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Glasscock County News
School Hires New Staff
The GCISD School Board, meeting in regular session June 9, voted to hire Laura Caswell as the school counselor, and Rusty Hollingsworth as the vocational shop teacher, both on 11-month contracts. After accepting Librarian Karen Rasco’s resignation, the board hired Shelly Chudej as librarian aide, with the understanding that a certified librarian be hired under a yearly contract to oversee operations on a monthly basis. The board spent two hours in closed session before voting on personnel. [We will try to have more information on new faculty in the July newsletter.] The board voted to bid $13,000 for the total band inventory from Aspermont ISD, which is doing away with its band program. The entire package (valued at a new school price of $100,000) included 94 horns, 14 percussion instruments, two podiums, a 1,000-arrangement music library and 60 complete uniforms (red and black) with two coats (concert and marching). Band Director Robin Gray said the instruments include some we don’t have now because they are so expensive. He said the GC band’s uniforms are 10 years old and need replacing (a $12,000 expense), and that he will spend most of his budget this year ($15,000) on instrument repair. Gray said if Garden City gets the Aspermont equipment, he would keep most of the instruments, which are better than his existing ones, and sell the others, possibly for up to $4,000, helping to defray the school’s cost. Gray said the uniforms could also be sold, if the lettering on them can’t be easily changed. Board member Carl Hoelscher said given how old some of GC’s instruments are, and the annual cost of repairs, it would be foolish to pass this deal up. “It’s pay me now, or pay me later,” he said, “and there’s a high probability of recouping some of the school’s money.” Although School Superintendent Steve Long said the package might well go for as little as $10,000, the board decided on the $13,000 figure, trying to insure that it would be the winning bid. Danielle Halfmann spoke to the school board in its open forum regarding what she considers to be too many students in one class. She said, for example, Carla Hirt’s sixth grade class of 26 students, including 5 or 6 special needs kids, was too large for one teacher and the room size was too small. She said that extracurricular activities always seem more important than education, and that teachers are reluctant to address the problems for fear of reprisal from the administration. She said Elementary Principal Brad Jones is doing his best, but the school needs more teachers. The board voted to keep the First National Bank of Sterling City, Glasscock County Branch, as its depository. The other bidder was the State National Bank of Big Spring. Board President Jimmy Eggemeyer said that State National beats the local bank on interest, but on the “whole ball of wax,” including scholarships, convenience, etc., the local bank is the better choice. Board member Tibby Niehues said both are equally qualified, and great banks, but the local one’s ease of use wins out. The school board meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the administration building. All meetings are open to the public.
Briefly
• Jonnie L. Cypert’s family invites you to celebrate her ninetieth birthday at a come-and-go party June 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Church of Christ in Garden City. No gifts, please, but cards are welcome and should be sent to her in care of Linda Cypert, P.O. Box 172, Garden City, 79739.
• Senior Citizens will meet June 17. Bring finger/snack foods. The July 1 meeting will be sandwiches and ice cream night. We meet at 6:00 p.m. at the Senior Citizen’s building.
• The Garden City Varsity Cheerleaders would like to thank all the supporters of the Bearkats and cheerleaders for buying Krispy Kreme doughnuts and purchasing ads in the Top-O-Texas magazine. Your continued support and contributions are appreciated.
• Troy Hobbs of Midland is expanding his computer consulting business, H.L.C., into Glasscock County. His services include computer maintenance and repair, training, website and database design, basic computer networking/cabling services. He can also custom design and build home and business computer systems. Contact him at 432/699-5520 or at beowulf79705@yahoo.com.
• The new Wyn-Lor facility in Garden City will soon have a Grand Opening. Jim Havlak says watch for it!
• Garden City High School Exes should note that the Booster Club needs information for some projects they are working on. For more information, see Exes' Information Needed.
• The Garden City Cemetery fund still needs $300 for a marker identifying it as an historical cemetery, according to Helen Wilkerson, chair of the county’s historical committee. She thanks those who have already contributed $550. Send donations to Wilkerson at P.O. Box 32, Garden City, 79739 or to Alan Dierschke, P.O. Box 224, Garden City.
• The school library is open to the public Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through June 27.
• The organizers of the 2003 Project Graduation, now called Project Celebration, thank everyone who helped with the event, which was attended by 53 young people.
• There will be a tennis camp at the school June 30 – July 4. Ages 4–8 will be from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at a cost of $55 and ages 9 – 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at a cost of $90. Camp T-shirts will be provided. Participants should bring a racquet, water, sunscreen and a towel. Call Lance Armstrong, 687-4046, for more information.
• June 13 is the deadline for farmers and ranchers to apply for both EQIP and CRP funding. In Glasscock County, EQIP cost share may apply to irrigation and brush management practices. Call the Sterling City NRCS office, 1/800/962-9369 or the local FSA office, 354-2391, for more information.
• I would like to finish the story of Cary Shackelford, the coach from Wink who broke his neck in an accident near Wink as his family was returning from the state track meet. After an eleven-hour surgery to graft bone from his hip to his shattered vertebrae, Coach Shackelford is walking and recovering well. I thank the Glasscock County community for supporting, donating, and more importantly, praying for his well-being and speedy recovery. The caring attitude of this community has always been overwhelmingly gracious and supportive. A heartfelt thank you. From Wade Wesley
• Dedicated volunteers in the Permian Basin are needed to serve as Nursing Home Advocates. Volunteers receive certification training, then visit nursing homes to advocate for quality care, and to protect residents’ rights. They work closely with patients, their families and the facility to address residents’ concerns. If you are Tough Enough to Care, can be objective and can work independently, the Texas Department on Aging wants to talk to you. No prior experience required. For more information or to volunteer, call 1-800-252-2412.
Ambulance, Courthouse Roof On Hold
The Glasscock County Commissioners Court on June 9 took no action on an agenda item regarding a new roof for the courthouse, nor on a solution for Garden City’s ailing ambulance. The roofer (Kirby Hartman) who was asked to submit a bid had not done so, and the ambulance matter had not been placed on the court’s agenda. The court is to deal with both matters at its next regular meeting July 14. The courthouse now has its wireless computer system functioning, at a cost of $750 for installation and anti-virus software. County Treasurer Alan Dierschke said to conform to new state regulations, anything the county owns that is worth more than $5,000 must be valued and inventoried by October. Some members of the county court will attend seminars regarding the regulations. The county treasurer’s quarterly investment report for the period ending March 31 shows $31,000 cash in the operating account (at .05 percent interest), $1.4 million in the investment account (at .94 percent), $38,000 in TexPool (at 1.33 percent) and $202,000 in an interest and sinking fund for payment of community center bonds (at .94 percent). As of March 31, the Garden City Water System showed $42,000 in cash and $57,000 in an investment account. The commissioners’ court meets on the second Monday of each month at 9 a.m. upstairs in the courthouse. All meetings are open to the public.
In The Spotlight
• M’Lynn Niehues has been inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, a national business honor society, at Texas Tech University. She is 2001 graduate of Garden City High School and the daughter of Carey and Renee Niehues.
Mini-cheerleader Camp Scheduled The Garden City varsity cheerleaders will conduct a mini-cheerleader camp for girls in grades K-6, Aug. 11-14 from 6 – 8 p.m. in the school’s complex. The girls will learn cheers, chants, stunts and a dance. The fun-filled week will end with performances at the community-wide “Meet the Bearkats” pep rally and at the first home football game. Each camper will receive a camp T-shirt and set of mini pom-poms. Registration forms may be picked up at the school administration office Monday—Thursday or at Halfmann’s. You may also call Micki Wesley at 354-2679 or Brecklyn Hughes at 354-2694 if you have any questions. The camp cost is $30; registration and payment can be mailed to: Micki Wesley, P.O. Box 115, Garden City, TX 79739. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 15.
From the Schoolhouse
Elementary School Honor Rolls For Spring Semester
• The “A” Honor Roll: first grade — Cassie Espinosa, Brandon Gartman, Ashley Halfmann, Cody Halfmann, Hannah Halfmann, Kellan Kirkland, Alejandra Salazar, Lexie Schaefer, Shawn Walker; second grade — Colton Belew, Kaitlyn Braswell, Brody Halfmann, Austin Hoelscher, Sarah Hoelscher, Agatha Koethler, Izamar Ocon, Peyton Schaefer, Craig Wheeler; third grade — Blayne Batla, Reggie Halfmann, Shelby Schwartz; fourth grade —Jordan Jost, Brittany Schniers; fifth grade — Noemi Gonzales, Amber Halfmann, Kate Halfmann, Lane Halfmann, Laura Halfmann, Kelsey Jones, Paige Niehues, Adriana Ramirez; sixth grade — Britton Avery, Michael Clarke, Travis Gully, Brooke Halfmann, Levi Schaefer, Cole Schwartz, Lauren Wheeler.
• The “A—B” Honor Roll: first grade — Bryson Batla, Tina Fehr, Angel Guerrero, Kamie Halfmann, James McQueen, Peter Suderman; second grade— Miguel Bocanegra, Eva Fehr, Andrew Hicks, Justin McMaster, Bianca Montes, Alyssa Wesley; third grade —Sarah Avery, Britni Cook, Jacob Dalton, Shanna Halfmann, Cassie Hirt, Calleen Jansa, Jessi Jones, Katy Multer, Jessica Olveda; fourth grade — Brett Chudej, Joshua Colunga, Adrian Guerrero, Hayden Halfmann, Heather Havlak, Brian Hirt, Rachel Hirt, Katelyn Hoelscher, Samantha Kellermeier, Aaron Long, Dylan Lowery, Leticia Ramirez, Ian Schaefer, M’Call Schaefer, Boone Webb, Johnathon Young; fifth grade — Marcus Cook, Marcus Dalton, Andrea Olivarez, Lauren Schwartz, Paige Sturtz, Landon Wesley; sixth grade —Vikki Garza, Sydney Halfmann, Melissa Hirt, Israel Ocon, Jacob Schmitz, Jake Schwartz, Macy Schwartz.
Booster Club Working on New YearBy Pam Hughes
Even though one school year has just ended, the Booster Club is already planning for and looking forward to another very successful year. We appreciate the support of each and every member. A special thanks to outgoing president Nancy Hillger, who has served in this capacity for the past four years. Also, a “great big thank you” to Tibby Niehues for organizing and working the concession stands at the district meets!
The Booster Club will continue to: (1) 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; (2) Promote school and community pride as Bearkats and Lady Kats and as residents of Glasscock County; and (3) Support and help provide leadership and citizenship experiences through selected activities that will help students prepare for a more useful and wholesome life. Some of the services provided by the Booster Club, in addition to the concession stands at tennis and cross-country meets, include hosting the Bearkat Klassic basketball tournament (and concession stand), and sponsoring the Annual Awards Banquet in recognition of students’ UIL Academic/Athletic achievements. Other special projects of the Booster Club include selling T-shirts, caps, visors, and window decals in support of the Bearkat and Lady Kat teams, highway signs, wall mats in the gym, and banners and decorations in the gym and at the tennis courts. Projects currently being considered are championship recognitions, track record boards, signs at the Bearkat Tennis Complex, and locker nameplates for the locker rooms. The new Booster Club officers for 2003-04 are: President Pam Hughes, 354-2694; Vice President Scott Hillger, 354-2452; Secretary Connie Plagens, 354-2576; Treasurer: Tibby Niehues, 354-2220 and Reporter Marianne Hirt, 354-2488.
Exes’ Information Needed Some of the upcoming projects for the Booster Club are to provide the school with track record boards, an updated team championship sign at the football field, and signs at the tennis complex recognizing championship teams. In order to ensure accuracy, we are asking that you provide us with detailed information you may have regarding any and all championships, titles, and records. For football, we have the following information: 1955 – District, Bi-district, Regionals*; 1965 – District, Bi-district, Regionals*; 1988 – Bi-district, Area, Regionals; 1989 – Bi-district, Area Regionals; 1990 – District, Bi-district, Area, Regionals, Quarter Finals; 1991 – Bi-district, Area, Regionals. *Highest level attainable at that time For tennis, we need more details on team championships other than those listed. Are you aware of any other district, regional or state championship teams? 2002 BEARKATS — District Team Champs; 2003 LADY KATS — District Team Champs In track, we have the school records for boys, but we need information on girls’ school records. Do you know individual times and records?
State Champions
Did you know that the following teams and individuals representing Garden City High School were #1 IN THE STATE?
Track State Champions
1972 Marsha Talley 220 yd. dash 1972 RELAY TEAM- 440 yd. relay Twila Coffman, Cindy Halfmann, Laurie Lange, Marsha Talley 1973 Marsha Talley 100 yd. dash 1973 Marsha Talley 220 yd. dash 1975 LADY KAT TRACK TEAM Conference B 1975 Evette Coffman 220 yd. dash 1975 RELAY TEAM- 440 yd. relay Linda Chandler, Dana Halfmann*, Cindy Halfmann, Evette Coffman *Becky Hirt injured; Dana took her place. 1975 RELAY TEAM- 880 yd. relay Evette Coffman, Dana Halfmann, Jan Hirt, Donna Plagens 1985 Bryan Thompson 3200m Run 1987(?) Danette Holdampf Tennis Singles 1999 RELAY TEAM- Mile Run Michelle Fuchs, J’Layne Niehues, M’Lynn Niehues, Deidra Hirt 2001 Michelle Fuchs 3200m Run
Academic State Champions
1968 Karen Hoelscher — Typewriting; 1983 Bryan Stringer — Informative Speaking; 2000 Jason Wilde — Computer Applications.
Texas Small School Decathlon State Champions
1989 Kristy Jones, Jimmy Braden, Christy Brenham; 1993 Jennifer Jones, Chris Schraeder, Charles Blalock
If you were part of a championship team (or are aware of any championship teams), hold any individual records, or have additional information that is not listed here, please contact one of the Booster Club officers by June 30. We hope to have some of these projects completed and installed before summer’s end, and, of course, we hope to add other championship teams to our lists very soon! Thank you so much for your assistance with this information.
FOOTBALL TEAM PICTURES Coach Wade Wesley is planning to put together a “Football Team Wall of Fame” which will include 8x10 team pictures from every year in the history of the GCHS football programs. If you have a picture you would donate, or let us have copied, please contact Wesley at 354-2244 (school), 354-2679 (home), or one of the Booster Club officers as soon as possible. Thanks so much for your help!
Obituaries
• Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Neal, 83, of San Angelo, died May 22 in Holiday Hill Nursing Center, and was buried in the Talpa Cemetery. She was born March 10, 1920, in Plantersville, Miss., to Benjamin Franklin McWhorter and Hattie Hilda Ruff McWhorter. At the age of six, she moved to Garden City, where she was raised and graduated from high school. She married James A. “Buddy” Neal on Aug. 16, 1939, in Rankin. He preceded her in death on June 3, 1996. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Shirley Neal of Ada, OK., and Sandy and Barbara Neal of Coleman; one brother, Joe Benjamin McWhorter; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Joyce Marie Hamblin.
• Missy Lewis Halfmann, 28, of St. Lawrence, died May 27 in an automobile accident and was buried at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland. She was born July 24, 1974 in Odessa and married Chad Alan Halfmann on April 28, 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She had worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Midland before becoming a homemaker, and attended West Kentucky Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Chad Halfmann of St. Lawrence; two sons, Jessie James “JJ” Espinosa and Ryan Alan Halfmann, one daughter, Cassie Jo Espinosa, all of St. Lawrence; her father, Jerry Lynn and wife Lisa Lewis, of Midland; her mother, Linda Sue Huff and husband Greg of Celina, TX; three sisters, three brothers and others.
Next Issue Date and Deadline
The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be July 16. The deadline for that issue is July 14, 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://wscope.com/glasscock/
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