Walker County Press 01-20-2022 Auto

VOL 6 ·ISSUE 11

WALKER COUNTY

PRESS

PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Permit #60 WINNIE, TX

Thursday January 20, 2022

Vietnam Wall Project Completed Republicans Gather to Honor Reagan

The replica wall is complete and able to be viewed by visitors.

Workers are preparing the area for hydroseeding to complete the landscaping in front of the Vietnam Wall at the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum. part completed. The panBy Wade Thibodeaux The traveling Vietnam els that make up the repliWall project that the ca of the wall in WashingH.E.A.R.T.S Veterans ton, DC. have all been put Museum has been work- into the proper order and ing on for an extended pe- they have been secured to riod of time is for the most a frame which is anchored

A panel on the Vietnam Wall replica lists the names of soldiers who perished in the conflict. in concrete. The concrete walkways and the concrete pad that is in front of the wall have been completed and the only thing left for the entire project to be finished is a little bit of landscaping between the concrete viewing area and the parking lot.

Crews are working on the area as this article is being written and hydroseeding will take place later this week or early next week to completely finish the project. Interested (contd on page 8)

Candidates from Walker County precinct positions to United States House of Representatives gathered at the annual Walker County Republican Reagan Dinner last week.

By Wade Thibodeaux The Walker County Republicans gathered last Tuesday evening, January11, 2022 to celebrate the life and legacy of President Ronald Reagan.

The annual dinner was held at the Walker County Fairgrounds with over 400 people in attendance.

Former Texas Governor and Energy Secretary Rick Perry was scheduled to be the guest speaker, but a last minute change of plans resulted in Texas Agriculture Secretary Sid Miller delivering the keynote address. With this year being an election year, and several positions open due to retirement of County Officials, the crowd was a little (contd Texas Agriculture Secretary Sid Miller gave the keynote address at the Reagan Dinner last Tueson page 8) day, January 11, 2022

Thursday January 20, 2022

THEME: WINTER OLYMPICS

ACROSS 1. Sleeps in a tent 6. Horror movie franchise 9. Varieties 13. Mozart’s “Die Zauberflote” 14. Road crew supply

15. Moron 16. Workman’s cotton, once 17. Exclamation of surprise 18. Monte Cristo’s title, in French 19. *Olympic Athletes from

Community genre 28. Cashier’s call 30. Hit-or-miss 35. It will 37. *Triple one in figure skating 39. Hustle and bustle 40. German Mrs. 41. A mile racer 43. a.k.a. horse mackerel 44. Jargon 46. Workbench holding device 47. Health club offering 48. Diner, e.g.

50. Latin for “and others” 52. ____ Aviv 53. Ill-mannered one 55. Curiosity’s victim?

57. *2022 Winter Olympics location 61. *Torch Relay Solution on page 9 starting point ____, 2018 hock- 64. “____ ____ ey winners the Family” TV 21. *Figure series skating jump (2 65. Refrigerator words) sound 23. Capone’s ilk, 67. Poppy seed e.g. derivative 24. Attention-get- 69. Bitterly reting sound gretting 25. Eminem’s 70. Egyptian

Walker County Press-Page 2

cobra 71. Part of a stair 72. Seedy source of Omega-3s 73. More, in Madrid 74. Changes to a manuscript DOWN 1. Cape ____, MA 2. Copycat 3. Carte du jour 4. Spectrum maker 5. Delilah’s lover 6. Roofed colonnade 7. Expression of satisfaction 8. Angry 9. Revered one 10. Fancy ride 11. Japanese zither 12. Pas in ballet 15. “Freezing” Marvel character 20. Letter-shaped girder 22. “____ the land of the free...”

24. Designer’s studio 25. *Biathlon gear 26. Skylit lobbies 27. Manufacturing site

29. *2022 Winter Olympics number 31. Like Curious George 32. Monocot’s alternative 33. “Killers of the Flower Moon” Oklahoma location 34. *Olympic award 36. *Olympic sled 38. For fear that 42. Respond 45. Circling 49. Far, old-fashioned 51. Capital of Punjab 54. Early Irish alphabet 56. Sort of warm 57. Vomit 58. Twelfth month of Jewish year 59. Pelvic bones 60. Put a hex on 61. Concert units 62. Not yet final 63. Edible fat 66. *Miracle on Ice winner 68. Not Miss or Ms.

Walker County Press-Page 3

Business Directory

Thursday January 20, 2022

I can hardly wait!

Second location is opening VERY soon!

YOUR CHILD DESERVES THE BEST The Montessori School of Huntsville has earned the Texas Rising Star ranking with the highest possible rating by the State of Texas for quality child care.

Montessori Child Care 6 wks to 12 yrs. old

936-435-0303

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

Thursday January 20, 2022

Arrest Report

Walker County Press-Page 4

Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home -All Prearranged Services Honored -Prearranged Funeral Sales 1700 Normal Park Huntsville, TX 77340

936-291-7300

From the office of Walker County Sheriff

Clint McRae Fifty-Three individuals were arrested and booked into the Walker County Jail between Monday, January 10 and Friday, January 14. Con-

tinued 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 per-

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

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Arrest Report

Thursday January 20, 2022

Thursday January 20, 2022

Arrest Report

Walker County Press-Page 6

Thursday January 20, 2022

Community

Walker County Press-Page 7

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)

State Representative Ernest Bailes sent a letter urging the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to hold another public meeting on the Peach Creek Environmental Park Municipal Solid Waste Permit Application No. 2406. An initial meeting was held via webcast in September of 2021 upon TCEQ’s receipt of a joint-letter by Bailes and Senator Robert Nichols of Jacksonville.

“Due to the landfill’s proximity to many private residences and landowners in San Jacinto and Montgomery counties, as well as the Sam

Houston National Forest and local small farms, the constituents…have continued to express significant opposition to this application.” Bailes explained.

The proposed 636 acre facility would be located in a potential flood plain approximately seven miles northwest of the US 59 and State Highway 105 intersection.

Due to rising concerns regarding the contiguous residents, wildlife, Evangeline water aquifer, and the potential for the site to receive “special waste” due to its Type I status, Bailes requested TCEQ continue working

with stakeholders to review potential local and regional impacts of a landfill.

“Questions have yet to be addressed, such as road damage and access, pollution, flooding, and the protection of ground and surface waters,” Bailes wrote. “All negative impacts the landfill may have on the community, as well as individuals’ concerns, must be vetted.”

TCEQ sent a draft permit notice in December of 2021, and if approved the permit would establish the conditions under which the facility must operate.

State Rep. Ernest Bailes Press Release

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

Thursday January 20, 2022

Local News

Community Calendar Friday, January 21: -Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library Saturday, January 22: -Piney woods writers group from 2:00pm4:00pm at the library Monday, January 24: -Mother Goose Lapsit from 10:45am-11:45am at the library Tuesday, January 25: -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library -Learn to use Libby from 11:00am-12:00pm at the library

Subscribe Today Name:____________________ Address:__________________ City, State, Zip: ___________________ $25.00 Mail Check or Money Order to: Walker County Press

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We Accept Most Major Credit Cards 409-296-9988

-Story time from 5:30pm6:30pm at the library Wednesday, January 26: -Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library Thursday, January 27: -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library -Piney woods page turners book club from 11:00am-12:30pm at the library -KidScape from 12:00pm-1:00pm at the library -Learn to use Libby from 11:00am-12:00pm at the library Friday, January 28:

-Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library Monday, January 31: -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library -Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library Tuesday, February 1: -Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library Wednesday, February 2: -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library

Walker County Press-Page 8

Republicans Gather (contd)

larger due to candidates making an appearance to get that opportunity to visit with their base of voters.

President Reagan was born on February 6, 1911 and the Walker County

Republican Party schedules their annual event within a few weeks on either side of his birthday based on availability of venues, speakers, caterers, and other necessary participants. The event is

generally a social event that involves a great meal, plenty of networking with other Republicans, and a keynote address that relates to President Reagan.

V i e t n a m Wa l l P r o j e c t ( c o n t d )

persons can safely park in the parking lot and walk over to the display and start at one end and go

through each and every name on the wall. This project is certainly one that all of Walker Coun-

ty can be proud of and should attract an enormous amount of visitors to the area.

Huntsville Area Newcomers Event

The Huntsville Area Newcomers (for a Lifetime) Club presents “Law & Order in Walk-

er County: The Prosecution Process” with Will Durham, Walker County’s Criminal Dis-

trict Attorney.

Members of the community are invited to attend this luncheon

Thursday January 20, 2022

Local News

meeting at 11:30 am Club House. Call Dena 2022 to make your resThursday February 3, Byrd (936) 295-7681 ervations. The cost is 2022 at the Elkins Lake by Friday January 28, $16.00 per person.

Healthy Sparing Gets Long-Awaited Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo Win

It was a battle, but Timmy Sparing may have just written the first chapter in his comeback story after claiming the average title at the Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo on Jan. 15.

Following a huge win at RodeoHouston back in 2018, the Helena, Mont., steer wrestler was riding high, hot in pursuit of a dream to compete at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. But a ruptured disc in his back suffered in June of that year derailed his plans.

Just as Sparing was on the cusp of competing at his first circuit finals rodeo in his home state after several years spent in Texas during college, another injury, this time a torn pectoral muscle which required surgery, put him out of action.

“This has been a long time coming, I guess,” Sparing said after competing in Great Falls for the first time in 2022.

“I’ve been battling injuries, but everything is going good now. It’s nice to be back.”

Sparing ran down three steers in Great Falls in 17.1 seconds aboard Beer Money, the horse owned by Ron Shank along with Martin and Jhett Murphy. Wrangler NFR steer wrestler Olin Hannum provided the hazing. Along with a

first-round check, Sparing earned $4,315.

“There was a little good, little bad, some adversity,” Sparing said of the win. “The first steer was kind of an eliminator, honestly, and I was glad to get by him and even place in the round.”

Sparing knew his second steer was strong and made a solid, businessman run to stay in the average. He entered the third and final round third.

“Go get ‘em at that point,” he said of his strategy. “It’s pretty fast in that building and I wanted to try to place in the round. But it was a tough round, the guys bulldogged great tonight.”

A fifth-place finish in the round didn’t earn the round check he was seeking but did seal the average win as well the year-end title, both firsts for him. He now earns his first trip to the NFR Open powered by RAM to be held in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 1316.

“It’s special to win here, have this money count towards world standings and be able to go down there and have the chance to win more that counts,” he said. “The last couple of years, I’ve essentially been a circuit guy, but this bumps me

up and gives me a chance to run at the NFR.” Sparing acknowledged the role of the support he’s received as he worked his way back to top form.

“I’m very blessed to do this,” he said. “It’s been a huge goal of mine but it’s not just me, it’s a team deal.

“My family, my fiancée, my friends, they’ve been here for me,” Sparing said. He and fiancée Danielle Wright are planning an October wedding after which Sparing hopes he may be packing for Las Vegas.

“It’s going to be a busy year,” he said.

Other winners at the $223,614 rodeo were all-around cowboy Caden Camp ($4,315 in tiedown roping, steer wrestling, and team roping); bareback rider Caleb Bennett (248 points on three head); team ropers Radley Day/Taylor Williams (17.6 seconds on three head); saddle bronc rider Sage Newman (248 points on three head); tiedown roper Landon Williams (35.2 seconds on three head); barrel racer Brittney Barnett (38.89 seconds on three runs); breakaway roper Cadee Williams (8.4 seconds on three head); and bull rider Cole Hould (164.5 points on two head).

Walker County Press-Page 9

Community

Thursday January 20, 2022

Obituaries

James Milton Doshier James (Jim) Milton Doshier, 74, passed away from this life to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, January 8, 2022. Jim was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away.

Jim Doshier was born March 21, 1947 in Temple, Texas. He was the son of Kathryn and Milton Doshier. Jim enjoyed the outdoors and working in his garden. He loved hunting, fishing, and watching SHSU football.

Most of all he loved being with his family, friends, and his dogs.

Jim taught his children, Amy and Steve, the value of hard work. He worked for the same company since the age of eighteen, which he retired from after 35 years.

Jim and Marthalene loved to dance, travel in their RV, and take cruises. They always had fun growing flowers and cooking together. Mr. Doshier especially loved his grandchildren, and he always looked forward to going to the next soccer tournament, football game, or baseball practice. He attended many birthday parties, award banquets and graduations over the years. He bragged on tro-

phies, academic awards, sport scores in the paper, having a U.S. Marine, Eagle Scout, college soccer player, sous chef in the family, and was blessed to have his grandson Wesley live next door to him and talk with him almost every day.

Jim was a loyal friend, the kind who showed up when you needed him the most. If you stopped by, you would find him outside drinking coffee with dear friend Mr. Dennis, or working on a project in his shop or gardening.

He loved helping his son Steve work on the next thing dropped off for repair. He and his daughter Amy both share a love for dogs. Life was not complete without a very spoiled furry companion, usually more than one.

Several times the dogs themselves decided that they were Jim’s dog, and stayed with him after their original owners moved away.

Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marthalene Doshier of Huntsville,Texas; his daughter, Amy Peper and husband, Bill Peper of Crawford, Texas; son, Steve Doshier and wife, Brandi of Huntsville, Texas; five grandchildren - Austin Peper, and wife Ashley of Waco Texas; Whitney Peper of Missoula, Montana; Hanna Wischmeier and husband Logan of Waco, Texas; Blaine Fischer of Waco, Texas; and Wesley Doshier of Huntsville, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sandra Barron.

A special thank you to our dear neighbor, Brian Hunziker, Huntsville EMS, Crabb’s Prairie Volunteer Fire Department First Responders, Walker Co. Sheriff’s Department, Texas DPS, Memorial Hermann Shock Trauma ICU doctors, nurses and caring staff members, for their expert care and support.

Fanella E Davis Fanella Wolf Davis left us to be with the Lord on Sunday January 9th, 2022. She was born the 15th day of November in 1938 to William Charles Wolf and Lila May Folsom Wolf. She was the youngest of their four daughters. Her parents registered her as a member of the Choctaw Nation, and made sure she knew her family’s background. She would later pass this down to future generations. She graduated Oklahoma University, and worked as a bank teller in Oklahoma City when she met the love of her life, Al J. Davis.

[9/4/1933-1/20/2013] The couple was married on the 23rd day of January, 1959. They decided to go where Al’s work took him, and move from Oklahoma City, OK to Houston, TX. She worked full time man-

aging books for four different pharmacies in her area, and was also a Tupperware sales representative. Fanella was an extremely nurturing, and supportive mother to Allan Joseph Davis, and Cyndi Lynn Davis. She went above and beyond as a team mother for little league, den mother in boy scouts, and brownie troop leader for girl scouts as well. Her children adored the soft spot she had in her heart for all the wounded/abandoned variety of animals they brought home needing love and care. In her free time, she enjoyed doing volunteer work for the American Heart Association, the Houston Zoo, and did many other things that allowed her to lend a hand for a good cause. She was also a Sunday School teacher for many years sharing the love of Jesus with young minds.

Fanella is survived by her children Allan Davis, and Cyndi Davis, and partner, Brian Finch.

Grandchildren Andrew Davis, Michael Davis, wife Raylynn, Clayton Smith, Amanda McMillian, and husband Don. Great-Grandchildren Hayleigh Davis, Dallan McMillian, Porter Davis, Beau Davis, and Alarie McMillian. As well as many other distant family members.

Fanella is preceded in death by her Husband, Al Davis. Her sisters Dorthy Williams, Lela Bullard, and Delthia Patterson. As well as her Great-Granddaughter Kimber Davis.

Walker County Press-Page 10

Mark Allen Loecken Mark Allen Loecken age 68 of Huntsville, TX, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 10, 2022 in Huntsville. He was born to Sylvester and Othilia Loecken on January 11, 1953. Mark proudly served in the United States Army. He began his TDCJ career in January of 1982 at the Wainwright Unit. He served 38 ½ years and ended his career at the Walls Unit. He is survived by 5 siblings; Richard Loecken, Tom Loecken, Lois Smith, Carol Herigstade, and Pete Loecken. His 4 children; son Shane Loecken and wife Amy Loecken, son Christopher Loecken and wife Jessica Loecken, son James Loecken and wife Shanna Loecken, and daughter Angie Pecina. 11 grandchildren; Morgan Gary, Tori Loecken, Taylor Loecken, Cassidy Loecken, Shelby Loecken, Colby Loecken, Cason Loecken, Allen Pecina, Adan Pecina, Latham Loecken, and Mark Lee Loecken; and 5 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Mark enjoyed spending every moment he could with his family and friends. He was the best family man and always there to help anyone in

need. He loved being outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and shooting his guns. Most of all, he loved to cook and was so happy if you liked his cooking. If you stopped by, you would find him outside collecting eggs from the chicken coop with his fur friend “Little Girl” by his side.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Adrian Lee Harding Jr. Adrian (Gator) Harding Jr, 67, passed away on January 10, 2022, in Conroe, TX. Adrian is survived by Patricia Hanak Harding - spouse,14 grand children and 8 great grand children, and brothers Carl Harding & Wife Rhonda, and Don Harding & wife Darby.

Adrian is preceded in death by Adrian Harding - father, Beatrice Harding - mother, Alan Harding-brother.

Walker County Press-Page 11

Edward W Pierce

Community

We know Eddie is now with his Daddy, Willie Frank Pierce, along with his Grandparents, Great Grandparents and other relatives that have passed before him and is loved here on earth as well as in heaven.

We LOVE and MISS you so much my Son, Brother and Friend. XOXO Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 Normal Park, Huntsville, Texas. Eddie’s Funeral Service will be offered at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home followed by a graveside prayer at The McAdams Cemetery.

The Family especially thank the Pallbearers: Justin Pierce Michael Perugini Donald Amrhine Terry Kinler Gary Kinler Lester Wareham - Eddie’s Lifelong Childhood Friend In the words of Eddie “Thanks Man” Friends and family are invited to visit with Eddie’s family prior to the funeral service at the funeral home from 1:00 pm. to 2:00 PM on January 22,

With deepest sorrow, we announce that Edward William Pierce (“Eddie”), born June 19, 1958, (age 63), our most beloved son, brother, family member and friend went home to meet our Lord on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, while in the hospital.

Those who knew Eddie, even just a little, lost a shining light in their lives. Eddie was a happy go lucky guy that lived life his way. “Uncle Eddie was a thoughtful, generous, kind, genuine and loving Uncle.” From an early age Eddie remained a muscle car fanatic and very passionate about NASCAR. If the race was on TV, you can be sure that Eddie was there front and center rooting for his favorite driver #18 Kyle Busch. When football season came around - Eddie always cheered for his favorite team, The Dallas Cowboys.

Eddie will be missed everyday by his mother, Roseann Pierce, his three sisters and their spouses Debbie Amrhine, Donald Amrhine, Susan Perugini, Michael Perugini, Roxane LaNell Parr Allbritton Pierce, his two nephews, 2022.

Sean Perugini and Justin Our precious and dear Pierce, his loving Aunt “Nanny Nell”, age 85, Maudie Kinler, Cousins entered into our Lord’s and many great friends. presence peacefully on

Thursday, January 13, 2022. Her cherished grandchildren named her Nanny Nell and she lived up to that name by wholeheartedly serving others her entire life. She was an adoring wife, loving mother and a wonderful friend to so many.

LaNell was born August 15, 1936 in Bedias, Texas. She graduated from Huntsville High School in 1953 and married Pete Allbritton in 1954. They remained married for 61 years before Pete’s passing in November of 2015. They were blessed with two wonderful children that were the source of much pride and joy throughout their lives.

She is survived by her son Steve and his wife Sally of College Station, Texas.

Grandchildren; Katie and husband Jordan Newton of College Station, Texas; Luke Allbritton and wife Kate of Dallas, Texas; and Danny Allbritton of College Station Texas. Great Grandchildren; Riley, Jace and Kendall Newton of College Station and Hallie Kate and Walker Allbritton of Dallas. She was preceded in death by great granddaughter Audrey Jane Allbritton and son-in-law John Raymond Mitchell.

She is also survived by her daughter Michele and her husband Trevor Thorn of Huntsville, Texas and grandchildren, Kacie and Cole Mitchell and Julian, Grant and Brock Thorn.

LaNell was the youngest of eight brothers and sisters and numerous cousins that she counted among her dearest friends. She was a loving aunt, “Aunt Nell” and

“Aunt Fannie”, to numerous nieces and nephews whom she cherished and loved deeply. Her family and friends were all grateful recipients of LaNell’s servant’s heart, as she always placed others needs and wants above her own - truly exemplifying a Christ centered life.

She enjoyed a 25 year career at Sam Houston State University and served timelessly in her beloved Second Baptist Church, where she gave

Thursday January 20, 2022

of herself by teaching Sunday school, leading bible study, working in the church nursery and sewing badges of accomplishment on vests’ for the children in the Awana’s program. She was always ready to volunteer to help meet the needs of her friends, her church, or one of the many ball teams on which her children played. Nanny Nell was also a wonderful cook and many of her signature dishes have be-

come a tradition at family gatherings. Pecan Pie, Strawberry Pretzel Salad, Peach Cobbler, Sweet Potato Casserole and Buffet Potatoes, to name a few.

LaNell was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and we truly rejoice that her Savior Himself came and took her home to be with Him for eternity.

Rest well good and faithful servant - you’re home now.

Walker County Press-Page 12

Lifestyle

Sunday Observations by Christy

You know, I’ve been asked many times why I haven’t run for some type of office.

I do care for my community. I want to help. I want to see change. But the political climate of the last 15 plus years, even on a local level, has become absurdly intrusive.

Bottom line, I won’t run because I won’t put my family through a mud fest.

I’m not perfect, I never was perfect, and someone somewhere would

dig up an artifact of my past, and blast it. For political gain.

That is 100% the only reason. To win.

To sacrifice any good they have, to bash me as their opponent. So for any of you who wonder, why doesn’t she run for office….. well there it is.

Sadly, I also think it’s a large reason why many will no longer seek out even a school board position.

Because they don’t want to deal with it. They don’t want someone

blasting on social media some fault they are perceived to have. It doesn’t have to be factual.

It doesn’t have to be true. You can post a half truth that is taken as Gospel.

In this world of ever changing times, can we go back to a time when political opponents get together and state their plans? Their dreams? Their hopes for the future. How they are going to attain these things.

What their plans are to better your area, to directly affect your family, and then work their plans.

We have many races in our area coming up. MANY. These are races that will directly affect your family. We have governors, judges, district attorneys, senate members, and more that will come up for election in 2022. Many will start with primaries in March, so the mud fest has begun.

If I have one bit of advice, especially on local races, you have the ability to talk to the majority of these candidates one on one. Get out and

go meet them. Call them. Ask what they have planned, how their thoughts align with your families needs. Step away from social media.

Step away from the he said/she said.

Educate yourself.

For what matters TO YOU. Then vote.

Happy Sunday peeps….. as you navigate this year,

Thursday January 20, 2022

with elections and all that entails, please remember whoever you bash, has a family and loved ones.

Those loved ones love them, regardless of their thoughts on Covid, their affairs, their prior voting history, or if they skipped class in 10th grade. If your kid wouldn’t want to read it about you online,

or in the press, please don’t propagate it about someone else.

We win by sharing dreams, and working towards them….as a community, as a state….as a country.

When all we have is anger and dislike for our opponent, what are we offering as a solution? Be better people.

WOODS, WATERS, and WILDLIFE

FAREWELL TO A MAGNIFICENT CAT?

By John Jefferson

About 10% of outdoor writer’s work is outdoors -- in the woods or along waters. The rest is spent staring at a computer or trying to reach an information source. I’ve learned a lot during 54 years’ work, but what I don’t know could fill a library shelf.

Most work is pleasant. But now and then, a sadness arises that gets me down. Losing friends affects everybody. Pet owners grieve for lost pets.

Even cats. Dog and horse owners -- particularly hunting dog

owners -- may feel it more. Some of us are affected when animals are wantonly killed or die naturally.

But I’m not an animal rights activist. We hunt. And eat a lot of venison, fish, and other game. It’s healthy and delicious if you know how to prepare it. If you don’t, there are plenty of wild game cookbooks that’ll help.

This column was inspired by the January 5 death of a “senior citizen” ocelot. “Obediah,” or “Obi,” as the staff of The Texas Zoo in Victoria called him, lived two years longer than the record for confined ocelots. He was 22. That saddened

me.

In researching this column, I felt for the few remaining ocelots in Texas. They are still with us but are endangered and on their way down a oneway road of no return.

They once ranged from the Big Bend along the Rio Grande to the coast and upcoast to the Louisiana border and even into the Big Thicket. Now, they’re restricted to dense brush on the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge near Harlingen and on scattered ranchland in lower South Texas.

I’ve only seen one – caged at a shop in Nueva Laredo 50-years ago. It was strikingly

Walker County Press-Page 13

beautiful -- a longtailed, spotted cat resembling a miniature jaguar. Some weird people, like surrealist painter Salvadore Dali and other unrealistics, tried to make pets of them. Most failed.

My friend, Dr. Michael Tewes, a highly credentialed wildlife professor at the Cesar Kelberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M-Kingsville is the nation’s top authority on ocelots.

He has relentlessly researched the unique little cats for over 35 years in South Texas

and Mexico. Shortly before the cartels virtually shut down visits to that part of México, I was fortunate in getting to see some of the dense brush Dr. Tewes trapped ocelots in located over 100-miles south of the border.

A graduate student of Mike’s presented a stimulating talk about their work while we were there.

I don’t know if Mike used Obi’s bedding, but some used it for its scent to help trap ocelots for research.

According to Mike, there are 25 ocelots on

Lifestyle the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and another 50 on private Brush Country ranches. He dismisses previous efforts to recover ocelots as unsuccessful and instead endorses the more favorable habitat element on private ranches.

“Ranchers must be a major element … for ocelot conservation,” Tewes said. He added that translocating ocelots from northeastern Mexico is also necessary.

I’m praying it works.

Thursday January 20, 2022

Hey, Beautiful!

The piece of ground looked like long gouges in the earth left behind to fill in with water and become overgrown with weeds.

However, as we continued the tour, our guide explained that these were planned ponds to grow specialized plants. At the proper time these plants would be transplanted to help reclaim land that had been lost to subsidence or erosion.

When we look in the mirror, or when we look others, what do we see? Do we see something useless and ugly? In Ephesians 2:10 the “Guide” of the universe sees us this way, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”

The ocelot named Obadiah in the Texas Zoo in Victoria lived to age 22, two years longer than the previous record for captive ocelots. Pictured is a captive ocelot at the Springs Resort in Costa Rica. Photo by John Jefferson, Jr.

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

Lifestyle

Extra page:Layout 1 10/11/16 11:18 AM Page 1

Thursday January 20, 2022

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.

Okay, it’s Monday night and I’m sitting at my computer thinking that I’m doing really well in finishing up the papers and all of a sudden this thought goes racing through my mind, Holy Toledo, I haven’t written my column this week.

Things have been so slow in the news business lately that I have completely forgotten about my column. I get really nervous this time of year because I always wonder if we will have any news to write about and then all of a sudden, wham, Spring is here and we can’t keep up with everything that’s happening. After doing this for a few decades, I should be used to it, but it always bothers me when it gets this slow. I should appreciate the break and go fishing or something, but it always seems like just about the time I plan a trip, something breaks loose and I end up not going anywhere and losing my deposit

for the cabin or hotel room or whatever I had reserved.

I guess that I could work on the house because I need to remodel a bathroom in one house and I need to paint the outside of the other house, but with this weather, I’m usually in the wrong place to do either job.

When the weather is pretty nice, I’m going to be in the place that needs the bathroom remodeled and when the weather is below freezing, I’m going to be in the location that needs the outside of the house painted.

The end result is that neither work ends up getting done and I’m still frustrated about it. I could hire somebody to do it , but that costs money and I hate to hire somebody to do a job that I’m capable of doing myself. Besides that, it probably wouldn’t be done to my satisfaction and if I do it then I have nobody to complain about but myself. Anyway, I’ll

get around to doing the work sooner or later and by then I’ll probably have to do some additional work because of the delay.

Speaking of bad luck, I was up at the place in Elkhart the other day and somehow ended up knocking both front tires off of the rims on the tractor. Calvin was with me and he happened to have an electric impact wrench in his toolbox and in no time had both rims off of the tractor and we had them loaded into the truck. The weather was really bad as it was starting to rain and the wind was blowing and the temperature was dropping. We figured that we would deal with the tires later. So, a week goes by and I figure that it’s about time to put those tires back on the tractor so that I can put some hay out to my cows.

In the meantime, I had decided that that electric impact wrench was a pretty

good investment and I searched for the best deal on amazon and purchased one. It arrived just in time and I headed to Elkhart to repair the tractor and put out hay to my cows. This really shouldn’t be a very big job, afterall, I just need to put the tires onto the spindle and use the impact wrench to tighten the lug nuts.

I placed the first tire onto the spindle, lined up the lug nuts with the holes, slid the tire onto the bolts and started all of the lug

Walker County Press-Page 14

nuts before I went to the truck to get my brand new electric impact wrench.

I opened the nice little carrying case that the thing came in and plugged the cord into the extension cord that I had already strung out, placed the socket onto the wrench and placed it onto the first lug nut. I hit the button and the motor came on, but the socket never moved. I took it off of the lug nut and held the socket in my hand and hit the button again and

sure enough the motor came on, but the socket never moved.

After a little while of playing with the dang thing, I went to the truck and retrieved the four way lug wrench and put two tires on the old fashioned way, by hand. Moral of the story......try not to buy anything made in China and if you do, check it out first before you depend on it to work. 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 936.524.0480 Huntsville, Texas 1712 Sq Ft by owner. 2

or 3 BR, 2 bath, .67 acre backs up to 1100 acre public park. $178K, text 936-661-9221 for photos and more info For Sale: Bradford, Brangus, and Hereford bulls. Call 713-8755703 2001 Dodge Dually.

One owner, 174000

miles. Runs good, gets good mileage. $16,000.00. Motivated seller. 936-662-6651 24” GAS LOGS Available with all parts needed for layering as required. $50.00 Contact in Huntsville - 936-6627575.

Thursday January 20, 2022

100 Year old upright PIANO. Some use the decorative wood front panels to make a large office desk. Call 936662-7575 LARGE BURLS ON ELM TREE for wood carvers. Will discuss tree removal. Call 936662-7575

Generac Home Standby generators with transfer switches 1 17kw, 1-15kw, 1-12kw preowned 936 295-4091 2008 F150 Pickup, super low miles, solid motor, almost new tires & battery, only serious inquiries. $9500. 936200-9033

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Walker County Press owned by: Wade Thibodeaux (Publisher) Julie Gill (Editor) Mackensey Bailey (Reporter/ Photographer) Walker County Press P.O Box 149 Huntsville, Tx 77342 Contact Wade Thibodeaux at wade@ txmediacorp.com or 936.581. 5161 Subscriptions: $25 a year Letters Policy: The Walker County Press prints Letters to the Editor on a space-available basis.

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News

Walker County Press-Page 16

2022 Terrain AT4 preproduction model shown.

Actual production model may vary. Late availability.

2022 Terrain AT4 preproduction model shown.

Actual production model may vary. Late availability.

#1 IN SALES SATISFACTION #1 IN SALES SATISFACTION A M O N G M A S S M A R K E T B R A N D S1

2022 Terrain AT4 preproduction model shown.

Actual production model may vary. Late availability.

A M O N G M A S S M A R K E T B R A N D S1

#1 IN SALES SATISFACTION

MOST MOST 2021 2021 AND AND 2022 2022 GMC MODELS GMC MODELS MOST 2021 AND 2022 GMC MODELS A M O N G M A S S M A R K E T B R A N D S1

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% % APR APR

2 FOR VERY WELL -QUALIFIED BUYERS FOR VERY WELL-QUALIFIED BUYERS2

FOR VERY WELL-QUALIFIED BUYERS2 1 2 For J.D. Power 2021 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards.

Excludes HUMMER EV and Savana. Length of contract limited. Some customers will not qualify. Not available with some other offers.Take new retail delivery by 1/31/22. ©2022 General Motors. All rights reserved. GMC® Due to current supply-chain shortages, certain features shown have limited or late availability, or are no longer available.

1 2 See the window HUMMER label or a EV dealer the features on an individual vehicle.

For J.D. Power 2021 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards.

Excludes andregarding Savana. Length of contract limited.

Some customers will not qualify. Not available with some other offers.Take new retail delivery by 1/31/22. ©2022 General Motors. All rights reserved. GMC® Due to current supply-chain shortages, certain features shown have limited or late availability, or are no longer available.

See the window label or a dealer regarding the features on an individual vehicle.

WIESNERCHEVY.COM • WIESNERCADILLAC.COM • 936-291-7500 I-45 AT EXIT 116 BOTH WAYS IN HUNTSVILLE! ACROSS FROM HOME DEPOT - HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL

1 2 For J.D. Power 2021 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards.

Excludes HUMMER EV and Savana. Length of contract limited. Some customers will not qualify. Not available with some other offers.Take 1Excludes Encore 1SV model.

MUST BE A Motors.

CURRENT OF A 2007 MODEL YEAR OR NEWER BUICK ORshortages, GMC VEHICLE OR A CURRENT LESSEE OF A 2016 YEAR OR or NEWER new retail delivery by 1/31/22. ©2022 General AllOWNER rights reserved.

GMC® Due to current supply-chain certain features shown have limited orMODEL late availability, are noBUICK longer available.

OR GMC VEHICLE THROUGH GM FINANCIAL FOR AT LEAST 30 DAYS PRIOR TO or NEW VEHICLE SALE. Not availableon with special finance and some other offers. Take new retail delivery See the window label a dealer regarding the features an lease, individual vehicle. by 6/1/21. ©2021 General Motors. All rights reserved. Buick® Encore GX® Encore® Envision® Enclave®