VOL 6 ·ISSUE 17
WALKER COUNTY
PRESS
PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Permit #60 WINNIE, TX
Thursday March 3 , 2022
The Votes Have Been State Champions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Counted.....And The Winners Are
Randy Jeffcoat easily defeated incumbent Mark Holt for the Walker County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 position in the recent election. By Wade Thibodeaux Walker County residents have been going to the polls over the last two weeks and election day of this past Tuesday, March 1, 2022 for the purpose of electing their Governmental Officials. This year was a Gubernatorial election cycle meaning that Texas would select a candidate for the Governors position and then offices that would trickle down to the Precinct position of the County. The recent election was a Primary election, meaning that the two major parties would select their candidates for the general election in November of
Colt Christian led the pack in the six candidate field for Walker County Judge on the Republican side. Christian will face off against Frank Olivares in a May 24, 2022 runoff election to see who will face the Democrat Primary winner Sherry McKibben in the November election. this year. Walker County voted at 26.65 percent or 9,210 ballots out of the 34,564 registered voters and returned the following results. Morgan Luttrell easily won the Walker County portion of the Republican US Representative District 8 contest, but other County results were not available at press time. Laura Jones was unopposed on the Democrat side and will face the Republican nominee in November. Pete Sessions won the
Leslie Woolley narrowly avoided a runoff in the election for Walker County District Clerk by winning just over 50% with 50.54% in the March Republican Primary. Walker County portion of US Representative District 17, but once again other Counties ballots were not available and Mary Jo Woods was unopposed on the Democrat side and will face the Republican nominee in November. Statewide offices will not be addressed at this time. Walker County State Senator, Republican Charles Schwertner was unopposed and has no opponent on the Democrat side, so he has been re-elected. Walker County State Representative District 12 on the Republican ballot saw (contd on page 7)
Huntsville ISD High School Unified basketball team shows off the State Championship trophy and medals after overcoming Judson ISD 37-33 in the Championship game. By Wade Thibodeaux School unified basket- Championship last (contd The Huntsville ISD High ball team won the State on page 7)
Fun Run Registration Has Opened
The start to last year’s fun run was colorful and this year’s should not be any different. The following article Walker County Press support and attend this was submitted by Rick wholeheartedly supports worthwhile event. Boehning of Tomorrow’s this endeavor as it encourI am writing this article Promise, who is the fa- ages and assists young to tell you about (contd on cilitator of the fun run. children to read. Please page 6)
Community
Thursday March 3 , 2022
56. Gives off 57. Afghanistan’s western neighbor 58. Beginner 59. Send in payment 60. Halfway around links 61. Besides 62. Biz bigwig 63. *D-___ schools only 64. Swedish shag rugs DOWN 1. ____ Brown and “What’s Up, ____?” 2. Gawk at 3. River in Orenburg, Russia 4. Weasel out 5. Go bad 6. Massacre of the Innocents king 7. “I Dream of Jeannie” star
THEME: MARCH MADNESS
Solution on page 15
ACROSS 1. In ill humor 5. Like a ship? 8. Repeating word on South Pacific map 12. Man-eating fairy tail giant 13. Newspaper piece 14. Pertaining to the ear 15. Family group 16. Not the life of the party 17. Andean animal 18. *Like Sunday, the
39. Rest or settle 40. Johnny Cash’s “Get ____” 42. *It never ends this way 43. Another word for acetylene 45. High or hilly land 47. Grazing spot 48. Copying machine 50. ____ code 52. *Those remaining in last weekend (Two words)
day of announcements 20. Bodily disorders 21. 19th century Robber baron Jay ____ 22. Architect’s software, acr. 23. Articulates 26. Soak up 29. Cuban dance step 30. Auditory canal, e.g. 33. Needlefish, pl. 35. “Star Wars” creator 37. Swindle 38. March edition, e.g.
Walker County Press-Page 2
8. *Last year’s runner-up from Washington 9. Like word of mouth 10. Those born under Aries 11. Chicken ____ ____ king 13. Between 90 and 180 degrees 14. Spy’s cover 19. Crocus bulbs, e.g. 22. *Network 23. *School with most titles 24. Car rack manufacturer 25. Like an implied agreement 26. Your mom’s sister 27. Haile Selassie’s disciple 28. Boston hockey player
31. Heart pain 32. Ken or Barbie, e.g. 34. *Placement 36. *First A in NCAA 38. Motivate 40. Biology class acronym 41. Benevolent 44. Leavening agent 46. Another word for golf club 48. Rice wine 49. Lacking sense 50. NYSE MKT, formerly 51. Frost design on a window 52. Porto____, Italy 53. Like acne-prone skin 54. Bear constellation 55. Fish eggs, pl. 56. Before, archaic
Walker County Press-Page 3
Business Directory
Thursday March 3 , 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 March 3 , 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-One individuals were arrested and booked into the Walker County Jail between Friday, Sunday 18 and Friday, February 25.
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 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.
Walker County Press-Page 5
Arrest Report
Thursday March 3 , 2022
Thursday March 3 , 2022
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)
Fun Run Registration (contd)
the The Second Annual Dolly Parton Run With Your Imagination 5K Crawl/Walk/Run. While the title of the race is fair-
ly long, the race itself is only 5K. There are actually people alive today that like to walk/run the average of 6561 steps that
go into five kilometers. I know it sounds slightly unbelievable, but I actually know a few of these people and they consider
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
it good fun. While I may be too old and feeble to run the race, placed close to the end of the title is the word “walk”. I can walk 6500 steps easily. I know this because I have a watch that tells me how
many steps I take in a day at the beck and call of my lovely and talented wife. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is an organization that Dolly Parton started in 1995 so that the children in her
home county, in Tennessee, would have books. In Dolly’s words: When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your com-
Thursday March 3 , 2022 munity with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.” This program has become so successful, that now it is in nine countries, and it still provides free books to children under the age of five. The books are complete-
Local News ly free, but the postage is not. To make sure that the books get to the children, we (Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori School) conduct fundraisers like this one to raise the necessary postage costs associated with shipping over 750 books a month to the small children of Walker County. The cost is approximately $25.00 per year, per child. If you sign your child up at birth, at no cost to you, then by the time that child is five years old, he or she will have a library of sixty high quality books! Not quite coincidentally, the
cost to enter the race is $25.00 which includes a t-shirt and a goody bag for the first 400 to sign in at the race. Every penny of that $25.00 entry fee goes to supporting this cause. This event will be held April 30th, 2022 at 9:00am at the Teacher Education Building on the SHSU campus. Dr. White, president of SHSU will MC the race. Please sign up and proudly wear your t-shirt whether you race or not! Registration is open now! runwithyourimagination.com
State Champions!!!!!!! (contd) Tuesday evening, March 1, 2022 over Judson ISD by a score of 37-33. The Hornets were undefeated this year in their inaugural season as they made their way through the regular
season, the playoffs, Regional Tournament, and finally the State Championship. Unified basketball is a Special Olympic sport in which special needs players(3) are teamed
with partners(2) to form a five person basketball team and they play by basically the same rules as their UIL counterparts. Congratulations Hornets.
local businessman Ben Bius holding a narrow margin of 46% to 41% over Kyle Kacal with other Counties not reported. If this trend holds true in the other Counties, then a runoff election would be held on May 24, 2022 as neither candidate received the required 50%. There is no Democrat on the ballot for State Representative District 12, so the winner of the Republican race would be elected. The Walker County Judges race saw Colt Christian lead the pack of six candidates with 28.51% and Frank Olivares coming in a close
second with 26.08%. These two will face off in the May 24, 2022 runoff election to earn the privilege to face Democrat Sherry McKibben in the November election. Leslie Woolley narrowly avoided a runoff as she garnered 50.54% of the votes in the Republican District Clerk race over challengers Madilene Loosier(27.08%) and April Farquhar(22.38%). There is no Democrat in the District Clerk race, so Woolley is elected. Walker County Precinct 4 Commissioners race saw Brandon Decker handily avoid a runoff as he garnered 64.43% of
the vote in the Republican primary over Craig Wieghat(17.59%) and Frank Novark(17.99%). Once again, no Democrat in the race, therefore Decker is elected. The only remaining contested race in Walker County was the race for Justice of the Peace Precinct 3. Randy Jeffcoat(57.98%) easily defeated incumbent Mark Holt(43.02%) to claim the victory. There is no Democrat in the Primary and therefore Jeffcoat is elected. All ten of the propositions on the Republican Primary ballot were easily approved with most over 80%.
Election Results (contd)
Walker County Press-Page 7
HPD Press Release
On February 24, 2022 officers with the Huntsville Police Department responded to Huntsville Memorial Hospital in ref-
erence to a gun shot dictum. The victim advised he was shot in the 17-- block of 11th St. by a subject he knew only as “School”. The victim, who is in serious condition, was transferred via ambulance to a Houston Area Hospital. With help from the community it was determined that the suspect is 63 year old Kenard Ray Robinson. Robinson is a Black male, 5’11, 235lbs, and should be considered armed and dangerous. Robinson has
advised family members that he is willing to “shoot it out” with any law enforcement attempting to apprehend him. Robinson has an active warrant for Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon. It is believed that Robinson may have fled to the Houston area. Anyone with information please contact the Huntsville Police Department (936) 291-5480 or Crimestoppers (936) 2949494.
This year, the legendary Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, both threetime champions, have retired from the tournament, leaving room for a new champion to claim the coveted title. During the Top Texan Tournament, participants vote for their favorite Texan out of 64 famous figures throughout our state’s history. Votes will be cast through the Save Texas History website during a multi-round tournament. Like the NCAA’s March Madness tournament, Texans can submit their bracket prediction before voting begins for an opportunity to claim history-themed prizes. After predictions are submitted, contestants participate in six voting rounds, and the tournament concludes with a final voting round that will determine an overall champion. The technology used to power the bracket will automatically rank users after each
round based on the accuracy of their predictions. Deadline to submit bracket predictions: Sunday, March 13 First round of voting: March 14-18 Winner announced: Tuesday, April 5 About Save Texas History Created in 2004, the Save Texas History program is a statewide initiative to rally public support and private funding for the preservation and promotion of the historic maps and documents housed in the GLO Archives and serves as a resource for teaching and digitizing Texas history. If you would like to donate to the Save Texas History program to adopt a document or map, assist with archival acquisitions, develop educational programs, or support digital projects, please visit SaveTexasHistory.org. Follow Save Texas History on Facebook and Twitter .
2022 Top Texan Tournament Kicks Off
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) kicked off the 7th Annual Top Texan Tournament. This bracket-style contest, sponsored by the Texas General Land Office’s (GLO) Save Texas History Program, encourages students, teachers, and history buffs to learn about a diverse group of historical figures and choose their favorite Texan.“As we approach Texas History Month, there is no better time to learn more about the Lone Star State’s rich history and celebrate some of our most influential figures,” said Land Commissioner George P. Bush. “We are proud to celebrate the trailblazing men and women who have all made their mark in history. This tournament is a fun and educational way to promote the many icons who have called our state home. I look forward to announcing the newest ‘Top Texan’ in the coming weeks.”
Thursday March 3 , 2022
Local News
Walker County Press-Page 8
Community Calendar Friday, March 4: -Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library Saturday, March 5: -Piney woods writers group from 2:00pm4:00pm at the library Monday, March 7: -Mother Goose Lapsit from 10:45am-11:45am at the library Tuesday, March 8: -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
P.O Box 149 Huntsville, Tx 77342
We Accept Most Major Credit Cards 409-296-9988
-Story time from 5:30pm-6:30pm at the library Wednesday, March 9: -Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library Thursday, March 10: -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, March 11:
-Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library Monday, March 14: -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library -Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library Tuesday, March 15: -Story time from 10:45am-11:45am at the library Wednesday, March 16: -Sittercise from 10:00am-11:00am at the library
ANTIQUES,BOUTIQUES,FURNITURE, JEWELRY, GARDENING & MORE
RUSTY CHIPPY SHOW 2022 Sat. March 12th 10am - 5pm Sun. March 13th 10am - 4pm Walker County Fairgrounds *Indoor Venue* 3925 SH 30 West, Huntsville, TX 77320 $7 admission. Good for both days. 12 and under are FREE. www.huntsvilleantiqueshow.com 936-661-2545
Local News
Thursday March 3 , 2022
Walker County Press-Page 9
Kid Scoop is sponsored by Wischnewsky Dodge. 130 I-45, Huntsville, TX 77340 http://www.wischnewskydodge.com/ (936) 220-1745
© 2022 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 38, No. 13
How many of these see-through fish can you find?
Have you ever seen the sheen of oil on a puddle of water? When water lands on oil in the street, the oil floats to the surface. It just won’t mix with the water.
Standards Links: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.
EXPERIMENT SOLUTIONS SCIENTIST MOLECULE SURFACE DENSITY FLOATS LIQUID SHEEN WATER STICK TRACK FOOD OIL MIX
Perform this experiment and record your observations here!
O D I U Q I L S I S
Y M O L E C U L E H T N E M I R E P X E I D O O F S R L I E
S A O A T N E D M N
N S C I E N T I S T
E E C F L O A T S W
D K C A R T W A T E R S O L U T I O N S
Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.
Cause & Effect Water usually _________ well with other liquids to ________ solutions. But, as this experiment shows, oil and water do not mix. Water molecules are strongly _____________ to each other. So are oil molecules. Because each is more attracted to its own ____________, they just don’t mix together. They separate, and the oil _________ above the water because it has a lower density.
1. Find a headline that shows a cause and effect. 2. Find a headline that describes an effect, and then read the article to determine the cause.
Standards Links: Reading Comprehension: Understand cause and effect.
Cut out these sentences and put them in the correct order for an explanation.
My Book
Send your story to:
Imagine you could write a book for kids. What would be your topic? Who would be your main character? What would make other kids want to read your book?
Replace the missing words. Standards Links: Physical Science: Understand things can be done to materials to change some of their properties.
Standards Links: Spelling: Spell grade-level appropriate words correctly.
Deadline: March 27 Published: Week of Apr. 24 Please include your school and grade.
Community
Thursday March 3 , 2022
Obituaries
James William Dilts, P.E.
Jim was born in Tulsa, OK to Lawrence Masters Dilts, P.E. and Aileen Bessie Connely Dilts on October 9, 1945. He received a Bachelors of Science in Engineering Physics and was commissioned 2nd LT US Air Force on May 30, 1970. He earned a Masters of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Oklahoma at Norman on May 10, 1980. Jim had been employed by TDCJ for 9 years at the time of his death. He flew 346 combat missions over north Vietnam and eleven missions over Hanoi during Christmas 1972 and was awarded the Air Medal four times. Jim was an amazing and unique individual, with a keen mind and a heart of gold. He is survived by his significant other of 42 years, Melvina Rose Sheridan; her children James Sheridan, Shelby Sheridan and Grant Sheridan. Cousins Sylvia Scheffler Cunningham, Rodney Scheffler, Chris Cunningham, Janine Magnuson and husband Steve, Andrew Scheffler and wife Glenda and DeAnna Scheffler.
Ronald Niederhofer
Ronald Althen Niederhofer of Baytown passed away peacefully on February 19, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Althen and Janet Niederhofer. Survivors left to cherish his memory include his life partner of 40 years Carolian Moore; sister Karon Murff and husband James of Huntsville, TX; daughter Sharese Hurst and husband Lane of Bedias, TX; daughter Amanda Cavazos and husband Mark of League City, TX; son Blake Niederhofer and wife Heather of Montgomery, TX; grandson Braeden Whitecotton of Vero Beach, FL; grandson Keegan Hurst and granddaughter Annsley Hurst of Bedias; grandsons Dylan Dresen and Christian Cavazos of League City; granddaughter Samantha Bolla of Montgomery; granddaughter Whitney Cragg and husband Josh of Baytown; grandson Jonathon Bolick and wife Breanna Bolick of Baytown; great-grandchildren Brantley and River Bolick; along with many other family and friends. Ron was born August 22, 1943 in Huntsville, TX and graduated from Huntsville High School, Class of 1962. He is an alumnus of Sam Houston State University, Class of 1969. Ron served in the Army National Guard of Texas and the United States Army until he was honorably discharged in 1968. Ron moved to Baytown in the early eighties where he owned and operated Niederhofer Chemical and Vegetation Control, later renamed Niederhofer Enterprises, Inc., until his retirement. He was dedicated to his career and had impeccable work ethic. Ron made many lifelong friends, while working as a contractor with Exxon for over 40 years. Ron had a heart of gold and
would lend a helping hand to anyone in need, without a second thought. He loved to get together with family and friends, especially if it involved eating shrimp and fish. Ron enjoyed bay fishing, as well as relaxing at home while listening to Willie Nelson and friends.
Sarah Louise Batterton
Sarah Louise Yates Anderson Batterton was born May 27, 1924, to Robert Kimbrough Yates and Winnie Mae McGhee Yates in Dallas County, Texas, and went home to the Lord February 20, 2022. She was the oldest of five children. She graduated from Mesquite High School, then began working at Resistol Hats in Garland, Texas. She met her first husband, Clifton Bruce Anderson, at the hat factory and married him October 3, 1942. Soon after, he was drafted into the Army and spent two years overseas in World War II. Upon his return, they continued their jobs at Resistol, and in 1952, their only child, Carla Kaye, was born. Being raised during the Depression and experiencing the War made a lasting impression on Louise. She was a good mother, pastor’s wife, Sunday School teacher, WMA leader, song director and soloist. She taught the children in her church scripture memorization, Bible songs, Vacation Bible School classes, Church camp and Girl’s Missionary Auxiliary. She was an excellent seam-
stress and loved gardening. In 1976, her husband, Bruce, unexpectedly passed away. She was introduced to Lawrence Arvel Batterton by a mutual friend. They married June 1, 1979, and they had a beautiful life together. They traveled in their RV across the USA. They loved their church and she focused on Senior Adults and their Bible study, Sunday School and Music. She was an active member of the Huntsville Community Senior Adult Choir, singing and traveling with other choir members. She was a proud member and leader of The Young at Heart club for Senior Adults at her church. She loved her grandchildren and taught them the Bible and valuable life lessons. After Arvel Batterton’s passing in 2016, Louise longed to “go home” to Heaven. She is missed. Her family is so thankful for the time God shared her with them. She was preceded in death by husband Clifton Bruce Anderson and husband Lawrence Arvel Batterton, her parents, Bob and Winnie Yates, step-mother Hazel Lorean Yates, sister Elsie Irene Tuggle, and two brothers, William Dudley Yates and Robert Stephen Yates. Louise is survived by one daughter, Carla Kaye Bell and favorite son-in-law Thomas Sherman Bell; two sons, Larry Batterton (Susan) and Terry Batterton (Marilyn); one sister, Dorothy Jean Smith; grandchildren: Sarah Bell Chatfield and husband; Neal, Amanda Bell Russell and husband, Brandon; Chief Petty Officer Thomas Anderson Bell and wife, Amanda; Andrea Batterton Watson; Ryan Batterton and wife, Jody; Julie Batterton Durheim and husband, Aloar; Bethany Batterton Helgeson and husband Eric; many great grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Walker County Press-Page 10
Barbara Sue Larrison
After dealing with complications of a brain tumor for the past 3 ½ months, Barbara Sue Brzozowski Larrison of Huntsville, TX went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 22, 2022. Born April 30, 1949 in Beaumont, TX, Barbara was the only child of A.J. “Bro” and Nadine Brzozowski. In 1967, Barbara graduated from Hampshire-Fannett High School and then moved to Huntsville to pursue her education. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Sam Houston State University in 1971. During her time at SHSU in biology class, Barbara met the love of her life, Jerry Larrison. One of Barbara’s spiritual gifts was definitely that of hospitality. She gave that gift to everyone she came into contact with throughout her life. One way she demonstrated her gift was to assist people in buying and selling their homes as a Realtor with Homes of Huntsville for 38 years. Another way, and one of her most treasured achievements in life, was by beginning the Joy of Living ladies Bible study. She was the founder and lecturer for this wonderful group of women for over 34 years. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, but she was so much more! A friend, mentor, mother-figure, hostess extraordinaire, cook, prayer warrior, the list could go on and on. All of her friends, family and ac-
quaintances were convinced of her love for the Lord. Barbara shared His love just as He commanded, to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” She will never be forgotten because of her faith and fearlessness to share it with others. When Barbara realized that healing would not take place on earth, she longed to go to her heavenly home. When she saw Jesus face-toface, we are sure He greeted her with loving, open arms saying, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Remaining to honor her memory are her husband of 52 years, Jerry Larrison, daughter and son-in-law, Sheri & Barry Watson of Plano, TX, and daughter and son-in-law, Rachel & John Yarabeck of Huntsville, TX. Barbara was affectionately known as Barbo to her beloved grandchildren, Cooper Watson, Mitchell Watson and Caroline Yarabeck. Barbara was also survived by several other family members, “adopted” college students and friends. The family would like to thank Carolyn Brooks, Gwen Edwards, Yoronda Huery and Paige McAdams for their love and compassion while caretaking for Barbara. Barbara and Jerry were members of University Heights Baptist Church for their entire married life. Barbara served in many different capacities at the church.
Allen W. Sylvester, Sr.
On February 25, 2022, Allen Sylvester Sr. passed away at the age of 75 while surrounded by family at St.
Walker County Press-Page 11 Luke’s Hospital after battling COVID yet having survived several battles with cancer. Allen William Sylvester Sr. was born August 20, 1946 in Huntsville, TX to Allen and Reba Sylvester of Huntsville, TX. Allen was preceded in death by his father Allen Whitfield Sylvester, his grandson Brennen Charles Rushing, brothers in law Paul Mitchell and Danny Atkinson, and other aunts, uncles and cousins. Allen is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Noma Sylvester; son Allen Jr and wife Janie Sylvester; daughter Kristi and husband Tim Rushing; grandsons Johnathon Sylvester, Chance Rushing and Andrew Sylvester; granddaughter Alexandria Sylvester, mother Reba Sylvester and sister
Community
Susan Mitchell as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Allen attended and graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1968 and later a Bachelor of Finance in 1971. While attending college, Allen met Miss. Noma Scadden where they fell in love and were married in July of 1966. Shortly before graduating in 1968, Allen received an “invitation” to join the US Armed Forces so he did, enlisting in the Army Reserve where he served for six years as a Military Policeman. While in college and the military, Allen began working for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice first as an instructor in the Windham School District and as a Correctional Officer then as an
accountant. After 30+ years, Allen retired as the Chief Financial Officer of the Inmate Trust Fund. After retiring Allen and Noma traveled across the country and abroad. Allen enjoyed camping, woodworking, gardening and being an all-around handyman helping with projects and repairs around the house as well as friends and family’s houses. Allen and Noma would attend functions with grandkids whenever possible. In lieu of flowers, the family request that if you wish, to make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital - www. stjude.org or The Good Shepherd Mission - P.O. Box 7281 Huntsville, TX 77340, Ways to Give ‘ Good Shepherd Mission (thegsmission.org) or a charity of your choice.
The American....Life Changing By JOE KUSEK Life changing. It’s not just a phrase tossed around. It’s a declaration, a truth, shared by every winner of The American Rodeo. Acquired by Teton Ridge, The American Rodeo is a true open competition format, bringing together top professional rodeo champions and honest, hardworking cowboys and cowgirls in a winnertake-all showdown meant to crown the finest talent the world has to offer. The American Rodeo
culminates with the thrilling Championship Round Finals, Sunday, March 6 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Fittingly, it will be televised on leading national cable network INSP TV, a station dedicated to western programming. Since its inception in 2014, The American has paid out more than $15 million to competitors from all over the world. And this year is no different.
Competitors in eight different disciplines – bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing and breakaway roping – will be chasing a piece of the unprecedented $3 million pie. Every discipline will have a $100,000 prize to the winner. Upping the ante for 2022, a champion who has climbed through the qualifying rounds could potentially earn an added
$2 million. With no one winning the $1 million bonus last year, the money was rolled into this year’s event. The American Rodeo is truly the richest singleday event in all of western sports. A chance to win $2.1 million with a flick of the rope, an eight-second ride or a 15-second turn of the barrels. By comparison, Patrick Mahomes, the superstar quarterback of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs would have to play 48 minutes of a game to earn the same. Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors, considered one of the best shooters in NBA history, would have to play 3.75 games for the equivalent. Mike Trout, the all-star for Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball, would have to play in 9.1 games to match The American payout. It is why the Divine 9 – bareback rider Kaycee Feild, team roper Clay Tryan and tie-down roper Tuf Cooper – keep coming back. They have competed at The American Rodeo every year. The future ProRodeo Hall of Famers want to add to their legacy. But there is a twist in 2022. Before competing in the high-paying Championship Round at AT&T Stadium, qualifiers must advance through the prelims and semifinals to reach the “Contender Round” on March 4 at Cowtown
Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. That night, it will be Contenders vs. Defenders, the qualifiers matching talents with the 10 championship-caliber invitees in each event. From those events, only the top 10 will compete at AT&T Stadium. This year’s field for The American Rodeo includes 27 cowboys and cowgirls who have combined to win a staggering 68 world championships. There are 19 different past winners of The American. Since 2014, 14 different competitors have earned a share of the $1 million bonus. Both bareback rider Richmond Champion (2014) and saddle bronc rider Wade Sundell (2016) became instant millionaires with eight-second rides aboard high-bucking horses. Everything about the “Crown Jewel of Rodeo” is of champion caliber. The best cowboys and cowgirls riding the best horses. The best bovines in North America blowing out of the chutes. The best calves sprinting down the arena. All showcased in the greatest stadium in professional sports: AT&T Stadium, the state-of-the-art facility that is home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. The American has been life-changing in the past and will be again in the present and the future. Will it be rodeo superstar Stetson Wright of Milford, Utah, the reigning world allaround champion, who
Thursday March 3 , 2022 is entered in both saddle bronc riding and bull riding? How about Hailey Kinsel, of Cotulla, Texas, going for a fourth barrel racing title? Or steer wrestler Stockton Graves, the head rodeo coach at Northwestern State Oklahoma University? A win at The American Rodeo would help by a lot of books for his student-athletes. Then there is bareback rider Briar Dittmer, a small-town high school teacher from Iowa chasing rodeo glory. Could he be holding a life-altering firstplace check from The American Rodeo when the dust settles? Who will be the next athlete to have his or her life changed? Tickets for the qualifier and semifinals events range in price from $10 to $75 and can be purchased at cowtowncoliseum. com. Following the qualifier and semifinals events at Cowtown, the legendary weekend of western sports and entertainment gets underway at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, March 5 with the 2022 PBR Global Cup USA at 5:45 p.m. CST and then the nonstop rodeo action at The American begins at 12 p.m. on Sunday, March 6. Tickets for both events can be purchased at ATTStadium.com or SeatGeek.com and start at just $20, taxes and fees not included. All tickets for Sunday, March 6 include the live concert performance from Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
Walker County Press-Page 12
Lifestyle
Sunday Observations by Christy
That should say observations of my 54 years. As I prepare to bid adieu to another year, and the double nickel of 55 creeps closer, I figured let’s see what life has taught me in year 54. Clean out your closets…. Your dressers, cabinets, spare rooms, storage cabinets…. All of it. If you are just starting out, just don’t keep it all. It makes your 50’s easier. Photos….. I don’t think this will be an issue for younger
generations because everything is digital now. But get a handle on all those photos. It’s overwhelming when it’s 40 years plus piled up. But find a system that works for you, and get busy. Share your story. With your loved ones. Share it now. Share it often. Tell the stories that made you, that hurt you, that gave you joy. Tell the stores of your parents, grandparents….. and if you are lucky like me your great grandparents.
Stay in a hotel by yourself. I’ve actually done this since my first work trip at 19, but travel alone. Eat alone. Shop alone. Because at the end of the day your true best friend, or enemy, is yourself. Do what you can to treat them good! Practice patience. With your loved ones, your friends, your coworkers. Some will test the ever loving Jesus out of you, some will make you a better person. It’s up to you to figure out how to deal with them but remember you too, are annoying to someone. Be humble. No one, let me repeat this, NO ONE, is better than you. But you are better than no one as well. Snobbery will set me off faster than anything. Your last name, checking account balance, clothes, car, or job do not give you instant entitlement. Nor do they give you the right to treat others poorly. Don’t believe everything you see online. Google is online too. Double and triple check what you find. Simplify your life.
Downsize. Get rid of stuff, give things to loved ones while you are alive. Not just upon death. Have a parent move in with you. Move in with a kid. Move to a smaller home. Get your life where you are comfortable. Right
Thursday March 3 , 2022
now. For yourself. Happy Sunday peeps….. I forgot one thing. Laugh. A lot. Learn to laugh at yourself. Because life is hard, but it’s easier with humor. It’s ok to laugh at your own aging issues, to chuckle at the
stupidity you showed as a youngster, to giggle when you misplace something, or forgot why you walked in a room. It is not ok to laugh at others though. Be kind. Always.
WOODS, WATERS, and WILDLIFE
END OF THE HUNT
By John Jefferson
It’s said there are only two kinds of writers: true poets, and those who just make lists. This column may classify me since it will begin with a list of closed hunting seasons or ones which will close soon. Hopefully, there will be a little poetic-like prose near the end that might redeem me. All the deer seasons in Texas have closed. Hopefully, this will keep readers from getting fined for hunting out of season. Let me say to start with that if you plan to hunt anytime the rest of the year, please do yourself and ME a
favor and check the County Listings in the current Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual – the regulations pamphlet. The County listings begin on Page 79. They’re easier to read with a straight edge and a magnifying glass. Several weeks ago, I mentioned some regulations that were general in nature, but had exceptions. In the paragraph before my mention, I specifically said to check the Outdoor Annual for the county in which you plan to hunt. Several people were confused by the generalizations which were stated in Page 4 of the Annual without mentioning exceptions. Instead of checking the County listings, they called
the local game warden for clarification. So, he then called me. The first season to consider and the next one to close is the Statewide quail season. It closed on Sunday, February 27 – the last Sunday in February. Remember that in the future. Duck seasons closed January 30. The East Zone light and dark geese season closed on January 30, too. But the West Zone didn’t close until Feb. 13. The late Conservation Order for light geese season closes in both zones on March 13. Dove seasons all closed in January; Sandhill Cranes did, too. Squirrel season in East Texas closes Feb. 27, BUT reopens May
Walker County Press-Page 13
1-31. In other counties, it’s open all year. Javelina season in the North Zone closes Feb. 27. (Check counties) South zone is open year around. Chachalaca season closes Feb. 27, too. But there is no closed season on rabbits and hares. A major hunting season yet to open is the spring wild turkey season. It is imperative that you check your hunting county. Rio Grande tur-
keys may be hunted in the South Zone Mar. 19-May 1. The North Zone season is April 2- May 15. In one-turkey counties, the season runs April 1-30. Youth Seasons are: South Zone Mar. 12-13 and May 7-8; North Zone Mar. 2627 and May 21-22 The season on Eastern turkeys is Apr. 22 – May 14. Saving my favorite for last, there is no closed season nor bag limits on Nongame Species
Lifestyle such as bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions, porcupines, or prairie dogs, although certain restrictions apply. Hunting licenses are required. Calling critters is great sport. I’ve hunted twice with Gary Roberson, owner of Burnham Bros. Game Calls – once in New Mexico in the snow. Predators are excellent hunters; calling one in is a thrilling accomplishment.
Thursday March 3 , 2022
Joyful Noise
On a harmonica you can play several notes at a time to form a chord or, you can just play single notes. As I was practicing with my harmonica one day, I asked my wife what she thought sounded better, chords or single notes? Dana responded, “It’s better to be off on just one note at a time than several.”
Gary Roberson, owner of Burnham Bros. Game Calls, on right, and another coyote hunter, scan the New Mexico landscape for places from which to call coyotes with electronic callers. The hunt took place on a large cattle ranch known for a troublesome coyote population. Photo by John Jefferson.
Psalm 100:1 says everyone should “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” What kind of music is your life making? 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 March 3 , 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.
Last week we talked about my trip to Bandera. As I explained in last week’s column, I had a really good time and it was probably the last purely fun, no work trip that I will be taking for a little while. A few weeks ago, I casually mentioned that it was kinda boring in the business with nothing going on and boy howdy will I never make that mistake again...... at least until next Winter when I forget about how busy the Spring gets and I start complaining about the lack of activity. Things have busted loose and there is something going on every day and seems like every hour. Of course, this year has Primary elections in the Spring and that just adds to the already busy schedule, but I guess the other side of that coin is that all of my schools(for the most part) are eliminated from the basketball playoffs. That frees up quite a bit of time and scheduling conflicts and with gasoline prices well over $3.00 a gallon, it’s nice to be able to stay close to home every once
in a while. However, baseball, softball, and track have started up and that’s a pretty busy schedule as they play a bunch of games. Also on the radar this Spring is this little project that I started about a year ago called a cow herd. I told you guys when I bought this set of cattle that they were a misfit bunch and I’m working on straightening them out. One of the first things that I did was to improve their nutrition. I put them on a place that had lots of grass, I provided plenty of good high quality free choice minerals, and I even provided some protein tubs for good measure. Those cattle gained weight exponentially and look like a completely different set of cows. The next thing that I did was to get rid of all of the males in the pasture. This set of cows had male offspring that had been with them from the very beginning of this bunch of cows and that needed to change. So if it was a male, no matter how big or small, it went to town. Now, that leaves
me with a set of females that will be the foundation of what is to come without any interference from inside sources. That also leaves me with a delima. I need to put a bull on them this Spring, or do I? Knowledge is a powerful thing and the lack of knowledge can be even more powerful if the wrong choices are made. For instance, do I need to put a bull in with them in April??? There were adult males running with them until December(which is when I was able to work them and remove the males) and all of the females should be bred to calve later this year(Gestation is about 9 1/2 months). Maybe I don’t need a bull until later in the Fall. However, I really don’t want to put a bull in with them in the Fall because then I end up with big calves on cows during the Winter and that takes a lot of fuel(Feed) for the momma cow to raise a calf and re-breed for the next year. So, what I need to do is work those cows and find out just exact-
ly what their pregnancy status is(Knowledge). However, we get back to that scheduling issue and finding the time to work cows falls far behind making a living in the newspaper business. The short answer to this situation is that I have begun going to bull sales this Spring and if I find the right bull at the right price, I’ll buy him and just let mother nature run its course. If I don’t find the right bull, then I’ll just wait and see what happens and make ad-
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justments along the way. It’s been a pretty good while since I attended a cow sale and to tell you the truth, they haven’t changed much. If you are buying, they are still too high and if you are selling, they ain’t bringing enough, so they must be priced about right. I found several bulls this past weekend at a sale in Buffalo, Texas that would work and I must not have lost my ability to judge cattle because the four bulls that I had picked out were the
top selling bulls in the sale. Remember, right bull at the right price and so consequently, I’m still searching for a bull. So, for the next several weekends, I’ll be at a bull sale somewhere......if I’m not at The American Rodeo, the Walker County Fair, the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction, Chambers County Youth Project Show, or an occasional personal fun time event. Till next time, I’m......Wade in the Shade.
Want Ads
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News
Walker County Press-Page 16
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