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Glasscock County News
YOUR LAST NEWSLETTER?We are going to delete from our hard copy mailing list the names of those who do not indicate their desire to remain on the list by verifying their mailing address by Sept. 5. If you wish to continue to receive The Glasscock County News in hardcopy format via the U.S. Postal Service, you must send the following information immediately to P. O. Box 98, Garden City, TX 79739: Your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address if you have one. Or, you may e-mail this information to: gcnews201@aol.com If you have an e-mail address, we will send your newsletter notification via e-mail in the future, thereby saving printing and mailing costs. Those who now receive their newsletter via e-mail do not need to respond. Note: We are not soliciting donations -- merely trying to clean up the mailing list and send copies only to folks who are interested, so please don’t send money. We appreciate all those who have responded to our earlier request, and to those who have opted for e-mail delivery.
School’s Bank Bids Questioned
At the GCISD school board meeting Aug. 11, Laura Huitt asked the board to review the school’s last two bank depository bids, which she felt have, and will, cost the school significant losses in interest income. Both the bids for 2001–2003 and for 2003–2005 had been awarded to First National Bank of Sterling City rather than to State National Bank of Big Spring, which had been the school’s depository for many years prior to 2001. Huitt said even though the interest rates bid by the two banks were not dramatically different, because of the school’s several million dollars on deposit, the difference in interest paid on those funds is substantial. Terming the action of awarding the 2001-2003 bid to FNB “a mistake,” Huitt said her research shows that the school district lost in excess of $163,000 in the 23 months between Sept. 1, 2001 and July 1, 2003. She said, “This was the cost of convenience and two $4,000 scholarships (from FNB).” The figures she presented the board showed an average of 1.35 percent paid by FNB, compared to the 3.5 percent minimum, which was guaranteed by SNB in their 2001 bid. (SNB’s 2001 bid was for a minimum of 3.5 percent and a maximum of 7.5 percent; FNB’s bid had no minimum and no maximum.) If You Had $6 Million to Invest? Overall interest rates are lower now, and neither bank offered either a minimum or a maximum rate of interest in their 2003-2005 bid. However, Huitt said FNB paid the school .61 percent last month (July 2003), while SNB paid regular, walk-in customers 1 percent on money market accounts and 1.25 percent on savings accounts during that time. She asked the board, “If each of you had $6 million to deposit, would you prefer .61 percent or 1 percent interest?” Huitt said she is distantly related to State National Board Chairman John Currie, but was “not trying to rake up business for State National.” Neither, she said, did she intend to criticize the school board or either of the two banks, but rather to possibly influence future board action. She told the board she appreciated the hard work they do, and realized that none of them is an expert in school finance. Huitt mentioned school bookkeeper/secretary Kathy Wheat and the “great job she does.” Responsibility Called ‘Superintendent’s” However, Huitt was openly critical of School Superintendent Steve Long, who she said should have provided the board with analyses of the bank bids prior to the board having to take action. She also said the previous two superintendents (Don Stringer and Charles Zachry) had put much of the school’s funds into CD’s with staggered maturities rather than into one general fund, and also had actively “shopped” CD rates, moving funds where they would generate the most income. Without a business office, Huitt said this responsibility falls to the school superintendent. She said the school can move funds as they choose, and said, “The man on the street is getting more interest than we are.” Board President Jimmy Eggemeyer said, “We’re not experts in these matters; no one has ever broken it down for us before.” Huitt said she would soon complete a degree in accounting, and jokingly said she would be for hire as a consultant to the school the next time depository bids are taken. Board member Carl Hoelscher said, “No, the precedent is set --- you do it for free.” Roger Williams of FNB was in attendance at the board meeting and said he wouldn’t dispute Huitt’s figures. He said no bank would offer a minimum on bids today. He also said, “So much of school dollars are fluid in a short time, it’s hard to invest them in higher interest vehicles.”
Briefly
• A free scrapbooking workshop and demonstration will be given Aug. 19 from 6–10 p.m. at the school cafeteria by HollyAnn Petree, a Creative Memories Consultant. With hands-on assistance, she can teach you how to quickly and easily turn those boxes of precious photos and memorabilia into keepsake, scrapbook photo albums. If you already scrapbook, just bring your supplies and come work. Petree’s tools will be available for your use. If you have never scrapbooked, then now is the time to start! Call her at 354-2680 for more details!
• Trash barrels are available from the Garden City Lions Club for $10 each. Contact Warren Multer, Steve Sturtz or John Kinnibrugh to arrange pick up, or delivery is available.
• A benefit for Brian Pelzel is being sponsored by the St. Lawrence Knights of Columbus on Aug. 24 at the St. Lawrence Hall. A barbecued chicken dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. An auction of donated items will follow the meal. To order extra chickens, beans or sauce, contact Tommy Hoelscher at 354-2449 or Wilbert Braden at 535-2206 by Aug. 17.
• Piano lessons are available from Leroy Moore. He will be in Garden City at the Methodist Church on Mondays and Tuesdays beginning Aug. 18. Thirty-minute lessons are $20. If you are interested, call Karen Wheeler at 397- 2753.
• The 30th Annual Sheep and Goat Field Day will be hosted by the Texas A & M University Research and Extension Center in San Angelo Sept. 4. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the field tour starting at 9:30. There will be six stops on the tour, featuring topics that include “Super Juniper-eating Goats,” “Range Ripping,” “Wool Measurement in the Future,” “Salt Cedar,” and “Texas Rambouillet Superior Genetics.” After a Kenny Blanek-catered lunch from noon to 1 p.m., the afternoon program will consist of industry updates from several organizations. For more information, contact the Extension Center at (325) 653-4576.
• Our heartfelt thanks go out to all who called, sent cards or flowers, brought food or made memorial contributions after our mother, Alice Wilde, passed away July 1. Your kindness is truly appreciated. May God bless you all! --- Floyd and Sandra Wilde, Leroy and Jeanie Wilde.
• The Glasscock County Historical Commission thanks all the generous people who contributed toward the historical marker to be placed at the Garden City cemetery. The marker has been ordered and will be set on a stone from TexaStone Quarries, according to committee chairman Helen Wilkerson, who reports that $1,000 has been collected so far.
• The Howard County Library is having its annual book sale Sept. 19, 20 and 21 in the basement of the library at 500 S. Main in Big Spring during regular hours, which are: M – F 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. They are accepting donations of books that are clean and in good condition, but do not want magazines, Reader’s Digest condensed books, or National Geographics. For more information, call Hollis McCright at 264-2260.
• A livestock association dove hunt fundraiser has been set for Sept. 23. Send registration fees to the county extension office at P. O. Box 299, Garden City, TX, 79739 by Sept. 15. Cost is $125 per person and includes a steak meal, a raffle ticket for a shotgun and the hunt. Only the first 50 people who register will be accepted. Partial proceeds go toward a livestock association scholarship.
Homecoming Set For September
GCISD’s Homecoming will be Sept. 19 and 20, with the class of 1953 being honored. All former students teachers, families and friends are invited. A meal will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 in the school cafeteria, followed by the football game featuring the Bearkats vs. Irion County (Mertzon) at 8 p.m. The school library will be open for those who want to visit after 7 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 20, an ex-students’ gathering will be held at the Glasscock County Community Center, located east of the courthouse, beginning at 10 a.m. A barbeque meal, catered by Kenny Blanek of San Angelo, will be served at noon, for $10 per plate. Meal reservations are necessary for the caterer, and payment must be made for reservations not cancelled. Call or mail your reservations by Sept. 10 to Jenny Gandy Shumake, (361) 790-9304, P.O. Box 596, Rockport, TX 78381 or Doralee Schafer Newell, (432) 354-2265, 650 Newell Road, Big Spring, TX 79720. Payment for the meal may be made at the door. Chances will be sold for a $50 gift certificate from Cattleman’s Steak House in Midland for $1 each or six for $5.
County Salary Increases Still Possible
As of Aug. 11, no action had been taken regarding any salary increases for Glasscock County employees, as the county commissioners’ court continued work on the 2003-2004 budget at their regular meeting. However, commissioners asked County Treasurer Alan Dierschke to prepare tentative budgets projecting across-the-board raises of both $300 and $600 annually for discussion at their next regular meeting on Sept. 8. They also asked that he use a three percent tax rate increase in making the projections. The court must first adopt a budget, then set the tax rate for the next fiscal year by Sept. 30. Dierschke projects that, in a best-case scenario, the county will have a total of $60,000 in reserve at the end of the current fiscal year. Figures from Royce Pruit, Glasscock County’s Tax Assessor/Collector, show the county’s effective tax rate, the rate that would generate the same revenues as last year (approximately $1.9 million), is .57526 per $100 valuation. A three percent increase, the maximum unless notices are published and hearings held, is .59252 per $100, and would raise slightly over $2 million, according to Dierschke. An additional 5 cents bond tax (for the community center) raises $185.000, Dierschke said. Road Crew Budget Unchanged --- So Far Tentatively, the court chose to keep the budget for “Road Crew” unchanged from last year, at a total of $597,000, not including salaries and benefits. Some of the major line items include $100,000 allocated for equipment, $100,000 for repairs, supplies and upkeep, $60,000 for fuels, $15,000 for tires and tubes, $75,000 in road building materials, and $200,000 for paving and seal coating. Another $10,600 is budgeted in a Lateral Road Fund, which is reimbursed by the state. Salaries for the county’s road crew, which numbers13 full and part-time employees, currently total $320,000, with benefits and taxes costing the county an additional $67,000. Commissioners have raised the budget for Steve Sturtz a new pickup to $26,000 and lowered his vehicle fuel and repairs budget by $3,000 to $7,000. There has been some discussion of putting the ag agent’s pickup in a four-year rotation with the sheriff’s department’s three vehicles, which now are rotated every three years, but no final decision has been made. If such a rotation were implemented, the planned purchase of a new car for the sheriff’s department in fiscal year 2003-2004 would be postponed a year. Other tentative major budget items include $330,000 in health and property insurance ($74,000 for property and workmen’s compensation insurance), $25,000 in landfill expenses, $43,000 for predator trappers’ expense ($5,300 of this contributed by the local livestock association) and $50,000 in a miscellaneous fund. Another $58,500 is earmarked for the Emergency Medical Service ($46,000 for modification of an ambulance and $12,500 for expenses such as fuel, supplies, and training). Courthouse Roof Still a Problem The court was to discuss prices for a new courthouse roof with roofer Kirby Hartmann, but he was not present. Dierschke voiced concern about spending around $40,000 for a new roof that might not be acceptable to the state historical commission in the event of a courthouse restoration. Commissioners Michael Hoch and Jimmy Strube said the county can’t keep waiting for a new roof and can’t wait on the historical commission’s approval. No action was taken. The court voted to waive the requirement for hired security when alcohol is served in the community center for a private event Sept. 16. Sturtz said Mike Jones plans an investment meeting for about 20 people from 5:30 to 8 p.m. that day and will serve beer from a cooler. Several options regarding future sale of surplus equipment were discussed, including a several-day silent auction, or combining with the school’s surplus sale, or consigning items to a large surplus sale in Pecos.
In The Spotlight
• Tiffany Wheat graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tarleton State University Aug. 9 with a B.S. degree in human science and a teaching certificate. She was named the outstanding graduate from the Human Science Department, and is a member of both the honor society Alpha Chi, and Kappa Omirun Nu, a human science honor society. She is the daughter of Kathy and Larry Wheat.
• Glasscock County’s Ten-and-Under baseball team recently won the Iraan tourney. Team members were: Blaine Batla, Brett Chudej, Colten Belew, Joshua Colunga, Brian Hirt, Hayden Halfmann, Reggie Halfmann, Austin Hoelscher, Dylan Lowery, Ian Schaefer, Peyton Schaefer and Johnathon Young. Brett, Joshua and Brian made the All-Tournament Team, while Brett, Dylan and Johnathon hit home runs. Coaches were Gary Halfmann and Henry Chudej. Dylan was also on the Big Spring All-Star team that made it to the quarterfinals of the West Texas Area Division play.
• Jason Flores recently placed 14th in the 1500 meter run at USATF national meet in Miami. Jason, who ran with the Tall City Christian Club of Midland, advanced to nationals from a meet in Midland where he qualified for regionals in both the 800 meter and 1500 meter runs. He advanced to nationals with a 2nd place finish in the regional 1500 meter run. Jason, who also participated in events with the TAAF Track Association, qualified for the state meet in Grapevine where he placed 2nd in the 800 meter run and 5th in the 1600 meter run.
School Hires Spanish Teacher
The GCISD school board on Aug. 11 hired Maribel Reyes to teach elementary and high school Spanish, plus managing the yearbook. Reyes graduated from Angelo State University in 2000 with a B.S in Education degree in math/science and a specialization in Spanish. From 2000 – 2003, she was a fourth grade teacher at Bauer Magnet Elementary School in Big Spring. In the summer of 2003, she taught at Howard College’s Kid’s College, teaching Spanish to students in grades 1 – 6. She also worked with Howard College’s Youth Program, teaching students who were at risk, had dropped out of school or had children, teaching basic math, reading and writing skills as well as computing and life skills.
Letter from Karan Young
Garden City’s United Methodist Church will soon have a new minister. Jimmy and I will be leaving so that I can attend seminary in Fort Worth. This past year has been a blessing for us as we have ministered to the good people of Garden City. We couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful, caring congregation. Some of you may know that I have had four surgeries this past year for a detached retina. I felt the prayers of all of you during those dark hours. I couldn’t have made it without you. One of my fondest memories will be the times that I shared meals with the citizens of this town. Last summer I ate some of the best homemade ice cream in the world when my mother and I visited the senior citizens night out. Then at Thanksgiving Jimmy and I got to share another fabulous meal with nearly the whole community. One of the strengths of Garden City is the way the people share in both the good and the bad times. Don’t ever lose that quality of caring for each other. We expect our friends to keep in touch with us as we head off to the big city. In the meantime, may the blessings of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with you all until we meet again.
School Sets Public Hearing on Tax Rate
GCISD’s school board Aug. 11 set a public hearing on the tax rate for 2003-2004 for Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. in the school administration building, with a special meeting for setting the rate to follow at 7 p.m. The board plans to set the new rate at $1.50 per $100 valuation, a level that requires a public hearing. The effective rate, that necessary to raise the same dollars as the past year, is $1.45 per $100. School Superintendent Steve Long said this could be a “benchmark year that could affect us six years down the road.” He said a tax rate of $1.50 is best for the school, but “we can make it on $1.45.” Long said the higher rate would allow the school to further build its reserves, which now approximate $3 million. Board member Tibby Niehues said, “There may be those who don’t think we need to build the reserves any higher.” But Long said, ”We don’t know what will happen [with state financing], so it’s safer to build reserves while we can.” Board member Karla Hoelscher said since oil companies, not individuals, are hit the hardest by an increase in taxes, “We might as well let them fund the increases.” Fifth Grade to Experiment with PDAs Secondary School Principal John Petree reported on a 5 –day technology institute, paid for with grant money, which he and several teachers attended. He said they brought home 10 laptop computers, three infrared printers, and have ordered 33 personal digital assistants (PDAs) for use in an experimental fifth grade program under Dana Cook’s supervision. He said things like class work, tests, and homework would be done on the PDA’s. He said secondary teachers are doing web site development. Elementary School Principal Ken Hoskins reported good meetings with his faculty, and said he has told them, “I’m going to let you teach.” The board approved exercising TEA Option Four, which allows some of the “Robin Hood,” WADA, funds to be paid to a technology consortium of schools, which in turn rolls part of it back into the Region 18 Service Center, and thereby indirectly benefits GCISD. In other action, the board approved Texas A & M extension personnel as adjunct faculty, so they are able to direct students and approved continuing membership in the 87-20 Co-op, which is comprised of several area schools and provides special education services, which include diagnostics and speech therapy.
Letter from Wade Wesley
Wow! What an interesting and quick month it has been. One day I was thinking about the upcoming football season, the next day I was accepting a new position at Petrolia. I did not like leaving without saying goodbye and showing my appreciation to several families and individuals in Glasscock County. Micki and I were attending school at Sul Ross in Alpine every Monday through Thursday during the entire month of July. We were coming through Garden City to pack and move to Petrolia on Fridays and driving to and from during the weekends. We did not feel forced out or hurried to leave, but things had to be done. There is no way that I can thank everyone that made a difference in our lives at Garden City, but here goes. I want to thank the Longs for being good friends and spending time with our family. I appreciate Butch and Tammy Halfmann for the friendship and support they have given to me, my family, and the contributions they make to the school. I want to say thanks to Mike and Nancy Hillger for the support they gave to our family and the booster club. Speaking of the booster club, the endless work that Tibby Niehues and Pam Hughes give was a tremendous help to me and words cannot express the appreciation that is deserved. I want to thank Dale Hillger for always making my father-in-law feel at home. I want to thank the teaching staff, custodial staff, Dinette, and Kathy for putting up with me and helping me out. I want to thank Coach Fine for his inspirational living and Coach Richardson for his friendship. I want to thank Scotty Hillger for his support and helping me move boxes when I was moving. But most importantly, I want to say thanks to all the students and players that make up Garden City schools. I have great memories from Curtis running the ball, Brandon Schraeder running conditioning and losing weight, Tyler Coats reaction to an intercepted pass in Rotan, Tim Schniers throwing over 40' in the shot put, track records being broken by Kendall, TJ and Brian, Michelle Fuchs 1st place finish at Austin, Wade Machicek's 235 pound power clean, Trey Hillger's 11' pole vault, the commitment of Colby and Alex to meet me at 7:00 am, and Uriel being so far behind in Science class yet passing for the year. All of these were great feats by tremendous people. I want to thank TJ, Drew, and Josh for being more than just good players, but good friends. I appreciate the time that I was in Glasscock County and want to commend and thank Mr. Long and the school board for hiring a great coach to replace me with such short notice. Garden City is a great place to raise kids, which is a tribute to all the families in the county. My e-mail is wade.wesley@esc9.net. Good luck to all.
From the Schoolhouse
Pre-registration for grades 9-12
Students in grades 9-12 may pre-register for the 2003-2004 school year. High school principal John Petree and Counselor Jan Holland will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday (August 12 – 14) to assist you in selecting classes. Due to schedule and staffing changes, all students will pre-register despite any plans made last spring. Call the high school office at 354-2244 for further information.
Meet the Bearkats Night
by Pam Hughes
The Bearkat Booster Club will host the annual “MEET THE BEARKATS” night on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Please make plans to attend to show your support for the students and staff, meet the new coaches and staff members, join the Booster Club, and order new shirts and caps. Also, don’t forget to bring ice cream and/or cookies. (Bowls, spoons and drinks will be provided.) We’re ready to “kick off” the 2003-04 school year!
Again, we want to encourage students’ participation and involvement in extracurricular activities including music, fine arts, academics and athletics, as a privilege and honor in representing Garden City Schools; to promote school and community pride as Bearkats and Lady Kats and as residents of Glasscock County; and to support and help provide leadership and citizenship experiences through selected activities which will help students prepare for a more useful and wholesome life. The support of each and every member is needed and appreciated.
GCHS Track & Field Record Boards
Special thanks to Lana Hirt, Joyce Fine, and Barbara Fuchs for their help in providing information regarding school records. From the documentation that was submitted, the following records will be placed on the new boards. (If you have any other information, including documentation of records or any discrepancies, please contact Pam Hughes, 354-2694, as soon as possible.)
GCHS Boys Track & Field Records
Shot Put 48’2” 1992 Eric Seidenberger Discus 143’3” 2002 T.J. Pelzel High Jump 6’’7” 1997 Kelly Lankford Long Jump 22’ 11” 2002 Kendall Goodwin Triple Jump 46’ 2” 2002 Kendall Goodwin Pole Vault 12’6” 1984 Doug Hoelscher 120yd Hurdles 15.2 1966 Michael Hoch 110m Hurdles 15.06 1992 Matt Seidenberger 300m Hurdles 40.14 2000 Justin Hillger 3200m Run 9.46 1985 Bryan Thompson 1600m Run 4.33.04 1989 Guillermo Morales 800m Run 2.04 1992 Andy Lopez 400m Run 49.89 2003 Brian Hillger 200m Run 21.7 1991 James Soles 100yd Dash 9.9 1965 Dennis Seidenberger 100m Run 10.78 1991 James Soles 400m Relay 44.39 1993 Andy Lopez, Stuart Wilde, Brent Seidenberger, Ryan Seidenberger 800m Relay 1:34.95 2003 Robert Lopez, Trey Hillger, Jackie Reese, Brian Hillger 1600m Relay 3:30.37 1993 Andy Lopez, Stuart Wilde, Brent Seidenberger, Jody Bradford
GCHS Girls Track & Field Records
Shot Put 37’’7” 1980 Sandy Cresswell Discus 113’ 1979 Fran Halfmann High Jump 5’3” 1996 Kim Harp Long Jump 17’ 1983 Stacy Wilkerson Triple Jump 36’ 1978 Donna Plagens Pole Vault 80yd Hurdles 11.9 1979 Trudy Hoelscher 100m Hurdles 16.25 1985 Dana Hoelscher 300m Hurdles 47.9 1990 Laurie Penn 3200m Run 11.37.32 2001 Michelle Fuchs 1600m Run 5.26.80 2001 Michelle Fuchs 800m Run 2.20.10 1985 Gena Schaefer 400m Run 60.03.86 1999 Michelle Fuchs 220yd Dash 25.0 1973 Marsha Talley 200m Run 26.3 1990 Stephanie Seidenberger
Correction In last month’s G.C. News, we incorrectly reported that due to decreased state funding for weather modification, the Glasscock Underground Water Conservation District would probably have to increase taxes. In fact, it is the per-acre assessment, which the GUWCD pays to West Texas Weather Modification Association which will likely increase because of state funding cuts. The current rate paid to WTWMA is . 44 cents per acre, which might be raised to .5 cents per acre, an increase to GUWCD of approximately $3,500 annually, according to Rick Harston, manager. Harston says next month, GUWCD is likely to raise its local tax rate by three percent from the current .0348 cents per $100 valuation.
Next Issue Date and Deadline
The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be Sept.10. The deadline for that issue is Sept.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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