The County Line - January 2010 v3i28

This Issue....

A Visit to Albany, Tx

Texas History ~ Count Down to the Alamo!

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Business & Community Journal January, 2010

Volume 3 Issue 28

White Christmas

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NEW WEBSITE ► www.mycounty-line.com

A White Christmas!

Old Rip...

“Brrr...It’s Cold Out Here!” ►► See “On the Cover”

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

January, 2010

vol.3 Issue 28

On The Cover:

Contents

As rare as it is, few things bring out the warmth of the spirit of Christmas as well as a Texas snow storm!

Snow on Christmas Eve, 2009!

Grimes Memorial Park in downtown Eastland on the morning of Christmas Eve. Photo by mwnorris

In This Issue:

Growing Up Small Town

A Visit To Albany Daily Devotional Texas History Out of the Box Clint Coffee Tumbleweed Smith Ranger Library EMH Volunteers Out of the Past Texas Hunter Jim Kennedy Rising Star Library Zach Havens White Christmas From the Backside Murals Scott McCurry Footnotes

On The Web:

More Articles...

Advertiser Lists...

Distribution Maps...

Breaking News...

Some of the most precious memories I have as a kid growing up in Carbon, Texas are those of spending almost every Christmas Eve night over at Granny & Pawpaw’s house. I remember playing on the living room floor with Lincoln Logs™ and Legos® with my sister and cousins.

We entertained ourselves while we impatiently waited for supper because we had to wait until after we ate to open presents! Meanwhile, the adults -- parents, aunts, uncles, grand parents, great grand parents, and neighbors -- sat around telling stories, fixing cakes and pies, helping with the meal, guarding the presents from the kids, etc.

Only a few times do I ever remember it actually snowing on Christmas Eve. Because when it did, we kids would constantly be running up to the window, pushing the branches of the Christmas Tree aside, so we could look outside and see the snow -- and get in trouble for being in the tree. Or we would open the door to look outside -- and get scolded for letting in the cold! And on very few occassions, Granny “Avon” wouldn’t even make it over because of the weather, and one of our parents would run a plate over to her house so she wouldn’t have to get out.

Honestly, snow on Christmas Eve was so rare that I might have all those memories jumbled up together. What seems like several different events, might actually only be once or twice during my childhood.

So for me, snow is always a catalyst for a warm heart, but on Christmas Eve especially, snow is a cherrished gift -bringing with it a revisiting of the gifts of Christmas past while being a cold reminder of how things here today can be gone tomorrow. ~mwnorris Photo by mwnorris

The County Line Published by Mike Norris Wolverine Design

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Thank you for reading The County Line!

Mike &rris Ruth No

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28• ■ Growing

Up Small Town, Mike Norris

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Texas History...

Drawing Inspiration From The Past

A few weeks ago, my daughter and I were having a conversation.

We were watching a news segment on TV which featured some of the 9-12 “Tea Party” marchers and I noticed someone in the crowd waving a “Come And Take It” flag.

I asked her if she knew where that flag came from and the story behind it?

To my surprise, she recalled that the white banner with the black cannon and the words “Come And Take It” were from Texas History and a battle from somewhere that started with the letter “G”.

“Gonzales?” I suggested and she said “Yea! That’s it!”

I have to admit, that sparked a little bit of pride in my eye. And that also inspired me to devote some time to reaquaint myself with the history of the Texas and American Revolutions.

For the first time in my life, I am seeing references to our national heritage over and over in our every day lives. The political tensions which are permeating today’s news services and opinionators is something I have never seen before -- or at least never took much notice of.

And I cannot help but place myself in the shoes of our Founding Fathers and wonder at their enlightened wisdom, impecable adherence to Truth, and unflenching bravery in the face of unimaginable harm’s way.

The air was thick with political intrigue

and opinion, and there was nothing less at stake than the lives of our fellow neighbors and families, and the births of two of the greatest Republics on our continent -- firstly, the United of States of America, and secondly, the Republic of Texas.

Of course, we all know that the Republic of Texas stood only for as long as was needed to be granted unity with the larger United States, even if that was not the goal of the revolution at the onset. But as Texans, we have the benefit of historical hindsight of two great revolutions, not just the one shared by other Americans.

And as such, we Texans are sometimes doubly patriotic.

I cannot recall how many times over the past year I have heard mention of the great State of Texas as a sounding board and measurement of the pulse of the national political view. More than a few political commentators have mentioned Texas in their observations of the “Tea Party” movement. More than a few commentators have at least joked that Texas, above all other states, would be the most outspoken should events continue down the path we appear to be on.

So I have decided to spend some time sharing with you some of the events which played such an important part of our state’s history, and those of our nation.

Over the next few months, I will feature these events,

Mural in the museum at Gonzales, Texas. Photograph by J. Williams (Jul. 6, 2003)

in chronological order as closely as possible, so that you, too, can share in the appreciation for those who went before us...for those that continue to inspire

us...and for those to whom we owe the freedoms and liberties which we enjoy today. “...with Liberty and Justice for all.”

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28

Visit To Albany, Texas, Mike Norris

“In Honor of the Georgia Battalion” We took some native Georgians on a tour of the Texas town named for Albany, Georgia...

Last month, some members of my wife’s family made their first trip to visit us here in Texas, and we took the opportunity to take them on an afternoon drive -Texas style.

I love to show off my home state and anytime I’m given the chance to load up and take to the roads for a sightseeing trip, I’m pretty much ready to go. So we left out on a bright Sunday morning with a full tank of gas and a lot of ground to cover.

We toured around Eastland and then took in my home town of Carbon. We then struck out west to Cross Plains and up through Putnam and Baird. We spent lunch in Abilene as we all enjoyed a blistery picnic at the Abilene Zoo and marveled at how the brisk Texas breeze failed to budge Aunt Melba’s well-kept hair.

Then, in honor of their Georgian roots, we made the short drive through the wind farm up to Albany.

I suspected that the wind farm would get their attention as another great example of how “everything is bigger in Texas” and it didn’t dissappoint. But they were more surprised by the history of Albany then they were with their first pump-jack sighting!

I suspected that the story of Albany would tug at their heartstrings...and the only thing that could have better topped off their visit would have been a trip to the Alamo. But by the end of the day, and after a couple hundred miles, they were ready to return to Eastland and bed down for the night.

Their trip was only a short one, but they headed back to Georgia with a few Texas tall tales, and a new fondness for cactus salsa!

Georgia was the only state in the Union to supply arms from its state arsenal when her sons came to Texas to join the fight for freedom. The Georgia Battalion of 5 companies of volunteers came as a group to Texas and joined the command of Col. James Fannin, Jr. Fannin’s army of 500 men was surrounded in open country by a superior force of Mexican cavalry.

Rather than attempt to fight their way out, abandoning the wounded, Fannin surrendered unconditionally to General Jose Urrea but understood that he and his men would be treated as prisoners of war and finally released.

They gave up their arms and returned as prisoners to Goliad.

Santa Anna ordered them executed.

On Palm Sunday, believing they were being repatriated, the prisoners were marched from the mission at Goliad to the open plain and were shot. Some had been hidden by concerned Mexican families and a few who might be useful to Mexicao were spared. Among these was Dr. John Shackleford, for whom Shackleford County was named.

The State of Georgia sent a claim in 1855 to the State of Texas for $3,000 to pay for the guns sent from the Georgia armory; the Texas legislature agreed to pay the claim. Georgia then in 1857 waived the right to payment in favor of the building of a monument to the men of the Georgia Battalion. Texas again agreed, but for one reason or another it was never done.

The town of Albany, Texas was named by one of its founders for his hometown of Albany, Georgia and the county for Dr. Shackleford who was spared at Goliad.

The monument in Albany to the Georgia Battalion reads on it’s 5th panel, “Since we in Albany, Texas are among the benefactors of sacrifices made in behalf of Texas, we offer this memorial as partial payment of the debt we owe the State of Georiga. We shall remain with a great debt unpaid to Georgia for sons sent which we cannot send back. They are now part of the soil and soul of Texas.”

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28• ■ Daily

Devotional, Wanda Lee Beck Skinner

Dare to Dream

Wanda Lee Beck Skinner © January 2010 People of today are often challenged by a dare.

The dare may be because of a personal dream.

Brought to one with lots of thought and care.

Remember things are not always as they seem.

“I dare you” go with another an extra long mile.

To lift a burden of one in tremendous distress.

Seek to turn their frown into a beautiful smile.

It will to that sad soul seem like a sweet caress.

Lots of things cause many tears to form and fall.

Heartaches and sorrows come quickly crashing down.

Then on the one true God you should ever call.

From him there will be an answer and a crown.

Dare to be true to all your friends and family.

Dream big and step out in faith, trust and joy.

The fruits will be plentiful and fill with glee.

Dare to bring new growth to every girl and boy.

Dream not for riches and grand showy things.

But possession such as hope, mercy and love.

Dream for these things that happiness brings.

For they only come from within and above.

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28

■ Texas

History - Count Down to the Alamo, Mike Norris

With tensions rising between Anglo Texas settlers and the Central Mexican Government, Destinies were converging toward the birth of the Lone Star State!

OCTOBER, 1835 Gonzales, Texas

For the past 4 years, the citizens of the DeWitt Colony settlement of Gonzales, had maintained a six-pound cannon in defense of the settlement against native Comanche raids. The cannon had been sent to Gonzales in 1831 by the Mexican officials at San Antonio de Béxar.

Due to rising tensions between Mexican states, including Texas, and the Mexican dictatorial government headed by President Antonio López de Santa Anna, Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea, commander of the largest garrison in Texas – The Alamo – sent a small group of men to the Gonzales settlement to retrieve the cannon.

The men returned without the cannon when the settlers refused to hand it over. Ugartechea responded by sending a detachment of 100 dragoons to peacefully retrieve the cannon under the command of Francisco de Castañeda. The Mexican troops arrived at Gonzales on September 29.

The Gonzales settlers stalled the Mexican force from crossing the Guadalupe River by removing the ferry and other boats. They also buried the cannon to hide it from the Mexicans.

Hearing about these events, several other Texians came to Gonzales from nearby Fayette and Columbus. John Henry Moore of Fayette was selected to lead the Texian militia force and the men voted to stand against the Mexican military. The cannon was retrieved and mounted on a cart.

Local Indians informed the Mexican forces that approximately 140 men were gathered in Gonzales and prepared to fight. Castañeda moved his forces 7 miles upriver on October 1.

The Texians crossed the river during the night and tracked the Mexican force to their new camp.

In the dawn hours of October 2, under a heavy fog, the two forces exchanged fire with only one injury. As the fog lifted, the two leaders agreed to a meeting, in which the Texians reported they no longer recognized Santa Anna’s government and wished to remain faithful to the Constitution of 1824. Castañeda, although sympathetic to the Texians’ claims, was bound to follow his orders to retrieve the cannon. The men returned to their encampments without coming to an agreement.

The Texians raised a white banner with a black, hand-painted image of a cannon and the words “Come and Take It”. Although loaded with scrap metal because the settlers had no cannon balls, the Texians then fired their cannon toward the Mexican camp.

Realizing the situation could not be concluded peacefully, Castañeda gathered his forces and retreated from the battle before the Texians could reload and fire the cannon a second time.

The battle for Texas Independence had begun.

OCTOBER, 1835 Goliad, Texas

The Presidio La Bahía at Goliad stood halfway between the largest Mexican garrison in Texas – The Alamo – and the Texan port of Copano Bay on the Gulf of Mexico.

On October 2, Mexican General Martín Perfecto de Cós departs Goliad for San Antonio de Béxar and leaves only 50 soldiers to defend the Presidio La Bahía.

On the morning of October 10, 125 Texian Militia took over the Presidio in 30 minutes of fighting with only 1 Mexican casualty and less than half a dozen wounded between both forces.

The strategic value of this battle cut off the Gulf of Mexico supply lines to the Mexican forces at The Alamo in San Antonio de Béxar.

The news of the Texian victories in Gonzales and at Goliad quickly spread throughout the United States and encouraged adventurers to flock to Texas to aid in the fight against Mexico.

On October 11, Texian forces began marching toward San Antonio de Béxar under the command of Stephen F. Austin.

NOVEMBER, 1835 San Antonio, Texas Stephen F. Austin was elected as the commander of the Texian militia

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28• ■ Texas

History, continued

after the success of Goliad brought hundreds of volunteers to the Texian cause. Shortly after the taking of the Presidio La Bahía in Goliad, Austin led his forces on a march toward San Antonio de Béxar where Mexican General Martín Perfecto de Cós and Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea held The Alamo mission and the last Mexican garrison in Texas.

Austin reported to the San Felipe Committee of Public Safety that “War is declared – public opinion has proclaimed it against a Military despotism – the campaign has commenced.”

The Texian militia marched to San Antonio de Béxar and on October 24, Austin informed the San Felipe Committee that he had initiated a siege on the city.

On November 1, Austin offered General Cós the chance to surrender, but the Mexican General returned Austin’s message unopened with a reply that he would not correspond with the rebels.

Sam Houston arrived in San Antonio de Béxar and called for a meeting of the Consultation provisional government to convene in San Felipe.

While Austin’s forces continued the siege, the Consultation passed a resolution to define why the Texians were fighting.

The Consultation’s resolution declared “The people of Texas, availing themselves of their natural rights, solemnly declare that they have taken up arms in defense of their rights and liberties which are threatened by the encroachments of military despots and in defense of the Republican principles of the federal constitution of Mexico of 1824.”

The resolution also called for the establishment of an independent government to serve Texas while the Constitution of 1824 was not enforced.

Henry Smith was elected to the post of governor. James Robinson was elected lieutenant governor. And Sam Houston was appointed as the commander of the Provisional Army of Texas.

Houston was tasked with raising the newly authorized army to be formed by new recruits – existing volunteers were not expected to accept Houston’s command. The newly authorized army would consist of 2,500 men who enlisted for terms of 2 years and would be rewarded with land grants.

It was notable that the Provisional Texas government did not declare independence from Mexico, but rather called for the reinstatement of the Mexican Constitution of 1824. This deliberate measure was to allow the Texians to gain support from both the federalists within Mexico and the people of the United States.

The fledgling Texian government was formed while the Siege of Béxar continued to draw out into a prolonged engagement between Austin’s outnumbered voluntary Texian forces and the Mexican forces holding The Alamo mission and the city of San Antonio. continued...

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28

■ Texas

History, continued

DECEMBER, 1835 San Antonio, Texas During the first days of December, the Texian forces took over portions of San Antonio de Béxar and the Mexican forces had withdrawn into the fortified walls of The Alamo mission. After over a month of dwindling supplies under seige by Texian forces, on December 10, General Cós authorized Sanchez Navarro to meet with the Texian leaders to negotiate terms for a Mexican surrender.

On December 11, the terms of the surrender were accepted by the Texian leadership and General Cós led his men out of San Antonio de Béxar on December 14. This action removed the last remaining organized Mexican forces from Texas and many believed that the short-lived war was over.

When the news of General Cós surrender to the stand-off in San Antonio reach Santa Anna , he intensified his efforts to move a larger army into Texas to eradicate the rebels and put an end to the United States’ Anglo influence in the Mexican territory.

The Mexican Congress declared all foreigners who take up arms against the Mexican government to be treated as pirates and ordered to be shot upon capture.

By the end of 1835, while Texians celebrated victory, Santa Anna’s forces were marching northward.

In less than three months, fates would converge on a path toward the historic Battle of the Alamo and the eventual birth of a new Republic.

The Philosophy of Texas State Government ~ Gov. Rick Perry

The task before all state public servants is to govern in a manner worthy of this great state. We are a great enterprise, and as an enterprise we will promote the following core principles: • First and foremost, Texas matters most. This is the overarching, guiding principle by which we will make decisions. Our state, and its future, is more important than party, politics, or individual recognition.

• Government should be limited in size and mission, but it must be highly effective in performing the tasks it undertakes.

• Decisions affecting individual Texans, in most instances, are best made by those individuals, their families, and the local government closest to their communities.

• Competition is the greatest incentive for achievement and excellence. It inspires ingenuity and requires individuals to set their sights high. And just as competition inspires excellence, a sense of personal responsibility drives individual citizens to do more for their future and the future of those they love.

• Public administration must be open and honest, pursuing the high road rather than the expedient course. We must be accountable to taxpayers for our actions.

• State government has a responsibility to safeguard taxpayer dollars by eliminating waste and abuse, and providing efficient and honest government.

Finally, state government should be humble, recognizing that all its power and authority is granted to it by the people of Texas, and those who make decisions wielding the power of the state should exercise their authority cautiously and fairly.

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28• ■ Out

of the Box, Joellen Hodge Tipping the Balance

2009…I needed that year like I need someone to knock me in the head and take my purse. It will always be the year I discovered my inability to leap tall buildings in a single bound.

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one of us, that same spirit that fights to give our descendents a place to call home.

That brings us to 2010. What can we look forward to in this second decade of the century? From the rumors and rumblings of speculators and Let me introduce myself. I am from Eastland County. My people came soothsayer everything from an end to the shaky economy to the loss of here in 1914. My great grandfather, Calvin Brown, owned the Ranger democracy as a way of life. It is amazing that so many people can take Lumber and Supply. He built it in Ranger, Texas and made it the most the same facts to determine the same outcome and come up with opposite profitable lumber and supply from Ft. Worth to Abilene. He rode out the possibilities.

Great Depression, World War 2, the Korean Conflict and the beginnings of the Viet Nam War. He and my Great Grandmother, Minnie Lee Waltch I look, read and listen. Some say we will as a nation break apart, and Brown, raised five children in this county. Their children went onto have go our separate ways. Others promise the hard times are over and the more children and I think I can count those at ten babies, either born or road ahead is full of opportunity and prosperity. There is good news and schooled within a 100 miles of Ranger, Texas. They may have moved on bad news all mixed together with a generous does of skepticism. at some point, never come back or even known they were from Eastland County…but they can all claim it as part of their heritage. And of course, You want to know what I think? I think all these predictors are just full it goes on and on. I have no idea of how many there are of us now…but I of themselves! The day to day living of the people is pretty much the do know who I am and where I come from. It is good feeling to have that same as it has been since time began. We wake up, we keep ourselves kind information under my hat. busy, and we go to sleep. If we are fortunate , we are loved and we love.

The people around us give, take and sustain us no matter what the day That is why it is such a milestone for members of my family to be here holds. Some of us pray, some us meditate and some of us look for inspias the first decade of the 21st century wraps up. 2010 has started and ration in the rising and setting of the sun. In other words…WE LIVE! many of us are still here. We are looking towards our centinieal as a family. Think of that…100 years of continuous life in our home. Roots that My name is Joellen Hodge…Yall’ go be nice to each other… are almost a century old are hard to dig up and move.

See my website at : Now, all this rambling has to lead to something…and it will lead right http://bboxlady.com/default.aspx back to the year 2009. As hard as it was for me personally and for so many of you…it is over, done and behind us. Some of you may have The Bboxlady Video Magazine: lost jobs or houses and waved good bye to friends and family members. http://bboxlady.com/BBOXLADYVIDEOMAG2.aspx Some of you worry about the war in the Middle East and others about the economic times we live in today. And I am here to tell you a truth; we will get past these days and we will stand strong.

Just like our families who weathered the Depression, World War 2, Korea, Viet Nam and so much more…we will survive. We must, as a people, lean on each other for the strength to stand together as a wall of humanity. This is not about our politics or our religious beliefs. This is about our need to sustain our roots where we raise our children, work, worship…live and die. This is about that same spirit that lives in everyVisit our website for more articles, photos, and news about the things that interest you -- http://www.mycounty-line.com

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28

■ Something

You Don’t See Every Day, Eastland Texas

Photos by mwnorris

It was a busy Sunday morning in downtown Eastland.

But no, it was not the holiday shopping rush!

An unfortunate mishap on I-20 resulted in an overturned 18-wheeler tractor-trailer on the west-bound side. The rig lay across both lanes and resulted in traffic being diverted from I-20 at the 343 exit, down the Miracle Mile strip into downtown Eastland, and then back out to the interstate along Seaman Street and Highway 6 south.

The situation lasted for several hours while workers righted the rig and cleared the scene.

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28• ■ Clint

Coffee CLU ChFC, State Farm Insurance® Agent Term Life Insurance

One objection to purchasing term life insurance is just that: when the term is over, the policy is finished. That’s it.

No more coverage.

Many people I’ve talked with about term insurance worry they will outlive the policy period and ‘waste their money’ on something they didn’t need. It can be difficult to counter these arguments except by explaining how term insurance can be an affordable way to provide life insurance coverage for a specific time period.

Until now.

Insurance companies are offering term policies that actually return the premiums you’ve paid after the level premium period ends. In other words, if you purchase a 20-year term policy and are still living when

You know you need life insurance.

In fact, you probably already know your agent.

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the 20 year level premium period ends, the premiums you paid will be returned to you, in many cases free of federal income tax.

Those returned premiums can have a number of uses. If you still need life insurance you could purchase another policy. You could also use the premiums that are returned to pay down your mortgage or even add to your retirement savings.

Life insurance can provide peace of mind that your loved ones’ financial burdens may be eased if you are no longer there. The benefit provided by life insurance can help keep dreams alive.

One objection to buying term life insurance has been addressed by a policy that may return the premiums you paid.

Ask an insurance professional about a product that provides needed life insurance coverage but has the potential to return your premiums at the end of the term.

Call me and I’ll help you get the right life insurance for you and your family.

Clint Coffee, Agent 959 E Main St Eastland, TX 76448 Bus: 254-629-1222 clint@clintcoffee.com

statefarm.com® State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY and WI), State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company P062048 2/07 (Licensed in NY or WI) - Bloomington, IL

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28

■ Tumbleweed

Smith, Big Spring

OVER THE MOUNTAINS AND ACROSS THE PLAINS

We drove west over the holidays to see our kids in California.

Fouryear-old Aiden got a puzzle map of the United States. His favorite state was Hawaii because he thought Honolulu was a funny sounding name and laughed every time he said it. He also repeated, “Don’t forget Mississippi” several times, which brought laughter from family members. He knows how to please a crowd.

My son BZ and I went to see the movie Avatar. We thought it was beautiful, political and very green. A movie titled Fern Gully is similar.

A high school friend of mine who lives near BZ drove Susan and me by three homes by architect Harwell Harris, who designed our home. That was very special. We toured one of the homes and saw several similarities to ours. The homes were difficult to see because they were built on steep hillsides with trees and shrubs all around them. New multi-level houses are being built on either side of BZ’s home. We climbed around one of the construction zones and decided it was dangerous work going up and down the 45-degree slopes.

California is like that. They build vertically. In Texas, we build horizontally.

We came back by Las Vegas and met friends there. We ate at the top of the Eiffel Tower, which gave us a good view of the city lights and the Bellagio’s dancing waters. We saw Jerry Seinfeld. He was funny and clean. During questions from the audience, someone asked if he was going to do another TV show.

He replied, “You’re not looking at an extremely motivated person up here. I’m old, I’m rich and I’m tired.”

The newest building on the strip

is the City Center, a 8.5 billion dollar mini-metropolis built on 67 acres. It’s the largest privately funded construction project in US history, featuring two 37-story leaning glass towers with 670 condominiums. The complex also has two hotels, the 61 story Aria and the 57 story Vdara. The Aria has a theater that seats nearly 2,000 and is the home of the Elvis show

by Cirque de Soleil. Overall, City Center has 6300 hotel rooms, 2400 residences, and 42 restaurants, bars and lounges.

We drove over the Hoover Dam, one of the great adventures on a driving tour through the west. A dramatic new highway is being built around the dam. The span beneath reminds me of the St. Louis arch. We passed over the dam on a Sunday morning. Cars, pickups, vans and RV’s all stopped so travelers could take pictures of the amazing work in progress. It was a bright sunny day, which provided us with spectacular scenery. Late in the day, the sunlight reflecting off the buttes and mesas provided a kaleidoscope of colors.

ESPN radio kept us up to date on football games and scores.

The sports network conjures up images of a bunch of guys in dirty t-shirts and 3-day old beards sitting around sipping Jack Daniels and smoking cigars.

I had forgotten that a drive through the west is invigorating.

We’ll do it again.

■ Edward

Jones of Cisco, Leeann Barron

Somebody’s Knocking at the Door

Leeann Barron knows the value of a comfortable pair of shoes.

That’s because she has been pounding the pavement, ringing doorbells and knocking on doors in Cisco, Texas.

Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm’s business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work. The firm’s 12,000-plus financial advisors work directly with nearly 7 million clients to understand their personal goals -from college savings to retirement -- and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy. Edward Jones embraces the importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today.

Edward Jones, which ranked No. 2 on FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For 2009,” is headquartered in St. Louis. The Edward Jones Web site is located at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting Web site is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

■ @The

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28•

Ranger Library, Diana McCullough

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Where did 2009 go?

Wherever it went, it’s now History.

The school kids have been out of school this week, bringing lots of laughter and “business” to this library. The Kids’ Corner is a little messy as I write this. One young woman was reading aloud from her computer monitor today: “Laugh and the world laughs with you.

Laugh hysterically for no apparent reason and the world will leave you alone!” This is NOT a quiet library. Which brought up another worthwhile reminder: “There are no stupid questions, but there are a LOT of inquisitive idiots.” I laugh pretty easily, very easily amused. I enjoy the kids.

Christmas 2009--who would have dreamed of a White Christmas in Eastland County? Not me! And Jim, my dad, and I all agreed that ALL OF THAT SNOW was not necessarily a good thing—we had kids traveling from nearly every direction. No one knows the future, but fortunately, we’d planned to celebrate our “Christmas Eve” on Christmas night, and the McCullough’s Christmas morning on Saturday, the 26th. I’m pretty flexible and I’m happy with that... good thing! One day “late” was PERFECT timing this year.

I enjoyed an early morning in Eastland lately. You may have heard Kenny Chesney’s song, “Don’t Blink”--well, I couldn’t-but I got that left front turn indicator lamp replaced and now I’m back to “blinking”. I also visited with Richard Barron, owner of Radio Shack and TXOL Internet in Eastland. Richard said he “would

work with us” in increasing our Internet Broadband speed. This library has 12 computers connected to the Internet and we are currently running a basic broadband speed of 1.5 Megabits per second. Richard can double our speed out of the goodness of his heart, and the City of Ranger will not have to pay an increased fee. Do you remember that Broadband Summit that I attended in San Antonio, courtesy of the Gates Foundation? The goal of that Summit was to encourage rural libraries to increase Internet speed...well, it’s working! Thanks to Richard Barron. The City of Ranger pays $50 a month for our Internet service. No taxes, we are exempt. That means we are paying $600 a year for our Internet. So...my next project is to SEEK a “Corporate Sponsor” to pay for our Internet.

Ranger is not yet a rich town, THIS would help the library and the town, and I think it’d be good public relations for the company that says, “Yes!” Our library CAN advertise on every single public computer and these computers are very popular.

Not only are they used for MySpace and games, they are used for school and continuing upper level

education, job searches and resumes, testing and certification, curiosity satisfaction, research, and global communication through emails. Some emails are to and from loved ones serving in the military overseas. Oh, and I left out SHOPPING! You are welcome to come to the Ranger City Library and shop! Did you know that when you purchase an item ONLINE in RANGER, that RANGER receives the sales tax revenue? I love that!

Our library received some pretty pink pages advertising a Stroke Prevention Screening scheduled for Tuesday, March 2 at the Gholson Hotel. Pre-registration is required.

Please call the library for more information or come by and you can have your very own pretty pink

page.

A big “Thank You” to our friends at Vasque’s for replacing our youngest daughter’s worn tires AND taking her car to Gary’s Automotive for realignment. Jim said to be sure and tell them, “Thank you for the good service.” Jim was pleased AND impressed. So...I’ll put it in writing!

2010. Our next Annual. The book we’ve barely begun. Let’s write those blank pages the best that we can...Abraham Lincoln once wrote, “It’s not the years in your life that counts, it’s the life in your years.”

Happy New Year! Take care, and as always...ENJOY READING!

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28

■ EMH

Volunteers, Kelly Davidson

EMH Volunteers Host OPEN HOUSE

Pictured are some of the wonderful Eastland Memorial Hospital Volunteers.

A great time was had by all who attended the Christmas Open House Volunteer Recruitment & Sale at the Eastland Memorial Hospital. It was held in the meeting room across from the SunShine Gift Shoppe in the Earl and Billye Bradley Rehab/ Wellness Center. Goodies of all sorts were offered up to visitors as well as treats from the gift shop. Record sales were reported, the best since our grand opening back in June. As a result of the Open House we have several new volunteers joining the group.

Whether you are looking to support your community hospital or just be a part of a happy, loving, Christian group of ladies and gentlemen who enjoy spending time together; we welcome you with open arms. You may contact Rhonda Reeves, Director of Volunteers, at 631-5350. Or you may stop by her office on the second floor the hospital, just inside the main lobby, Monday thru Thursday 7:00 -5:30.

EMH Volunteers Look Forward to 2010

Happy 2010 from all the Eastland Memorial Hospital Volunteers! We are well underway and outlining our plans for the coming new year. Also this month we will be placing new officers for 2010. Please come by the hospital and visit with our Volunteer Director, Rhonda Reeves, to get involved.

April will bring another scrub sale to the hospital. Stop by for some fun, new, cute designs. Also the ‘Alegria’ brand shoes and sandals will make a return appearance. These were especially popular in the last scrub sale.

Before you know it June will be upon us and it will be time for our golf tournament fund raiser at Lakeside Golf Course. Start making your plans to come out and play. More information will be coming soon on these events and more.

Our hospital gift shop, The SunShine Shoppe, has changed its color in the ‘Shades of Hope’ section to teal in recognition of Cervical Cancer/Screening Month. The SunShine Gift Shoppe is located in the downstairs level of the hospital beside the Earl & Billye Bradley Rehab and Wellness Center. You are invited to shop with us weekdays from 9:00 to 5:30.

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County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28•

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■ Out

•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28

of the Past, Luther Gohlke The Old Man Stomp

Don Scott and I have become pretty good friends the last five or six years.

Since I retired from a country doctor medical practice of 42 years in Ranger, Texas.

Don and his wife Margaret attend the church of Christ in Eastland - same place my wife Pat and I attend. This is where we met.

They live on a farm south of the Lake Leon dam by about a mile.

Both are retired from the old GTE phone company. Margaret has also taught school, but presently spends a lot of her time with flowers and plants. My Pat has an antique store. Both wives are very active outside the home. This leaves Don and myself to often fend for ourselves.

Don and I have a lot in common.

Both retired, live in the country, have cattle, tall, handsome and “workaholics”. We also love beany weanies and hamburgers, and love cooking - we have to if we want to eat.

Now Don and I do differ in one or two respects. He loves to weld and I’m into woodcrafts. He is also quite a talker, but I’m just the

opposite.

About September 2007 I decided to redo some fence on our east farm about three miles south of Ranger.

For this time of year it was very dry and nearly but not quite hot.

I dug out the sites for the corner posts with a hand post hole digger and placed them in concrete. The four inch corner posts were lined up perfectly - forty inches into the ground and ready for metal gates.

Don even commented how good a job I had done. (actually, he thought they were off a few inches - maybe six to seven inches and not plumb).

At any rate, we commenced to setting gates. We sort of trade out his welding for things I have to offer. I am positive he comes out on the short end of our deals.

He has a small welder on a Dodge pickup. He has trouble finding his own tools, but I’m always there to help him.

This day was no exception.

We got one or two gates in - no problem.

The third gate was close to some tall, dry Kline grass. Burn ban in effect - my job was to watch for sparks in the grass and spray

them with Don’s one gallon water sprayer. Don had already cleared the area down to the dirt with his old dilapidated weed eater ( I detest weed eaters).

Don got his torch ready and cut holes in the pipe - some sparks but no problem. Then he started welding the hinges to the metal posts. I thought things were going great and was pulling wire to the post - even though Don had warned me to watch closely for sparks and fire. He could not see them because of his welder’s hood.

All of the sudden I shouted, “Don, there’s a fire!” and there was. A strong breeze was causing it to spread fast. “Where’s my shovel?” I yelled. “Don, get your sprayer! It’s going for your trailer! In fact, it’s under your trailer!” Don jerked off his hood and we were both doing the jitter bug stomp. Spraying and praying as fast as we could with what we had. Hitting burning grass with shovels. No time to move his pickup or trailer. I could just see that rig catching fire. In fact, the whole 10 acre pasture. I could also see us “eating crow” and calling the fire department. This would have been a definite “nono”.

We were both petered out, dripping wet with sweat, with the hot foot. We were so thankful no one was around to watch. It was a very serious few minutes we had, but would have been funny to watch two old men in a clutch situation.

We both had to sit a spell and rest. We were so tired. After a rest and thankfulness to the Lord, we were able to muster the energy to finish the job.

Next time out we had our usual lunch packs of beany weanies, crackers, breakfast bars and drinking water, but this time we had two sprayers.

Our boots still have scorched, melted areas on the soles.

Thank God for good friends and fun times.

I didn’t think two old men could move so fast - stomping, jumping around, shoveling, spraying. We got that fire out. Don’s trailer and pickup were saved. How? I think the Lord had a hand in our tribulations that day. It just burned off about fifteen square yards.

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28• ■ Texas

Hunter, Jerry Tebay

The Truth About Feeders

I began hunting twenty years ago with my Father.

Hunting deer back then for us was sitting in a box blind hoping a deer would happen by and decide to stop by the pile of corn that had built up under the barrel feeder. We took a few deer but had a lot of good times. Times have changed and so has my approach to the use of supplements and attractants.

Simply throwing a feeder up where ever and setting the timer just doesn’t work near as effective as following a few simple to follow deer nature theories.

Back then, a week or two before gun season opened, we would take a Saturday and go fill the feeders on the property. We only feed corn. As I remember, we usually set the timers for something like 10-15 seconds. We had no real reason for placing the feeders where we did, just that we thought they looked good there. Some stands had more than one feeder and all the feeders had different style timers. Some were clock timers and some were photocell. But the results were always the same, some days we would see deer at the feeders and some days we wouldn’t. Sometimes it was several days between sightings. It took me several years to figure out a good combination of feeder styles, feeder location and time of throw.

There are several factors that will increase your sightings and the quality of deer you see.

First let’s talk about location. When deer are feeding, they are, or at least want to be, in a more relaxed state. Feeding is obviously a necessity, but deer will feed where they feel safe. Meaning, they will bypass your feeder if its feels safer to feed somewhere else. Deer will feed more often and for longer periods of time while in a relaxed state of alertness. So let’s say for example you lease hunting rights in Eastland County. We know the cover here is mesquite, oaks, cactus and rocks. Deer love heavy cover and usually only leave it for a few reasons. Those are mating, feeding and travel. So it stands to reason, not to put your feeder way out in the middle of a grassy field or too far from what deer usually use as cover. Deer will relate to the

cover where they live and feed around that cover more relaxed than out in the open. That’s not to say that some deer won’t still visit the feeder. But you are trying to maximize the amount and quality of deer you see. Instead, try to find a spot where you observe several trails cutting into heavy cover or trails with daily sign leading to bedding areas. It is preferred that the bedding areas be some good distance away, at least several hundred yards. These trails should have cover close. Find a spot where the cover breaks. That will be the spot for the feeder.

Be careful not to invade the bedding areas. Deer will abandon these areas with minimal intrusion.

Be careful about scent on the feeder and ground.

The idea is to get the deer to start using the feeder, not to leave their safe area because of human scent.

Always use a quality scent eliminating spray and be liberal in its use. You want the introduction of the feeder to be as natural as possible.

Now, on to the timer. First let’s try to look at it from a deer’s perspective. “Hmm, if there is always corn on the ground, and there is no competition, then I can go eat anytime I want”.

What that translates to is, NIGHT. Over the years, using a trail camera, I have observed the bigger trophy class animals feeding almost exclusively at night. I wondered how to get them to come during the daylight hours. With a ton of trial and error, I came to the conclusion that I needed to make sure that there was no corn on the ground after dark. It will also take you a bit of trial and error, but eventually you will be able to have no corn on the ground after dark. To accomplish this, it is absolutely imperative that you utilize a quality digital timer. I use a (Main Street Feeders) motor and timer, they are made in North Richland Hills, TX. There are several ways to insure this. First, assuming your feeder is not in South Texas never set your timer for more than five seconds unless it throws very slowly. You only want about a twenty foot pattern of corn with no more than one kernel per about every two square inches. Now, this is not an exact science, just a rough guide. The theory is to condition the animals to eat as much as they can before leaving, this way the herd will know that they need to get to that feeder before their buddies eat all the grub. Here is the competition part.

Since there is only a certain amount of corn for a certain amount of time, they begin to

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compete for the corn. This holds true for the bigger more dominant animals too. They want their share and are willing to bully their way to get it. Have you ever seen South Texas deer running to the sound of the feeder going off, this is proof positive on this theory. The only difference is that there are so many deer in South Texas that they make sure there is no corn left after dark on their own. So, it really doesn’t matter how much is thrown. Not so here in Central and West Texas. The second part of the equation is when to set the timer to go off. Remember, you are conditioning the herd to come on your time, so set the timer to go off while you are in the stand and there are several hours of light left. In the mornings, set the timer to go off about ten to fifteen minutes before day break. You should be in the stand no less than an hour before the feeder goes off. Nothing conditions deer more quickly than human intrusion. During bow season, I set my timer at six forty five am and five thirty pm.

In gun season, I set my timers to go off at five forty five am and four thirty pm. It seems to work great.

A benfit to this is during the rut, you have more does visiting your feeder during the daylight hours, and looking for those does are the bucks.

Now that we know the theory and techniques, we need to know that this is a process.

And as with any process, it takes time to condition the deer. That is why it is highly recommended that you feed year round. Be consistent. Never let the feeder run dry and remember now that your feeder isn’t throwing a couple of pounds every day, the supply will last longer and save you money. I’ve spent less money on feed every year since I started managing my feeders this way. I have also saved countless tanks of diesel in my truck with fewer maintenance trips to the lease. My fifty gallon feeder lasts almost four months between fills.

What you feed is strictly up to you however, I have been feeding both corn and protein for the last several years. During the antler growth period, I will feed protein and corn in a two to one ratio on the protein side. During the regular season, September to January, I feed corn and protein on a two to one ratio on the corn side. I always mix one C’Mere deer jug of dry attractant in with the feed.

It does work. Once, I poured half of a jug out on the ground on one side of the feeder and was amazed at how the deer actually spent three times as much time on that side of the feeder.

Well, I hope I was able to help give you some new ideas. Feeders can be a wonderful management tool if utilized properly. We can discus that in another column. Thanks and much success. ~ J.W.T

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28

■ Life

Planning Issues, Jim Kennedy Why Do I Need Life Planning?

The August 2008 Money Magazine offered up an article of several successful individuals talking about the smartest financial advice they have ever received. Billionaire and CEO of Virgin Records, Richard Branson shared a story about his lack of knowledge in the financial realm and being humble about what you don’t know. Have you ever noticed that everyone you know (billionaire or not) knows everything about money—how to make it, use it, spend it and invest it. If you asked 10 of your friends, business associates and family member the same random question about money, I bet none of them will give you the same answer… unless, of course, they all listen to the same financial guru talk show host. Why is this - beside the fact that each of us has a little ruggedindividualist in us and believes we know the best way?

I agree with Mr. Branson: you just don’t know what you don’t know. And often times it is what you don’t know that will hurt you.

If you just focus on the answers to specific questions, you may not find out what you don’t know and miss the boat entirely. It’s about knowing the right questions that need to be asked relevant to your unique situation. You would probably agree with me that your situation is much different from those of your friends, business associates and family members. You have different lifestyles, goals and dreams about the future, families, financials and feelings regarding risk vs. reward. A cookie-cutter answer rarely applies—especially with today’s ever-changing economic uncertainty.

Think

of

your

3

favorite

restaurants. Now imagine the head chef from each made their very best dish for you. Sounds splendid, right? Of course, but just imagine if you took a big bowl and mixed these three dishes together with a wire whisk. How does that sound?

Not very tasty, right? So, why do we do that with our money? We take a piece of advice from one person or specialist here and a piece of advice from another person or specialists there without referring to what the other has done and mix them together. That’s not to say these pieces of advice standing alone are not superb, but they may not mesh well together amid your overall, unique situation.

Life Planning is centered on the questions you don’t know to ask that need to be answered. Here’s another analogy: you’re sick and have no clue what’s wrong. Do you know the questions the doctor is going to ask you to help find your illness and ultimately your cure?

Maybe a few of them, but not all of them. Do you know if the doctor will need to recommend one or two specialists to consult over your situation? Possibly, but probably not. Moreover, do you know what medical recommendation the doctor will prescribe you? My guess is no.

haven’t read it, I recommend visiting the learning center on our website (www.kennedy-financial. com) and checking it out.

So what, exactly, is this preventative health care plan?

For us, it is addressing the 8 Life Planning Issues: Family Support Issues Charitable Gifting Issues Business Succession Planning Legacy Planning Issues Insurance Issues Liability Issues Tax Issues Investment Issues When and if these issues become a priority is not the same for every family, so we have found that it is incumbent on our firm as the general physician of the overall life planning team to take a disciplined approach to managing these issues.

various fields of Life Planning has shown me that most people don’t plan to fail –they just fail to plan. And one reason behind this procrastination is that they are overwhelmed by the complexity of the task and don’t know where to start. I feel it is very important for every family to seek help and take the time to focus on the questions that need to be addressed. I encourage you to be proactive as opposed to reactive and live 2010 on Purpose!

Securities & Advisory Services offered through VSR Financial Services, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser and Member FINRA/SIPC. Kennedy Financial Services is independent of VSR Financial Services, Inc. VSR does not provide tax or legal advice.

Over 35 years of working in

Many individuals make the assumption that money is about money. Well, it is and it isn’t. It is really just the nutrition in your overall preventative healthcare plan. You have to have it, but you need a little exercise, sleep, relaxation and an annual physical as well to make your plan successful.

We wrote an article earlier this year titled “Preventative Care” To sum it up…Life Planning is preventative care plan for your family’s financial health. If you

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County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28•

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28

■ Rising

Star Library Notes, Ginger Johnson Tobin Library Gets Ready for the New Year

AFTER CHRISTMAS Can you believe Christmas is over? It seems that one of the most “looked forward to” holidays goes all too quickly. Now, it’s time for the Library personnel to help Star Pride “undecorate” our lovely Library. Now everyone knows that “taking down” is just NOT nearly as much fun as “putting it up.”

Down comes the pretty tree that has sheltered the pair of “white bears” for the season… they enjoyed being the center of attention for December but are quite anxious to return to the wild…or wherever it was they came from.

Likewise, Humpty Dumpty and his lady friend are just about to fall off the wall again…so it is a great time to make an exit BEFORE something happens to one of them! Down comes our “wish” tree-which was a HUGE success; down come the fireplace lights and greenery decorations.

It may be a few days before Star Pride gets the outside decorations down; and that’s alright with Library Volunteers who have enjoyed the “RISING STAR” outside. What a vivid light it shines on our beautiful town of Rising Star.

Thanks so much to the hardworking Star Pride volunteers, who not only lit up the Library for the season but the entire downtown! WOW! It was outstandingly gorgeous…did you take your out-of-town relatives and friends for a downtown tour?

LIBRARY WISH TREE Thank you Rising Star and area residents for being SO GOOD to our Library during the Christmas season. Quite a few of our Library’s wishes were granted through your generosity.

Several wish grantors have been mentioned to date: Maria Jones-light sconces for the fireplace wall; Butch & Laura Lee Garrett-Hardback Elmer Kelton book; Linda Erickson-$15 hardback book; and Ginger Tobin-new ceiling fan.

Just last week, Eula Grisham granted our wish for a $10 paperback book and Noreen Pittman granted the wish for $5 worth of library supplies (tape, glue, etc.)

These items are necessary for day-to-day operation of our Rising Star Library; and each person who granted a wish is to be congratulated

for their kindness and generosity to the Library.

A hearty “thank you” goes to everyone.

Until the “wish tree” is removed, you can still come in and choose a tiny package from the tree and grant the wish which is written on the bottom of the package. You can keep the package as a souvenir and see the volunteer for instructions for granting the wish.

SPECIAL GIFT The Rising Star Library has been fortunate in 2009 for being the recipient of several money gifts, which are especially appreciated because we can use the money for items to improve the selection of books and service items that we can offer to our patrons.

Again, we have been really lucky to receive a much appreciated money gift from our library patrons and friends at the Rocking SOB Ranch (Sandy Doss and Billye Sinclair). Your generous gift is truly appreciated; we will use it in the best way possible. THANK YOU! SHORT BOOK REVIEW As I sit in my upstairs window, typing on a

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28• ■ Rising

Star Library Notes, continued

Saturday night (yes, that IS the way I spend many Saturday nights), I keep thinking that since this is a LIBRARY column, I really need to review a book. The only problem is that I haven’t yet read the latest one I’ve checked out: “1916…A Novel of the Irish Rebellion” by Morgan Llywelyn. So, I will give you the “short version” of a review I found on www.buy.com.

This is a novel about the Easter Rising of 1916, told through the eyes of the poet Patrick Pearse, a committed revolutionary.

Ned Halloran has lost both his parents-and almost his own life--to the sinking of the “Titanic”. Determined to keep what little he has, he returns to his homeland of Ireland and enrolls at Saint Edna’s school in Dublin. Saint Edna’s headmaster is the renowned scholar and poet, Patrick Pearse--who is soon to gain greater fame as a rebel and patriot. Ned becomes totally involved with the growing revolution and the sacrifices it will demand. Through Ned’s eyes, “1916” examines the Irish fight for freedom as it played out in the streets of Dublin against the background of WWI. You might be wondering WHY I’m so interested in the Irish Rebellion of 1916…the answer could have something to do with hearing all about “the troubles” from my Irish inlaws, the Tobins, many years ago. When I first sat foot on what seemed to me like “my homeland” in 1970, “the troubles” were still going on. I remember having my handbag searched as I entered the famous Abbey Theatre in Dublin with my Irish family.

I do have an Irish name (Tobin) but I married into it; however, I have Scot-Irish heritage on both sides (Mother and Father) and am very proud of it. You may have heard that once you set foot on Irish soil, part of your heart will remain there forever; IT IS TRUE. When I’m not in Ireland, I’m wanting to go there and usually trying to find some way to do just that!

When I came to Rising Star first to visit

and later to live here, I noticed a huge preponderance of Irish and Scot- Irish names in this area. I see from the Heart O’ Texas Area-Wide Phone book that in Rising Star, there are 26 names beginning with the prefix “Mc” and one with the prefix “O”; and this does not count many other names that are definitely Irish or Scot-Irish also.

GENEALOGY AT RISING STAR LIBRARY The previous discussion leads naturally into the area of family genealogy. We have such a department at Rising Star Library; it’s not as large as we’d like for it to be, but we are working on it, nevertheless. We are slowly collecting genealogy information on local people and someday know that we will be well known in this area for our collection.

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plot thickens when trying to determine exactly what your name might have been spelled like then.

I was researching this book and came across a website www.Irishroots.com and almost got carried away. But here I am again, you might want to investigate this website. They have a search engine under the review of the above book where you can enter your name and see who all is currently doing research on it.

There was quite a lengthy list searching for Tobin.

There are genealogy books there telling you how to get started; and several that specifically deal with Irish genealogy from my private collection. I’m at the library on Monday afternoons and will talk genealogy as long as you want to.

NEW BOOK WE NEED Mac, Mc, and O Names in Ireland, Scotland, & America by Michael C. O’Laughlin $25 From the Intro to this work Here is a passage from the introduction of this work; “By Mac, Mc, and ‘O’, you’ll always know a true Irish or Scotsman so they say “.......The purpose of publishing this work is to introduce you to the meaning and use of these family names.

Mac names originate in Scotland and Ireland.

The ‘O’ names, which appeared first by many accounts, is a name considered exclusively Irish. Nearly all old Irish surnames were originally prefixed with Mac or ‘O’. They were such attractive additions to a name that some families settling in Ireland from abroad took a name with a Mac prefix. This included the Vikings & the Normans ! Some old Irish families would drop the Mac or ‘O’ during certain periods of turmoil.....so the

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28

■ Outdoors

With Zach, Zach Havens Deer Season Extended in Eastland County

The deer hunting season in Eastland Co has been extended thru January 17th. The season has been lengthened to better manage the deer herd and to provide more hunting opportunity for youth hunters. Adults age seventeen and older may harvest spike buck deer and antlerless deer. Youth age 16 and younger may harvest antlerless deer and any legal buck (13” or greater inside spread and spikes).

A spike is any deer with no antler having more than one point. Antlerless deer have no hardened bone protruding thru the skin.

The bucks have started shedding their antlers. Look close before you pull the trigger on what appears to be a large doe so that you do not accidentally kill a buck that has shed its antlers. By definition a buck deer that has shed its antlers would be considered antlerless and would be legal. From a management perspective, it might be wise to make sure the doe you are about to harvest is actually a doe.

This deer season has been unusual. The deer seem to have moved during mid-day and at night. I have observed fewer deer in camps and several hunters still had not tagged a deer at the end of December. We will have to wait for the official harvest data to see what kind of deer season we actually had.

For one young hunter the season could not have been any better. My son set a goal before deer season to kill a branched antlered deer. He has killed spikes, doe, and has watched several nice bucks walk by but did not have permission to shoot one. He wanted to kill an eight point or better. He hunted several times this season and let doe and spikes pass by unharmed. He and I rattled in a deer that showed up past legal shooting time and let us know he was leaving with a loud snort. My son went on several hunts and did not see a deer.

The Friday before the Christmas holidays my son and his Grandpa loaded up and went to a blind in a river bottom. They hunted from 3pm until dark and did not see a thing. No turkey, no hogs, nothing. The next morning around 5am they got up and went back to the blind. Around 7:30 am my son sat shivering from cold when his Grandpa poked him and said, “Get your gun, here he comes.” My son stayed calm and his goal was realized as a high tined six-point dropped in its tracks. My phone rang early one very excited ten year old told his dad about one special deer. Three generations of hunters were all proud that day.

Good luck with the rest of the season.

See you in the woods and on the water. photo by Zach Havens

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County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28• A

White Christmas Eastland Civic Center Plaza by mwnorris

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2009

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28

■ From

The Backside, Henry J. Clevicepin

Christmas Time, Health Care & The Fruit of the Loom Bomber

By Henry J. Clevicepin and Collaborated by Nellie Frecklebelly and Agnes & Ophilia Fudpucker

Well, we finally had a white Christmas here in Buzzard’s Roost. I think it was snow that fell in Muleshoe and that darn wind blew it over here and piled it up. I hope everybody had a good Christmas, but if you’re like me and ol Estee K. Bibbles, my mule barn partner, we’re kinda glad it is over. This Christmas deal has gotten plumb outa hand with the money people spend on Santy Claus and they forget what Christmas is suppose to be all about. Ol Estee K. went into the big city before Christmas and was in one of them big stores and there was an ol gal dragging a couple of kids around shopping and trying to get into an already cramped elevator. Ol Estee K. said she was pretty tired and disgusted and started moaning that ever who was responsible for Christmas should be found, hung and killed.

A little old lady in the back calmly said they already have…..they crucified Him over 2000 years ago. Things got pretty quiet in the elevator.

That kinda put it in perspective. Even Ol Nellie Frecklebelly got so depressed over Christmas that she called one of them Lifelines and got one of them call centers in Pakistan. When Ol Nellie told them she was suicidal, they got all excited and wanted to know if she could drive a truck, cause they were looking for suicide bombers. Bless her heart she had to go down to the Buzzard’s Roost Bar & Grill and let the owner, Boliver Kegass, council with her over some of his homemade whiskey.

Speaking of suicide, I think those darn politicians up in Washington are committing suicide for our great country. Can you believe the money them screwballs have spent in the last few months. And now this country is out of money and up to our debt limit so they just go in and raise the debt limit so they can spend more. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could do that.

I’m telling you, they are out of control and we gotta do something about it. And what about this health bill that they pushed so hard to get past before Christmas that had Senators up there in the middle of the night making them vote on stuff that they hadn’t even read. I’m kinda like Ol Estee K., the only thing that you usually see out in the middle of the night is rats and crooks…… well I guess they could fall into one or both of them categories. Now folks I realize the health

system needs to be fixed but why don’t they just slow down and do it right. I got on the “geek wire” (computers to you city folks) the other day and saw the polls where a large majority of the people don’t want this bill passed. Now here is the part I just flat don’t get……them sapsuckers are going to make us start paying taxes to help pay for this health bill in 2010 but most of the benefits don’t kick in until 2014. Do you know how to spell Ponzi Scheme?????? Isn’t that what they sent Ol Burny Madoff to prison for a 150 years for ????? O Estee K. said to me, Henry isn’t that kinda like renting an ol boy a mule for a year and telling him he had to start paying rent next month but he couldn’t pick the mule up til 5 months later???? Now , that Estee K. just ain’t as dumb as he looks is he?????? I told him that was a big pill them congressmen was trying to get us to swallow, but Estee K. said he thought it was a big oh suppository and they were trying cramming it up the other end !!!!!

And like we ain’t already got enough problems up there, here comes another one of them Ahab the Arabs along with a bomb in his Fruit of the Looms and tries to blow up one of our airplanes on Christmas day, with 238 people aboard.

Luckily it fizzled out and some of the people on the plane jumped on him. Now how in the world did one them suckers that didn’t have a passport , no luggage and paying with cash ever get on one of our planes ????And then the ol gal

that Obama put in as head of Homeland Security come out and said the system worked good.

And Obama’s press secretary, when ask how he got on the plane when he was on the “watch list”, said well, there was over 500,000 people on the list and they couldn’t watch everybody.

WHAT?????? These credit card people have millions and millions of cardholders and they can tell you within 15 seconds when you are over your limit. May be we need let one of the credit card companies run Homeland Security.

Ol Estee K. came up with a doozy…..being the deep thinker he is, he was wondering since that ol boy had that bomb sowed in the crotch of his Fruit of the Looms, if it had gone off and blew him to smitherines what was he going to do with all of the virgins in heaven they always promise them idiots????? I’m tellin you, that Estee K. outa get a Nobel Prize for something !!!! Well, we’ll see ya’ll next year….have a good one.

Words of Wisdom from Henry J : As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way and remember those that matter, don’t mind and those that mind, don’t matter !!!!

You can email ol Henry J at: henryjclevicepin@aol.com

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28• ■ Murals,

Story Telling In Pictures, by Mike Norris

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Ranger, Tx ~ The Lobby of the Gholson Hotel

Artists: Barbara Bridges, Ruth Espinoza, Jill Page, Sue Smith Dedicated in honor of the residents of the Gholson Hotel, Past, Present, and Future.

The artists used pictures of residents’ friends and family, as well as some of their favorite pets, to depict life in the boomtown days of Ranger. The residents get pleasure from picking out the familiar faces of loved ones and faithful companions and the artists rejoice in bringing such a personal touch to the work.

■ Supporting

photos by mwnorris

Our Local Schools, by Mike Norris

For 2010, The County Line will once again be available for home delivery!

But that’s not all...we have also taken on the goal to help raise money to support our local schools.

If you would like to have The County Line delivered directly to your home each month...or you would like to give The County Line as a gift to a friend or loved one...please visit our TEAM-WOLVERINE.COM

website and read how we are turning home delivery of your favorite monthly publication into a fund raising drive for our local school districts!

Home delivery is inexpensive and convenient, and will help raise money for a good cause.

Please visit TEAM-WOLVERINE.COM and learn more. Thank you!

Visit our website for more articles, photos, and news about the things that interest you -- http://www.mycounty-line.com

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•County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28

■ Scott

McCurry & The Mercenaries, by Mike Norris Musician with local roots is making his mark on a larger stage...

“At first, it was kind of a hobby that I started taking seriBefore attending Texas Tech, Scott and his first band, The Koozies, had ously,” says Scott McCurry, a young Texas musician who, in already released their first album -- an unsigned, independent effort that his twenties, is out to make his musical mark. scored over 3,000 units sold!

“Now I do some stuff on the side, but my music career keeps me as busy Now with his self-titled band, Scott McCurry & The Mercenaries, the as possible.” group is finding their way. Their second album, Like the Sun, sold over 30,000 copies in one month. And their third release took flight, called Birdies Don’t Bark. Their fourth album, Go On & Do Your Thing, has already met with rave reviews and is being hailed as his best work to date!

The band has already played more than 500 venues from the Dallas House of Blues to Utah’s Sundance Film Festival. This month, the band will visit Abilene’s Strawberry Bar (see ad this page).

Scott’s local roots include a family farm outside of Carbon where Scott frequently enjoys the outdoors hunting.

His grandparents are Eastland residents and his grandfather has a notable history as one of the team leaders of the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Tech’s debut in the 1938 Cotton Bowl. His father, Dean, is a charity auctioneer and local Dallas celebrity.

“One part Beatle-esque melodies, one part raw-indie rock reminiscent of the Pixies, sprinkle in some Motown soul, the sound of a thousand highfives at once, and then and only then will you be close to the Scott McCurry sound.” ~ Greg Thrasher, Staff Writer The 405, www.thefourohfive.com

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com

County Line Business & Community Journal ~ January, 2010 v3.28• ■ On

The Back Cover, by Mike Norris Ford Dealership Now Moved Into 21st Century in a Big Way!

The Eastland Ford dealership has always been King, but it has a new name and vastly expanded image.

It is now officially Standley Ford in Eastland, but General Manager Chuck Smith proudly announces that Rob King, third generation owner/manager is still going to be a vital part of the operation.

Ownership of the prime East Main St. location officially changed back in September, and Mr. Smith has been ultra busy since that time expanding, refurbishing and adding details that will make the Ford center a onestop location for new and used vehicles as well as offering probably the most modern and up-to-date repair center in this part of Texas. A diagnostic computer at every one of its ten repair stalls, wired directly to the factories in Detroit, will give accurate and speedy results.

The addition of a protective canopy at the entrance will be the first addition that visitors will see, but it’s only the beginning. Added shop space and multiple rollup doors have been added on the east side as well as the north, offering many service centers for all sizes of vehicles from the smallest to the largest heavy duty giant trucks.

And the shop is climate controlled with superior heating and air conditioning and each rollup door can be operated individually by the mechanic at that stall so convenience and cleanliness is very much a part of the mix.

A veteran dealership manager, Mr. Smith is bringing together all the elements that make a first-class center everything it can be. Mr. Stanley has personally put his stamp of approval on all the extensive developments.

The Ford lot abounds with new and used vehicles, offering a wide selection in all price ranges.

The King name goes way back with the late Hood King being the founder, followed by his son, the late Robert King, who in turn was followed by his son. Rob is going to be around to help make sure that all of his customers get the kind of service they deserve.

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Mr. Smith has just about re-arranged everything, moving the parts department into the center of the building where it can service all areas. The facility now even features a centrally located “fool room” where all of the modern and extensive tools necessary to repair modern vehicles will be located.

“We just want to be the Ford dealership for this entire area and will strive to develop the clientele by making sure that one customer at a time gets the products and services they deserve,” Mr. Smith said.

In the short time they’ve been in operation as Stanley, they have already placed Ford vehicles with governmental and educational institutions around here and look to be able to bid for additional clients.

A grand re-opening will be announced soon, Mr. Smith said.

■ Footnotes, Announcements and Parting Thoughts

Cisco AARP Chapter 2447

We will have our 4th Friday night Musical on January 22, 2010.

1007 Humble Ave. In Hillside Village.

Come join us for a night of fun & fellowship. Greet old friends, meet some new friends, and listen to some Good Country & Gospel music.

The doors open at 4:30 PM. We start serving at 5:00PM. Music starts at 6:00 PM. Admission is free.

The only cost is for food & drinks.

Our menu for January is BarB-Que Sandwiches, with the Trimmings or Pimiento Cheese, Ham, or Ham & Cheese Sandwiches and assorted Deserts.

The drinks are Coffee, Tea, Cokes, Dr Pepper, & Bottled Water We hope to see you there!

We are a Smoke free, Alcohol free, and Drug free establishment.

RISING STAR

Saturday Night BINGO Every Saturday Night Doors Open 5:30pm Play Starts 7:00pm Concessions Available American Legion 205 S Main Kenny Rutledge

(325)642-2983

Cisco AARP Chapter 2447

Regular monthly meeting Thursday, January 21, 2010 In the Hillside Village, Wheatley Community Center at 1006 Humble Ave. This will be our first meeting of the new year.

Come join us for a potluck supper. (We each bring a covered dish of food.)

Drinks, paper plates, & cutlery are furnished by the Chapter.

We eat at 6:00 PM. Come join us for Fun, Food & Fellowship.

Followed by a brief business meeting

We will see you then.

Angel Food Ministries

January Cut-Off Date Thursday January 14th Distribution Saturday January 23rd Call Ilene (254)442-1969 www.angelfoodministries.com

Visit our website for more articles, photos, and news about the things that interest you -- http://www.mycounty-line.com

•County Line Business & Community Journal

The County Line Business & Community Journal ● P.O. Box 1156 ● Eastland, Texas 76448 ● http://www.mycounty-line.com