Walker County Press 04-22-2021

VOL 5 ·ISSUE 25 PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Permit #60 WINNIE, TX

HISD Trustees Meet

Thursday April 22, 2021

H o r n e t s G i r l s Tr a c k V e r y Successful at Regional Meet Jordan Collins - 3rd place 200m.

4x400m relay took 1st place - Jordan Collins, Mahalia Twine, Alyssa Fielder, Aubrey Dennis).

Shot Put - Kylee Lehman and Candra Mock finished 1st and 4th.

Discus - Kylee Leh-

Huntsville High School Head Basketball Coach Jay Oliphant is recognized during the recent school board meeting. The Hornets finished their season as undefeated District, Bi-District, and Area Champions with Coach Oliphant being named Coach of the year in District 16-5A.

By Wade Thibodeaux in regular session on The Huntsville ISD Thursday, April (conyd Board of Trustees met on page 8)

Bearkats Complete Perfect Season

The Lady Hornets relay teams did exceptionally well at the Area track meet held last week in Hallsville, Texas.

By Wade Thibodeaux The Huntsville Lady Hornet Track Team traveled to Hallsville last Wednesday, April 14, 2021 for the 5A Area Track Meet. The Lady Hornets were able to place 13 girls in the top four places and they advanced to the Regional Meet on April 23-24 and the team finished the meet The Bearkats defense stymied UIW all day last Sat- in 2nd place out of 13 urday, holding the high powered offense to only 14 schools. Following is points. a listing of the places

By Wade Thibodeaux to San Antonio (contd achieved at the Area Sam Houston traveled on page 9) meet:(top 4 places ad-

man 2nd place.

Markia Sweat finished 5th in Triple Jump.

Alyssa Fielder and Jasmine Walker finished 1st and 6th in High Jump.

Congratulations to all who competed and good luck to those advancing to the Regional Meet.

vance) Karen Kiratu placed 1st in the 3200m run and 5th in the 1600m.

4x100m relay placed 3rd (Jasmine Walker, Alyssa Fielder, Aquarius Howard, Maciah Martin).

Aubrey Dennis - 3rd place in the 800m.

4x200m relay placed 2nd (Jordan Collins, Alyssa Fielder, Maciah Martin, Markia Sweat).

Laila Diaz and Mahalia Twine - 5th and Some of the Lady Hornets showing off some of their awards and medals after the Area track 6th in the 400m. meet last week.

Thursday April 22, 2021

Community

frey, Myrcella and Tommen 35. Douses 37. Adjutant 39. Article of faith 40. Genuflecting joint 41. *TV mother to Alexis and David, “friend” to Jocelyn Schitt 43. “Will be,” as sung by Doris Day 44. Perform in a play 46. Load sixteen tons, e.g.

47. Peacock’s pride 48. *Mowgli’s adoptive mother 50. Apartment 52. Skeleton in a lock 53. Part of a jousting outfit 55. Spelling competition 57. *Mother to Carlton in “The Fresh Prince of BelAir” THEME: FICTIONAL MOTHERS Solution on page 9 60. “Well, I’m ACROSS 16. Daisy-like movie a-standin’ on a cor1. Build a collection bloom 23. Before tac ner in ___, Arizo6. Economic mea17. Much of it about 24. Ripped na,” from the Eagles sure acronym nothing?

25. Part of Super “Take it Easy” 9. *Beverly Gold18. Commotions Bowl entertainment, 64. Country’s berg’s schmoopie 19. *She’s ‘Bow’ to pl.

LeAnn ____ 13. Use an ÈpÈe Dre in TV sitcom 28. Homesteader’s 65. Hoover’s agen14. Neither here “Blackish” measure cy acronym ____ there 21. *Mother to Jo, 30. *”Game of 67. Piano practice 15. Tall ancient Meg, Amy and Beth Thrones” Lannister piece, e.g. monument March in novel and and mother to Jof68. Church song

Walker County Press-Page 2

69. What Usain Bolt did 70. Poisonous substance 71. *Wife to Papa, mother to Baby 72. Sum it up 73. Go on a buying spree DOWN 1. Way, way off 2. ____ Verde National Park 3. Naysayer’s favorite prefix?

4. What bloodhound is after 5. Croatia’s neighbor 6. Nibble away 7. Affirmative action 8. Movie trailer, e.g.

9. Elementary particle 10. *Claire Dunphy and Mitchell Pritchett’s mother 11. Soothing lotion ingredient 12. Bell and Barker, e.g.

15. Christopher Kimball’s “Milk ____” 20. ____’s razor 22. Part of a circle 24. Tiresome 25. Questioner 26. *”Mamma Mia!” mamma 27. Do this or forever hold your peace

29. ‘80s band “Quiet ____” 31. Catch one’s breath 32. ____ a peak 33. Bone-chilling 34. Europe’s “boot” 36. Short for seconds 38. *She played Ricky Schroder’s stepmom on “Silver Spoons” 42. Defendant’s excuse 45. Religious belief 49. ____ Khan 51. Plural of #39 Across 54. Below, prefix 56. Impede 57. “Everywhere you want to be” credit card 58. Muslim holy man 59. Plural of velum 60. *Ellen, Scarlett’s mother in “Gone with the ____” 61. Like the best accommodations 62. War god in Norse mythology 63. Make one’s way 64. Dashboard acronym 66. *Kunis, Hahn and Bell as “____ Moms”

Walker County Press-Page 3

Business Directory

Thursday April 22, 2021 2801 Old Houston Road 936-435-0303 www.tomorrowspromise.com email: tpms1@msn.com fax: 936-730-8278

TEXAS MEDIA CORP Huntsville

Wade Thibodeaux (936) 581-5161

P.O. Box 149

Huntsville, Tx 77342

wade@txmediacorp.com

Auto

Tomorrow’s Promise

Covid may have changed things, but children still learn the same way!

Our hours have changed to 5:00am - 6:30pm

Home

Texas Tidbits From Historic Tours of Texas

Commercial

Sam Houston was baptized twice?

Life

Did you know...?

The rest of the answer can be found at historictoursoftexas.com

Health Office: 936-295-6000 Email: huntsvilleoffice@ rolloinsurance.com Steven R. Gregory - Agent www.rolloinsurance.com 1010 University Ave. Huntsville, TX 77320

e Divin nge Cha Life

Adult Sitter Services in your home or placement in our Personal Care home

LLC

You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of the elderly.

-Leviticus 19:32

24 Hour Care or Adult Day Care Daily Activities and Scheduled Outings All Meals Provided Cleaning and Laundry Assistance with Medication and Hygiene

“Help With A Heart When Life Changes”

936-650-7199

Candace Ugarte - Owner/Operator

Thursday April 22, 2021

Arrest Report

Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home -All Prearranged Services Honored -Prearranged Funeral Sales

Joetta’s

Women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories Home Decor and gifts Tyler Candles and Glamour Wash

office: 936-661-6125 www.joettas.com

Walker County Press-Page 4

1700 Normal Park Huntsville, TX 77340

Located in West Hill Mill

936-291-7300

From the office of Walker County Sheriff

Clint McRae Thirty-Five individuals were arrested and booked into the Walker County Jail between Tuesday, April 13 and Monday, April 19.

Continued indictments

from last week are also as followed.

The individuals named 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 Walker County, but perhaps was simply arrested in Walker County on

outstanding warrant(s) while in Walker County.

In instances in which individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants, their orig-

inal conviction and the reason they are on probation or parole, if available, is included in parenthesis set.

Walker County Press-Page 5

Arrest Report

Thursday April 22, 2021

Personalizing Your Events...Since 1957 www.huntsvilleheartfieldflorist.com office: 936-295-5448

Corner of 16 and 31 Sam Houston Ave.

Local News

Thursday April 22, 2021

Baptist: -University Heights Baptist Church worship services every Sunday at 9:30am and 10:45am -First Baptist Church Hunts-

Church Services

ville every Sunday bible study at 9:30am, worship at 10:50, and 6:00pm Catholic: -St. Thomas the Apostale Catholic Church Rosary

Letters to the Editor

March 27, 2021 I am writing in response to Darren Grant’s Covid-19 Update in which he calls for the lockdown and mask mandates to continue until “this thing is licked.” I’m sure he must have noted that in the 3 weeks since Gov. Abbots “Neanderthal” decision, Covid cases have continued to drop week by week.

But whether they had or not, are we to continue to live our lives in fear of germs? Every day of our lives we live in an ocean of bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins, all of which are out to kill us. How is it that someone like me has survived 80 years without wearing a mask or social distancing? Answer: my God-given immune system, modern sanitation methods and basic self-care and hygiene. If lockdowns and mask wearing are so efficacious, why haven’t we done them for all the previous

Walker County Press-Page 6

pandemics such as SARS, Covid 1, swine flu, bird flu, Ebola, MERS, etc.? Answer: science and observation tell us lockdowns are disastrous for human beings and society and they do very little to stop a virus. In fact, states with heavy lockdowns did no better, often worse, than those without. A virus will virus.

Nobel Price winner Michael Lovitt says, “There is no doubt in my mind that when we look back on this, the damage done by lockdowns will far exceed any saving of lives by a huge factor.” Even the WHO said that lockdowns are not beneficial, that the cost/benefit analysis doesn’t add up. Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director stated, “The number of children who are hungry, isolated, abused, anxious, and living in poverty has increased. At the same time, their access to education, socializa-

at 5:00pm and 5:30pm (English) every Saturday and every Sunday at 7:45am (English), 10:45am (English, and 12:30pm (Spanish)

tion, nutrition, health services and protection as decreased. The sings that children will bear the scars of the pandemic lockdown for years are unmistakable.”

What about masks?

Initially, Fachi told the truth: people should not wear masks because they don’t do any good. Today, science confirms that masks are ineffective.

A recent scientific study was done in Denmark with 6000 participants.

Half wore surgical grade masks and the other half wore none. At the end of the study, both groups were tested.

In the mask-wearing group, 2% of the participants tested positive for Covid; in the control group, 2.1% tested positive. In other words, masks make no difference health-wise bu they are a great tool for psychological control if that is your goal.

The lockdowners have lost the debate with their soul-crush-

Methodist: -First United Methodist Church worship every Sunday at 8:30am, 9:45am and 11:00am

Presbyterian: -First Presbyterian Church Huntsville classes every Sunday at 9:15am and worship at 10:30am

Non-Denominational: -The Ark Church. 10:30 am service. Loman’s Student Center, 1717 Avenue J. Lead Pastor - Luke Cunningham. 936-463-8416

ing policies but they enjoy the power too much to admit it.

The lockdowns has been absolutely devastating in so many ways. The CDC reported a four-fold increase in depression, a three-fold increase in anxiety symptoms, and a doubling of suicidal ideation, particularly among young adults. The AMA reports an increase in drug overdoses and suicides.

Domestic and child abuse have been skyrocketing due to the isolation and loss of jobs. Unemployment itself is devastating to individuals and families. People see their savings used up.

Small businesses by the tens of thousands have succumbed to dictorial, draconian and ultimately useless rules. Thousands of churches have closed forever. Schools were closed for no good

reason. Bear in mind the lockdowns rules were never debated and passed by any legislature, so we, the people, had no voice in it. Arbitrary rules were dictated by governors, judges, mayors and petty underlings. Now store owners, like Kroger’s, have taken on the mantle of petty dictatorship. And science tells us it is all for nothing.

The Great Barrington Declaration is a document co-authored by medical scientists and epidemiologists from Stanford, Harvard and Oxford and signed by over 50,000 doctors, scientists and public health practitioners. It calls for an end to devastating lockdowns. IF you haven’t heard of it, it is because the medical experts are censored (“canceled”) because the truth they reveal does not fit the current

political narrative and so the MSM and the tech giants deplatform them. Covid is a virus like thousands of others that have come and gone. It is actually pretty mild considering it has a 99+% recovery rate for most people. It is treatable, especially if you begin treatment within the first 5 days of symptoms. Unless we choose to live in solitary confinement and have little kids wear masks for the rest of their lives and live in paranoid fear of their neighbors, it is time to put this sorry episode behind us and start living life again as we once did.

America is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Benjamin Franklin said, “He who would sacrifice liberty for the illusion of safety will have neither.”

Montie Shelton, Huntsville

Letters Policy

The Walker County Press prints Letters to the Editor on a space-available basis. All letters must be submitted with the name and hometown of the author along with a phone number to be used for verification purposes. The phone number will not be printed. Deadline for Letters to the Editor is Friday at 5 p.m. prior to each week’s edition. Email letters to wade@walkercountypress.com or mail them to P.O.Box 149, Huntsville, Tx 77342.

Thursday April 22, 2021

Local News

Moore for Your Money by Ken Moore Financial Literacy – Fun Ways for Families to Save April is National Financial Literacy Month and this year it could not come at a more perfect time.

Helping customers navigate the rough ride of the pandemic has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve always felt that having a plan of action sets the course for smoother sailing. So, to make the financial planning discipline a little easier, now is a great time to include the whole family and make the saving habit a fun process. As a family, you may be inspired to save for a vacation, a new car, or college education.

Here are some ideas to include the whole family in the process.

1. Make savings a family game. A simple way to start is to make a savings pot for monopoly or other games you currently play. The losers of the game contribute a small amount towards a weekly or monthly family fun night. Or the savings pot can be designated for a

bigger outing in the summer. The spirit of the game is focused on sharing and enjoying your time together while reinforcing delayed gratification and working together to meet a goal.

2.

Enjoy the fun of making your own money.

Whether saving for individual or family goals, when everyone contributes, the goal is reached much faster. Some fun ways to raise cash are through a family garage sale, bake sale, selling handmade arts and crafts, or even selling electronics and gadgets online. All proceeds go right into the family fund for a vacation, new TV, or gaming console.

3. Match kid’s savings. Sometimes it can be hard to save the birthday or holiday money that kids receive as gifts. One way to add incentive to save is by matching this money dollar for dollar when placed in a savings account. This can really be exciting to see their money immediately doubled.

4. Start the en-

velope system. To help build the habit of saving and planning ahead, try using the envelope system to set money aside for separate purposes.

Envelopes can be marked with the intended saving goal. Encourage your family to regularly contribute to their envelope until the goal is met.

Smaller children can even save for treats such as ice cream and movie rentals.

Help them to set weekly contribution amounts to reach a monthly goal. This is a very tangible way to learn the value of saving and it builds confidence and satisfaction in meeting goals.

5. Enlist the help of a community banker. All of us in the Anahuac National Bank family of banks can be an excellent resource for you. We can help you open kids savings accounts and show them how to log their deposits and interest payments to watch their money grow. We can even set up a shared family account to keep you on track

and also offer money market savings accounts and CDs to help your family save.

This year, we are adding special emphasis to Financial Literacy month through our Facebook posts.

We will be posting downloadable coloring pages about sav-

Walker County Press-Page 7

ing, posting about these fun ways to save, and asking for your input to show us what you are saving for and how your family is involved.

Be sure to like our Facebook page to join the fun and encourage young savers. Financial Literacy is critical in that it

equips us all with the knowledge and skills we need to manage money effectively. It is the one thing that will impact almost every aspect of our life. We take pride in our role in helping families and businesses succeed. We thank you for your continued support.

Entergy Texas Earns ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award for Second Consecutive Year

Entergy Texas, Inc. is proud to announce that it has received the 2021 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy for the second year in a row.

The Sustained Excellence award is the highest honor bestowed by the ENERGY STAR program.

Winners are part of a distinguished group that has made a long-term commitment to fighting climate change and protecting public health through energy efficiency.

They are among the nation’s leaders in driving value for

the environment, the economy, and the American people.

“Entergy Texas is honored to be awarded ENERGY STAR’s Partner of the Year designation seven times in the last ten years and to receive our second Sustained Excellence Award,” said Kelley Carson, energy efficiency program manager.

“The energy efficiency team works hard to help design energy efficiency programs that reduce emissions, reduce energy consumption, save our consumers money in the long run and help our customers and communities meet their sustainability goals.”

“ENERGY STAR award-winning part-

ners are showing the world that delivering real climate solutions makes good business sense and promotes job growth,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.

“Many of them have been doing it for years, inspiring all of us who are committed to tackling the climate crisis and leading the way to a clean energy economy.”

Winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2021 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit energ y s t a r. g o v / a w a r dwinners.

Thursday April 22, 2021

Local News Dr. Sheppard gave a short recap of the bond furniture will be available workstations to promote information stating that but all visitors are still social distancing. The encouraged to wear a Nash Board Room will early voting started on mask and follow social remain closed; the Staggs Monday, April 19, 2021 distancing guidelines. The Community Room will and that 15 presentaLibrary will quarantine be available for use, with tions had been made returned items for three limited occupancy, for before the election was days in observance library programs as well of safety precautions. as private events. For called and 10 presentaComputer access will be more information, please tions were made after available on a first-come, contact the Huntsville the election was called first-serve basis using a Public Library at 936- by the board. Two more limited number of library 291-5472. presentations are scheduled. During Dr. Sheppard’s Superintendent to the employee of the and most of the reports report he stated his apmonth and Teacher of were supplied to the preciation for the staff the month and then the board members in writ- and the great job that trustees approving the ten form with no pre- they continue to do and consent agenda. There sentations made other he touched on the Athwere no public com- than a short video from letics program of HISD ments made during the TOPS(Texas Online stating that 7 champispecified agenda time Preparatory School).

Community Calendar Following the guidance of City officials, the Huntsville Public Library will resume its normal service hours and increase the number of services offered to start Monday, May 10, 2021. Library hours will revert to 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday. The reading

H I S D Tr u s t e e s M e e t ( c o n t d )

15, 2021 at 6:00 pm. in the Hawkins Administration Building located at 441 Fm 2821 East in Huntsville, Texas.

The meeting was very routine with the usual awards handed out Subscribe Today Name:____________________ Address:__________________ City, State, Zip: ___________________ $25.00 Mail Check or Money Order to: Walker County Press

P.O Box 149 Huntsville, Tx 77342

We Accept Most Major Credit Cards 409-296-9988

Walker County Press-Page 8

onships had been won during the school year and that athletics give kids a reason to study in order to participate in sports.

The early voting for the bond election has begun with 316 people voting on the first day of early voting at the Walker County Storm Shelter.

Election hours are as follows: April 19-April 27 at the Walker County Storm Shelter, 455 SH 75 North,Huntsville, TX 77320. Hours are 8:00 am until 5:00 pm everyday except Tuesday, April 20, when they will be 7:00am

to7:00pm,Thursday, April 22, when they will be 7:00am to 7:00pm, and Saturday, April 24, when they will be 12:00pm to 5:00pm. The polls will be closed on Sunday, April 25, 2021. Election day is Saturday, May 1, 2021 and the polls will be open 7:00 am. until 7:00 pm. with voting at the Walker County Storm Shelter, the Walker County Annex, the HISD Transportation Building, the Walker County Fairgrounds, and at University Heights Baptist Church. All registered

Thursday April 22, 2021

Local News

Walker County Press-Page 9

voters can vote at any have to vote in your to County wide election location and you do not home precinct thanks procedures.

Bearkats Perfect Season (contd)

last Saturday and finished the regular season undefeated with a lopsided victory over the University of Incarnate Word. It’s the third time to have an undefeated season as a Division 1 program.

The first quarter was scoreless, but the

Bearkats scored on the first play of the second quarter and never relinquished the lead as they pounded UIW 42-14. Sam Houston received more good news Sunday as they were seeded number 2 for the playoffs meaning that the Bearkats

would be home for the entire playoffs until the Championship game in Frisco on Sunday, May 16, 2021.

Sam Houston will play Monmouth at Noon on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Bowers Stadium in Huntsville.

The Lady Hornets wrestling squad competed in the Regional Tournament last Friday and Saturday in Anna, Texas and two Lady Hornets will advance to the State competition.

Jade Ballew brought home second place in her weight class of 128 pounds and she will move on to the state level. Other teammates

who made it to the second day of finals are: Elaina Pietsch in the 102 pound class and she ultimately placed sixth.

Payton Muir in the 148 pound class placed fourth and will wrestle at the state level.

The Hornets had five boys qualified for the Regional Tournament with only Troy Joseph advancing to the State

Competition with a third place finish at Regionals in the 182 pound class. The State UIL 5A wrestling tournament is Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the Berry Center in Cypress, Texas with Huntsville being represented by three wrestlers, Ballew, Muir, and Joseph.

Hornet Wrestling Headed to State

At Tomorrow’s Promise …

“What’s old is NEW again…

and BETTER THAN EVER!”

What once was an “empty space” has become a new

PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL for kids through 3rd grade!

READY. SET. REGISTER! Schedule your tour today.

936-435-0303

Montessori Child Care 6 wks to 12 yrs. old Elementry through Third Grade

2817 Old Houston Rd. • Huntsville Monday - Friday 5:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Thursday April 22, 2021

Community

Walker County Press-Page 10

Covid-19 Update by Darren Grant

It was yet another great week for Covid in Walker County, with cases barely exceeding 10 per day, while vaccinations continue to spread. Over one-third of our county has now had at least their first shot. We are making progress.

Our response to Covid has been a mixture of too little and too much. Too little of some things, too much of others. Some of us have been overly cautious, others not cautious enough.

Initially, some of this stemmed from a lack of knowledge. At first, we didn’t know whether it could spread through surfaces or not. (Pretty much not.) Whether opening schools was dangerous. (Not particularly.) Whether masks helped. (They do.) And so on.

One of my own biases has been to emphasize the role of human behavior too much. You see someone being foolish, part of you thinks they should pay a price.

But that can get in the way of a clear-eyed view of what is going on.

That is the main thing I learned about predicting coronavirus over the course of the pandemic.

The lack of any meaningful effect from the Fair on the Square— or from a much larger get-together, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota—suggested that all social interactions were not equally bad.

The Fair on the Square and Sturgis are both mostly outside, suggesting a larger role for ventilation. You could see that elsewhere, too.

Last summer, cases picked up in the South, including Texas, and people went inside for air conditioning. Then things got really bad up north when it got cold, and people went inside for heat. A month or two later, as it got cold in Texas, cases picked up here too.

All of that indicated a really key role for ventilation, and that predicted really low numbers for us this spring. For that reason, I predicted a great March for us right after the turn of the year, a prediction that held in spades. For that reason, too, I sensed that the premature re-opening of Texas in mid-March would not have much effect, and it hasn’t.

Ventilation also explains why case numbers are picking up right now in the panhandle and in northern parts of the U.S., but not down here. April is just so nice that people get outside, which keeps things under control.

I don’t know how well it’s been studied yet, but I suspect that when the final analysis of Covid-19 is written, the role of ventilation will be even more important than it is now. More important even than masks, maybe. But not more important than vaccines! Go out and get yours soon, if you haven’t already.

Obituaries

Gerry Harding Davis Gerry was born in Palestine, TX May 3, 1919 to Beulah and Willoughby Carter. She was welcomed into the arms of her Heavenly Father April 15, 2021.

Gerry died 2 ½ weeks shy of her 102nd birthday. She spent her life in Huntsville and made an impact on the lives of many.

She attended a revival in Dodge when she was a teenager (1930’s) and gave her life to Jesus and thus began a legacy of faith for her family. She married Floyd Harding and they were married for over 50 years. They were the owners of Walker County Hardware. They had 2 children Lynne and Jimmy. Gerry spent her time taking care of her home and her children.

She and Floyd travelled a lot and spent time in

almost every state and went to Europe.

When her kids were grown and she was an empty nester, she had a lot of fun! She was an avid bowler and was in a weekly bowling league and always went to the National Bowling tournament in Las Vegas where she would come home with medals and money that she won gambling. For many years, she would hook up the boat and go fishing with her friend every week. She was in the Huntsville Garden Club and loved creating beautiful flower arrangements. She hunted. She painted ceramics. She and Floyd went dancing. She was a huge reader. She grew flowers and vegetables.

She got into the stock market in her 70’s and started collecting coins.

Later in life she played canasta and bridge in different groups. She taught Sunday School, and she led the Benevolence group at First Baptist.

She was the best grandmother. She was full of energy and laughs and was fun to be around.

She took her grandkids bowling, fishing, served up fish fry’s, took them hunting, took them antique hunting, took them berry picking and taught them to love berry cobbler and pimento cheese. She always had some craft to keep them busy when they stayed with her. She did a lot these same things with her great grandchildren as well. She killed a snake in her back yard when she was 89!

She had a smile that would light up the room and she loved her family. She will be missed.

Gerry is preceded in death by her husband’s Floyd Harding and Ralph Davis, her daughter Lynne Reynolds and grandson Mark Costilow as well as sister Margie and brothers Billy and Kenneth. She is survived by her son and daughterin-law Jimmy and Judi Harding, her grandson & wife Sean & Sandee Harding, granddaughter & husband Donna & Dave Wolski and great grandchildren Cooper, London & Arden Wolski, and Colten and Sayler Harding.

Walker County Press-Page 11

Community

Sam Houston Memorial

Funeral Home 1700 Normal Park Huntsville, TX 77340 936-291-7300

Spencer Wright Continues Recent Run With Red Bluff Win

The 2020 Red Bluff (Calif.) Round-Up was supposed to be the Northern California city’s celebration of 100 years of professional rodeo, but no rodeo happened last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maybe the wait made it that much sweeter — the 2021 event celebrated the centennial anniversary by setting a record for payout ($306,097) and number of contestants.

The Round-Up was the largest event to happen in the state since the pandemic shut down public gatherings and sporting events.

Utah saddle bronc rider Spencer Wright enjoyed every minute of it, and not just because his 88-point ride on the opening night of April 16 held up for the win at the rodeo’s conclu-

sion April 18.

“It was awesome,” Wright said. “I was surprised to see so many fans ... but they seemed to love it. The committee really did a great job.”

The 2014 Saddle Bronc Riding World Champion set the bar high with his ride aboard Powder River Rodeo’s Miss Valley and wouldn’t be caught through the weekend of rodeo action. He earned $6,937 and valuable ProRodeo Tour points.

“That’s a really good horse, she’s just a colt, but both her parents are NFR horses,” Wright said.

Miss Valley is by Vold Rodeo’s Painted Valley and out of Powder River’s Miss Congeniality.

The mare went to the Wrangler NFR last year and helped Wyatt Casper to a second-place finish in

the second round.

Wright also saw the mare at the RAM Wilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo in 2020.

“My nephew Rusty was like 91 on her there,” he said.

“Yeah, I was really happy to have her. I couldn’t have asked for a better animal.”

Wright built on the momentum he gathered with a reserve finish at the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo last week and has moved inside the top 10 of the PRCA | RAM World Standings.

Wright was fourth in the world in 2019 and just missed the Wrangler NFR in 2020 after finishing 17th.

“It’s nice to get on little hot streaks, you hope you stay on them forever,” he joked.

After Red Bluff, he and brothers and

nephews headed to Texas for the San Angelo Rodeo over the weekend.

They’ll take a little break at home before returning to California for the Clovis Rodeo, April 22-25, another stop on the Pro Rodeo Tour.

“We try to gather up all the points and money we can,” Wright said.

While home in Milford, Wright will try to rest, a task made harder with the birth of his son, Levi, on March 24.

“Our daughter (Steeley), she’s 2, she spoiled us. She slept all through the night from about 2 to 3-weeks-old on. He

wakes up every two hours on the dot,” Wright noted with a laugh. “But he’s healthy, just hungry.”

Having a young family at home makes it tough to hit the road, but Wright still has goals, including another world title.

“The world title is the main goal,” Wright said. “It’s easier to stay gone than to be home and have to get gone.

None of it is a basket of roses, but I do love what I do.”

Other winners at the $306,097 rodeo were all-around cowboy Tanner Green ($9,234, team roping and tie-down

Thursday April 22, 2021

roping); bareback rider Clayton Biglow (88 points on Powder River Rodeo’s Black Leg); steer wrestler Josh Garner (19.5 seconds on four head); team ropers Tanner Green and Clay Futrell (30.9 seconds on four head); tiedown roper Tuf Cooper (35.8 seconds on four head); barrel racer Jessie Telford (34.63 seconds on two runs); breakaway ropers Lakota Bird and Jimmie Smith (5.5 seconds each on two head); and bull rider Shane Proctor (88.5 points on Flying U Rodeo’s Bringin Trouble).

Walker County Press-Page 12

Lifestyle

Sunday Observations by Christy you keep up.

One person posted that they were frantic, all of their cumulative belongings in an RV that was in SERIOUS trouble.

Stuck super deep, as well as their vehicle. Pictures were posted, and help was being begged for, but this was nothing a local fella and his big truck could fix.

Sometimes we just need positivity.

Kindness.

Humanity. We need to see people being decent in this world that is so filled with hate. For those of you that follow any Bolivar pages, you saw it this week. For those that don’t, I will fill you in.

Part of the intrigue to Bolivar Peninsula and our beach, is the freedom on it. That people can drive on it. They can camp on it. I don’t know that I have ever been to the beach and NOT seen someone camping on it. I personally have never wanted to, but hey to each their own. On Tuesday, we had a front

pushing through. We had an extreme high tide. Just as if those things could predict it, we also had an influx of people posting online they were stuck and needed help.

There is an entire social media page for nothing but beach rescues. There is some fine people that are always on hand to go help the person that got off in soft sand. They never charge, they just HELP. I don’t personally know a single person in this group, well...to my knowledge I don’t.

But this goes on all year. When you live 45 minutes from the beach you follow those pages,

And then the condemnation began.

People asking things that had NOTHING to do with the situation.

Saying they were stupid, needed to get jobs, etc., they even felt the need to validate their judgement with words like, someone needs to say this so I will.

I read it all and thought, seriously? These folks are at a horribly low point in their lives to begin with. I have no clue what lead to there situation. They were not from our area, so they know nothing about tide charts and storms.

They needed a place to park and stay and they picked Bolivar....on a bad night. This storm caught everyone off guard though.

But the negative naysayers did not win on this one. The good guys did. You see, some locals that do understand tides, that do know how to help, and that decided their job was to be a blessing, they went to work. From what I read they brought in 1 excavator, 3 trucks with winches, 4 anchor vehicles, and a lot of

experienced folks. Oh at midnight also. Because that was low tide, and water was working against them. But folks they got this crew unstuck. I don’t know if their RV or vehicle are salvageable. As of yesterday, I could tell folks were still helping them, with cleaning it out and trying to get it running.What I do know is for a few hours, some good folks volunteered to help a few souls in need. They did good.

The owners can at least get their things out, the ocean is not dealing with the waste of the vehicles being left to rot, and for today, the good guys won.

Happy Sunday folks, I will never understand

Thursday April 22, 2021 people who feel the need to kick someone when they are down.

To criticize. To critique.

To tell others how they are wrong. If you have the opportunity to be involved in something like this, either just reading of it online or you can actually go help, I hope you choose to help. I hope you choose to keep your opinion to yourself. I hope you choose to be an example, share your experiences to help rather than act superior. If you have never needed the help of others, I urge you to count your blessings. If you have never relied on someone else to save your belongings, I urge you to count your blessings.

More than anything, I urge you to just be kind.

No one cares about your superiority complex.

There is a lot to be said for simply scrolling on by. For saying sending prayers. For saying what you can do to help.

Repeat after me, you do not have to respond to everything you see on social media. Shocking I know. Help the hurting or shut up. It really is as simple as that.

Side note.... today it’s revealed this man that needed help is a retired Texas Police Officer of 25 years. He needed to unwind, and went to the beach. Just like that my point is proven, help the others or shut up. You never know someone’s story.

WOODS, WATERS, and WILDLIFE

RETRO FISHING

By John Jefferson

A lot is written about bass fishing. You’ve even seen some here. If you turn on a “fishing” show on TV, that’s what you usually get.

Many may think that’s the only kind of fishing there is; that it takes an expensive bass boat with a 200-horse-power motor. And that the only worthy fish on your hook is a largemouth bass weighing well over

five pounds. But at one time, there was plenty more.

Now, bass fishing isn’t bad – to each his own.

But those who have never fished need to know there are options.

Maybe a look back before TV and fishing boats costing more than my first house took over will help.

My first tackle consisted of a brittle bamboo pole equipped with braided cotton line and a small Mustad, long- shanked hook on the end. Plastic bobbers hadn’t been in-

vented, then. Discarded bottle corks with a narrow slit cut down a long side with a sharp pocketknife allowed the line to be forced into it. Depth of the bait in the water was adjusted by pulling the line one way or the other through the cork.

Then there was the bait.

Earthworms were favored. Almost all fish devour them. Especially perch (sunfish), catfish, and other delicious edibles. Some used minnows, but they cost more. I was fascinated by my mentor’s glass,

Walker County Press-Page 13 pickle-jar-minnow trap.

A funnel at the mouth led into the jar where a piece of bread floated temptingly. Minnows quickly discovered it and swam around trying to get in.

Once in, they couldn’t escape. I caught my first two bass on a couple of them.

Worms cost a dime a can, back then. I never had enough minnowmoney, so I don’t know their price. But Nature provided excellent bait.

I learned to gently swat grasshoppers with my baseball cap – just hard enough to knock them down without killing

them. Keeping them in a minnow bucket, I headed to the creek. Perch, catfish, and occasionally a bass would hit almost as soon as I dropped the baited hook into the water.

Once, I opened the door to our well- house and was startled! The pump and the floor were COVERED with gray cave crickets. Enough for two day’s bait!

And then were wasp and yellowjacket larvae.

My grandmother taught me how to tie a piece of newspaper to the end of a long stick, light it, carefully dust the nest with

Lifestyle the flame, drop it, and run like a wildcat was after me. This became art.

I got good at running off the insects on the nest, too, without setting the garage on fire. Caution is COMPULSORY! Larvae made terrific bait, but one bite and it was gone. Sometimes I’d torch two nests a day.

But if I told you how many fish I caught with them, you’d swear I was lyin’.

So, if bass fishing baffles you, try simple pole and bait angling. It’s a successful, easy experience.

And you don’t even need a boat!

Thursday April 22, 2021

“Just Kidding!”

Amy overheard her 6-year-old daughter tell her grandmother something that was obviously not true. When Amy questioned Alexa about not telling the truth, Alexa said, “Well, when do I get to ‘kid’?!”

“Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.” (Psalm 120:2)

Lacking a usable photo of a kid fishing with a cane pole, this week’s illustration will be a painting by Sam Caldwell, 2004’s Texas State Artist, used with the artist’s permission. The painting depicts the columnist as a kid with a cane pole just discovering fishing. More Caldwell outdoor art may be seen at samcaldwell.com.

Danny R. Biddy, Chaplain: Chambers County Sheriff ’s Office & Fellowship of Christian Cowboys

Lifestyle

Thursday April 22, 2021

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.

Well, last Friday I celebrated my last birthday that started with a five. I had lots of well wishes on Facebook and I tried to respond to each and every one, but that was just impossible unless I wanted to just sit and watch Facebook all day long. If you did wish me birthday greetings and I didn’t respond, I want you to know that I appreciate each and every one of you. Nonetheless, I was able to get a little time in on the dance floor with one of my favorite entertainers, George........ Dearbonne as he was playing a gig in Liberty at the Elks Lodge.

Traffic was terrible getting there, but once we were there it was like all of the fun that can be had was had and then some.

We danced, we drank, we laughed, and we even took pictures.......of some of the items that were bought during the auction for the fund raiser for the Elks.

Saturday night I was snookered. I’m usually very careful on my birthday about getting caught in one of these restaurant scenarios where they come up and sing to you and try to embarrass you while you’re eating, but I fell right into this little trap. I may have even set myself up as I picked the restaurant. Here’s the play

by play.......some friends were supposed to go with us on Friday night, but because of work schedules, they had to beg off.

So, Saturday afternoon my phone rings and it’s them......him and her on speaker phone wanting to know what we were doing that evening. For just a little bit, I thought about going out to the Montgomery County Fair BBQ cookoff, but then decided on a much tamer evening of just going out to eat at a restaurant. I suggested a mexican food restaurant that was halfway between their place and ours and they quickly agreed to an 8:00 meeting. I should have known something was up when they agreed so quickly, but I still did not click about the birthday thing, and afterall, my birthday was yesterday. We meet at 8:00 and enjoyed a really good meal and after we are all stuffed, the waiter comes around, just like they always do and asked about dessert......still no clue when she orders sopapillas, because I’m wondering where she is going to put those things after the meal that we just had, but okay. Now, I’m sitting with my back to the entire restaurant, which is unusual for me, but it turns out that was planned as well, and my first clue that

I had been had was when I heard them coming behind me and singing.

Let’s just say that I got the whole enchilada......sombrero, singing, cool whip to the nose and mustache, and a big ole sopapilla that I had to try to find a place to absorb. I was so surprised that I think that I even smiled while the pictures were being taken. It was only then that I remembered that she played bokino there every month and knew the manager very well and had the whole ordeal set up shortly after I got off the phone with her.

I assured all three of them that they had birthdays every year and that they were in for quite a treat on their respective birthdays, but they all just seemed to laugh it off, probably thinking that I will forget by the time that their birthday rolls around. I have each of their birthdays in capital letters on my calendar and have already started plotting my revenge.

Now, on to another subject. I usually would tell you a Sonic story, but this week I’m going to tell you a gas station story. I pulled up to the gas pumps to fill up the other day and I was behind someone who was getting gas at the first pump. I got out, put my card in, started pumping

gas and jumped back into my truck. It was only then that I noticed the behavior of the two people in front of me as they were polishing the windows on the back doors of the pickup.

One on each side and they were going to town in circular motions, wiping each section of glass on the door. When they were satisfied that the back door windows were clean, they migrated to the back glass and each completed their side of the rear window and then moved to the part between the cab and the bed of the truck.

Walker County Press-Page 14 Now, I couldn’t find a speck of dust on this vehicle, but they seemed intent on cleaning every nook and cranny of this vehicle. These folks were not just running a rag over this truck, they were putting some elbow grease into this project and then the pump handle clicked off and they both stopped.

The driver got in the truck and the passenger took care of the gasoline hose and returned to the passenger seat. Neither one said a word to the other during this entire process and all that I could think

of during this entire ordeal was that I wished just one of them would come over and wipe some of the mud dripping off of my truck mirrors so that I could see what was behind me.

I wonder what they were thinking about me and my truck that hasn’t had a bath in several months.

I guess that it takes all kinds to make the world go around, so be tolerant of one another regardless of our peculiarities as we travel this great planet.

Till next time, I’m.........

Wade in the Shade.

Want Ads

Walker County Press-Page 15

C O R N H O L E BOARDS, custom made, ACA standards, “no bag bounce”, high quality, unfinished, with folding legs or on wheels! $180.00$210.00 . Also custom drink stands $80 pair.

Call for details Gerald Barosh 936-531-0480 Huntsville, Texas

Job opening for telephone interviewer positions.

Starting $9.00/hr. For more information or to apply online, visit promarkresearch.com Do you need to learn English or get your GED? Call Boys & Girls Club at (936)

Thursday April 22, 2021

291-6054 or text us at Available with all (936) 209-3997. parts needed for layering as required.

Local Boy Scout troop $50.00 Contact in 98 looking for private Huntsville - 936-662land for a weekend 7575 camp out Please contact the Land. FM980 frontscoutmaster at age. $14,500.00 per (936) 661-9086 acre. Individual. I do not answer unknown.

24” GAS LOGS Text 936-581-9773

for information and I carvers. Will discuss will respond. Gene. tree removal. Call 936-662-7575 100 Year old upright Subscribe for just $25 a year PIANO. Some use the Send Subscriptions to Walker County Press P.O Box 149 Huntsville, Tx 77342 decorative wood front Walker County Press owned by: panels to make a large Wade Thibodeaux (Publisher) (Contributing Writer) office desk. Call 936- Daiquiri BeebeRyan Welch (Reporter) Julie Gill (Editor) 662-7575 Walker County Press LARGE BURLS ON ELM TREE for wood

P.O Box 149 Huntsville, Tx 77342 Contact Wade Thibodeaux at wade@ txmediacorp.com or 936.581. 5161 Subscriptions: $25 a year

Want to sell something? Let us help.

Contact us at wade@txmediacorp.com to put your ad in for free for individuals.

Wade A. Thibodeaux Publisher... wade@txmediacorp.com

PO Box 149 • Huntsville, TX 77342

(936) 581-5161

FREE WANT ADS POLICIES

TWO KINDS OF WANT ADS

TO PLACE WANT ADS:

FREE WANT ADS

for NON-BUSINESS PURPOSES:

Mail to: P.O Box 149 Huntsville, Tx 77342 Fill out form at: www.walkercountypress. com

PAID/BUSINESS WANT ADS

DEADLINE is Noon Friday for the following week’s issue. We cannot take want ads over the phone.

Free ads run space permitting. Must resubmit to re-run. Limit of 25 words per ad. Ads will be run on a space available basis.

Individuals & Non-Profits (furniture, clothes, garage sales, etc) Ads are inserted on a space-available basis with no guarantee of insertion.

All business want-ads, Including small & home businesses (babysitting, yard services, house cleaning etc.)

1 time - $10; 4 times - $32; 12 times - $72 • Include payment w/ ad • Cash, check, money order or credit cards accepted.

Sorry, No phone-in want ads

Include phone number(s) and limit your ad to 25 words or less. _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ MAIL TO:

To order, contact Wade Thibodeaux at (936) 581-5161 Texas Media Corp

PO Box 149 • Huntsville, TX 77342

News

Thursday April 22, 2021

Walker County Press-Page 16

2021 CADILLAC CT4 72 MONTHS $1,500 Consumer Cash @ 0.9% APR

PLUS

2021 CADILLAC CT5 72 MONTHS $1,500 Consumer Cash @ 0.9% APR

PLUS

2021 CADILLAC XT6 72 MONTHS $1,750 Consumer Cash @ 0.9% APR

PLUS

2021 CADILLAC XT4 72 MONTHS $1,000 Consumer Cash @ 0.9% APR

PLUS

WIESNERCADILLAC.COM | 936-291-7500 I-45 AT EXIT 116 BOTH WAYS IN HUNTSVILLE! ACROSS FROM HOME DEPOT - HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL 72 months @ 0% offer to well qualified buyers through GM Financial, not all buyers will qualify.

Art for illustration purposes only.

Ad expires 05/04/2021.