Glasscock County News

Volume 6, Number 6 Garden City, Texas February 23, 2000

Superintendent Search Narrows to Three

The GCISD School Board has selected three finalists for the superintendent’s job and will hold a second interview with them and their spouses March 6, 7 and 8. Tentative plans call for three school board members to make a two-day visit to the final choice’s place of residence March 13 –14. The board plans to hire a new superintendent March 20, and he will presumably start work June 1.

The final three candidates:

Tommy Jay Hancock has been the superintendent at Westbrook ISD since 1997. Prior to that, he was the K - 12 principal at Ira, the secondary school principal at Aspermont, and the junior high principal at Friona. His bachelor’s degree is from Texas Tech with a teaching field in agricultural education. He did graduate work at West Texas A & M and Sul Ross, his Master’s in agricultural education and mid-management and his superintendent’s certificate is from Sul Ross.

Stephen Ray Long has been the superintendent at Rule ISD since 1995, and before that, he was Rule’s principal. His bachelor’s degree is from Angelo State University, his Master’s, in education and mid-management, is from Abilene Christian University, and his superintendent’s certificate is from Sul Ross. He has teaching fields in science and physical education and has been a science teacher and coach at both Roby and Water Valley.

Joe P. Spaulding, Jr. has been with the Division of Accountability Evaluation at the Texas Education Agency in Austin since 1988. He has a bachelor’s degree in social science and English from Harding University in Searcy, Ark., and has done graduate work at both the University of Houston and the University of Texas at Austin. His Master’s is in administrative education from the University of Houston. Prior to 1988, he was superintendent of schools at Dell City ISD, assistant to the superintendent at Eanes ISD (Westlake High School), middle school principal at Eanes ISD, and an educational consultant for Exxon Corp. (His father was once a Church of Christ minister at Garden City.)

The Texas Association of School Boards search team employed by GCISD received seventeen applications for the superintendent’s job, and the team sifted those down to eight. A TASB representative presented the resumes of those to the GCISD school board Feb. 10, and the board chose six for interviews. The board then interviewed those six candidates for about two hours each on Feb. 19, 20 and 21, and selected the three finalists from that group.

County Newsletter Goes Online

Check out the new Glasscock County News website at: http://wscope.com/glasscock/

In order to help us save on printing and postage costs, we are asking each of you with Internet access to register at our web site, which will send us your e-mail address. Each month, we will notify you via e-mail when the current issue of the newsletter is posted on the site. You will be able to read the newsletter online and to print it, if you want a hard copy. You will be able to view the entire newsletter, or only the parts of your choice, and will be able to see back issues, as well.

In addition, you can access other county links from our site. We have the county’s underground water district’s web page linked, so you can easily view their information along with ours, and hope to add links to other public sites as they are available.

If you elect to receive the newsletter online, you will no longer get a mailed copy. We will, of course, continue to mail the newsletter to those who do not register online.

We are deeply indebted to Scott Cope, son of Alton and Mary Jo Cope, for design, construction, and maintenance of this site. If you have comments, suggestions, or problems, please contact us via the e-mail option on the web site (gcnews201@aol.com).

We appreciate your cooperation, and hope you enjoy the Glasscock County News online.

Water Level Data for Aquifers Available

The Edwards Trinity Aquifer, which serves most of Glasscock County, has risen six feet since 1983, including a one-foot loss from 1998 to 1999, according to Rick Harston, GCUWCD Manager. The Ogallala Aquifer, serving the northwest part of the county, has risen over four feet since 1984, including a three- foot loss from ’98 to ’99. The Edwards Trinity Aquifer in northern Reagan County has dropped eight feet since 1983, including a gain of slightly over one-foot from ’98 to ‘99.

The data comes from measurements taken from approximately 60 wells around the water district’s service area, which includes all of Glasscock County and parts of northern Reagan County. Measurements have been taken and recorded since 1953, but Harston is not confident of the numbers prior to 1983, which is two years after the GCUWCD was created, and measurements began being taken in a systematic way. Prior to 1983, Harston says measurements were taken at different times of the year, were sometimes taken when irrigation pumps were running, and in the 1950’s, only 4 or 5 wells were measured. Harston measures the wells from November to early January.

Graphs of the water tables are available in the water district office.

Meek Resigns as A.D.; Coach

The GCISD School Board unanimously accepted the resignation of Mike Meek as athletic director and head football coach at its regular meeting Feb. 21. Meek will retain his position as a math teacher. He has been a coach and teacher in the local school for several years, and has been the A.D. and head football coach for the past two years.

In another unanimous vote, the board extended the two-year contracts of Secondary Principal Faith Scott and Elementary Principal Dean Munn for one year.

The board discussed possible high school class scheduling changes for next year. Changing from an eight-period day to a 7-period one is one of the options. Keeping both band and athletics available to all students presents scheduling problems, and requires 8 periods, according to Scott. Board member Jimmy Eggemeyer asked, “What do we need band for?” Hoelscher said, “Band is good, but choices have to be made sometimes.” Scott said no art class is offered this year because there isn’t a qualified teacher.

School Superintendent Charles Zachry said the school has always tried to make possible “everything for everyone,” which he said he would like to continue. But he said it boils down to money, and that the high school is now overstaffed for the number of students it has. He said an option is to combine some classes, if the board wants to “keep trying to do it all.”

As examples of combining classes, Scott said she would prefer having only one biology class, rather than the three (regular, advanced and advanced placement) that are offered now, and that the number of world history classes could also be trimmed.

The board also discussed the weighting of various classes for purposes of class ranking. Board members Tibby Niehues and Karla Hoelscher said students should not be penalized in class rank for taking harder classes. Zachry said that during his years here, the board has addressed the problem of class weighting numerous times, with no one method pleasing everyone.

The board ultimately elected to have the principals, counselor, and the site-based committee make recommendations concerning both scheduling and class weighting at next month’s board meeting.

Munn reported the elementary school enrollment is 182, down another three students since last month. He said there is “no end in sight” to the declining enrollment, and projected only 15 students in kindergarten next year. “The chances of returning to the days of 190 to 200 elementary students are very slim,” he said. The secondary school’s enrollment is 162, down two since last month.

Munn said the sixth grade reading challenge between students and their parents “sort of backfired.” The parents “knocked the top off,” he said, and won the event by reading more than the students. Students will serve the parents a meal as the contest prize.

In other action, the board approved a concurrent enrollment waiver for textbook fees, so students who are taking classes for both high school and college credit, pay only tuition, and not for books.

The board voted to allow driver’s education instructor Mark Ray of Big Spring to use a classroom for a fee of $5 per student, so long as the class is a service to GCISD students. They also decided that the school cafeteria would not be available for family reunions.

Another draft of the school calendar was discussed, and a final version will be voted on at the March board meeting.

In The Spotlight

• The Lady Bearkats, District 4-A basketball champs, also won the Bi-district title by beating Marathon 57 – 37. The Lady Kats went on to win the Area title by defeating Wink 36 – 32 before being beaten in the regional quarterfinals by No. 2 state-ranked Sudan, 53-23.

• The two GCHS Academic Decathlon teams will advance to state competition in third and fifth positions.

• The Lady Bearkats JV “A” team finished the season with an 11 – 8 record, while the “B” squad finished 1 – 4. The “A” team placed second in the Forsan Tournament and third in the Grape Creek Tourney.

• The junior high girls “A” basketball team finished the season unbeaten with a 14 – 0 record, including tournament championships in both Water Valley and Sterling City. The “B” team finished the season 5 – 6.

• Paula Braden, a sophomore agri-business major, has been named to the Dean’s Honor Roll for the 1999 fall semester at Texas A & M University. She is a 1998 graduate of GCHS and the daughter of Charles and Janet Braden.

• Tiffany Kujawski, a freshman at Texas A&M University, was named to the Dean’s List for the 1999 fall semester. She is a 1999 graduate of GCHS, and the daughter of Daniel and Jean Ann Kujawski.

• Allan Fuchs, a 1996 graduate of GCHS and the son of Dennis and Barbara Fuchs, was named to the Distinguished Students List at Texas A&M University in the fall semester.

• Brian Hillger in the 14-year-old division, and Erin Hirt in the 10-year-old division will advance to the state level of the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest to be held in Austin March 11. Brian is the son of Nancy and Mike Hillger; Erin is the daughter of Mary Ann and Duane Hirt.

• Kamie Schwartz has been elected president of Chi Omega sorority at West Texas A & M University where she is a junior. She is also a finalist for University Queen. She is a 1998 graduate of GCHS and the daughter of Floyd and Martha Schwartz.

• Animals shown by several local youngsters placed at the San Antonio Livestock Show in the following categories: Goats: Colton Schwartz, first; Erin Hirt, second; Angela Schraeder, fourth; Colby Hirt, eighteenth. Lambs: Colby Hirt, Reserve Grand Champion, Finewool Class; Deidra Hirt, first; Ashley Hirt, fifth; Cade Doss, seventh. Steers: Garrett Kellermeier, eighth; Whitney Kellermeier, twelfth. Swine: Anthony Wheat, eleventh.

Briefly

• The Lions Club will meet March 7 at 7 a.m. at the Church of Christ in Garden City. Melvin Felch of Brownwood, who is the camp director for the Lion’s Club Camp in Kerrville, will be the speaker. All club members are urged to attend.

• Early voting for the primary election will begin February 28 and continue through March 10 at the county clerk’s office. The actual election will be March 14. Local contested races have incumbent Jimmy Strube facing Shirley Braden for commissioner in Precinct One and Rufus Fowler challenging incumbent Hugh Schafer for the commissioner’s job in Precinct Three.

• The Parent-Teacher Organization needs new officers for next year. President Lisa Jansa, Vice-President Karen Halfmann and Secretary-Treasurer Charlotte Kellermeier are retiring after several years of service.

Jansa also reports that someone is needed to replace her as head of the Volunteers in Public Schools. Call Jansa (397-2495), Halfmann (535-2236) or Kellermeier (397-2667) for more information or to volunteer.

• The GCUWCD considered making some changes in its rules and by-laws at its meeting Feb. 15, but took not action, deciding to discuss the possible changes at its March 21 meeting. One of the changes discussed involves the language of the district’s rule regarding the transportation of groundwater out of the district. Proposed changes are available for public review in the water district office. Any changes in the rules and by-laws will be subject to a public hearing before final adoption.

• Prospective cheerleaders must complete forms which will be sent out March 13, and must be returned by March 16 at 3:30 p.m., according to cheerleader sponsor Melissa Schmitz.Practices will be held March 17 and 18 immediately after school, and tryouts are March 22 at 1 p.m. in the game gym. Six junior high cheerleaders and one mascot will be chosen for the junior high school, plus six cheerleaders and a mascot for the high school. The Midland College cheerleaders will serve as judges.

• Senior Citizens will meet Tuesday, March 7, at 6 p.m. in the new senior citizens building. The fare will be potluck, so bring whatever you like.

• The Steve Sturtz Family is very grateful for the many acts of kindness following an auto accident on Feb. 16. Sturtz said, “We owe thanks to so many, but want to acknowledge the fine care from the EMT’s and members of the St. Lawrence Parish and Father Espita. It is great to be a part of this ‘community family’ where people care and reach out with love and concern.”

• A. Nunley has been appointed Glasscock County’s Democratic Party Chairman by the state Democratic Committee. Wanda Forbis reports there will be a Democratic Primary in the county, even though there are no local candidates on the Democratic ballot.

• A Basic SKYWARN Spotter Training Class sponsored by the National Weather Service will be held March 14 at 7 p.m. in the local school cafeteria. The class, which runs just over two hours, will include: PC-based training, spotter safety, videos of 1999 area damage, and a video of the 1999 Oklahoma City tornado. Participants will learn about thunderstorm types, recognition storm features and strategy for locating the tornado formation area. There is no charge for the class. Call 563-5006, ext. 223, for more information.

• According to the National Weather Service, the coldest temperature ever recorded in Texas was minus 23 degrees F at Seminole on Feb. 8, 1933.

• The Big Spring Humane Society is soliciting support from Glasscock County residents for their animal shelter. The shelter, which operates on donations alone, does not euthanize healthy animals. Other than cash donations, (which can be mailed to P. O. Box 823, Big Spring, TX 79721), they accept donations of food and supplies. For more information, call the shelter at 267-7832.

• The county historical committee needs any old photos of the county courthouse and the old jail. If you have such photographs, contact Helen Wilkerson, Mary Jo Cope or Alan Dierschke.

• The elementary school is taking part in the General Mills Box Tops for Education Program with a goal of raising $500 to supplement the Accelerated Reading incentive program. You are asked to contribute box tops from General Mills products. Collection spots are at Halfmann’s Store, the Glasscock County Bank and Ronda’s Kwik Stop. This year’s deadline is March 31, but box tops collected later will be submitted as part of next year’s program. For more information, contact Charles Clarke at the school.

• You have until March 13 to bid on the computer desk which is on display in the courthouse hallway. Submit your sealed bid to the county judge’s office. Bids are to be opened at the commissioners’ court meeting March 13.

State to Widen FM 2401

At the Feb. 14 meeting of the Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court, County Judge Wilburn Bednar reported he received a letter from the Texas Department of Transportation saying that bids for the widening of FM 2401 to 26 feet will be let in May. There was no mention of the county’s request that TXDOT put a blinking light at the intersection of FM 2401 and FM 1357.

Work to widen State Highway 158 through Garden City is supposed to begin in late March and be completed in six months.

Commissioner Jimmy Strube suggested the county ask TXDOT to put two or three sleeves under the highway while it is being widened, for any future utility work, which might require lines under the highway.

Courthouse Restoration Planning Underway

The court heard brief presentations from three architectural firms regarding the historical restoration of the two courthouses, then decided to give the county ‘s historical committee the task of recommending one of the three. The committee, which consists of Helen Wilkerson (chairman), Mary Jo Cope and Alan Dierschke, will meet for approximately 90 minutes with each of the three firms Feb. 29. The first part of the project will involve developing a Master Plan and then applying for grants for money to do the actual work.

The court voted to waive Zachry Oil’s $135 in penalties and interest for 1986 unpaid taxes. Bednar told the court that company’s taxes had been paid from 1987 to the present. In a letter to the court, the company stated that until last month, they had not been notified of any unpaid taxes.

In response to a question from Commissioner Mark Halfmann, Bednar said he has not received any reports on the 911-telephone system, but when he has asked about it, he’s been told it’s working fine. Halfmann said regular reports on the status of the system were “part of the deal” the court worked out a few months ago, when the system had mechanical problems for some time before anyone realized it.

Bednar reported the county has gained state approval as a septic tank inspector. Jim Havlak will attend training to do the work.

Courthouse Tree Removal Discussed

The court approved Susie Hillger’s request to remove two elm trees from the lawn southwest and southeast of the courthouse. Brian Cypert will do the work for $900. She said the trees being removed are in bad shape, having had diseases over the years, and have numerous broken or dead limbs. In addition, she said they keep grass from growing, and are interfering with electrical lines. Another elm in question northwest of the courthouse will remain for the time being, though Hillger said it also needs to be removed to make room for the pecan tree planted nearby.

Commissioners discussed the need to designate 911 physical addresses for new houses in the Prairie Estates area northwest of Garden City. Commissioner Michael Hoch is to look into the matter.

Baptist Directory Open to Community

The First Baptist Church of Garden City is updating its directory and invites the entire community to be a part of it. Olin Mills will take photographs for the directory in Garden City on March 30 from 3 p.m. until 9:20 p.m.

Several poses will be taken and each person will choose one to go into the directory. The directory and an 8 x 10 picture are free. Additional photo packages may be purchased. Signup for the photo sessions begins March 13. Call Claudia Brown at 354-2365 after 6:30 p.m. to schedule your time.

Pastor Al Stiefer says he hopes the directory will become a source of history for the county for the year 2000, providing a photographic record, not only of the church, but also of the entire community.

A ‘Thank You’ to The Community

A little over a year ago, we started volunteering one day a week at a place called Big Spring Baptist Association Crisis Closet. This closet distributes food and clothing to the needy in the Big Spring area. By our asking, and word of mouth, the response from Glasscock County has been awesome. St. Lawrence, Garden City and Carterville folks have responded with so much food, clothing and small household items that we have been overwhelmed. Churches, 4-H children and private citizens have collected food.

Thank you all so very much. If you have anything to donate, please call or bring it by either of our houses.

May God bless each of you,

Wanda Forbis and Jo Ann Turner

Sheriff’s Office Report

The following activities were reported by the sheriff’s office for the month of January: two advise complainant of rights; one alarm answered; one ambulance call, none transported; one animal control request; one felony arrest; one misdemeanor arrest; six assist motorist calls; four assist public calls; one civil document served; one disturbance call; two DWI’s; one escort provided; two fire department calls, one controlled, one tank; two hazardous material responses; three minor motor vehicle accidents; two property crimes; three suspicious persons investigations; one suspicious vehicle investigation; seventeen traffic citations, ten warnings.

Tennis, Track Schedules

Varsity Tennis
Date	Meet	Place
Feb. 25, 26	Forsan Tournament	Forsan
March 10, 11	Garden City Tournament	Garden City
March 14	Dual vs Sterling City	Garden City
March 24, 25	Reagan County Tournament	Big Lake
March 29, 30	District Tournament	Fort Stockton
April 24, 25	Regional Tournament	Levelland
May 12, 13	State Tournament	Austin

Junior High Tennis
Date	Meet	Place
March 16	Dual vs Sterling City	Garden City
March 25	Sterling City Tournament	Sterling City
April 1	Garden City Tournament	Garden City
April 3	Dual vs Forsan	Forsan
TBA	District Tournament	TBA

Varsity Track
Date	Meet	Place
Feb. 25	Wildcat Relays	Water Valley
March 10	Robert Lee Relays	Robert Lee
March 18	Bearkat Relays	Garden City
March 24	Eagle Relays	Sterling City
April 1	Stanton Relays	Stanton
April 7	District Meet	Wink
April 20	Area Meet	Wink
April 28, 29	Regional Meet	Levelland
May 12, 13	State Meet	Austin

Junior High Track
Date	Meet	Place
March 9	Buffalo Relays	Forsan
March 18	Bearkat Relays	Garden City
March 21	Red Devil Relays	Rankin
March 28	District Meet	Irion County

About This Publication

The next issue will be March 22. The deadline for that issue is March 20. The Glasscock County News is published by Joe Melanie Calverley, P. O. Box 98, Garden City, TX, 79739.

Fax: 915/354-2221 e-mail: gcnews201@aol.com