Jim Ned Post: Vol. 1, No. 1 Fall 2022

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Intermediate School Update

Thanks to Jacob & Martin & Collier Construction, we have a glimpse on construction with the new campus.

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Women of the Valley

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Your Jim Ned ISD School Board

You voted, they got elected because of your failth in them. Get to know the men and women of Jim Ned Independent School District who make things happen!

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Coach's Corner with Fanning

Faith & Fellowship

Have you ever wondered what it means to celebrate your faith in today’s modern world as a teen? Find out now.

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Legends with our Warden

Ladies, this section is for you! Get inspired in the kitchen, find new pieces to add to your closet and ways to improve your health. Looking for a good read? Look no further!

Insight into athletics with Athletic Director and what it looks like to cheer on our Jim Ned Indians this school year and beyond.

James enlightens us on what you get when game wardens figure out a “poaching issue” and what that means to the coffee shop problem solvers.

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

YOU’LL READ THIS

Connecting Generations

New Beginnings

Jim Ned Intermediate School Update

In 2020, Jim Ned residents passed two bond propositions that included multiple expansion projects to accommodate for crowded classrooms, cafeterias, and facilities. Out of the multiple projects proposed, the major construction effort was to be the addition of a new Intermediate School to house 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. After navigating COVID and unforeseen pricing inflation, ground broke on the new 69,000 sq ft building in May of this year. Built out of necessity, this facility is anticipated to help alleviate crowding issues at both Lawn and Buffalo Gap campuses as well as the Middle School.

WHAT IS INSIDE?

The building is laid out in six usage areas; three educational pods (one for each grade level), one competition gymnasium, cafeteria/stage area, and a library/multi-use area. Each pod will have eight individual classrooms, two meeting rooms, dedicated bathrooms and storage areas that will make each grade level a contained instructional area. The gymnasium will be a full-size hardwood competition style gym with bleachers on oneside. It will include a total of 6 basketball goals with the ability to have two volleyball courts ran perpendicular to the main court or one volleyball

court in the middle. The cafeteria will be a dualuse space serving as an eating location and a commons area with a stage on the north-end. The center of the building will house a state-of-the-art library, an art room, music hall, STEM lab, Life Skills facilities and teacher and administrator rooms.

The school will have parking lots on both the north and south sides of the building with vehicle access to the both County Road 131 and U.S. Highway 83.

Collier Construction, the general contractor for the school anticipates opening the new facility prior to the 2023-24 school year. “We are working to be substantially complete with the building well ahead of its anticipated opening in August 2023 to allow some of the staff ample time to move in and familiarize themselves with the building before school starts,” says Cache Tankersley, Project Manager for Collier. In the coming months you will be able see the exterior progress quickly as crews move towards drying-in the building and applying exterior brick and metal. Once completed this school will provide ample room for students and teachers and create an innovative learning atmosphere for multiple generations of Jim Ned Indians.

Meet The Principal

“I am honored and excited to be joining the Jim Ned CISD Tribe as the 2023-2024 Intermediate Principal. My husband, Clint, and daughters, Cambry and Colby, are eager as well to get to experience the tradition that is Jim Ned ISD. Cambry is excited to attend Lawn Elementary as a second grader, and Colby will be joining the Tribe next year when she enters pre-K. Clint will be teaching and coaching at the High School and helping to lead our teams to success.I have spent the last 10 years in the classroom and in various leadership roles. Most recently, our family has moved from Post, Texas, where I served as the Middle School Assistant Principal and Instructional Coach. I have spent several years in the classroom teaching at the elementary and secondary levels. I bring with me a variety of experiences from both large and small communities and a passion for learning.

It is no surprise that Jim Ned CISD is growing! I am grateful for the opportunity to join an outstanding team of leaders as we navigate this growth and expand an already dynamic district. I look forward to this year as I get to know the students, staff and community. Our goal for the Intermediate school will be to build a culture of excellence while maintaining the core values that have been a vital part of this district. I intend to soak up all of the Indian ways and traditions so that we can preserve the integrity of the Jim Ned school district while we continue to uplift and inspire each other.

Che Corbin

We are looking forward to a great first year as a Jim Ned Indians, Roll Tribe!”

A LOOK BACK...

CELEBRATING OUR RICH HISTORY

The Buffalo Gap School District #9 began as a free public school in 1878. In 1883 it became a college and in 1895 reverted back to a free public school again.

There were two schools in the vicinity of Buffalo Gap know as Buffalo Gap Schools. In 1878, a school was established west of Buffalo Gap. The other school was located near the site of the presentday Buffalo Gap Elementary School. In the beginning, there were only 8-10 students; but the school grew rapidly and by 1883 it had become a three-teacher school. In 1883, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian College of West Texas accepted the school, and thus it became a Presbyterian College. In 1885 the Buffalo Gap High School had an enrollment of 70 students. The college student body numbered 400 during its most popular days.

This population included primary children and preparatory students. It also included freshman,

sophomore, junior and senior college students. The college reverted back to a public school in 1895.

The present Buffalo Gap school building was erected in 1913 from the same sand stone blocks that composed the once famous Presbyterian College.

From 1936 to 1978 high school students from Buffalo Gap transferred to either Tuscola or Wylie. In 1978 Buffalo Gap Independent School District totally consolidated with the present day Jim Ned School District. Present day Jim Ned Consolidated School District is a consolidation of many smaller independent school districts. Below is a list of schools and when they consolidated:

GET TO KNOW YOUR JIM NED SCHOOL BOARD

KENT BECK

Kent has been a resident of the Jim Ned Community since 1995. He and his wife, Treby have been married 29 years and have seven amazing kids and 4 precious grandchildren. Four of those children are graduates of JN. Kevin Britt, (2008 graduate), Atley Beck and Matthew Beck (2016 graduates), and Cody Creed Beck (2022 graduate). Kent has owned and operated Kent Beck Motors since 2004 and has recently ventured off into the real estate market with Mitchell Heritage Holding’s LLC. He has been very active in the Jim Ned Community as well as the Abilene Community. He coached for many years in the Jim Ned Youth Football program, as well as being the president of the Jim Ned Program and co-chair of the West Texas Rural Youth football association. He coached many years in the Jim Ned Little League program and served as president of the JN League for a period of time as well. He also served on the start up committee and on the board for the Jim Ned Young Life program. He has served as a Jim Ned School Board Trustee since 2017.

Dean was born and raised in the Big Country. He has been a resident of the Jim Ned Valley since 2011. He first became a JNCISD school board trustee in March 2021. Dean’s wife, Arimy is an Assistant District Attorney for Taylor County. They share three boys, Gray (10th Grade), Garon (9th Grade) and Guner (6th Grade) and multiple nieces and nephews that attend JNCISD Dean owns and operates DHB Sitework, LLC. DHB installs septic systems throughout all of the Big Country and West/Central Texas. Dean loves to coach kids and has coached many in football, basketball and baseball. He has served on the Jim Ned Little League Board and served as President of The Jim Ned Youth Football and Cheer Board and Chair of West Texas Rural Youth Football Board for many years.

DEAN BEASLEY

BRIAN BLUHM

VICE PRESIDENT

Brian has served as the VP of the board for the last five years, and is in his 8th year of service. He and his wife, Sherry, and their family moved to Buffalo Gap in 2008. They have four children, Conagher (2011 Jim Ned graduate), Garrison (2015 graduate), Lincoln (2021 graduate) and McKenna, a freshman. Brian spent 10 years in higher education before becoming founder and CEO of Worldwide Business Solutions, which markets emerging and disruptive foundational technologies in the fields of water development, sanitation, agriculture, and energy. His companies do business in multiple countries and states in the US, which has inspired Brian to open this world to, not only his children, but also to others. Brian has an undergraduate degree from Wayland Baptist University and a graduate degree from Hardin-Simmons University. Brian has also served in Jim Ned youth sports, Jim Ned Band Booster, Member of the Executive committee of the West Central Texas Council of Governments, Finance committee with the WCTCOG, Board member for the Multi-Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as well as a founding elder of Beltway Park Church.

Michael has been a resident of the Jim Ned Valley since 2011 and a JNCISD school board trustee since 2015. Michael is married to Caroline and they have two children, Lucas (2021 Jim Ned Graduate) and Lauren (7th Grade). Michael is a co-owner of 2 businesses, Tutt and Daggs Consulting and T and D Homes. Tutt and Daggs Consulting has trained and grown leaders in over 2,000 organizations and 1,ooo school district, conferences and board trainings nationwide over the last 18 years. T and D Homes have built 100 plus homes over the last decade, many of them in the Jim Ned Valley. Michael has an undergraduate degree in Health Science and a Masters degree in Education both from Hardin-Simmons University. Michael has served and continues to serve in many capacities including: Jim Ned Little League Board, Jim Ned Little Dribblers, HSU Board of Development, Chair of Personnel Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, Deacon PDBC, and Sunday school teacher PDBC.

MIKE DAGGS PRESIDENT

MARCUS DENSON

JIM NED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Marcus has been a permanent resident of the Jim Ned Community since 2007. Before that my family moved to Jim Ned in 1982 and I attended Jim Ned from first to 12th grade, and I’m a graduate of JN class of 95. Marcus is married to his lovely wife Missy, and they have two amazing kids Colter (2021 JN graduate) and Kinsley (2022 JN graduate). Marcus is the CoOwner of two businesses Best Tree Service Land Clearing Inc. And Best Blade Recycling LLC. My family has been in the family business since 2002. Marcus has served and continues to serve in many capacities including: Jim Ned Little League President, Jim Ned Youth Football, and Jim Ned School Board Trustee since 2017.

Cam is a third-generation resident of the Jim Ned community where he graduated from Jim Ned High in 2005. Cam and his wife Kelsey, have four daughters, Presley (4th Grade), Aubrii (3rd Grade), Hazel (Kindergarten), Jules (3 yrs old). Cam is an alumnus of Abilene Christian University, where he was a 4 year starter on the Men’s Basketball team and was a two-year team Captain; he has a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Environmental Science and a minor in Public Policy. He is a local business owner at Permian Energy Services located outside of Tuscola, which provides construction and electrical services to the oil/gas, commercial, and renewable energy markets. Permian Energy currently employees over 70 full-time employees with locations in Montana, Illinois, Texas, and Nebraska. Cam was elected as a Jim Ned School Board Trustee in May of 2022. In addition, he is Vice-President of the Jim Ned Basketball Leagueand serves in an advisory role for multiple start-up small businesses.

CAM HOLSON

STACEY MARTIN SECRETARY

Stacey has been a resident of the Jim Ned Valley since 2015 and a school board trustee since 2018. Stacey is married to Cody, and they have two children, Caden (2021 Jim Ned graduate) and Creed (11th grade). Stacey has worked at Hardin-Simmons University for 25 years and currently serves as the Vice President of Student Life. In her current role she educates students by providing appropriate challenges and support, including opportunities for meaningful engagement and transformation. Stacey has an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s degree in Education both from Hardin-Simmons University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education in Leadership from HSU. Stacey has served and continues to serve in many capacities including: Junior Achievement of Abilene Board, Jim Ned Little League Board, Pioneer Drive Baptist Church Music Ministry, PDBC Child Development Center Board, Upward Sports Coach at PDBC, and Scholarship Committee at PDBC.

Glen has started his 4th year of service as superintendent in Jim Ned. He is in his 31st year of service in education, 27-years of which have been as an educational leader in the great state of Texas! His Bachelor’s degree is from Hardin-Simmons University in Behavioral Science with a biology & education major; his Master’s is from Baylor University in Educational Leadership; & his Doctorate is from Texas Tech University in Educational Leadership. His wife’s name is Megan. After graduating from Hardin-Simmons University, she received her Master’s Degree from Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. She served for many years as a Children’s Minister and later as a public school teacher. She is now serving as the Assistant to the Vice President for Student Life at Hardin-Simmons University. Megan & Glen have been married for 30 years & have been blessed with two wonderful sons whose names are Kason & Janson.

Cam is a third-generation resident of the Jim Ned community where he graduated from Jim Ned in 2005. Cam and his wife Kelsey, have four daughters, Presley (4th Grade), Aubrii (3rd Grade), Hazel (Kindergarten), Jules (3 yrs old). Cam is an alumnus of Abilene Christian University, where he was a 4 year starter on the Men’s Basketball team and was a two-year team Captain; he has a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Environmental Science and a minor in Public Policy. He is a local business owner at Permian Energy Services located outside of Tuscola, which provides construction and electrical services to the oil/gas, commercial, and renewable energy markets. Permian Energy currently employees over 70 full-time employees with locations in Montana, Illinois, Texas, and Nebraska. Cam was elected as a Jim Ned School Board Trustee in May of 2022. In addition, he is Vice-President of the Jim Ned Basketball League and serves in an advisory role for multiple start-up small businesses.

SMOKE SIGNALS

SUPERINTENDENT & SCHOOL BOARD

We are very excited about the 2022-23 school year! I have kept the traditional name of “ Smoke Signals” for the School Superintendent’s Update to commemorate this same title from a previous news magazine in our area. My name is Glen Teal & I have been blessed to be the Jim Ned Superintendent since July of 2019. I had big shoes to fill in taking over for Bobby Easterling who served our community so very well for over 2 decades. Over the past 3-years, our community has been through a lot of unforeseen challenges ranging from COVID-19, to Winter Storm Uri, & our recent wildfires. But we’ve also experienced a ton of success ranging from being perennial UIL Academic Champions, a State Football

Safety Update

Our district has considered the safety & security of our students & staff a top priority for several years. But with the recent Uvalde shooting, we have taken a very hard look at safety. Our administrators did a deep dive over the summer to determine any existing safety area to address. We prioritized those needs & began addressing them immediately. While we will start the school year safer than ever, we will continue to work hard to increase our safety & security moving forward. We do want to remind our community that we have several highly-trained, licensed, & boardapproved School Marshals on each campus. In addition, we have outstanding support & training from the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department & other area law enforcement who have been training all summer at our campuses through countless Active Shooter drills. In other words, woe be to anyone who considers harming our students or staff: they will be met with deadly force from our Marshals & the Sheriff’s Office!

By Glen Teal, Ed.D | Superintendent

Championship in 2020, some awesome new facilities & several deep runs in the playoffs with our athletic teams! We also learned that we are an A-rated district by the Texas Education Agency once again! Many of you may have also noticed that the district’s construction projects this summer have been very productive thanks to the district’s partnership with Jacob-Martin, LLC, & Collier Construction. So, on behalf of our Board, administration, faculty & staff, we say thanks to ALL of our Jim Ned community for your incredible support of our school district throughout the year! Together, our Tribe has both overcome & achieved at superior levels!

Other Points of Emphasis:

Locked interior & exterior doors throughout the day (no propping of doors) with regular checks by staff

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 Protocols that train & require our marshals & law enforcement to immediately eliminate the threat if shots are fired by a perpetrator

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All staff, substitutes, & visitors required to wear ID badges with any parent/visitors having to be cleared through our Raptor ID System requiring a scan of a driver’s license to enter a campus

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Establishing staging areas for parents should an incident occur in the future

Some of our safety measures will remain known only to staff to protect the integrity of our systems & the safety of our students & staff. Please know that safety is a top priority & it will be an ongoing focus so we are very prepared should anything ever happen. However, let me emphasize that no student or staff member should fear coming to school. We will continue to focus on learning, growing, & getting better each day at school while safety remains a constant & underlying focus for us each day.

Athletic Complex

This awesome facility opened in September. One side of this new facility will serve several of the girls teams while the other side will serve several of the boys teams. The district plans to schedule tours for this facility in the near future, so stay tuned for that information. It should serve our Jim Ned community well for years to come! We also have a special spot carved out in our new landscaping for the UIL State Football Championship monument donated by Davy Vestal Monuments.

Middle School Cafeteria

At the beginning of the school year, the district opened the new Middle School Cafeteria. It will relieve crowding in the High School Cafeteria since there are now over 750 students between the two campuses. We look forward to giving tours of this facility during the school year.

Intermediate School

Collier Construction has made great strides on this new facility over the summer! It is still scheduled for completion towards the end of the 22-23 school year. It will house the Jim Ned 4th, 5th, & 6th graders in three separate & secure classroom pods. There are still some decisions for the board & administration to make with regard to other bond projects that were tabled due to inflation rapidly consuming the district’s 2020 bond funds. That includes decisions on the $7.8 million available in Proposition B funds for our new auditorium. If the district starts construction on the auditorium in today’s inflated market, it would take a couple of million dollars more to complete the auditorium as it is currently designed. So a re-prioritization process of the district’s 2020 projects & future projects is now underway. Stay tuned for more information as it develops.

Business Spotlight

LANTRIP’S, VICKIES & VALLEY GRILL

We love our community! We are thankful for the businesses here in the JNV and we want to see them succeed. The Post decided that there could be no better fitting Business Spotlight for our first issue, than the iconic store on the corner of Garza and Graham, that has fed local families for generations: Lantrips, Vickies, Valley Grill.

As we all know, our little community is growing. What better way to cultivate gratitude amidst the change, than by remembering the roots of history that grew us to this very day, and the people that contributed to sowing those roots.

“The Entrepreneurial Effect”

We can never truly know the effect that the decisions we make in life, will have on others. We wake up, we put on clothes, and we begin the path forward, decision, after decision, after decision, and then the sun sets. In the same likeness, Entrepreneurs are expanding their reach and making decisions that are impacting neighboring families, entire communities, town economies. Entrepreneurs are inviting in the legacy of additional family trees, through their employees. The business of one, becomes the livelihood of another. This is the story of The Valley Grill, that was once Vickies, that was originally Lantrips.

Gene Lantrip, resident of JNV since 1983, saw a need for a convenience store and full-service Deli in the JNV. His family had three delis in Abilene, so in 1987, they started Lantrips on Graham St, in Tuscola. This decision would impact the legacy of not just his family, but that of Vickie Whitten and her household.

According to Tommy Bryant, son of Vickie Whitten and local JNV resident, his mom, dad, and himself, moved to Tuscola the summer of 1991 from Shallowater because his dad got a job in Abilene. Tommy was

starting 7th grade. They lived in a trailer house where the Branch Coffee House is now. His mother Vickie immediately got a job at Lantrip’s working for Gene. From what Tommy remembers, she became the manager fairly quick. Tommy recalls that Gene was always good to her and his family. Tommy and

Gene both mentioned and remember the day that Donald Whitten, Vickie’s husband, passed away due to a heart attack in April of 1992, around just one year after their family moved to the area.

Photo courtesy of Jim Ned Sports Nation

In Tommy’s words, “The community really helped us during this time.” In Gene’s words, “Our pastor, Jay McGough, ran over to help him (Donald), but could not revive him. That was really sad. That was when we and the community wrapped our arms around Vickie.”

The business of one, becomes the livelihood of another. Tommy Bryant said when his dad passed away, he and his mom considered moving back to Shallowater, but ultimately decided to stick it out and stay in Tuscola.

According to her son Tommy, “Vickie then continued to work at Lantrip’s and eventually bought a house from Gene next to what is now Lowes. During this time she began taking classes at American Commercial College in Abilene and in 1995 she took a job with them and left Lantrip’s. She worked for American Commercial College for several years. I want to say she worked off and on at Lantrip’s when they needed extra help. In 2007 her and Gene made an agreement for her to buy the Lantrip’s store and that is when the name changed to Vickies.”

When Gene was asked how it came about for Vickie to buy Lantrip’s, here is what he had to say: “Well, my father had died and my home building business had really taken off. We were building 40-50 houses a year. I sold both stores to Rick and Carolyn’s Burger and Fries, and I carried the note. They ran it for 18 months and shut the doors. It stayed closed for around 5 months while we had to legally get it back into my name. Vickie said that she wanted to buy it from me. I made her a deal: we would restock the equipment and cosign the letter of credit for $35,000. Rent free for a year to get the business back, and if she wanted to buy it, I’d sell it to her and carry the note. It took her 5 days to build the business back. So she enjoyed 11 months and 25 days of no rent. She offered to pay rent, but I told her that a deal was a deal. Vickie was like an Aunt to my kids. When they got married, she hosted their showers. They would go to the store or her house to just talk with her. There is not a day that goes by that Cindy and I don’t miss her.”

Neighbors become family. Businesses become second homes. And the entrepreneurial spirit of one, becomes a flame of hope and future for another. The Entrepreneurial Effect: it may not be what initially motivates one to start a business; it may not be what sustains a person when times get tough; but when thinking back on the life and legacy on the unexpected, happenstance, people, that enter our lives as a result of the pivotal decision to start a business, it seems worth it.

Forever written into the history of the JNV, is that little store on the corner: Lantrip’s, Vickie’s, and now the Valley Grill. The lasting effects of Vickie Whitten on this earth, go far beyond her name on a building or a friendly face. Vickie Whitten embodied the same spirit of how we all view our little community south of Abilene: a taste of Heaven on Earth.

JIM NEDNATIVE

FIRST FEATURE: COLT MCCOY

If you travel more than 100 miles from Jim Ned in any direction and you tell someone where you live, chances are that one of the only things they know about this area is that this is the home of Colt McCoy. McCoy, a 2005 graduate of Jim Ned High is arguably one of the most well-known football players in America today. Colt’s athletic accolades are long; he could likely fill up the entire Jim Ned Stadium Pressbox with awards, trophies, and accolades from top to bottom. As an Indian, Colt graduated as a two time AP Offensive MVP and the all-time leading passer in Texas Class 2A history and fourth overall alltime passing yards in Texas High School history. His career passing yards of 9,350 yards and 116 touchdowns might as well be etched in stone on the Jim Ned Football record books. In 2003, he led the Indians to their first state championship football game in school history and in 2005 he helped drive the Indians again to their first state championship basketball game in boys basketball history. This summer, McCoy was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame; there he reminisced on his days at Jim Ned, “Ton of memories for me. When I was in [high] school, the game was so pure…it’s your boys, it’s your friends. Nobody is getting cut, nobody is getting released. You’re in it together. There was such camaraderie there. I’m still friends with tons of my high school teammates, still keep in touch with them.”

After Jim Ned, McCoy completed one of the best alltime careers with the Texas Longhorns; so good in fact that he won the national player of the year three times and finished his career as the winningest major college football quarterback of all-time. The Longhorns retired his #12 jersey with his name enshrined on Darrell K. Royal Stadium with the likes of Vince Young, Earl Campbell, Ricky Williams, and Bobby Layne. Unfortunately for many fans on the 40 acres, the Longhorns have not been able to replicate McCoy’s success on the football field since he left campus in 2010.

McCoy was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 2010 NFL Draft. After 3 years in Cleveland, he has spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, New York Giants, and his current team the Arizona Cardinals. Colt is entering his 13th season as an NFL signal caller and is the only quarterback drafted from 2010 that is still active on an NFL roster. “I love [playing in the NFL],” Colt says. “I love everything about it. But at the end of the day, I also know that I’m privileged to do it and this is what God’s allowing me to do. He can take that away at any moment and if He does, I’m going to go that way, and I’m cool with that.” The 36 year old quarterback is considered by many in the NFL to be one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league. Arizona head coach Kliff Kingsbury recently had this to say about McCoy, “Colt has been tremendous bringing him in, being a veteran guy who does it right every single day. He prepares like he’s the starter every week. He has the respect of the team, and they know what he is able to do when he comes in.”

Most Jim Ned residents know all about the athletic accolades of Colt McCoy, but what only some of the “old timers” may know about him is that Colt is exceptionally intelligent, he’s an outstanding person, Christ follower, and all-around leader in every sense of the word. He emulates what many parents want their son(s) to be and what type of person they want their daughters to marry. Colt may be most famous for not what he did during his collegiate senior season while leading the Longhorns to the 2010 National Championship game, but by what he said afterward on National Television after getting seriously injured and sidelined during a heartbreaking loss to Alabama, “I always give God the glory. I never question why things happen the way they do. God is in control of my life, and I know that if nothing else, I’m standing on the Rock.”

The Jim Ned native currently resides in Austin while not playing in the NFL. He and his wife Rachel have three daughters, Sloane, Brooke, Shea, and one son, Judd. When he’s not playing football, Colt enjoys spending time outdoors as an avid hunter and fisherman; he’s also commonly found spending family time along the Frio River and relaxing in his home state.

SERVING THE JIM NED VALLEY

&Fellowship

Have you ever wondered, what is it like to be a teenager today in the Jim Ned Valley? What is going on inside of their heads? What music are they listening to, why is it so loud, and did it just have four words in the entire song? Kids are being bombarded with social media, keeping up with their social status, being “perfect” at everything they do, being up to date on the latest trend, always having to be in the know of all things, and how they are perceived by their peers.

There are kids here in the Jim Ned Valley that are lost, broken, and in need of a savior. The savior they need is Jesus Christ. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one

comes to the Father except through me” (NIV). Here in the Jim Ned Valley, we have churches and other ministries reaching out to our kids about this truth. Young Life is an outreach ministry program that is working with our Jim Ned High School students. Young Life’s mission is to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith.

Young Life does this through their staff and volunteer leaders meeting kids on their own turf, creating a relationship with them, introduce them to Jesus Christ, and walk alongside to guide them to the feet of Jesus so that kids may want to begin a relationship with Jesus. Young Life has weekly clubs on Monday nights throughout the school year where they will sing songs, play games, have funny skits, all leading up to a “club talk” where kids will hear about a God who loves them and wants to have a relationship with them. Young Life also host weekly bible studies called “Campaigners” where leaders will go through the Bible with kids. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Do you have a passion for high school kids at Jim Ned? Jim Ned Young Life is in need of having more volunteer leaders to help reach kids for the Gospel. If you or someone you know would be interested in hearing more about Young Life and how you can help, please reach out to David Bartell. You can contact him by emailing davidbartell.yl@gmail.com and look up Jim Ned Young Life on Facebook and Instagram.

Ladies

OF THE VALLEY

We believe us ladies have got to stick together. Whether you are in full soccer mom mode, already shopping for Christmas, or traveling across the state to watch your favorite team play, we are expected to conquer it all. As women navigating all the demands of the 21st century: trying to look like Miss Texas, always having a magazine-worthy home, being the number one volunteer, and pulling in a six-digit salary, all while we hit the gym every single day and drink a gallon of water— Oh wait…that’s not our reality and if you are being honest it probably isn’t yours either! Ladies, moms, daughters, friends, what we do matters. It might not be pretty, but we get the job done and the only important thing is that we keep showing up for the people that count on us, the people that are the reason for all the things that we do. We wanted something in the magazine for our favorite ladies of JN to maybe make your day a little brighter and the to do list a little easier. We hope you enjoy it! Love, Kandon & Kelsey

Women’s Health Must Knows

By Dr, Kristen Mitchell

1Even if you have had a hysterectomy, it is still important to have a pelvic exam every year.

2Cervical cancer has no genetic predisposition.

In other words, your risk for cervical cancer is not increased if this is in your family history.

3Return to fertility after stopping any form of contraception is immediate,

4A menstrual cycle refers to the number of days from the start of one cycle to the start of the next. Most women will have a cycle length between 21 to 45 days, and it is normal for your cycle length to vary month to month. It is not considered abnormal if your cycle does not start on the same day each month.

5It is normal for women to form ovarian cysts throughout the menstrual cycle and during ovulation. We refer to them as “physiologic ovarian cysts.” Many cysts develop and resolve without us knowing! If you have an ultrasound and a cyst is found, make sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss the implications of this, as more times than not, it is likely to resolve on its own.

6Decreased libido is a very common symptom amongst women of all ages! If you are struggling with this, you are not alone. Remember, we are not designed to be at the same level as our male counterparts in this department.

7There really is no such thing as a partial or total hysterectomy. Many women refer to a partial hysterectomy as the removal of the uterus while leaving the ovaries, and refer to a total hysterectomy as removal of the uterus and the ovaries. A hysterectomy is the term we use for removal of the uterus only. A majority of hysterectomies can now be done via a minimally invasive approach and do not require an overnight hospitalization. How times have changed!

Remember that for us to take the best care of you, we need to know the details. As gynecologists, we have heard it all. There is almost nothing that you could say that would shock us, so we encourage you to be open and honest during your visits!

FALL BOOK Review

A FLICKER IN THE DARK BY STACY WILLINGHAM

By Stephanie Barham

I love curling up with a good psychological thriller on a cool, crisp autumn night, or at least our west Texas version of fall, when the temperatures might drop below 100 degrees if we are lucky. A Flicker in the Dark, Willingham’s debut novel and soon to be HBO Max limited series, is the perfect book to grab with your blanket and glass of wine.

Twenty years ago, twelve-year-old Chloe and her older brother Cooper, watched helplessly, as her father was arrested for murdering six teenage girls in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. After her father’s confession and imprisonment, the family falls apart as they cannot quite escape the ominous cloud of mystery that hovers over them in their small town. Chloe learned that monsters aren’t always in the shadows or under your bedsometimes they’re right in front of you.

Skip forward to present day. Chloe appears to have her life together: she is a successful psychologist with a house and private practice in Baton Rouge, is planning a wedding with her caring fiancé, but Chloe relies on self-medication of prescription pills and alcohol to avoid her painful past. Now, young girls begin disappearing again, and they have connections to Chloe. Is this

the work of a copy cat killer?

This story is full of twists, turns, and red herrings. Chloe is the unreliable narrator with a compelling voice that had me hooked from the first pages. She is high-strung and tense, often seeing things that are not real. Willingham does a masterful job at creating a tense atmosphere, that will give you the creeps and keep you awake at night, needing to read just one more chapter. Next on my reading list? Remarkably Bright Creatures, Lessons in Chemistry, and This Time Tomorrow.

Recipes in the Valley

COURTESY OF B. MARIE BAKERY/BRANDI TERRY

A fall classic featuring pecans from Lampman Pecan Company grown by third-generation farmer, Eric Lampman from DeLeon, TX. I believe in real ingredients, real moments, and real food, so everything I make at b. marie bakery is made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients straight from the FARM whenever possible. This SOUTHERN treat is ideal for any fall celebration.

Lucky for me, both of my siblings are married to two different Texas Pecan farming families. Recently, I caught up with my little sister, Brooke, and her husband, Eric Lampman, for some kitchen inspiration. ¬

WHY DO YOU FARM?

Eric’s passion for farming began at a young age. He grew up on the farm alongside his dad and grandfather and made it his career soon after high school. “It’s a feeling I have deep inside me. I choose to farm because when I look back on my life, I feel comfort knowing what I do matters.” – Eric

THE FAMILY BUSINESS

Lampman Pecan Company, located in De Leon, TX, and has been in business for 50 years. Eric Lampman is a third-generation farmer. Because of Eric and his family’s dedication, Lampman Farms is able to produce pecans, watermelons, cotton, hay, peanuts, and maintain a successful cow-calf operation. Lampman Pecan Company offers many varieties of pecans as well as products such as candied pecans at their retail store in De Leon. The majority of their pecans are shipped all over the United States to numerous bakeries, restaurants, and other entities.

FARMING DURING A DROUGHT

Farming during any season is a challenge that isn’t suitable for everyone, but farming amid a drought has its own unique obstacles. “The expense of growing crops has tripled. Most dry land crops are a complete loss and the irrigated is light with increased expenses. I’m concerned about the long term effects drought will have on the trees and grass, as well as the financial stress and impact on future crops.” - Eric

The farming community faces natural disasters annually. However, severe drought coupled with economic uncertainty is catastrophic and will have lasting implications. “This year will leave a scar I will remember throughout my career. I know I am not alone. Everyone is facing the same obstacles. I have learned from this experience and continue to focus on improving efficiency.” – Eric

Eric’s passion for farming is paralleled by his passion for his faith. He gives up all credit when reflecting on the blessings he has received and the opportunity he has to do what he loves. “The drought is hard, but are finding new innovative ways to survive. We’re facing the worst year to date, but Eric stills shows up every day to do what he loves.” - Brooke

Both Eric and Brooke expect the family farm to carry on with this faith for generations to come. Eric plans to pass on his farming heritage to his children McLane (3) and Conor (6 months). One of which, McLane, has already shown interest in farming...even at the shy young age of 3 years old. “Every day I wake up knowing this is my calling. I love this life. We choose this life.” – Eric

The future of the agricultural industry is bright. I am proud to be the sister-in-law of a Texas Pecan Farmer. Thank you, Eric, and the rest of the Lampman Family for your dedication to agriculture.

THANK A FARMER

During times of uncertainty take comfort knowing it’s everyday people in RURAL AMERICA working around the clock who provide the most affordable and safest food supply. They are the unsung HEROES who we often take for granted. Now more than ever, be grateful and thank the hardworking farmers, ranchers, and everyone in-between for ALWAYS providing.

As you enjoy your family dinner from the comfort of your home, take time to reflect on how that food made it to your plate. Or how it made it from FARM to BAKED. Until next time, check out the recipe for Pecan Pumpkin Gooey Bars. Enjoy!

Recipes in the Valley

COURTESY OF B. MARIE BAKERY/BRANDI TERRY

PECAN PUMPKIN GOOEY BARS

INGREDIENTS:

Crust

1 box yellow cake mix

1 stick butter, melted

1 egg

Filling

1 lb powdered sugar

8 oz cream cheese, room temp

1 can pumpkin

1 stick butter, melted

3 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice

Topping

2 c chopped or whole pecans

½ c dark brown sugar

3 T butter, melted

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine cake mix, melted butter and egg. Press the dough in the bottom of a slightly greased 13 x 9 baking dish.

2. Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix pumpkin and cream cheese on medium speed until creamy. Add eggs one at a time mixing well between each addition. Add vanilla and butter. Mix on low speed until just incorporated. Using a spatula, scrap the bowl. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, and powdered sugar. Mix until combined.

3. Add the filling to the 13 x 9 baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. Remove from oven and add topping. Bake for an additional 10-20 minutes or until the center is just set. The center should be slightly gooey. Do not overbake.

4. Remove from oven and let cool completely (~ 2 hours). Cut into squares and ENJOY!

“As you enjoy your family dinner from the comfort of your home, take time to reflect on how that food made it to your plate. Or how it made it from FARM to BAKED. Until next time, check out the recipe for Pecan Pumpkin Gooey Bars. Enjoy!”

BleacherTALK

with Kandon and Kelsey

In honor of the kickoff of fall sports we wanted to share with you, our friends, some of our favorite things to take to games that make cheering on your favorite team more comfortable, fashionable and maybe a little more fun. So, if you are looking for us at a ball game you can find us in the cackling hen section, or at least that’s what our husbands call it, because as multi taskers we are able to do more than just watch the game. We can also find out what Betty Sue is doing to keep her face moisturized in this dry Texas wind. Whether it’s what the best bento box brand is or what the best vitamin C cream is or even who the star quarterback is dating. We want to know it all and if we put our heads together, we probably do. So ladies, here is our survival list for the bleachers.

We all know it’s HOT in Texas until at least December so if you don’t want to melt at a game you will probably be wearing shorts, so having tan legs are definitely a plus. Did you know that the Valley has a precious lady, Hannah, that will come to your house, give you the perfect glow and make you look 10lbs lighter. Indian Outfitters tanning salon is the way to go. SCORE!

We all know sports in Texas requires a HAT!! We have collected an arsenal of hats over the years but having a cute hat with your team’s name on it is essential.

As we all know there are many amazing stores in the valley whether brick and mortar or online. Go find one and wear the heck out of it.

Calling all Indian fans, if you are looking for a shoe that shows your school spirit look no further. We have become obsessed with the Birkenstock Eva waterproof sandal. They have them in red & blue, they are comfortable, and they are an affordable price for the quality of shoe you are getting.

If you plan on wearing a sandal to the game, you might want to have your toes painted to match. The Valley has its very own nail tech. You can find her at Meraki hair salon in the heart of Tuscola. Give the salon a call and schedule your appointment today.

As women we are always looking for the best skin care products. 100% all year round we should be wearing sunscreen on our face & neck. What gets difficult is finding one that pairs well with face makeup. We hit the jackpot with this one. EltaMD is dermatologist recommended, you can order it on amazon, the bottle lasts at least 2 months and they have a sensitive skin option. Take our word for it, you won’t regret it!

Have you heard of Buddha girl bracelets? They are super trendy right now and oh so cute. They are a little pricey but if you are looking for a budget friendly option, we found the ones for you. You can purchase both on amazon. They carry them in an array of colors but if you are looking for game day options, they have red & blue that are sure to spice up any outfit you wear them with.

You know how we talked about over achievers drinking a gallon of water a day? Well if that is a goal you actually want to try to obtain then we have the brand for you. STANLEY…it fits in your cup holder, holds up to 40oz of water, and they have spill proof tumblers that your kids could take to school in JN colors. WINNING!

We all know how comfortable bleachers are but if cold, hard, ridged surfaces aren’t your thing then we have a stadium seat for you. Once again amazon for the win! We found a great, easy to carry, comfortable seat with an adjustable back.

Wait, did you know there is a donut shop in Tuscola? Well, if you are like us and you didn’t meal prep your breakfast then

Friday morning donuts are a must. Chimmy’s not only offers great donuts, but you can customize them with a Happy Birthday or even a “Go Indians!”

We saved one of most essential ones for last…CAFFEINE! In order for us ladies to be able to keep up with all the demands of being a dye hard Indian fan, Perini Ranch coffee is the way to go. You can purchase it online or at the Country Market in Buffalo Gap in whole bean or ground. Grab your Stanley and fill it up, this coffee will keep you going right through the 5th quarter party.

Well, that’s it for Bleacher Talk this time. We’ve shared our top 10 must have’s and we would love to hear yours. Keep an eye out for our next edition where we will be revealing our Holiday Gift Guide.

Locally owned Chimy’s Donuts celebrated our State Championship with custom congratulatory donuts!

“We want to know it all and if we put our heads together, we probably do.”

Coach’s CORNER

With Matt Fanning Jim Ned CISD Athletic Director

It’s been an outstanding summer! Our young men and women have been working extremely hard through our strength and conditioning programs as well as attending camps and various summer leagues. I’m personally very excited to see this group attack the 22-23 competitive year and build upon the legacy that is Jim Ned Athletics. Practices for fall sports began August 1st and we have been very impressed with the level of conditioning that we are seeing. This group likes to work and it shows. More importantly they have displayed a positive attitude to the task at hand. If we can maintain that it will pay dividends throughout the year.

Concerning football two a days: We will face a tremendous challenge replacing the phenomenal athletes and competitors of the class of ‘22. However, witnessing a new group of leaders rise to the occasion and helping to facilitate that is one of the greatest joys and challenges in coaching. I think the ceiling for this season is very high, but we have a lot to prove and we will have to work for it! I believe the team understands that, as stated in the team Motto selected by the Tribal Council “Something to Prove in ‘22”.

The council also selected Psalm 27: 1 “The LORD is my light and salvation– whom shall I fear” as our team verse. This explains that with the Lord at our side we are not scared of the challenge.

If we can live up to these standards it will be a great year.Please come out to watch all of our teams this season, as we strive to exemplify the spirit of this outstanding community! Roll Tribe!

Boys Cross Country

By Adaiah McClendon

JNHS boys have hit the ground running this season with two runners in the top ten at the first meet, Saturday the 20th. In first place was Samuel Bryan with a time of 16:35, and in fourth place was Chris Saling with a time of 17:01. Blake Allen, their coach, is ready to get this season going. “We have started out the season strong,” Coach said. “We have some work to do to be our best and fastest by October!” The boys and their coach are working to improve faster and harder. “Our kids take pride in ‘being their best version of themselves’ so as we run we just try to be the best we can that day & the results usually take care of the rest!” While interviewing Coach Allen, I asked what his goal was for the 2022 season. “Our goals are to win a district championship & be on the podium at regionals & state!”

Indian Volleyball

By Abby Gilliland

The 2022 Lady Indian Varsity volleyball team is off and running this season. Coming off of a 2021 Area Championship, Coach Garcia is excited about building off last years success and making a strong run in 2022. “We started where we left off (in 2021) and we are continuing to grow and work as a team”, said Garcia. This years team is motivated to be one of the most successful teams in Jim Ned Volleyball history, pushing together as one to accomplish their goals. With some key players back from the 2021 season, Coach Garcia is looking forward to another playoff push, “We have several returners back this season, so we have high expectations for success this season.” The Indians will be making a playoff push through the month of October with games against Wall, Clyde, Grape Creek, and TLCA.

JNHS Band

By Josh Howeth

The Jim Ned Band is excited and looking forward to another great fall season. The “Twelfth Man” will be loud and proud throughout the game, and we are aiming to rock you throughout halftime. Our competitive marching show is titled A Queen’s Rhapsody, featuring popular Queen songs like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and We Are the Champions. There are also excerpts of Mozart’s Queen of the Night Aria and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. It is an incredible show and I am confident you will love it! We are excited to see you this football season!

Girls Cross Country

By Abby Gilliland

Cross Country is flying by fast and your Jim Ned Lady Indians have started the season off on the right foot! Their first meet was held on Saturday, Aug. 20 and they brought home first place on the podium. This meet was two miles in distance and our top finishers and their times were: in second place, Hailey Von Willer (12:36), in third place, McKenna Bluhm (12:39), and in fourth place, Bre Jones (12:43). This success is a major improvement, compared to last season’s stumble with the beginning of that season in sixth place. These girls and their coach, Lanny Prentice, are working their tails off to make a name for themselves this year. In an interview with Coach Prentice, he was asked how he expected the 2022 season to play out. “JNLI CC has a long history of success. We have the largest team we have had since I have been here. Competition between team members is happening in every workout, making us better every day. This competition in the practices is going to push us to be better than we have been in recent years.” Best of luck to our girls this season as they continue on strong! Roll Tribe!

HEROES AMONG US

PERSPECTIVES ON THE MESQUITE HEAT FIRE

By Dr. Traci King ECCA VFD covers 86 sq. miles in southwestern Taylor County and involves areas of Taylor County precincts 1, 2 and 3. I primarily serve in the ECCA VFD (Elm Creek Citizens Association) Volunteer Fire Department.

It has been a family affair for the last 30 years that stemmed from a strong sense of community and need for local volunteers. My family moved back to the Elm Valley area in 1988, joined the department and have been volunteering ever since. I grew up helping in any position I could since I was 7. My mom, Janel Young, served as president from 1990- 1992, and currently serves as medical first response and Lieutenant/Medical Officer. My father, Gary Young, became Fire Chief in 1991 and still serves in this position today. After finishing dental school in 2011 my husband, James, and I, along with our kids, moved back to Elm Valley and have been volunteering ever since.

My name is Dr. Traci King my occupation is as a General Dentist. I have owned my own practice in Abilene for over 11 years. I am also a mom of four, Elaina, Madalynn, JE and Deagan. I stay really busy managing my practice and all the kid’s activities but still volunteer with the fire department as much as I can. My husband, James, serves as a front-line firefighter plus a vital member of the ECCA fire attack crew and the kids help out as well when they are able. The hours being a volunteer firefighter are not so much weekly but can take many hours when a fire or medical incident comes in needing a

response. The Mesquite Heat was around the clock, 24/7, for about the first 4-5 days, until the Gold Team arrived from the Forest Service to take the 10pm-6am shifts, so fire personnel could go home at night to rest. The extreme conditions dictated the critical nature of the Mesquite Heat Fire- The temperatures the first 4 days exceeded 105 degrees, the winds were very high, and record critical lows in humidity values, for example below 10%, were recorded! The second day when the fire formed the “Pyrocumulonimbus Event” that spread the fire very quickly toward and across Hwy 277, and toward Buffalo Gap, the humidity was 7%, the temperature was 108, and the winds were very strong. At this point, the progression of the fire became unmanageable to any and all fire suppression attempts. Several trucks and pieces of heavy equipment were compromised and approximately 8 firefighters were close to losing their lives when the enormous fire cloud swept across the landscape. My dad, Gary Young- ECCA Fire Chief, along with 4 other firefighters on ECCA Brush 3 were almost overtaken by fire. It was completely surrounding them and jumping ahead of them as they were trying to escape. Gary’s personal vehicle caught on fire during this and the men on the fire truck were having to do special maneuvers with the water on their own truck to keep the fire off of them during the escape. Without a developing wind change, Buffalo Gap would surely have been overtaken, and there is no prediction of how far the fire could have progressed. The overall expressions stated by all the fire personnel, including two Fire Chiefs, each with over 30 years experience on many fires: this “fire was ANGRY”, and they have never seen one spread this fast and this far, so quickly, ever! Never had all the conditions of high temperature, low humidity, strong winds, and large fuel loads ever ALL been so “staged” together at one time, to result in a such a terrible disaster as the Mesquite Heat Fire. The ultimate role in gaining control and finalization of the fire were many fold: 1- The cold front that blew in on Saturday was prepare for by the fire personnel on Friday and early Saturday morning 2- Unrelenting, roundthe-clock small fire and hot spot suppression 3- The Forest Service Gold Team all-night fire and hot spot mitigation with us. The fire was then not being able to spread to new unburned areas, and continue to progress. Another week of hot spot suppression, and putting out many small fires in remote, hard-to-reach areas, resulted in finally knocking out the threat of more fire.

By Chuck Gililland

I joined the Buffalo Gap Volunteer Fire Department in 2014 as a firefighter, during the Camp Barkley Fire. In 2015, I was elected to officially serve as the Department Chaplain and have served as Chaplain/Firefighter since 2015. In April of this year, I was elected to the business position of Vice President.

I’ve had the great honor and privilege to serve as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Buffalo Gap since April of 2013. One of the privileges of my job is serving the community, which made joining the VFD an easy decision. The average “tone-out” (call) for the VFD lasts one hour, and our department averages 3-4 tone-outs a week. Since it is a volunteer department, you as a member respond to the tone-outs that you are able to make. On average I respond to 1-2 tone-outs a week. That is using the average method though...many weeks go by without any tone-outs, and some weeks have multiple tone-outs each day (but those are few in number). This year has been a much busier year for us mostly due to an increase in the number of grass/brush fires because of the drought we are in. Also, as the population increases in our area, we are seeing an increase in medical emergencies and motor vehicle accidents.

The hours during the mesquite heat fire were drastically different. The average grass/brush fire takes an hour or slightly more to extinguish and is about 1-3 acres in size. The Mesquite Heat Fire required 98 hours of service

By Benjamin Young

Rural Fire Departments and residents need one another more than ever before. With the unprecedented heat, drought conditions and wildfires causing havoc within the Jim Ned communities, now is the time to lend a hand, or a dollar to your local fire departments.

On May 18th I sat on my front porch feeling the heartache of what I was witnessing. Smoke billowed through the air as the wind shifted and pushed the Mesquite Heat fire directly towards Buffalo Gap. We haven’t been Tuscola residents for very long but from the day we arrived we’ve felt at home. Watching the indescribable destruction of that fire move towards the Buffalo Gap community was a helpless feeling. As the afternoon progressed, I decided that I needed to step up, like so many others had earlier that week. I ended up walking through the front door of the Jim Ned Volunteer Fire Department. I had previous training, having graduated from a Texas Fire Academy in 2007. I then served in the Air Force, leaving behind firefighting for a season in life until reacclimating during Mesquite Heat.

The next several days were a whirlwind. Many hours were spent on large brush trucks, patrolling blackened and unburnt land, finding hot spots and putting water down to protect the lives and property of our community. We spent several sleepless nights dragging hoses uphill in a physically demanding environment next to our sister fire departments, drawing a line in the sand to prevent further spread of the seemingly

from our department and was just over 11,000 acres burned. It was the largest and most destructive wildland fire Taylor County has ever had.

A few conditions caused the Mesquite Heat Fire to blowout on us. First, we were and still are in a severe drought which has caused the trees to dry out. During the fire, we were experiencing record heat, extremely low relative humidity (9%), and on the Wednesday evening of the fire at about 5:30pm a dry line pushed through the area causing the humidity to drop even further and shifted the winds causing the fire to rapidly grow and travel at above average speed.

So many individuals and departments/agencies were involved in fighting this fire. First, we have a great community that supported the departments and kept us stocked on supplies. All the volunteer departments from Taylor County, Abilene FD, Taylor County Precincts, multiple VFDs from the Big Country, the Texas Forestry Service along with Texas TIFMAS (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System) Teams, Taylor County Sheriffs Department, Texas DPS, Red Cross, Southern Baptist of Texas Disaster Relief, and Federal Fire Services were involved in fighting the fire. Honestly, God giving all of us involved in fighting the fire continued strength and endurance, and causing the wind to once again shift direction and then to stop completely late on Wednesday night was the pivotal moment leading to the extinguishing of the fire.

unpredictable fire. Every day seeing crews of men and women that had been patrolling and fighting fires for 24+ hours with minimal breaks, all volunteers. These folks left their homes and jobs behind to selflessly give of their time and physical abilities, putting their own lives in danger to protect the lives and property of others.

What many people don’t know is that our small fire departments are not state funded and rely solely on grants and donations for their operating expenses. During catastrophic events like the Mesquite Heat fires, these expenses drastically increase. Fuel, tires, vehicle repairs and cracked water tanks are just a few items that have caused a drastic increase in financial need for these firehouses.

Tony Hefner, Lawn VFDs Advisor told me that some of the greatest financial needs are for “bunker gear, oxygen, medical supplies that have expiration dates…and equipment repair that keeps them ready to respond to the next emergency.” Chief Brad Kerr of the Jim Ned VFD said “We are experiencing a huge surge in new residents to our area. This causes an even greater demand on our services, coupled with the rising costs of supplies and equipment, our expenses have never been higher. The safety of our community and firefighters is paramount and we rely heavily on the generosity of our community to meet those needs, keeping us and them safe.”

HEROES AMONG US

ON THE MESQUITE HEAT FIRE

On the evening of May 18, Camp Able’s worst nightmare was quickly becoming a reality. A devastating fire was making its presence known near the location where the small nonprofit first started its operations in 2014. This property, known as the Trails End Ranch, is owned by Camp Able’s founder, Renee Hicks. At about 6 pm that day, smoke darkened the sky just over the mesa near Renee’s ranch bringing the possibility of devastation tooclose for comfort. Typically, about 20 horses, a few donkeys and an assortment of barn cats and dogs are homed at Trails End. About 7 in the evening, the decision was made to move all of these animals, plus several animals from neighboring properties, to Camp Able’s other location, called “The Farm,” about 4 miles away. However, just as those animals were unloaded, the howling winds changed direction, putting everyone at The Farm in potential jeopardy, so the decision was made to move all the animals to a location much further away. This meant that the 30 animals that had just been turned out into the pasture, plus the40 horses normally kept at The Farm (plus 3 goats and a few additional cats and dogs) all had to be caught and trailered to safety. Fortunately, Camp Able’s dedicated staff and volunteers jumped into high gear once again, while offers of help came in via text, phone and social media from neighbors and community members who showed up with trailers and willing hands.

“Catching the horses a second time to load them into trailers for transport to safety was an especially difficult challenge,” said Lota Zoth, Camp Able’s Voluntary Executive Director. “I’m so grateful for everyone who dropped everything to help us move all of our animals, especially Dr. Rita Ikeler, who arrived with a satchel of drugs to help calm our more skittish horses and get them loaded into trailers as quickly as possible.”

Camp Able’s horses were moved to pastures in Tuscola, primarily on property owned by the Ikeler family, where they stayed until it was safe to bring them back home. Fortunately, the Mesquite Heat Fire, which would ultimately destroy nearly 11,000 acres, more than 20 homes and several other structures in south Taylor County, never reached either of Camp Able’sproperties.

As you might imagine, the impact of the Mesquite Heat Firedidn’t end on the evening of May 18. Over the next few days, staff and volunteers tended to the horses, mules, donkeys and goats that were spread across several pastures. Water had to be trailered into troughs and feed delivered where pasture grass was scarce. The return home started on May 20, with the goats hitting home ground first. Most all of the equines returned home by May 22, with a few horses staying at Dr. Rita’s to have some scrapes and cuts cleaned and bandaged before coming home.One of Camp Able’s most beloved horses, Pam, got into hay that was problematic for her digestive system. Pam crossed rainbow bridge on May 24 under a double rainbow and surrounded by her humans. Pam had been donated to Camp Able by Aaron Watson and his family and had become a reliable and favorite therapeutic riding horse.

Zoth added: “While we are terribly sad over losing Pam, we are lucky that we escaped as unscathed as we did. Truly, we could not have accomplished this emergency evacuation without the help and selflessness of our community, and especially the care and generosity of the Ikeler family. There are no words than can express how thankful we are for the support and kindnesses shown us during this frightening time.”

Camp Able is a nonprofit located in Buffalo Gap with a two-pronged mission: to provide therapeutic riding to people with special needs and to provide sanctuary to equines.

Jim Ned SportsNation

By Chris Holson

The Jim Ned Sports Nation has been broadcasting Jim Ned athletic events for seven years. The Nation started with radio broadcasts of the 2015 football season, then moved to streaming audio broadcasts the following year. Now the sports nation streams live video coverage of football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, and softball to thousands of viewers across the world. With the help of local businesses we continue to expand our scholarship program and financial assistance to all Jim Ned athletic programs.

Jim Ned sports, like all things in the Jim Ned Valley, are on the way up. The football program is a great example of this rise in all things associated with the Jim Ned school district. Through the first 33 years of Jim Ned football the Indians only averaged about 4 wins per season, building up only 138 victories from 1957 to 1990. There were many fantastic athletes and several notable teams through those early years like the Frank Hibler led 1959 team that won the school’s first district championship, the Don Lee teams from 1969-1971 that won 19 games, and of course the 1974 team led by Jim Ned alum Larry Aldridge that took West Texas by storm and was unbeatable, with their 1 back quail offense, until their semifinal loss to Aledo. That 1974 team improved over the previous season by 9 victories, and was the last team to win a district championship for 29 years.

But in the last 30 years the Indians have won 197 games. The turnaround of the program might be traced back to 1991 when Jim West took over the program at a low point and remained on the job for 8 years and left the Jim Ned football program in a much better place than he found it , leading the Indians to the playoffs for the first time since 74.

Then it was Brad McCoys time to take the program to the next level. Coach McCoy and the 2003 team played in the programs first ever state championship game and then went to the quarterfinals in 2004. Coach McCoy went 53-19 in his 6 year tenure and the Indians went 77-36 in the decade of 2000-2009.

Fast forward to 2020 and Matt Fanning led the Indians to win it all in one of the best state championship games ever played. Coach Fanning’s team went on a 26 game winning streak in 2020 and 2021. Coach Fanning has a 42-9 record in his 4 year tenure and the Indians have been ranked as the #5 dynasty program in the state of Texas in class 3A Division 1 since 2017.

Now, the program in its 65th year of existence has the opportunity to deliver an all time winning record for the program. That all time record beginning this season stood at 335-341-10. With the continuing improvement of the Jim Ned football program the 400th program win is almost assured before this decade is finished.

You can look at every Jim Ned athletic program and see similar successful rises. In future articles we’ll document other successful programs such as the unbelievable boys and girls basketball programs.

Check out Jim Ned Sports Nation at www.jimnedsportsnation.com to watch every Jim Ned game live and find archives of previous games, such as that state championship game. Like us on Facebook and give us a follow on Twitter to stay up to date on all things Jim Ned sports.

ABOVE THE REST!

AEL is honored to partner with the Jim Ned Community. We wish the students, teams, clubs, organizations, and faculty a prosperous school year filled with success on the field of competition and in the classroom.

AEL is honored to partner with the Jim Ned Community. We wish the students, teams, clubs, organizations, and faculty a prosperous school year filled with success on the field of competition and in the classroom.

“We know it takes a tremendous amount of dedication and teamwork to ensure a successful school campaign, and we know you have the heart and strength to overcome all challenges placed before you.”

“We know it takes a tremendous amount of dedication and teamwork to ensure a successful school campaign, and we know you have the heart and strength to overcome all challenges placed before you.”

Roll Tribe!

Roll Tribe!

LEGENDARYtales

With Game Warden James Cummings

I was flattered to be asked to contribute to this project. I have fond memories in my youth of reading what Game Wardens would write for various small-town newspapers. I would pour over them, trying to glean any information. I would supplement them with books from Patrick McManus. (if you love the outdoors and humor, grab one of his books)

The world has changed from that time. Now a days, everything published or said by a Game Warden, could be considered “the word of Texas Parks and Wildlife” or “The State of Texas”, so there are (very understandably) tighter boundaries on what we can hand over without it being approved from people far smarter than a field Game Warden.

What does that mean? Well, I probably won’t write about things that haven’t been approved by the agency. Don’t worry. I have a solution. I grew up across the street from the Game Warden in Matador Texas and between, that, and starting my career with thirty-year Game Wardens, I have enough of “THEIR” stories, I can tell. Unless I am telling you a story of my childhood, I will be writing about a story a retired Game Warden told me or I was there to witness.

Now….I can’t give you the backstory of each retiree story I am about to tell, and I doubt you would want to hear about a new one each time we meet back up. So…I’ll just invent one and he will be the placeholder for all my stories. I spent some time thinking about a name and came up with: Cody Wesley. I even tried to make up a fictional county for him to work but Craig Johnson took Absaroka county and I can’t seem to think of one to top that. Since Game Wardens are state police officers, I’ll just bounce him around the state.

Let’s jump off in it. A rancher in a small-town community was having trouble with poaching near his place. Namely, the outlaws were shooting deer from the road and dragging them under the

and he said he would get to work on it. Cody wasn’t stupid and knew there was probably more going on than what was told on the surface.

A few weeks or months later, Dennis was at the coffee shop. (ALL small-towns have the coffee shop problem solvers, my dad was a proud member of this club for his entire life) Some of the regulars at the “Table of Gossip and Knowledge” asked Dennis if there had been anything done about his poaching problem. Dennis went into a long rant about how low a poacher was and that if they were ever caught, he wanted them “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Poor Dennis didn’t know about that time Cody and another Game Warden had set up a decoy deer on a ranch just up the old dirt county road from his ranch.

Later that evening, Dennis was going to check his cows…one last time, before he called it a day. He was easing down that old sandy road a mile from his gate. He spotted a nice 10 point buck in his neighbors pasture. He looked around….and you can guess what happened. Before the crack of the rifle could settle, Game Warden Cody was at the pickup door. He smiled and said, “Dennis, I think we are getting a handle on your poaching problem.” Dennis was headed back to town in about an hour…with a crisp new citation and his old hunting rifle with an evidence tag on it headed somewhere else. Dennis told himself he would never tell a soul, well except his wife, he had to tell his her why they were a few dollars short in the bank account.

Two days later, Dennis walked into the local gathering place and started to sandered to his usual seat at the “Table of Gossip and Knowledge” when one of the old heads at that table looked up from his cup, narrowed his eyes and said, “Hey Dennis…when you gutted that robot deer, did batteries fall out?”

Dennis avoided the local gathering place for 3 weeks.

FARM & RANCH

DROUGHT AND THE IMPACT ON LIVESTOCK AND THEIR OWNERS

BY MATTHEW STOVALL

There are few things on this earth that have more opinions than livestock owners. From breeding programs and feed to “must haves” and breeds, but the one thing all ranchers can agree on is that droughts are HARD. Droughts are hard on our horses and cattle as well as the native wildlife. This year alone I personally know many ranchers that have cut their herds in half or more and a few that have totally liquidated due to lack of feed and water.

Although feed prices can add up quickly and making your business unprofitable, lack of water, in my opinion, has been the biggest reason for complete liquidation of herds. Outsiders looking in may not realize the deep connection of these ranchers to their cattle, but when you pour your heart and soul into these animals’ day in and day out, they become more than just a source of income.

Year after year we raise these animals to breed and sell, but the connection grows deep learning which momma cows calve the easiest and have good instincts vs the troubled cows that take more time and wit to produce as needed. Years upon years have gone into learning these herds and perfecting them in each individual’s OPINION of the perfect herd. There have been countless cups of coffee drank by old men debating why the prices are where they are vs the profit of the upcoming year and the hopeful wet summer following a dry spring. Yet this all comes to an abrupt end when the

drought sucks up the last few gallons of water from the bottom of the dry tank bed and the herd is loaded up and hauled to auction. Those ranchers lucky enough to have plenty of ground water count their blessing as they daily check on their herds trough to ensure that they don’t run dry. On average, a full-grown cow drinks about 30 gallons a day. If you are blessed to have a good water source during these times, then you better have a good side hustle as well. The same hay we were buying in the fall for $70 a bale is now $140 a bale and that is only if you can find it. Horse quality hay is now $250 for a round bale.

Hard decisions have been made during these dry times and as any good rancher knows you can only be so prepared. Coming off one of the wettest years in our counties history to one of the driest years in our counties history has made me come to realize something I have always known as a native West Texan. This is a beautiful fruitful land we have out here and with the right amount of rain, it is very prosperous and when it doesn’t rain, it is very unforgiving, but the one thing our community can agree on just as the ranchers agree on the toughness of the drought, we have one of the greatest sunsets in the world and Lord willing, the sun will rise another day.

As we begin the 2022-23 school year, we are anticipating continued enrollment increases due to our strong family values & ongoing success. We are projected to have well over 1600 students this year. Knowing that, we began planning early in the Spring of 2022 to accommodate our annual 10% increase in enrollment that we have been experiencing lately. We’ve added more staff (7 new positions), expanded some roles from part-time to full-time, & added new facilities. Our goal is to always stay on the front end of hiring so we can hire the very best educators to work with our awesome Indians & Lady Indians each day!

Jim Ned 4H Schedule

The Jim Ned 4-H Club is a group for youth who live in the Jim Ned area. Members participate in a wide variety of activities, including individual and/or team projects, leadership and community service opportunities. All meetings are in the High School Ag Barn and will take place at 2:00. Contact karlastephens@gmail.com for more information on Jim Ned 4H. Meeting dates:

CommunitySpotlight

BUFFALO RUN ADVENTURE

By Cody Cox

Welcome to the most exciting thing to hit Buffalo Gap, Texas since the railroad came to town in 1895! This event was given legs when a group of friends decided to buy old junk cars and run them rally style from Buffalo Gap to the Grand Canyon and back just out of stupidity and sheer boredom! Well, the more it was discussed, the more people became obsessed with the concept! Once the fever started catching, the group realized this could be a phenomenal fundraising opportunity for the right organization! The choosing of an organization worthy of such an ordeal was simple…Buffalo Gap’s own Camp Able!

Camp Able is a 501c3 equine rescue and therapeutic riding facility. They make it their mission to use rescued horses to aid in developing independence among children and young adults on the autism spectrum, kiddos with various perceived cognitive or physical limitations, and for several veterans’ groups from across the state!

So, what has the Buffalo Run become you ask? Well, teams must acquire cars that cost no more than $500. The teams can then spend an additional $500 making repairs to their vehicle, and then they set out to conquer almost 2,000 miles of open road! Sounds easy enough right? That’s not all! The teams must complete an array of ridiculous tasks along the route such as shooting fireworks with a stranger,

cleaning a public bathroom, taking their pictures at various legendary landmarks, and a crowd favorite… performing a funeral and burial for road kill! All of the action is posted live on the Buffalo Run Adventure Challenge’s Facebook group, much to the delight of a HUGE nationwide following! The run is capped off each year by a huge Finish Line Street Dance & Welcome Home Party!

In its inaugural year, 16 competitors ran their jalopies to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Teams took their own initiative, rallying sponsors for their teams from a wide variety of means and methods. Some held raffles with great success, others covered every square inch of their vehicles with sticker or spraypainted advertisements! Needless to say, the parade of insanity was quite the spectacle! When this idea first took root, we had hoped that we could raise somewhere in the neighborhood of $10,000. All said and done, 2021’s teams raised just over $104,000 on behalf of Camp Able of Buffalo Gap! We never would have dreamed that this thing would become such a success!

As we excitedly planned the 2022 Buffalo Run, we tried to keep our expectations in check. The chances of catching that lightening in a bottle for a second year are slim to say the least.

The 2022 run saw an amazing 30 teams entered with 26 making it to the starting line to begin the journey to the Four Corners National Monument! As the teams

made the turn at Four Corners, their fund-raising efforts were kicked into overdrive. These folk pulled out all the stops, garnering donations from friends, family, national corporations, and even strangers all along the way! When the final tally came in at the Street Dance back in Buffalo Gap there was not a dry eye in the place! These teams had raised just over $216,000! More than double the first year’s amazing total! The biggest point of pride for the planning committee, is the fact that this was done with only 4.8% of that total going to overhead netting Camp Able $206,050! We could not be happier with the committee’s commitment to putting every dollar possible toward the cause! I also want to sincerely thank every single team entered in this event. You all went above and beyond to raise money for this cause, and every penny is going to work as we speak! A massive debt of gratitude is owed to our over 200 sponsors. Thank you all for making turning our silly little event into a fund-raising juggernaut!

Planning for the 2023 Buffalo Run is underway now! Our next destination will be released on November 1st and teams are already beating down the door to get signed up! We look forward to another fulfilled, safe, and successful Run!

DRESSEN

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THANK YOU.

The outpouring of support we have received for this endeavor is truly humbling. Our mission has and always will be to celebrate all of what makes Jim Ned Valley great...and there is no denying our biggest asset is our people. We are so thankful to our friends and neighbors who have supported us on our journey. Contributors, photographers, printers, advertisers: you name it and y’all showed up. We are so honored to share the stories of JNV with you. We hope you enjoyed our first issue. More to come! Roll Tribe!

Back Cover: Lyndi K. Photography