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Glasscock County News
Emergency Paging ‘Not Working’
Glasscock County Sheriff Keith Burnett told the county commissioners’ court April 13 that the telephone paging system used to contact emergency personnel is not working when the calls go to cell phones, due to inadequate cell phone coverage in the county. Whether or not a cell phone will get a message is hit and miss, depending on the location and terrain. He said the coverage went downhill when Wes-Tex was taken over by AT&T. He said other carriers are no better, because they all use too few towers here and there is too little power from them (because it’s cheaper to operate towers on less power). County employees and vehicles use AT&T wireless; emergency volunteers use a variety of servers. Burnett said he was mistaken when he told the court months ago that his office didn’t need a dispatcher; that he and two deputies could handle the dispatching themselves. The paging problem is complicated by the fact that there is no dispatcher in the office with a land-line phone, repeating calls or trying other numbers when one doesn’t answer, no one to know if a volunteer got the message or who is responding to the call and no one to communicate with the sheriff or deputies by radio. He said 911 calls are still answered in Stanton, which then attempts to call the Glasscock County Sheriff’s office to do the dispatching of emergency personnel. Critical problems could arise if those calls do not get through to the cell phones of Burnett and/or the deputies. According to Burnett, hiring dispatchers could only work in conjunction with a full-time, operating jail, and they would also be jailers and secretaries. He said with a jail, Sterling County would help with the cost of salaries and would pay to house their prisoners here. Burnett also pointed out that Glasscock County would no longer have to pay Reagan County to house its prisoners, and would also have the free labor of most prisoners. He said he doesn’t know how to remedy the paging problem without hiring dispatchers. He said it would take four and a half people to cover the work the necessary 24/7 at a probable total cost of $189,000 per year (possibly shared with Sterling County). He asked the commissioners to suggest a temporary solution to the problem until a permanent one is found, but no one had a viable suggestion. Burnett showed commissioners a county map booklet that will be given to emergency volunteers to assist them in finding locations in the county. County emergency vehicles also are equipped with GPS units.
County May Change Insurance Carrier
Glasscock County Treasurer Alan Dierschke gave the commissioners’ court a report on the financial condition of West Texas Rural Counties at the commissioners’ April 13 meeting. WTRC is the county’s risk management insurance carrier, and appears to be financially shaky, with its overall survival questionable. Dierschke will present bids from at least two other carriers at future meetings, and the county may opt to change its carrier by the end of the fiscal year Sept. 31. Brenda Bradford is the new courthouse custodian/groundskeeper and Larry Bradford is now the Garden City Water System Manager, effective March 30, according to County Treasurer Alan Dierschke. The two jobs were filled without being publically advertised, and without a vote of the commissioner’s court, according to County Judge Wilburn Bednar. Exactly who made the decision to fill the jobs, or when and how it was made is unclear. The two full-time jobs include courthouse/community center/tax office/sheriff’s office custodial work, lawn and grounds upkeep (including the trees and grass along Highway 158), water system maintenance, meter reading and grounds care at the Garden City Cemetery. The custodian’s job pays $19,800 annually and will cost another $7,636 in benefits; the water system manager’s salary is $13,200 and will cost the county $7,636 in benefits. The county plans to hire attorney Josh Hamby to handle details of gaining title to some lots in the Little League ball field that are available due to unpaid taxes. Judge Bednar is to contact Hamby regarding the matter. Currently, the county owns some, but not all, of the lots in the ball field area. Don Bonify, the county’s consulting road engineer, met with the commissioners to discuss what paving they want done this year. It was agreed that Bonify would check several county roads and come back with suggestions at the May meeting. He said paving prices should be well below last year’s due to lower oil prices.
Gifts Galore in GC’s Newest Store
“Soap Sudz & Bath Dudz,” Glasscock County’s newest retail outlet, isn’t really all that new. The store, owned and operated by Shea and Randy Gartman, has been open since last October, in the small white building across from Halfmann’s General Store on Highway 158. Tiny by most retail comparisons, the 12 x 20-foot store still manages to house a surprising variety of merchandise. Gift choices are numerous, featuring Shea’s hand-made or hand-decorated items such as bath wraps (for boys and girls, sizes 12-month to 3 X) and shirts, all decorated with things such as paw prints, college insignias or crosses, many done in rhinestones. Shea says she got started by making things at home, which people then wanted to buy; she sold from home and for a while, from a boutique in Midland. Soon, the endeavor was “overtaking the house,” and she needed a place to work outside the home. Along with the sewn items, the store also has school-identified bags, key chains, totes and purses in addition to various soaps and lotions (some especially for kids), diaper bags, gift baskets and ankle bracelets. Also, there are gift bags complete with wraps, tissue and bows. Soon, the store will handle a line of greeting cards and more jewelry. Of necessity, the store has irregular hours, but Shea tries for Tuesday – Friday 10 – 5; Saturday 10 – 2. She invites customers to call her cell phone, 432/264-2926, and she will meet folks at the store as necessary.
Chandlers Resign GCISD
The Glasscock County ISD Board of Trustees accepted the resignations of both Kenneth and Kay Chandler at its meeting April 13. Kenneth has taught in the local school system for 28 years, and Kay has been the cafeteria manager for 17 years. The board discussed how best to contact voters regarding the upcoming bond election, and decided to use a mail-out, which will go to all registered voters. They also want to encourage voters to arrange for tours of school facilities and to call board members with questions about the bond. Board member Carl Hoelscher said again that he wants to look into the possibility of a grant for sewer work, and Superintendent Steve Long is to check into it. Long said the school district could get approximately $75,000 from the federal stimulus package, and he will know in two to three weeks. Darrell Hunt’s environmental science class gave a presentation showing plans for landscape work they would like to do to an outdoor area at the school. The classes’ price estimate was $2,000; board member Doug Jost suggested they look for better prices.
Briefly
• Glasscock Co. Senior Citizens will meet Tuesday April 21 at 6 p.m. This is snack night so bring finger foods. At the meeting on May 5 at 6 p.m., roast will be furnished. Bring side dishes to go with the meat. Everyone is invited to come and join us for good food and dominos.
• Thank you so much for the love, caring, and kindness shown in the recent loss of our son, father, brother, and uncle, Bill Hughes. The Lord has truly blessed us all in so many ways through the Christian family and community in Glasscock County, and we are so thankful for the support in such a difficult time. We especially want to thank Keith Burnett, the Sheriff's Dept., and EMT team; Father Frances and the loving Christian family at St. Lawrence Catholic Church for time together, meals served, and compassion shown; and for all of the family and friends who have helped us in numerous ways with food, flowers, and friendship through this sad time. God bless you all! In Christian love, John and Carolyn, Mike and Pam, Bob and Cindy Hughes and Family
• Come and help celebrate Troy and Mildred Hoch’s 70th wedding anniversary, Saturday, May 16, 2009, from 2-5, at the Senior Citizen's Center, Garden City, Texas. No gifts please! Michael and Melissa Hoch
• Swimming lessons will be held June 1 – 4 and June 8 – 11 at Tibby Niehues's house. The cost is $25 for one week or $40 for both weeks. Ages 3 and up. Call Tibby at 354-2220 to register or for more information. • The school bond election will be Saturday, May 9, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the usual polling places. Early voting will be April 27 thru May 5, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the county courthouse in Garden City. Applications for mail-in ballots must be received in the Glasscock County clerk’s office no later than May 1 and returned no later than May 9.
The ballot asks for a vote either FOR or AGAINST the following: “The issuance of $12,000,000 of bonds for the construction and equipment of school buildings, renovation of existing school buildings and the purchase of new school buses in and for the Glasscock County Independent School District and the levying of the tax in payment thereof.”
• Bruton’s Aerial Spraying is adding a Robinson R-22 helicopter to their business. It can be used for aerial photography, predator control, livestock gathering, fence checking or just plain fun. They also offer aerial spraying on rangeland and farms with turbine spray planes. Call 432/397-2435 for more information.
• Kindergarten Registration for 2009-2010 will be May 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the elementary school. Prospective students will be able to meet teachers and join in fun activities in the kindergarten classrooms while parents meet in the elementary office to register the children. Bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate, shot record and social security card. If you are unable to register your child at this time, come by the elementary office at your convenience or call 354-2243.
• Glasscock County residents should contact West Texas Opportunities, Inc. (1/806/872-8354) to find out if they qualify for home weatherization projects under the Federal Economic Stimulus Plan, according to the office of State Representative Joe Heflin. You may also visit http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ea/wap.htm for more information.
• Applications from eligible entities are being accepted for grants to conduct energy audits under the Rural Energy for America Program, according to Texas Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The audits are intended to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses identify ways to improve energy efficiency. Applications must be submitted no later than June 9, 2009. For more information, see page 10533 of the Federal Register at http://wwww.gpoaccess.gov/fr/ or email Daniel Torres at: Daniel.Torres@tx.usda.gov
• I would like to thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers, calls, visits, and acts of kindness after my knee replacements. My family and I really appreciate it. I am now one inch taller and on the road to recovery. --- Mark Halfmann
• Show your love for your mother, wife, girlfriend or daughter! Enjoy a dinner, drinks, dance and silent auction to raise donations for the Texas Hooter Honeys to walk in the Susan G. Komen 3-day, 60 mile Breast Cancer Walk May 23 from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Glasscock County Community Center in Garden City. Don’t forget to wear pink. Tickets sold in advance are $100 per couple or $50 per single ticket. To purchase tickets, contact Shana Kirkland, 354-2331, cell 213-4198 or Kristin Schwartz, 354-2698, cell 270-0544.
• Vaccination Clinic April 30. Dr. Sid Hanslik will be in St. Lawrence at the Parish Hall from 1 to 3 p.m. and at the Glasscock County Community Center from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to vaccinate animals. Shots will be $7 each. Partial proceeds will go to the local 4-H Club. Some other vaccinations will be available, as well as de-worming for pets. Animals that can be vaccinated include dogs, cats and horses.
• The Howard-Glasscock Relay for Life will be May15-16 at Blankenship Field in Big Spring. Registration is open through May 5. The web link to enter is www.relayforlife.org. Our team name is Glasscock 4-H Cancer Warriors and at this point we have 32 members and counting! Donations to help our team members reach their goals and help the American Cancer Society can be made by credit card online, or through the Glasscock AgriLife Extension office. PO Box 299, Garden City, TX 79739; (432) 354-2381. Checks should be made out to the American Cancer Society.
• April 26 is the date for the annual Spring Chicken Affair benefiting West Texas Rehab Center. The fried chicken dinner and toe-tappin’ entertainment will be “served up” under giant tents beginning at 11 a.m. on Knickerbocker Road behind San Angelo National Bank. Entertainment will be provided by the Zach Edwards Band from Big Lake and others. Tickets are $7 and take-out will be available.
• A chairman is needed for the Republican Party in Glasscock County. Anyone interested should call County Judge Wilburn Bednar at 354-2382.
• To have cell phones included in the county’s emergency calling bank, mail or fax the numbers to the Glasscock County Sheriff’s Department. P.O. Box 239 Garden City, TX 79739; FAX: 354-2661.
• Anyone interested in arranging a tour of the school facilities prior to the May 9 bond election should call the superintendent’s office, 354-2230.
In the Spotlight
• Macy Schwartz captured the OPB Breed Champion Award at the 2009 San Angelo Stock Show with her home raised 257 pound spotted barrow. Lauren Schwartz received Eighth Place at the 2009 San Antonio Stock Show with her home raised Duroc barrow. Macy and Lauren are the daughters of Paul and Tara Schwartz.
• Garden City took first place at the District UIL meet, beating Water Valley by three points. Fifteen students will advance to the Regional meet in Abilene.
Water District Names Auditor
At its March 17 meeting, the Glasscock Groundwater Conservation District’s Board of Directors (Kent McMillan absent) approved Anna Thomas, CPA, once again for its 2008 audit. The board also voted to “support the Texas Water Development Board’s application to be designated as the USDA – NRCS Agricultural Water Enhancement Program Partner (AWEP) for the Texas High Plains Ogallala Aquifer area and to affirm our desire to be included as supporting partner in the proposed use of AWEP funds and to encourage our producers to consider participating in the AWEP funding process.” GGCD Manager Rick Harston said he does not expect much money for Texas from this program because most of it will go to the East and to California. Harston, in his legislative update, said the state legislature is facing at least 1223 bills, a record number, several of which concern water. He also said he fears that we are headed toward state control of water resources. GGCD’s board will change its next two meetings to Monday, April 20 and Monday, May 18. The board voted to move $50,000 from its checking account to a 3-month CD at American State Bank at an interest rate of 1.39 percent. Harston reported that West Texas Weather Modification is ready to seed clouds anytime conditions are right.
GCISD Provides Bond Information
Editor’s Note: The following information is taken from a GCISD brochure.
The GCISD Board of Trustees is asking voters to approve $12 million in bonded indebtedness to pay for several school improvement projects. Why use bond money rather than regular operating funds for these projects? The state of Texas considers Glasscock County ISD to be a “property rich” school district, and therefore requires that part of its revenues be sent to the Texas Education Agency as part of a program called “recapture.” Currently, GCISD is required to send 77 percent of all taxes collected to TEA, keeping only 23 cents of each tax dollar. In the 2008 – 2009 school year, the amount sent to TEA was approximately $7.8 million. Schools are presently allowed to avoid recapture on money used for debt service, such as funds used to pay for bonds. If the school bond passes in the May election, GCISD will be allowed to keep 100 percent of the taxes collected to pay for the bond. All of the bond proceeds will be used in the district. No bond money will be subject to recapture. Some of the proposed projects are itemized below. DISTRICT WIDE IMPROVEMENTS: electrical updates, sewage updates, covered parking for buses, new flooring in classrooms and cafeteria, locker rooms, basketball gymnasium, convert present game gym locker rooms for storage and community storm shelter, auditorium lighting and sound, update and expand school nurse’s facilities and possibly upgrade school housing. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS: add a science lab, upgrade classrooms, relocate playground and remodel Head Start – third grade bathroom. HIGH SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS: upgrade classrooms and install new, larger lockers. PARKING LOTS AND TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS: address parking needs with regard to safety and traffic flow for student pick-up and provide buses and cars as needed. The projected tax increase on homes would range from $12 for a home valued at $25,000 to $222 for one valued at $200,000. Homeowners who are 65 and over will not have any tax increases on their homes. Voters are asked to call the GCISD office at 432/354-2230 or any board member with questions regarding the bond. Board members are: Andy Wheeler, president, 397-2753; Tibby Niehues, vice-president, 354-2220; Carl Hoelscher, secretary, 397-2658; Nathan Halfmann, 354-2625; Kevin Hirt, 397-2444; Doug Jost, 397-2205 and Doug Schraeder, 354-2564.
4-H News
• Glasscock 4-H Club Livestock Judging teams competed and placed in the following contests: Texas Tech University: Team A: Levi Schaefer, Cole Schwartz, Lane Halfmann, Ian Schaefer, 1st Place Overall; Team B: Blayne Batla, Reggie Halfmann, Brody Halfmann, 3rd Place Overall; Team C: Bryson Batla, Kadden Kothmann, Rafe Royal, 6th Place Overall Individual placings: Lane Halfmann-2nd; Levi Schaefer-3rd; Reggie Halfmann-8th; Brody Halfmann-10th Tarleton State University: Team A: Levi Schaefer, Cole Schwartz, Lane Halfmann, Ian Schaefer, 2nd Place Senior Division; Team B: Blayne Batla, Reggie Halfmann, Chapman Royall, 14th Place Senior Division; Team C: Brody Halfmann, Peyton Schaefer, Bryson Batla, Rafe Royall, 5th Place Junior Division Individual placing: Levi Schaefer-10th
• Houston Livestock Show exhibitors’ results: Lambs: Brody Halfmann-9th Light weight Finewool; Levi Schaefer-15th Finewool Cross; Cassie Hirt-22nd Finewool Cross; Goats: Kadden Kothmann-3rd Middle weight meat goat; Cassie Hirt-8th Middle weight meat goat; Steers: Cassie Hirt-13th Light weight Limosine; Swine: Wave 1 - Lane Halfmann-3rd Light weight Yorkshire; Levi Schaefer-1st-Light weight Crossbred; Cole Schwartz-2nd Light weight Crossbred; Rafe Royall-6th Middle weight Crossbred; Kenzie Schaefer-8th Middle weight Crossbred; Swine: Wave 2 - Brody Halfmann-1st Light weight Hampshire; Holly Halfmann-3rd Light weight Poland China; Hope Halfmann 3rd Heavy weight Spot; Lauren Schwartz-4th Heavy weight Duroc; Bryson Batla-5th Light weight Hampshire.
• Star of Texas Livestock Show placements: Swine: Peyton Schaefer-1st Middle weight Duroc; Ian Schaefer-2nd Light weight Duroc; Brooklyn Batla-9th Light weight Duroc; M’Call Schaefer-4th Dark OPB; Macy Schwartz-4th White POB; Cole Schwartz-5th White POB; Lexie Schaefer-2nd Hampshire; Blayne Batla-2nd Hampshire; Lauren Schwartz-4th Hampshire; Kenzie Schaefer-3rd Yorkshire; Levi Schaefer-7th Crossbred; Holly Halfmann-10th Crossbred; Steers: Cassie Hirt-10th Shorthorn.
FFA News
• Students participated in the Area 2 FFA judging contests recently in Lubbock. The ag mechanics team was 1st in district and 1st in area, advancing to the state contest in Huntsville on April 24th. Team members are Quaid Hale, Travis Gully, Jacob Dalton, and Marcus Cook. The livestock team of Kelsey Jones, Lauren Schwartz, Amber Halfmann and Paige Sturtz placed 2nd in district and 12th in area.
• Houston Ag Mechanics Show Results: 1) 1951 Farmall Cub – Travis Gully, Dylan Jansa, Melissa Hirt, Jake Schwartz -- Blue Ribbon; 2) Welding Table – Jessi Jones, Britni Cook, Rachel Barnes, Quinton Havlak -- Blue Ribbon; 3) Hirt Gate – Cassie Hirt, Katy Multer, Jacob Dalton, Reggie Halfmann -- Blue Ribbon; 4) Avery Gate – Sarah Avery, Calleen Jansa, Katelyn Hoelscher -- Blue Ribbon; 5) Hog Ramp – Levi Schaefer, Cole Schwartz, Quaid Hale, M'Call Schaefer, Ian Schaefer -- Blue Ribbon, 4th in class. A big thanks to all the parents who went and helped haul projects, loaned trailers, and corralled students.
From the Schoolhouse
Scheduled Events: April 16 – Area Track @Trent; April 17 – JH District Track @Water Valley; April 18 – State TCEA @Tyler; State JH TMSCA @San Antonio; April 20-21 Regional Golf; April 22-23 Regional Tennis @Abilene; April 24-25 Regional Academic UIL; April 27 – May 1 TAKS Week May 1-2 Regional Track; May 5 – 7 JH District Tennis @GC; May 7 – 9 State Academic UIL; May 6 – 9 National BPA @Dallas
Check the school website at: http://www.gckats.net for a schedule of current events.
There are numerous sporting events (tennis, golf, track, power lifting) taking place in April and May. For up-to-date schedules and locations, check the school’s website at: http://classroom.gckats.net/webs/athletics/home.htm
Obituary
John William “Bill” Hughes, Jr., 43, of Garden City, died March 21, 2009 at Shannon Hospital in San Angelo. Bill was born May 4, 1965, in Brady to John and Carolyn (Mangum) Hughes. Later, the family moved to Midland where Bill graduated from Midland High School, and attended Midland College. He was very involved in his community as a member of the Garden City Bearkat Boosters Club, 4-H Club and Lions Club. He also served on the Glasscock County Volunteer Fire Department. He worked in oilfield equipment sales for Tommy White Supply Company. Survivors include his three daughters, Kallie, Taylor and Megan Hughes all of Garden City; his parents John and Carolyn Hughes of Garden City; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike and Pam Hughes of Midland, Bob and Cindy Hughes of Plano; a niece, Brecklyn Hughes of Austin; three nephews, Taylor Hughes and wife Elizabeth, Travis and Trevor Hughes all of Plano. Memorial donations may be made to Glasscock County 4-H, P. O. Box 299, Garden City, TX 79739.
Next Issue Date and Deadline
The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be May 13, 2009. The deadline for that issue is May 11, 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: glasscockcountynews.com
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