VOL 5 ·ISSUE 37 PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Permit #60 WINNIE, TX
H ist o ri ca l C om mission R e c ei v es Awa r d
By Wade Thibodeaux The Walker County Historical Commission was presented with the Texas Historical Commission2020 Distinguished Service Award during the
regular session of Walker County Commissioners Court held on Tuesday, July 5, 2021. Mrs. Helen Belcher received the award for the group during the meeting.
Third Times the Charm for County Commissioners
Seth McKinney of FHN Financial addresses Walker County Commissioners Court about taking advantage of low interest rates to refinance bond debt during a special session of Court held Monday, July 12, 2021. By Wade Thibodeaux tempted the same agenda After having met twice item for the third time in a before in executive ses- special meeting called for sion for the agenda item Monday, July 12, 2021. regarding reorganization This time the Court met and reallocation of Coun- for 39 minutes in executy personnel and taking tive session and (contd on no action, the Court at- page 11)
Thursday July 15, 2021
Walker County Hosts State 4-H Dog Show
These exhibitors were competing in the costume contest.
By Wade Thibodeaux The Walker County 4-H hosted the State 4-H Dog Show last weekend at the Walker County Fairgrounds in Huntsville, Texas. Students and their canine companions competed in various events from
a costume contest to obedience training and skills. The events began Friday, July 9, 2021 with a conformation judging followed by showmanship, tricks, scent work, and a little fun with a costume contest where the dogs were
judged on their costume. An agility workshop was held to close out Friday’s activities. Saturday’s judging included a rally class, an obedience contest, and a challenge called drill in which the activities could be traditional or
freestyle. Some of the contests were divided by the age of the exhibitor and some were divided by the age/experience of the dog. An awards program closed out the event.
The 4-H State Dog Show was held last weekend at the Walker County Fairgrounds.
Thursday July 15, 2021
Community
37. What the phone did 39. Abrupt increase 40. *____ John’s: “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.” 41. Working shoelaces 43. Island east of Java 44. Shockingly graphic 46. Hurtful remark 47. Design detail 48. Canine’s coat 50. Law school prerequisite, acr. 52. a.k.a. Tokyo 53. Muscovite or biotite 55. Uber alternative 57. *”Let’s Go Places” advertiser 60. *”Can You Hear Me Now?” advertiser 64. On the fritz THEME: MOTTOES AND SLOGANS Solution on page 7 65. Wharton deACROSS 17. Filmmaker bridge to Prince of gree 1. 1965 march site Spike Wales 67. Upholstery 6. Bottle top 18. Like a good 24. Blood vessel choice 9. Dried up athlete? 25. The Jackson 5 68. Bell-bottoms 13. Can’t see the 19. *”Tastes So 1970 hit bottom forest for this? Good, Cats Ask for 28. Plural of velum 69. Emergency 14. *____ You It by Name” 30. Havanese or responder, acr. Need is Love 21. *”The Quicker Pekingese 70. Prenatal test, 15. ____-upper Picker Upper” 35. High school for short 16. End of a poem 23. Duke of Cam- formal
Walker County Press-Page 2
71. Medieval Northern European 72. Be obliged 73. Reconnaissance, for shorT DOWN 1. Part of a flute 2. Marine eagle 3. What malevolent and levorotary have in common 4. Jellicles’ cries 5. Isaac of science fiction fame 6. Burnt metal residue 7. India pale ____ 8. Annapolis frosh 9. Leo or Virgo, e.g. 10. Sign above a door 11. Count on 12. Before, poetically 15. Floras’ partners 20. Apathetic 22. Crude fuel 24. Flavoring from Madagascar 25. *”Think Different” advertiser 26. Former Milwaukee Brewer All Star Ryan 27. Dried coconut meat 29. *”Betcha Can’t
Eat Just One” advertiser 31. Drinking establishments 32. Blind alternative 33. Checked out 34. *”So Easy, a Caveman Can Do It” advertiser 36. Disfigure 38. African migrants 42. Actress turned princess of Monaco 45. Lower a rank 49. Ignited 51. Tooth decay agent 54. Tarantino in his own movie, e.g. 56. Biotic community 57. Story “of Two Cities” 58. October stone 59. Nomad’s round house 60. Flower holder 61. Dietary mineral 62. Medley 63. Ne 64. *”It’s Finger Lickin’ Good” 66. *”The Ultimate Driving Machine”
Walker County Press-Page 3
Business Directory
Thursday July 15, 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
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Covid may have changed things, but children still learn the same way! Our hours have changed to 5:00am - 6:30pm
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Texas Tidbits From Historic Tours of Texas
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Sam Houston was baptized twice?
Life Health Office: 936-295-6000 Email: huntsvilleoffice@ rolloinsurance.com Steven R. Gregory - Agent www.rolloinsurance.com 1010 University Ave. Huntsville, TX 77320
Did you know...?
The rest of the answer can be found at historictoursoftexas.com
Thursday July 15, 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 Fifty-Four individuals were arrested and booked into the Walker County Jail between Friday, July 2 and Friday, July 9. 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 July 15, 2021
Personalizing Your Events...Since 1957 www.huntsvilleheartfieldflorist.com office: 936-295-5448
Corner of 16 and 31 Sam Houston Ave.
Thursday July 15, 2021
Arrest Report
Walker County Press-Page 6
Church Services Baptist: -University Heights Baptist Church worship services every Sunday at 9:30am and 10:45am -First Baptist Church Hunts-
ville every Sunday bible study at 9:30am, worship at 10:50, and 6:00pm Catholic: -St. Thomas the Apostale Catholic Church Rosary
at 5:00pm and 5:30pm (English) every Saturday and every Sunday at 7:45am (English), 10:45am (English, and 12:30pm (Spanish)
Representative Ernest Bailes Announces Re-Election Bid
Ernest Bailes announced he will seek re-election for his fourth term as the State Representative
for House District 18, furthering his legacy of dedication to the constituents of Liberty, Walker, and San Jacinto
counties. “We have much more to accomplish during the upcoming special sessions and beyond.” Bailes
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
said. “Now more than ever, rural Texans must have an advocate in our Texas House.” Throughout his time as a Member of the Texas House of Representatives, Bailes has served
on the Agriculture and Livestock, Corrections, Economic and Small Business Development, Energy Resources, Land and Resource Management, and Rules and
Reg u latio n s committees. This past session, Bailes passed, sponsored, and supported many key pieces of legislation including protecting the unborn, strengthening
Thursday July 15, 2021
private rights,
Local News
rural broadband, reforming ERCOT, and supporting our retired teachers. “I appreciate the unending support from my community to seek re-election,” Bailes said. “I’ll continue to stand by my convictions, and work tirelessly to solve real issues property affecting people’s expanding
daily lives.” The 87th regular legislative session concluded on May 31, 2021 with a special session scheduled to begin on July 8, 2021, and Representative Bailes supports the conservative initiatives listed in the Governor’s proclamation.
The City of Groveton is accepting applications for the full-time position of Chief of Police, $18.00-$20.00/hr. To be considered for the position, the application shall be forwarded in a sealed envelope with the words “Attention Chief Application” to the City of Groveton, P.O. Box 37, Groveton, TX 75845, or may be hand delivered. Applications must be received by the City of Groveton no later than August 1, 2021, by 5:00 p.m. City of Groveton office hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mon. thru Fri. For more information of job details and application requirements, visit cityofgroveton.com.
Walker County Press-Page 7
Thursday July 15, 2021
Local News Community Calendar
Friday, July 16: -Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library -Wild Things zoofari from 2:00pm-3:00pm at the library Monday, July 19: -Mother Goose Lapsit from 10:45am-11:45am at the library Tuesday, July 20: -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library -Free basic computer class from 11:00am12:00pm at the library -Story time from 5:30pm-6:30pm at the library
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
Wednesday, July 21: -Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library -Familysearch workshop from 11:00am-12:00pm at the library Thursday, July 22: -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library -Book club from 10:30am-11:45am at the library -Lineage society workshop from 10:30am-3:00pm at the library -Free basic computer class from 5:00pm6:00pm at the library
Friday, July 23: -Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library -Wild Things zoofari from 2:00pm-3:00pm at the library Monday, July 26: -Mother Goose Lapsit from 10:45am-11:45am at the library Tuesday, July 27: -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library -Free basic computer class from 11:00am12:00pm at the library -Story time from 5:30pm-6:30pm at the library
Walker County Press-Page 8
Walker County Hospital District Accepts City of Huntsville Offer
By Wade Thibodeaux The Walker County Hospital District Board of Managers met in a special session on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 12:30 pm with basically one item on the agenda. That item was to meet and discuss a potential real estate transaction. The
board emerged from the closed session portion of the meeting to approve the acceptance of the offer from the City of Huntsville for a 2.75 acre tract of land located at the corner of 12th Street and Avenue O. This was part of the Ella Smither Hospital property, but it was sep-
arated from the old hospital buildings by 12th street. This property will be used by the City of Huntsville in their rebuilding of City Hall and will allow them(City) to have additional space for parking. No terms of the transaction have been released.
On Sunday, July 11, 2021 the State Republi-
can Executive Commit- Texas and elected Matt tee met in Lewisville, Rinaldi as Chairman of
Republican Party of Te x a s E l e c t s N e w L e a d e r
Thursday July 15, 2021 the Republican Party of Texas. Chairman Matt Rinaldi represented northwest Dallas County in the Texas Legislature from 2015 to 2019. During his time in office, Rinaldi was consistently rated among the top two most conservative members of the House by Rice University, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, Young Conservatives of Texas and Texas Eagle Forum. Rinaldi was, according to the Dallas Morning News, “in-
Local News strumental in strengthening the punishments in the sanctuary cities ban,” and authored and passed into law measures that: remove from office public officials who adopt sanctuary city policies, require government contractors and subcontractors to use e-Verify, revoke pensions of teachers convicted of committing sex crimes against students, allow churches to utilize volunteers to provide security services without risking heavy fines, and prohib-
it any taxpayer money from going to Planned Parenthood. He served as the Pro-Life Whip for Texas Right to Life in 2017. Chairman Rinaldi earned his Juris Doctor with honors from Boston University School of Law and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from James Madison University. Matt attends St. Ann’s Catholic Parish in Coppell with his wife, Corley, and son, Rush.
and serving the public. I know there has been big growth in Huntsville and more is coming,” Olivares said. “With over 20 years of experience serving our community and public, let me say to you: Vote Frank Olivares for County Judge and let me be your voice.” His commitment has always been to God, the United States, this community and the diverse public service and that experience is what Olivaries believes will equip him to serve as County Judge. After serving his nation, Frank spent six months looking for a job. “It is hard to understand why someone would not hire a veteran. While on my knees, I saw the light and started working as a pawn broker and worked my way up the ladder on to a bail bond agent for OK Pawn/OK Bail Bonds for 14 years,” Olivares said. His passion has always
been helping others, but it was witnessing to people in desperate need while working as a pawn broker and bail bondsman that he was able to help and lift them up, to push them to start walking again. “I proudly served as a reserve deputy with Walker County Sheriff’s Office from 1999-2003,” he said. “After attending Angelina College Police Academy, I have high thoughts for our first responders and a special place in my heart for them. I know the sacrifice they commit to every day as they patrol our city and county.” Olivares is also a 13 year real estate agent with Pinnacle Realtor Advisors and still has the pleasure to continue to help people - sharing in their emotions, thoughts, and feelings - as he again proudly helps them find their place they will call home in Walker County. “Through my life and journey with the Lord,
Frank Olivares Announces Candidacy
Lifelong resident Frank Olivares is seeking to be the next Walker County Judge on the Republican ticket on November 2, 2021. Olivares is a graduate of Huntsville High School, proudly served in the United States Marine Corp as Machine Gunner from 1994-98. He is a local REALTOR and business owner of Frank’s Taco Station in Riverside, Texas. “I take great pride in my commitment to my family
Walker County Press-Page 9
I was saved and started serving the Lord as a youth pastor/local minister for the last 13 years. I continue serving at Huntsville Nazarene Church,” Olivares said. While he thought the Lord was done with him, on September 11, 2016, the Lord sent his family to Riverside, Texas. “He had plans for us, and yes again, to proudly serve the community and start a restaurant that was to be named Frank’s. I questioned this plan and soon asked for forgiveness for questioning - God’s Plan is always perfect,” he said. Through the restaurant and food ministry, two
souls have been saved and rendered themselves to the Lord. Inside the restaurant, Olivares and staff have had the privilege to marry a couple, as well as having the privilege to lay a beloved resident to rest - may all honor and glory be to God, he reflected. “I have had the privilege to serve on local boards of the community as well like Board of Directors for the Good Shepherd Mission, Board of Directors for the Huntsville Walker County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors and President of the Huntsville Lakers, Board of Directors and President of the Board of
Realtors/Tall Pines,” Olivares said. “Honor and Glory be to God.” Through his journey, Olivares holds fast to the fact that the Lord has blessed him. He stands proudly with a beautiful family, including his wife Sulma Olivares and two beautiful daughters. Grace and Gabby Olivares, who again, are both proudly raised in Huntsville, Texas, Walker County. Olivares’ campaign slogan says “In God We Trust” and he encourages all local residents qualified to vote, to register to vote, and to get out and vote.
CASA is once again hosting the Christmas in July Bingo Fundraiser! The virtual portion of the event will run from July 19 through July 23. The week will culminate with a live event on July 23. The virtual event will include opportunities to sponsor children through the #CASAHero Children’s Tree, chances to purchase raffle tickets, and opportunities to win daily prizes. Each day, the hostesses, Administrative Assistant Emily O’Rear and CASA Board Member Samantha Havard will start off the Facebook Event with a Christmas joke and will briefly highlight segments of the organization as they visit with daily sponsors about why they support CASA. One-of-akind art pieces will be featured throughout the week, and a selection of about half-a-dozen of the pieces not featured during the virtual event will be available for purchase at the Live
Bingo Event. “This event is extra special to me because it is my first in person fundraising event since joining CASA. It looked quite a bit different last year with the entire event being on Facebook for the 12 Days of Giving virtual fundraiser. I’m excited to see people come together to support CASA. One of my favorite parts about this fundraiser is the Children’s Art auction! I have had the opportunity to see some of the art pieces we will be auctioning off this year and they are truly priceless,” Ms. O’Rear elaborated. The art pieces were created by Advocates with the children whom they serve. After completing Paint Party, Catharine James shared the process for this painting and the sketches. “Several girls went outside to do what is called an acrylic pour. The girls worked together to make one large piece. It was heartwarming
to watch them take turns adding colors and bouncing design ideas off each other. They were encouraging to one another, saying things like, ‘That was a good idea’ or ‘Yeah, put some more blue over there’ or ‘I like the way it looks where you added the pink.’ Once the girls were satisfied with the look of the large canvas, they each got to do an acrylic pour on a small canvas of their own. They had so much fun, and the time was spent encouraging one another and laughing in the carefree way teenage girls should be able to.” Mistletoes created by CASA Renee Spencer definitely fits into the Christmas in July theme. “These little feet are the prints of an 11-month-old boy who is in the arms of foster parents who love and adore him. They are hoping to give him a forever home very soon. Getting these footprints was no easy “feat” (pardon the pun)!
CASA Announces Christmas in July
Community
Thursday July 15, 2021
Obituaries
Betty Ann Haley
Betty Ann Haley passed away on July 2, 2021. She was born in Mexia, TX on March 28, 1945 to V.B. Lenertz and Tina Mae Henson Lenertz. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 5:00 -7:00 PM at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, TX. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Texas Animal Society, https://www.mcaspets. org. Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www. shmfh.com.
Jerry L. Woods
Jerry Lynn Woods went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 2, 2021 at the age of 84, at home with his wife present. He was born June 14, 1937 in Walker Coun-
ty, Texas to Cleo Bishop Woods and J.B. Woods. He graduated from Huntsville High School in 1956. He attended Sam Houston State Teacher’s College where he met the love of his life, Judith Ann O’Dell. They were married while in college and had 63 years together of wedded bliss. After graduating from Sam Houston with a degree in Agriculture and a teacher’s certificate, he continued working on his Master’s degree, which he received in 1968. His first teaching job was in New Braunfels, Texas, which was cut short as his National Guard unit was activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After being discharged from military service, he returned to teaching in New Braunfels. He later taught and coached at Royal I.S.D. and Caldwell, Texas. He then moved to Huntsville and taught for 26 years until his retirement. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Judy, his sister Beth Gallagher, and three children: daughters, Dawn Woods Waidelich (Bill), Wende Woods Downe (Jimmy) and son Jon C. Woods (Deanna). He is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Julie Downe Gholami
(Javad), Claire Downe Mata (Alex), Samuel Downe (Corinne), Cody Waidelich, Laura Downe, Anne Waidelich Stephenson (Philip), Sara Waidelich and fiancé David Hoagey, Diane Woods Morris, Jon-David Woods (Bella), Gabriel Woods and Rebekah Woods. Three step grandchildren: Victoria Taylor, Nick Sowders and Matthew Sowders. Great grandchildren: Viviane, Lilah and Jane Morris, Jameson and Lucia Downe, Micah Gholami, Daniel Mata, Samantha Stephenson, Finnetta Gholami (due in November) and Rosie and Thomas Taylor. He also leaves behind brothers-in-law Brook Crawford (Cindy) and Jim Oliver. Jerry was a devoted man of faith. He was an active member at Cook Springs Baptist Church where he grew up and found Christ. At each and every church he was a member of, he taught Bible classes and served in several capacities. He was an ordained deacon and member of the Gideons. He was a current member of Covenant Fellowship Church of Huntsville and served as a greeter. Jerry was a builder, raised paint horses and loved his farm where he raised cattle. He loved
people and his coffee buddies at Barney’s in the Crabbs Prairie community. He loved telling his story of playing football in Alaska with the Hornet football team. He loved teaching his students and his “black magic” was well known at Mance Park. His bus “26” was the popular ride from school to the loading dock each day. Jerry loved his wife, children and grandchildren and all the new babies coming in the family. Each time one was born, he would say, “This one is the most beautiful.” Most of all he loved God and didn’t mind sharing Jesus with anyone who would listen.
Paul Lee Park, II
It is with heavy hearts we announce Paul Lee Park II “Tater” went home to be with the Lord on July 2, 2021, at the age of 53. He was born on October 19,1967 in Huntsville Texas to Paul Park & Marie Langley. He began his career at MidSouth Electric Cooperative 31 years ago. During his career, those who had the pleasure of
Walker County Press-Page 10
knowing and working with him all became his friends/family. Not only did he have a great work ethic, but he also knew how to enjoy life and lived it the way he wanted to. Anyone who was blessed with Tater’s presence always knew they would walk away with a laugh from one of his many stories or jokes. He was very protective of his family and loved them with his whole heart. Besides enjoying his life, he was a diehard Dallas Cowboy & Houston Astro fan so on any game day you could always catch him watching his favorite teams. Coach Tater loved coaching softball in his early years and especially enjoyed his time at the world series. He loved all things outdoors especially shooting his guns. He also enjoyed hunting, every year he looked forward to hunting in Colorado. His eyes would light up when he talked about it. He always cherished his time there. His kind heart toward his family & friends, hilarious wit and cute little smirk will be deeply missed by his loved ones. He may be gone, but never forgotten. He is survived and will be dearly missed by his loving wife Samantha Park, children Courtney Park, Dawson Park & fiancé Karissa Cisneros, Sabrina & Chris
Rennie, Ashly & Brandon Tucker and Jessie Johnson. Parents Paul & Johnye Park, Marie Langley & friend Aaron Haynes; mother-in-law Lola Grace Blalock; Siblings Dudley & Kathy Park, Denise “Nesi” & Elza Franklin, Rodney & Donna Park, Vince & Melissa Allen, Mona & Mike Bland, Kevin & Suzanne Langley, and Joe Blalock; nieces & nephews Cody & Jessie Williams, Jayce Park, Garrett & Miranda Wheat, Julie Wheat, Chance Allen, Ryan Redden, Shelby & Cassie Kutev. Grandchildren Stetson, Isaac, & Carolei Cravey and Clay, Tristan, & Gatlin Tucker; Great nieces Adley & Arie Wheat. Pallbearers Rodney Park, Jayce Park, Cody Williams, Garrett Wheat, Clayten Owens, Larry Finley, Jeff Danford, & Jim Woods Honorary Pallbearers Dawson Park, Vince Allen, Brandon Cotton, Jacob Finley, Francisco Reyes, Marcus Ginn, Jimbo Parrack, Gene Woods & Robby Weaver (Pops)
Dr. Richard Arnold Cording
Walker County Press-Page 11 Dr. Richard “Dick” Arnold Cording, 85, passed away on July 5, 2021, in Huntsville, Texas. He passed peacefully at home, with his wife by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Gerhardt Cording and Helen Rhudy Cording, his sister Patricia Cording Pearce and his daughter Susan Dwan Cording Smith. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Frances Watson Cording, daughters Lisa Lynne Cording Burns and husband Rick, Sheri Renae Cording Gaines and husband John, Jennifer Shay Cording Cox and husband Nelson, son in law Timothy Smith, grandchildren Richard Cording Burns and wife Mallory, Colby Watson Burns, Savannah Shay Gaines, Sarah Frances Gaines Brown and husband Jackson, Stratton Cording Gaines, Nelson E “Trey” Cox III, Tristynn Ansley Cox, Braedon James Smith, great-grandchildren Jadyn Lee Goodrow, Bret Maverick Burns, his brother Terry Melvin Cording and wife Delois, as well as a circle of extended family and close friends. Dick grew up in Wallace, North Carolina, where he and Frances were childhood friends and later high school sweethearts. Dick graduated from Wal-
Community
lace High School in 1954 and was voted Most Likely to Succeed and Best All-Around. He and Frances married the summer after her first and his second year of college. He graduated with his B.A. from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He furthered his education by obtaining a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. Dr. Cording’s 40-year career with Sam Houston State University began in 1970 when he was recruited to initiate and develop the Philosophy Department. From 1981 to 1994, Dr. Cording was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, presiding over a period of dynamic growth and development. He founded and was the first president of the Texas Deans of Liberal Arts and Sciences during this time. In 2013, he was a recipient of the Sam Houston State University Wall of Honor. Dr. Cording then returned to his great love as professor of philosophy, professor emeritus of philosophy, and served as an adviser to his beloved students in the Student Advising and Mentoring Center. As a professor, Cording exhibited top-notch teaching skills, maintaining superior student-evaluation scores some 35 years after
winning the university’s Excellence in Teaching Award. His 44-year record of teaching is a testament to his dedication to his students. Dick and Frances have been faithful members of First United Methodist Church for 51 years. Dick was a member of many committees and served on the administrative board. Dick was also active in civic affairs. He served as President of the Rotary Club and was a recipient of The Paul Harris Fellow Award. Dick was best known for his love of family, golf, games of chance, religious study, self-exploration, and all sports. The only teams he rooted for more strongly than his beloved North Carolina Tar Heels were his kids’ and grandkids’ sports teams. Dick was a fierce competitor striving for the win, from the golf course to the poker table and family games while befriending and supporting his competition along the way. Dick was fondly called by many names: Dad, Sweetheart, Pop, Dean, Doc, Dickey-doo, Coach, and 321. He served many roles. He was often credited with rescuing students’ college careers when challenged, turning a rocky academic career around for a struggling student.
Sam Houston Memorial
Funeral Home
1700 Normal Park Huntsville, TX 77340
936-291-7300
Thursday July 15, 2021
Third Times the Charm for County Commissioners (contd) emerged to present a motion to create a position of executive administrator to the Office of Emergency Management and to eliminate the position of executive administrator to the Commissioners, effective with the new budget cycle. The Commissioners also heard from Seth McKinney with FHN Financial pertaining to refinancing the County’s bond debt. He presented two proposals with one proposal being implemented fairly soon that would save the
County about $87,000 per year left on the original bond debt and the second proposal that would save the County about $131,000. per year of bond debt. The caveat to the second proposal is that it could not be executed until February 7, 2022 and interest rates could rise substantially and that would cut into the savings of the refinancing of the bonds. The Court decided to wait until the February date to try to achieve the greater savings. The Court
continued the process of budget hearings after lunch and then went back into executive session to interview potential candidates for the Walker County EMS Director position. No action was taken on the EMS position as not all candidates could attend today’s meeting and additional candidates will be interviewed next Monday, July 19, 2021 at the next regular meeting of the Walker County Commissioners Court.
His smile and beautiful brown eyes are too much to behold, and his hugs are the best! These ‘mistletoes’ will brighten up any home at Christmas time, so do not hesitate to make them yours! They will be a sweet reminder of the love we need to share with others during the holiday season,” Renee commented. Volunteer Amanda Marshall shared her experience creating Colorful Rain Shower. A five-year-old little girl worked with our advocate to create this piece. “We put paint in an eyedropper and the child enjoyed the opportunity to squeeze them on the canvas to look like rain. She loved doing this project. Although we had a little trouble keeping the colors from running into each other, this happy child and I laughed so much doing this picture. The sweet little girl did not want to stop doing this project.” A “HANDY” LITTLE DINOSAUR” was the masterpiece of CASA Carly Woods and a seven-year-
old boy. He dipped his hand in yellow paint and used his handprint to make the body of a dinosaur. He loves dinosaurs, color, and painting. He had so much fun with this project that he completed another one to keep at home. It was a hot summer day when these projects were created. He loved washing the paintbrushes with the hose. The child and I ended up soaking wet, but we had so much fun.” The above only highlights a few of the 14 artistic creations that will be available during the virtual and in-person events. Many of the children were excited to work with their Advocates to make the pieces, but they also enthusiastically commented that they hoped that their works of art would “make a lot of money for CASA”. The live event promises an evening of good food, laughter with friends, and a chance at incredible prizes such as a Ring Doorbell Package, a Blackstone Grill, a Spa Package, an
Apple Tech Package and more. People can purchase tickets individually or buy a table and attend as a group. CASA of Walker County trains individuals to serve children and families who need someone to stand in their corner and work towards a situation that would help them to thrive and succeed. On August 14, CASA will begin its next training class. The deadline for this session is August 4, 2021. Trainees will learn how to be “the voice for the voiceless”. The remainder of the sessions will be held August 17, 19, 24, 26, and 28. The Tuesday and Thursday classes will be held in the evenings. Speak up for abused or neglected children; be their voice and their hope. If you see abuse, report it to (800) 252-5400 or go to www.txabusehotline.org. If a child’s life is in danger, call 911. For more information about becoming a CASA Volunteer, call or email Janet Davidson: 936-291-2272, ext. 104, or j.davidson@casaofwalkercounty.org.
CASA Christmas in July (contd)
Walker County Press-Page 12
Lifestyle
Sunday Observations by Christy
On Friday’s, my mom and I typically go eat. During Covid, I brought in, but as a rule, out we go. This last Friday was no different, and as we headed towards our destination a monsoon of rain began. It kept getting harder and harder, and after witnessing lightning strike #3, we decided it’s time for a new plan. So we circled around, driving out of the rain, and decided we would grab Cracker Barrel to go. After
all, I could run in and grab the food and not risk getting her out in it. Little did we know we were opting for simple entertainment, and it was great. We pulled in, placed the order on my phone and began to wait. The rain had stopped and a large group was gathered outside waiting on their table. They all stood and waited, while two in their party self entertained. Keep in mind, Mom and I had a front row seat to all of this, from
the car while waiting our 25 minutes for the order to be ready. Anywho…… There were two young boys in this group, that were less than impressed with family gathering and taking pictures. They were having a ball playing in wet grass, and in the process getting absolutely filthy. Not an adult in that groups could have been bothered. They were chatting amongst themselves. I finally go in to get food and as I came out I pass the group finally being seated. Right at the door I see the boys, pretty much drenched, with flecks of mud on their faces, but grinning from ear to ear. Mom saw them playing, or attempting to play, leap frog over the trash can while I was inside. These two had a ball. Couldn’t help but laugh at the evening, our one hour ride to nowhere, because weather had me driving 45 mph. Our witnessing of lightning. The decision to turn around and head back home at 45 mph. Then 25 minutes of pretty
good entertainment. The adults in the party that just let them be kids. Happy Sunday peeps…. I hope that as life throws you some curves this week (we all have them) that you maintain the ability to improvise, change course, self entertain, and more than anything find the ability to laugh. Life is too hard. It’s
Thursday July 15, 2021
unpredictable. It rarely goes according to plan….. at least mine doesn’t. But what it is, if you allow it, is fun. May you worry less about the kids appearance, and let them be kids. Don’t be mad over a failed trip for dinner out, instead embrace the show you get while waiting for takeout. And as you pass a kid in the
lobby of a restaurant, who has flecks of mud on his face, I hope you refrain from judgement, and instead opt to be as calm as the parents who just say….. y’all go to the restroom and clean up. It’s time to sit down and eat. The world isn’t perfect….. life is a lot easier when you just accept it. And laugh. A lot!!!
WOODS, WATERS, and WILDLIFE
HUNTING DOG INSTINCTS By John Jefferson
When my eight-yearold granddaughter visits from Tennessee, she often ventures into my man-cave while I’m working to tell me about her latest adventures. Yesterday, it was about how much our latest dog had grown since last summer when she carried him around everywhere. She could almost ride him, now. That started a conversation about dogs. She sat on the floor, legs folded, listening
intently. I jumped to the semi-recent hunting dogs. Riley’s a young hunter and has a Lab. I told her about Beauregard, my first and best basset hound. His picture was over my computer. She squealed with delight, saying, “I’ve always wanted a basset hound. I love their long ears.” I told her about hunting deer when my sons were about nine and ten. We were one a high bluff overlooking a clearing along the Pedernales River at 29-1/2 minutes after sunset. We spied sev-
eral deer, and I leaned across a large boulder for a rifle rest in the fading light. When I pulled the trigger, the muzzle flash in low light blinded us for a second. All we saw were some of the deer racing for cover along the river to the left. I contacted my wife back where we were camped and asked her to bring Beau. She laughed, doubting he would be any help. When she brought him to us, we found blood where the deer had been. Beau lapped that up and took off to the right. We yelled at him. That was op-
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posite of where the several deer had gone. He kept going, beginning to yip. That became baying – like he was trailing something. We followed, probably just to bring him back. Several minutes later, we found him, sitting beside a recently dead deer, looking like he wanted to ask if we needed anything else. Later that evening, he was awarded the deer’s grilled heart. Another time; another dog. Pilo was a Lab. I was back at the cabin
writing. Vicky was hunting alone. I heard a shot about a mile away. Thirty minutes later, she called for me to come help look for her wounded deer. She had Pilo in the truck and had enlisted his help. She said he kept trying to go the wrong way instead of where she thought the deer had run. I joined the search … to no avail. We never found the deer. But I felt we should have relied upon Pilo’s instincts. My oldest son wounded a deer a year later
Lifestyle on the same ranch. We saw it and several others run over a hill and out of sight. We released Pilo after letting her sniff blood. Coming over the hill, we saw several deer run to the right. Pilo, though, kept heading straight. After discussing it, we followed Pilo, who led us down the hill for a hundred yards – right to the dead deer. Hunting dogs have hunting instincts. We’ve learned the hard way to rely on their instincts -- rather than ours.
Thursday July 15, 2021
Treat It Like It’s His!
Mr. Red brought his tractor to me to be used to help recovery efforts following a storm. To assure him what good care we would take of his equipment I said, “I’ll treat it like it’s mine.” Mr. Red responded back, “ I don’t want you to treat it like it’s yours; I want you to treat it like it’s mine!”
Basset hounds are said to have a tracking nose second only to blood hounds. Mine found two deer for us during his short hunting career that we might have otherwise lost. Many breeds can track wounded deer, and are almost as important to a hunt as is a rifle. Photo by John Jefferson
King David prayed, “Restore unto me the joy of THY salvation, oh Lord.” (Psalms 52:12) May we never be a disgrace to His grace. Danny R. Biddy, Chaplain: Chambers County Sheriff’s Office & Fellowship of Christian Cowboys
Lifestyle
Thursday July 15, 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.
I’m going to go ahead and state the obvious here......it’s hot outside. I realize that I claim to work a lot, but in reality, I don’t think that I could actually put in a full day’s work in this Texas heat. Let me explain the situation that I found myself in last weekend. First, a little background. I have this place up in Elkhart, Texas, just a little North of Crockett, Texas and that is where I have my little small herd of cattle. There is a creek running through the property, but I’m not sure that it will stay wet all Summer long, and with the rest of July and August coming, I decided that I had better secure a backup water supply. That really wasn’t a big problem because thankfully, the very end of the community water system is on this property and there is already a meter. All I had to do was get the meter turned on and then figure out just exactly where the pipe that heads up to the abandoned house was closest to the water trough and connect it to the water trough. In other words, there had been water there before and all I had to do was locate the previous water lines and connect them. Wyatt and I planned a work day for last Saturday with the intentions of this project and a couple more.
First thing Saturday morning.......well, not first thing because I overslept because I was tired from staying awake most of the night before thinking about what tools we would need to bring and what order we would try to accomplish the various projects, but sometimes around 9:00, we began gathering things and preparing to load them in the truck. Wyatt went to get the four wheeler and I heard him grumbling instead of a motor running. As I made my way to the back of the shop to where he was located, I heard him say that the battery was dead on the four wheeler. Ok, let’s put it on the charger and we will continue with other things. I grabbed the jug of weed killer to load it into the truck and quickly realized that it was almost empty. Ok, while the battery is charging, I’ll run to Tractor Supply and get another jug of weed killer. Now, all of this is after I had made a trip to the supply stores the day before in preparation of this trip. I had plumbing fittings, water and gatorade, electrical supplies(for another one of the projects), and everything except weed killer. The weed killer was to spray around the cattle pens in preparation of working cattle later this Fall and not having to wade through
tall grass and weeds while chasing cattle.....or, being chased by them. I’m back from getting chemicals, and the battery has been charging for almost an hour, so let’s give it a try. Absolutely nothing from the battery. Another trip to town to get a new battery for the four wheeler. We are finally loaded and ready to leave and I look at my phone to see the time and it’s Noon. So much for getting an early start. We have a couple more stops to get fuel and feed(for us and the cows) and we finally make it to the place about 2:00 in the afternoon, you know, about the hottest part of the day. I had the water company turn on the meter and had tested it on a previous trip. We had running water at the old house and so we started cleaning the fence line to run the pipe. I could work about thirty minutes and then had to stop and cool off for just a bit. We finally got the fence line cleaned and began running the pipe and sometimes late in the afternoon, we had water at the trough. Wyatt had been also working on cleaning out an old shed so that we could leave a few supplies under cover and I started looking at the electricity situation. I had the electric coop install a meter into the previous meter pole by the old
house and I was thinking that surely there would be a couple of circuits that we could locate and use temporarily until we could get a better handle on the power situation. I opened the breaker box and absolutely nothing was inside.....no wires, breakers, nothing except the ends of wire that had been cut when probably the copper thieves made a trip through the place. Okay, we have a generator with us for this trip if we need power, but the electrical is going to take a little more work than originally planned. Let’s see about spraying those weeds. I hooked the spray rig up to the battery on the four wheeler to give it a test run before I com-
Walker County Press-Page 14 pletely filled the tank and it was working perfectly until the little diaphragm pump sprang a leak and that project was halted. At this point, it’s getting late, I’m exhausted, and I’m not sure what else we could accomplish, so we decided to load up and head home. At least we got the water situation resolved, and that was the main objective. On the way home, we are trucking along at about 70 mph and all of a sudden the truck starts vibrating like a tire is bad out of balance. I found a safe place to pull over and discovered that a tire on the trailer is coming apart and parts of the tread have peeled off of the tire. It’s still holding air and of course the
spare tire is in the shop, so the only choice is to leave the trailer, four wheeler and accessories on the side of the road and go get the spare or just vibrate along and pray that the tire doesn’t blow out. Miraculously, we make it home about 10:00 after vibrating along at 40 mph and I take a shower and crawl into bed exhausted. The next morning, I can’t move. There are parts of me that are sore that I didn’t even know that I had. Isn’t this cow business stuff fun????? But HEY, my cows have water. Remember to make sure that you and your cows are well hydrated in this heat and Till next time, I’m........Wade in the Shade.
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Walker County Press-Page 15
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Thursday July 15, 2021
Local Boy Scout troop 98 looking for private land for a weekend camp out Please contact the scoutmaster at (936) 661-9086
$50.00 Contact in 100 Year old upright Huntsville - 936-662- PIANO. Some use the 7575 decorative wood front panels to make a large Land. FM980 front- office desk. Call 936age. $14,500.00 per 662-7575 acre. Individual. I do not answer unknown. LARGE BURLS ON For Sale: Bradford, 24” GAS LOGS Text 936-581-9773 ELM TREE for wood Brangus, and Here- Available with all for information and I carvers. Will discuss ford bulls. Call 713- parts needed for lay- will respond. Gene. tree removal. Call 875-5703 ering as required. 936-662-7575
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