The Hometown Press 05-27-2020

409-296-BANK

Volume 31, Issue 22

Chambers County Emergency Services District No. 1 Buys Bunker Gear

By Wade Thibodeaux   The Chambers County Emergency Services District No. 1 Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting via teleconference on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 6:00 pm. The short meeting was mostly a bill paying meeting but the Commissioners did have an action item to buy two sets of bunker gear for a total of $4,437.70 which was approved. The board also approved the financial report which showed a balance of $1,081,855.55 as well an item to approve the general council to submit an extension request to Chambers County

Commissioners Court for the submittal of the ESD's annual audit report. This years audit is running just a little behind schedule because the accountant hasn't been able to access the files in the ESD office due to Covid-19. The call report showed 27 calls for April and 126 total for the year. Fire Chief Brent Potier reported that the department currently has 12 volunteer firemen. The meeting was adjourned at 6:29 pm. and the next regular meeting of the Chambers County Emergency Services District No. 1 Board of Commissioners will be Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 6:00 pm.

Winnie Stowell EMS Has Short Meeting

By Wade Thibodeaux  The Winnie Stowell Emergency Medical Service Board of Directors held a short meeting last Wednesday, May 18, 2020. The meeting began at 7:00 pm. and is one of the few in person meetings that has occurred over the last couple of months.

Directors approved the bills to be payed which amounted to $10,798.28 for the month of April and then went right into the EMS Coordinator's report.

He reported 85 calls for assistance in April of which 51 were transports, 28 refusals, 2 standby calls, and 4 cancelled. The department has received

324 calls for the year. The board did have an action item of renewing the Lucas device service agreement which they approved at a rate of $3,900.00 per year for a three year period.

No action was taken on updating the disaster pay policy and then the board retired to executive session at 7:27 pm. with no action taken after executive pertaining to personnel matters. The next regular meeting of the Winnie Stowell EMS Board of Directors will be Monday, June 15, 2020 at 7:00 pm at the station located at 249 Broadway in Winnie, Texas.

By Wade Thibodeaux  The Trinity Bay Conservation District Board of Directors held a special meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 9:00 am via teleconference for the purpose of reorganizing the Board by electing officers. This action was prompted by the sudden passing of Board President Mike Winzer earlier in the year and then the subsequent appointment of Cody Bauer to fill the vacancy. Board Vice President Gregg Turner had been conducting meetings until the board could reorganize. Director Dorothy Hamilton made

a motion to nominate Director Jeffrey Jenkins as President, Gregg Turner as Vice President, and Tommy Gilbert as Secretary -Treasurer. The motion was approved and the board was reorganized.

The only other action item was to go out for request for proposals for legal services which passed 4-0 with Director Turner abstaining.

The next regular meeting of the Trinity Bay Conservation District Board of Directors will be Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 9:00 am. and will more than likely be held once again by teleconference.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Oops!

50 cents

Graduation wil be at 8:00 p.m. rather than 7:00 p.m.

Local Group Places Flags in Cemetery

Troop 39 participated in the annual ritual of placing flags on the graves of Veterans.

By Wade Thibodeaux Last Monday was Memorial Day, a day that we remember those that served and gave it all

for the freedoms that we enjoy today. Several local groups gathered at the Fairview Cemetery last Friday morning for the

Members of troop 6484 pose for a picture before they started placing flags on the graves of Veterans.

annual ritual of placing 39 as well as a group flags on the graves of from Cornerstone Church Veterans. Girl Scout participated in the event. troop number 6484 and Boy Scout troop number

Commissioners Have Virtual Moment of Silence

Tr i n i t y B a y R e o r g a n i z e s Board of Directors

Due to the current Covid-19 situation, Commissioners Court was not able to hold their annual Moment at the Memorial and instead offer a virtual moment of silence as well as approving a resolution to honor the fallen officers of Chambers County. This picture is a screen shot of the entire Court observing the moment of silence.

By Wade Thibodeaux  The Chambers County Commissioners Court met in regular session Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 9:30 am. via a computer aided You Tube channel on the County's website.

The annual Moment at the Memorial was not held this year due to the current Covid-19 situation, but the Court did approve the resolution to pay tribute to the fallen officers and they held a moment of silence

during the meeting from each of their respected offices. This agenda like the previous couple had a very heavy section on the consent agenda and very little on the department portion of the agenda.

One item that generated quite a bit of discussion was the deferment of the Hotel Occupancy Tax payments for 90 days.

After going back and forth with many questions, the Commissioners

finally approved a 90 day deferment on the payment of the tax from March 12, 2020 for all businesses in good standing with the County. Agenda items dealing with the agreement with Trinity Bay Conservation District for the construction of a new sewer plant in Hankamer were tabled pending the outcome of the TBCD meeting the next day.

The consent agenda was next and the

Commissioners pulled several items for discussion including an update on Chambers County EMS, job descriptions, and a Memorandum of Understanding with Ameriport, LLC. concerning the proposed East -West -4 corridor and the future acceptance of Ameriport roads into the County system.

Eventually, the entire consent agenda was approved and the Court retired to executive session at 10:32 am. After a lengthy executive session, the Court returned at 1:06 pm. to approve an inter local agreement with Liberty County for the funding of an employee for the Community Supervised Corrections Department with a proposed September 1, 2020 creation date. The Court was adjourned at 1:08 pm. with the next regular court to be Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 9:30 am.

Unfortunately, that court was after The Hometown Press's deadline and a report will have to occur in a future edition.

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Opinion & Entertainment

Wednesday, May 27, 2020 Disclaimer: This column is the opinion of Publisher Wade A. Thibodeaux and may contain subject matter on a variety of topics, but usually contains humor of some description. An occasional serious thought may be thrown in to entice the reader to think.

Wade In the Shade

by Wade Thibodeaux When I started writing this column about 15 or so years ago, it was to provide laughter and tell a funny story or two about myself.

Over the years, this column has morphed into a variety of things and I still try to include humor in it every week. This week we will have none of that, this column is intended to be very solemn and could quite possibly get somewhat personal as I compose my thoughts about recent events that have given me pause and made me reflect on life just a little more than normal. A recent tragedy in the Winnie area has effected me as well as countless other people and as a newspaper publisher I have struggled with how to balance reporting the news and providing space and privacy for the family involved. A song by the name of “I can only imagine” by Mercy Me keeps popping into my head and

so I’m going to give this column a title of I can only imagine.

I was just getting back to the office after having gotten a haircut that was badly needed when my phone rang. The caller told me that a 911 call had come in for a drowning on “X” road(not wanting to give too many details) and the first thought that came to my mind was that my brother lived on that short road and he was the only house with a pool. I told the caller to keep me informed and I wanted to head that direction, but decided that it was better for me to stay out of the way of the first responders as traffic could get pretty tight on the small roadway.

Besides that, I hadn’t gotten a call from any family and it would have been rather odd for anyone to be swimming in the middle of the morning. A little more computer research and the

address revealed that it was not my brother’s house but instead a neighbors of his and a friend of mine. A little time passed and more information came in that it was twin two year old boys that had drowned in a pond. Many, many resources had responded including neighboring EMS services and a helicopter.

One of the boys was flown and the other was taken by ambulance to the same hospital in Beaumont. The child in the helicopter never made it, but the one taken by ambulance showed weak signs of life and was flown to Houston later in the day. As I am writing this column a few days later, word has trickled out that the second child held on for a few days, but did not survive. I can only imagine what the family is going through.

I can only imagine what the family is going through because I have been close to losing a child, but mine was spared. When Annie was born, she spent six hours in the Conroe hospital and then was taken to Texas Children’s in Houston. I left the mother of my second child in a Conroe hospital recovering from a C-Section and drove to

Houston not knowing what would greet me when I arrived. I found my daughter and was only allowed to see her for a few minutes, but was able to talk to several doctors to begin to get a handle on the situation and what I could expect over the next few hours and hopefully days. I left Houston and headed home to Huntsville with a stop in Conroe to inform her mother of the situation and got to bed around 2:00 am.

At 5:30 am. the phone rang and it was Texas Children’s informing me that Annie had taken a turn for the worse and the current situ-

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

ation. For the next 11 days, we could only look at Annie through a glass incubation type device, not even hold her and for only about an hour in the 24 hour cycle of a day. Finally, on day 12 when the time came for us to go into the ICU, the nurse told us that Annie was doing much better and that was the first time that the staff had called her by name. I found out later that was a defense mechanism to keep the staff from getting attached to all of the baby’s in the ICU......only when they were relatively sure that the child was going to live were they

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allowed to call them by name. We were allowed to hold our baby for the first time and we spent another 10 days in Houston before we were discharged on Halloween day. I can only imagine.

The song “I can only Imagine” is about meeting God face to face when the time comes and I can only imagine what God has planned for those two cute little boys in Heaven.

He evidently needed them as part of His plan because I am firmly convinced that there is a plan....we just don’t always (contd on page 3)

Tumbleweeds

CORONA YOGA

By Tumbleweed Smith My son Kevin is an Emmy award winning television sports director.

He broadcasts games the Rangers, Mavericks and Stars play. He occasionally runs the jumbotron for Dallas Cowboys home games. He is also in demand for college games in various sports all over the country. He even directs wrestling matches.

He has had a fabulous career and loves what he does. He had a big part in producing the highlight video for the Atlanta Olympics. He misses broadcasting the games and working with his broadcast crew. I’ve had the privilege of watching him work. The television crew is in a huge trailer loaded with equipment.

Watching the professionals get a game on the air is more fun to watch than the game itself. It is split-second timing, working with as many as 16 cameras all over the playing field.

Since there are no sports right now, Kevin is unemployed. That does not mean he is not busy. Most mornings at 9 o’clock he is on his Facebook page (Kevin Lewis) conducting an hour-long yoga class. He has been studying yoga for

20 years and went through years of training to become a yoga master. He and his wife Jill even had their own yoga studio for a while I’m slow getting to yoga.

Never even thought about it until Kevin started doing it. Even then I didn’t pay much attention to it. I was extremely impressed that he was so diligent and dedicated to going through all the classes to become a certified yoga teacher. He has classes at some YMCAs in Dallas.

What caught my attention one day last year when he was showing my wife how yoga was similar to the daily exercises she was doing in a gym. He got on his back and stuck both his legs straight up into the air. His body took on the shape of a perfect letter L. I do work out daily and some of the exercises I do require me to try to do what Kevin did with perfect ease. I grunt and groan and my body resembles an overturned chair. Kevin’s movements are so sooth and fluid it’s like watching a ballet.

Yes, I’m doing yoga with him on Facebook.

I’m getting better and try to keep up with him. Sometimes I

just watch him do what I consider impossible things.

I do expect him to levitate during one of these sessions.

I have nearly learned to do a crescent lunge from the all four position. That’s where your hands and feet are flat on the ground making an inverted letter V, then taking one of your legs to the front of the mat while your upper body is rising up.

A lot of yoga positions are named for animals. I did some Internet research that indicated some of the early yoga practitioners watched animals and tried to imitate some of their movements and at the same time tried to think like the animals they were observing.

Up dog and down dog are yoga positions.

I think there should be a lazy dog position. There is a corpse position but that sounds so final. Namaste.

www.tumbleweesmith.com

Tumbleweed Smith’s column in the Hometown Press is presented by

MARKET BASKET

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ East Chambers regular school board meetings are held on the second Monday beginning at 6pm in the 216 Champions Loop Winnie, TX 77665

THEME: LAWYER LINGO ACROSS 1. Requests 5. Pub dispenser 8. Feline sound 11. HGTV’s “____ or Flop” 12. Ferdinand, e.g.

13. Like a ghost 14. *Pro ____, or in proportion 15. Miscellany 16. *Elsewhere 17. *Response to #51 Across?

19. Cher has one 20. Marine enchantress 21. Not tac nor toe 22. *Not underwear!

25. *Battery’s companion 29. Literary “even” 30. “____ it ____,” or go full force 33. Quartet minus one 34. Greyish brown 36. Common conjunction 37. Ban from school, e.g.

38. Homesteader’s measurement 39. Complete failure 41. “Stand and Deliver” singer 42. Relating to breastbone 44. Spectacle venues

46. Marcia’s jealous sister 47. Type of assistant, for short 49. Sudden and brilliant success 51. *Courtroom protest 55. Like blue sky 56. Twins, e.g.

57. Was a passenger 58. Shirking work 59. Volcano in Sicily 60. All over again 61. *____ se or ____ tem 62. Bear’s hangout 63. Quiet attention grabber DOWN 1. Big do 2. Eastern European 3. Toy with a tail 4. Thinly spread 5. Tutu fabric 6. Mork from Ork 7. Walk, as through mud 8. Cripple 9. Major European river 10. Ancient Chinese dynasty 12. Stock exchange, in Paris 13. Mollify 16. Anisette, for short 18. Often precedes through,

Solution on page 3

to search 21. Cough syrup amt.

22. Greek Bs 23. Don’t just stand there!

24. Habituate 25. Gives a hand 26. Of a city 27. Tarzan’s swing rope 28. *Reasons to sue 31. Peacock’s pride 32. Genetic initials 35. *Lie made under oath 37. Pre-Ionic 39. Belieber or Parrothead, e.g.

40. Usually not allowed in court 43. Back of the neck 45. *To lure into a compromising act 47. *To annul or suspend 48. Jinn or genie 49. Old Russian autocrat 50. Anis-flavored aperitif 51. Newspaper piece 52. Atom that lost an electron, pl.

53. Words from Wordsworth, pl.

54. Type of salamander 55. European peak

■ Word of Life Church in Winnie has partnered with The Houston Food Bank to have a Community Food Fair Mobil Unit delivery. Entergy has made a generous donation assisting Word of Life Church with this ministry. Entergy’s donation is very much needed and appreciated. The Unit (truck) will be at the Winnie-

Stowell Park in Winnie on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month from 9AM til Noon.

For more information please call 409-296-8935.

■Neighborhood Watch meeting held on the last Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Word of Life fellowship hall, 344 Broadway, in Winnie.

Everyone is invited. Contact Lionel LaDay for more information at 409-225-4602

invites seniors, or any members, to join them for Chicken Foot on Thursdays at noon, and Bingo on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. For more information, please call 267-3700.

■ The Lily of the Valley Food Pantry, located at 1222 N. Main St. in Anahuac, distributes food to those in need on the fourth Saturday of each month. Anyone wishing to donate canned goods, money or volunteer is encouraged to do so.

■ The Wellness Center at Bayside

The Hometown Press The Hometown Press, ID#006414 is published weekly on Wednesday, except for the Wednesday immediately following Christmas, by Hometown Press, Inc., 2028 State Hwy 124 or P.O. Box 801, Winnie, TX 77665.

Annual instate subscription rate is $25.00 and out-of-state is $25.00. Second Class postage is paid at Winnie, TX Postmaster.

Change of address may be sent to Hometown Press, P.O. Box 801, Winnie, TX. 77665. Phone: 409296-9988, Fax: 409-296-9987, email: htpress99@gmail.com Periodical Class Permit #006414 Winnie, TX 77665 STAFF BOX Publisher: Wade Thibodeaux Advertising Deadline is noon Monday for Wednesday paper.

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Local News

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

Wednesday, May 27, 2020 PUNISHMENT RANGE

Thirty-One individuals were arrested and booked into the Chambers County Jail between Sunday, May 17 2020 and Saturday, May 23. Warrants from last week are also as followed.

The individuals have been

magistrated and formally informed of the charges against them. However, just because these individuals were arrested and magistrated does not mean they are guilty of the crimes they are charged with committing. Also, not

everyone charged with a crime is alleged to have committed the crime in Chambers County, but perhaps was simply arrested in Chambers County on outstanding warrant(s) while in Chambers County.

Instances in which individuals

were arrested on outstanding warrants, their original conviction and the reason they are on probation or parole, if available, is included in parenthesis set.

• First degree felony: punishable by up to 99 years or life in prison and a $10,000 fine.

• Second degree felony: punishable by up to 20 years and a $10,000 fine.

• Third degree felony: punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

• State jail felony: punishable by up to two years in prison.

• Deferred adjudication probation: typically offered to the first time offenders. Defendants’ judgement is deferred until later, if ever. If they successfully complete the terms of their probation, they are not judge and thus have no criminal conviction in connection to the offense. However, if they accept deferred adjudication probation but fail to abide by the terms of their probation, they could be sentenced to the maximum time in prison allowable under the law without the benefit of a trail by jury.

• Class A misdemeanor: punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.

• Class B misdemeanor: punishable by up to six months in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Patti Henry District Clerk Passports M-F 8 am-11 am & 1pm-4pm

Jimmy Gore Commissioner Pct 1

409-296-8250

409-267-2432

Jimmy Sylvia County Judge

409-267-2440

LEGAL NOTICE

Total Main Jail:

31

Wade in the Shade (contd)

understand or agree with His plan, but we will all know the master plan one day when it’s our turn to gain our wings and join our loved ones in Heaven.

I also know that this family is not the only one to experience such tragedy, as there are probably some of you readers that have lost a child, but know that I and many others realize that every life is precious and we feel so helpless to be able to do anything that could reverse the outcome of each situation. I also know that this tragedy takes a toll on others in the community as well, first responders spend their life-

time training and responding to calls to help people and when things don’t work out the way that they want, they are affected as well. They have children of their own and they have emotions. Resources were called in to help them cope with the situation. I can only imagine.

I have another friend that lost her young Son to a car wreck as well as another friend that lost his teenage Grandson to an automobile accident in recent months.

In the news business, we sometimes are notified of these tragedies shortly after they occur and we sometimes respond to the

scene. Each one is treated independently depending on the circumstances, but it is never easy to deal with these accidents either during the incident or later when we try to balance news reporting and respect for the family. I guess that I’m just not a very good reporter because I usually side with respect for the family. On a personal note, I have been divorced for about 4 years and I have to do the every other weekend thing with Annie and it just so happened that this weekend was mine and I was so glad to be able to hold her and hug her this weekend and I even think

that Wyatt gave his sister a little extra hug instead of a thump on the head as is the usual. Please say a prayer for this family, the first responders, and all who were affected by this tragedy as they all need everything that they can get during this difficult time. Remember to hold your loved ones tight and tell them that you love them every chance that you get because you never know when will be the last time. I can only imagine.

Till next time, I’m ............

Wade in the Shade.

Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for legal services will be received at Trinity Bay Conservation District office at P.O. Box 599, 2500 SH 124, Stowell, Texas 77661 until 2:00 p.m. on June 11, 2020, at which time they will be opened and then reviewed for award consideration.

The Board of Directors of the District will consider award of legal services agreement at a special board meeting June 17, 2020, or at any Board Meeting date thereafter.

Bidders shall be responsible for holding their RFP open for a period of sixty (60) days after June 11, 2020. RFPs shall be submitted in sealed envelopes on the form provided.

Sealed envelopes shall be clearly marked in the lower left corner with the words “RFP for Legal Services”. RFPs received after the closing time stated will be returned unopened. The District reserves the right to reject any and all RFPs and to waive informalities in such RFPs. In case of ambiguities or lack of clearness in stating pricing in any RFP, the District reserves the right to consider the most advantageous proposal thereof or to reject the pricing. The award will be made to the responsible proposer submitting the most advantageous proposal to the District and result in the best and most economical manning of District legal services.

Religion & Lifestyle

Wednesday,May 27, 2020

Sunday Observations from Christy

"Attention, Salute, Pledge"

Eleven of my uncles fought in WWII. I had the privilege of meeting and knowing all of them except one, Uncle Joe Stewart, my mother’s brother. He was machine gunned down while crossing the Rhine River in Germany. He’s buried in Holland. To all the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom in this country-Salute!

“Greater love has no person than to lay down his life for his friend.” (John 15:3) Thank you Jesus for laying down your life for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2) Danny R. Biddy, Chaplain for Fellowship of Christian Cowboys and Chambers County Sheriff’s Office

OBITUARIES

Deanna Lane LeBlanc, 77, of Winnie, died Monday, May 18, 2020, at Christus - St. Elizabeth Hospital, Beaumont.

She was born to Olite Bourque Bertrand and Alpha Bertrand, on November 20, 1942, in Kaplan, Louisiana.

Deanna retired from East Chambers school cafeteria. She loved

Assemblies of God

Cornerstone Church 3810 Hwy. 124 • Stowell 409-296-2481 Sunday Worship Service.........10:00 am Wednesday Family Night......6:30 pm Cornerstone Church 1100 Oak Street • Anahuac 409-296-2481 Sunday Worship Service.....10:30 am

Baptist

First Baptist Church of Anahuac 405 South Magnolia • Anahuac 409-267-3262 Sunday School..............9:00 am SundayMorningWorship.....11:00 am Evening Worship..........6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer Meeting.....6:30 pm First Baptist of Fannett Highway 124 • Fannett Sunday School.................9:30 am Sunday Morning Worship...10:45 am Sunday Discipleship Training.......5:00 pm Sunday Evening Worship.............6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer Meeting......7:00 pm First Baptist Church of Hamshire Highway 124 • Hamshire 409-243-2163 Sunday School.................9:15 am Morning Worship.........10:30 am Evening Worship............6:00 pm Wednesday Discipleship....6:15 pm First Baptist Church of Stowell W. Main &VanOstrand • Stowell 409-296-4510 Sunday School.........................9:30 am Sunday Morning Worship......11:00 am Sunday Evening Worship........6:00 pm Wednesday Bible Study............7:00 pm OutdoorsMen Church of Winnie Hwy 124 in Winnie Saturday.......6:00pm (covered dish meal at service)

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

playing cards and visiting friends, but most of all loved cooking meals and being surrounded by family.

She is survived by her son, John LeBlanc and his wife, Linda, of Bryan; daughter, Beth Glenn and her husband, Alan, of Winnie; sisters, Judy Freeman and her husband, Wayne, of Fannett, Peggy Meche, of Winnie, Debbie Freeman, of Fannett, and Letha Ann Bertrand, of Beaumont; brothers, Donald Bertrand and his wife, Doris, of Kountze and Ferrill Bertrand and his wife, Terry, of Fannett; grandchildren, First Baptist Church of Winnie Winnie 409-296-4072 Brian Johnson, Pastor Sunday School.................9:15 am Sunday Morning Worship..10:30 am SundayEvening Worship...........6:00 pm Wednesday: Kids for Christ.................4:00 pm Youth (Grades 7-12)........4:00 pm Adult Bible Study/Prayer Meeting.6:00 pm Sweet Home Baptist Church Hankamer 409-374-2208 Pastor: Ronald Smith Sunday School.................9:30 am SundayMorningWorship.........10:30am Wednesday Dinner......................6:00 pm Wednesday Bible Study Adult, Youth and Children’s.....6:30 pm Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Campbell Rd &Ave G • Stowell 409-296-2938 Sunday School.........................8:00 am Sunday Morning Worship.........9:00 am Monday Mission & Teachers.......6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer Meeting & Choir St. Paul Baptist Church First Street • Stowell 409-296-2750 Sunday School.........................9:45 am Sunday Worship....................11:00 am Monday Brotherhood............7:00 pm Tuesday Mission.....................6:30 pm WednesdayPrayerMeeting...........7:00pm

I’m going to need everyone to open their mind, if they read beyond this. I’m not taking shots, I am hoping to make one person, see something differently. Whew. Here we go.

If you want to wear a mask, then wear one. If you don’t, then don’t.

But respect the person you cross paths with, who chooses differently than you.

If you need to stay home, to protect yourself or loved ones, then stay

Shantrey Glenn, Dr. Spencer Glenn, Nathan LeBlanc, Maddie LeBlanc, Matthew Moon and his wife, Emily, Joshua Moon, and Victoria Moon; greatgrandchildren, Sophia Moon, Wyatt Moon, Caleb Moon, and Noah Lara; and numerous nieces and nephews and their spouses.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Glenn LeBlanc; daughters, Jean LeBlanc and Jane LeBlanc; brother, Lyman Bertrand; and sisters, Delores Gallier and Cheryl Granger.

A gathering of Mrs. LeBlanc’s family and friends was at 11 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 21,

PAGE 4

home. If you choose to venture out, then venture out. But respect the person who chooses differently than you.

If you are a Trump fan, know that others are not.

If you are not a Trump fan, know that others are.

Respect the person who votes differently than you.

I don’t understand why we must continually attack one another. Be it out and out attacks, or veiled attacks hidden with an LOL following it, an attack is an attack. I feel like Rodney King these days saying, “can’t we all just get along”?

Here is the thing, the longer we have inner turmoil, the worse the divide will get. This isn’t a partisan thing. This is a respect thing. We have been embroiled in fighting for a solid 20 years now. If a Democrat is at 1600 Pennsylvania, the Republicans will scream

that isn’t my president.

If a Republican is there, the Democrats will do the same.

Like it or not, the person with the POTUS title, is the President. For all of us. And before you attack me, people acted the exact way when Obama was in office.

But keep on fighting America. While you embroil yourself in anger and hatred, Washington is sticking it to the people.

Can’t hold the children responsible, if the parents are not paying attention.

I don’t care who you like or don’t, what you do or don’t do, if you have to stoop to the level of name calling, to elevate your platform, you are a part of the problem. We all get frustrated. We all snap.

We all get angry, mad, sad, irritated, and emotional.

Put that emotion to use.

Look into whatever your cause is. Political,

sports, drainage, butterfly collecting, you know..... whatever.

Become educated about your choice of passion. From somewhere other than social media. Broaden your horizons. I’ve finally gotten to where I read most of my news. Watching any of them is a course in divide on its own. But pick multiple sources and check your story.

Happy Sunday peeps, stop the divide. Learn to keep scrolling. You simply can not talk about your liberties and freedoms, then demand the rest of the world think like you.

We live in the greatest country in the world.

Respect that. Respect humanity. Respect others.

Respect choice. Respect independence.

More than anything, respect independence..... not everyone has the ability to bash their President.

2020, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont, followed by a graveside service at 1:30 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie.

worked.

They were married July 13, 1963.

He was blessed with seven grandchildren; five granddaughters, Brittney Frantz, Meagan Frantz, Nichole Mayeux, Lauren Mayeux and Hannah Simon; two grandsons, Travis Mayeux and Benjamin Simon.

He was a loving and wonderful father. He enjoyed joking around with his grandkids and attending their activities. He loved high school football, history, westerns, domino's and good cooking.

He enjoyed road trips (aka-moving) with his sidekick, Mary.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Ellen; sons, Keith Charles Simon and his wife Melissa of Colorado

Springs, Mark Simon and his wife Cheryl of Bossier City and a daughter, Tricia Mayeux and her husband Michael of The Woodlands.

He also left behind a brother, Judson Simon and a sister, Cheryl Riley.

Byron was preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother Timothy Simon.

“You will always be missed by all of us who loved him so very much.

He was a wonderful man, husband, father and grandfather. Wait for me in heaven, Byron, I want to always be by your side. Love you, forever and forever, Mary” A gathering of family and friends will be held, to be announced, at a later date.

BYRON CHARLES SIMON

Byron Charles Simon left this world Monday, April 27, 2020 surrounded by his wife and children.

Byron was born in Rayne, Louisiana on September 16, 1943 to Charles and Dorothy Simon. Byron moved to Winnie when he was in the 4th grade and graduated from East Chambers High School in 1961. He joined his father working for the family business, Winnie Motor Co. He met Mary Ellen Copeland, during this time, at Durr Butane where Mary Ellen

Church Services

St. Mary Baptist Church Hwy 61 &Albritton •Hankamer 409-374-2182 Sunday School.........................9:30 am Morning Worship..................11:00 am Wednesday Bible Study.........7:00 pm SunlightMissionaryBaptistChurch Spikes Rd • Hankamer Sunday School.........................9:45 am Sunday Morning Worship......11:00 am Wednesday Evening..................7:00 pm LaBelle Baptist Church 9400 Hwy 365 • LaBelle 409-796-1240 Sunday School.......................10:00 am Sunday Adult Worship............11:00 am Sunday Children’s Church......11:00 am Sunday Evening......................6:00 pm Wednesday Bible Study.............7:00 pm First Baptist Church High Island Sunday School.........................9:30 am Sunday Worship....................10:30 am Sunday Evening Worship..........6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer & Bible......7:00 pm

Catholic St. Louis Catholic Church 315 W Buccaneer Dr • Winnie 409-296-4200 Weekday Mass Wednesday..................8:30 am Spanish Friday....9:45 am English at Arboretum Saturday...Reconciliation 3:00-3:45 pm Mass in English...............4:00 pm Sunday Mass in English.....7 am & 10:30 am Spanish Mass........................noon Holy days......8:30 am & 6:30 pm Our Lady of Light Catholic Church S. Main St • Anahuac 409-267-3158 Confession:Saturday...............5:00 pm English: Sunday.......................8:30 am Spanish: Saturday...................6:00 pm Thursday...................................6:00 pm

St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hwy. 365 & IH-10 • Fannett 794-2548 Saturday Mass.........................5:00 pm Sunday Mass............7:00 & 11:00 am St. Martin DePorres Mission Boyt & Kidd • Cheek 409-794-2548 Sunday Mass............................9:00 am

Church of Christ Winnie Church of Christ 2559 Hwy 124 • Stowell 409-899-1737 • 409-363-9898 Sunday Bible Class.................9:45 am Sunday Morning Worship.......10:45 am Sunday Evening Worship......5:00 pm Wednesday Service................7:00 pm Church of Christ Oak Street • Anahuac 267-6445 Sunday Bible Class.................9:30 am SundayWorship Service......10:30 am SundayEvening Worship.......6:00 pm Wednesday Service................6:00 pm

Episcopal Trinity Episcopal Church Washington & Light St • Anahuac 409-267-6582 Sunday Holy Communion.......9:00 am

Latter Day Saints

Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints Menely Road • Winnie Sunday Morning.....................9:00 am Wednesday Youth Activities.....7:00 pm

Lutheran

Hope Lutheran Church 9th & LeBlanc - Winnie 409-296-2377 Sunday Worship............9:30 am Sunday School............10:45 am

Methodist First United Methodist 204 Trinity St • Anahuac 409-267-3242 Sunday School.......................10:45 am Sunday Worship....................11:00 am St. James Methodist Ed Hopkins @ Texas St • Anahuac Sunday School.........................9:30 am Sunday Worship 1st & 4th Sunday.....................................11:00 am Wednesday Bible Studies......6:00 pm Faith United Methodist Highway 365 • Fannett 409-794-1121 Sunday School......................10:00 am Sunday Worship....................11:00 am UMYF 2nd and 4th Sunday.....5:00 pm Middleton Memorial Methodist Wallisville Rd • Wallisville 409-389-2218 Sunday Worship......................9:00 am St.PaulUnitedMethodistDoubleBayou www.stpauldoublebayou.com Sunday School........................10:45am Sunday Worship .................... 9:00 am Wednesday Bible Studies.........6:30 pm St. Mathew’s United Methodist 1312 Weeks Ave • High Island Sunday School.........................9:00 am Sunday Worship Service.........10:00 am UMYF.............................................3:00 pm First United Methodist Highway 124 @ Freeman • Winnie 296-4382 Sunday School.........................9:30 am Sunday Worship....................10:45 am UMYF.......................................6:00 pm Sunday Worship......................9:30 am Sunday School.......................10:45 am

Nondenominational

SmithPoint Community Church Smith Point Sunday School.......................10:00 am Sunday Morning Worship......11:00 am Trinity Church 1324 Hwy. 124 • Winnie Sunday Happy Hour...............9:00 am Morning Worship.................10:00 am WednesdayEveningWorship....7:30pm House of Prayer Fannett Elementary School 409-794-9470 Sunday Services.............2:00-5:00 pm HankamerCommunity Fellowship FM 1663 @ FM 1724 • Hankamer Sunday School.....................10:00 am Sunday Praise & Worship..11:00 am Wednesday Bible Study........7:00 pm Lighthouse of Hope Church 507 6th St. Winnie, Texas (at the corner of 6th St. and Oak St.) 409-782-5354 Sunday Worship....................10:00 am Wednesday Worship..............6:30 pm Word of Life Church 344 Broadway, Winnie, Texas 409-296-8935 Adult Sunday School............8:45 a.m.

Sunday Service.....................10:00 am Bible Study Wed.....................7:00 pm

Pentecostal

Calvary Tabernacle 1210 FM 1406 • Winnie 296-2020 Sunday School........................2:00 pm Sunday Worship.....................2:45 pm Thursday Evening...................7:00 pm (Children’s Church, Youth Service & Bible Study) - Pastor Carl A. Vickery Calvary Tabernacle UPC 11185 Mahon Rd, Fannet Pastor Steve Adams 409-201-8033 Sunday 1pm, Thursday 7pm First UnitedPentecostal Church 1352 Walter Street • High Island 286-5444 Sunday Worship....................10:00 am Tuesday.....................................7:30 pm

ight Line Bus Pg Ad:May 21 ad 11/29/17 11:39 AM Page 1

PAGE 5

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

Business Directory

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Clark Freight Lines, Inc. Pasadena, TX 281-487-3160 Beaumont, TX • W. Memphis, AR Birmingham, AL • Nashville, TN

Bus Pg Ad:May 21 ad 6/28/17 1:11 PM Page 1

www.clarkfreight.com

“Trucks Move Your World”

Winnie Dairy Queen Hwy 124 South P.O. Box 981 Winnie, TX 77665

(409) 296-2116

Enhance Wellness coming to Merle Norman Studio & Chic Boutique in Winnie on Friday's starting June 5th. Tammy Vandiver, NP will be seeing patients for medically supervised weight visits including prescriptions and injections. Botox will also be available. Walk Ins accepted, appointments encouraged.

For appointments call 4096738899.

$10 per week • Don’t let your competitors attract all the business! Call 296-9988 $10 per week • Don’t let your competitors attract all the business! Call 296-9988

McCall BS pg:May 21 ad 6/28/17 1:10 PM Page 1

C & V WRECKER SERVICE

$10 per week • Don’t let your competitors attract all the business! Call 2969988

Craig Stowe Owner

PO Box 1376 2425 Hwy 124 S. Winnie, TX 77665

409-296-9542

$10 per week • Don’t let your competitors attract all the business! Call 296-9988

$10 per week • Don’t let your competitors attract all the business! Call 296-9988

Helping Hands Transportation

Helping with non emergency Doctor appoinments, shopping, Post Office, and social visits.

Call for appointment.

Kimberly Silcox 409-201-5268 helpinghandstransportationsetx@gmail.com

$10 per week • Don’t let your competitors attract all the business! Call 296-9988

Wednesday,May 27, 2020

East Chambers 2020 Graduates

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

PAGE 6

*Linnea Abraham

Jorge Acosta

Nancy Aguilar

*Yenifer Aguilar

Roberto Alvarez

*Dusten Armentor

Chloe Asher

Adaly Aviles

Angelica Bagwell

Ruth Barcenas

Torreyon Barrett

*Karlee Barron

*Shelby Bennett

Caleb Bertrand

*Makahla Bolin-Davis

Zion Broussard

*Emma Burkhalter

Zack Busby

Jessica Comacho-Sandoval

Mason Case

Evelyn Casillas

Jakayla Ceasar

*Ariana Charles

*Brooke Charpiot

Israel Chavez

Jose Chavez

*Harlie Collier

Tanner Crone

Axel Davila

Conner Davis

Zechariah Davis

Jayla Deculus

*Kristen Devillier

*Lance Devillier

Kayla DeYoung

Kaleb Dodd

Tyler Duhon

Jarron Dunlap

Star Duraso

Naomi Ellis

Austin Flynn

*Tori Foreman

Maria Francisco

*Grayson Galbreath

*Sesar Garcia

Sarah Gonzales

Trent Guidry

Isaiah Hart

Phengang Heng

Nancy Hernandez

Sierra Hutson

Tim Jones

Demorion Joseph

Weston Kash

Cassie Kemmer

Abigale Larson

Nash LeBoeuf

Hunter Lindsey

Alejandro Lopez

Jesus Lopez

Yanellie Lopez

*Tatum Loupe

Kulwinder Maan

*Daniel Maggio

Lacee Maldonado

Alberto Martinez

Tracey Martinez

*Wyatt Meaux

Cade Meguess

*Ellie Miller

Diana Mireless Vargas

*Montana Mitchell

Angela Netro

Mira Patel

Francisco Perez

Jacory Perrault

Breanna Phelps

Isabell Phelps

Austin Pickett

Skylar Pinkard

Karleigh Price

*TyAnna Randle

Matlock Reves

Easton Rivea

Eric Roberts

Jocelyn Rodriguez

Briceida Sanchez

Tyler Schexnaider

Nolton Shelvin

Christian Simien

Carlie Simon

Kameron Smith

*Rachael Smith

*Ana Soto

*Dalton Stewart

Bo Stobart

Anahi Nancy Serrato Ramirez Serrato Ramirez

*Jaycee Strandlie

Kali Thomasse

*Zach Tiner

Johan Daniela Olalde Garcia Orduna Lopez

*Jessica Torres

Perla Torres

Steven Underwood

Alex Varela

Valedictorian

Salutatorian

*Lauren Threadgill

Preslea Thibodeaux

*McKenzie Warnock

Class Colors: Green and Gold Class Flower: White Gerbera Daisy Class Song: "Always Remember You" by Miley Cyrus Class Motto: "Every ending is the beginning of something new."

Tatyana White

*Charlotte Williams

David Zuniga

PAGE 5

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

Adrianna Acosta

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Megan Barfield

Lauren Beck

Ashley Bennett

Maci Bennett

Logan Borne

Jessenia Cabrera

Jose Cabrera

Maylin Castillo

Ana Chavez

Quintrell Coates

Tat'Tiara Coats

Crystal Moreno

Richard Davis

Cecilia Delacruz

Brylie Dillard

Charles Fertitta

Vanessa Garcia

Ares Goins

Kevin Gonzales

Sara Graves

Jordan Gray

Mikayla Griffith

Jackson Hampton

Santiago Hernandez

Marco Hinojosa

Destina Husand

Kimberly Innerarity

Foster Kreuzer

Donald Langham

Cydney Lassetter

Kaytlyn Latham

Christa Morris

Eduardo Muniz

Emily Muniz

Kyralyn Phillips

Sierra Rainey

Giovani Solis

Jessey Staner

Laurena Brisboy

Elenilson Baires

Anahuac 2020 Graduates

Bree'Anna Anderson

Chace Cormier

Jessica Gonzales

Makaela Hampton

Logan Hatfield

James Thomas Henry

Daniel Jacobo

Karissa Jarcik

Madison Kirkpatrick

Kaylee Lopez

Emily Magana

Brian Mcdaniel

Joanna Mcgregor

Hannah Nash

Sarah Nitzschke

Jennifer Noack

Teriyan Nyaribo

Cecilia Palacios

Christian Reyes-Medina

Arnoldo Rodriguez

Morgan Rose

Jose Sanchez

Madison Sherman

Madison Smith

Ferris Tilton

Ngan Tran

Bryan Vargas

Christian Vargas

Kate Wagner

Brandon Windbrush

David Wood

Tyler Irvine

Valedictorian

Salutatorian

Tracy Ly

Sydney Bertrand

Javier Zendejas

Class Colors: Black and Gold Class Flower: Sunflower Class Song: "Here's to You" by Abby Banon Class Motto: "Even through hardships, we fight like a Panther; from 9/11 to a Pandemic, we made it!"

Classifieds

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Free for individuals selling personal items

Call (409)296-9988 • Fax (409)296-9987 htpress99@gmail.com

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

PAGE 8

Let our readers know about your garage sales, help wanted, services....

Deadline: Monday before publication at 12 noon

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

Palms RV Park 721 9th Street, Winnie. Showers, laundry room, wifi, propane bottle exhange, privacy fence, security cameras.

409.673.5927

Do you have too much stuff in your garage? Is your attic over flowing with items you rarely or ever use? Place a garage sale ad for free!

House for rent: brick house, 3 bed 2.5 bath, inside has washer, dryer & refrigerator. very nice house. one month $1,200. One year contract please call 832-298-8159 House for rent in Winnie.

3/2/2 with Central Air & Heat, fresh paint, new frig and stove, on almost 1 acre of property.

House sits high and dry never flooded. $900 per month 713-829-3791 4x5 Round bales Horse quality in barn $50.00 Call 409-781-2236 One bedroom apartment. $550 deposit $550. Call Reenay 409-201-0399

House for Sale

405 Hagemeier St. Winnie 3Br 2Ba 2,479 sq ft.

110,000 Phone 296-2265 OIL, GAS, &

WE BUY

MINERAL RIGHTS

Both non-producing and producing

including Non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI) Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation.

HELP WANTED Handyman needed for only a few hours work around the house and yard.

409-296-6224 General Labor crew needed. Duties include: shoveling, weed-eating/ mowing, pouring concrete, laying pipes and clearing land. Background check and drug screen required.

Tempto-hire - $12.00 per hour. Call us at 835-5566.

Help needed for elderly mother, 3 days on 3 days off, includes nights. Call Betty at 409-893-2623 FOR RENT 1600 sq. ft. for rent.

Window display, Highway frontage 409-781-0918 1000 sq. ft. office space for rent. 409-781-0918.

House for rent in Winnie.

3 bed, 1.5 bath + game room, fenced backyard.

Brick house in nice neighborhood. $1,200 month +deposit. 409-7890289 FOR LEASE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

SERVICES

Cub SI40 farm tractors 14’50’ mobile home - large dog house metal - garden tiller - 3 drilling rigs want to buy disk - brush hog - tractor w/ front loader. 281-788-7838 Brick, 3 bedroom, 1 bath, 2 car carport , electric stove, microwave, central air & heat.

Newly remodeled, large fenced backyard.

Very nice starter home.

139,000dollars. 322 Oak Ave. Winnie, Tex. 77665 Contact number: 4 0 9 - 7 1 9 - 6 0 2 2

Canal City lot for sale by owner on the middle canal undeveloped Lot #302, 1468 Van Sant Gilchrist TX call Alan 409-9393240 no texts $30,000 2004 40' Mountain Air motorhome, made by Newmar.

250 Cummings diesel, 6 speed Allison transmission $25000.00 Call 409-277-0883 or 409-277-9872

AAAA Appliance Repair - For all your household appliance repairs -washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves ovens, range, ventahoods!

Dependable service, fair rates! 409-243-2465! The best appliance repair guy in SE Texas. Leave a message if no answer and we’ll get back to you ASAP!

Box Blade $40.00, Scoop $25.00, Push blade for ditch witch $100.00, 12" plow $50.00, Trailer axles $40.00 - $100.00 each, 2 Tractor tires (price negotiable), PVC pipe 1 1/2 to 4" $50.00, 16 ' Flat bed trailer $500.00. Call 409-457-5204

14’x20’portable building -very good shape. $3,000 409-673-4334 Commercial gas tank for sale $700. refrigerator for sale $80. please call 832-298-8159 Country living Coldspring, TX 2.5 AC 2 bd 2 bth 2 car carport stg loft and 2 bd cabin mancave. 713724-8510 713-724-3114 Music equipment for sale. Local band retiring.

Pas, audio, amps, guitars, speakers, etc. 409-286-2238 12 ft. batwing modern ag. like new, only 5 hours on it. $8900.00 409-656-2975

Garry BrattenExperienced Handyman.

No job too small or large.

409-354-8280.

Horse hay 4x5 fertilized

4x5 Round bales Horse Jiggs Bermuda in barn $50.00/ quality in barn $50.00 roll. Call 409-781-2236 Call 409-781-2236

Horse and cow pasture for lease. One mile from Winnie. 20 acres and 2 barns. $100/month.

4 0 9 - 4 6 6 - 6 4 1 7 , 4 0 9 - 2 9 6 - 9 2 6 7 Cat D3 LGP Dozer Horse hay 4x5 fertilized Jiggs Bermuda in barn $50.00/ new engine, tracks, roll. Call 409-781-2236 rollers and segments. Queen size bedroom Hydraulic cylinder set, includes dresser with rebuilt. New brushings. mirrors and one nightstand. $30,000. 409-656-2975 $300.00. Call 409-291-1288 Cat 3406, new rods &main bearings, marine gear includes PTO & hydraulic pump. Shaft is 2 1/2" x 12'3" w/4 blade prom 3 drum winch & stainless cables.

Engine on stand to hear run in Oak Island. 936-546-4401

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PAGE 9

Culture/Lifestyle

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

WOODS, WATERS, and WILDLIFE

FOR THE LOVE OF A GOAT

By John Jefferson

A recent column told about fishing when my Labrador nearly capsized our canoe late one December afternoon. She saw me casting and thought I had thrown something for her to retrieve. When my lure hit the water, she was assured of it and launched. Swimming into the line with a large fish on one end of it and me on the other, she snapped the line

Welcome Neighborhood Net Readers!

I yelled that for costing me a big fish, she could just swim home. The boat ramp where we were taking out was a short swim away (for her).

Had she faltered, I would have jumped in to save her. And that reminded me of another time she caused me to have a chilling swim to rectify something else her exuberance had caused.

It was opening day on our new deer lease.

After the morning hunt, one hunter wanted to move his stand. Three of us

went to help. My dog, “Choco”, went, along.

As we finished, I heard the exciting bark of a dog in full chase. A goat had wandered near and the race was on. I ran toward them yelling, “NO!” The goat made it to the lake and splashed in.

Choco stopped and looked back at me like, “Did you see that? Silly animal thinks it can outswim a water dog!”

The landowner had been dubious about leasing, and we knew causing a livestock loss would be bad. A hunter volunteered

to swim out after the goat. I said, “No; my dog was responsible.

I’ll go.”

Shedding boots and everything except my underwear, I cautiously entered the chilly November water.

At first the goat swam farther into the lake.

Its cloven hooves didn’t provide speed and I finally caught up with it as it seemed to be slipping deeper under the water.

Grabbing a handful of hide behind its head, I began side stroking back to shore using lifesaving training I had received as a

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

teenager. It was the only thing I could think to do.

My hunting buddies were literally rolling on the ground laughing at the unfolding scene. My charge was helpless by then, and put up no resistance, although avoiding its hooves was a problem.

When we got near shore, the goat got traction in the mud and wobbled out onto the bank to Choco’s delight. I ask the amused onlookers to stop laughing enough to hold Choco’s collar. I didn’t feel like doing any more

goat rescuing that day. Exhausted and shivering, I sat on a log and tried to dry off.

The goat turned and looked at me, like “What the … just happened?” Then it slowly plodded away.

We didn’t tell the landowner about, but I finally wrote about it years later. She had grown to trust us, so I gave her a copy, and she thought it as funny as my laughing compatriots had.

Sadly, that was before cell phones, and nobody had pictures of my lifesaving a stupid goat.

As adorable as a kid goat might look, like kittens, they grow up less cuddly. And not altogether smart. Pictured isn’t the one in the story. That one was bigger and less cooperative. Especially in cold November lake water. Contributed photo.

News

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Texas A&M System Brands Landmark Campus in Texas Medical Center Texas A&M University System announced the name of its landmark 5-acre campus in Houston, TX at the prominent intersection of Holcombe Blvd and Main St. near the Texas Medical Center (“TMC”). Setting a new standard for collaboration in engineering, medicine, research and education is the first all-new mixeduse campus for the Texas A&M System in Houston: Texas A&M Innovation Plaza.

The TexasA&M University System initiated the new campus by acquiring and renovating an 18-story office building at 1020 Holcombe to be the home for EnMed, a unique two-degree program that provides students the chance to earn a master’s degree in engineering from Texas A&M and a medical degree from the Texas A&M College of Medicine.

The EnMed Building will open later this year.

Complementing the academic, research, discovery and innovation missions of the EnMed Building, Texas A&M Innovation Plaza will

provide a welcoming, secure and vibrant experience to the campus population and visitors alike, with generous green spaces and lifestyle amenities not commonly found in the TMC area.

With groundbreaking scheduled in late 2020, the System’s publicprivate partnership (P3) developer is bringing additional investment of $401 million to fulfill unmet needs with two complementary towers total an additional 1.9 million square feet.

“EnMed is just the first example of innovation that Texas A&M System intends to bring to the Texas A&M Innovation Plaza,” said Chancellor John Sharp. “We are excited to have such a visible location in the Texas Medical Center.”

Scheduled to deliver in June 2022, a 19-story, 714-bed student housing tower will overlook a scenic plaza flanked by a large garage with retail and dining at grade with convenient, affordable parking for 2,800 vehicles.

Texas A&M medical students and Prairie View

A&M nursing students will be given priority for housing, but students from other institutions could fill open slots, if available.

Scheduled to be delivered in January 2024 is a 17-story, 515,000 squarefoot integrated medical building that will be built atop the 13-story parking structure. With generous, efficient floorplates and robust building technologies, this integrated medical building will be ideally suited to medical, clinical, biomedical, tech and office uses.

Accessible via Main St., Holcombe Blvd. and Fannin St., Texas A&M Innovation Plaza is also adjacent to the METRO TMC Station, providing convenient connectivity via bus and light rail service to the TMC, Museum District and Downtown Houston.

The developer for the P3 projects is Medistar Corporation.

American Triple I Partners, founded

by Texas A&M alum Henry Cisneros, is part of the financing team.

Congratulations to 2020’s high school seniors! Never have so many grads not walked across a stage via computer connection to receive a virtual diploma from someone wearing cap-and-gown, mask, and rubber gloves.

I’ll never forget the day I graduated high school. I recall an early June evening, so hot even my cap’s tassel sweated.

I’m sure the guest speaker said something important. I think it was something about “facing the future.” (What else was there to face?)

Since that long-ago night, I’ve been to more commencements than a cap-and-gown salesman.

I even know all the words to “Pomp and

Circumstance,” which is pretty tough since it’s an instrumental.

But -- more important for you -- I’ve compiled a list of graduation speech sayings, and what they might really mean.

Whether you go to an in-person graduation, or a virtual one, the advice may come in handy. So, adjust your mortar board, hum the alma mater, and keep reading: 1. “You’ve prepared for this day for 12 years.”

– Meaning: Congratulations for staying in school.

2. “Today you leave yesterday behind.” -Meaning: The school will assign your old locker to someone else.

3. “Your wonderful town looks the same as I

remember it.” – Meaning: The speaker hasn’t been back to town in 83 years.

4. “You are the leaders of the future.” -Meaning: Your time will come. For right now, take a job that will make your car payment.

5. “The road of life has many turns.” – Meaning: Prepare to hear something inspirational.

6. “I want to thank your wonderful principal and vice-principal for inviting me today.” – Meaning: The speaker doesn’t remember their names, but he does remember their titles.

7. “Tomorrow, graduates, you start a new life.” -- Meaning: Weekly allowance stops, job begins.

Flaky Fables by Rix Quinn

THE HOMETOWN PRESS

PAGE 10

G e o r g e P. B u s h H o s t s V i r t u a l Memorial Day Ceremony Texas Land Commissioner and Chairman of the Veterans Land Board George P. Bush hosted a virtual Memorial Day ceremony in honor of our military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The ceremony featured Retired U.S. Navy Four-Star Admiral William McRaven as the keynote speaker and remarks by Veterans Land Board Chairman George P. Bush. A wreath-laying ceremony and a performance of “Taps” were conducted over live stream from our Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.

"Memorial Day is a day to think about how we can honor our Veterans through

more than words but with action and service day after day," said Chairman George P. Bush. At the Land Office, we celebrate our Veterans every single day and we've raised awareness around the challenges that the 1.8 million Veterans have in the state of Texas - whether its transitioning into civilian life or dealing with mental health challenges and coming forward with practical solutions.

"Everything great and noble and honorable in this world is worth sacrificing for and today, Memorial Day, we remember all those who gave everything so that the rest of us could live in freedom and strive for peace, said Admiral

McRaven. All those who are buried at local cemeteries state and national cemeteries, and a section 60 at Arlington, their sacrifice is a clarion call to all of us who remain."

Although we as Texans are walking through unprecedented times, it is our utmost desire to ensure our Texas Veterans remain our top priority and are remembered for the sacrifices they have made. We are thankful to have the opportunity to gather together (virtually) today to honor our Veterans despite the unusual look of our current days. No matter what we as Texans face, we always have a reason to be thankful: our servicemembers.

U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) issued the following statement after the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, announced the details of the new Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“America’s agriculture industry has been tremendously important during these unprecedented times,” said Babin. “Our farmers and ranchers have been working relentlessly over the past several months to ensure grocery stores remain stocked and Americans continue to have food on

their tables – but we must remember that this pandemic has negatively impacted parts of the agriculture sector as well. Thanks to Secretary Perdue, the CFAP will provide much needed relief for this vital industry.

“Beginning on May 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), will be accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses. I highly encourage all farmers, ranchers, and producers who have been negatively affected by COVID-19 to apply for this relief as quickly as possible.

“The CFAP will help our agriculture industry in two significant ways. The first

way is to compensate farmers – using funds provided by the CARES Act – for up to $9.5 billion in losses due to price declines that have occurred during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The second way uses the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to compensate producers for up to $6.5 billion in losses due to continuing market disruptions.

“Agriculture is the backbone of America, and we need to make sure our farmers and ranchers are provided all the resources necessary to successfully do their jobs.

My office and I remain ready to provide assistance or clarification about the CFAP, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

New COVID-19 Food Assistance Program

2007 Ford F150 4x4

$11,990.00

2012 Ford Fusion

$9,990.00

2008 Toyota Rav 4

$10,990.00