Glasscock County News


Volume 15, Number 09                                 Garden City, Texas                                    June 15, 2009


Seismic Work Possible in Garden City

 

                Cary Epley, a representative of Dawson Geophysical, discussed the possibility of seismic work inside Garden City with the county commissioners’ court at its regular meeting June 8. The town falls within a planned 50-square-mile 3-D seismic survey project that Dawson is doing for Laredo Petroleum. Garden City is toward the western edge of the planned project, which extends several miles north, east and south of the town.

                Epley was told that he would have to contact individual landowners in Garden City, because the town is unincorporated, and the commissioners can’t authorize work on private property.  The court told him it would allow the company to lay cable lines along county roads, and would provide him with plats showing where the water system lines are located in Garden City.

                According to Epley, the cable lines would run north and south inside the town, with vibrator lines running east and west and spaced about 550 feet apart. He said the vibrator lines would be active only for 15 to 20 seconds at a time, and would do no damage. He said rather than deal with so many individuals for permits, the company might choose to try and use some vacant lots for the vibration sites. He said in that case only the owners of selected lots would need to sign permits.

                Epley said the company is paying $15 per acre for permission to do the work. He also said they ordinarily have a 300-foot buffer zone around water wells.

Letter Addresses Employee Work Ethic

                Commissioner Mark Halfmann showed the court a draft of a letter that he proposed be sent with each county employee’s next paycheck. The letter addresses problems which Halfmann says are getting progressively worse, such as workers being late getting to work, taking too much time at lunch, quitting too early, and improperly completing time sheets or not turning them in on time. The other commissioners agreed with Halfmann, and County Treasurer Alan Dierschke was to type the letter and include it with paychecks.

                Commissioners voted to move the county’s risk management insurance from West Texas Rural Counties to Wells Fargo. Other bidders were USI and Texas Association of Counties. Effective Oct. 1, 2009, the move will mean the county’s annual premium will be $60,076, down from the previous $103,000. Only the county’s health insurance falls outside this coverage, and it is with the Texas Association of Counties.

                Who is responsible for mowing and trimming, etc. at the Garden City Cemetery is still unclear, in spite of it being on the commissioners court agenda for the June 8 meeting. Keith Burnett has been doing the work on a contract basis, but some thought and this newsletter was told that the job would go to Larry and Brenda Bradford when they were hired by the county.  But that, apparently, has not been determined. Halfmann’s county road crew did the job last week, and according to County Judge Wilburn Bednar and Commissioner Jimmy Strube, future arrangements are being “worked on.”

 

 

TAKS Scores ‘Above Average’

 

                GCHS Principal Misty Kinnibrugh said on June 8 that the school’s 2009 TAKS test results were “above state averages.”  Campus results in the elementary school showed that 97 percent met the test standard (passed) in reading, 93 percent in math, and 100 percent in both writing and science. Secondary school campus results were 100 percent passing in reading, 98 percent in math and social studies, and 87 percent in science.

                In third grade, 94 percent passed in both reading and math; in fourth grade, 100 percent in reading, math and writing. One hundred percent of fifth graders passed in reading, math and science. In sixth grade, 94 percent passed in reading, 79 percent in math.

                In the seventh grade, 95 percent passed in both reading and writing, and 100 percent in math. Eighth graders passed reading with 100 percent, 94 percent in math and social studies, and 72 percent passed in science. Ninth graders all passed both the reading and math tests. In tenth grade, 100 percent passed reading, math and social studies, while 94 percent passed science.

                Exit level tests were passed by 100 percent of those tested in reading and social studies, by 96 percent in math and 92 percent in science. Some TAKS retesting is scheduled for June and July.

 

 

New Roofs for School Houses

 

                Like many property owners in Glasscock County, GCISD has to replace roofing due to recent hail. The school board on June 8 (Kevin Hirt absent) accepted a bid of $105,000 from Clifton Roofing of Odessa to reroof all 18 of the school’s houses. (The metal roofing on other school buildings was not damaged.) The current composition shingles will be replaced with 26-gauge metal panel roofing, and Superintendent Steve Long said he hopes the material will allow the school to “get out of the roofing business,” a reference to the number of roofs replaced over several years.  Long has said this is the fourth time in nine years that he remembers roofs being repaired or replaced due to hail.

                Long told the board that preliminary estimates indicate tax valuations may go up more than $80 million due to wind turbines located in the county. He also said that wind farm deals done before Sept. 1, 2009 would likely be grandfathered if the state changes its regulations regarding how schools can handle the income from them.

                Summer school is in session half days through July 3 and has 35 kids enrolled. Regular enrollment in grades

 K – 6 was 129 at the end of the school year, with an additional 17 in the Headstart program. There were 122 students in grades 7 – 12.

                In other matters, the school board voted to extend the depository contract with the First National Bank of Sterling City, Glasscock County branch; approved a shared services agreement (for attorneys) with Region 18 for the next school year, and a shared services agreement with Ector County’s Regional Day School Program for the Deaf, if it is needed.

                At its May 13 meeting, the GCISD board approved 21 students who requested to attend school here for the 2009-’10 school year even though they live outside the district. School Superintendent Steve Long said there might be more transfer requests to come.

                At that May meeting, he also reported that students representing GCHS did well at a recent FFA competition in Lamesa. In addition, he said their appearance and actions were excellent and added that adults from other districts always compliment our kids.

                On May 13, the board canvassed and approved the votes from the May 9 school bond election.

 

Briefly

 

•  Glasscock Co. Senior Citizens will meet June 16 at 6 p.m. with finger foods and snacks being the fare for the evening.  For the meeting on July 7 at 6 p.m., brisket will be furnished, so bring a veggie, salad, or dessert.  Come join with us for an evening of good food and dominos.

 

 In the 2008 farm year, Glasscock County agricultural producers received $10.6 million in Farm Service Agency Program Payments, not including farm loans, commodity loans or adjustments from previous programs. Amounts received in some other area counties were (in millions): Howard, $11.5; Midland, $3.5; Martin, $13.8; Reagan, $3.5; Tom Green, $13; Dawson, $89.4; Gaines, $85.2; Upton, $2.3. (Source: a Texas Farm Service Agency Special Report.)

 

Thank you so much for all your support during the death of the girls’ dad, "Bill Hughes". The girls and I have been overwhelmed by love and support the community has provided for our family. These times are never easy; but with the love and support of the community, family and friends; we have found peace in our lives at such a difficult time. We appreciate the time you took away from your obligations to just be there in a way each of you could. Special thanks to Keith Burnett, Sheriff's Department, Christy Seidenberger, EMS Team, Father Frances, Priest, Saint Lawrence Catholic Church, and Linda Hirt and girls for the endless hours you spent with us in helping us get through this difficult time. Each one of you have such a special gift of giving to others.  A special thanks to all of you for the flowers, donations to the library and Glasscock County 4-H, meals, the help with the memorial service, and most of all your prayers. We have definitely learned to rely on the blessings we have through our family, friends, and to live in a loving and thoughtful community. May God Bless you all! --- Krista, Taylor, Megan Hughes and Johnnie Harvey

 

•  A reminder to all county farmers: avoid turning tractors and equipment on county roads. Constable Mark Frysak says we each need to do our part to keep our roads in good shape.

 

  Glasscock County Sheriff Keith Burnett is looking for a deputy to replace Todd Dean, whose last day on the job was June 5. Burnett said the person will have to be canine certified or complete certification training.

 

•  New carpet has been installed in the district courtroom of the Glasscock County Courthouse.

 

 

Kinnibrugh to Harvard Seminar

 

GCISD Secondary School Principal Misty Kinnibrugh has been selected to attend one of four leadership seminars this summer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.  Kinnibrugh is one of 100 principals from across the state of Texas to participate in the program, which was organized and sponsored by Raise Your Hand Texas.

            “These principals represent our belief that quality campus leadership is crucial to the success of our public and public charter schools.  What these individuals learn at Harvard ultimately will have a positive impact in our classrooms,” said Bill Ratliff, former Lt. Governor of Texas and Raise Your Hand Texas Chairman. “Our goal in making the selections was to achieve the best demographic mix we possibly could, in order to achieve the maximum impact possible statewide.”

            One of the largest initiatives of its kind in the state, the Raise Your Hand Texas Leadership Program will cover the full cost of the Institute, hotel, air and provide funds for incidentals.

                While participating at the Institutes, the principals will be asked to blog their professional experiences, views and news for hometown colleagues, community and family.  Later this fall, the principals will convene at a statewide conference to share experiences and plan their future professional and leadership growth.

 

 

Water District Board Approves Audit

 

                The Glasscock Groundwater Conservation District’s Board of Directors (Kenneth Braden and Kent McMillan absent) approved the district’s fiscal 2008 audit on May 18. District Secretary Tisha Burnett reported that auditor Anna Thomas found no problems with the district’s finances, and said the district showed an increase in net assets and didn’t spend as much as it had budgeted.

                Commenting on Clayton Williams’ quarrel with Ft. Stockton over whether he can sell water to Midland and Odessa from property he owns near Ft. Stockton, District Manager Rick Harston said Sen. Kel Seliger and Speaker Tom Craddick were both pushing bills that would favor Williams. He said it is easier and cheaper for water marketers to get state laws changed than to go to court to get what they want.

                He said Seliger is pushing for Texas Water Board oversight of local underground water districts, which Harston says amounts to state control.

 

In the Spotlight

 

                •  Brooke Halfmann was named valedictorian and Lauren Wheeler salutatorian of the 2009 graduating class at GCHS.  Halfmann, the daughter of Gary and Sharon Halfmann, will attend Texas Tech University and major in engineering.  Wheeler, the daughter of Andy and Karen Wheeler, will attend Texas Tech and pursue a degree in exercise and sports science.

 

•  Marcus Cook placed second in individual competition at the state golf tournament, Class A, Region II, with a two-day total score of 147.

 

•  The GCISD girls’ golf team finished third at the state golf tournament with a combined total of 750.  Members of the team are Britni Cook, Kate Halfmann, Brooke Halfmann, Katelyn Hoelscher and Laura Halfmann.

 

  Jake Schwartz finished third in high jump competition at the State Track and Field event with a 6’ 04” mark.  With a jump of 6’ 9”, he finished first in the high jump at Regionals, breaking a school record and advancing to the state meet.

 

•  Paige Niehues finished fourth in the 400 yd. dash at 1:00.50 at the State Track and Field competition. She finished second at the Regional Meet in the 400 yd. dash with a time of 1:00.53 to advance to the state meet.

 

  

FSA County Committee Nominations Due

 

The USDA is accepting nominations until Aug. 3 for eligible candidates to serve on the Glasscock County FSA County Committee.  The committee seat up for election represents Local Administrative Area (LAA) number 3, which is the portion of the county located south of County Road 110 and Hwy. 158, and East of County Road Coop and FM 3093 (A copy of the LAA boundary map is posted at the Glasscock FSA Office). 

Agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in an FSA program may be nominated for candidacy for the committee.  Individuals may nominate themselves or another as a candidate.  In addition, organizations representing socially disadvantaged (minorities and females) farmers and ranchers may nominate candidates. Candidates must reside in, or have agricultural interests in, LAA #3 to be an eligible candidate for this election. Nomination forms must be returned or postmarked no later than Aug. 3, 2009. 

For more information or nomination forms, contact the local FSA Office, or visit the web at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/elections.

 

 

It’s Everyone’s Business’

 

May was Elder Abuse Prevention month and Older Americans Month, and Adult Protective Services (APS) is reminding Texans that stopping elder abuse is truly everyone’s responsibility. 

No one knows exactly how many older Texans are being abused, neglected, or financially exploited. Many victims are too embarrassed to ask for help, and their suffering can be shrouded by secrecy.

As our population ages, statistics show the problem is a growing concern: nationwide studies estimate that three to five million seniors age 65 and older have experienced abuse, with only one in five cases reported.

In 2008, Texas APS completed almost 70,000 investigations of abuse, neglect or exploitation involving adults living at home. Of those, more than 48,000 cases were confirmed, with most cases including physical or medical neglect. In these cases, it was often family members – adult children, spouses or grandchildren – who were the perpetrators.

“Everyone needs to be diligent to ensure vulnerable adults are free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation,” said Karl Urban, APS Assistant Commissioner. “Isolation places vulnerable adults at risk. That’s why elder abuse prevention is everyone’s business.”

The message is simple but important. If you believe an elderly person is being abused, neglected, or exploited, report it by calling 1-800-252-5400.

For more information about preventing elder abuse, and to download public awareness materials, visit EveryonesBusiness.org.

 

Sixth Graders Certified ‘Safe Sitters’

On May 19, twenty sixth-graders became certified as Safe Sitters after completing Safe Sitter instruction.  SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1The Glasscock County office of Texas AgriLife Extension Service, in conjunction with Glasscock County Independent School District, incorporated the program during the month of May as a supplement to the students’ health curriculum. 

Safe Sitter was implemented for the first time at GCISD in 2006, and due to the 100% success rate of key concepts and skills mastered by the students completing the instruction, it was highly recommended by the School Health Advisory Committee that this course continue to be taught annually.

Teachers were Charlene Belew, County Extension Agent-Family & Consumer Science and Candy Jones, GCISD aide, with the assistance of Christy Seidenberger, Registered Nurse for GCISD.

Safe Sitter is much more than a babysitting class, it is a medically accurate curriculum that teaches young adolescents safety and how to prevent accidents and properly care for younger children, as well as important work-force skills.  During the class students received hands-on practice in basic lifesaving techniques.  They also got helpful tips to make them more confident care givers, and learned safety precautions and how to understand and deal with children of different ages.  Completion of this instruction allows these youth the opportunity to offer a needed service to the community.

To successfully complete Safe Sitter, students must participate in 6-1/2 hours of training and pass practical and written tests to show that they have mastered the key concepts and have the skills necessary to handle an emergency.

At the conclusion of the instruction, parents and school administration were invited to attend a recognition ceremony to showcase the students’ accomplishments.

 

 

Local 4-H’ers Win Photography Awards

 

                Several local youth received awards recently in the District Six 4-H Photography Contest.

People Category, junior division: Megan Hughes-Blue Award & Best in Show; Intermediate division: Colton Belew-Red Award; senior division: Taylor Hughes-Blue Award & Best in Show.

Animal Category, junior division: Kenzie Schaefer-Blue Award, Megan Hughes-Blue Award & Best in Show; Intermediate division: Colton Belew-Blue Award & Best in Show, Kellan Kirkland-Red Award; senior division: Taylor Hughes-Blue Award & Best in Show.    

Still Life Category, junior division: Megan Hughes-Red Award; Intermediate division: Colton Belew-Blue Award; senior division: Taylor Hughes-Blue Award, M’Call Schaefer-Red Award.

Natural Landscape/Color Category, junior division: Megan Hughes-Red Award, Kenzie Schaefer-Red Award; Intermediate division: Brylie Schaefer-Red Schaefer, Colton Belew-Blue Award; senior division: Taylor Hughes-White Award, M’Call Schaefer-Blue Award.

Natural Landscape/B&W Category, Intermediate division: Kellan Kirkland-Blue Award & Best in Show; senior division: M’Call Schaefer-Red Award.

Plant Flora Category, junior division: Kenzie Schaefer-Blue Award & Best in Show, Megan Hughes-Blue Award; Intermediate division: Colton Belew-Red Award, Peyton Schaefer-Red Award; senior division: M’Call Schaefer-Red Award, Taylor Hughes-Red Award.

Architectural Elements Category, junior division: Megan Hughes-Blue Award; Intermediate division: Intermediate division: Colton Belew-Blue Award, Peyton Schaefer-Red Award, Brylie Schaefer-Red Award; senior division: Taylor Hughes-Red Award.

Special Effects Category: Junior division: Megan Hughes-Blue Award; Intermediate division: Colton Belew-Blue Award & Best in Show, Peyton Schaefer-Blue Award, Brylie Schaefer-Red Award; senior division: M’Call Schaefer-Blue Award & Best in Show, Taylor Hughes-Red Award.

 

 

4-H Scholarships Go to Five Seniors

 

Five GCISD graduating seniors received scholarships from the Glasscock County office of Texas AgriLife Extension Service during graduation ceremonies at the Ruth Cook Auditorium May 29.

Levi Schaefer, son of Karen and Doug Schaefer won the Glasscock County Pecan Show Scholarship in the amount of $250.  Levi will attend Texas Tech University in the fall.

Macy Schwartz, daughter of Tara and Paul Schwartz, and Sydney Halfmann, daughter of Terry and Mark Halfmann were presented scholarships of $250 each from the Glasscock 4-H Volunteer Adult Leaders Association. Macy will attend Angelo State University and Sydney will be a student at South Plains College.

Cole Schwartz and Samantha Pitts were recipients of the Todd Weishuhn 4-H Memorial Scholarship.  Each will receive $250 for academic expenses.  Cole will be going to Texas Tech and Samantha will attend Angelo State.

Beginning in 2010, the Jessie Flores 4-H Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Glasscock County Junior Livestock Association, will be available for graduating 4-H members who participate in the Glasscock County Junior Livestock Show and submit the required paperwork. 

Contributions to either the Weishuhn or Flores fund may be sent to the Extension office, P.O. Box 299, Garden City, TX 79739.  A receipt will be furnished.

All Extension scholarship guidelines and applications will be made available to youth and parents via the GCISD website as they are updated, or you may contact the Extension office at 432-354-2381.

 

 

Ways to Reduce Cancer Risks

 

The word cancer strikes fear in our lives. Fear because we all know of friends or family members who have dealt with the disease, and we are afraid that we, too, could be a victim. Many people believe that cancer is a disease that you do not have any control over and that cancer may be inevitable because of family health history.

But The American Institute for Cancer Research states that cancer cases could be reduced by about one-third if everyone ate a healthy diet, was physically active every day, and maintained a healthy weight. For the vast majority of Americans, taking control of one’s life to achieve these behaviors may mean lifestyle changes. It may sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be as hard as one thinks.

Diet is the Best Starting Place

A good starting point is to make dietary changes by choosing a varied meal plan and reducing the serving sizes of food. When selecting meat and meat-alternate foods such as soybean, peanut butter, or other plant-based foods, select more often either plant-based foods and/or lean meat choices from the leg or loin cuts – about the size of a deck of cards. Select poultry with the skin removed. White meat contains less fat than the dark meat of chicken. Fresh fish is another good choice.

Choose processed meats less often, because they may be higher in fat and sodium. Select whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, and rice, all of which are good sources of fiber. Make an effort to eat a variety of dark green leafy and orange vegetables, and brightly colored fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, citrus fruits, melons, etc. Fruits and vegetables provide phytochemicals that help protect against naturally occurring cancer risks. A diet high in fruits and vegetables has been linked to a reduced risk of cancers of the colon, esophagus, lung, and stomach.

Move It!

Set a goal to be physically active every day in any way for 30 minutes or more. It does not have to be 30 minutes at the local gym, and it can be as simple as walking, gardening, and doing household chores that require you to move and be active. Walking from the back of the parking lot and taking the stairs instead of the elevator are normal ways of incorporating activity into your life.

Research shows that activity can keep our hormone levels healthy, which is important because having high levels of some hormones can increase our cancer risk. For individuals with a weight problem, exercise may need to be increased along with controlling food portion sizes.

Avoid Tobacco – of Any Kind

Another way you can take control is to not smoke or use tobacco in any form. The tobacco companies fight this recommendation by putting out new products that they say have less nicotine in them. Their products continue to contain ingredients that are not on your side when it comes to preventing cancer risks. More people die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. In the United States, about 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in men and almost 80 percent in women are due to smoking.

 A start to quitting tobacco use is to call the American Cancer Society’s Quitline at 1-877-Yes-Quit. Help will be provided on how to develop a personal cessation plan. If you are not a smoker, avoid all secondhand smoke since it can also cause lung cancer.

Spit tobacco may not produce secondhand smoke, but it is linked to cancer of the mouth, pancreas, and esophagus – it is not a safe alternative to smoking!

Protect Skin from Sun

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. Sun exposure is by far the most common cause of skin cancer. You can take control of any risk to skin cancer by avoiding being in the sun during peak radiation hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), by staying in the shade if you do go outside, and by covering exposed areas with clothing that protects you from the sun’s rays. Add a broad-brimmed hat to cover your head and ears. Always remember to use sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 on all areas of skin exposed to the sun. Indoor tanning beds or sunlamps are not safe alternatives to the sun.

Screenings and Self-Exams Important

Regular screening and self-examination for certain cancers can increase the chance of finding a cancer when it is treatable. Screening should include your skin, mouth, colon, and rectum. For men, it should also include your prostate and testes. Women should include cervix screening and mammograms for breast cancer. All individuals need to be aware of their body and any changes that are detected. These changes then need to be promptly communicated to a health care professional.

While screening and even self-exam does not prevent cancer, the chances of a cancer being found in the early stages will be greater. With an early diagnosis, treatment is more likely to be successful. For individuals with a family history of cancer, screenings are even more important. Screenings should be discussed with a physician who is familiar with your family health history.

Consider Available Immunizations

Immunization is an option for certain cancers associated with two viral infections that can be prevented. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. Certain high-risk individuals may need to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical cancer. The vaccination is recommended to girls ages 11 to 12. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that the HPV vaccine be given to girls and women ages 13 to 26 who have not completed the full vaccine series.

Many of the changes suggested for reducing the risks for cancer can also improve heart health and overall personal health. These changes can lead to feeling better about one’s self and reducing stress. Unfortunately, many people are not motivated to make changes until there is a cancer diagnosis, a scare of cancer, or a friend or family member is diagnosed with cancer. If you have not already started, now is the best time to start making changes while you may still have some control over cancer affecting your life. Parents can make a difference in their children’s lives by modeling good behavior and teaching them about cancer prevention.

(This information was provided by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.)

 

 

From the Schoolhouse

 

Scheduled Events:

               

Check the school website at: http://www.gckats.net for a schedule of current events.

 

                For results of state UIL academic and sports competitions go to: http://www.uil.utexas/edu/

 

Regional Track and Field Meet Results:

 Boys: 100 dash Jake Schwartz – 6th; high jump Jake Schwartz – 1st.  Girls:  200 dash Paige Niehues – 6th; 400 dash Paige Niehues – 2nd; 800 dash Morgan Schwartz – 4th.

                Also participating in the meet:  Vicki Garza – 3200 run; 4X400 relay team – Morgan Schwartz, Samantha Kellermeier, Lauren Wheeler, Paige Niehues.

                Participants finishing in the top two advance to the state meet.

 

 

Obituaries

 

             

                •  Robert Turner “Bob” Ballenger, 91, of Garden City, died at his ranch May 16, 2009, and was buried in the Monteval Cemetery in Sterling City, Texas.

                Bob was born May 14, 1918, in Henderson, Texas, to Robert Turner and Ivy D. Ballenger.  After graduating from Henderson High School, he received a BS in business administration with a minor in economics from Texas Christian University in 1939.  At TCU, he was a member of the Bryson Literary Club and played trumpet in the swing band.

                Following graduation, Bob made his home in Glasscock County, ranching in Glasscock and Upton Counties for the rest of his life.  He raised Hereford cattle, black Angus cattle, quarter horses and at one time, was the largest Rambouillet sheep producer in Texas.  He was recently honored by the American Quarter Horse Association, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award for his breeding of quarter horses for over 50 years.

                He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Francys Walls; a brother-in-law Bill Walls; sister-in-law Joyce Ballenger; a nephew Bill Walls.  Survivors include three daughters, Lynda Ruth Ballenger Glass and husband Larry of Sterling City, Barba Sue Ballenger Keene and husband David of Plano, and Francys Ann Ballenger of Dallas; two brothers, Max Ballenger and wife Jean of Henderson, Texas, and Dan Ballenger of Kilgore, Texas; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

 

                • F. T. "Tommy" Carstensen, "Best Dad Ever,” 71, of Garden City, died on May 21, 2009, at his residence and was buried at Trinity Memorial Park in Big Spring, Texas.

He was born Oct. 24, 1937, in Mitchell County, Texas, to Fred and Naomi Carstensen and married Nelda Sutphen on June 28, 1957, in Flower Grove, Texas.

Tommy grew up in the Flower Grove Community and graduated from Flower Grove High School. He farmed for a number of years in Glasscock County and worked for the County of Glasscock for 16 years as a maintainer operator before retiring due to health reasons. He was a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Garden City and a member of the Senior Citizen's group. He loved his grandkids and enjoyed square dancing, hunting, fishing and camping.

Survivors include his wife, Nelda Carstensen of Garden City; four daughters and sons-in-law, Connie and Gene Pond of Haltom City, Tonya and Chuck Reese of Carrollton, Lisa and Nick Reyna of Big Spring and Jeannie and Lupe Villafranco of Midland; one brother, Pat Carstensen of Knott; four sisters, Ruby McCarty, Nellie Van Den Biggeilaar and Myrtle Sparks all of Sanger and Lucille Farrington of Big Spring; five grandchildren, Matthew, Cory and Jarrett Reyna and, Megan and Dylan Villafranco.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, C. J. Carstensen, Andy Carstensen, Fred Carstensen, Jr. and Arthur Carstensen.

The family suggests memorials be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 4601 50th Street, Suite 101, Lubbock, Texas 79414-3514 or to the American Diabetes Association, 3001 N. Big Spring, Midland, Texas 79705 or to a favorite charity.

 

Next Issue Date and Deadline

 

             The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be July. 15. The deadline for that issue is July 13, 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