Glasscock County News

Volume 6,  Number 5                            Garden City, Texas                              Jan. 19, 2000

Parents Voice Football Concerns

            Several parents attended the GCISD School Board meeting Jan. 17 to voice concerns regarding the direction of the high school football program. Steve Pelzel addressed the board, saying we have good kids, but he is unhappy with the team’s 2-8 record in each of the last two years, and said, “The coaching program is out of sync.”  He said the football coaches are “fine people, good guys, good Christian people and good teachers, but they aren’t working out on the field.”  “You have to set up an offense based on the talent you have,” he said. Pelzel said the players’ confidence is at rock bottom, which will hurt them after they leave here.

            Randy Schmitz said, “The football team has no work ethic and no pride now.”

            Scotty Hillger said, “It’s been a long time since we’ve had a winning [football] tradition -- where coaches and players back each other.”  He said he was not complaining so much about lost games as about losing players.   He said the football team is down to 20 players, and it’s rumored still fewer will play next year.   Hillger said, “It’s better to have them play football than doing other things. They will have more years for academic chances, but this is the last chance for lots of the boys to play an organized sport, and football gives them an extra push to pass their course work. Someone can come in here and get us back to a winning tradition. But whether the team wins or loses,” he added, “ the kids should have the opportunity to play for someone they will do anything for.”       

            Rose Pelzel voiced displeasure with coaching in another sport -- freshman girls’ basketball. She said for one minute of the third quarter and all of the fourth quarter in a recent game against Sterling City, our team had five players on the court, while the opponent had only three, and Sterling City won the game. She said the freshman team should occasionally work together in practice, so they learn the basics. She said this could be done “without taking away from the varsity.”

            While the board didn’t discuss any sports situation, and took no action in that regard, it presumably will take the parents’ concerns under advisement for possible action at a later date.  Board President Dennis Fuchs expressed the board’s appreciation for the parents’  input.

            In matters other than sports, after a lengthy closed session, the board tabled an employee grievance by Faith Scott until the February meeting.

            Elementary Principal Dean Munn told the board that he needs “a bigger Band-Aid to stop the bleeding,” in reference to another decline in elementary school enrollment. He said K-6 enrollment is now the lowest (173) in his three years here.

            Munn presented the board a proposed textbook selection committee for what he called a “large, important adoption.”  The committee, approved by the board, consists of Darla Burks, Tanya Multer, Theresa Eoff, Phyllis Byrne, Vicki Kight, Jean Ann Kujawski, Charles Clarke, Rebecca Moore, Linda DeWitt, and Munn. In April, they will adopt textbooks for 2000/2001 in English language arts & reading, grades K-1; reading, grades 2-3; science, grades 1-5 and literature, grades 9-12.

            Board member Jimmy Eggemeyer said the school needs to keep expanding students’ vocabulary, even in high school. He said success on the SAT and ACT is greatly affected by a student’s vocabulary.

            Texts being considered for adoption are available for public review -- call Munn for information.

Braden, Fowler Challenge Incumbents

             Shirley Braden will run against incumbent County Commissioner Jimmy Strube in Precinct 1 and Rufus Fowler will challenge incumbent Hugh Schafer of Precinct 3 in the Republican Primary March 14.

            In the same primary, Glasscock County Sheriff Royce “Booger” Pruit and Constable LeRoy Hoelscher are running unopposed.

            There are no Democrat candidates, and no County Democratic Party Chairman.

            Early voting for the election will be February 28 -- March 10 in the county courthouse.

 
Water Board Approves WTU Contract

             The Glasscock County Underground Water Conservation District’s Board of Directors conditionally agreed Jan. 18 to cast its vote in favor of allowing the West Texas Weather Modification Association to contract with West Texas Utilities to provide the company weather modification services for a period of one or two years. The district’s directors agreed to the contract with the stipulation that  it doesn’t take anything away from the weather modification program here, and that Dale Bates continues as WTWMA’s president for the length of the contract or until he can train someone to take his place.

            However, board member Larry Wheat said, “I think we should get our own program going better first; I want to see some results for all the money we’re spending.”

            Board member Dennis Seidenberger, who is the water district’s voting member on the WTWMA board, said he favors contracting with WTU because of the money it will provide. He said WTU will put $212,000 per year into the program, and another $212,000 is expected from the state in matching funds. He said this money would allow the association to buy another plane, which would belong to the WTWMA after the contract with WTU ends.  The plane and a pilot would be stationed in Taylor County for the term of the agreement, and would be used there from May through September. Seidenberger said it could also be used here when not needed in the WTU area, and that WTWMA’s current three planes would stay in our area, where they will soon be working year-round. He said WTWMA’s radar already covers the WTU area. 

            The WTWMA now consists of Glasscock, Reagan, Crockett, Sutton, Schleicher, Irion, Sterling and part of Tom Green counties. The WTU area would consist of Coke, Runnels, Nolan and the south half of Taylor counties.  Seidenberger said WTU’s interest in weather modification is an effort to put more rainfall into the watersheds for Oak Creek Lake and Lake Phantom Hill, where the company has generators. 

            Seidenberger said Reagan and Crockett counties are opposed to including the WTU area in the WTWMA, fearing it will diminish the program in the existing service area. GCUWCD Manager Rick Harston said he doubts that the WTWMA board will vote in favor of the WTU contract unless all members agree to it. 

            The WTWMA operates primarily out of San Angelo, where its radar is located. The association has one plane there, one in Ozona, and will soon have one in Big Lake. Harston expects better local results from the weather modification program with the planes stationed closer to Glasscock County. He said clouds with seeding potential too often dissipate before planes from San Angelo can get to the farthest parts of the coverage area.

            The GCUWCD is beginning its fourth year of weather modification efforts and has spent $77,500 in the program so far.

 Government Payments Top $12 Million 

             The local Farm Service Agency reports the United States Department of Agriculture paid in excess of $12 million to Glasscock County farmers and ranchers in 1999.

            According to FSA County Executive Director John Kinnibrugh, payments issued for the main programs implemented (not all-inclusive) last year were as follows [figures rounded]: Conservation Reserve (CRP), $100,000; Livestock Assistance Program, $238,000; Non-insured Assistance Program,$151,000; Loan Deficiency Payment (Upland Cotton), $154,000; Crop Loss Disaster Assistance, $6 million; Production Flexibility Contract, $3 million and Marketing Loss Assistance, $3 million.

            Kinnibrugh reports the following acres certified in the county FSA office for 1999: Upland cotton, 85,000 acres; grain sorghum, 8,000 acres; wheat, 18,000 acres; peanuts, 250 acres; soybeans, 70 acres, and corn, 40 acres.  He points out that since certification is no longer a requirement, the actual acres planted could be slightly higher than these figures.

Academic Decathlon; 2001 Schedule Among School Board Topics

            At its regular meeting Jan. 17, the GCISD School Board discussed funding for academic decathlon teams in regional, and possibly state competition. Secondary Principal Faith Scott said she anticipates two teams this year. Last year, the board decided to fund only one team, and to have any additional teams raise their own money.   Board member Jimmy Eggemeyer asked, “Does the football team have to have fund raisers?”

            Board member Karla Hoelscher said, “If there’s some money somewhere, let’s use it. An academic decathlon team advancing to state is just as important as a football team advancing to state, and it’s good recognition for the school.”

             Scott said the decathlons cost $500 in entry fees at each level, plus travel expenses, and there is now $1,500 in the budget.    The board agreed to fund two teams.

             A possible change in the 2001-2002 school schedule was discussed. School Superintendent Charles Zachry said the Agricultural Extension Service people are considering changing the 2001 stock show to January 4 - 6. If they make that change, Zachry said the school might want to have its Christmas holidays from Dec. 22 to Jan. 8.

            Zachry said there is also a need to get our schedule to coincide with other area schools ( the second full week in March), in order to better utilize distance learning. (Distance learning is accomplished by having a teacher at one school televised, and students at other schools watching on television.) In the past, Zachry has often spoken of several scheduling difficulties created by the local spring break being at a time different than other area schools. Action will be taken on the schedule at a later date.

            Zachry reported that a new engine has been put into the Bearkat bus at a cost of approximately $9,000. He said the bus should now be in good shape for several years.

            Hoelscher said two recent  basketball road trips were taken  in a bus with a window that wouldn’t close, and asked Zachry to check into it so it won’t happen again.

County Discusses Generators for Water

            At its regular meeting Jan. 10, the Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court discussed the possibility of buying a generator which could be used as an emergency backup for the Garden City Water System.   According to Alan Dierschke, water system manager Jim Havlak says it “takes awhile” to get the system’s pressure back up when the electricity goes off. Dierschke said a generator which would be large enough to run one booster pump and one water well pump would probably cost  $15,000, and that  the water system has enough funds for the purchase.

            County Judge Wilburn Bednar said he will get generator prices from West Texas CAT. He said grant money is being pursued for eventual construction of an elevated water storage tank, but so far, those efforts have not been successful.

            Dierschke also reported that, according to Havlak, two of the water system’s four wells output declined, making them unusable at the end of last summer. Lowering the pumps in those wells was discussed.

            After discussion, the court asked Bednar to write a letter to the Texas Department of Transportation requesting that TXDOT widen State Farm Road 2401 from State Highway 137  to State Farm Road 1357, and that a caution light be installed at the intersection of State Farm Roads 2401 and 1357.

            Bednar told the court that the south fence at the Garden City Cemetery is not in good shape, and asked the commissioners to look at it and to decide what needs to be done.           

Commissioner Hugh Schafer reported problems with vandalism to the gate on the old dump ground road.

            The court discussed redistricting the county, but said that they have seen no appreciable shifting of population and see no need to take action at this time.

            In other matters, the court reappointed Dale Hillger to the county appraisal board, and each court member individually donated $20 to Project Graduation.

 Water District Accepts Annual Report

                   The Glasscock County Underground Water Conservation District’s Board of Directors approved the district’s Action Plan Annual Report as presented by General Manager Ricky Harston at its regular meeting Jan. 18. According to the report, in fiscal 1999 there were 166 water analyses performed at an average cost of $12.

            Fifty-nine of 70 water level monitoring wells in the network were measured during the year. [Well measurement data available next month.]  Sixteen new water wells were permitted, and 2 requiring no permit were registered. There were no wasteful practices identified; all new wells complied with spacing and drilling requirements and all were constructed to district standards. No abandoned unplugged or uncapped water wells were reported, and no plugged or capped water wells were reported.

            Forty-five producers used the Topcon mapping equipment, mapping 8,000 acres. Harston estimated that 85 percent of the acreage mapped was for drip irrigation. The laser plane leveling equipment was used four times.

            There was one complaint filed with the Texas Railroad Commission, and one unplugged abandoned oil and gas well reported.

            The Board authorized Harston to buy a laptop computer for $1,500. Harston said he and Water District Secretary Linda Cypert frequently need the office’ s one computer at the same time, and a laptop will allow him to also have computer access when he travels.
 

County Stock Show Winners Named

             The 63rd annual Glasscock County Junior Livestock Show featured 137 entries shown by 63 exhibitors, as well as 60 entries in the home economics show.  

            The Travis Pate, Jr. Memorial Top Hand Award went to Angela Schraeder, who also showed the Reserve Champion Swine.

            Anthony Wheat won the Cap Rock Electric Top Hand Award.  The Cap Rock $500 Scholarship went to Jill Hoelscher.

            Cade Doss showed the Grand Champion sheep, and Ashley Hirt showed the Reserve Grand Champion sheep.

            Michelle Fuchs showed the Grand Champion rabbit, and Mikela Barton showed the Reserve Grand Champion rabbit.

            Garrett Kellermeier showed the Grand Champion steer, and Tanner Donica showed the Reserve Grand Champion.

            Colby Hirt showed the Grand Champion swine.

            Alex Halfmann showed the Grand Champion goat, and Jill Hoelscher showed the Reserve Grand Champion goat.

 

Briefly

 *  An appreciation dinner for county Emergency Medical Service and Fire Department volunteers will be held Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. in the St. Lawrence Hall. All county volunteers are invited.

 *   A barbecued chicken dinner, sponsored by Project Graduation, will be held on Super Bowl Sunday, Jan. 30. Students will be contacting people in the county for orders. If you haven’t been contacted by Jan.22, call Lana Hirt, 397-2317 or Kay Donna Machicek, 397-2364. Chickens are $6 each, and another $2 gets you a quart of beans, a pint of slaw and sauce. Pick up your order on Jan. 30 at the St. Lawrence Hall, the courthouse in Garden City or the Catholic Church in Midkiff.

 * The Cub Scouts will hold a food drive Jan. 25 -- 29.  Collection boxes will be placed in the post office in Garden City and the CCD building at the church in St. Lawrence.  On Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., scouts will go house to house to collect food items which have been left on your porch for pickup.

 *  The Senior Citizens will meet Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. in the new Senior Citizens’ Center. There will be chicken and dumplings, and folks are asked to bring a salad or a dessert.

 *  A computer desk that is for sale is on display in the hallway at the courthouse. Submit your sealed bid to the county judge’s office. Susie Hillger says bids will be opened at the commissioners’ court meeting Feb. 14.

 *  Earn $10.25 per hour working for the census bureau in Glasscock County. Testing is currently being conducted every Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Glasscock County Courthouse. Bring your driver’s license and social security card. For more info, call 1/888/325-7733.

 *  Pedro Trevino and his family want to thank the Glasscock County EMT unit for their work when he had a heart attack in November. His son Jesse says Pedro is at home now after a lengthy hospitalization, and is doing well.

 *  There are several bowls at the Baptist Church, which have been left from funeral meals. Please go by and pick yours up. Call Anita Calverley (354-2378) for more information.

 

 In The Spotlight

 *  Kerri Fine, Jason Fine and Kim Harp have made the fall semester Dean’s List at Angelo State University. Kerri graduated from GCHS in 1996; Jason in 1999 and Kim in 1997. Kerri’s and Jason’s parents are Jimmy and Joyce Fine; Kim is the daughter of Beverly Harp.

 *  Jason Wilde has been selected as First Alternate for the High School State Band.  He is the son of Leroy and Jeanie Wilde.

*  Kim Webb was chosen for the All-Region Junior High Band. Kim is the daughter of Caleb and Judy Webb.

 *  GCHS cheerleaders Deidra Hirt, Bonnie Pelzel and Chelsea Schwartz were among 2000 high school band members, cheerleaders and dancers from across the U.S. who recently performed at the Cotton Bowl parade, pre-game, and halftime shows.

  

 An Open Letter

From: Fr. Tom Barley

To:  The People of Garden City and St. Lawrence 

As I enter into my new assignment and ministry as Director of Vocations and Seminarians for the Catholic Church in Diocese of San Angelo, I want to thank you for the good relationship we shared over the past 6 1/2 years. Long ago you made me feel welcome. I appreciate your friendliness. I will remember the many people I met and the activities I was privileged to attend. I enjoyed the games and gatherings, the parties and the festivals, the weddings and the funerals, the stock shows and the time visiting. Many of you supported me at the time of the deaths of my parents and the times when I was ill. I pray that my time here has been a time of grace for you also. You are good people. It has been my honor to be your priest. I leave with many dear friends and many pleasant memories. While this transfer is an honor, I will miss you and keep you in my prayers. My last day here is Sunday, January 16. Fr. David Espitia will be the priest here until June. Please welcome him as you did me. Good-bye and may God bless you with His peace.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord

Your friend, Fr. Tom  -- St. Lawrence

 

 Sheriff’s Department Report

             The following activities were reported by the sheriff’s department for December:  three advise complainant of rights; two alarms answered; two medical/ambulance calls, one transported; four misdemeanor arrests; ten assist motorist calls; two assist public calls; one civil document served; one disturbance call; four DWIs; one escort provided; two fire department calls, one structure, one oil field; one hazardous material response; two loose livestock reports; two minor motor vehicle accidents; one person crime; one property crime reported; one road hazard reported; one suspicious vehicle investigations; one suspicious person investigation; ten traffic citations, six warnings; one welfare concern.

 

 From the Editor:

            There are several people who deserve special thanks for contributing to the production of this newsletter. Mary Jo Cope helps keep the facts straight by attending and taking notes at several meetings each month; Laura Huitt provides and prints the mailing labels; Carmen Johnson keeps the mailing list current, handles the finances, proofreads and edits, while Midlanders Kay Gilstrap, Marion Axe and Ethel Trotter provide much-needed help with folding and labeling. Without these dependable folks, this newsletter would not be possible. They are truly appreciated.

 

 

About This Publication

               The next issue will be Feb. 23.  The deadline for that issue is Feb. 21. The Glasscock County News is published by Joe Melanie Calverley,  P. O. Box 98 Garden City, TX 79739  

 Glasscock County News                         Volume 6, Number 5                  Garden City, Texas