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Glasscock County News
County Considers Raise for Belew
The Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court on Feb. 9 discussed a pay raise for Family and Consumer Service Agent Charlene Belew. Belew had asked the court at a Jan. 26 meeting for a temporary increase of one-half former agriculture agent Steve Sturtz’ salary, since she is handling half of his work load in the absence of an ag agent. That increase would amount to $858 per month. She said Warren Multer is helping with the workload, assuming approximately half of Sturtz’ responsibilities. The county was paying Sturtz $20,600 per year, while Belew is paid $12,100. [These amounts are in addition to whatever the state pays the agents.] Commissioner Mark Halfmann said he would prefer a smaller, but permanent, raise for Belew, and the other court members seemed to agree. The court discussed the disadvantages of giving a larger, but temporary, raise, then having to reduce it when an ag agent is hired. The proposed permanent raise seemed likely to be set at $2,400 to $3,000 annually, but since the matter was not on the court’s agenda, no official action was taken. Belew reported that all is going well with the extension office, even though this is a very busy season. She called the local 4-H program “awesome,” and enumerated several ongoing projects, including major stock shows, where local kids have had success. She is excited that local 4-H’ers are being assisted in livestock judging training by the Howard College agriculture instructor, and with skits (preparation, performance, costumes and props) by a woman associated with Permian Playhouse in Odessa. Belew also highlighted programs in the local elementary school, including her nutrition program for head starters and their parents, a white tail deer information program, and one involving egg incubation. County Money Moved Out of Local Bank Roger Williams of the Sterling City Bank, Garden City Branch, came to the court meeting and spoke in Open Forum to ask if there was a problem with the bank’s service, noting that most of the county’s funds have been moved to TexPool. County Treasurer and Investment Officer Alan Dierschke said the only problem was with interest rates, which he said, “… are killing us.” He said having the rate tied to the 90-day T-bill rate (less 25 basis points) was hurting more than he could have imagined three years ago when the county negotiated its agreement with the local bank. Dierschke added that the state wants local government investments diversified. Dierschke said some money might be moved back, and that he would like to discuss the possibilities with Williams. Mark Halfmann and Joe Calverley reported that the Garden City Cemetery Fence Committee has to-scale drawings of its proposed new entrance and fence. They said the committee is waiting on final plans for the arch in order to begin construction. At a Jan. 26 meeting, commissioners approved an emergency management plan prepared by Emergency Management Coordinator Kenny Batla.
Exercise Room Proving Popular
A new exercise room at the school was opened on Jan. 15, and since that time, the average daily use by the public has been 66 people, with a high of 82 on one day in January. The room is located in the school “complex” building, and its use is free to county residents. The equipment may be used for individual circuit training, or for one’s preferred exercise routine. Scheduled times for public use are in the Briefly section, pg. 2. Please use the northeast door of the building. There is usually someone available if you need assistance in getting familiar with the equipment. The room is equipped with $221,000 worth of exercise equipment, including 19 weight machines, 12 steppers, 10 stationary bikes, 2 recumbent bikes, 2 treadmills, 1 elliptical stepper and 2 weight/body measurement machines. The room is cleaned every morning; the machines are cleaned and checked every day. Towels are available for exercisers’ use. In addition, 9 weight machines, 9 steppers, 1 weight/body measurement machine plus physical education and medical equipment have been installed in the elementary school for use by elementary school students. The exercise equipment was provided through a National Fitness Foundation grant.
Briefly
• Graduating seniors may get Glasscock County Pecan Show Scholarship Applications at the high school counselor’s office. The scholarship winner will be awarded $250. Completed applications are due in the counselor's office by March 22.
• Bob and Jayne Kelso will celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary at a come and go reception Feb. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Glasscock County Community Center. The event will be hosted by their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Everyone is invited – no gifts, please.
• Glasscock County Senior Citizens will meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 16, a Monday, for this month only, due to county elections being held on Tuesday. Bring a snack and join the group. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 1 and potluck will be the fare. All seniors are invited to attend.
• County residents who qualify for indigent health care can get applications in the County Judge’s office in the courthouse. Applicants must meet certain minimum income requirements to qualify and must apply for any other program for which they are potentially eligible. The county’s program is “payer of last resort.”
• Doris Schwartz, who recently had shoulder surgery and is recovering nicely, thanks all the caring friends who visited, brought food and sent beautiful cards following her surgery. Your kind words, and most of all your prayers, were appreciated very much.
• Preparations for widening State Highway 158 are progressing, with consultants working to determine what right-of-way needs to be purchased, according to Juan Flores of the Texas Department of Transportation on Feb. 9. He said work on both the highway between Midland and Glasscock Counties and the one from Garden City east to Hwy. 87 will be done simultaneously.
• Nominations for GCISD’s gifted and talented program are being sought from the public and are due by Feb. 20. Anyone can make nominations. Contact Principals Hoskins or Petree for nomination forms.
• GCISD’s Open House is March 9 from 4–7 p.m. K–3 students will present a music program at 6:15 p.m. in the auditorium.
• An auction will be held in the school bus barn Feb. 14 at 9 a.m. Various items will be sold, including computers, tires, furniture, etc.
• The new exercise room in the school “complex” is available for free, public use during the following hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 5:30–10:20 a.m., 11:05 a.m.–2:20 p.m. and 4– 9 p.m.; Thursday, Friday: 5:30–10:20 a.m., 11:05 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 3–9 p.m. The room is equipped with state-of-the art equipment, and all county residents are encouraged to use it. (See article, above.
Aquifers’ Water Levels Continue Decline
Manger Rick Harston presented the Glasscock Groundwater Conservation District's directors graphs showing the district’s aquifers’ water levels as measured in 2003. Both the Glasscock County Edwards-Trinity and the Reagan County Edwards-Trinity are down six inches since 2002 measurements, while the Glasscock County Ogallala is down more than one foot. He said the Ogallala is considered non-rechargeable, and any rise in the graph shows the result of former cropland that has been put into a government conservation program such as CRP, and is not being irrigated. Graphs showing water levels in the three aquifers from 1983 – 2003 are available in the water district office. Harston gave board members copies of an article written by Texas Farm Bureau President Kenneth Dierschke, “Texas Water and the Rule of Capture,” which appeared in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Jan. 19. Harston said he considers it one of the best things he’s read concerning control of the state’s groundwater. Dierschke advocates expanding local groundwater districts to cover all of the state, and letting them manage groundwater, rather than creating a state bureaucracy to try to solve water problems. The opinion is available at http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/opinion/7745569.htm, or copies are available at the GGCD office. According to Harston, the Rule of Capture (which essentially says that groundwater is controlled by the land owner) is effectively already dead where there are groundwater districts. He said 55 percent of Texas land is now covered by such districts, and they cover 89 percent of the state’s major aquifers. He said the groundwater districts’ overall position is that districts should be created to cover the other 11 percent of the aquifers, rather than trying to write new state regulations. He said, “There’s no way the state can manage as many aquifers as we have in Texas.” Currently, surface water, but not groundwater, is managed by the state. Harston said areas like El Paso, with no groundwater districts, and no permitting for new wells, “…may hang us all.”
UIL Changes School’s Opponents
The University Interscholastic League recently announced district realignments, which will change current district opponents for Garden City in all UIL competitions. For 2004-2006, the Bearkats will be playing 1-A six-man football in Region 2 District 8 against Blackwell, Veribest, Robert Lee, Water Valley and Paint Rock. In 1A Division 2 basketball for 2004-2005, the Kats and Lady Kats will be in Region 1, District 7, along with Ackerly Sands, Gail Borden, Lamesa Klondike, Lenorah Grady and Welch Dawson. Athletic Director Ken Hoskins said he won’t know what the new districts will be for other sports and academic meets until May.
Water District Hears Annual Report
The Glasscock Groundwater Conservation District’s board of directors (Mike Hughes and John Phillips absent) approved Manager Rick Harston’s annual report on the district action plan for fiscal year 2003 at its regular meeting Jan. 20. Harston reported 19 water mineral analyses and 69 water coliform analyses performed during the year. Seventy-three of 75 water level monitoring wells in the district’s network were measured; nine irrigation wells were permitted and one house well was registered. He said no wasteful water practices were identified, and all new wells comply with spacing, drilling and construction regulations. No abandoned wells were reported and there were no reports of water wells plugged or capped. Ten agriculture producers used GGCD’s Topcon mapping equipment to map 1661 acres, and the laser plane leveling equipment was used by nine producers. No investigations regarding possible contamination form oil and gas production were conducted, no complaints were filed with the Texas Railroad Commission, and no unplugged abandoned oil and gas wells were reported to that commission. Drought Severity Labeled ‘Mild’ Harston reported that, according to the Palmer Drought Severity Index, as of Jan. 3, Glasscock County is in a mild drought, with moderate, severe and extreme droughts the next three steps upward on the Palmer scale. The index lists no area in Texas in drought conditions worse than “mild.” The Palmer index is available at: http://www.texaswaterinfo.net/Monitoring/Meteorological/Drought/pdsi.htm GCSWCD’s Value Questioned Harston told the board that the Glasscock County Soil and Water Conservation District had asked the GGCD (and other county entities) for a donation. Director Dennis Seidenberger said he didn’t think that organization actually should be given anything, since “…they accomplish nothing.” He said in 38 years of farming, he has gotten nothing from them, although he has tried repeatedly. He said the same few producers get all the money from GCSWCD every year. Director Kenneth Braden said producers shouldn’t give up on the organization. Director Larry Wheat said he mostly agreed with Seidenberger regarding GCSWCD’s usefulness, but nevertheless, he moved to give them $500, and Seidenberger seconded the motion, which was passed unanimously.
In The Spotlight
• On Jan. 18, Ryan Seidenberger ran the HP Houston Marathon. He completed the 26.2 mile run with over 14,000 other participants representing all 50 states and over 20 foreign countries. He is the son of Dennis and Ellen Seidenberger.
• Winners of the 2003 Glasscock County Soil and Water Conservation District’s poster contest were M’Call Schaefer, first place, and Jordan Jost, second place. M’Call will be recognized at the local area conservation award program in March at Wall. The theme of the contest was “Food for the Future” and the GCSWCD thanks Ms. Cook’s fifth grade class for their participation.
• Josh Schmitz, a 2003 graduate of Garden City High School, received his varsity letter in football from McMurry University. He is the son of Randy & Melissa Schmitz.
• Kimberley Webb and Lauren Wheeler played with the Region VI All-Region Bands in concert Jan 24 in Crane. Kim played baritone saxophone with the high school band. Lauren played trumpet with the middle school symphonic band.
School Principals Get Raises
The GCISD board, meeting in regular session Feb. 9 (Andy Wheeler absent), voted to give school principals Ken Hoskins and John Petree each a raise of $1,500 and to extend their contracts two years. They also voted to extend School Counselor Jan Holland’s contract two years. Jessica Hoch, representing the senior class, reported that the seniors have remodeled the two-room former home economics suite and made it a student lounge. Furnishings include a game table, ping-pong table, sofa and chairs. Students in grades 9–12 are using the lounge before school and at lunch. Hoch showed the board a plaque dedicating the lounge to future GCHS students. She said Petree and Koby Abney had originally suggested the remodel project. Petree reported that the secondary school’s failure rate is down since mandatory tutorials began. He said after-school tutorials have begun in preparation for TAKS testing, and a mentoring program will soon begin for at-risk students. Petree said the school is expanding its concurrent/dual-credit program, whereby students earn credit for both college and high school courses simultaneously. Superintendent Steve Long told the board that four new adjustable backboards have been installed in the school’s “complex.” Long also reported that the school’s web site http://gcisd.esc18.net now contains board meeting agendas and minutes, plus the board’s policy manual, district and campus improvement plans, school lunch information, athletic schedules, etc. Enrollment now stands at PK, 15; K–6, 148; grades 7 & 8, 38; and grades 9–12, 91, for a district-wide total of 292.
TXDOT Seeks ‘Trans-Texas Corridor’ Input
The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) held a public hearing in the Glasscock County Courthouse Feb. 9 to garner ideas for its “Trans-Texas Corridor,” which is only in the very preliminary stages. (The meeting was attended by locals Mark Halfmann, Wilburn Bednar, Michael Hoch, Douglas Plagens, Alan Dierschke and Joe Calverley.) The corridor is a TXDOT attempt to plan and build a transportation system that will serve the state 50 years in the future, not in the present. It attempts to solve current transportation problems such as congestion, hazardous materials and pollution. TXDOT representatives said that the state’s “pay-as-you-go” system of highway construction has not kept pace with the need for new roadways. Their figures indicate a population increase of 23 percent, an increase in vehicle miles traveled of 41 percent, and new roads increasing at a rate of only three percent. As funding stands, only one-third of the state’s future transportation needs will be met. TXDOT personnel say that too many badly needed projects sit idle, awaiting funding. With an increase of 25 million people forecast in the next 30 years, they say the existing roadway system is not tenable. Toll-based Superhighway System? Due to Texas House Bill 3588, passed last year, the future transportation system could borrow money to finance construction, and would be able to accept private funding, with investors putting up some of the money for a toll-based road/rail system. In addition, for the first time, the state and landowners could negotiate royalties for use of land. The transportation system would utilize separate roadways for trucks and passenger cars, and might incorporate rail for both passengers and freight plus right-of-way for utilities like oil, gas, water, and electricity. The planned road/railways would go around urban areas, attempting to move cross-state traffic elsewhere, and at the same time, locating roadways where construction is less costly. Routes for such a cross-state system have not been determined, and TXDOT welcomes public input in this regard. TXDOT officials were careful to point out that, by state law, future toll roads would be alternatives, never the only way for Texans to get to their destination. TXDOT is holding these meetings in various locations across the state through February. Public input is encouraged.
Driver’s Ed Classes Scheduled
Driver’s education classes, beginning March 22 (tentative date), will meet from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., probably two nights a week, in Coach Richardson’s room at the school. Students must be 15 years old on or before June 1 to qualify for the class, which will cost $150 and be taught by Ken Hoskins. The course will include 32 hours of classroom instruction, 7 hours of observation and 7 hours of driving. Hoskins says that hopefully, all classroom hours will be complete before the end of the spring semester. He also notes that parents need to make arrangements to pick your child up after class. Call Hoskins at school, 354-2243 or at home, 354-2429 for more information.
From the Schoolhouse
Honor Rolls Announced (Third Six Weeks)
Elementary School
• The “A” Honor Roll: Araceli Bocanegra, Marley Braswell, Holly Halfmann, Daeley Havlak, Brazos Hirt, Kadden Kothman, Casandra Leos, Rico Mier, Ashley Halfmann, Cody Halfmann, Kellan Kirkland, Lexie Schaefer, Shawn Walker, Kaitlyn Braswell, Brody Halfmann, Sarah Hoelscher, Austin Hoelscher, Izamar Ocon, Peyton Schaefer, Craig Wheeler, Reggie Halfmann, Shelby Schwartz, Jordan Jost, Brittany Schniers, Amber Halfmann, Kate Halfmann, Laura Halfmann, Paige Niehues, Adriana Ramirez.
• The “A” Average Honor Roll: Hope Allen, Oscar Gutierrez, Maddie Hoelscher, Ty Halfmann, Antonio Ramirez, Ismael Ramirez, Angel Zuniga, Alberto DeLuna, Vanessa Cardenas, Cassie Espinosa, Brandon Gartman, Angel Guerrero, Hannah Halfmann, Kamie Halfmann, Jessica Martinez, James McQueen, Alex Salazar, Agatha Koethler, Blayne Batla, Cassie Hirt, Jessi Jones, Katy Multer, Jessica Olveda, Adrian Guerrero, Hayden Halfmann, Heather Havlak, Rachel Hirt, Katelyn Hoelscher, Samantha Kellermeier, Dylan Lowery, Ian Schaefer, M’Call Schaefer, Boone Webb, Marcus Cook, Marcus Dalton, Noemi Gonzalez, Lane Halfmann, Kelsey Jones, Lauren Schwartz, Paige Sturtz.
TMSCA Meet Results:
Placements for GCISD Junior High students in the TMSCA meet in Colorado City in January were seventh grade: Math – Jake Schwartz 4th, Brooke Halfmann 8th; Science – Jake Schwartz 3rd, Michael Clarke 5th; Number Sense – Brooke Halfmann 5th; Calculators – Michael Clarke 6th; eighth grade: Math – Wade Jansa 6th; Science – Wade Jansa 6th; Calculators – Wade Jansa 7th; Number Sense – Wade Jansa – 6th.
Results of the TMSCA Meet Jan. 10 in Midland were: seventh grade: Michael Clark – Number Sense 4th, Calculator 3rd, Math 7th; eighth grade: Wade Jansa – Number Sense 8th, Calculator 4th, Math 5th, Science 6th; ninth grade: Taylor Niehues – Number Sense 1st, Calculator 2nd, Math 1st, Science 1st; tenth grade: David Neufeld – Science 4th (Chemistry 3rd), Computer Science 9th; eleventh grade: Megan Niehues – Number Sense 4th, Calculator 6th; twelfth grade: Noemi Guerrero – Science 4th; Blake Chudej – Calculator 9th. Even though this was a team event, Garden City received second place Sweepstakes in ninth grade competition due to the individual scores of Taylor Niehues. Coaches were Linda Jones, Jerry Cannon, Randy Gartman and Shea Gartman.
UIL Meet Results:
Results of the Stampede Classic UIL Tournament in Andrews on Jan. 17 were: Number Sense – Taylor Niehues 1st; Science – Taylor Niehues 1st, Noemi Guerrero 4th, Kim Webb 7th; Calculator – Taylor Niehues 2nd; Computer Science – Noemi Guerrero, David Neufeld, Yesennia Martinez 3rd place team; Computer Applications – Kim Webb 1st, Megan Niehues 3rd, Noemi Guerrero 5th, Viviana Gamboa 7th; Accounting – Jessica Hoch 1st, Leslie Jansa 3rd, Amanda Hirt 5th, Megan Niehues 6th, David Neufeld 7th. Students were coached by Jerry Cannon, Linda Jones, Randy Gartman, Shea Gartman and Reta Bell.
Garden City’s UIL Academic Team competed in the Red Raider Tournament at Texas Tech Jan. 24. The following students placed in their events. Accounting: 2nd place – Jessica Hoch, 5th– Leslie Jansa; 1st place team – Jessica Hoch, Leslie Jansa, Amanda Hirt and Anna Flores. Computer Applications: 1st place – Noemi Guerrero; 6th Viviana Gamboa. Computer Science: 4th place – Ana Rodriquez. Current Events & Issues: 1st place – Timothy Schniers. Jerry Cannon, Koby Abney and Reta Bell coached these students.
Participating in a UIL event at Lubbock’s Coronado High School, Garden City’s Academic Team members placed as follows. Number Sense: Taylor Niehues 1st, Katie Gully 3rd, Tyler Bednar 9th, Megan Niehues 13th, Yesennia Martinez 18th; Calculators: Taylor Niehues 1st, Megan Niehues 4th, Blake Chudej 9th, Tyler Bednar 11th; Mathematics: Taylor Niehues 1st, Tyler Bednar 6th, Noemi Guerrero 10th, K’Lann Niehues 11th, Katie Gully 12th, Blake Chudej 18th, Megan Niehues 19th, Yesennia Martinez 21st; Science: Taylor Niehues 3rd, Noemi Guerrero 5th, Timothy Schniers 6th, Cory Multer 11th, Tyler Bednar, 12th, K’Lann Niehues 18th, Megan Niehues 19th, Yesennia Martinez 23rd; News Writing: Amanda Hirt 1st, Allison Jansa 4th; Feature Writing: Allison Jansa 5th.
BPA Competition
Business and Professionals of America participated in regional competition at Midland Lee High School and when the awards ceremony was over, everyone had heard of Garden City. Places 1-3 will advance to the State competition in San Antonio on March 3-6. Congratulations to all these students for all their hard work. Fundamental Accounting: 1st place – Katie Gully, Alt. – Viviana Gamboa; Advanced Accounting: 1st – Leslie Jansa, 2nd – Anna Flores; Computerized Accounting: 1st – Amanda Hirt, 2nd – Cory Multer; Spreadsheet Applications: Alt. – Colton Schwartz; Keyboarding Productions: 2nd – Julie Hirt; Fundamental Word Processing: 1st – Tyler Bednar; Advanced Word Processing: 1st Megan Niehues; Desktop Publishing: 3rd – Stacy Gully, Alt. – Shaun Maxie; Basic Office Systems & Procedures: 3rd – Noemi Guerrero; Advanced Office Systems & Procedures: 1st – Allison Jansa, 2nd – Brecklyn Hughes; Database Applications: 1st – Kim Webb; Administrative Support Team: 1st – Stacy Gully, Leslie Jansa, Brecklyn Hughes and Tyler Bednar, Alt. – Trey Hillger, Viviana Gamboa, Marissa Schwartz and Katie Schmitz; PC Servicing & Troubleshooting: 2nd – Trey Hillger, Alt. – Timothy Schniers; Presentation Management-Individual: 2nd – Amanda Henson; Presentation Management Team: Alt. – Kim Webb and Noemi Guerrero, Alt. – Colton Schwartz and Evan Jansa.
Booster Club News From Pam Hughes
The Bearkat Booster Club thanks all of the parents and supporters who helped make the Bearkat Basketball Tournament in December so successful. Your donations, your time and your help with the concession stand were very much appreciated. Thank you! The GCHS Track and Field Record Boards for both the Lady Kats and the Bearkats have been installed in the lobby area of the gym. A special thank you, once again, to Lana Hirt, Joyce Fine and Barbara Fuchs for their help in providing information on school records.
Obituary
• Clay Bednar, 80, of San Angelo died Jan. 18 in a San Angelo hospital and was buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Ozona. He was born Jan. 16, 1924, in Mereta, to John and Millie Psencik Bednar. He served in the Army Air Force in the Pacific during World War II. He was employed by the Department of Public Safety for 30 years, serving as Texas Ranger from 1961 until his retirement in 1981. He was a member of Johnson Street Church of Christ and had served as an elder at the Church of Christ in Ozona. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Alma Bednar in 1994. Survivors include his wife, Jane Bednar of San Angelo; a son, Rodger Clayton Bednar and wife Nancy, of Keller; two brothers, Wilburn Bednar of Garden City, Edwin Bednar of Big Spring, and a grandson, Paul Clayton Bednar and wife Amy, of Frisco.
Next Issue Date and Deadline
The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be March 10. The deadline for that issue is March 8, 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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