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Glasscock County News
County Veterans’ Memorial Dedicated
The Glasscock County Veterans’ Memorial on the courthouse square was dedicated before more than 50 people on Veterans’ Day, Nov. 11. The dedication and flag ceremony included an invocation by Dr. David Kimberley and a recitation of the names of the county’s deceased veterans by County Judge Wilburn Bednar. Frank Stiles sang “Some Gave All” before Father Bernard Getigan offered a prayer of dedication of the flag. Boy Scout Leader Jim Havlak, assisted by Deputy Sheriff Keith Burnett, raised the American flag for the first time at the new Memorial Plaza. The flag ceremony was accompanied by “Taps,” played by Lauren Wheeler and Vikki Garza. Stiles led the audience in a rousing rendition of “God Bless America” to close the ceremony, which had been organized by Helen Wilkerson, county historical commission chairman. The honored veterans were, from World War II: Lt. John Belton Cox, missing in action 2/22/1945; Boatswain Mate First Class James Albert Martin, killed in action 12/7/41; Pvt. James A. McCorquodale, died non-battle 3/30/43; Boatswain Mate Second Class Samuel George Ratliff, Jr., died non-battle 3/29/44; Capt. James Edward Roundtree, killed in action 7/14/44; Pvt. Ben Marks Schafer, Jr., killed in action 4/5/45; TEC5 William W. White, killed in action 3/2/45. Veterans honored from the Vietnam conflict were: Walter Bedford Lowe, Jr., killed in action 9/16/69 and Sgt. Gary Don Pagan, killed in action 11/20/68.
Filing Deadline Nears for County Offices
January 2 is the filing deadline for county elected offices. The terms of four officials are expiring: Commissioners Jimmy Strube in Precinct 1 and Hugh Schafer in Precinct 3; Sheriff Royce “Booger” Pruit and Constable Leroy Hoelscher. At press time, no one had filed for any office. Anyone interested in filing for those positions should contact the county clerk’s office at 354-2371. Diane Havlak will be the new Republican Party chairman in Glasscock County. She replaces Carlyn Harris, who has moved from the county. Bill Murphy is the county’s Democratic Party chairman.
County Agrees Cap Rock Rates too High
Meeting in regular session Dec. 8, the Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court passed a resolution “…authorizing participation in Docket #28813 and related proceedings at the Public Utility Commission of Texas concerning the rates and services of Cap Rock Energy Corporation ….” The docket is a proceeding to determine the reasonableness of Cap Rock Energy’s rates and services. The resolution states that the county receives electric service from Cap Rock and from a retail electric provider [TXU], and the Cap Rock rates per kilowatt-hour are considerably higher than those of the retail electric provider. The resolution states that it is in the interest of Glasscock County to intervene and participate in the proceedings. County Treasurer Alan Dierschke said the county has seven Cap Rock electrical meters and pays Cap Rock approximately $300 per month. The court discussed hiring Allison-Bass Associates to do work to ensure that the county has legal possession of all county roads. The firm would charge $7,250, payable in three annual installments, for the work. The matter is to be placed on the agenda for the Jan. 12 meeting, and presumably, action will be taken at that time. The court also passed a resolution asking that the state not send counties unfunded mandates. County Ag Agent Steve Sturtz reported that the county livestock association has been looking a flooring problem in the livestock holding area of the community center. He said a base coat on the floor will not take a sealer, and remains too slick. The base coat was put on the floor by a contracted painter when the center was built. Sturtz said the painter is to let him know how the base coat can be taken off. Then a sealer with an additive to correct the problem can be applied. Sturtz, who will be leaving Glasscock County to take the agricultural agent’s job in Tom Green County effective Jan. 1, told the court he appreciated their support during the five and a half years he has been here. He said the decision to leave was a hard one, but best for him both professionally and personally.
Briefly
• Glasscock County’s Senior Citizens will not meet in January, but will return to the regular schedule the first Tuesday in February.
• Helen Wilkerson, Glasscock County historical commission chairman, thanks all those who sent donations to help pay for the Garden City Cemetery’s historical marker. She said the contributions exceeded the amount necessary for the marker, and the excess has been put into the Garden City Cemetery Committee’s fund to help with the new fence and entrance.
• The school band concert, featuring grades four through high school, will be Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Ruth Cook Auditorium.
• The elementary school’s Christmas program and UIL awards assembly will begin at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 17 in the auditorium. Christmas parties will be Dec. 18, with dismissal at 12:15 p.m. for the holidays. School will resume Jan. 5, with days off Jan. 8 & 9 for the stock show.
• Many thanks to those who made donations to the Garden City Cemetery Committee’s fund in memory of Harry, Darlene and Bradley Calverley. The contributions will be used to assist in the current project of building a new fence and entrance, and for future improvements.
• A Christmas party for Glasscock County employees will be held Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the community center.
Annual Pecan Show Held
The Glasscock County Cooperative Extension Office held its annual pecan show at the Community Center Nov. 2, with a theme of "Pecans with a Holiday Flair." Food category winners were: Adult Entries, Grand Champion --Carolyn Strube, Pecan Pie; Reserve Champion --Debbie Schraeder, Ribbon Coffee Cake; Youth Entries, Grand Champion --Blaine Walker, Blaine's Rum Cake; Reserve Champion --Dusty Walker, Pumpkin Tea Bread. Pecan entry winners, who advance to regional competition in Abilene, were: Champion Commercial--Kevin Hirt, Desirable variety; Reserve Champion Commercial--James Schwartz, Cheyenne variety; Champion Classic--Kevin Hirt, Podsednik variety; Reserve Champion Classic--Eugene Hirt, Burkett variety; Champion Seedling--James Schwartz; Reserve Champion Seedling--Kevin Hirt (does not advance). The GCISD third grade class presented a play entitled “Discouraged Pilgrim Thanksgiving,” directed by Phyllis Byrne. High school guitar class students Dusty Walker and Logan Willis presented “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and “Dueling Banjos,” accompanied and directed by Robin Gray. Two FFA Leadership Contest teams presented their projects. The Public Relations Team consists of Jared Bradford, Blake Chudej and Colton Schwartz. The Ag Issues Team consists of Travis Coates, Dusty Walker, Garrett Kellermeier, and Colby Hirt. A food auction was conducted to raise money to start The Glasscock County Pecan Show Scholarship Fund. Applications for the 2004 scholarship will be available in the spring at the high school counselor's office for graduating seniors who wish to apply. The $250 scholarship will be presented at graduation.
GCISD Exceeds State Averages on TAKS
School Counselor Jan Holland presented a report of results from 2003 TAKS testing to the GCISD board at its regular meeting Dec. 8 (Mike Hillger absent). The school exceeded state averages in almost every category tested. Holland said the TAKS tests are considerably harder than the TAAS tests, which they replaced. Holland praised teachers for their work, and credited them for the school’s test scores. She said students who are not passing are given remediation in the CEI lab, plus attending mandatory early morning tutorials, and regular time tutorials. Students are tested every year in grades 3–11. Auditor Compliments District’s Finances The board accepted the school’s audit report from Tracy Tarter, CPA. Tarter was very complimentary of the school’s financial condition, saying it looks really good, especially considering the situation of many other schools. He said he is also pleased that the board looks at the school’s bills each month, something he said is rare. Tarter said the school might want to check into being more aggressive in trying to collect delinquent taxes. Even though the percentage of delinquent taxes for 2003 ($48,000) was less than one percent, his figures show the10-year total due the school to be $189,000. He said, however, many things influence delinquency, and a higher collection rate might not be possible. Schraeder Asks for Softball, Baseball Dennis Schraeder asked the board to consider implementing softball and baseball programs, citing the possibility for college scholarships for students. Schraeder asked the board to appoint a committee to explore the matter. Andrea Hillger, Jennifer Jansa and Cecelia Alvarado were on the board’s agenda for a Level 3 parent grievance appeal. Hillger and Jansa spoke to the board in closed session, but the board voted to uphold the decision that had been made previously at Level 2. School Superintendent Steve Long reported that the goal posts have been moved to prepare for six-man football next year. He also said that Garden City will host the “Texas Against the World” six-man game next summer. This game pits Texas’ top 20 six-man players against the top 20 from around the world. The game was held in Big Spring last summer. Enrollment stands at 161 PK–6 and 127 in grades 7–12, for a district total of 288. K–12 enrollment is 273.
In The Spotlight
• Allison Jansa placed 22nd in a field of 105 runners in 1A girls’ competition and Shaun Maxie placed 35th among 106 participants in the boys’ race at the UIL state cross country meet Nov. 15 in Round Rock.
• The Bearkat football team placed five on the District 8A’s All-District teams. Sophomore Cory Multer was selected for the all-district first team defense and to the second team offense. Junior Todd Weishuhn made first team offense. Junior Trey Hillger was voted to the second team on both offense and defense. Junior Tim Schniers was selected to the second team defense. Freshman quarterback Alex Halfmann was voted the district’s Newcomer of the Year.
• Aaron Elizabeth Bednar will graduate from Lubbock Christian University Dec. 13 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a finance emphasis. A 2000 graduate of GCHS, she is the daughter of Jimmy and Sandy Bednar.
• The Lady Kats won the Bearkat Booster’s Third Annual Klassic basketball tournament with a 56-36 victory over Grady. Leslie Jansa scored 15 points in the effort and was named the tourney’s MVP. Three other seniors were in double figures, as Jessica Hoch scored 14 points, Megan Niehues 14 and Amanda Henson 10, and the three were named to the All-Tournament team. Chais Goodwin, a GCHS junior, was selected to the boys’ All-Tournament team. He scored 26 points in the third-place game, which the Bearkats lost to McCamey, 70-62.
• The Garden City Elementary School won the recent UIL 8-A West Zone meet with 712 points. Wink was a distant second with 444 points. The Garden City Junior High also won their division, scoring 534 points. Wink was second with 396 points. See details below.
• Glasscock County Treasurer Alan Dierschke was recently elected Second Vice President of the County Treasurers’ Association of Texas at their annual meeting in Waco. Dierschke will be the chairman of the constitution and by-laws committee and will serve on the legislative committee.
• Competing as “Miss Texas” recently at the National American Miss Pageant in Anaheim, CA, Chelsea Schwartz tap danced her way to the national talent title. She was also named Top 10, first alternate in sportswear competition and won the “Spirit of America” award. Her winnings included crown, banner, trophies and $900 cash.
From the Schoolhouse
Elementary School Places First in UIL Competition
Garden City’s Elementary School placed first with 711.66 points at the District 8-A West Zone UIL Academic Meet. Wink was second with 444.33 points, Iraan earned 431.99 points and McCamey had 213. The events and the student’s placements were (grade levels are in parenthesis): Calculator – (6) Adriana Ramirez 1st, Kelsey Jones 2nd, Paige Niehues 4th; Math – (6) Noemi Gonzales 2nd, Hayden Halfmann 3rd, Adriana Ramirez 4th; Creative Writing – (2) Lexie Schaefer 1st; Impromptu Speaking – (6) Paige Sturtz 1st, Kate Halfmann, 4th, Laura Halfmann 6th; Storytelling – (2) Ashley Halfmann 1st, Shawn Walker 4th, (3) Austin Hoelscher 1st, Kaitlyn Braswell 2nd, Peyton Schaefer 3rd; Spelling – (6) Paige Niehues 1st, Marcus Cook 5th, (5) Jordan Jost 1st, Ian Schaefer 3rd, Brian Hirt 6th; (4) Shelby Schwartz 3rd; (3) Izamar Ocon 4th, Sarah Hoelscher 5th; Ready Writing – (6) Laura Halfmann 6th, (5) Katelyn Hoelscher 4th, Aaron Long 6th, (4) Shelby Schwartz 4th; Oral Reading – (6) Paige Sturtz 2nd, Marcus Cook 4th, (4&5) Britni Cook 3rd, Katy Multer 5th; Number Sense – (6) Adriana Ramirez 1st, Kate Halfmann 2nd, Noemi Gonzales 4th, (5) Hayden Halfmann 1st, Dylan Lowery 3rd, Brian Hirt 4th, (4) Reggie Halfmann 3rd, Blayne Batla 4th, Jacob Dalton 5th; Music Memory – (5 & 6) Team 1st; (3 & 4) Team 2nd; Art – (4,5 & 6) Team 3rd; Maps, Graphs, & Charts – (6) Paige Niehues 1st, Kelsey Jones 4th, Adriana Ramirez 5th, (5) Dylan Lowery 1st, Ian Schaefer 4th, Hayden Halfmann 5th; Dictionary Skills – (6) Laura Halfmann 1st, Kelsey Jones 3rd, Kate Halfmann 4th, (5) Dylan Lowery 1st, Adrian Guerrero 3rd, Brittany Schniers 4th; Listening Skills – (6) Adriana Ramirez 2nd, Amber Halfmann 6th, (5) Brittany Schniers 1st, Heather Havlak 4th, Ian Schaefer 5th.
Junior High School Takes First Place in UIL Academic Meet
Garden City’s Junior High School racked up 534 points to win the District 8-A West Zone UIL Academic Meet recently. Wink was second with 395.5 points, McCamey placed third with 288 points, Iraan scored 285.99, and Rankin 100.5. Individual results were: Eighth grade: Calculator – Wade Jansa 3rd, Amy Multer 5th; Dictionary Skills – Amy Multer 2nd, Analisa Gonzales 3rd, Lyza Lopez 3rd; Impromptu Speaking – Spencer Plagens 1st, Halie Schaefer 5th, Whitney Kellermeier 6th; Listening Skills – Analisa Gonzalez 4th, Mikela Barton 5th, Brittney Chudej 5th; Maps, Graphs & Charts – Wade Jansa 1st, Eric Hirt 2nd; Math – Wade Jansa 2nd; Number Sense – Whitney Kellermeier 3rd, Eric Hirt 5th, Amy Multer 6th; Oral Reading – Halie Schaefer 2nd, Amy Multer 5th; Ready Writing – Mikela Barton 1st; Spelling – Lauren Wheeler 2nd, Mikela Barton 4th. Seventh grade: Calculator – Michael Clarke 3rd, Brooke Halfmann 4th, Jake Schwartz 4th; Dictionary Skills – Britton Avery 1st, Melissa Hirt 6th; Editorial Writing – Britton Avery 1st, Kaci Coats 3rd, Melissa Hirt 6th; Impromptu Speaking – Kaci Coats 5th; Listening Skills – Lauren Wheeler 3rd; Maps, Graphs & Charts – Michael Clark 2nd, Brooke Halfmann 4th; Math – Brooke Halfmann 1st, Michael Clarke 2nd, Jake Schwartz 3rd; Number Sense- Brooke Halfmann 1st, Levi Schaefer 2nd, Michael Clarke 3rd; Oral Reading – Kaci Coats 6th; Ready Writing – Macy Schwartz 4th, Samantha Pitts 6th, Science – Brooke Halfmann 4th, Jake Schwartz 6th.
Honor Rolls Announced (Second Six Weeks)
Elementary School
• The “A” Honor Roll: Araceli Bocanegra, Marley Braswell, Holly Halfmann, Ty Halfmann, Daeley Havlak, Brazos Hirt, Maddie Hoelscher, Kadden Kothman, Casandra Leos, Antonio Ramirez, Cassie Espinosa, Angel Guerrero, Ashley Halfmann, Cody Halfmann, Lexie Schaefer, Sarah Hoelscher, Austin Hoelscher, Izamar Ocon, Agatha Koethler, Peyton Schaefer, Kaitlyn Braswell, Reggie Halfmann, Shelby Schwartz, Hayden Halfmann, Katelyn Hoelscher, Kelsey Jones, Amber Halfmann, Lane Halfmann.
• The “A” Average Honor Roll: Hope Allen, Vanessa Barco, Rico Mier, Brylie Schaefer, Susana Suderman, Angel Zuniga, Vanessa Cardenas, Brandon Gartman, Hannah Halfmann, Kamie Halfmann, Kellan Kirkland, Alex Salazar, Peter Suderman, Shawn Walker, Brody Halfmann, Colten Belew, Craig Wheeler, Blayne Batla, Jessi Jones, Katy Multer, Jessica Olveda, Adrian Guerrero, Heather Havlak, Brian Hirt, Rachel Hirt, Jordan Jost, Samantha Kellermeier, Dylan Lowery, Ian Schaefer, M’Call Schaefer, Brittany Schniers, Marcus Dalton, Kate Halfmann, Paige Niehues, Adriana Ramirez, Laura Halfmann, Noemi Gonzalez.
FFA Members Excel in District Competition
Glasscock County FFA was well represented at District Leadership competition in Andrews recently. The chapter won many events and will be moving on to area competition. Some of the students and teams advancing to area are: Jr. Skills – 1st place – Marissa Schwartz, Doug Cmerek, and Blaine Walker, Sr. Skills – 1st place – Logan Willis, Trey Hillger, and Taylor Willis, Ag Issues – 1st place – Garrett Kellermeier, Colby Hirt, Dusty Walker, and Travis Coats, Public Relations–2nd–Jared Bradford, Becca Cmerek, Blake Chudej, and Colton Schwartz, Job Interview – 2nd – Blake Chudej, Sr. Creed – 2nd – Ashley Gonzalez. Others who competed were: Radio – 3rd – Brandi Halfmann, Becca Cmerek, and Ashley Gonzalez, Jr. Creed – 5th – Marissa Schwartz, Jr. Creed – 7th – Colton Schwartz, Sr. Creed – 5th – Brandi Halfmann, Jr. Quiz – 4th – Colby Hirt, Blaine Walker, Jared Bradford, and Doug Cmerek, Sr. Quiz – 3rd – Travis Coats, Garrett Kellermeier, Trey Hillger, and Dusty Walker.
Next Issue Date and Deadline
The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be Jan.14. The deadline for that issue is Jan.12, but earlier material is helpful. Send information to: P.O. Box 98, Garden City, TX 79739; phone or fax: 432/354-2221; e-mail: gcnews201@aol.com. The Glasscock County News is published by Joe Melanie Calverley, P. O. Box 98, Garden City, TX, 79739. Phone or fax: 432/354-2221; e-mail: gcnews201@aol.com; web site: http://glasscockcountynews.com/
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