan, I’ve often idealized the perils of living here, where extreme weather is common and seemingly every native plant and animal is full of thorns or poison.

But here’s the problem: you can’t fix something that you idealize.

Rural folks mythologize our small places because it makes them feel good about living here. City folks mythologize rural America out of both nostalgia and superiority. Both are wrong.

Idealization ignores the reality that, as Witmer writes, rural America is a complex, broken place full of sin and despair. In that respect, ru-

ral America is just like the cities, suburbs, and every other place on earth.

We know what this brokenness is. Deaths from drug overdoses are higher in rural America. As rural populations decline, more of rural America becomes classified as a “food desert,” (defined as living 10 or more miles from the nearest full-service grocery store or supermarket). We fight the “brain drain,” young people moving away and never returning. We struggle to provide good, quality jobs and economic opportunities in our communities. Our government entities have less money to provide necessary services.

Believing the mythology is naïve and dangerous, because it makes it more difficult to fix these issues. Why spend your time and energy repairing something that doesn’t need fixing? Pastor Witmer writes a beautiful line that sticks with me: “we

will not fruitfully serve what we idealize.”

This is not an either-or proposition. Small places are simultaneously better AND worse than we think.

Witmer cites esteemed pastor Tim Keller in writing that this is a reminder that in God’s eyes, we are simultaneously both sinful AND worth saving.

We cannot despair by dwelling on the negative, nor should we naïvely ignore our challenges. Here’s the ultimate reality: our rural places are both broken AND worth saving.

James Decker is a lawyer, farmer, and mayor in Stamford, Texas, and the creator of the forthcoming “West of 98” podcast and website.

He may be contacted through Facebook at facebook.com/james. decker.

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

Nugent Church of Christ Nugent, Texas Wayne Kitchens, Preacher Sun. 10 Bible Classes 11 Morning Assembly

St Ann’s Catholic Church 1001 S Swenson 325-773-2659 AM Mass: 11:00

Temple Baptist Church Jesse Morton 309 E Campbell 325-773-2550 AM Service: 11:00

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

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

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. 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

Trinity Church Dr. Robert Wingrove 220 E. McHarg

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Abbott Joins Officials In Response To Virus Originating In China

Gov. Greg Abbott on Jan. 30 commented on a White House briefing about actions to stem the transmission of novel coronavirus in the United States.

Speakers at the briefing concerning the outbreak of the new respiratory illness that originated in Wuhan, China, included U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.

“The State of Texas is continuing to collaborate with our local, state and federal partners as updates come in on the status of the coronavirus,” Abbott said.

“Our local communities will have the resources they need to respond to any potential cases of the coronavirus in their area, and we remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of all Texans.”

On Jan. 27, Abbott met with state health and emergency management officials for a briefing on the same topic. “The Lone Star State will remain vigilant to protect the health and safety of all Texans,” Abbott said.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is working with local health departments to assess people with respiratory illness and recent travel to the province of Hubei, China, for possible 2019 novel coronavirus testing.

The DSHS said travelers should monitor themselves for symptoms and contact their health care provider if they develop fever, cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of being in Hubei.

The agency urged Texas health care professionals to ask patients with respiratory symptoms about their travel history and contact their local or regional health department if they think a patient may have novel coronavirus. The state had not posted the number of diagnosed cases of the disease in Texas as of Feb. 2.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid exposure to novel coronavirus —

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ed Sterling

precautions which are similar to those the agency recommends to avoid influenza.

Abbott Attends Signing Gov. Abbott on Jan. 29 joined President Donald Trump for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement ceremonial bill signing in Washington, D.C. The agreement, Abbott said, modernizes the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement “and will support mutually beneficial trade leading to freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in North America.”

It is estimated that the USMCA will have a positive impact of $17.6 billion on Texas’ annual gross product and create 164,700 new jobs in the state, according to December 2019 projections from the Waco-based Perryman Group. The USMCA also allows Texas increased access to trade with Mexico and Canada, the state’s two largest export partners, according to the governor’s office.

Law aids in unsolved cases The Texas Department of Public Safety on Jan. 30 said law enforcement agencies have identified suspects in more than 45 unsolved cases thanks in part to the implementation of House Bill 1399, the Krystal Jean Baker Act. The new law, which took effect Sept. 1, 2019, authorizes the collection of DNA samples from individuals charged with certain felonies and compares the samples through the Combined DNA Index System database in an effort to clear unsolved cases.

“By allowing us to collect and enter DNA evidence from offenders in a much quicker time frame, we are able to make a critical connection to previous

crimes committed by the same offender. We are aiming to stop these criminals from committing any other violent acts against innocent people,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw.

According to the DPS, Baker was 13 years old when she was abducted, sexually assaulted and killed in 1996. DNA evidence was collected at the time of her death but no arrests were made.

In 2010, the perpetrator was arrested on an unrelated charge in Louisiana. DNA taken at the time of the arrest linked him to Baker’s murder and he ultimately pleaded guilty.

New Tax Guide Is Released The Texas Comptroller’s office on Jan. 27 announced its release of “A Field Guide to the Taxes of Texas” — a report providing an overview of Texas’ major state taxes.

Every year, the state collects billions in state taxes and fees, federal receipts and other sources of revenue. The funds are used to pay for all of the responsibilities of state government, including the education of more than 5 million public school students and the provision of health insurance for more than 4 million low-income Texans, said state Comptroller Glenn Hegar.

The publication, which can be downloaded free of charge from the website, comptroller.texas. gov, shows: —How major taxes have contributed to state revenue during the past 10 years; —Future revenue estimates, exemption value estimates and tax allocations; and —Links to other resources about state taxes.

Ag: Letter To School Districts School districts must refrain from spending public funds to advocate for or against political candidates, said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a Jan. 28 mailing to school districts across the state.

Included in the mailing were educational materials detailing the importance of the role of educators in the civic process and providing guidelines for legally and effectively leading both employees and students through the 2020 election.

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JONES COUNTY ARRESTS 1/28-2/1 1/28/2020 3:59:00 PM Darian Larmar Singleton, Warrant (Taylor Co) Class A Assault, Warrant - (Pecos Co) - FTA Falsification of Drug Test Results, Warrant (Pecos Co) - FTA Poss Of Marijuana < 2 Oz 1/28/2020 6:25:00 PM Jeannie Pardo, Warrant (Jones Co) - Assault Causes Bodily Injury MA 1/30/2020 7:45:00 PM Tye Howard Erwin, Warrant (Nolan Co) - Sexual Assault Child F2 1/30/2020 11:37:00 PM Derrick Damon Cooper, No Insurance Mc, Expired Registration Mc, Driver License Required (No Dl) Mc, Warrant -Expired Reg-

istration MC 1/31/2020 9:56:00 PM Armondo Wayne Rubio, Driving W/Lic Inv W/Prev Conv/Susp/W/O Fin Res MB 2/1/2020 12:03:00 AM Larry Aguirre, X2 Warrant - Expired Motor Vehicle Registration , X2 Warrant No Insurance MC 2/1/2020 1:01:00 AM Katonya Latrice July-Miller, Driving While Intoxicated 2nd MA 2/1/2020 3:04:00 AM Jessica Reyes, Poss Cs Pg 1 <1g Fs, Poss Del Drug Paraphernalia MC 2/1/2020 11:00:00 PM James Titus, Warrant (Taylor Co) - Assault Family Violence

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Martin and Cochran Among Inductees into Hall of Fame The 19th annual Big County Athletic Hall of Fame induction banquet is set for Monday, May 4 at the Abilene Convention Center. VIP tables for the Banquet and VIP reception are $800 while single tickets are $65 each.

To order tickets, go online to bigcountryhalloffame.org or call (325) 668-3685. Lari Dee Guy of Clyde becomes the first rodeo star to be inducted in to the Big Country Athletic of Fame. She will be honored along with former Abilene High quarterbacks and multisport standouts Ahmad Brooks and David Bourland, Jerry Don Logan of Graham who won a Super Bowl in a 10-year NFL career with the Baltimore Colts, and C.H. Underwood, who was the coach at O’Brien that won the UIL’s first six-man state football championship. Hon-

ored posthumously with the Bill Hart Memorial Legends Award will be Milton Martin of Avoca and Boone Magness of Breckenridge. The Legacy Award will go to the fatherson tennis coaching duo of Fred Scott Sr. and Fred Scott Jr., who coached at Sweetwater and Abilene High. Longtime Associated Press writer Mike Cochran from Stamford, who was a two-time nominee for a Pulitzer Prize, will receive the Lifetime Achievement for Media award and legendary Ranger College coach and athletic director Ron Butler will be recognized as the second recipient of the Impact on Big Country Athletics award.

Milton Martin was a member of Avoca’s 1955 Class B state championship basketball team. He scored 62 points in a game vs. Jim Ned,

which is a school record. He was the leading scorer in the scholarship era at HardinSimmons with 1,584 points in four seasons. He made 20 of 20 free throws in a game against Howard Payne in 1960. Martin is a member of the HSU Hall of Honor. He taught and coached for 40 years in Lubbock, Henrietta, Lueders-Avoca and Stamford.

Mike Cochran played golf at Stamford for Gordon Wood, but became one of the most decorated reporters in Texas during a long career with the Associated Press and Fort Worth Star Telegram. Although best known for covering moon shots, the Kennedy assassination, the trials of Cullen Davis and Billie Sol Estes, and other major news events, he always kept a hand in covering sports, beginning with high school

football during his early days as a sports reporter at the Abilene Reporter-News. He was a fixture for years in covering TCU football, the Cotton Bowl and Sun Bowl, and the Colonial and LaJet golf tournaments. Cochran wrote numerous books and feature stories, including features on Sam Baugh, Texas Tech’s Donny Anderson, and Odessa High’s 1997 victory over Permian. He is the author of a book on Big Country Hall of Fame poker player Doyle Brunson. Cochran is a member of the Texas Newspaper Foundation Hall of Fame and was twice nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

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Town & Country Women’s Fair Scheduled – February 18 “If you eat and wear clothes, you are involved in agriculture.” This is the slogan for the 22nd annual Town and Country Women’s Fair scheduled for Tuesday, February 18th in conjunction with the Texas Farm Ranch Wildlife Expo.

The Women’s Fair will be held in the Display Building on the grounds of the Taylor County Expo Center.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Women’s Fair Task Force has planned a day filled with educational programs and creative ideas to promote agricultural food and fiber products. Plan to join women from Abilene and the surrounding area for a day of fun and useful information.

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the event will conclude around 2:00 p.m.

The day is free to the public and the conference facilities are accessible for the physically disabled. You may spend the entire day or pick and choose the sessions you want to attend.

Mike Coffey will be serving as the Master of Ceremonies for the 2020 Town & Country Women’s Fair.

Coffey is a retired educator having taught students at St. John’s Episcopal School, Abilene ISD, and Morgan

Jones Planetarium. Those in the Abilene area may also know him through his work as a radio personality with KGNZ, a Christian music radio station, and as sports announcer for AISD and Shotwell Stadium. An ordained minister, Coffey currently serves as pastor of First Baptist Church in O’Brien, Texas. He will kick off the day at 9:00 a.m. with the first session, “Gardening for Butterflies: Things We Can Learn from the Monarch”.

This presentation will be presented by our very own Big Country Master Gardener and Big Country Master Naturalist Associations and should prove to be very informative and educational.

The 10:00 a.m. session, “Travel Tips – Tricks of the Trade”, will provide participants with lots of great ideas and helpful hints when it comes to traveling.

Connie Petross, Tour Escort with Bilbrey Tours will share her expertise with everyone.

“Exercise: It’s not what you think” will be addressed at the 11:00 a.m. session presented by Texas Tornadoes Line Dance Club of Abilene. This will be a great time of fun, fellow-

JONES COUNTY CALLS FOR SERVICE 12/29--1/4 Case Follow Up 3 Civil Complaint 1 Civil Process 1 Control Burn 1 Criminal History 1 Fireworks 1 Game Warden 1 Harassment 2 Hazmat 1 Information Only 7 Livestock Out 11 Medical/EMS 10 Motorist Assist 2

MVA 5 Prisoner Transfer 3 Public Service 6 Reckless Driver 3 Request Officer 8 Road Hazard 1 Shots Fired 1 Smoke 1 Suspicious Person 2 Suspicious Vehicle 3 Theft 2 Traffic Stop 29 Wanted Subject 2 Welfare Check 4

ship and an opportunity to get moving.

During the sponsored luncheon, Christopher & Banks, Mall of Abilene will provide a look at the newest in fashions through a style show. Local women will be modeling styles for various ages and body types.

The afternoon program will begin at 1:00 p.m. with “Texas Ag Products – Go Texan Program”. Lauren Hall, Field Representative for Trade & Business Development with Texas Department of Agriculture will provide a unique look at various agriculture products throughout Texas and provide insight on the ever popular Go Texan Program.

for the event which will be drawn for throughout the day. A variety of vendors and educational booths will also be on hand featuring information and for sale items.

The Town & Country Women’s Fair is presented

by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Taylor County and Abilene Chamber of Commerce. We hope you will join us on February 18 for the 2020 event in the Display Building on the grounds of the Taylor County Expo Center.

For more information, contact the Taylor County Extension Office at (325) 672-6048.

Women’s Fair attendees will receive a SWAG bag of information, recipes, samples, coupons, and goodies. Local, area, state, and national businesses are providing door prizes

BALES GINNED AT AREA GINS as of 1/29/20 Ericksdahl Coop Gin - 6672 (final) Farmer’s Coop Gin-Stamford - 25,114 (final) Farmer’s Coop Gin-Radium - 9,037 (final) Farmer’s Coop Gin-Anson - 14,560

LA Lady Raiders played in Roby Friday night but came up with a loss LA 42, Roby 58. Boys also played for a win with a final LA 48, Roby 34. (Photos courtesy of Roger Niehaus)

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One Small Step at a Time This week I want to talk about something that has been weighing very heavily on my mind that has also been on the mind of many friends and family.

This past week was not an easy one as I learned Wednesday afternoon about the death of one of my former students from last year. I will not go into any real details out of respect for THOUGHTS FROM his family, but instead I want to focus on what happened after UNDER THE CAP the news had broken. I will just say that it was not an easy rest Will McClure of the day as I could see many students in a very emotional state over this loss and myself, along with my fellow teachers and administration, feeling pretty much powerless to really help. The first thing I thought about was how can you talk about something like this? What can you say to help the healing process? As a teacher, I can speak for myself when I will do anything to protect my students and help in any way that I can and I know that many parents were feeling the same way to a deeper level, but there is nothing we can do to bring this student back and all we can do is grieve for seeing someone go at such a young age. I know that loss can happen at any time and when we are least prepared, but it never really gets any easier.

The main thing I do want to talk about is the healing process.

As I just mentioned, loss never gets any easier to take; however, when we have a good support system and some happy memories it makes taken the next steps forward just a bit easier. We can all remember when we lost a loved one and the pain that we had to endure immediately after and for some time.

Honestly, sometimes that pain never really leaves us as we will find ourselves lost in our own memories and think of times with that loved one, leading to being a little sad all over again.

However, we also know that it is a part of life and to know that they are still in our thoughts can reassure ourselves that they made a positive impact on our lives. A couple of weeks ago I was reading a story with my freshman class called “Shoofly Pie” where one of the main themes was dealing with loss and learning to heal through good memories. As we were reading, it became a kind of therapy for some of my students, as well as myself, as we spent some time discussing how we have dealt with grief and how we remember the loved ones that we lost in our lives. While our memories did make us a little sad at times, the memories that we opened up to tell helped in more ways than one as my students turned to support each other, especially with such a difficult subject.

Loss is something that we have to endure at some point, but we never have to really do it alone at the end of the day. Once we can “let it out,” we let the healing process begin. It may be small steps, but at least they are steps in the right direction. Many of us that have dealt with loss have tried to deal with it on our own or even just try to not think about it, but that makes the healing process take longer. Being able to talk to someone, even if it not directly about the loss, can be that first small step that we need to take. While family will always support each other, sometimes one needs another ear that will listen and lend a shoulder to cry on. We should never have to grieve alone nor keep it bottled up inside. The healing process takes time, but with support it doesn’t have to be a struggle. If you are dealing with someone weighing on your mind, reach out to someone, anyone. You may not think much of it at the time, but it can be the one small step you need to really start to heal. We never really get over a loss, but we never should have to do it alone.

Bill Hit A Target 3 Miles Away Bill Poor owns Flatland Forge near Tuscola, Texas. He has won several international awards for his blacksmith work and manufactures tools for blacksmiths. His items go all over the world. “When we’re not doing that we’re shooting in precision rifle competitions,” says Bill.

“There are lots of those in Texas. We really like to play shoot ‘em up. I think it’s just part of being a Texan. We try to have a good time, that’s for sure.”

He has set a record of shooting a bullet a long distance. “I did shoot a bullet 3 miles. I’m one of only a few guys to shoot a bullet that far. There’s one other guy that has beat me. He’s up there in Michigan and hit a target nearly 3 and a half miles away. But I was the first one to shoot a target 3 miles away.”

He says you need a good telescope mounted on your rifle to be able to shoot that far. “You have to have good glass, good optics. Leopold has some of the best optics out there and they sponsor me. That’s a really good

scope that enabled me to see the target that far and get it sighted in.”

You don’t shoot a bullet 3 miles in hilly country.

“That’s why I go out to Midland and Odessa to make a shot that long. I have a couple of buddies who have ranches that are more than 4 miles long. You’ve got to have a pretty flat place to shoot that far.”

He enters all types of competitions. “A lot of them are in Midland and Odessa. We have a couple here; we have a new range out here almost to Winters, Texas that’s a thousand yards long. We do some pistol competition at the Coleman County Gun Club. Abilene has some short range shooting events. I’ve entered a competition in Raton, New Mexico where we shoot at targets 2 miles away.”

He had a special rifle

built to shoot a bullet 3 miles.

The bullet looks like a missile.

He showed it to me.

“That’s a 400 grain solid copper bullet moving at 3200 feet per second when it leaves the barrel.

It goes supersonic. I shot it with a 408 military style rifle built by Robert Vestal who makes custom guns in Virginia.”

Windage and other factors are available at his fingertips using his cell phone. “We have all this modern technology that tells you what you need to know. I use a 30-dollar app called a ballistic app. When you give it the information about where

TUMBLEWEED SMITH

you are, the air, wind, humidity, elevation, altitude and environment it’ll tell you what you need to do to hit the target.”

To say that Bill is a good shot is an understatement. We stood outside his gunroom and saw a bird fly up about 50 yards away. He got it with a pistol. He has a selection of powerful guns and uses them on hunting and shooting ranches around the state.

Bill shoots bows and arrows, too and wants to set a world record with a crossbow, shooting an arrow 700 yards. “I’m working on it. I’ve had a couple of goes at it and I keep improving.”

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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.

FOR SALE TREES are now available to order from the California Creek SWCD. We have evergreen and hardwood seedlings. For information on availability and varieties please call Elizabeth Olson at 940-8642617 ext. 4 or 940-256-1174. Deadline to order is February 10th.

PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Stamford will receive sealed written proposals for the care and maintenance of the Post Office lawn. Sealed proposals will be received in the City Secretary’s office no later than 5:00 pm on February 12, 2020 and will be opened for the record at 5:30 pm on February 17, 2020 at the Stamford City Council meeting. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part, deemed by the City to be in the City’s best interest.

A copy of items to be addressed can be picked up at Stamford City Hall.

HELP WANTED POSITION VACANCY NOTICE Department: Operations Location(s): Stamford, Texas Job Title: District Operations Supervisor Job Classification: Non-Exempt Pay Grade: 14 – $38.71 Minimum - $57.72 Maximum Position Summary: Supervises all phases of district line work, assuring quality and continuity of service. Under Vice President of Operations, ensures that crews are provided with proper equipment, training, and tools to perform their jobs safely and effectively. Some overtime required and called out for major outages.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to: Vice President of Operations Directs: Service, Construction Foreman and associated Crews Internal Relationships: District Manager, Vice President of

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 15

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Engineering, Other District Supervisors, and Other Employees External Relationships: Members, Contractors, and General Public Responsibilities, Authorities, and Essential Functions of the Job: Responsible for Construction and Maintenance of the electric system. Drafts daily and weekly work schedules.

Ensures work performed by crews is done safely, effectively, and standards are met.

Communicates with members about job scheduling and progress. Responsible for maintaining proper system voltage, balance and minimal line loss. Survey, stake, and document line construction and changes. Determines load requirements to ensure quality service. Secures right-of-way easements, contracts, and per-

mits as required. Investigates consumer service complaints and outage reports. Assists in development of departmental budget and work plan preparation. Ensures crews adhere to safety rules and regulations.

Reviews staking sheets, service orders, connects, disconnects, etc., and other paperwork as required, and reviews paperwork completed by crew. Responsible for proper operation of system sectionalizing equipment and Substations, recommends additions/changes for sectionalizing and substation maintenance; including special equipment such as metering, regulators, capacitors, sectionalizers. Helps develop long-range maintenance plans in terms of programs, personnel, facilities, equipment, and supplies, operations, maintenance, and service of BCEC. Stimulates high standard of morale among department employees by the creation and use of team spirit and enthusiasm throughout the department and by determining the employees’ attitudes on organization goals. Encourage suggestions, constructive criticisms, and expressions of viewpoints from employees.

Regular attendance during normal business hours.

Job Requirements (Experience, Knowledge, and Abilities and Skills): Training and Experience: Ten years of related work experience and training required and previous position of Crew Foreman.

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge and understanding of all phases of construction, maintenance, and line equipment. Must be familiar with the considerable hazards of electric shock, electric flash, falls, falling objects, and traffic.

Working knowledge of the Cooperative’s transmission and distribution system and of electrical line equipment to be maintained. Knowledge of line work – how lines feed, how to back feed lines, etc. Must know the overall service area of the cooperative well. Must know RUS specifications and NESC codes concerning power lines. Has current knowledge of irrigation, industrial and commercial load requirements. Understand construction drawings, system maps,

manuals, and staking sheets.

Knowledge of Cooperative’s tariff, policies, rules, procedures and practices. Must be able to understand and use electronic spreadsheets, word processing and other programs/equipment, including computer programs, provided by the employer now or in the future.

Abilities and Skills: Above average problem solving and troubleshooting abilities necessary to locate line trouble and recommend to members the best possible electric service. Experience in performing related work from bucket trucks and from the tops of poles. Understand NESC, NEC, and has the ability to construct Cooperative’s distribution system to meet these codes. Must be able to make immediate decisions in situations that are dangerous to a coworker or the public anytime a problem arises. The ability to communicate effectively with cooperative members, employees, and vendors. Should be able to promote continuous good member and public relations.

On call 24 hours a day – helps answer phones in emergency situations. Has and maintains a driver’s license with a good driving record and be insurable under the standard rate of the current carrier. Depth/ distance visual ability and eyehand coordination necessary.

Must pass a physical exam initially, and drug/controlled substance screening tests randomly. Can be counted on to meet goals successfully; is consistently a quality performer.

Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent to provide fundamental technical knowledge.

Deadline: Friday, February 14th @ 5:30 p.m.

Internal Applicants: Please fill out an internal application and email to HR@bigcountry.coop External Applicants: Please complete a BCEC employment application at www.bigcountry.coop (a resume may be attached to the completed application).

8603 FM707 TRUBY RANCH Fantastic Home w/ a pool.........IN CONTRACT HWY 277 Hawley Faith over Fear home, barn w/horse stalls 51± Ac..IN CONTRACT 2952 CR 216 Nice Home on 1 acre south of town! 4/2..........................$153,900 1502 Compton Stamford 3/2/2 Ranch home 1.6± AC!......Reduced! $124,900 1310 PORTLAND Great 3/2 remodel! Must See!...................................$114,500 613 POTOMAC 3/1.5 corner lot!.............................................................. $72,500 703 Columbia Nice 3 bedroom 2 bath on a corner lot w garage!Reduced!$69,900 804 Wells 3/1 w CH/A, tiled walk-in Shower...........................IN CONTRACT 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 McHarg Lots with Barn and wet weather creek!.........................................$32,000 712 E Vanderbilt Gorgeous 1910 2 story Victorian home.........................SOLD 807 Commercial 2/1 2 living areas...................................................................$72,900 519 Commercial Ave, Anson- 3/1 Rock home w Metal shop...............$49,000 Sagerton 3 bd 1 bath with fireplace and out buildings..............IN CONTRACT #10 Country Cove ALBANY Nice 3/2 Brick home in cul-de-sac!...... $164,000 913 Harold St ALBANY beautiful 2 story Call for details!.......IN CONTRACT 140 Offield ALBANY Blacksmith Shop, Art Studio and 3/2 mobile Home......$82,000

COMMERCIAL

1303 Swenson - 25,000 sq ft building 1631 17th St, Anson - over 4,000 sq. ft, restaurant equip....... IN CONTRACT 901 Commercial ANSON- 12,600 Sq. Ft. parking lot, HWY Frontage$175,000 The Hamlin Elevator, 423 E Lake Drive, Hamlin 1270 HWY 222 KNOX CITY Truck Facility on 35± Acres....................$359,000

FARM & RANCH

FISHER COUNTY

839± AC Secluded w/ Large neighbors and Big Canyon! IN CONTRACT 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 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!

782± AC N of Neinda Mostly Cultivated farm 663± AC Great combo place w/ fence, pens, water well and tank 402± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 389± AC Cultivation, Rural water and Electric N of Merkle 323 Ac Creek, Cultivation and Hunting!

253± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 247± Stock Farm SOLD 241± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 239± AC FM 600 & HWY 180 230± AC Ft. Phantom River Ranch, Excellent Hunting!

220± AC Cultivation on California Creek and US HWY 6 RD Frontage 160± AC south of Avoca IN CONTRACT 139± AC- Farrington Cotton Farm Prime Cultivation 62± AC N of Merkel, GREAT building Site!

50± AC Cultivated farm 45± Acres Right outside of Town 26± AC FM 2746 S of Anson water well List price $90,000 20± AC Near Ft. Phantom OAK TREES w/ Electric and rural water!

SHACKELFORD COUNTY

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

STEPHENS COUNTY

85± AC Native pasture w/ house

KENT COUNTY

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

DICKENS COUNTY

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

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!

658± ac Heath Ranch 200FT elevation changes, live spring and exotics!

320± AC – Hall River Ranch River Frontage w/ 2 story home SOLD 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 54± AC S of Trent Great Views!

36± AC S of Trent Elec & Water!

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

16 FEBRUARY 7, 2020

Chamber Kicks Off 2020 After an exciting 2019, the Stamford Chamber of Commerce is kicking off 2020 with a bang, with new programs, bigger events and a bigger membership drive.

This month, the Chamber is launching the Membership Drive for 2020. The board is now taking applications for new members, as well as nominations and applications for the 2020 Chamber Board. Being a member of the Chamber is much more than just an annual due. Membership fees help support numerous local community events and programs, as well as provides services to your business, such as promotions through the town marquee, social media and website, listings in magazines, tourist guides and brochures, and much more.

Next month will bring the Best of Stamford Event, set for March 17th at the Stagecoach Event Center. This event, hosted by the Chamber, features all the best Stamford has to offer, as well as the presentations of our community awards, including Senior Boy and Girl, Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year.

Also in March, the Chamber will be launching its first new program of the year, the Blue Light Ambassador Program. This program looks to recruit community-minded ambassadors who want to give back to the Chamber and Stamford. The ambassadors will actively support the Chamber’s programs and events, along with helping recruit new members. If you or someone you know wants to give back to Stamford or the Chamber but aren’t sure how or don’t have the time to be a full board member, this program could be the perfect fit.

The Chamber will also introduce its new Business Training Program this year. The trainings will be short sessions, open to members and non-members, that will cover a variety of topics to help you grow your business. Topics will include social media for business, accounting and legal questions, and much, much more. Be looking out for the date of our first training, coming this spring.

The Chamber will again be hosting the Holly Jolly Christmas Classic, currently scheduled for December 5th. Hoping to build on the success of last year’s event, the Chamber is looking to bring more vendors, car show participants and entertainment to the 2020 event, so mark your calendars now!

For more information on any of this year’s programs or events, or to find more information on joining the Chamber or Chamber Board, please contact us at chamberdirector@stamfordtx.org, or call us at (325) 773-2411.

news@americannewspapers.net

THE NEW STAMFORD AMERICAN

Double Mountain Coach Increases Rates The Double Mountain Coach rural transportation agency will increase fares beginning February 1, 2020. Fares for the agency have remained the same since January of 2004. In the fifteen years since the rates were set at $.05 per mile, increasing costs for fuel, maintenance, etc. has contributed to the need for raising rates. Although rates will be increasing, residents will still be provided with convenient, affordable transportation to cities within the agency area as well as to limited cities outside of the geographic service area.

Clients scheduling trips five miles or less will be charged $1.00. The rate for six to twenty miles will be $2.00; 21-40 miles $4.00; 41-60 miles $6.00; 61-80 $8.00; 81-100 $10.00.

Trips over 100 miles will

be charged a rate of $.10 per mile.

Double Mountain Coach provides rural transportation for residents of Stonewall, Kent, Fisher, Knox, Jones, Haskell, and Throckmorton counties. Anyone can schedule a ride to any location in our area and to limited cities out of our area. DMC is a demand response, curb-to-curb service and can be used for various reasons including shopping, work, beauty shop visits, visiting family or friends or dr. appointments. Rides are easily scheduled by calling the office and talking to friendly dispatchers. Requests should be made with at least a 24 hour notice. Utilizing grants from TxDOT, the agency acquired 13 new vehicles during 2019 to strengthen its fleet and increase comfort and ac-

cessibility for riders. “Our goal is to provide a service to the residents of our seven county area to enable everyone the mobility necessary to thrive in our small communities,” stated Executive Director, Cherry Pittcock. “We strive to promote public transportation as a safe, reliable and affordable option for our citizens.”

Double Mountain Coach (DMC) serves a large diverse population of individuals with varying ages (children, teenagers, adults, and elderly), physical challenges, economic and financial status, and ethnic backgrounds.

Double Mountain Coach Rural Transit District shall ensure that no person shall be excluded from the participation, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination

under any program or activity undertaken by DMC, solely by the reason of his/ her race, color, religion or non-religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. DMC assures full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended (section 504), the Civil Rights restoration Act of 1987 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities.

Submitted by: Cherry Pittcock Executive Director 940 989-3538 cpittcock@gmail.com

The Stamford Leader, September 19, 1925 Robbers Take The Safe At The Bottling Works There was one of the boldest robberies ever patrated [sic] in Stamford, same taking place it is stated last Saturday night some time.

The robbery at the Stamford Bottling Works and the safe was bodily taken from the building which

is located on West Moran Street just back of the Stamford Steam Laundry, just exactly one block due north of The Stamford Leader office.

The thieves tried several times to get into the building, as the efforts showed plainly. The first time they cut a screen but could not raise a window. Then they tried another place and failed. Lastly one of them threw a lump of coal through a window close to a latch and a round hole

VIP Menu

February 10-14

Monday Beans & Ham, Salad, Cornbread, Fresh Apple Tuesday Chicken Fajita Salad, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans, Melon Wednesday Meatloaf, Mashed

Potatoes, Corn, Bread, Strawberries Thursday Cabbage Rolls, Mac & Cheese, Tuscan Veggies, Cookies Friday Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Gravy, Rolls, Cherry Cheese Cake

about five or six inches was the result, the person putting in his hand and raising the window. Once in he opened the door and a truck received the safe, it is supposed, as the safe was gone Sunday morning.

Officers were notified at once and began work on the case, but at last accounts no trace of robbers or safe could be found.

There was comparatively very little money in the safe when the robbers got it, as the payroll for

the week had been met and other expenses paid.

However, it seems that yeggmen [sic] thought there was a large lot of cash there, else they would not have made the daring robbery.

J. T. Brown is the proprietor of the Bottling Works.

Editors Note: Wikipedia redirected a search for “yeggman” to safe-cracker.

The author may have invented the word “patrated.”

Texas Farm & Ranch Wildlife Expo Tuesday, February 18 7:30 a.m. Big Country Range Management 8:30 a.m. Town and Country Woman’s Fair Display Building 1:30 p.m. Cotton Production in 2020 Wednesday, February 19 8:00 a.m. Wildlife Management Seminar 8:00 a.m. Backyard Gardening Seminar 1:20 p.m. Fish and Stock Pond Management