El Campo Leader-News General Excellence: 03-20-2013 by Jay Strasner

Ready To Spruce Up For Spring?

Ladybirds Thump Bellville Page 1-B

Special Section Today

www.leader-news.com

VOLUME 129 NUMBER 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013

Alleged jailhouse beating reviewed

40 PAGES, 4 INSERTS

75¢

Students Back in Class

One deputy suspended pending outcome By BENJAMIN SHARP news@leader-news.com

A correctional officer has been suspended in light of allegations of physical abuse in the Wharton County Jail. Wharton County Sheriff’s Department officials said Tuesday that the deputy has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of an investigation. A former inmate has alleged the deputy punched him in the face repeatedly. The deputy’s name is not being released. “I’d rather not release it to protect the integrity of the case,” said Sgt. Raymond Jansky, supervisor of the department’s Criminal Investigations Division. Jansky said the suspension is

Myatt Elementary students like these in Lisa Weinheimer’s first grade class returned from Spring Break Monday and immediately dove into their lessons. Pictured here (l-r) answering questions about the parts of a plant

posed by Principal Liz Graves (far right) are Malaijah Wright, Jose Galindo, Margarito Gonzales, Eric Smutzer and Jaylee Cantu. L-N Photo by Shannon Crabtree

(See JAILER, Page 12-A)

Want to keep your vehicle? Try locking it By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

COMMUNITY The soup kitchen that became a reality about a year ago is still serving up hot, tasty meals to the El Campo community.

In El Campo, car thieves don’t necessarily target a specific make or model of vehicle – they’re more interested in the unlocked ones. And that’s all the more reason for vehicle owners – from economy cars to full-sized pickups – to practice a few basic safety tips, Police Chief Terry Stanphill told the Leader-News. Locking your vehicle is a big one.

Not leaving valuable items in plain view is a really, really good idea. “I’ve seen several times when a crook would walk down the street looking in the windows (of vehicles),” the chief said. Checking the door handles until a vehicle volunteers its contents is another common practice, he said, adding, “I wish people would be a little more cautious.” Twelve vehicles were stolen within the El Cam-

po city limits last year. Of those, Stanphill said, one to two were taken along U.S. 59 by actual car thieves – those on the hunt. Three were taken by a family member, two were involved in the equivalent of a custody dispute, one by a joy rider, two by workers opting to take the bosses’ car for a spin and one in a robbery. The other one or two, he said, were discovered (See UNLOCKED, Page 9-A)

Spring here, but weather may not feel that way long

– SEE PAGE 3-B

LOCAL WEATHER WEDNESDAY

Slight Chance of Showers DAY: 20% HIGH: 78º NIGHT: 0% LOW: 50º

By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

THURSDAY

Breezy DAY: 0% NIGHT: 0%

Monday may have given El Campoans a scorching taste of summer, but today the area and the nation welcomes the start of spring. And today’s forecast actually calls for idyllic spring-like temperatures with a high of 71 and a low of 51. Confused by the weather’s apparent cooperation with seasonal norms? Don’t worry. This, after all, is Texas. The National Weather Service calls for a return to mugginess with highs near 80 and lows in the 60s until Sunday night when it drops, in the typical Texas bounce, into the

HIGH: 76º LOW: 65º

FRIDAY

Slight Chance of Showers DAY: 20% HIGH: 79º NIGHT: 20% LOW: 65º

SATURDAY

Slight Chance of Showers DAY: 20% HIGH: 82º NIGHT: 0% LOW: 55º LAST WEEK: AVG. HIGH: 79º • AVG. LOW: 52º

R AIN G AUGE

Last 7 Days.................................. 0 In.

Last 30 Days............................. .25 In. Same Time In '12 ..................... 2.41 In. Year To Date .......................... 5.24 In. Year To Date '12 .................... 13.16 In. Data Collected by LCRA at El Campo Memorial Hospital

B URN B AN : LIFTED COUNTY’S MEAN KBDI: 385 Burn Ban is put into effect when the mean KBDI reaches or goes above 500.

Michelle Williams

L-N Photo by Shannon Crabtree

Enjoying ECVFD’s Appreciation Supper

Among the people filling the tables at the El Campo Civic Center to enjoy the fish and oysters at the El Campo Volunteer Fire Department’s Appreciation Supper were (l-r) Jewel House, Evelyn Martin and Connie Martin, all of El Campo. The fire department served an estimated 2,500 people during the event. For coverage, please see Page 10-A.

(See SPRING, Page 12-A)

Incoming city generators should help if hurricane hits By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

Protecting El Campo’s water supply in the event of a hurricane or other disaster will be a little easier by the end of the month. By then, city officials expect to have two emergency generators in place – one at the water tower on Monseratte Street and the other at the waste water treatment plant on Thompson Street.

The units will be able to function for up to 48 hours before needing to be refueled, City Council learned last week during an update on municipal projects. Because the city keeps diesel fuel on hand, extended service shouldn’t be a problem, Public Works Director Clay Harris told Council. For El Campo and all towns on or near the Gulf Coast, the potential havoc of a hurricane comes each year, although it could be decades between

direct hits. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through the end of November, but typically starts peaking for the Texas Gulf Coast between late August and early October. The last two major storms to strike the upper Texas Coast – Hurricane Ike in 2008 and Hurricane Rita in 2005 – made landfall well east of (See GENERATORS, Page 11-A)

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Page 2-A

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Law & Order Myatt burglary remains unsolved, tips needed By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

Contributed Photo by Denise Stanphill

Saying Goodbye

The El Campo Police Department and Chief Terry Stanphill, center, honored two retiring members of the force Monday. At right, Officer James Herrington officially retired Monday, March 18 after 37 years of service to the public. At left, is Officer Cindy Howell who will retire March 31 after 34 years of service to the community.

The exact damage caused last week by vandalizing burglars at Myatt Elementary hasn’t been tallied yet and the culprits remain on the loose. But the good news, Principal Liz Graves said Monday, is the fact students returning from Spring Break didn’t have to see any evidence of the mayhem – the district’s maintenance and custodial staffs made sure of that. “The clean-up crew did an awesome job – in record time,” Graves said. “And it was their Spring Break too.” But the crew gave up some of their holiday to return to duty and clean up the mess left after a break-in sometime during the March 16 weekend.

The burglars only stole 12 hand-held walkie-talkies, but decided to vandalize what they could. Paint and glitter was poured over copy machines and a laminator, which made them impossible to use. Whether they can be refurbished will be determined later this week, Graves said, adding the school will be using loaner equipment in the interim. Fire extinguishers were set off in the cafeteria leaving a sheen of white powder covering tables. In the office, papers were thrown about. “It could have been lots worse,” Graves said. “The classroom doors were all locked and the library too. They didn’t get into that.” All school records were

safely locked away as well. The El Campo Police Department requests anyone who may have seen anything suspicious that weekend contact either investigating detective Russell Urban at (See REWARD, Page 6-A)

Protect What Is Priceless Security Systems from YK Communications

Police Blotter Alcohol, drugs

Guillermo Palomares Zavala, 47, of 617 N. Wharton was arrested at 11:21 p.m. Friday, March 15 for driving while intoxicated after being stopped for failure to dim his vehicle’s headlights as another vehicle approached. He was processed and transferred to the Wharton County Jail the next morning. Cuauhtemoc Garcia Ramirez, 40, of 212 Stafford was arrested at 11:54 p.m. Saturday, March 16 for driving while intoxicated third or more offense after being stopped for defective tail lamps on his vehicle. He was processed and transferred to county jail the next morning. Property

Joshua Dale Lenard, 26, of 1101 Wright was arrested at 2:43 a.m. Saturday, March 16 on warrants for theft

under $1,500, burglary of a habitation with the intent to commit a felony, expired registration, open container violation, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of failure to appear after being stopped for a police check. He was processed and transferred to county jail later that morning. Pamela Nichole Jackson, 37, of 402 W. Fourth was arrested at 6:40 a.m. Saturday, March 16 on a warrant for theft under $1,500 after surrendering at the Wharton County Jail. She was processed there. Jennifer Elaine Montalvo, 27, of Bay City was arrested at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16 on warrants for failure to dim headlights for oncoming traffic, running a stop sign, no liability insurance and three counts of issuance of a bad check. She was processed and ordered held for 60 hours. Other

Justin Daniel Garza, 23, of 914

Cargill in Wharton was arrested at 8:56 p.m. Friday, March 15 on warrants for speeding and failure to appear while police were investigating another incident. He posted bond and was released later that night. Erick Jovanni Mendez-Martinez, 23, of Blessing was arrested at 3:32 a.m. Sunday, March 17 on warrants for no driver’s license, expired motor vehicle inspection, unrestrained child under four and failure to appear after being stopped for no license plate light. He posted bond and was released later that morning. Freddie Palacios, 56, of Mansfield, Ohio was arrested at 2:46 p.m. Sunday, March 17 on warrants for speeding, failure to identify and possession of drug paraphernalia. He paid the fine and was released later that afternoon. Norma Alicia Zavala, 36, of 710 Rice was arrested at 11:20 a.m. Mon-

day, March 18 on warrant for fraudulent use or possession of identifying information. She was processed and transferred to county jail. Public intoxication: 3.

City Incidents

Violence, weapons

A 23-year-old El Campo woman reported an assault in the 700 block of McGrew around 2:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16. Police are investigating.

County Jail Bookings

Alcohol, drugs

Marcus Lynell Earls, 24, of El Campo, was charged March 13 with possession of marijuana. He was released on bond. Brian Lee Moreno, 19, of El Campo, was charged March 12 with manufacturing/delivery of a controlled sub(See POLICE BLOTTER, Page 6-A)

Bulletin Board

Don’t Miss: Heritage Center Spring Fling The El Campo Heritage Center will have their annual Spring Fling Plant and Bake Sale on Friday, March 22, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, March 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Many colorful plants, including Knockout roses, shrubs, pot plants, hanging baskets, etc. will be for sale. Home-baked goods will include peach and berry cobblers, cream cheese rolls, strudels, cakes, pies, cheese biscuits and more. Easter is coming up, so these baked items can be stored in your freezer until then. The Heritage Center is located at 803 Fahrenthold St.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Wesley Chapel Fish Fry Members of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church are having a fried fish dinner starting at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 23. Pick up plates, $8 each, at the church, 202 Olive. Proceeds will be used for the church’s building fund.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 Garwood Lions Have Broom Sale Garwood Lions Club will have a mop and broom sale, 8-5 p.m., Wednesday, March 20 at Lehrer’s Station in Garwood. Proceeds benefit community projects.

HEP Banquet March 23 The Hispanic Education Project of El Campo welcomes guest speaker Jose Luis Orozco to the 21st Annual Scholarship Banquet, Saturday, March 23 at the El Campo Civic Center. Tickets are $15 per person; gold tables are $300 and reserved tables are $150. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner and program to follow at 7 p.m. For tickets, call Bobby Perez, 257-9288, Mary Arredondo, 541-6271 or any HEP member. Net proceeds benefit the HEP Scholarship Fund.

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

Pilgrim Rest Holds Fish Fry Fundraiser Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church will host a fish fry from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 at the church, 810 Palacios. The event is drive-through only for $8.

Child Care Having Roast Dinner Methodist Child Care is hosting a roast beef dinner, Sunday, March 24 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., 1001 Ave. I. Drive through or dine in, $8 per plate. For tickets, call 543-9172.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

Taiton Easter Egg Hunt Taiton Community Center members will have their Easter egg hunt and hamburger supper at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 24. Bring your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to join in the fun.

Heating It Up For Hospice The Ninth Annual Heating It Up For Hospice event will be held March 21-23 at Muldoon’s Saloon. There will be a poker tournament, barbecue cook-off, live auction, bucket prize drawings, dance featuring Steel Country, 5K stride/stroll, motorcycle fun run and awards ceremony. If interested in sponsorship, cook-off team, 5K fun run, all entry forms can be found online at: http://hospicesupportinc.org/annualfundraiser.html. Louise-Hillje Chamber Banquet March 21 Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce Annual banquet will be Thursday, March 21. Social Hour begins at 6 p.m. followed by the banquet at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Parish Hall in Hillje. Tickets are $10, Gold Tables are $350. For information contact Shelly 541-7056.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22 Defensive Driving Course Offered Defensive driving will be offered at El Campo Memorial Hospital Friday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the inservice room. Cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Bring your AARP card for the discount. This class does not dismiss traffic tickets, no test required, call ahead to sign up, may be eligible for discount on your insurance (contact your automobile insurance provider to verify). Call Donna Mikeska at 5785261 to register (leave a name and number) or the main hospital line at 543-6251 (the phone operator can also take your registration information).

KCs Host Picnic, Blood Drive Knights of Columbus Council 2490 will hold its Annual Spring Picnic with a barbecue chicken and sausage dinner on Sunday, March 24 at the KC Hall on Armory Road. Serving begins at 11 a.m. Plates-to-go or dine-in are $8 per person. There will be a drawing, turkey shoot, auction, cake walk and games for the kids.

UPCOMING EC Cotton Squares Open House The El Campo Cotton Squares are having one free night of square dancing fun with refreshments. Learn to square or line dance. The free lessons will be from 7-8 p.m., Monday, March 25 at the El Campo Civic Center Myatt Room. Singles and couples, young and old welcome to attend. For questions, call 543-3091. Louise Lions Flipping Pancakes The Louise Lions Club will have their annual Pancake Supper, 5-7 p.m., Monday, March 25 at the Louise ISD Cafeteria. Dine-in is $7 for adults, $5 for children (ages 6 and under). Carry out is $7 per plate. Library Hosts Book Fair The El Campo Branch Library, 200 W. Church, is hosting a buy one, get one free Scholastic Book Fair Monday,

bulletinboard@leader-news.com All phone numbers are area code (979), unless otherwise noted.

March 25 through Saturday, April 6 during regular library hours. There will be a wide selection of new books for all ages, as well as posters, bookmarks and much more. The library will be closed March 29-31 for the Easter holiday. For more information, call 543-2363, or visit the library website at www.whartonco.lib.tx.us. Special Ed Night At Northside Special Ed Family Night will be 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at Northside Elementary, 2610 Meadow Lane. Bring the whole family. Pizza will be served from 6-6:30 p.m. followed with a presentation by Brenda Nelson, with Partners Resource Network–TEAM Project, “Is Your Child a Target of Bullying?” There will be door prize drawings and free child care will be provided. Registration is required to attend. Call or email Brenda Nelson, 616-0393 or bnelsonprnteam@sbcglobal.net. St. Paul UMC Turns 100 St. Paul United Methodist Church, 211 E. Third, is observing their 100th year with a Centennial Celebration Sunday, April 14. Worship service will be 10 a.m. followed by a noon meal at Mikeska’s at the freeway location. There will be a program at 1 p.m., followed by visitation from 2-4 p.m. Those attending are asked to RSVP with a $10 payment for the meal no later than Monday, April 1. For information, call 543-3673 or 543-4845. Babe Ruth Baseball Registration Open Babe Ruth registration is currently open. Registration forms can be picked up and or submitted at Stephenson & Co, 1609 N. Richmond Road in Wharton, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Babe Ruth try outs will be held: Saturday, April 13 at 10 a.m.; Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, April 20 at 6 p.m. Try outs will be held at the Wharton High School baseball field. A 13-15 year old player that is new to the league must attend one try-out; only exception is if he/she is currently playing high school ball. Bowling Fundraiser The El Campo Memorial Hospital/Mid Coast Medical Clinic Lifesavers Relay for Life team will be sponsoring a bowling tournament on Sunday, April 7 at the El Campo Bowling Center. Doubles tournament starts at 1 p.m. Entry fee is $40 per team. Lane sponsorship is $50. For information or to sponsor a lane, contact Karen Johnston, 578-1207; Becky Wishert, 332-1685 or Bobbi Wigginton, 541-7078.

ongoing VFW Hosts Prize Drawing VFW Post 2786 is having a 16 prize drawing for guns and assorted items. Tickets, $20 each, are available now at Superior Motor Parts, Novak’s Meat Market, R&M Firearms or from any VFW Member. Drawing will be July 9 at the VFW monthly meeting. No need to be present to win. For information, contact Patrick Hlavaty, 543-0341. Proceeds will be used for the operation of the hall and student scholarships.

If you attend any events in West Wharton County please be sure to send the Leader-News your photos!

Email us at news@leader-news.com

ykc.com | 888-395-1499 109 W. Putnam Ganado, Texas Texas License # B16907 ACR # 1774806

City Arrests

Wharton County Veterans Office Open The Wharton County Veterans Service Office will be open every Tuesday and Wednesday in March from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4 p.m. The office is at 1017 N. Alabama Road in Wharton. Heritage Center Members Invited To Exercise Evening exercise machines are available to Heritage Center members from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 803 Fahrenthold. ECHS Class Of ‘73 Gathering Names/Addresses El Campo High School Class of 1973 is having their 40-year reunion Saturday, April 20 at Muldoon’s. Call Donna at 281-814-7150 or Diane 257-7304 with current addresses or for more information. Nada KCs Fish Fries Continue Nada Knights of Columbus will have an all-you-caneat fish fry every Friday until March 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Nada Community Center. Adults are $11, children ages six through 11 are $5 and children under six are free. Danevang Lutheran Offers Fish Fries The Danevang Lutheran Church will have a fish fry every Friday until March 29. Serving is from 5-8 p.m. Plates are dine in or to go for $8. For information, call Maria at 257-2095 or Darlene 543-3003. EC Library Hosts Storytime For Children The El Campo Library will have storytime for children ages three to five on Tuesday mornings from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Younger children may attend toddler time Wednesday mornings beginning at 10:15 a.m. All of the programs are free. Program schedules are available at the library at 200 W. Church. For information, call 543-2362. Free VA Hospital Transport Available To Veterans The Everyday Heroes van is available to all veterans. If you need a ride to the Veterans Affair hospital in Houston call 578-8387 for an appointment. The van picks up in El Campo and Wharton. For more, call 543-3703. About the Bulletin Board Bulletin Board is a community service to promote onetime events for nonprofit organizations. The Leader-News requests only one representative from each event or organization submit items. Include contact information. Items will be edited. Event submissions will run no more than four editions as space permits. All items submitted must arrive at the Leader-News no later than 3 p.m. Mondays for the Wednesday edition, and 3 p.m. Thursdays for the Saturday edition. Digital submissions must be text that can be edited and pasted (no .pdfs or fliers) and include contact phone number. Items may be dropped off in person or sent via email to bulletinboard@ leader-news.com. No voicemail submissions.

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

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Page 3-A

Page 4-A

VIEWPOINT

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

www.leader-news.com

lettertoeditor@leader-news.com

Sound advice turns to truisms given time As we go through life, we have experiences. I’ve heard it said experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it, and I believe that’s basically true. If we were a little more astute during this process, some of these experiences we have become lessons. If we impart these lessons to others, and they, in turn pass them on, they become truisms. I’ve also discovered that where possible, it’s best to have a sense of humor in imparting truisms, because they make more of an impression. I did some searching this week, to find what I think are a few of my favorite truisms. I’m going to pass some onto you. I’m going to start with one by humorist Dave Barry. One of his more basic truisms is, “Never take a laxa-

tive and a sleeping pill on the same night.” Sound advice. It’s probably one of those experiences that would become thoroughly ingrained the very first time. Here are a few more of my favorites: • A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. (Pay attention to this one. It never fails). • People who want to share their religious views with you, almost never want you to share yours with them. • You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight saving time. Here’s an important one: • You should never say anything

MICHAEL REISIG to a woman that even remotely suggests that she is pregnant unless you can actually see a baby emerging from her at that moment. Moving on, here are some nobrainers that I like: • Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with, and, if you ever catch on fire, try to avoid seeing yourself in the mirror, because that will throw you into a real panic. • If you can’t believe it’s not but-

ter, you’re an idiot. Then, some of my political favorites: • Politics is said to be the second oldest profession. But it bears a very close resemblance to the first. • The main accomplishment of almost all organized protests is to annoy people who are not in them. • Have you ever noticed bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks -- and a “slight tax increase” costs you $200, but a “substantial tax cut” saves you 50 cents. A friend of mine told me this years ago and I have come to realize that it is an absolute: Take a good look at your girlfriend/fiancée’s mother – because eight chances out of 10, that’s exactly what you’re going to have in 20 years. And women, pay attention

to how man treats his mother -- he will treat his wife the same way. I’ll leave you with a final truism: “Men are like fine wine. They start out as grapes, and it’s up to women to stomp the #@*%# out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.” Michael Reisig is a best-selling novelist and an award-winning newspaper columnist. His novels are available at bookstores everywhere, and in paperback and ebook format through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com and Apple.com . Visit his website at michael-reisig.com for information on his latest adventure/ humor novel, The Road to Key West, and his apocalyptic thriller, The New Madrid Run.

Hospice services offer final care with dignity By BOB MOOS Southwest regional public affairs officer for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Share Your Views On Local Issues WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR: lettertoeditor@leader-news.com The First Amendment of the Constitution gives Americans freedom of speech. A newspaper’s opinion page gives members of the community a chance to share their thoughts with others. But you don’t see letters to the editor run in every edition of the paper. Why? We just don’t receive that many of them. The Viewpoint page of the El Campo Leader-News offers residents the opportunity to share their thoughts on everything from governmental policy to what they think about their community’s efforts to help others or times they’ve encountered issues in the most unlikely places. What do you think? What do you think is the biggest concern in the city of El Campo? How would you address it? What’s the next major issue the school district should consider? How about the county? What does El Campo need more of in the community?

What does it need less of? If you could make the rules, what would you change? Why? How? Share your thoughts. Write a letter to the editor. Letters to the editor can be emailed to lettertoeditor@leader-news.com, dropped off at the El Campo Leader-News office on East Jackson or mailed to the newspaper at P.O. Box 1180, El Campo, TX 77437. Letters to the editor run as space is available in both the Wednesday and Saturday edition. To be considered for publication, letters must be received before 1 p.m. Monday for the Wednesday edition or 1 p.m. Thursday for the Saturday edition. Publication in a specific paper is not guaranteed. Please limit your letters to no more than 350 words. Letters must be signed by at least one person and a telephone number is required. An individual can submit a letter for publication once every eight editions (generally once a month) unless it is in direct response to another letter at the discretion of the newspaper. The Leader-News allows representatives of clubs or other fundraising organizations to thank up to five individuals or corporations by name in a letter to the editor. Please note that the Leader-News will not publish letters advocating a specific choice on an election issue immediately before or during a balloting period.

Jay Strasner.........................................Editor & Publisher THE EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS (USPS 169520) is published semi-weekly on Wednesday and Saturday for $45 per year in Wharton County; $60 per year out of county; and $84 per year out of state; and $45 per year for the online edition by Wharton County Newspapers, Inc., 203 E. Jackson St., El Campo, Texas 77437. Periodical postage paid at El Campo, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS, P.O. Box 1180, El Campo, Texas 77437. © 2013 Wharton County Newspapers, Inc.

979-543-3363 Fax: 979-543-0097 Website: www.leader-news.com Email address: lettertoeditor@leader-news.com Opinions or views expressed by individual columnists or in Letters to the Editor are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper. Also, while the Leader-News strives for accuracy, errors may occur, and will be promptly corrected once they are brought to the attention of the editor.

Choosing hospice care isn’t about giving up. It’s about making every day count. Terminally ill people who make the choice receive care for their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. They’re no longer seeking a cure, but they do want to live out their last weeks and months as comfortably as possible and with dignity. Medicare’s hospice benefit is 30 years old this year and has helped millions of Americans and their families cope with the final stages of terminal illnesses. To qualify, you must be eligible for Medicare’s Part A hospital insurance, and your physician and your hospice medical director must certify that you have six months or less to live, assuming your illness runs its normal course. You also must sign a statement choosing the Medicare hospice benefit and another statement that you understand you’re forgoing curative treatment for your terminal condition. Hospice programs follow a team approach. The specially-trained team typically includes doctors, nurses, counselors and social workers, among others. A doctor and nurse are on call 24-7 to care for you and support your family when you need it. The hospice benefit allows you and your family to stay together in the comfort of your home, unless you require hospital care. If your hospice team determines you need inpatient care at some point, it will make the arrangements for your stay. Hospice’s main goal is to relieve your pain and manage your symptoms. As long as the care comes from a Medicare-approved hospice, Medicare covers the physician services, nursing care, drugs, medical equipment and supplies, and physical and occupational therapy. Though the hospice benefit is part of original Medicare, it’s also available to anyone with a Medicare Advantage plan. And both original Medicare and Medicare Advantage will continue to pay for the treatment of other conditions unrelated

to your terminal illness. Medicare understands that your family occasionally needs a rest from caregiving. So you can request to stay up to five days at a time at a hospice facility, hospital or nursing home. For that, you pay 5 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for respite care. Overall, you pay almost nothing for your hospice care. There is no deductible. Besides your 5 percent share for the inpatient respite care, your only expense is the $5 or less you pay for each prescription drug you take to relieve pain or manage symptoms. You can receive hospice care as long as you’re recertified. After 90 days of care, you’re re-evaluated by the hospice’s medical director or other hospice doctor to determine if the care is still appropriate. Another re-evaluation is done after another 90 days and then every 60 days. If your health improves or your illness goes into remission, you may not need to remain in a hospice program. In those cases, you’ll return to your previous Medicare coverage. And if someday your condition worsens, you can go back to hospice care. Beneficiaries wanting to learn more about hospice programs in their area should talk to their doctor or call their state’s hospice organization or health department. Their physician will also help determine whether a particular program has been approved by Medicare. When considering and choosing a hospice program, ask these questions: What kind of training does the hospice provide its caregivers? How does the hospice staff respond to after-hour emergencies? What measures are in place to ensure quality care? How does the hospice involve the family in planning the care? Even if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage managed care plan, you can still choose hospice care from any available Medicare-approved hospice. For more about Medicare’s hospice benefit, visit Medicare’s website site at medicare.gov or call Medicare’s 24-7 customer service line at 1-800-633-4227. A Medicare publication, titled “Medicare Hospice Benefits,” can also be downloaded from the website or requested by phone.

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Page 5-A

UPCOMING EVENTS HEP event Saturday for youth education By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

The Hispanic Education Project continues its efforts to support students and their dreams of a college education. Their 21st annual banquet will be held Saturday, March 23 in the El Campo Civic Center and features guest speaker José-Luis Orozco, a musician and children’s author. “They say he’s very entertaining and very informative,” organizer Bobby Perez said Tuesday, adding he’s confident attendees will enjoy the program. The event starts at 6 p.m. with a social hour followed by the dinner and program at 7 p.m. Born in Mexico City, Orozco became a member of the Mexico City Boy’s Choir at the age of eight and traveled the world visiting 32 countries in Europe, the Caribbean, Central and South Amer(See BANQUET, Page 9-A)

L-H Chamber to announce citizen, educator Thursday

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Two residents of the Louise-Hillje area will be honored Thursday – one for service to the communities as a whole and the other for efforts to educate the region’s youth. The awards highlight the 54th annual Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce banquet set for Thursday, March 21 at St. Andrew’s Parish Hall in Hillje. The event starts with a 6 p.m. social hour and silent auction followed by a meal and the program. Tickets are still available for $10 each, according to organizer Lanette Gresham. The identities of the soonto-be Citizen and Educator of the Year are a closely-guarded secret until the actual presentation is made. Current plans call for those honors to be conveyed early in the program. “We wanted the families to be able to enjoy the meal with their loved one,” Gresham said. Last year’s honorees were Bobby Popp, a 33-year member of the Louise Volunteer Fire Department, as Citizen and fifth grade elementary teacher Kim Marek as Educator of the Year.

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Bobby Popp and Kim Marek were the 2012 Louise-Hillje honorees. This year’s selections will be announced Thursday. The chamber, founded in 1959, has presented the two awards since 1961. The event’s keynote speaker Thursday will be DeNae Couch, Miss Texas 2012 and a Top 10 finalist in the most recent Miss America competition. Couch, 24, is a law student at Texas Tech School of Law. She has a bachelor of arts in English from Baylor University’s Honors College and has

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Hospice fundraiser this weekend By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

Weather forecasters say Friday night will be a cool one, but not in downtown El Campo where the grills will be glowing for the Ninth Annual Heating It Up for Hospice fundraiser. Twenty-five teams will be competing for bragging rights during the cook-off with all proceeds benefitting the local hospice, an agency providing care for those with life-limiting illnesses. The gates open at 5 p.m. this Friday, March 22 near Alamo Park and Muldoon’s Saloon, 110 Railroad, and will remain open until 1 a.m. Admission is $10 per person for entry into the cookoff grounds and the 10 p.m. dance featuring Steel Country inside of Muldoon’s. Friday night will see the event’s biggest crowd, organizer Reneau Gold said Monday. And that’s why hospice will be making a few changes this year. “We’re trying a few different things,” Gold said. “We’ll have a bucket raffle on the outside under a tent. We’ll also have a pastry booth outside.” Competition judging starts at 7 p.m. Friday in the sausage category followed by open seafood and showmanship at 8 p.m. A live auction

will take place inside Muldoon’s starting at 9 p.m. Events continue Saturday with a 5-K Stride and Stroll starting Alamo Park at 8 a.m. Pre-registration for the event is $30 and $35 for late. Early packets can be picked up March 22 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mary Johnson State Farm, 101 W. First, otherwise they can be picked up on race day

between 7-8:30 a.m. Awards will be given to first place male and female participants as well as to the organization with the most participants, best costume (team or individual), best decorated stroller or wagon and best cheering group.

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Page 6-A

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Law & Order NOTICE OF TAX RESALE ( Properties previously struck off to WHARTON COUNTY) (See note below) Sheriff Jess Howell Pursuant to a resolution of its governing body under Section 34.05(c), Property Tax Code, Wharton County has requested a public re-sale by my office of certain properties previously foreclosed and bid off to the taxing units in the suits described below. Therefore, I will on April 2, 2013, at the front entrance of annex, 309 East Milam, Wharton, Texas, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. on said day, beginning at 10:00 A.M., proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, and in the manner provided by Section 34.05(d), Property Tax Code, all of the right, title and interest of the taxing units, acquired through each of the suits listed below, in and to the following described real estate being situated in Wharton County, Texas, to wit: Note: Wharton County is the taxing unit to which the property was struck off to in trust. Sheriff Jess Howell, By: __________________________ Date _____________ Cause # Judgment Date Struck-Off On

Sale #

L-N File Photo

Answering The Call

El Campo volunteer fireman Thurman Kirby is among the 42 men who answer the call for help when town fire sirens sound. In addition to responding to emergencies, he and other volunteers donate their time to training and performing community service activities.

Three men face trial in alleged blitz attack By NATALIE BEDNORZ reporter@leader-news.com

A Wharton County Grand Jury has indicted two El Campo men for allegedly robbing and beating a visiting Houston man in October. Marcus Lynell Earls, 24, of 110 W. Alfred and Walter Leroy Escamilla, 21, of 204 N . Wharton have been formally charged in the robbery. That stems from an incident that took place between 1 a.m. and 2:56 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 14 in the 1000 block of Wright. According to police reports,

a Houston man who was visiting family in the area was walking down the street when he said he was approached by the three men. They allegedly stole his wallet and physically assaulted him. Vernell Lee Caesar, 20, of 303 W. Alfred was also indicted in this incident for robbery in December last year. In the state of Texas, robbery is a second degree felony. The three men face a punishment of two to 20 years in prison and possible fine up to $10,000 and the possibility of community supervision.

—Reward offered for tips (Continued from Page 2-A) 543-5311 or the West Wharton County Crime Stoppers at 543TIPS (8477). Authorities believe those responsible – most likely juveniles – had paint on them when they left the school. And that, Urban said, may lead police to those responsible. Callers to the Crime Stoppers tip line are not required to give their names to qualify for reward dollars. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to a felony arrest. “I hope somebody collects that reward,” Graves said.

Police Blotter (Continued from Page 2-A) stance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, assault causing bodily injury, illegal window tint, failure to maintain financial responsibility, minor in possession, driving while license invalid and tampering/ fabricating physical evidence. Property

Luis Ramirez IV, 19, of El

Campo, was charged March 7 with burglary of a building. Rosalind Denise Bell, 33, of El Campo, was charged March 12 with theft of property. She was released on bond. Violence, weapons

Eduardo Bravo Jr., 37, of El Campo, was charged March 12 with assault-family violence.

Account Number

8683 02/15/11 07/05/11

R035026

8695 10/12/09 02/02/10

R016065

8802 03/12/12 08/07/12

R023647

8802 03/12/12 08/07/12

R061695

8816 08/15/11 03/06/12

R018271

8869 08/15/11 03/06/12

R018536

8884 06/13/11 10/04/11

R037531

8893 10/13/10 Cause # Sale 03/01/11 Judgment Date # Struck-Off On

R012833 Account Number

Style of Case

WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF ROBERT LEE HOWARD, DECEASED WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. VERNON KNIGHT, AKA VERNON JOSEPH KNIGHT, ET AL WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. GREGORY C. WARD A/K/A GREGORY CHARLES WARD, ET AL WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. GREGORY C. WARD A/K/A GREGORY CHARLES WARD, ET AL WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. MARY SAMPLES A/K/A MARY POLK SAMPLES, ET AL WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF BEULAH SHEPHERD, DECEASED, ET AL WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF JESUSA MANCIAZ, DECEASED WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. STATE STREET BANK Style of Case AS AND TRUST COMPANY TRUSTEE OF THE CONSUMER OBLIGATION STRUCTURED TRUST 19931 WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF JUNIOR DUNCAN, DECEASED WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF CLEO HEARSE TAYLOR, DECEASED, ET AL WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. MATTIE LEE RANDEL A/K/A MATTIE LEE RANDLE

Legal Description

$2,750.00

$1,297.00

LT 1, BLK 6, HARRISON ADD'N, TOWN OF WHARTON, VOL 13, PG. 178* (10560-006010-00). TR. 1: 0.27 AC, MORE OR LESS, LT 2, BLK 8, SMITH ADDN, CITY OF EL CAMPO, DESCRIBED AS 2ND TRACT, VOL 532, PG. 282.* TR 2: LT 4, RE-SUBD, BLK 5, SOUTH EL CAMPO, VOL 223, 427.*

$1,088.00

$999.00

$8,225.00

$1,200.00

$2,691.00

$950.00

LT 31 A, BLK 60A, ALEXANDER JACKSON LEAGUE, CITY OF WHARTON, VOL 559, PG. 137.* TR 1: 0.1664 AC, MORE OR LESS, WILLIAM KINCHELOE LGE, VOL 379, PG. 73.*

$1,166.00

$1,313.00

$2,175.00

$1,100.00

105.23 x 74.28 FT, 0.1794 AC, MORE OR LESS, SEC 17, I & G N RR CO. SURV, ABST 216, VOL 462, PG. 176.* N. 56.75 FT OF LTS 1& 2, BLK 4, CLINE ADD'N, CITY OF LegalVOL. Description WHARTON, 163, PG. 3.*

$2,400.00

$1,150.00

$1,703.00

$1,000.00

$1,200.00

25 x 145 FT, EAST 1/2 OF LT 11, BLK 1, HARRISON ADDN, CITY OF WHARTON, VOL 13, PG. 178.*

$1,088.00

116.60 FT X 75 FT, SF AUSTIN SRVY, ABST 4, VOL 319, PG. 343.*

$4,400.00

$1,582.00

0.689 AC, WILLIAM KINCHELOE SRVY, ABST 38, CITY OF WHARTON, CALLED LT 17, BLK 60, VOL 440, PG. 527.* 2.974 AC, WILLIAM KINCHELOE SRVY, ABST 38, VOL 15, PG. 487.*

$30,144.00

$3,064.00

$59,480.00

$3,000.00

1.0 AC, MARTIN ALLEN SRVY, ABST 1, VOL 253, PG. 590.*

$43,888.00

$3,000.00

$2,175.00

$1,350.00

$20,639.00

$2,500.00

$12,026.00

$1,580.00

$4,771.00

$1,580.00

LT 6, BLK 59, CITY OF WHARTON, VOL 163, PG. 3*

$2,750.00

$1,200.00

WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. HOWARD PALOMBI

EAST 1/2 OF LT 5, BLK 3, TOWN OF GLEN FLORA, VOL 2, PG. 369.*

$1,650.00

$1,000.00

WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. LORENZO TERRAZAS A/K/A LORENZO N. TERRAZAS, ET AL WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. LORENZO TERRAZAS A/K/A LORENZO N. TERRAZAS, ET AL

TRACT 3: LTS 1-6, 7A, 8A, 10A, 11A & 12A, BLK 3, SOUTH EL CAMPO, VOL 'P', PG 74*

$57,634.00

$25,138.00

TRACT 4: 3.35 AC, MORE OR LESS, E. T. R. R. CO. SRVY, ABST 523, BEING TR 83A, MORFORD, DESCRIBED AS TR 1, VOL 122, PG 276*

$26,267.00

$25,138.00

8918 03/12/12 08/07/12

R016017

8926 05/14/12 09/04/12 9112 03/12/12 08/07/12

R028186

R026632

WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. HENRY STEINKAMP, JR., DECEASED, ET AL

9189 03/12/12 08/07/12

R053154

9199 03/12/12 08/07/12

R026978

9206 12/12/11 05/01/12 9299 05/14/12 09/04/12

R018509

WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF HORACE SHANKLIN, DECEASED, ET AL WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF EMILIO BARRERA, DECEASED, ET AL WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. ISIAH MOORE, ET AL

R017052

WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. CELESTINE LEWIS

9331 03/12/12 08/07/12 9393 05/14/12 09/04/12 9428 05/14/12 09/04/12 9465 05/14/12 09/04/12 9339 12/12/11 05/01/12

R018252

WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. LOUIS WASHINGTON, ET AL

R015994

WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL 0.36 AC, ALEXANDER VS. NICK WALLS, JR., ET AL JACKSON TIMBER LEAGUE, ABST 34, VOL 398, PG. 446.*

R026589

WHARTON COUNTY, ET AL VS. MELVIN C. HILL A/K/A MELVIN CLAY HILL

R015593

R055114

9339 12/12/11 05/01/12

R055112

Estimated Minimum Bid (See note below)

$2,214.00

R011844

Adjudged Value (See note below)

LT 25, ELIZABETH BRANCH SUBD, VOL. 169, PG. 1.*

8916 02/15/11 07/05/11

Estimated Minimum Bid (See note below)

0.50 ACRE, DAVID WADE SURV., ABST. 64, VOL. 502, PG. 935.*

Adjudged Value (See note below)

LT 22, BLK 64, CITY OF WHARTON, BEING LT 136-C, VOL 415, PG 472.* 40 FT X 100 FT, BEING EAST 40 FT OF LTS 11 AND 12, BLK 13, HIGHLAND ADDN, CITY OF EL CAMPO, VOL 20, PG. 610.* 56 FT X 75 FT, ALEXANDER JACKSON SRVY, ABST 34, VOL 398, PG. 206.*

Notes: All sales are without warranty, expressed or implied. Specifically, there is no warranty as to title or physical condition (including the condition or existence of any improvements). The sales are subject to any rights of redemption as provided by law. All volume and page references in the legal description refer to the records of the County Clerk of Wharton County. All prospective bidders should make their own investigation of the title held by the taxing entities and the value of the property. Prospective bidders are encouraged to consult their attorney. Prospective bidders should not rely on the "Adjudged Value" as representing the actual value of the property or any information regarding the property contained in the records of the Wharton County Appraisal District . Payment must be made in cash or by cashiers check. All sales are final. All Sales subject to cancellation without prior notice.

of El Campo

979-543-2753

1912 N. Mechanic • El Campo

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Page 7-A

Law & Order

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Wharton County Junior College’s impaired driving awareness project was a true eye-opener for student Wyatt Krause this past week. A member of the school’s rodeo team, Krause strapped on a pair of “impairment goggles” before attempting to pilot a golf cart through a mini driving course. Designed to simulate the effects of intoxication, the goggles provided Krause with a unique opportunity to see through a drunk’s eyes – while staying sober. “It opens your eyes to what kind of shape you are in when you’re drunk,” he said. “You realize what an idiot you look like.” WCJC student Molly Allen agreed. With her own pair of goggles in place, she subjected herself to a mock field sobriety test. None too successful was she at any part of it. “I can’t even stand up straight, and it makes my head hurt,” she said. Sobering lessons that are best learned this side of a DWI arrest or a serious accident, says Jim Baylor, WCJC’s chief of campus security and public safety. Most students take such risks too lightly, he said, never imagining the potential consequences. Consequences like losing control of a car and wrapping it around a tree, for instance. That’s what happened to two young men in 2002 in Spring Cypress who got behind the wheel after drinking. Both were killed. Their car, affixed to a trailer, is now used as a deterrent for drinking and driving. It was parked on the WCJC campus as part of the aware-

L-N Photo by Benjamin Sharp

Little Wobbly

ception and control over the simplest of bodily functions was the purpose behind the impairment goggles. Baylor said most folks – even those who are more accustomed to frequent drinking – don’t realize how far off the mark a few drinks can throw them. A 180-pound man’s driving skills, for example, can be significantly affected from as little as two drinks, he said. And that’s despite the fact that he may still be under the legally intoxicated limit. The goggles provide a firsthand perspective of that in a safe environment. “It’s a little crazy,” WCJC student KJ Brown said of the experience. “It surprised me a lot.” The impairment awareness project was hosted by the WCJC Student Government Association with the assistance of campus security, the rodeo team, the baseball team, the Wharton Volunteer Fire Department and the college’s police academy. Academy cadets rode alongside the “impaired” drivers in the golf carts and then administered the mock field sobriety tests. “It’s good experience for us,” said cadet Leo Chevez. “Eventually we’ll be pulling over drunk drivers for real.”

Wharton County Junior College student Molly Allen tries to maintain her balance while wearing goggles that simulate intoxication. Students were given mock field sobriety tests during the program by WCJC Police Academy cadets. ness program. “It’s to educate students as to the danger of driving impaired,” Baylor said of the display. That lesson was especially timely as WCJC, like many other area schools, was preparing to be on Spring Break

this week. For many students, Baylor said, the week-long vacation is an excuse to drink alcohol, and plenty of it. Bad idea when considering that some of them will be getting behind the wheel, too. Understanding how alcohol affects reaction time, per-

EC woman sentenced to time served after almost year in jail By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

An El Campo woman pleading guilty to robbery was placed on 10 years probation after spending almost a year in the county jail. Victoria Ann Garcia, 35, of 512 Merchant appeared before Judge Randy Clapp in Wharton County’s 329th District Court during February hearings to plead guilty to the March 8, 2012 crime. On that day, she and a Nada man connived their way into the South Washington Street home of a 61-year-old El Campo man. The victim had reported a woman knocking

on his door after midnight requesting to use the restroom. Once Garcia and the Nada man were inside, the victim was attacked with a hammer suffering cuts to his right forearm and forehead. The two reportedly fled with the man’s wallet. She was taken into custody three days later and remained in county jail. In addition to the probationary sentence, Garcia was ordered to serve 338 days in county jail and pay $1,142.64 restitution. She received credit for the full jail time already served.

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Page 8-A

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

GOVERNMENT

City audit shows strong financials By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

El Campo got the best rating it could get during its most recent annual financial checkup. That review – an independent audit conducted by Harrison, Waldrop & Uherek – was presented to Council during its last February session. The city actually makes much more financial data public than is required in its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report or CAFR, audit firm representative Steve Van Manen told Council. The city report has received awards – certificates of achievement for excellence in financial reporting – for the last 15 years, he said, adding he expected the same for the current report covering the

fiscal year which ended Sept. 30, 2012. “It’s a clean opinion,” he said. That’s the best grade an auditing firm can award for the data its presented. During the last fiscal year, the city’s General Fund fund balance grew $634,654. That brought the account’s balance to slightly less than $5 million or more than half a year’s worth of saved dollars. Property tax revenue increased less than 1 percent as the result of increased valuations rather than a true tax hike. Sales tax revenue also rose in FY 12, up 15.31 percent from $2,405,245 the previous year to $2,840,198. Overall General Fund revenue rose during the same time period from $7.4 million to about $7.9 million. At the same time, overall expenses

rose from about $7.95 million in the General Fund during FY 11 to about $8.27 million in FY 12. By General Fund category, general government expenses dropped from about $1.75 million to around $1.6 million; public safety costs rose from about $3.2 million to around $3.5 million; parks and recreation rose from $682,760 to $860,990; and interest income dropped from $136,246 to $101,779. The Utility Fund collected about $6.25 million in FY 12 in comparison to a bit less than $6.2 million in FY 11. At the same time, expenses rose from about $5.3 million to slightly more than $5.5 million. City debt was reduced by about $520,000 during the fiscal year.

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City considers possible El Prado annexation By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

El Campo City Council didn’t say no to the idea of voluntarily annexing the El Prado subdivision, but did balk at the idea of building any roads. Homeowner association president Brandon Zabodyn came before City Council during its March 11 session making the request. Right now there are only three homes in the foreclosed subdivision on the southwest side of the Hwy. 71 North intersection with FM 1300, he said, but added he expects it to grow. There are 31 buildable lots in the subdivision. The home and lot owners are in the process of taking charge of the subdivision, Zabodyn said, adding that in-

cludes renaming it, its streets and determining the future of its largely unfinished wall. “We feel like the easiest way to do this is voluntary annexation,” he said. The cost to extend water

neighborhood, one which drew concern from some members of City Council. “I’m not opposed to voluntary annexation, but I’m a little bit hesitant building a road,” Councilman Ed Erwin said.

link to city utility lines. City Manager Mindi Snyder recommended five years. “I don’t want to spend $800,000 and wait five years for them to hook up,” Erwin said. That will have to be worked out, but another issue comes first. “It would have to be 100 percent of owners or we wouldn’t take it,” City Attorney Ronny Collins recommended to Council. “It’s an all in or all out proposition.” Council took no action on the issue saying it needed to know whether all lot owners are interested in proceeding with the effort. The first formal action would take place if the item is presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission at a future date.

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and sewer lines to the area is estimated at $856,220, according to O’Malley Engineering representative Craig Kankel. That estimate includes about $91,000 for a second access road to the donut-shaped

Councilman Anthony Collins said he wasn’t against the city paying for the road, but Mayor Richard Young said it would be an issue. Another concern would be how long homeowners would have before being required to

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Page 9-A

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Community —Banquet

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(Continued from Page 5-A)

L-N File Photo

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A motorcycle fun run is among the events scheduled as part of the Heating It Up For Hospice fundraiser. Registration starts at 11 a.m. with a $20 entry donation. The bikes will leave for the run at noon Saturday.

—Cook-off, events benefit hospice (Continued from Page 5-A) Gates to the cook-off area will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and the bucket raffles will continue through 5 p.m. Engines will roar for the start of the motorcycle fun run at noon. Riders can enter for a $20 donation at 11 a.m. at Muldoon’s Saloon. Barbecue judging will take place starting

at noon for those cooking up pots of chili, 1 p.m. for bean makers, 2 p.m. for chicken, 3 p.m. for ribs and 4 p.m. for the briskets. The awards and live auction will take place at 5 p.m. Before the weekend events, the “Holdem For Hospice” poker tournament will be held starting at 6 p.m. Thursday inside Muldoon’s.

—Unlocked cars targeted (Continued from Page 1-A) wrecked and – about the same time – reported stolen by what may or may not have been an owner fleeing the scene after having a drunk driving crash. “All but one had the keys in the ignition or the center console,” the chief said. Auto theft is actually a rarity in the city, he said, but added, “Every now and then we have a rash of them.” A far worse issue is auto burglary. Targeted vehicles, he added, are typically those

with items in plan view. In most cases, those vehicles too are unlocked, the chief said. Statewide, auto theft statistics indicate Ford pickups are the most targeted followed by Chevrolet and Dodge pickups. The Honda Civic and the Chevrolet Tahoe round out the top five. “I’ve never seen a trend on a certain vehicle being stolen (in El Campo),” Stanphill said. The average stolen vehicle statewide is several years old.

America. At age 19, he moved to California and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a master’s degree in Multicultural Education from the University of San Francisco. Orozco is now a children’s author, songwriter, performer and recording artist. He has recorded 13 volumes of Latin American children’s music, written three award-winning books and a children’s music DVD. In 2003, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in Washington, D.C. honored Orozco. Aside from the guest speaker, the event will honor more than 15 HEP scholarship recipients, Perez said. But, he added, organizers have made an effort this year to limit the length of the banquet. “It’s a Saturday night and we’re trying to cut back as much as we can,” Perez said. “This year we will not have a lifetime achievement award.” Tickets will be available through Friday for $15 each. For tickets, contact Bobby Perez at 257-9288, Mary Arredondo at 541-6271 or any HEP member.

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Page 10-A

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

COMMUNITY

EC firefighters say thanks to supporters them operating.” El Campo VFD receives some, but not all of its fundLines stretched around ing, from the city and the and outside the El Campo Emergency Services District. Civic Center Monday night For operations to continue, it for far more than just food. takes public support. They came to support the And that support has been community’s firefighting vol- there for decades, retired fireunteers and their efforts. fighting volunteer Jerry SoAnd better than 2,500 of cha said as he was handing them were there during the out plates. “And it’s getting event officially titled the El better. It gets bigger and bigCampo Volunteer Fire Deger every partment’s year.” Appreciation He and Supper, but retired fire“For many, many more comman Jimmy years I’ve thought this G e o r g e monly known simply as the Sr. – also was one of the finest Oyster Supper. handing departments in the Wharton out plates County Junior country. I’d put them to hungry College professupporters up against anybody,” sor Dr. Mary – were there Austin Newthe – Pat Gwosdz when man of Whardepartment ton was among held the Apthe crowd. preciation “This food is so good,” she Supper at the fire station. said. “I wouldn’t miss this is if That wouldn’t work now, had to walk.” he said pointing at the line exNewman came with friends tending from the main hall’s to enjoy the sights and sounds stage around the room and as well as the fish and oysters. out of the front doors. So did Lexie Rothbauer of Socha and George were El Campo. just two of the retired firemen “I’m glad El Campo and the who turned out to assist along surrounding area supports with auxiliary members, Exthis most wonderful organiza- plorers, firefighters from othtion El Campo can have,” she er area departments and law said. enforcement personnel. Rothbauer and the thou“We had a very good showsands of others made dona- ing of retired firemen tonight,” tions to varying amounts to Department President Kenny enjoy the meal. Socha said. Why? The department’s feast is “It’s for the cause. The typically a week earlier than cause. The purpose. To keep it was scheduled this year, he By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Shannon Crabtree

Doing The Slimy Work

El Campo EMT Allison Melchor, left, and auxiliary member Mickey Rosales help prepare what would ultimately be more than 200 gallons of oysters for the crowd of supporters at the El Campo Volunteer Fire Department’s Appreciation Supper Monday at the Civic Center. said, adding he was concerned it may have affected turnout. “But it didn’t seem to hurt,” Socha said. “It seems like the crowd was just as good.” Pat Gwosdz of El Campo was another in the crowd. “I do this every year,” he said. “When I don’t I feel bad. This is one of the few things I (and wife Patricia) do to socialize. Usually it’s work, home, grandkids.”

But the event is worth a Monday night outing, Goetsch said. “For many, many years I’ve thought this was one of the finest departments in the country. I’d put them up against anybody.”

Another Batch On The Way

L-N Photo by Shannon Crabtree

El Campo firefighter Brandon George carries yet another batch of fish for the hungry diners inside the El Campo Civic Center Monday night at the department’s Appreciation Supper. The event served an estimated 2,500.

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Retired El Campo volunteer firefighters Jimmy George Sr., left, and Jerry Socha handed out plates as supporters reached the front of the line and prepared to dine Monday at the department’s annual Appreciation Supper. In addition to current firemen, retired firefighters, the auxiliary, Explorers, volunteers from other area departments and law enforcement officials turned out to help feed an estimated 2,500.

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

TOP STORIES

—Jailer suspension ‘standard procedure’ (Continued from Page 1-A)

procedural in nature and in no way indicates any fault on the part of the deputy. Its duration is for an undetermined amount of time. “It’s until we tie up any loose ends to see what really happened,” he said. A Wharton man, 25-yearold Derek Washington, has alleged he was mistreated in the jail after being arrested for public intoxication on Friday. According to news reports, Washington, who calls himself a “borderline diabetic,” said he was feeling faint after being placed in a cell. He said he pushed the cell’s intercom button to ask for help.

He alleges he was instead placed in a restraint chair – which straps down an inmate’s arms and legs – and punched. “He’s alleging he was assaulted by one of the correctional officers,” Jansky said. Jansky confirmed that Washington was placed in the chair. He said it’s a standard practice for inmates who may be intoxicated, uncooperative or combative. Washington later filed a written complaint with the jail sergeant. An investigation started, with Jansky assisted by Texas Ranger David Chauvin. “This is our standard pro-

cedure should we have allegations brought up against an officer,” said Sheriff Jess Howell on Tuesday morning. “That’s why we brought in the ranger.” Jansky said the matter will be looked into fully. “I will find out if there are

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mid-40s at night. No worries, though, the long-term forecast for the next couple of months calls for much warmer than normal temperatures and – of course – drier skies than we should have in spring. As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, 5.24 inches had fallen in El Campo this year, according to the Lower Colorado River Authority gauge located on the grounds of El Campo Memorial Hospital. During the same time period last year, 14.76 inches had hit the soil while in 2011 – the drought year with a measly 14.7 inches falling all year – the start of spring total was 3.62 inches. The drier-than-last-year conditions mean the potential for wildfire in the area is slowly climbing. On Tuesday, the KeetchByram Drought Index for Wharton County as a whole was 385 – well below the 500 needed to institute a burn barn according to the zero to 800 scale. But in the far southwestern area of Wharton County, conditions were far worse with a 520 KBDI rating. The area needs six to nine inches of rain to return soils to near normal conditions, according to the most recent Long Term Palmer Drought Severity Index issued March 16. Wharton County remains under Moderate Drought or D-1 conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, slightly better than the D-2 or Severe Drought rating it had at the start of Spring 2012. So far this year, the city of Wharton has received 5.27 inches of rain as of Tuesday, according to the LCRA gauge there.

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Sports

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Page 1-B

sports@leader-news.com

Ladybirds thump Bellville 13-4, now 2-1 in district play

depth. “We’ve been relying on Shelby a lot but she couldn’t push off with her The Ladybirds successfully de- ankle injury,” Dluhos said. “I went to fending home turf with a 13-4 home Amy and told her we needed her to victory over district foe Bellville Fri- step up. She took the ball and said day evening. ‘yes ma’am’ and really pitched a good Junior Erin Niemeier blasted a game for us. We had a couple defen3-run homer and Amy Pflughaupt si- sive errors, mental errors, early in lenced the visitors’ bats as El Campo the game, but then our team did a improved to 2-1 in district play with good job of settling in behind Amy the win. and helping us win.” Freshman Heather Raun entered The Ladybirds improved to 11-6 the game and pitched the final inoverall with the Bellville ning for El Campo to prewin and were 2-1 in disserve the victory. trict action entering TuesBellville jumped out to day’s contest at Brooka 3-0 lead after the first shire. inning, but EC answered Dluhos said El Campo with a 4-spot in the bothas a young but talented tom of the frame to pull team with great chemisahead before coasting to try this season. the district win. “I am counting on lead“We did a good job of ership coming from my PFLUGHAUPT capitalizing on their erjunior group of returners rors and putting pressure because I do not have any on the defense,” EC Head seniors on the team this year,” she Coach Rachel Dluhos said. “We ran said. “Offensively we are putting the the bases really well and were very ball in play and being aggressive on aggressive. Our girls did a great job the bases. We have a lot of speed and of looking to get to the next base. We I plan on taking advantage of that. got thrown out once or twice, but Erin Niemeier has already hit 5 we frustrated them a little bit and home runs this season, and Savanna played well.” Smith has hit one. Overall the team Pflughaupt got the starting nod is playing really well offensively. Our at pitcher after Shelby Seaman was defense needs some work, we have slowed with an ankle sprain. the talent and ability we just need to The multi-sport standout did not put it together. Shelby Seaman has allow an earned run in her first dis- been doing most of the pitching with trict start and Dluhos said her per- backup from Amy Pflughaupt and formance gives the Ladybirds quality Heather Raun.”

BY JAY T. STRASNER publisher@leader-news.com

Congrats!

L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner

Home Run Trot

El Campo Head Coach Rachel Dluhos prepares to high-five Erin Niemeier following the junior’s fifth home run of the season. Niemeier blasted the shot over the left field wall during El Campo’s 13-4 home victory over Bellville Friday evening. The victory improved the Ladybirds to 2-1 in district play on the season.

L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner

Ladybirds gather at home plate to congratulate Erin Niemeier following her first inning home run. The big fly helped El Campo to a 13-4 victory over Bellville Friday night. The Ladybirds were 2-1 in District 25-3A action entering Tuesday’s round of action.

Ricebirds win district-opening nailbiter BY JAY T. STRASNER publisher@leader-news.com

Three runs in the first two innings were enough as El Campo (8-8, 1-0) successfully opened the district season with a 3-2 win over Bellville Friday evening. Michael Wall had a big night, going 3-4 with an RBI. Bryce Brandl and Beau Talley also knocked in runs as the top three hitters in the EC order were responsible for all of the run production on the night. Calen Collins went 2-3 from the 8-hole, while Clayton Harp and Kory Supak also collected hits for the Ricebirds, who out hit Bellville 9 to 6 in the contest. Beau Talley went the distance on the mound for EC, and held the visitors to 2 earned runs and 6 hits. The senior walked 7 but struck out 8 and overcame 3 El Campo errors defensively. “It was one of those games where we were on the edge of our seats throughout the whole thing,” EC Head Coach Russell Krenek said. “It shows the value of every play, where you can’t take anything for granted. A lot of things added up for us to get L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner the win.” EC scored two runs in the bottom Safe At Third of the first inning. Wall led off with a Ricebird senior Beau Talley beats the throw to third base during a victory over Bay City last week. The Ricebirds were 1-0 in single and stole second. Brandl then district action entering Tuesday’s contest with Brookshire at Royal. brought his classmate home with a

solid double to make it 1-0. Talley then laced a single to score Brandl and make it 2-0 before Bellville stopped the bleeding. After Bellville trimmed the lead to 2-1 in the top of the second, El Campo added some insurance in the bottom of the frame. Collins reached scoring position with a 1-out double, then stole third. Wall pushed El Campo ahead 3-1 with a triple to score Collins. “Michael Wall had a real good day, with three hits, Brandl had a big RBI and the bottom of our order contributed big for us,” Krenek said. “We feel good about the pressure we can put on opponents with our entire lineup.” Bellville pulled within 3-2 in the top of the seventh and was threatening with two runners in scoring position, but Talley induced a swinging strikeout to seal the victory. “We needed a playmaker there at the end and Talley stepped up and made a big play,” Krenek said. “That was huge.” The team continues to try and plug the hole left by the absence of senior left-hander Reid Hubenak, who was lost for the season during the El Campo tournament. Hubenak beat out an infield hit, (See BIRDS, Page 2-B)

Page 2-B

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

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Ladybird catcher Sky Garcia prepares to fire the ball to first base in a pick-off attempt. Garcia and her teammates defeated Bellville 13-4 Friday evening at home.

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L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner

N E C Northside Education Center 707 Fahrenthold, El Campo northside_center@yahoo.com NORTHSIDE EDUCATION CENTER

MEMO from MIKE Congratulations Ashley Garrett, M.D.

Ladybirds participate in TSU Relays BY JAY T. STRASNER publisher@leader-news.com

The Ladybird track team competed recently at the Texas Southern High School Invitational recently. More than 70 5A and 4A high schools were represented at the meet. “I believe the Ladybirds did exceptionally well this weekend,” said El Campo Head Coach Alice Barron. “We were able to run with the nation’s best and we were right in the pack. I am a coach who believes in giving my athletes memories to remember for the rest of their lives and I can say this meet is one they will never forget.” Individual results include

the following: Lala Miranda placed 29th out of 53 contestants in the 300 meter hurdles (49.61). Ellie Forgason finished 24th out of 53 contestants in the 200 m (26.6) and was thirteenth out of 27 entrants in the high jump (5-4). Bee Bradshaw was 17th in the high jump (5-2). The 400 m relay team of Renell Bledsoe, Forgason, Adrianna Grant and Bradshaw finished 38th out of 60 teams (49.88). The 800 m relay team of Bledsoe, Forgason, Bradshaw and Grant was 37th out of 58 teams (1:45). Grant was 9th out of 39 contestants in the triple jump

(34-6) and 14th out of 45 entrants in the long jump (16-9). Miranda’s time of 16.99 in the 100 m hurdles was 41st out of 63. Jan Cunningham’s toss of 91-11 earned 32nd out of 45 in the discus. “The state champions from both the girls and boys were participants,” Barron said. “Ellie, Bee, and Jan were able to compete at Rice University in the high jump and discus. They saw the hammer throw performed by the college athletes and also the javelin.” The girls said it was a real treat competing on such a large stage. “When I was running, I thought it was pretty cool

to hear my name and our school represented on the loud speaker” said Forgason. “I really enjoyed myself,” said Bledsoe. “Our girls stepped into the spotlight and stepped up to the occasion. It was nice to see.”

Happy Birthday Holly! Also Happy Birthday Jane P, Heather M, Jeannette M, Shirley D, Vivian W, Holden W, Ross W, Kinnan S, Donnie R, Fred P, Tony P, Phillip M, Jose H, Virginia H, Mike C, and Reid B. Oh, by the way, Dianne & I will still buy your lunch if we see you on your birthday!

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—Birds look to stay atop standings (Continued from Page 1-B) but struck the first base bag in an odd manner and tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. Hubenak will not be able to play the rest of the season. “It was a real unfortunate deal and we feel really bad for him,” Krenek said. “I know he’s kinda struggling to deal with the situation of not being able to finish his senior year. He was a big part of our pitching rotation, a real good left handed at-bat and we’ll miss him at first base too. He can hit anywhere in the lineup, bunt, hit for average. We’re gonna miss him a lot, but it’s

a chance for some other guys to step up and contribute to what we’re trying to do.” The Ricebirds traveled to Brookshire Royal on Tuesday for another league matchup. Results of the contest were not available at press time. Krenek said the team faces a lot of unknowns in terms of scouting after moving into District 25-3A as a newcomer. “We don’t know a lot about some of these teams in our district just yet,” Krenek said. “Sealy, Columbus and Royal are kind of a mystery to us. We’ve played Wharton and seen them a couple times. We like being at the top of the disWALL trict, though and we want to stay there.”

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LIFESTYLE

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

www.leader-news.com

Page 3-B

lifestyle@leader-news.com

“Manna Meals not only enacts God’s mission of love, revealed in Jesus, but it also gives the Church, in all its variety, the opportunity to embody God’s love in Jesus to others, no matter their status in society. It is here that we become witnesses of God’s relentless and faithful love. It is a place where all are family and all are fed,” – Kris Humble, pastor at First Christian Church

Service With A Smile Above, left, Kris Humble, pastor at First Christian Church, serves Angelita Molina a plate of homemade lasagana with green beans and corn and hot garlic French bread at Manna Meals on Monday. Above, right, Delores Norton and daughter Tish Labay get the plates ready to serve to about 100, which is the typical number of people who come to eat and enjoy fellowship twice a week at Christ Lutheran Church. Next week marks the one-year anniversary of Manna Meals. L--N Photos by Quala Matocha

Manna Meals Reaches One Year Mark

Food, faith and fellowship key ingredients to project’s success By QUALA MATOCHA lifestyle@leader-news.com The soup kitchen that was a vision of one Girl Scout troop became a reality about a year ago and it still serving up hot, tasty meals to the El Campo community. Manna Meals served their first meal on Monday, March 26 at First Christian Church. Angelita Molina, who feasted on lasagna this past Monday says, “The food is good. Every time I come it is very good.” In a previous interview, Girl Scout leader Carolyn Mitchell said, “Manna Meals is a soup kitchen that my Girl Scout Troop No. 7005 has been very instrumental in

Johnnie Garcia is a regular at Manna Meals. Not only does he come to enjoy the great food and fellowship, but he helps serve those who attend restaurant style. Manna Meals is about serving people no matter their socieoeconomic background. Christ Lutheran pastor Jake Fain believes Manna Meals is about not merely feeding the poor, but it is for all who hunger for something, whether it be food, relationships, service or spirituality. getting started. When I look back, I see how God captured the hearts of these five teens and used their love for others to get this project up and running.” That project has touched the hearts of others in the community, too, like Johnnie Garcia who comes each time to eat but only after helping serve everyone restaurant-style. Or the First Christian Church team of Tish Labay, her mom Delores Norton and friend Jane Heimann, who have been cooking meals for the past year. They were the main chefs Monday night. Labay said they mixed up the lasagna on Sunday so they wouldn’t be rushed on Monday to have all the food ready by serving time, which is 5 p.m. each Monday and Thursday at Christ Lutheran Church. Volunteers from other churches are involved as well, taking their turn in the kitchen. Manna Meals serves around

100 twice a week. While Manna Meals received a $25,000 grant from State Farm last year, they depend on donations of money or food from individuals and businesses. How does Manna Meals operate serving two meals per week? “We have six teams from congregations that coordinate meals,” Christ Lutheran Church pastor Jake Fain said. “Originally we debuted with four regular teams that served on a Monday and Thursday of the week along with a fifth team that was a swing team. Now teams rotate in once or twice a month with hopes to have even more teams serving.” What is the mission of Manna Meals? “The mission of Manna Meals is to serve people,” First Christian Church pastor Kris Humble said. “It is here for service to all who desire a meal and fellowship. These are two things that sometimes get left out in a lot of peoples lives. Having ministered in El Campo over the last three years I’ve come across a lot of physical need and loneliness. You have individuals who only eat once a day, or even once every other day. From the perspective of God’s kingdom, that is unacceptable. “Manna Meals not only enacts God’s mission of love, revealed in Jesus, but it also gives the Church, in all its variety, the opportunity to embody God’s love in Jesus to others, no matter their status in society. It is here that we become witnesses of God’s relentless and faithful love. It is a place where all are family and all are fed.” “Where are all family and all are fed regardless of status,” Fain added.” Not all of us come from the best of families. Not all of us are fed every day, and I mean more than just eating a hot meal. We hunger for community; we hunger to be cared for; we hunger to serve others. “Jesus said the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love your neighbor. It’s hard to love your neighbor when you don’t know your neighbor. Thus, our goal is to break down some of the boundaries that isolate people and draw them together into one family that cares for them and feeds them.” Together Mitchell, Fain and Humble oversee the project. “Working with multiple teams, a church facility, food bank, recruiting new volunteers and managing a fluid organization takes dedication and time,” Fain said. “As pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, the congregation I serve, maintains the financial records and due diligence. I act as liaison between Manna Meals and Christ Lutheran Church. The congregation has also been gracious enough to host Manna Meals the past eight months.” How well has Manna Meals been received? “One of the greatest joys I have is seeing the diversity of people coming together to support the community,” Fain said. “Manna Meals is not merely for the poor; it’s for all of us who hunger for something: food, the most basic hunger; relationships, service and spirituality. We have different churches rallying together to serve and in serving alongside each other, get to know each other better. We have people of different economic levels breaking bread together; different cultural backgrounds, different ages. All in all, I would say that’s a God-send when people are brought together to build a community.”

Has Manna Meals reached the expectations it has set out to? “Yes,” Humble said. “People are being served by Jesus through his people. Even if only one came, our goal would be accomplished. The kingdom is about the many, but begins with the one.” “You never fully reach a goal of loving your neighbor; you only witness glimpses of it,” Fain said. “I am humbled to be a part of a movement of the church that is called to feed the hungry with food, but more importantly with love. This will be an ongoing task. So as long as there are hungry people – those who are hungry, lonely, or alienated – we have work to do. We have taken but one step in a long journey together.”

After cutting up some hot garlic French bread, Jane Heimann is ready to add it to the plate of lasagna prepared by team members of First Christian Church for Manna Meals. March 26 will be one year since the project served its first meal. Volunteers from area churches take turns preparing the meals which are served twice a week.

According to Fain, “Manna Meals is currently looking for a new location. We have several leads, the most exciting is the possibility of getting a grant to refurbish a sizeable building with the potential to do a host of community-wide support.” They have also been approved by the State Farm board to be in the top 100 finalists for the $25,000 grant again this year, then the top 40 are voted on by popularity via Facebook. If you’re interested in serving on a Manna Meals team as a cook, server or to do clean up, call Mitchell at 979-648-2191. Monetary and food donations are always welcome. Donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church (earmarked in memo line: Manna Meals) and mailed to: Christ Lutheran Church Manna Meals Treasurer 1401 Avenue I El Campo, TX 77437

Page 4-B

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

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Henslee & Reckaway announce April 13 wedding date in Ganado James and Serena Henslee Jr. of El Campo announce the engagement of their daughter, Melanie Henslee, to Christopher Reckaway, son of Patrick and Peggy Reckaway of El Campo. The bride graduated from El Campo High School and Wharton County Junior College. She is a radiologic technologist. The groom is a farmer. The couple will wed at 5 p.m., April 13, 2013 at Woodoak Banquet Farms in Ganado.

FAMILY REUNION On Saturday, March 16, the Hlavinka family held there seventh annual reunion at the Plainview Community Hall. Hosting the event were the children of the late Edward and Josephine Hlavinka. Approximately 50 family members attended. Edward and Josephine had lived and raised there family in the Plainview Community. A short family meeting was led by Debbie Hlavinka and Mary Lewis. Before the pot luck lunch, the blessing was led by Williams. Guests enjoyed the day by visiting, looking at old photos and playing bingo. The younger children also enjoyed playing in the bounce house. A silent auction was conducted by Sheryl Thonsgaard. Door prizes for adults and children were given away throughout the day. Also, several “counting jars” were displayed for family members to guess the number of items in each. Whoever had the closet guess won the prize. The lotto tree was won by Jason Lewis of La Porte. Family members traveled from El Campo, Louise, Markham, Edna, Webster, La Porte, Alvin, Cedar Springs and Austin.

Emily Lane & John Tolson say vows in Cedar Creek ceremony Emily May Lane and John Robert Tolson were united in marriage at 5 p.m. March 9, 2013 at Cedar Bend Events center in Cedar Creek. Brother Rick DuBroc performed the double ring ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mark Lane of Bay City and Nova Lane of El Campo. She is the granddaughter of Bill and Vi Frizzell of Plano and Frankie and Charles Ausburn of Rockwall. She graduated from El Campo High School in 2006 and Texas A&M University in 2010 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies. She is completing her master’s in education at Sam Houston State University with a major in curriculum and instruction. She is employed by St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Bryan. John is the son of Robert and Deborah Tolson of El Campo. He is the grandson of Albert and Patricia Staff of El Campo and the late John and Jewel Tolson. The groom graduated from El Campo High School in 2005 and Texas A&M University in 2012

Announce club news, parties free of charge Club news and parties are due no later than two business days after the event. Monday noon is the deadline for the Wednesday paper. Birthday parties, wedding showers and baby showers

can be announced in the El Campo Leader-News free of charge, provided certain requirements are met: - Information is submitted using our form to the El Campo Leader-News office no later than two business days after

the event. - The honoree(s) or their parents live in El Campo, Louise or immediate area. Forms also available at the L-N office, 203 E .Jackson St. Call 979-543-3363 for more information.

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with a degree in renewable natural resource and a minor in forestry and a minor in rangeland management. He is employed by Reynolds and Reynolds in College Station. The bride was given in marriage by her parents. Attendants were matron of honor, Desiree Hahn and bridesmaids, Catherine Lane, Karla Johnson, Randi McClure, Robin Tolson, Megan Tolson and Courtney Britten. Flower girl was Adriana Gorney. Best man was Baron Hahn. Groomsmen were Clayton Swanson, Tim Merta, Garret Prochaska, Coulton Kresta, Wes Kulcak and Warren Lane. Ring bearer was Trey Staff. Rehearsal dinner was held at the Bastrop Brewhouse in Bastrop Friday evening, March 8. The couple honeymooned in Las Vegas and now reside in College Station.

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Call for info contact Shelly: 979.541.7056 Tickets available at the door.

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

LIFESTYLE TODAY

Page 5-B

Contributed Photo

Most Books Read

St. Philip Catholic School students who ranked among the top readers in the annual Read-A-Thon to raise funds for the school’s Endowment Fund. This year students in PreK3 through eighth grade read a combined total of 20,502 books. Pictured with a few Read-A-Thon committee members of Becca Socha (ice cream sundae), Abby Goerig (ice cream cone), Melanie Baker (popcorn) and Laura Glaze (Dr. Suess) are the top readers from left to right: Bethany Baker, first grade; Dayton Zabodyn, kindergarten; Emery Goerig, third grade; Bryce Rasmussen, second grade; Carissa Kocian, fourth grade; Tony Cisneros, fifth grade; Amber Sutton, sixth grade; Amber Kocian, eight grade and Paige Rasmussen, seventh grade.

Contributed Photo

Most Money Raised

St. Philip Catholic School recently held their annual Read-A-Thon to raise funds for the school’s endowment fund. This year, students raised $23,861.37. Pictured with a few Read-A-Thon committee members, including Becca Socha (ice cream sundae), Abby Goerig (ice cream cone), Melanie Baker (popcorn) and Laura Glaze (Dr. Suess) are the top money makers pictured from left to right as follows: (row one) Paul Juranek, PK4; Luke Dornak, PK3; (row two) Anna Birdsong, 10th place; Hannah Sutton, sixth place; Emery Goerig, fifth place; Jeb Zalman, eighth place; Jase Zalman, ninth place; (row three) Shelby Linzza, fourth place; Amber Sutton, third place; Melea Socha, first place and Averi Glaze, second place.

Spring forward into gardening mode Today is the first day of spring, and the ‘Spring Forward’ time change has already given us more time to garden after work. The well timed Spring Fling Plant Sale and Bake Sale at the Heritage Center (803 Fahrenthold) is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, March 22 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23. They will have a lot of new plants in bloom to perk up your landscape. Come out and help the Heritage Center pay off the mortgage and get expert garden advice available to go along with your purchase. The weather is warming, it is windy, and the soil is getting drier every day that passes without a soaking rain. I know farmers are already on their knees. Those guys have to be optimists. The cool nights and days have lulled us into a feeling that all is well, but if you go digging in the soil, you will find that it is much less moist than you expect. Plants with fine, shallow roots like bloom-

LEON MACHA

THE PRACTICAL SOUTHERN GARDENER ing annuals, azaleas and abelias are already showing the stress. New spring growth uses a lot of water every day. Get out the hoses and sprinklers and give a deep soaking. Don’t try to break the world’s record of how high your sprinkler can spray, but slow the flow and give it a soak. Add bark mulch thick enough to seal off and protect the soil surface from losing its precious moisture. Physically check the proper operation of your irrigation system. Lots of bad things happen to sprinkler heads during the winter when the system is off. Locate and activate every zone and every head. Be sure they are not blocked with sand or trash and that they are pointing in

the right direction. If you need new annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees, make your plans, purchase your plants, and get them in the ground quickly. Take full advantage of the milder spring conditions that will soon disappear into summer sizzle. When everything is well watered, make your fertilizer application and water again. Don’t ‘Weed & Feed.’ A good mowing will knock out most of the cool weather weeds, and a shot of fertilizer will kick start the turf. There are lots of Oak leaves in yards now. Use your mower to pulverize these leaves and let them settle into the turf. No need to rake and bag. That is all hard and wasted labor. The smart people are collecting their neighbor’s bagged rakings and adding the contents to their own compost pile. – Macha is a Certified Professional Horticulturist, Certified Arborist and consultant with 36 years of experience in

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First State Bank, Gulf Coast Lease Service, Prasek’s Hillje Smokehouse

Silver: Bay City Lions Club, Briggs & Veselka Co., Bruce & Mary Ellen Meyer, BU Growers, LTD, Commercial St. Bank, Duson Properties, Edmund A. Weinheimer, Jr. Ekstrom Enterprises, HEB, Hlavinka Equipment Co., Matagorda Nursing & Rehab. Center, McAda Drilling Fluids, Inc. NewFirst National Bank, New ICM, LP Rice Belt Warehouse, Inc., Rita & John Hancock Jr., Rotary Club of El Campo, State Farm Insurance Mary Johnson & Larry Russell, Wadler, Perches, Hundl & Kerlick, Wells Fargo Bank

Page 6-B

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

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Attending the historic preservation luncheon during the 114th annual state conference March 14-17 in Houston are (front, l-r) Hazel Foltyn, registrar and vice-chairwoman lineage research committee; Linda Bubela, incoming vice-regent and Beverly Luther, secretary and (back l-r) Debra Hamman, regent and Luayne Pierce, incoming treasurer.

Make a Difference in the Life of a Child Become a Boys & Girls Club Volunteer

Comfort Wood DAR members attend state conference

713 Fahrenthold Call 979-543-8320

Contributed Photo

Members of Comfort Wood Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, attended the 114th annual state conference March 14-17 at the Hyatt Regency Houston Hotel. Comfort Wood was a hostess chapter. The Texas State scriptures are “In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” Proverbs 3:6 and “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever: His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5. The Texas theme for 2013-2016 is “Legacy of Love & Loyalty.” Those attending were Linda Bubela, incoming viceregent; Hazel Foltyn, registrar and state vice-chairman and lineage research committee; Debra Hamman, regent; Beverly Luther, secretary and Luayne Pierce, incoming treasurer. On Thursday, Foltyn attended the state vice chairmen’s club luncheon where she served as the state regent appointed historian at the head table. That evening Hamman was in the processional, introduced as an honored guest at the state regent’s evening event. She was presented to State Regent Pamela Rouse Wright and escorted by Bubela carrying the Comfort Wood Chapter’s flag. Following the evening session, the Cameo Club was honored with an ice cream social. Cameo Club members have multiple generations as members. Workshops were held during the morning and afternoon sessions. Friday began with chapter regents club and officers club breakfasts. As a host chapter, Comfort Wood, led by Hamman, served on the decorat-

ing committee for the historic preservation luncheon at noon. The historic preservation medal and historic recognition award were given during the luncheon. Business sessions were held in the morning and afternoon. Texas Society voted to redecorate the lounge in the basement of Continental Hall at Washington, D.C., which serves as headquarters, at the cost of $147,000. It was announced that Clayton Foltyn, grandson of Foltyn was in the semi-finals in bull riding that night and Lynn Forney Young’s grandson was in the sheep riding event that night at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Young is a past state regent and candidate for president general in Washington, D.C. From the floor someone challenged Young, if $100,000 could be raised would she ride a bucking barrel. She took the challenge. By that night $91,000 was already raised and the goal was reached Sunday morning. A military War Dog (Ret) Army K-9 Corps named FAMA was introduced and it’s owner spoke. The Imperial Ballroom was the setting for the conference awards evening. Saturday began with the DAR school breakfast, then the junior membership luncheon. At the national defense evening, Debra Duncan, host of “Great Day Houston,” was the recipient of the Texas Media Award. Business sessions were held morning and afternoon. Sunday morning a memorial service was held for deceased members during the past year. Black dresses and hats were worn by each district chairwoman, who read the names of those from their

district. Past members, whose names were called from Comfort Wood were Mattie Meadows Francis of Wharton and Catherine Ellis Lundy of El Campo. A celebration brunch, honoring Lynn Forney Young, candidate for president general, NSDAR, was held in the Imperial Ballroom. It was announced that the goal had been reached and exceeded. She was given a bluebonnet landscape painting for her D.C. office and a picture of George Strait. Her DAR life story was on a video and was played for the finale. Awards received by Comfort Wood were: Prayer Without Ceasing book for Carol Slaughter, whose entry was in the book; Excellence in Literacy Promotion - Joy Wind; Outstanding Use of Technology for DAR - Pat Blair, Linda Bubela, Ann Gleason, Hamman, Luther, Kathleen Thonsgaard and Foltyn, who also received an award for vicechairwoman lineage research state committee. Certificates of appreciation to Comfort Wood for women’s issues, use of e-membership, publicity of American history through spot announcements, supporting DAR schools, American history essay contest, chapter achievement reporting, junior sales, DAR magazine, new members, service for veterans most youth volunteers, DAR museum, electronic chapter achievement, electronic master questionnaire, electronic newsletter, electronic yearbook, most new members District 9, lineage research, DAR project patriot, membership, DAR magazine, DAR good citizens, DAR public relations, the flag of the United States of Amer-

Our Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center has a new Medical Director

Ted Scott, M.D., F.A.C.S. Dr. Scott will work with our specially trained staff to provide:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy • Bio-engineered tissue substitutes • Negative pressure wound therapy • Growth factor therapies • Advanced dressings and wraps • Debridement In addition to advanced wound care, he will continue his General Surgery practice next door to the center in Building C, Suite 300 (979) 282-6800.

ica and hostess Chapter 2013 State Conference Houston.

To learn more about the Boys & Girls Club, go to: http://www.bgca.org/

It’s

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The Rotary Club of El Campo would like to thank all involved including: sponsors, bidders, donors, volunteers, those who bought meal tickets and raffle tickets & auction items. THANK YOU! Your support made the Benefit a record breaking success!!

Event Sponsors ABC Self Storage Croix Financial LLC E F Erwin, Inc. D-A-M Services Gulf Coast Lease Service

Hydrotx Cleaning Services Lane and Trista Lauritsen Leedo Cabinetry Quality Hot Mix Wharton County Junior College

Corporate Sponsors BLS Construction City Development Corporation Commercial State Bank Crop Production Services Donald & Olivia McDonald Duckett, Bouligny & Collins, LLP El Campo Sheet Metal LLC El Campo Memorial Hospital First State Bank Progressive Waste Solutions of TX, Inc. Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Mark's Machine/Tough Country O’Malley Engineers NewFirst Bank Paul Webb, P.C.

Polasek Construction Prosperity Bank Q C E Supply, Inc. Raymond L Viktorin CPA/Caney Auto Services Rice Belt Warehouse Drs. Judd & Sarah Severson Taunya Long Texas Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. United Agricultural Cooperative, Inc. Vonderau Ford Wadler, Perches, Hundl & Kerlick Wharton County Electric Cooperative, Inc. W&D Recycling LLC

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Office hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am -5:00 pm

Call 979-282-6890 For an appointment

Building C, Suite 400 (Behind Gulf Coast Medical Center)

Gulf Coast Medical Center does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact: Loretta Flynn, Section 504 Coordinator, 979-532-2500.

Thank you for your continued support of our local and international projects.

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Lifestyle Today GRILLING TIPS From the National Pork Board • Grill over indirect heat. This allows the ham to heat evenly, without burning. • Score the ham. Scoring (diagonal cuts about one inch apart on the surface of the ham) not only looks more appealing, but allows both the natural juices and the glaze to penetrate and flavor the meat. • Use an instant-read thermometer. Heat pre-cooked (or cured) ham until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F. Cook fresh cooked ham until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F, followed by a three-minute rest. When inserted into the thickest part of the meat (without touching any bone), the temperature should register within a few seconds.

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SucceSS StorieS LILLIAN KUTAC was admitted to Garden Villa Health Care Center on November 21, 2012 from Citizens Hospital after a partial hip replacement. Her admitting physician was Dr. Carlos Duque.

‘‘

I received exceptional care at Garden Villa. Everyone was so nice and I had a private room during my rehab stay. I am happy to be walking out the door! I would highly recommend Garden Villa to anyone needing to get back on their feet after surgery.

EASTER FEAST (Family Features) Looking to put a delicious twist on your Easter meal? Try cooking ham on the grill. It’s easy to fire up your feast with this Spiced Grilled Ham with Citrus Glaze recipe. Ham can be prepared in multiple ways, complementing a variety of dishes and flavors that fit into any Easter celebration and beyond. Surround it with savory sides like Roasted Potatoes with Bacon and Goat Cheese or Ham and Peas with Mint and Tarragon. And, don’t turn that grill off just yet, because no fired-up Easter feast would be complete without a sweet and smoky dessert that’s also fresh off the grill - Caramel Frozen Yogurt Pie with Grilled Peaches. You can find more Easter recipes, helpful tips and nutrition information at www. porkbeinspired.com. Spiced Grilled Hamwith Citrus Glaze Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours Yield: 12 to 14 (4-ounce) servings 6 -pound fully-cooked bonein ham, trimmed 1 T. ground coriander 1 T. ground paprika 1 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 1/4 cup lemon marmalade (or other citrus marmalade) 2 T. orange juice 2 T. packed brown sugar Preheat gas or charcoal grill to medium-hot (375 F to 425 F). Prepare grill for indirect cooking: For gas grill, turn off center burner; for charcoal grill, bank coals on either side; place a drip pan under grate between heat sources. Score a diamond pattern into ham, about 1/8 inch deep into any fat. In small bowl, combine coriander, paprika, cumin, cinnamon and cloves. Rub spice mixture over all sides of ham. Place ham, flat side down, in center of grill over drip pan. Cover and cook, adding briquettes as necessary to maintain heat, until internal temperature of ham reaches 140 F, 1 1/2 to 2

hours or 15 to 18 minutes per pound. Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine marmalade, orange juice and sugar. Brush marmalade mixture over ham. Cover and grill 5 minutes, until glaze is lightly caramelized. Remove ham from grill, transfer to cutting board, and let rest 15 to 30 minutes. (Oven-roasting instructions can be found at www. porkbeinspired.com.)

Caramel Frozen Yogurt Pie with Grilled Peaches Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Yield: 8 to 10 servings 2 pints premium vanilla frozen yogurt 1 9-inch prepared graham cracker pie crust, or 8 individual graham cracker pie crusts 1 1/4 cups caramel sauce, store-bought 2 T. butter, melted 2 T. dark brown sugar 6 ripe medium peaches, halved and pitted Transfer 1 pint of frozen yogurt from freezer to refrigerator to soften for 30 to 40 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 F. Bake pie crust until lightly browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. To assemble pie, spread softened yogurt evenly over pie crust. Place in freezer and chill about 1 hour. When firm, spread about 3/4 cup caramel evenly over frozen yogurt. Return pie to the freezer, and transfer second pint of frozen yogurt to refrigerator. Allow pint to soften for 30 to 40 minutes.

Spread second pint of yogurt evenly over caramel, making decorative swirls, if possible. Freeze until firm. Remove from freezer 10 minutes before serving. To grill peaches, prepare medium fire in a charcoal grill or preheat gas grill on medium. Melt butter and stir in brown sugar until dissolved. Toss peaches with butter mixture until well coated. Grill peaches directly over medium fire, cut-side up, until grill marks are visible, about 5 minutes. Turn peaches over and grill until grill marks show and peaches are tender, about 4 minutes longer. Set aside to cool. When cool, cut peaches into thick wedges. When ready to serve, cut pie into wedges and serve with peaches on the side. Drizzle a little of remaining caramel sauce over top.

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Brush cut surfaces of potatoes lightly with olive oil. Place potato halves cut side up on a shallow rimmed baking pan; bake until potatoes are tender and faces of potatoes are lightly browned, about 20 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in small bowl mash together sour cream and goat cheese, stir in minced bacon, onion, Parmesan, dill, salt and pepper. Top each potato with a spoonful, about 2 teaspoons, of sour cream mixture. Serve warm. Make-Ahead Tip: Roast potatoes before guests arrive; keep warm in the oven. Top with cheese mixture before serving.

‘‘

Get Fired Up For An

Mrs. Kutac successfully returned home on March 1, 2013.

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Try something

NEW for Roasted Potatoes with Bacon and Goat Cheese Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Yield: 6 servings 1/2 lbs. bacon, sliced 12 small red potatoes, halved Olive oil 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup goat cheese, plain 4 T. green onions, sliced 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 3 T. dill, snipped, plus dill for garnish 1/4 tsp. seasoned salt 1/4 tsp.pepper Heat oven to 450 F. In large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, turning to brown evenly, until crisp. Blot bacon on paper towels, mince and set aside.

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Page 7-B

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Page 8-B

ENTERTAINMENT

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

THERESA’S POLKA PICKS

El Campo Leader-News Crossword Puzzle

Wednesday, March 20: Czechmates will play at the Senior Citizens Dance from 7:30-10 p.m., El Campo American Legion Hall. Refreshments to be served. Friday, March 22: Charles & the Fabulous 4 will play from 7-10 p.m., Othie’s Bar & Grill in Sealy. Friday, March 22: Texas Legacy Czech Band will perform some happy music at the Hallettsville Polka & Sausage Festival from 7-10:30 p.m. at the KC Hall in Hallettsville. Saturday, March 23: Dujka Brothers and the Jodie Mikula Orchestra to play at the 31st Annual Polka & Sausage Festival in Hallettsville. Enjoy happy toe-tapping and dancing music from 5-11 p.m. at the KC Hall in Hal-

lettsville. Sunday, March 24: Fritz Hodde, the Red Ravens and the Czechaholics will perform from 1-8 p.m. There will be a three band concert at 4:30 p.m. The Shiner Hobo Band will play from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. This will conclude three days of good food, happy music and lots of dancing. There will be a Polka Mass at 3 p.m. at the KC Hall with St. Mary’s Czech Singers. It’s a fun time for the whole family. Sunday, March 24: Al Sulak will play for the Top Cat Dance Club (public invited) at Fireman’s Hall in Industry from 3-6 p.m. Theresa says: Hello Wharton! Bill and I once again have noticed the beautiful azaleas blooming in our “Pearl of the Prairie” city. While driving around, take notice. Pray for our United States.

KCs host ride for Wounded Warriors Across 1. Marienbad, for one 4. Marvelous, in slang 7. Dreary sound 12. Get misty-eyed 13. Cause of harm, ruin or death 14. ___ Jack, British flag 15. Ominous signs of war 17. Group of musical notes 18. Address 19. Heir’s concern 21. Amazon, e.g. 22. Detective, at times 23. Covered, in a way 27. Divine 31. Doublemint, e.g. 32. Backs 34. Chip away at 35. “... ___ he drove out of sight” 36. Bride’s counterpart 38. A hand 39. Renaissance fiddle 42. Joe ___, prizefighter 44. ___ v. Wade 45. Bully 47. Express strong objection 49. “Dang!” 51. Jail, slangily 52. Fortified wine 54. Series of rock formations 58. “Remember the ___!” 59. Indistinguishable 61. Small South American monkeys with long, bushy tails 62. ___ of the above 63. Jam 64. “The final frontier” 65. “___ lost!” 66. Biddy

43. Begin 46. Ring bearer, maybe 48. Improve, in a way 50. Shoestrings how-to 52. High-five, e.g. 53. Maori war dance with chanting 54. Camping gear 55. “God’s Little ___” The El Campo Heritage 56. Indian bread Center will have their annual 57. “A Nightmare on ___ Street” Spring Fling plant and bake 58. Balaam’s mount sale this weekend, starting 60. ___-eyed

Heritage Center having annual ‘Spring Fling’

Sudoku Puzzle #2850-D

Sudoku Puzzle #2850-M

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 13 when the Diocese of Victoria Knights of Columbus will host Knights Down Ride for the Warriors to raise money for the Wounded War1. Brand, in a way rior Project. 2. Legal prefix The Wounded Warrior 3. The inverse function of the tanProject is a national project gent dedicated to providing finan4. Goat man cial support to veterans with 5. “Then what?” emotional and physical needs. 6. Assail “Many of you have seen the 7. Malleable TV commercial of Trace Ad8. Asthmatic’s device kins promoting the project,” 9. Brawl Knights of Columbus 2490 10. Blood’s partner Grand Knight Greg Witcher 11. Armageddon said. “It is designed to get 12. Pair 13. Alcohol illegally produced or military personnel wounded in combat back into society sold despite their handicaps.” 16. Lid or lip application They are first handed a 20. Amniotic ___ backpack of items at the hos23. Blender button pital after their injury and 24. Amorphous creature then provided with hunting, 25. Benjamin Disraeli, e.g. fishing, skiing, cycling and 26. Sag hiking trips to get them back 28. Engine sounds 29. Dostoyevsky novel, with “The” into their daily routines again. “Both Council 2490, St. 30. Formally surrender Philip Catholic Church, and 31. Disease cause 9393, St. Robert’s, from El 33. Bar order Campo will have members 37. Geologic time of grasses and and wives riding in this grazing mammals event,” Witcher said. “This is 40. Native 41. Pertaining to thin, wispy clouds an opportunity for all to give

Medium

1 3

4 5

7 7

8 5 4

3 2

9 2 7

1 5 4

9 6 8

SEE PAGE 11-B FOR PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Difficult

on Friday, at 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. that day and then again on Saturday morning from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be plenty of colorful plants and flowers, such as roses, pot plants and hanging baskets. Don’t forget to check out the baked goods. There will be peach and berry cobblers, cream cheese rolls, strudels, cakes, pies, cheese biscuits and more. They can be frozen and saved for your Easter gettogether. The Heritage Center is located at 803 Fahrenthold St.

Knights of Columbus Council 2490

KC Spring Picnic Sunday, March 24th K.C. Hall Armory Rd. - El Campo BBQ Chicken & Sausage Dinner with all the trimmings.

Plates are $8.00. Plates To Go or Dine In.

Afternoon Events beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Turkey Shoot Also: Games for the children, cakewalk, drawing and auction.

by attending this local event whether you are a bike rider or not. There will be lots of food, music, drawings, auctions, etc. for all to enjoy.” The event will take place at Brenda’s on Highway 90 East in Flatonia. The day starts early with a bike run to Moravia, Cistern, High Hill, Moulton, Praha, Shiner and Muldoon. Riders can visit local watering holes, famous painted churches and other historic points of interest. Check in starts at 8:30 a.m. and the bikes will leave Brenda’s around 10 a.m. With the purchase of a five dollar commemorative wrist band, you can enjoy the bike ride, music provided by DJ Krazy Kirby and live music by Max Rios and the Waysiders. A gun drawing, bucket draw-

ings and best bike contest in the afternoon will provide additional entertainment. For those who like to shop, a live and silent auction will provide the opportunity to find something really unique. Hot dogs will be provided by Oak Manor Nursing Home and pulled pork sandwiches made by the Flatonia KCs will be sold. If unable to attend, but you would like to donate your time or money to the event, contact Kirby Farek at 361-772-0054. In addition, if any individuals and/or groups would like to donate items for the auctions or help with the auctions, contact Laura Zouzalik at 512695-6452. All proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Project. To find out go online to www. woundedwarriorproject.org.

820 w. loop, el campo

543-8182

Movie Schedule For Mar. 20-28

(pg) starts friday! fri 5:00 7:15 9:20 sat 1:00 3:00 5:00 7:15 9:20 sun 1:00 3:00 5:00 7:15 mon-thu 5:00 7:15 tuE 1:00 3:00 ($2.50 MatiNEE) the croods

stEvE CarEll JiM CarEy Olivia wildE the incredible burt wonderstone (pg13)

NOw shOwiNg! hEld OvEr! wEd-thu (mar. 20, 21) 5:20 7:30 fri 5:20 7:30 9:35 sat 1:20 3:20 5:20 7:30 9:35 sun 1:20 3:20 5:20 7:30 mon 5:20 7:30 tuE 1:20 3:20 5:20 7:30 wEd (mar. 27) 5:20 onLY walt disNEy’s

oz-the great and powerful (pg) NOw shOwiNg! hEld OvEr! mon-thu 4:30 7:00 fri 4:30 7:00 9:30 sat 1:45 4:30 7:00 9:30 sun 1:45 4:30 7:00 tuE 1:00 ($2.50 MatiNEE)

LAST SHOWING

(pg13) wEd-thu (mar. 20, 21) wEd-thu (mar. 20, 21) 7:20 onLY safe haven

jack the giant slayer (pg13) wEd-thu (mar. 20, 21) wEd-thu (mar. 20, 21) 5:10 onLY

BOTH SHOWS END THURSDAY, MARCH 21

COMING SOON

dwayNE JO dway JOhNsON h sON hN BrUCE willis ChaNNiNg tatUM tat

g.i. joe: retaliation (pg13) starts wednesday, wednesday M arch 27 March

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

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Wednesday edition 4 p.m. on Monday Saturday edition 4 p.m. on Thursday

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Call:

CERTIFIED NURSE’S AIDES 6 -2 & 2-10 Shift

Offering competitive salaries and benefit packages consisting of Medical, Paid Holidays, Shift Diff. and Paid Vacation. Applications are available at: Garden Villa Health Care Center 106 Del Norte Drive El Campo, TX 77437 E.O.E

Word Ads: $0.72 per word. Minimum $14.40 - Up to 20 words.

Display Ads: $7.62 per column inch.

Errors, Omissions:

Please check your ad the first day it appears. We cannot be responsible for incorrect ads after the first day of publication. We make every effort to avoid errors. If you find an error, call the Leader-News immediately at (979) 543-3363 and it will be corrected as soon as possible. Liability for errors shall not exceed the cost of that portion of space occupied by such error.

002 Houses for Sale V I N TAG E H O M E F O R S A L E $30,000, to be moved. In Nada area. 1,750 sq. ft., 1 1/2 story, 3 BR, 1 BA, Oak floors, new roof, CA/H. Nice alternative to mobile home living, fixer upper. Call 979-543-6621.

of El Campo is now taking applications for a RELIABLE, MATURE & ENERGETIC Full-time Sales Person Must have retail sales experience & comupeter knowledge. Hours 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. No Sundays. Apply in person to fill out application.

GARDEN VILLA HEALTH CARE CENTER HIRING

Rates:

Combination Rate: Run Wednesday and Saturday. Minimum $22.80 - Up to 20 words.

800–577– 8853

Wild Bill’s Western Wear

LEEDO CABINETRY seeks Supervisor Candidates for our EL CAMPO and EAST BERNARD facilities. Leedo is growing quickly, adding a second shift with 4 supervisors in EAST BERNARD. We are adding 2 day shift supervisors to our new plant in EL CAMPO. The pay for this role starts at $50,000. To apply, go to: https://careers-leedo.icims.com We look forward to hearing from you!

131

Livestock - Feed - Seed Poultry & Supplies 132 Cattle - Hogs - Horses 133 Feed - Hay 134 Seed - Plants - Etc. 135 Miscellaneous Misc. for Sale 151 Household Goods 152 Wanted to Buy 153 Garage Sales 154 Notices Lost and Found 171 Special Notices 172 In Memoriam 173 Card of Thanks 174 Public Notices 175

eoe

Apply Online at www.gulfmarkenergy.com

Fax 832-200-9260

Ganado Nursing and Rehabiliation Center

Locally owned beautiful hotel like 91 bed skilled nursing facility is looking for a DIRECTOR OF NURSING in small town Ganado, Texas. Job includes great team members, excellent benefits, paid vacation and sick leave, and 401K opportunity. We are looking for someone with great management skills, well organized and supportive of staff. Applicant must have good caring attitude to promote excellent patient care while maintaining policies and procedures and state regulations through staff education and supervision.

• • •

Requirements:

Valid RN license in State of Texas Experience in administration and management in healthcare organization a plus Experience in long-term care nursing preferred.

Please apply in person at: GNRC 107 E. Rogers Ganado, Texas

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED

FOR SALE $85,000 - 2 BR, 1 BA with great yard. 1301 Rebe Sue Street, El Campo. Call 979-257-8164.

Become a valuable part of the largest company of its type in the United States, Wharton County Foods, LLC. A Cal-Maine Foods Company. We are one of the fastest growing companies in the area and have immediate openings in the transportation department for the following:

4 BR, 1 BA FARMHOUSE ON 10 acres, large livestock barn, garage, recently remodeled. $155,000 call 979-541-9306. No owner financing.

Short Haul Truck Driver To insure a good quality of life for our drivers, we only hire in our area (50 mile radius). This allows our drivers to be home nightly and every other weekend off depending on customers’ needs.

021 Help Wanted

Wharton County Foods drivers enjoy some of the most modern equipment available.

PLUMBER’S HELPER NEEDED. No experience required. Must apply in person at: 803 W. Jackson St., EC. D AY T I M E B O B TA I L D R I V E R needed in the El Campo area. 40+ hours weekly. Must have class B-CDL with Haz-Mat and tanker endorsement. Competitive salary with paid vacation. Fax resume to: 979-543-1570 or call Tom at: 979-637-1422.

Employee Benefits include: Vacations • Holiday pay • Sick Leave • 401K Plan Family Health Insurance • Life Insurance Dental & Vision Insurance We require the following to be eligible: Minimum of 21 years old • Class A CDL Minimum of 3 yrs verifiable experience No Major moving violations in past 12 months No Felony convictions • DOT Physical and drug screen required CALL US FOR INFORMATION: (979)657-2891

021 Help Wanted

Wharton Journal-Spectator NURSES NEEDED FOR PEDIATRIC C Z E C H C A T H O L I C

HOME HOME CARE in the El Campo and seeking CNA 2 - 10 p.m. Contact Palacios area. We have immediate Tria Svatek 979-648-2628. Hillje openingsClassified for RNs andAdvertising LVNs. For community, Hwy 59/FM 441. more information, please email Benefits. EOE. your resume to: careers@epichealth C Z E C H C AT H O L I C H O M E Customer: 2634 services.com or call 214-466-1375. seeking Dietary Person. Contact Don Elliott Autoworld Tria Svatek 979-648-2628. Hillje Delivery Driver/CDLA community, Hwy 59/FM 441. Victoria Run Date: 3/20/2013 Benefits. EOE.

Merchandisers El Size: Campo/Wharton 1x2.5” & Surrounding Markets 2.5 Col. Inc.

Gregurek’s Radiator

Cost: $18.85 each run

Full-Time

Employment Mon. - Fri.

No weekends Please proof and fax any changes to Experience preferred, 979-532-8845 but willing to train. GREAT BENEFITS Thank you, Start $8.50/Hr PACKAGE! APPLY ONLINE! Raise in 90 days Helen www.dpsg.com/careers Come by to apply: (search979-532-8840 under Victoria, Texas) 306 N. Wharton EOEclassified@journal-spectator.com • MFDV • DFWP PART-TIME Johnny:CUSTOMER SERVICE CLERK

The City of Wharton is seeking a qualified individual to be responsible a variety of customer service and utility services fax:for531-1539 including setting up and transferring customer utility accounts; phone: processing utility 532-7111 bills and other cash collections; assisting customers with inquires regarding their utility accounts; providing cell: 531-9589 service to the citizens of the City of Wharton; and performing variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. Application and job description are available at City Hall, 120 E. Caney Street, Wharton, Texas and should be returned to the Human Resources Department. Position will be open until filled. The City of Wharton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

White’s/Western Wharton Journal-Spectator : 3/16Auto & 3/20/2013

for a take-charge person with a pleasant 2x2Looking - $30.16/run - Total $60.31 personality. Mult-tasker. Strong computer skills. Quick Books payroll-accts. El Campo Leader-News: 3/16 recievable/payable. & 3/20/2013 2x2 - 40-hr $31.52/run - TotalGood $63.04 work week. customer relations.

Apply in person at: East Bernard Express: & 3/28/2013 117 South Mechanic in3/21 El Campo. Runs Thursdays only No phone calls, please. 2x2 - $22.60/run - Total $45.20

Seeking Full-Time Day, 7A-7P, RN for Critical Access Hospital Emergency Department. Rotating weekends and holidays required. 5+ years of ER experience and ACLS REQUIRED. Will serve as charge nurse of the ER as well as the adjacent Med-Surg Floor. Must be able to work independently with exceptional critical thinking skills to handle multiple situations. Requires energetic, capable nurse prepared for teamwork to complete all tasks. Also accepting applications for PRN RN’s all shifts with same requirements. Email resume to khpcmc@tisd.net.

Palacios Community Medical Center

El Campo Memorial Hospital

Wharton Journal-Spectator: 3/9, 3/13, 3/16,position. 3/20/2013 Administration - Staff Accountant: temporary $33.93 each run Nursing - RN/LVN: PRN basis; Total Cost Runs: $135.72 LVN:4Full-time, rotating shift plus weekends. Laboratory - MLT: PRN basis. Environmental Services Aide:3/20/2013 El Campo Leader-News: 3/9, 3/13, -3/16, PRN, days, occasional weekends and evenings. $35.46 $35.46 each run - Dietary Aide & Cook: Dietary Service Total Cost PRN, 4 Runs: $141.84 rotating shifts and weekends. Plant Operations - Plant Engineer: Full-time, on call rotating nights and weekends, mechanical experience required.

Mid Coast Medical Clinic LVN or MA: PRN basis, days.

Contact Human Resources 979-578-5251

Wharton Journal-Spectator Classified Advertising Account No. 9717

Would you enjoy most of your afternoons off? Customer: Do youCounty need aFoods, change? Wharton LLC

How about4429 a secure company that has been around FM 442 for 38 years and TX has 77420 an excellent benefits package Boling, including:Robert Macek Mgr. - FeedMill/Transportation Health Insurance - rmacek@cmfoods.com Supplemental Insurance 979-657-2891 Life Insurance cell 979-533-4651 Retirement Plan FAX 979-657-3506 Prasek’s Hillje Smokehouse is now taking applications for a career in Run Date: 11/21/2012 TFN

Bakery Production

in person only. Size: Apply 2x4.25” Hwy. 59 S,In. 4 miles from El Campo. 8.5 Col. Cost: $62.05 per run

021 Help Wanted

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRMAN needed must have ability to repair all outdoor power equipment sold & rented. Additional duties will include managing Lawn & Garden and Rental Departments. Benefits include vacation, sick leave, health insurance and retirement plan. Apply at Rioux Hardware 211 N. Washington El Campo, Texas 77437 G R AV E L H A U L E R S N E E D E D Class A CDL License, South TX & Gulf Coast Region. Some benefits & immediate openings. Call 979-648-2580. PA R T - T I M E P O R T E R : M U S T be 18 years of age w/clean driving record. Hours will be in afternoon to evening and Saturdays. Previous detail experience a plus. Apply in Person: Von-Wil Ford, Inc. 316 N. Richmond, Wharton, TX 77488. Ask for Mike Hail. TR AC TOR AND EQUIPMENT Mechanic needed at Wharton Tractor Company. Must have tools and experience. Good pay, commission and benefits. Call 979-532-3172.

Wharton Journal-Sp

PA R T - T I M E T R U C K D R I V E R position for local gravel company. Must haveClassified Class A CDL,Advertising pass DOT physical and drug screen. Call 979-758-3389.

Account No. 2454

M A N AG E R S , WA I T S TA F F & plancheros needed at Taqueria Arandas #24, 11929 Eastex Frwy. Customer: Houston, TX. Please contact Jorge of Wharton Miguel atCity 713-545-5176.

120 E. Caney

TIRE TECHNICIAN/ Wharton, TXRepair 77488 Hardware Sales - Tire experience and hardware sales experience or willing to learn. Heavy lifting, computer people Run Dates:and 3/16 & 3/20/20 skills a must. United Ag offers Size: 2x2" competitive compensation and Col.ts.In.Send resume excellent 4benefi to: P.O. Box 365, Danevang, TX 77432 or pickup an application at Cost: $30.16 per run 11338 S. SH 71 Hwy, Danevang, TX 77432.Total 2 runs: $60.32 $8/HR, REGULAR RAISES. F u l l t i mPlease e . N o proof e x p e r iand e n c efax / education required. This job is hard 979-532-8845 physical labor. Long-term career opportunity. Must like dogs. Call 979-532-9194. Thank you,

any c

Wharton Journal-Sp

G A N A D O Publishes N U R S I N G Wednesday AND Rehabilitation Center is currently Helen Sevier hiring for theClassified following positions: Advertising 979-532-8840 Social Worker: Part-time, CNA: 6 a.m. - 2classified@journal-spectat p.m. & 2 - 10 p.m. Split Account 9853 Shift, Full-time with 2 - No. 10 p.m. Shift Diff., Customer: CNA: 2 - 10 p.m. Full-time with Shift Diff., PRN LVN: Palacios Community M All Shifts, PRN Medication Aides, Lisa Aid Henderson Full-time Laundry & Dietary Aid. Applications may be picked up Office Chief Operations at 107 E. Rogers, Ganado, Texas. 311please. GreenGNRC is No phone calls Palacios, TX 77465 EOE.

361-972-2511 022 Work Wanted Xt4115 FAX 361-972-3312

I AM A CAREGIVER, 20 YEARS experience. lhpcmc@tisd.net Will take care of elderly at home or hospital. References. Call Mary Date: 979-533-2215Run or 979-282-2783.

I AM A CAREGIVER W/30 Size: Will 2x2.25” years experience. care for elderly at home, full-time, 4.5hospital, Column Inches weekends, etc. References. Call Cost: $33.93 each run Dee, 979-531-0822.

Per Week Cost: $67.86

024 Schools

SIGN UP FOR ART CL ASSES! Learn Drawing, Watercolor, Acrylic and and/or Oil Please Paintingproof and Print Making. Lessons offered from 979-532-8845 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays and 3 to 6 p.m. Thursdays at Dragon Fly Restaurant in Thank Wharton.you, Classes are $15 for a two-hour session. Call Burlon Parsons at 979-532-5285 or Helen Sevier 979-532-8840.

979-532-8840

fax an

Become a Dental classified@journal-spec Assistant! 10 Week Course Starting Soon Saturdays Only 281-794-7944

www.Become-A-DA.com C. Mark Mann School of Dental Assisting 1111 Hwy. 6, #220 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Certified by: The Texas Workforce Commission Career Schools and Colleges

042 Apt-Furnished LOOK! MICRO-EFFICIENCY UNIT available in Markham for those who don’t need all that space, but still has all necessities. $400 deposit, $395 monthly. Call 713-614-5814

www.leader-news.com

Page 10-B

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Realty Listings

The Real Estate Service

979-543-2266

107 E. Monseratte St., El Campo, TX

(979) 543-2523

We have many other listings available.

Fax (979) 543-5830

www.TheRealEstateService.com or www.HAR.com NEW LISTINGS

2012 Wilson - 3 BR, 3 BA on 1.4 acres. $315,000 (#69957332)

NEW LISTINGS

1002 Center St. - 3 BR 2 BA, updated home, 2 living areas, corner fireplace, fenced backyard, 2 car garage. $192,500 611 Trochta - 3 BR, 2 BA on 2 lots. $153,000 (#61917324) 3910 S. FM 2546 - 3 BR, 2 BA on 1 acre. $148,999 (#46424940) 2726 Myatt Lane - 3 BR, 2 BA,2 CG, fenced yard. $147,900 (#85765418) 2100 W. Norris - 2/3 BR, 1.5 BA, corner lot. $129,000 (#69803716) 308 E. Calhoun - 4 BR, 3 BA Townhouse. $125,000 (#87783604) 1321 S. FM 441 - 3 BR, 2 BA in Hillje. $116,500 (#53977847) 1616 Roehl - 3 BR, 2 BA on 2+ acres. $89,900 (#20529048) 418 E. Watt 3 bedroom 1 bath. $49,900 (#6017488) 2,380 sq. ft. Commercial Building in downtown Garwood. $40,000

www.wiedrealty.com

Becky Wied - Broker 979-637-6371 Stacey Leopold 979-758-4279 Corri Chandler 979-541-3584 Dustin Tarver 979-541-7474 Debbie Folks 979-533-1302 Brandi Johnson 979-332-2140 Dwight Hudlin, Jr. 979-257-7358

Smith Realty

1256A N. Mechanic 979-543-9900 Jane Smith, Broker® 979-332-2577 Stephanie Hamilton, Realtor® 281-728-1989 Regency Townhouse For Sale G! IN1160 Starter home in Louise ForPSale, ENDFM 3,000 sq. ft. House, For Sale or Lease Bay home with boat house and extra lot, just reduced, gated community 48 Acres on 1300 50 Acres For Sale Northwest of Taiton 88 Acres on 1300 Midfield Rancho 111, 1,237 Acres 5,600 sq. ft. Showroom and Warehouse Garden Party Nursery For Sale on Hwy. 181, Poth El Campo Plaza Spaces For Lease “Values and Service You Can Depend On”

041 Apt - Unfurnished

063 Misc. Services

Stoneridge Apartments

LAWN CARE: MOWING, WEED eating, flower beds, etc. Free estimates. Call 979-532-2319.

202 W. Loop, El Campo, Tx.

979-543-1075

Spacious 1 & 2 BR Apartments • Transit Bus Service • Playground, Laundry Facility • Energy Efficient Appliances This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer TTD 800-735-2989

043 Houses for Rent $400 MOVE-IN SPECIAL! Nice, clean, mobile home. Quiet person(s) only. Small lot - see signs. 914 East Calhoun, EC.

F.H. Hernandez House Leveling

Foundation & Piers Lifetime Warranty Free Estimates 27 Years Experience Senior Citizen Discount

361-782-5148 361-782-8575

301 Bryan St., Edna, TX 77957

Ray's Tree Trimming Trimming • Skylighting • Topping Tree and/or Stump Removal Quality Work Free Local Estimates No job too little or too big Over 25 Years Experience

LOW I N CO M E ? W H Y R E N T when you can buy? Habitat for Humanity building in 2014 in Wharton. Income must be $1,330$2,660/month. Call 979-282-9302 and leave name and mailing address, or see www.habitatewc. com for qualifications.

704 E. Calhoun St., El Campo

063 Misc. Services

Monthly Rentals

Painting

Residential Exterior / Interior

Jeff Barosh, Jr.

Guaranteed Lifetime Transferable Warranty Slabs • Pier and Beam Senior Discount • Free Estimates

Ask for Danny McBride

800-460-8594

www.coastalfoundationrepair.com

Lots at El Prado Lots - Under new management, use your builder.

FOR LEASE

For more details on these and other listings please call or see our website. Melissa Rod - Broker ...........................Home 979-543-3906...Cell 637-7971 Lin Hutzenbiler - Agent .....................................Cell 979-541-9945 Stacey Vesely - Agent ........................................ Cell 979- 578-1260

208 Fahrenthold, El Campo, TX. Office: 979-543-3373 Cell: 979-541-7929 All we do is Real Estate. All the time. FARM & RANCH

New Listing: $49,000, 7.5 wooded acres on Mustang Creek, FM 1300, 4” water well, bridge over creek, deer. New Listing 87.43 Acres Timber land. Morales, Jackson County. $2,500/acre. New Listing 82.1 Acres - Row crop CR 371. $3,000/acre. $500,000 - 29.04 acres of prime development land. New Listing 68 Acres - Ranch w/2,500 sq. ft. home, Jackson Co. CR 280. $469,200. Call Beverly. John Petty Chase Nielsen Marie Powell

New Listing 29.27 Acres - FM 1160 Louise. Hay Meadow, 5 acres of trees. $5,000/acre. New Listing 20 Acres - Fenced, CR 303. Jackson Co. $7,500/ acre. Call Beverly.

RESIDENTIAL /COUNTRY

$670,000 – Ranch house on 47 acres. CR 355. Covered roping arena and horse stalls. New Listing $260,000 Secluded Ranch Style 2,744 sq. ft. living area on 10 acres of wooded land & Mustang Creek CR 382, Louise.

979-541-7929 979-578-3585 979-541-3335

Nancy Pfardrescher Beverly Stepan Kelly Jo Osina

www.johnpettyrealtors.com www.landsoftexas.com www.HAR.com www.landwithminerals.com

RESIDENTIAL/IN TOWN New Listing $49,900 - 1311 Short New Listing $169,500 - 3 BR, 2 BA, 2,546 sq. ft. living area. Game room. Call Marie. $158,000 - 3 BR, 2 BA, 2,108 sq. ft. Big Oaks. Call Nancy. Reduced $157,500 - Brick 3 BR, 2.5 BA, approx. 2,114 sq. ft. Hutchins Lane. Call Marie. $120,000 - Nice 3 BR, 2 BA, approx. 1,500 sq. ft. brick home. 916 Roberts St. New Listing $64,000 - 4 BR, 1 BA, located at 411 E. Correll St.

979-332-2902 979-332-0370 979-578-6556

Glen Pasak Rick Schmidt Scott Clifton

Access 24 Hours a Day

5’x10’ Space 10’x20’ Space 15’x20’ Space You carry the key!

Self-Service Storage

New and Reroofing Composition • Free Estimates •

Edi Herrera

979-543-1186 or

979-332-2117

24 Hr. Emergency Services IICRC Certiﬁed Water & Smoke Damage Cleanup General Contracting NADCA Certiﬁed HVAC Duct System Cleaning, Carpet, Floor & Upholstery Cleaning, Residential & Commercial Pressure Washing Toll Free 800-794-0427 Mobile 361-782-8746 www.xpressrestoration.org jkwash@hotmail.com

YARD MAINTENANCE. MOWING average yard, $35. Pruning, trimming, house painting, field shredding. Have references. Call 979-599-4917, Ray. HOUSE LEVELING. SLAB, PIER & beam, replace rotten seals. Mobile home leveling. Free estimates. Call 281-232-6268. HORSE RIDING LESSONS. Beginner/advanced. Barrels, poles & straights. Call 979-541-9857. PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE writing your resumes, college, scholarship, job applications, etc., by a retired English teacher. Call 979-532-8873. WILL CLEAN RESIDENTIAL houses and commercial buildings. Fre e e s t i m a te s . Re fe re n c e s available. Call 979-533-3222 or 979-320-4343. NOLAN’S AFFORDABLE LAWN Service. Weed eating, hedge trimming, also pressure washing homes. 7 days per week. Call 979-253-9323.

075 Farm Machinery

111 Mobile Homes

convenient Wharton Park, Owner finance. Only $575 monthly. Only $1,500 down payment. Own your own home! Call 832-457-6760. (RBI# RET00034878)

112 Travel Trailers

2006 5th Wheel $16K. New, this Jazz 32 ft. was $37K. Great condition.

Call 435-656-0800 or email: Info@PowerFin.com Wharton Airport

135 Seeds, Plants

151 Misc. For Sale

MATTRESS DISCOUNTERS OF Texas. 228 W. Milam St., Wharton, Texas. Call 979-282-9771 or 210-326-3177. 7 days/week, Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 1 - 5 p.m. Will meet after hours.

miles, runs good $1,500. 1999 M e rc u r y M y s t i q u e , 6 9 , 0 0 0 135 Seeds, Plants miles, good shape $3,500. Call KALINA’S NURSERY. Vegetable, 979-541-6399. Color plants, Wave Petunias, Fruit Trees, Bareroot Pecan/Peach Classified Advertising trees, Bloom-A-Thons, Shrubs, potting soil, fertilizer, pots. Call Works!!! 979-532-1719.

154 Garage Sales

4-Family Garage Sale

1010 Empire St. Friday, March 22 & Saturday, March 23 Furniture, Dining Table & 8 Chairs, Antique Furniture, Range, Washer, Dryer, TV, Collectibles, Dishes, New Carpet Remnants,

WILL BUY NONWORKING riding mowers and push mowers. Call 979-533-2373.

Vintage Men’s Hats,

C ASH! TO BUY JUNK C ARS, junk trucks, junk farm machinery, salvage metal, batteries etc. Call 979-618-1204 or 979-618-0880, Joey.

Clothing & much more!

2 Garage Sale on Alene St. in the Esquire Estates

Friday, March 22 12:30 – 6:30 p.m. Anitque School Desk, Jewelry, Clothing, Quilts, Comforters, Holiday Items, Small Dog House, Kid’s Bikes & Toys.

BUNNY RABBITS. LARGE selection, many colors. Boling Bunny Farm. Call 979-793-5858.

SCHNORKIES $300. DOB 1/5/13, M & F, u p - to - d a te o n s h o t s & worming, tail/dew claws docked. 073 Used Cars Very small, playful & sociable. 1999 DODGE DURANGO, 180,000 Paper & doggy door trained. Call 281-414-5950.

COMMERCIAL

Reduced $550,000 - Former Lack’s Furniture. 46,756 sq. ft. of asphalt parking lot. 27,000 sq. ft. of showroom. New Listing - 6 acres Hwy 111 frontage Edna. $60,000. 5.4 Acres - U.S. Hwy 59 & FM 1162. Great access. $119,000.

153 Want to Buy

131 Dogs, Cats, Pets

FREE TO GOOD HOME: Orphaned terrier type puppy 10-12 weeks old. I will pay for first shots and spaying. Call 713-417-3321.

St., recently remodeled, 1 BR, 1 BA, new deck, ﬂagstone patio, fence, large metal building for workshop or storage. Call Nancy 979-332-2902. New Listing $45,000 - Nice frame house. Located at 413 E. Correll St.

979-543-0378 979-541-3675 979-541-7717

T WO C E M E T E RY P LOT S AT 3 / 2 M A N U FAC T U R E D H O M E Garden of Memories Cemetery for for sale. Refurbished, new carpet sale. Good location of cemetery. a n d a p p l i a n c e s . L o c a te d i n Call Harold Mayo 281-376-2871.

2310 N. Richmond Rd.

Foundation Repair

Townhome - $1,300/month LEASED plus $1,300 deposit.

ROBERT LAITKEP’S AFFORDABLE Tree Service. Tree trimming, stump grinding, tree removal and topping, tractor work. Insured. Free estimates. Senior citizen discount. Call 979-532-4403.

of value. We buy scrap gold.

Coastal Bend

LOTS AND ACREAGE

$25,000 - 5+/- wooded acres. $117,000 - 3 BR, 2 BA on 1+/acre, city ! PENDINGacreage limits, barn. Additional may be purchased. $155,000 - Brick, 3 BR, 2 BA, 2 car. gar. on 2+/- acres. 2,871 sq. ft. living. Large dining, living & kitchen. Outbuildings. $215,000 - 4.9 acres, 4 BR, 2.5 BA, 2 car gar. Covered RV parking, covered patio and deck w/hot tub. 2 ponds, barn, 2 water wells, aerobic septic system. Open concept, 2 wood burning fireplaces.

U-LOCK MINI STORAGE

We make loans on most anything

979-532-0971 • Wharton

12+/- Acres - $30,000/acre. Hwy 59. $35,000 - lotPalong ING!Loop. ENDWest $75,000 - 1.47 acres West Loop. $80,000 - 1 ac. lot, West Loop and Norris. $95,000 - Multi use bldg. Great location. $120,000 - 2.16 acres. Prime location. $145,000 - Office building corner of E. Monseratte & S. Washington. Original bank bldg. built 1910. 3,480+/- sq. ft. $150,000 - 3.25+/- acres on Mechanic. $160,000 - 2+/- acres West Loop & Roberts. 1+/- Acre Lot in high traffic area.

WANT TO BUY USED JOHN S A G O PA L M P L A N T S F O R Deere tractors. Running or salvage. s a l e $ 5 - $ 2 0 e a c h . C a l l Call before you trade or auction 979-541-5287. 979-541-7234.

Linda’s Sand & Gravel, LLC.

Tyler’s Jewelry and Pawn New 14K Gold Jewelry

COMMERCIAL

REDUCED

J.C. COMPLETE PAINTING & Remodeling. Fence repair, flooring, sheet rock, tile, roofing. Free estimates. 15% discount. Beat any price! Call 832-231-2708.

HERRERA ROOFING

979-541-7621 or 979-578-6308

Home Building Sites FM 1300. 13+/- acres - just outside of town. 20+/- acres home site. Barn, water wells, electric, house pad, pond. 50+/- acres - North of town, wooded, creek, pasture. 100+/- acres - approximately 15 miles Northwest of El Campo. Creek, partially wooded, fenced, water well, electric. G! $18,500 - 1/2 P acre at Lakeview. DIN ENlot $20,000 - 3 lots at corner of Monseratte and Avenue D. $23,000 - 3 lots on Business Ave. $28,000 - Cape Carancahua, gated community, 2 corner lots.

063 Misc. Services

Ray Mach, Owner

979-332-1983

Call Linda

RESIDENTIAL

$41,000 - 2 BR, 1 BA. Make offer. $99,000 - 3 BR, 1 BA, very well kept, nice home with fenced in yard, move in ready. G!garage Apt. $117,000 - 3 BR, BA with DIN PE1N $120,000 - 4 BR, 2 BA on 1+/- acre. $128,000 - 3 BR, 2 BA on corner lot. $135,000 - 3 BR, 2 BA, custom home. $140,000 - Updated 2-story, 5 BR, 3 BA in great area. Great family home. $169,000 - 3 BR, 2 BA, brick home just outside of town, fenced, extra well & septic.

$169,900 - Brick 3 BR, 2 BA in a popular neighborhood. Very nice. $185,000 - 3 BR, 3 BA, colonial home on large tree-filled lot. East Bernard. $185,000 - Brick 3 BR, 2 BA on 2.5+/acres. 2,000+ sq. ft. living area. $299,900 - Brick 3 BR, 3 BA, 2 car garage on corner lot in desired neighborhood. 3,050 sq. ft. Open concept. Wood burning fireplace and wet bar, block paneling. Raised ceilings. $335,000 - 3 BR, 2 BA, Colonial in Louise on 30 acres. Additional acreage available. $480,000 - Exquisite 2-story log cabin on 22+/- acres, beautiful mature Pecan trees.

979-543-9153

979-543-5911

Free Estimates

$25,000 - Lot at White Wing Trail. $35,000 - 1.3+/- acre lot North side of El Campo. G! acres. IN1+/Don $38,500 - 3 BR, 2N BA PE $40,000 - 2 lots @ Cape Caranchua. Septic, water, electric. $67,000 2-Story, 3 BR, 2 BA on 1+/- acre. City services. Nice area. $90,000 - 3 BR, 1.5 BA, sits on 3 lots, with mature trees, wood / tile flooring, 2 car attached garage in Blessing. $115,000 - 2-story, 3D BR, ! on 1.6+/IN2GBA PEN acres. “Little House on the Prairie”. $117,500 - Brick 3 BR, 2 BA, 1 car gar. SOLD! Well maintained. $335,000 - Magnificent 2-story home 1.6 miles from city limits. 3 BR, 2.5 BA, granite, hard woods, tile, custom cherry cabinetry. Waterford Estates - 1.2+/- acre lots

Deadline for Advertising Monday before 4 p.m. for Wednesday paper. & Thursday before 4 p.m. for Saturday paper.

Multi-Family Garage Sale

415 East Strand Saturday, March 23 7 a.m. – ?? Furniture, Clothing & Lots of Misc.

YOUR AD HERE

Page 11-B

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Realty Listings

SUSAN RADLEY

Town & Country

Realtors

REAL ESTATE, INC.

979-543-7767

202 Fahrenthold St. El Campo, TX. 77437

Reduced $30,000 609 Alvin - $160,000 2 BR, 2 BA, desirable area in the Heights. Lg. eat-in kitchen w/double ovens, formal DR, Lg. LR, gas fireplace, lavish master suite, office space, huge utility & storage building, 2 car garage. RESIDENTIAL •New Listing! $295,000 - Brick 2-story, 4 BR, 2.5 BA in move in condition. Formal LR, DR, spacious kitchen w/granite countertops, walk in pantry, open to family room, great for entertaining, lg. game room or office, covered patio & fenced yard in preferred neighborhood on corner lot. Mature oaks. COMMERCIAL/LAND/BUSINESS • “Business Opportunity completely remodeled & updated, Bar & Events Center, with great income potential for specialty restaurant. Located in high traffic area on large corner lot. Also included is very nice garage apartment. Ideal rental. Call for details.” • $250,000 - 150x150 corner lot, high traffic area. N. Mechanic St. frontage. Small residence included, great for office use. • $25,000 - 60x140 lot on W. Jackson Street. • Lots available in El Prado Subdivision. Deed restrictions. FOR ALL LISTINGS GO TO OUR WEBSITE:

Residential • Commercial • Farm • Ranch 714 N. Mechanic St., El Campo, Tx. 77437 100% FINANCING AVAILABLE TO QUALIFIED BUYERS.

RESIDENTIAL New Listing - $56,000 - 3 BR, 1 BA. New Listing - $59,500 - 2 BR, 1 BA. New Listing - $99,000 - 2 or 3 BR, 2 BA. $69,500 - 3 BR, 2 BA, CA/H, fresh paint & recent carpet. $83,500 - Large 3 BR, 2 BA. Great for large family. $95,000 - 2 BR, 1 BA. Many updates, fenced yard. $99,900 - Very neat 2 BR, 1 BA, on 1/2 acre; updated septic, covered patio, fenced yard. $118,500 - 3 BR, 2 BA. Great condition with many updates. Reduced $113,000 - 3 BR, 2 BA. New paint, tile, CA/H, hardwood floors, carport and detached storage. LAND & LOTS Building site - at Schicke Point. Several 1.90 acre residential tracts. 2 prime commercial tracts. Call for details. COMMERCIAL $125,000 - Large commercial bldg. Convenient location w/ great visibility. CALL FOR MORE COMMERCIAL & LAND LISTINGS

979-543-6666

2395 E. Jackson El Campo, TX 77437 www.wmerealestate.com

PILGRIM 979-543-1890 Real Estate

106 W. Strand, El Campo, Tx.

Hablamos Español 979-543-3363

Garage Sale

Investment Property - Residential rentals. Call Ray for information. Rentals - 1 BR, 1 BA, garage apt., CA/H, refrigerator & stove furnished. $550 monthly. Land - Call for availlability. BUILDING SITES - In town and out of town. Call for availability.

El Campo, Texas • (979) 543-1442

2-Family Garage Sale

1021 Ellwood Saturday, March 23 8 a.m. – ?? Furniture, Clothes & Lots of Misc.

Garage Sale 3175 N. Mechanic (7 tenths mile N. of Buc-cees)

Saturday, March 23 8 a.m. – ?? Furniture, Household Items, Men’s, Women’s & Baby’s Clothing, Boots & Misc. Items.

172 Special Notices REMEMBER DR. MACMASTERS as a friend/patient? I’m collecting stories on his life as a Countr y Doc tor. Call Ginger 661-399-0576.

Going to Coushatta Saturday, March 30 Leave Walmart in El Campo at 5:45 a.m.

$18 per person

Call Mary or J.W.

979-543-1084 Advertise in the

El Campo Leader-News

979-543-3363

www.switzerauction.net

Vengan! Si Habla Español!

www.reatarealty.com

RURAL AND FARM LAND — WHARTON COUNTY 322.94+/- ACRES - Matagorda County. Excellent hunting/recreational property. 383+/- ACRES - FM 1162 Matagorda Co. Crop base, equipped irrigation well, improved duck hunting property.

Gary Radley - Broker Taylor Radley - Associate Broker Clint Radley - Agent DeeAnn Rawlinson - Agent James R. Larkin - Agent

1036 S FM 331

SEALY, TEXAS

3 Miles North of Sealy on Hwy 36 to FM 331, Then 1 Mile East

Saturday, March 23 at 10 am We look forward to seeing you in SEALY, TEXAS!

Expecting 75 Tractors & 750 Implements, Along With Trucks, Trailers & Autos!

Selling All Classes of Farm & Ranch Equipment, Along With Tools and Miscellaneous Items Too Numerous to Mention!!!

10% Buyer Premium on Items $1,000.00 or Less

979-885-2400

175 Public Notices

dzalman@zalmanandcompany.com rzalman@zalmanandcompany.com abusby@zalmanandcompany.com

Daniel Zalman Rosann Zalman Andrea Busby Agent Broker/Principal Broker/Principal 979-332-2552 979-541-3565 979-543-0225

We Appreciate Your Business!

Mark Switzer

Land & Auction Services TXS#7342

Websites: zalmanandcompany.com har.com & landsoftexas.com

Realty Associates Azalia Benich 281-642-4559 Commercial

905 Frank Stubbs - Excellent location, 7,500 sq. ft. building. on 5 acres. $525,000. Hwy 59 Frontage - 1 acre, Former Gaudalajara Restaurant. $235,000.

Country Homes

CR 424 - 4/3/2, barn, new roof, fenced. $138,000. New Listing CR 403 - Beautiful country charm, Danevang, 5/3/3, 3.92 acres, updates, fenced, barn, huge Oaks, new roof. $189,000.

Residential

172 Special Notices

Advertise with us 979-543-3363 www.switzerauction.net

7:30 a.m. – Noon

Residential $219,500 - 807 Avenue I. Pristine traditional brick 3 BR, 2 BA, 2,500+ sq. ft., office, fireplace, built ins, multiple storage. Beautiful landscaped corner fenced lot on .45 ac. lot w/sprinkler system. $148,000 - 403 Ave. A Vintage charm 3 BR, 2 BA, CA/H, bonus room, ideal for office or 4th BR, wood floors, fresh interior paint, corner lot located in Heights Addition. Two lots - Located downtown close to town, amenities, across from Friendship Park. Great location for new home construction. Commercial - Land Earn a dividend while enjoying your land - 56.5 diverse acres of irrigated grass farm, row crop farmland and recreation wooded acres. $3,000 an acre. CR 472 off of FM 616, Blessing. $27,500 - Commercial lot - 100x140 located on Mechanic St. (Hwy. 71) & 6th St. $90,000 - Commercial corner lot. Great potential for multiple commercial use. 1.49 acre, zoned C-2. $175,000 - Commercial property w/high visibility, located on corner of main street Hwy 71 and Strand St., 1,392 sq. ft. building, .34 acre. 21.25 Acres - Fronting Hwy. 71 (2,000+ ft.), FM 2546 & CR 385. Great potential for development.

REATA REALTY

FARM, RANCH & CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AUCTION

Saturday, March 23

2607 Meadow Lane $168,900 Brick 3 BR, 2 BA, detailed finishes, many updates, move-in ready. Spacious fenced backyard. Premiere location.

979-543-2228 1209 N. Mechanic

After Hours CAll ... rAy Pilgrim, 543-3754 • HArold moore, 543-6990

172 Special Notices

918 Roberts St.

979-221-4032 Cell

We Need Additional Listings To Work.

SOLD!

154 Garage Sales

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

Susan L. Radley - Broker 979-541-3035 Cell Taylor Radley - Associate Broker 979-637-6354 Cell

Available Days, Nights & Weekends:

NEW LISTING: 4 BR, 3 BA on FM 1163, lovely family home, spacious and immaculate! Call Judy 979-578-1600. NEW LISTING: Charming 3 BR, 2 BA in nice neighborhood. French doors, built-ins, claw-foot tub in MB. 805 Ave E. Call Laura 979-541-6412. LARGE BARN/OFFICE FOR RENT: South of El Campo, Call Judy 979-578-1600 NEW LISTING: Townhouse 4 BR, 3 BA, located on Calhoun Street $120,000. Call Judy 979-578-1600. G!almost 1/2 acre. Call Judy REDUCED: Lovely home on Henson Street INon RACT PEND 979-578-1600. CONT GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERTY: Patio home with 3 apartments behind HEB, never vacant! Call Judy 979-578-1600. NEW HOME BUILDING SITE! 1.6 acre lot in El Campo city limits. HAR. com/10243741 LARGE 3 or 4 BR, 2 BA IN MOST PREFERRED NEIGHBORHOOD. Nicely ! DING PENfloors, T C remodeled bathrooms, original hardwood sprinkler system, French A R T N O C drains, shaded corner lot. $169,000.

706 N. Mechanic

543-1978 office

“WHERE PERFORMANCE AND SKILL MEET”

Beulah Buchanek, Broker 541-3482 Jenni Koudela, 578-2483 Paul Herrmann, 541-3057 Sandie Roppolo, 578-1040 Jimmy Roppolo, 543-0160

Judy Peter, Realtor Phone: 979-578-1600 Email: judypeter71@yahoo.com

$70,000: 3 BR, 2 BA, CA/H, recently remodeled. Former El Campo Bakery: 20x80 building including all bakery equipment and 2 1/2 lots of land for $75,000 or buy the building and land for $65,000. 202 Oscar St. Old Service Station: 301 W. Jackson needs repair, 30x18 bldg., good condition with extra lot. Call for info. Lots for Sale: Ready for building sites. Call for information. Land on Corner 4.5+/- acres: Hwy 71 South & Marion St. Call for more info. 4 Lots $5,000 Each: Zoned for mobile homes. Corner of Marianette & Roth. Vacant Lot 1/2: on Empire St. suitable for new construction. Vacant Lot: on Wilbur St. .7500 - 155X210 tract $15,000.

www.susanradleyrealtors.com or HAR.com

www.townandcountryrealestateinc.com

Laura Anderson, Realtor Phone: 979-541-6412 Laura Anderson.REALTOR@gmail.com

Real Estate

Visit our Web site at:

Like our Facebook page Town and Country Real Estate Inc.

Ed Ritter - Broker/Owner Certified Wildlife Biologist® Phone: 979-533-9093 Email: eritter@wildlifeme.com

Roger Benavidez

CR 1163 - Spanish style 4/2/4, huge workshop, 1 acre. $225,000. Yupon St. - Beautiful 4/3/2, a must see. $195,000.

Need help finding that Garage Sale? Stop by the Leader-News & pick up a FREE map of El Campo!

175 Public Notices

CITY OF EL CAMPO NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids for “Public Works Materials” will be received at the office of the City Secretary, 315 E. Jackson, El Campo, Texas 77437, until 2:00 p.m., local time, April 3, 2013 and publicly opened and read aloud. Any bid received after that time will be returned unopened. Instructions to Bidder, specifications and other documents will be available at the office of the Director of Public Works, 618 E. Monseratte St, El Campo, Texas 77437 or by calling 979-541-5075. The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any irregularities or informalities or both in any bid, and to make an award in any manner, consistent with the law and deemed to be in the best interest of the City.

PUBLIC NOTICE The El Campo Independent School District will accept competitive sealed proposals from qualified floor installation contractors until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at the office of the Director of Maintenance, 302 West Loop, El Campo, TX 77437, proposals may be mailed to 700 West Norris, El Campo, TX 77437, at which time the proposals will be opened. Proposals are to be sealed and plainly marked “High School Floor Tile Installation” or “Hutchins Elementary Floor Tile Installation” on the outer envelope. Late proposals will not be accepted. El Campo I.S.D. reserves the right to refuse any and all proposals and to selec t the proposal considered “most advantageous” to the District. Specifications may be obtained NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original from the Director of Maintenance Letters of Testamentary for the at 302 West Loop, El Campo, TX Estate of WILLIE CHARLES 77437, 979-543-7067. DETTLING, Deceased, were issued on March 12, 2013, in Cause No. 14,171, pending in the County Court of Wharton County, Texas, to: DORTHY DETTLING. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o Chris B. Elliott Join the Attorney at Law 207 W. Jackson Boys & Girls Club P.O. Box 1567 Today El Campo, Texas 77437 713 Fahrenthold Dated the 14th day of Call 979-543-8320 March , 2013.

CROSSWORD / SUDOKU SOLUTIONS Sudoku Solution #2850-M

7 5 4 6 1 3 7 8 1 2 4 3 6 9 2 5 9 8

9 8 5 1 3 6

1 4 6 2 9 7

2 3 7 8 4 5

3 9 1 7 2 8 4 5 6

6 2 8 4 5 9 3 1 7

Sudoku Solution #2850-D

4 6 2 9 7 1 5 8 3

8 1 3 5 6 2 9 7 4

5 7 9 3 8 4 6 2 1

5 8 3 1 2 9 3 5 4 6 2 9 8 7 7 1 6 4

4 6 9 8 5 1

8 3 2 6 4 7

1 7 5 2 9 3

7 9 6 3 8 4 1 5 2

2 1 4 7 6 5 8 3 9

3 2 1 5 7 6 9 4 8

9 5 7 4 1 8 2 6 3

6 4 8 9 3 2 7 1 5

Page 12-B

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

E aster C C oloring

ontest

The El Campo Leader-News is celebrating with its First Easter Coloring Contest! Coloring Contest Entry Form

Child’s Name: _________________________________________________________ Age: _________ Parents’ Name: ___________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ Phone #: __________________________________________________________________________________ Cut out along the dotted lines and return entry to the Leader-News office at 203 E. Jackson by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2013.

Rules:

1. Contest is open to children ages 5-10.

2. Entries will be judged in the following categories. Ages 5 -7; Ages 8-10. 3. Entries will be on display in our office from now through Monday, April 1. 4. Certificates will be awarded to the top 3 winners in each category. First Place in each category will receive an $20 cash and their photo in the March 30 edition. 5. Deadline for all entries is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2013. 6. Winners will be announced in the Satuday, March 30 edition of the Leader-News. 7. Please attach contest entry form to the back of your coloring page.

(

Prasek's

Hillje Town Hall

Spring Fusion Buffet March 26, 2013

Free Bracelet Event

Seating begins at 6PM • $35 per person Complimentary Bottle of Wine per Couple

Hor D’oeuvres

Signature Meats blended with cheese and served with Artisan Crackers • Smoked Pork Jowl with Candied Pecans • • Grilled Jalapeño Gulf Shrimp with Yellow Corn Tortilla • • Pan-Seared Sausage with Garlic Croutons •

Trio Of Salads Entrees

Cucumber Salad • Spring Mix Salad • Fruit Salad

Smoked Quail Stuffed Pork with Ancho Chile Glaze Southwestern Smoked Chicken Stack (layered with corn tortillas, queso fesco, avocado, guajillo chile sauce and salsa verde)

Sides Dessert

Saffron Green Onion Rice • Grilled Yellow Squash and Zucchini

Strawberry Short Cake

By Reservation Only: Call 979-543-8312 or email jon@praseks.com

Free Bracelet Event st rd th March 21 - 23 & 26

New spring line JUST ARRIVED! Purchase $100 in Pandora jewelry and receive a Pandora clasp bracelet FREE! Bracelet valued at $65* *Good while supplies last, limit one per customer.

3703-A FM 2765 • El CAMpo 979-543-8899

wednesday march 20, 2013

Spring SPRUCE UP

Page 2

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Table Of Contents Picture Perfect Yard................ Page 2 Trees Wise Investment ....... Page 4-5 Top Home Improvements...... Page 7 Curb Appeal........................... Page 7 Advice from Leon Macha.... Page 8-9 Replacing Home Products.Page 13 Lawn Maintenance.............. Page 14 Keeping Pests Out................ Page 15

Advertisers

Make Your Yard Picture Perfect

t takes more than just mowing the lawn to get a great looking yard. In addition to making sure you have healthy, well-cut grass, there are some finishing touches you should add so that your yard goes from so-so to something you can be proud of.

• Slowly move the trimmer from side to side, letting the tip of the line do the cutting. • Keep the head two to three inches off To help protect yourself from the ground so you don’t scalp the lawn and debris: damage it. • Wear protective safety glasses. • Cut thick or tall grass in smaller sec• Wear long pants. tions so you don’t clog the trimmer. • Wear closed toe shoes. Trimming, Edging The Lawn • Don’t let the line cut into trees and • Wear gloves. shrubs. This can damage them and make The lawn mower can’t reach every place • Keep others away from any them more vulnerable to disease or hurt that grass grows. So after mowing, you’re of- debris or objects which may be hit their growth. ten left with long grass sticking up around by the line. • When you’re finished, remove cliptrees and flower beds, as well as along side• Always follow your instruction pings and debris from the trimmer. walks, patios and driveways. When you trim, manual. When you edge a lawn, you’re making you leave your lawn neat and tidy. vertical cuts to remove grass growing over Trimming is cutting the edges of your sidewalks or patio edges. Some trimmers lawn horizontally. It levels unmowed grass require a separate attachment for edging so it’s even with the rest of the lawn. or will not convert to an edger, while many can simply be roString trimmers are effective tools for this job. A battery tated to operate vertically. powered trimmer is a lightweight option for many homeowners. Its battery holds a charge 5 times longer while idle comTrimming Hedges pared to HPB18 NiCad battery packs, and it requires no gas to operate. Properly pruned hedges not only improve the look of the plants, but their health, too. Using a hedge trimmer to make Trim Properly With These In Mind this task easy.

Bugmobile................................ Page 3 Carpet One............................... Page 8 Czech Catholic Home.............Page 15 Dream Maker Const...............Page 14 DSG Nursery........................... Page 16 Elite Automotive....................... Page 4 First State Bank....................... Page 11 Gulf Coast Doors.................... Page 10 Lewing Buildings...................... Page 4 Paint Perfection........................ Page 9 Ray’s Tree Trimming................. Page 5 Reliable Gate Systems............ Page 15 Schmidt Implement................Page 12 Stop-N-Lock............................. Page 15 Sutherlands.............................. Page 8 VonDerAu............................... Page 10 Walmart...................................Page 5 YK Communications ...............Page 6

Edging/Trimming Safely

• Make sure the area you’re going to trim is free of debris.

(See TRIM HEDGES, Page 13)

The 2013 Spring Spruce Up is a special section of the El Campo Leader-News. The El Campo Leader-News is published Wednesdays and Saturdays. (979) 543-3363/(979) 543-0097 www.leader-news.com

Front Cover: This photo was taken at the home of Curtis and Patty Duncan, El Campo Garden Club’s Yard of Month for March 2013 .

El Campo Leader-News â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Got Bugs?

L-N Photo

The fleet of Bugmobileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vehicles are ready to roll throughout Wharton County to battle pests from roaches to termites in homes and businesses. They also offer fire ant control and lawn fertilization.

Ready For Spring

Page 3

L-N Photo

A jubilee of plants, flowers, shrubs, gardening equipment and home improvement needs are among the offerings at the El Campo Sutherlands location. Friendly professionals are on hand to assist with all your questions.

Page 4

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Trees can be wise investment for your landscaping project E

Bottom of Trunk Flare Trunk Flare

Measurement for Root Ball Depth

Bottom of Ball

Custom Steel Buildings Farm & ranch Buildings - Residential Buildings Lean To’s - Carports & Patio Covers Building Component Sales

arth Day and Arbor Day are coming soon – in April. Celebrate the wondrous benefits of trees and make a wise investment by planting a shade tree in your yard! But before you plant, take some advice from the experts to help your new tree live a long time. “Too often, consumers waste hundreds of dollars on trees that will die because they were planted too deep,” cautions Tchukki Andersen, staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). “Proper planting is absolutely essential for the success of a transplanted tree,” Andersen said. “Using quality plants and following up with good tree care practices, such as watering, pruning and fertilizing, will not save a poorly planted tree. The most common mistake is planting the root ball too deep,” she says. Homeowners can purchase trees packaged in three common forms: •Bare root plants packed in a moisture-retaining medium wrapped

HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 7:30AM-5:30PM

with paper or plastic, or with roots loosely covered by a moist packing medium. Roots must be adequately moistened prior to planting. Roots are spread out evenly in the hole when planting. • Balled and Burlapped (B & B) trees are moved with a ball of soil protecting their root system. Soil balls are heavy, so professional arborists who have proper equipment should be hired to plant large trees. Smaller B & B trees should be carried with a hand under the ball. Carrying a B & B tree by the stem or branches can result in serious root damage. When planting, carefully remove the top layer of soil down to the first structural root. Set the root ball in the hole, position the tree, then remove twine and nails. Remove or fold back burlap from the upper third of the root ball. • Container-grown trees have the advantage of a root system that is relatively undisturbed at planting, but beware of “pot-bound” container trees. (See USE ORGANIC MULCH, Page 5)

MIKE DAVILA &

GALON MILLS

FACTORY TRAINED

TECHNICIANS Over 40 combined years of local dealership experience.

1007 S. Wharton Street • El Campo, Texas

Phone: 979-543-6941 Website: lewingbuildings.com

We’ll beat any written, mechanical dealer estimate!

709 S. MECHANIC - EL CAMPO - 979.543.7161

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Page 5

– Use organic mulch 6 inches away from trunk of tree (Continued from Page 4) Do not buy container trees that have a large amount of roots completely circling the inside of the pot. These trees will take a long time to get established after planting because the roots have difficulty growing beyond the thick ring of circling roots. Immediately before planting container trees, prune any circling roots. Root pruning can cut up to 50 percent of the roots in container trees, but this is still sufficient to permit plant establishment. This compares with pruning about 10 percent or less of the root system being transplanted with B & B trees. Always remove the container prior to planting. Andersen advises consumers to follow

these planting guidelines: •Measure the height and diameter of the root ball or root spread. •Dig the hole just deep enough to allow the first structural root to be at level grade. The hole’s diameter should be two to three times the diameter of the root ball or root spread. •Set the tree on undisturbed solid ground in the center of the hole. The tree should be planted so that the root flare, the base of the tree trunk where the roots begin to “flare-out,” is visible and above grade. •Backfill with soil from the planting hole, using water to pack or settle the soil around the root ball. Do not tamp soil by stepping on it.

•Mulch the planting area with 2 to 4 inches of an organic mulch such as wood chips. Do not mulch up to or against the trunk. Start the mulch 6 inches away from the tree trunk. •Trees should be pruned after planting to remove only broken, damaged, diseased or dead branches. Stake and/or protect the trunk of the tree if there is a real potential for wind damage or lawn mower injury. Remove the guy wires (string, rope, wire or other used with supports) when the staking is no longer needed or the tree could be injured or even killed from girdling by the wire. One to three years after planting, prune to develop a good branch structure

Shop

RAY'S

TREE TRIMMING Trimming • Skylighting • Topping Tree and/or Stump Removal

Quality Work Free Local Estimates No job too little or too big

Over 25 Years Experience

979-543-9153 Ray Mach, Owner

for all your spring home improvement needs!

Save money. Live better.

PAINT • GARDENING TOOLS • PLANTS PATIO FURNITURE & MUCH MORE

3413 W. LOOP • EL CAMPO

979.543.7286

once the tree has become established in its new home. Never remove more than 25 percent of total foliage in one year. (Depending on the tree and its condition, some arborists advocate capping pruning at even a lower percentage). Fertilizing is not recommended at the time of planting.

What can you do?

A professional arborist can assess your landscape and work with you to determine the best trees to plant. An easy way to find a tree care service provider in your area is to use the “Locate Your Local TCIA Member Companies” program. You can use this service by calling 1-800-733-2622 or by doing a ZIP Code search on www.treecaretips.org.

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Secure Your Home

Contributed Photo

YK Communications is your local provider for residential and commercial security systems. A technology provider for over 20 years, YK brings burglary and fire alarms, video surveillance and GPS tracking services to Wharton, Jackson, Matagorda and Calhoun counties. Call them today at 800-395-1499 to schedule a member from their team to meet with you at your home or office and design a system to fit your needs. YK Communications is licensed by the Texas State Private Security Bureau.

ENHANCED SECURITY IS THE BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT OF THEM ALL

L-N Photo

Plenty To Choose From

Just by driving by, you would never guess what is inside. El Campo Carpet One Floor and Home, 2371 E. Jackson, has a full showroom of warrantied flooring products, window and cabinetry materials and build outdoor patio kitchens. Their friendly staff can help you find the perfect flooring product for your home or office, or arrange professional cleaning for carpets and ceramic tiles.

Enjoy making your home more beautiful, more efficient, and more comfortable. But don’t stop there. Include security on your home improvement list and also make your home more protected.

SECURITY FEATURES • Burglary • Fire/Smoke Detection • Personal Panic for Independent Living

• Video Systems • Remote Access to Control Systems from Smartphone

MONITORING STARTS AT ONLY

$29

95* MO

109 W. Putnam • Ganado, TX 77962 www.ykc.com

CALL 361-771-3334 TODAY TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT *Price does not include applicable taxes, zone charges, regulatory and franchise fees. Service available in Jackson, Wharton, and Matagorda Counties. Contact us for complete details. YK Communications is Licensed by the Texas Private Security Board. Texas License# B16907. ACR# 1774806.

Page 6

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Page 7

Four improvements can increase home’s value S

elling a home in today’s aggressive marketplace can be challenging. The good news is there are a few tweaks that can give homeowners a serious leg up on the competition. With the warmer months being the most active time of year to buy and sell real estate, it’s important to ensure your home is seen in the best light possible. “Despite the influx of homes for sale this season, the process of buying and selling a home can be simple, efficient and enjoyable,” says Wendy Froehlich of Homes. com, one of the nation’s top online real estate listing and lifestyle resources. According to Homes.com, the top five projects that improve home equity are:

Bathrooms

If adding an additional bathroom isn’t an option, upgrade existing ones. Adding a dual vanity to a master or secondary bath improves functionality, allowing multiple people to use

the space. Change out fixtures like faucets and shower doors to increase aesthetic appeal. If you’re on a budget, replace light fixtures or switch plates to help refresh the space. When working with a small space, highlight storage options with shelving and update or remove wall decor, paint or wallpaper.

Kitchen

Kitchen renovations can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 and more. If that’s not in your budget, upgrading cabinetry and paint does wonders to liven up even the most outdated spaces. Add crown or decorative molding to “shape out” the kitchen cabinets and modernize the space. Repaint cabinets, or add new hardware to add visual interest and brighten dark spaces.

Outdoor Spaces

Curb appeal adds immediate interest to any home’s exterior. According to Remodeling Magazine, improv-

ing outdoor spaces can increase a home’s resale value dollar-for-dollar. Frame the front walkway with items that add visual interest, like flowers, potted plants, large rocks of various sizes and solar-powered lights. If yard space is scarce, hanging plants are another great, low-cost option. Extend outdoor projects to the backyard -- powerwash decks or patios and clean screened-in areas.

Mudroom

Mudrooms ensure families stay clutter-free and have a dedicated space to drop stuff as they come through the door. They can also make potential homeowners feel welcome upon entry. While knocking out a wall to create a mudroom is expensive and labor-intensive, you can make a “drop zone” by simply anchoring a bench to an empty wall and hanging labeled storage units. Making homes stand out in a sea of real estate listings isn’t always easy. Article Source: State Point

Curb appeal: 2013’s hottest home improvement trend

The perfect addition to exterior renovations is an outdoor living area. Adding a low maintenance, vinyl fence is a great option to extend interior space to the outdoors.

(BPT) - The busy home remodeling season is a great time for homeowners to focus on increasing curb appeal. The percentage of homeowners who feel now is a good time to spend money on home improvement has doubled since 2009, according to a recent survey among Better Homes and Gardens readers. Considering two of the top four features consumers have on their wish lists for their next home are low maintenance exteriors and a private backyard, highperformance products that come in a variety of colors, textures and designs are expected to be in high demand this year. “Based on these survey results, we’ve found that many of our readers want to refresh what’s already there,” says Jill Waage, editorial director for home content, Better Homes and Gardens. “Perhaps they’re looking to dig out that hidden sophistication of a mid-century home, or they might have a classic and want to bring out the character a bit more. Beyond the facade, our readers also really love outdoor living spaces; they see their yard as an extension of the indoors.” From small touch ups to large renovations, projects such as replacing boring and beige with colorful vinyl siding and trim, updating entryways with bright front doors and shutters, and sprucing up outdoor living areas can make a big difference in the look of your home and neighborhood. “Homeowners want it all in 2013; low maintenance products that perform (See GRAND ENTRANCE, Page 12)

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The Practical Southern Gardener

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Spring: the season of starting over, cleaning up, replanting Almost all of the outside work done in Spring falls into one category – cleaning up the disorderly mess. Much of the mess is the result of our diligent efforts to encourage plant growth last year, followed by winter’s effects. Now we start over. For most folks, the orderliness of an attractive landscape is tied to pride of ownership. Simple or elaborate, the well-kept yard provides the owner with an inner feeling that swells the chest and raises the chin. Pruning shrubs and trees is much of the work and generates most of the debris to be bagged and hauled off to landfills. To reduce the work and produce a great, free garden product, each home should devote a small space to creating a compost pile. A containment made of sturdy fencing will provide you with an orderly place to dump your trimmings and rakings. Add a little fertilizer and occasional water and soon all this waste becomes rich, dark garden compost. If you are a really lazy gardener, you might find that in time the compost nearly disappears if you choose to not use it. Proper pruning is part of keeping plant

Leon Macha

The Practical Southern Gardener

size in check, renovating old growth, or encouraging bounties of blossoms. In early spring it is good to be more aggressive than normal in the severity of your pruning. Plants recover nicely when allowed to do so during the cool spring warm-up. A challenging event is now upon us. Trees have dropped their leaves during the winter, and now the Live Oaks are doing their seasonal change-out of new leaves for old ones. Take the easy way out. Don’t rake and bag, but mulch-mow until the leaves are chopped into small fragments that disappear into your lawn. You may need to mow over the trash two to three times, but that is easier

than the alternative. This return of organic matter to the soil is an excellent practice. I have lived in my present home for nearly 25 years and have never raked and bagged. Nature knows best and does the work for you while you sleep. There is no one out raking the forest. If you are intent on adding to your landscape beds, don’t rush the process. Starting this weekend and finishing the next is not a good process for the long range success of a planting bed. Start by designing your bed using a garden hose for the outline. Spray with an herbicide to kill all the vegetation. Till by hand or machine, add organic matter in the form of compost or bark mulch, then water and wait. Any resident weeds (like nut-grass) will soon show their hand. Control all the weed growth first, then install your desirable plants. If you hurry the process you will have a mini-jungle of weeds crowding your favorite plants. Let’s move on to your garage or garden storage. Old chemicals? Boxes and bags of wet, lumpy fertilizers? Broken tools? Old nursery pots? Time to deal with it all. Contact the county Agri-Life Extension

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office to learn if a chemical disposal day is planned in the home or neighboring county. Pesticides and other hazardous waste do not belong in the landfill. Left over fertilizer can be spread on the yard or garden. If lumpy or wet you can add it to your compost pile (all in moderation). Repair or replace the old tools. Buy good quality garden tools and take good care of them. (I have tools used by my grandfather who died before I was born). That is the benefit of buying quality equipment. Old plastic nursery pots deteriorate in sun and soon become unusable. No need to have a stack on hand that you will never use. Old pots are a favorite hiding place for Brown Garden Snail communities and the Geico lizard. While in the garage, change oil in all the mowers and tillers. Check batteries for age. After two seasons you are flirting with battery failure on small equipment. Carefully drain and replace old gas. The ethanol in today’s fuels does terrible things to carburetors, fuel lines and tanks. Add a fuel stabilizer whenever the unit will be stored and

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

– Dead trees can be a liability (Continued from Page 7) not used. Sharpen or replace blades. Let’s go outside for one last look around. Do you still have dead trees from the drought of 2011? Do your live trees have dead and rotted branches? These are all safety liabilities that you must deal with. Some insurance policies have ceased to cover the liability for damage caused by an obviously dead or damaged tree. The homeowner has the responsibility

to remove these hazards once they are recognized. Strong, healthy trees are a great asset to your property. They shade homes and reduce utility bills. Older trees that begin to deteriorate need the attention of a skilled arborist crew to repair and remove the deadwood. A falling limb in a pasture or field is a small problem, but in your yard it is a huge liability. Keep looking up, and be good to your tree friends. Happy Spring! Work safe. Work smart. Rest easy.

Another Day In Paradise... Javier Hernandez, Richard Gordon and Jim Janik, owner of Dream Maker Construction, (l-r) are shown on site at a recent remodel. Dream Maker Construction specializes in remodels, additions and repairs. Remodeling not only offers a good return on investment dollars, but can make your home into the paradise that you deserve.

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Customer Service

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Edmund Kruppa of Paint Perfection offers hands-on customer service for clients of all ages. A wide variety of paints in various styles and colors are among the selections at the downtown El Campo location.

Page 11

L-N Photo

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First State Bank – with branches in El Campo, Louise, Wharton, Ganado, Bay City, Blessing, Sweeny and Angleton – is ready to help with your home improvement projects. They offer a variety of loan programs, large and small.

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Page 12

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

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Stop by for all of your lawn equipment needs at Schimdt Implement. All of their spring orders have arrived. Here are a few things to check when servicing your equipment: check spark plugs for wear and replace if necessary; check the air filter for damage and dirt to determine if it should be cleaned or replaced; inspect equipment for broken or loose parts. Now would also be a good time to sharpen or change the saw chain or replace a broken deflector. Schmidt Implement is located at 25410 U.S. 59 Hwy., El Campo.

– Grand entrance makes a statement (Continued from Page 7) THE BARN LOFTED BARN THE UTILITY

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and style that breaks the cookie-cutter mold,” says Jerry Blais, vice president of marketing for Ply Gem Siding Group, a division of exterior building products manufacturer Ply Gem. Consider these upgrades to get magazine-ready looks for your home exterior.

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For experienced DIYers considering a weekend project, painting the front door or replacing shutters is a simple solution with dramatic results. These small changes create a focal point for the house and provide a warm, inviting appearance with a modern feel. Other subtle improvements like adding modern lighting fixtures, detailed railings, a new mailbox, stone columns or house numbers can also go a long way in enhancing a home’s custom look.

Whole-home overhaul For those ready to create a whole new style, installing new siding and trim can infuse life into a bland exterior. Vinyl siding, stone veneer and designer accents

have evolved over the years, with vastly expanded color palettes, easy maintenance and a natural look. By incorporating cellular PVC trim as an accent to vinyl siding and stone - around windows, on dormers, eaves and gables - even the most discerning homeowners can enjoy a sophisticated look that’s also low maintenance. To help with exterior color selection, visit one of your local paint stores. They can recommend design ideas and colors to carry out such styles as gingerbread, modern, rustic, colonial and much more.

The Geat Outdoors The perfect addition to any exterior design renovation is an outdoor living area to entertain friends, enjoy a summer barbecue or just relax with the newspaper. To extend your interior space to the outdoors, consider projects such as installing an outdoor fireplace or kitchen with durable stone veneer, or a low maintenance vinyl privacy or picket fence. Whether you’re looking for a small refresh or a completely enhanced look, many of this year’s hottest home design trends are waiting outside.

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Inspect home to know when it’s time to replace products (BPT) - Owning a home means giving constant attention to the building products that go into protecting the structure of your house. While we’d like to believe items like our roof, siding and windows will last forever, that’s not the case. Mark Clement, co-host of the national home improvement radio show MyFixitUpLife, offers a variety of tips for knowing when it’s time to replace products on your home. “The first thing homeowners need to understand is that every element of a home’s exterior, from the top of the roof down to the front entry door, will eventually need to be replaced,” Clement said. “The key is to know when the time is right to invest in new products. This means an ongoing evaluation of your home’s current products, researching new product options and contacting professionals for support.” Clement points out that replacing older products with newer, more energy efficient and longer-lasting products is a sound investment for homeowners. “We have a 100-year-old home and just replaced the original decaying wood door with a Therma-Tru fiberglass door and trimmed it out with long-lasting PVC millwork from Fypon,” he said. “We also replaced older windows with ENERGY STAR qualified vinyl windows from Simonton Windows and added a new polymer slate roof from DaVinci Roofscapes. These are all man-made products that add more life to our house. Plus, we’re saving more on our daily energy bills because of the incredible features of these products. “Another important aspect to consider when it does become time to replace key products on the home’s exterior is to look

– Trim hedges (Continued from Page 2)

Trimming A Formal Hedge • Sloping the hedge so that the base is broader than the top lets sunlight reach lower leaves. • To help you trim hedges evenly, use stakes and string to set up guidelines for height and width. • Cut slowly, and use a smooth, up and down sweeping motion. If you apply too much pressure, the blades can tear branches instead of cutting them neatly. • Cut the sides of a hedge first. • Use a ladder to reach the tops of tall hedges. • Keep trimmer blades sharp and clean.

Page 13

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at upgrading and taking advantage of newer, more aesthetically pleasing products that are on the market. That’s what we did with the high-performance, lowmaintenance products we selected. Our product choices not only make our home more livable right now, but also more add value to the home and make it more ‘sellable’ when it comes time for us to put the house on the market.”

Tips for evaluating your roof

1. Using either a ladder or binoculars from across the street, look for problem areas, such as missing or broken shingles, along with roofing tiles that may be “flapping” in the wind. 2. Check the sides of your roof. The southern exposure weathers significantly faster than the other sides of the roof, so make sure to carefully examine this area. Also, shallower pitches weather faster than steeper pitches. So again, if your roof has a shallow pitch - like a shed dormer - make certain you can clearly see it to get a true indication of the condition of your roof.

Tips for assessing your windows 1. Evaluate the functionality of your current windows. If you have condensation between glass panes, the windows are hard to open or close, your energy bills are soaring, or if there are drafts coming in around the window units, then it’s time to seriously consider replacement windows. 2. Look at the frames of your win(See EXAMINE WINDOWS, Page 16)

Yard Clean-Up Do a periodic yard check to take stock of what needs to be picked up or removed. • Remove twigs and branches. • Pick up and store outdoor toys. • Make sure pet items such as shelters, bowls and toys are clean and wellmaintained. • Remove dead plants from flower beds, planters and window boxes. • Rake leaves and debris from flower beds, shrubs and around trees. • Remove leaves, grass clippings and other lawn debris from sidewalks, decks, driveways and other hard surfaces with a cordless sweeper vacuum. Learn more about lithium-ion battery powered tools at www.blackanddecker. com/recharge. Article Source: Family Features

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Follow these tips to save time on lawn maintenance If it feels as though your entire weekends are spent mowing, trimming and watering your lawn, there are steps you can take to speed up your lawn care routine.

Automate

How many times have you forgotten to water your lawn – or worse yet, over-watered it? You can eliminate the guesswork (and the grunt work of dragging hoses around your yard) by installing an automatic sprinkler and drip irrigation system that is based on your specific landscape, characteristics and geographical region. A well-designed system ensures peak efficiency, which means you’re only watering your lawn when necessary. This is great for your grass and plants – and for your pocketbook. New technologies are making it even easier to optimize a watering plan for your lawn, as they can be controlled from the comfort of your computer or from a handheld remote you can take into your backyard. For example, the Irritrol PCW Control system is a software system that allows you to set up an irrigation calendar for different areas of your property. This smart technology can even connect to the Internet and retrieve the day’s weather for your zip code, and change watering time and frequency accordingly. Homeowners can visit www.irritrol.com to learn more.

New technology allows users to control their irrigation and lighting from the comfort of their computer.

Maintain Your Equipment

Keeping your mower properly maintained will save you time all season long. For walking mowers, a good maintenance routine is as follows: • Carefully check blades for sharpness. • Make sure the cutting deck is clear of clippings. Cooking

spray on the underside of the deck will make a new mower easier to clean. • Check pull cords to ensure they aren’t frayed. • Check that attachments are connected and working properly. • If you use your mower infrequently, fill the tank with a fuel stabilizer. • Periodically change the oil and perform air filter maintenance.

Less is More

It’s tempting to cut the grass as frequently as do your neighbors. But where mowing is concerned, less is more. You can prevent weeds from taking over your lawn by letting your grass grow out a bit, as longer grass supports a deeper root system. If you cut more than one-third of the grass length, you will have clumps of clippings that lie on top of the lawn, slower decomposition, and a less attractive, bristly appearing lawn Keeping grass longer also allows it greater surface area to carry out photosynthesis, which results in healthier plants. In addition, taller grass grows slower than shorter grass. You can use this fact to eliminate up to 20 percent of the mowing you do annually, an average savings of about eight hours a year, not to mention the savings of gasoline and wear on equipment. When you do cut the grass, be sure you’re using great time saving equipment. A model with great maneuverability will give you greater control around landscaping and obstacles. With all that time saved working on your lawn, you’ll have more time to kick back, relax and simply enjoy your lawn instead. Article Source: State Point

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Page 15

Discover ways to keep your landcape pest-free Spending time outdoors can recharge the soul and bring the family together. In your own backyard you can find beauty, enjoyment and a place to connect with nature – so long as you make sure to maintain all those beautiful trees and plants. Whether you have a garden, woodlands or natural landscaping on your property, you’ll want to keep your land healthy and free of unwanted pests. And experts say that woodlands need special attention. “Although trees look strong, woodland ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to natural and man-made dangers that can gradually reduce the health and beauty of your woods,” says Mike Burns, forester and program resource manager with the American Forest Foundation. A U.S. Forest Service assessment released last December predicts that as many as 34 million acres of forestland could be lost in the United States during the next 50 years, and that all regions in the United States will experience increased stress from natural disasters and pest infestations. Luckily, there are steps landowners

can take to help keep trees and woodlands safe from pests: • Keep an eye out for changes. On trees, spots of yellow or brown or some thinning needles

might be the effects of natural shading on lower limbs – or it might be a disease or insect that’s about to spread to other trees. • Stay informed about threats in your area. Contact your state forestry agency or state department of natural resources to find out what’s bugging your area. • Monitor for pests and signs of disease every month or two. Check trees on

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the trunk, limbs, twigs, under peeling bark and leaves -- the most likely places to find injuries. Keep your eye open for things that look out of the ordinary. • Online resources can help you become a better steward of your land. If you own some woodlands, consider signing up for the My Land Plan resource, launched by the American Forest Foundation. My Land Plan can help you connect with up-to-date information about pest threats, map your land’s boundaries and record changes over time, all at www.MyLandPlan.org. You can explore the website’s newly expanded invasive pest and pathogen section and locate professional services available for your needs. • If you suspect an outbreak, collect samples of tree damage and any associated pests to accurately identify the problem, which may have more than one cause. Take pictures and notes on your trees’ symptoms. Often pictures are enough for an expert to identify the problem and help you figure out what

to do next. Next steps can be identified by your state forestry agency or department of natural resources. • If you discover an insect that you suspect might be a danger to your trees, seal it in a container and store it in the freezer until you can deliver it to a proper authority. In the long run, nature might well be invincible, but in the short run, residents may need a helping hand to protect local land to keep trees healthy. Article Source: State Point

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, March 20, 2013

– Examine windows, door frames (Continued from Page 13) dows. If you spend too much time scraping paint and repainting wood frames, consider an investment in vinyl-framed, low-maintenance windows.

Tips for knowing when to replace a front door 1. If you can see light around your main entry door from the inside, the door is hard to close or lock, or the door itself is warped, it’s time to consider a new door. 2. Think about the weather conditions

your home’s door faces along with your energy bills. If either run to the extreme, consider replacing your entry door with a high-performance fiberglass door (which can have up to four times more insulation than wood doors). Doors with enhanced weather stripping, corner seal pad, door bottom sweep and profiled sill provide more strength and stability in your entry door.

Tips for evaluating features of the home

trim

1. Take a top-down look at your home. Most houses have wooden louvers placed high above the attic or garage space to allow ventilation in those areas. Replacing older, rotting louvers with insect-resistant and rot-resistant synthetic louvers can improve the home’s appearance and functionality. 2. Wrap it up. Clement recommends that if you have unsightly porch posts you can eas-

ily transform them into showpiece parts of your home by using Column Wrap Kits. The decorative PVC or urethane pieces can generally be installed in less than 30 minutes around existing structural posts and columns to give an upgraded look to any home. For

Creating An Oasis Whether sprucing up your flower beds or putting in entirely new ones, the experts at DSG Nursery can help you with all landscaping needs, from landscape design to installation and maintenance. They also have a selection of gift items, bird feeders, spring wreaths, hanging baskets and Easter gifts. Check out DSG’s new spring arrivals at 1201 S. Mechanic, 543-7333. Select landscape supplies and spring garden items are 12 percent off until Sunday, March 30.

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