Glasscock County News

Volume 11 Number 4                                 Garden City, Texas                                    December 15, 2004

County Postpones Courthouse A/C System

 

                County Judge Wilburn Bednar and County Treasurer Alan Dierschke (who is also a county historical commission member) recommended to the commissioners’ court Dec. 13 that the county postpone installation of a central air conditioning and heating system in the courthouse. The system approved by commissioners last month would require that all first-floor ceilings be lowered. Bednar and Dierschke, along with contractor Eddie Quine, recently met with Lyman Labry of the state historical commission regarding the matter.  Labry said there are possible fines of up to $10,000 per day for altering an historically designated building without the state historical commission’s permission.

                Bednar and Dierschke also reported to the commissioners court that the $32,000 system which Quine had been selected to install might have to be torn out if and when the courthouse gets state funding for a historical restoration, and the money spent would not be credited as part of the county’s share of restoration expense. The central air and heating system which would be required in an historical restoration would be less intrusive to the building’s structure than the one Quine had planned to install.

 

Restoration Grant Application Still Active

In July 2000, Glasscock County submitted a Master Plan to the state historical commission and applied for funding of historical restoration of the courthouse and the old jail (which was the courthouse at one time). That application is still active, but has not been funded. Dierschke said Labry was optimistic that funding of Glasscock County’s restoration would be available within four to six years.

                Labry stressed the importance of keeping the county’s application for state funding current each year. He said unless grant applications are kept current, a county could be funded for the amount it asked for five years ago, but that money might no longer be adequate for the work. Glasscock County’s 2000 application was for $1. 3 million.

The state plans to restore all eligible courthouses to their original condition, while equipping them as modern work places, not simply preserving them as museums.  State grants are to pay for 80 percent of the restoration costs, and individual counties will pay 20 percent. Dierschke said approximately 50 courthouses have been restored so far.  

Courthouse Restoration Optional, Not Requirement

There is no requirement that a county do any courthouse restoration at all — it can choose to do nothing. County Commissioner Hugh Schafer said the county should poll voters to see whether they even want the courthouse and old jail restored before it commits to spending several hundred thousand dollars on any such future project.

Dierschke said the courthouse and old jail are historical county buildings, and while the county is not required to restore them, he said it must at least take care of them. He said the old jail is in bad shape due to water that for years occasionally collected around its foundation. The building “wicked” the moisture, eventually causing interior plaster and some concrete to deteriorate. He said the standing water problem has been corrected, but repair work is badly needed.

                In a related matter, in January the commissioners’ court, as required by state government code, will appoint a seven-member county historical commission, with appointees serving two-year terms. Interested persons should contact Judge Bednar or a county commissioner. The county commission is now composed of Helen Wilkerson and Dierschke.

County Road Extension Possible

                Linda Avery asked county commissioners on Dec. 13 to extend County Road 135 for a short distance and to consider at least maintaining Private Road 1355 south to CR 110. She said the county road, the condition of which is bad and worsening, now has five families living on it. Commissioner Michael Hoch said he would check with landowners Dennis Seidenberger, Larry Halfmann and Rory and Carey Niehues about acquiring a 30-foot easement.

                County Judge Wilburn Bednar reported that he had received information from a siren supplier regarding possible sources of grant money for a warning siren in Garden City.  He was to check with the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission about a grant.

                The commissioners’ court approved four possible appointees as the county’s representatives to the county appraisal district board: Michael Hoch, Hugh Schafer, Ernie Schwartz, and Mitchell Jansa. If they agree to serve, three of these men will be appointed.

                The court took no action regarding a letter requesting a resolution supporting a coal-burning electrical generating plant to be built in West Texas. As a by-product, the plant would produce carbon dioxide (CO2) for use in the oil patch.

 

 

Board: Further Study Needed on Shop

 

 

                The GDCISD Board at its meeting Dec. 13 decided to take more time to study the options for a vocational facility. Possibilities include converting the existing bus barn, upgrading the present shop, constructing a new building or leaving things as they are.  Board member Tibby Niehues said most people she has heard from favor converting existing buildings. Niehues and board members Doug Schafer and Andy Wheeler said no one from the community has spoken to them in favor of a new building. Board member Carl Hoelscher said two called him to say something needs to be done, and some support building something smaller than originally planned.

                Vocational teacher Rusty Hollingsworth suggested that “value engineering” might be helpful. He said that concept consists of telling engineers the components you need and letting them design a facility for the lowest cost.

                The board agreed that more information is needed, and they will discuss the matter again at the Jan. 10 board meeting.

                Superintendent Steve Long reported that a roof leak in the Complex needs to be repaired before further consideration of a portable hardwood floor for that building.

                Problems with the stage lighting in the Ruth Cook Auditorium were discussed again. The board was told that the lighting is not adequate for hosting UIL One-act Play competition.  Replacing the entire lighting system would apparently cost more than $35,000 including labor, so options for repairing the existing system will be explored further.

                Board member Tibby Niehues seemed to summarize board’s feelings when she said that the school needs to stay smart on spending, since no one knows where school finance at the state level is heading.

                The board decided to buy a 2004 Suburban from Robert Hall Chevrolet in Jayton for $27,260. Wheeler Motor’s bid was for $29,122. While the original plan was to buy two Suburbans, the board decided to buy one now and see how it works out before getting another one. If they are satisfactory, these vehicles would ultimately replace school vans.

                In other action, the board, with Carl Hoelscher abstaining, appointed Wilburn Bednar, Dennis Fuchs and Eugene Hirt as its representatives on the county appraisal board.

 

 

J. Schwartz Pecans Take Top Honors

 

 

James Schwartz’ pecans took top honors at the recent Glasscock County Pecan Show, being named both Grand Champion Seeding and Grand Champion Classic. Zane Eoff won Grand Champion Commercial, Wayne Cypert won Reserve Grand Champion Commercial, and Eugene Hirt took Second Place Commercial. These winners will advance to regional competition.

In food entries, Bart Belew won Grand Champion Adult, Carol Batla won Reserve Champion Adult, Bryson Batla was named Grand Champion Youth and Blayne Batla won Reserve Grand Champion Youth. Charlene Belew won First Place Adult Cake, Vikki Garza won First Place Youth Cake, Kelsey Jones took First Place Youth Cookies, and Jessi Jones won First Place Youth Miscellaneous.

The auction raised $250 in scholarship money to be awarded to a 2005 GCHS graduate.

 

 

Briefly

 

 

•  Glasscock County Senior Citizens will not meet in January.  The regular meeting schedule will resume Feb. 8. All senior citizens are invited to the meetings.

 

•  A community Christmas candlelight service will be held Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church. Pastor Steve Paris says everyone is welcome to come and commemorate the birth of Christ. Refreshments will be served in the church fellowship hall afterward.

 

• A note of thanks for the many cards, messages, and special "favors" sent our way during these past weeks.  We are aware of the presence of "angels" in the background seeing that things get done and helping in so many ways.  We are overwhelmed by your generosity and prayers.  Please keep up the prayers.  We, in turn, ask blessings on all of you and the whole community.

--- Mark and Linda Reeh

 

•  Mark Frysak sends the following note: “I would like to thank the voters of Glasscock County for your vote of confidence in me as your newly elected constable. On Aug. 23, I began my training at Odessa College to become a peace officer as required by the job’s guidelines. The classes are very informative and I am thoroughly enjoying them. I will take office in January and hopefully will have my certification completed in February. Thanks again for your continued support.”

 

•  Several quail feeders are available for $30 each. Call or go by the Extension office in the Community Center.

 

• We appreciate the many cards and flowers following the recent death of my mom, Clara Eggemeyer.---Linda Reeh and family

 

•  The county needs interested people to serve on the Glasscock County Historical Commission. The commissioners’ court will appoint members for two-year terms at its Jan. 10 meeting. According to state code, the commission should be composed of people with varied ages, ethnicity, gender, and background. If you are interested in serving, or if you want to recommend someone else, contact Judge Wilburn Bednar or a county commissioner.

 

 

In The Spotlight

 

•  Kaycee Schniers, a student at Angelo State University majoring in early childhood education, was recently inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society. She is a 2000 graduate of GCHS, and the daughter of Kenny and Kathleen Schniers.

 

•  Michael Schraeder will receive a Masters of Entomology degree from Texas Tech University Dec. 18.  He is a graduate of GCHS, and the son of Dennis and Debbie Schraeder.

 

•  Chris Schraeder was named Fannin County Agricultural Agent after a number of years experience as a grain merchandiser. A Texas Tech graduate, he lives with his wife Katherine and their children in Melissa, Texas.

 

• Glasscock County Treasurer Alan J. Dierschke was recently elected First Vice President of the County Treasurers' Association of Texas at their annual conference, which was held in Odessa. He will be chairman of the legislative committee of CTAT. The committee will write and monitor legislation in the upcoming session that will affect county treasurers throughout Texas.

 

 

From the Schoolhouse

 

Honor Rolls Announced (Second Six Weeks 2004)

 

Elementary School

•  All A’s:  Hugo Almazan, Brooklyn Batla, Mikaela Garza, Emily Glass, Carlie Hollingsworth, Hope Halfmann, Megan Hughes, Marley Braswell, Holly Halfmann, Brazos Hirt, Kadden Kothmann, Antonio Ramirez, Brandon Gartman, Ashley Halfmann, Cody Halfmann, Kellan Kirkland, Amie Lopez, Lexie Schaefer, Kaitlyn Braswell, Austin Hoelscher, Sarah Hoelscher, Agatha Koethler, Izamar Ocon, Reggie Halfmann, Shanna Halfmann, Cassie Hirt, Katy Multer, Shelby Schwartz, Hayden Halfmann, Heather Havlak, Katelyn Hoelscher, Samantha Kellermeier, Dylan Lowery, Ian Schaefer, M’Call Schaefer.

 

•  A Average: Isaac Enriquez, Isaiah Enriquez, Karen Hernandez, Bailey Matschek, Talia Mier, Christopher Murphy-Reed, Tristin Rodriguez, Hope Allen, Vanessa Barco, Araceli Bocanegra, Emily Campos, Ty Halfmann, Daeley Havlak, Maddie Hoelscher, Rico Mier, Brylie Schaefer, Susana Suderman, Angel Zuniga, Jaquelyn Hale, Shawn Walker, Colton Belew, Brody Halfmann, Peyton Schaefer, Craig Wheeler, Sarah Avery, Blayne Batla, Britni Cook, Jacob Dalton, Taylor Hughes, Jessi Jones, Michael Lopez, Jessica Olveda, Brett Chudej, Brian Hirt, Rachel Hirt, Aaron Long, Brittney Schniers.

 

Garden City Puts Twelve on All-District First Team, Football

 

                Named to the District 8, Six-man All-District team were: sophomore Alex Halfmann Player of the Year, Offensive MVP and first team safety; senior Wade Machicek Defensive MVP. Ken Hoskins was named Coach of the Year for leading the Bearkats to an 8 – 3 record and into the playoffs.

  First team selections were senior running back/linebacker Trey Hillger, junior tight end/defensive lineman Cory Multer, senior center Tim Schniers, sophomore wide receivers Jared Bradford and Taylor Niehues, senior utility back Mitch Rider, sophomore defensive lineman Colton Schwartz, senior cornerback Colby Hirt and senior utility player Travis Coats.

                Bearkats named to second team were tight end Machicek, senior running back Robert Lopez and cornerback Bradford. Honorable mention was awarded to center Schwartz, special teams junior Uriel Talamantes and cornerback Niehues.

                 

 

 

Texas Math and Science Coaches Association Meet Results 

 

                Garden City high school students participated in a TMSCA meet in San Angelo recently.  Results were:  Katie Gully – 8th Science, 7th Math, 2nd Number Sense, 9th Calculator; Cory Multer – 3rd Science, 2nd Biology, 6th Chemistry, 8th Math, 7th Number Sense, 7th Calculator; Tyler Bednar – 10th Science, 6th Biology, 4th Math, 3rd Number Sense, 2nd Calculator.

                The junior high and elementary students placed third in the sweepstakes.  Team placements were:  Science 3rd; Math 4th; Number Sense 3rd; Calculator 2nd.  Participants were Brooke Halfmann, Michael Clarke, Lauren Wheeler, Adriana Ramirez, Paige Niehues, Kate Halfmann, Kelsey Jones, Amber Halfmann, Lauren Schwartz, Hayden Halfmann, Brian Hirt, Ian Schaefer, Dylan Lowery, Brittney Schniers and Rachael Hirt.

 

District Junior High and High School UIL Literary Results

 

 Garden City Junior High was the Championship school finishing with 754.4 points; other schools competing were Borden County 650 points, Grady 467.75, Sands 319.25, Klondike 198.5 and Ira 51.

                Junior high events: 6th grade Calculator team 1st, Hayden Halfmann 1st, Brian Hirt 2nd; 7th grade team 2nd, Adriana Ramirez 1st; 8th grade team 1st, Michael Clark 1st, Brooke Halfmann 2nd, Jake Schwartz 3rd; 6th grade Dictionary Skills team 2nd, Brittany Schniers 3rd, Dylan Lowery 5th; 7th grade team 2nd, Laura Halfmann 1st, Kelsey Jones 6th; 8th grade team 1st, Britton Avery 1st, Melissa Hirt 4th; 6th grade Impromptu Speaking Katelyn Hoelscher 1st, Heather Havlak 3rd; 7th grade Paige Sturtz 1st; 8th grade Kaci Coats 1st, Britton Avery 2nd; 6th grade Listening Skills team 3rd, Brittany Schniers 3rd, 7th grade team 1st, Noemi Gonzales 1st, Amber Halfmann 4th; 6th grade Maps, Graphs, Charts team 2nd, Dylan Lowery 3rd, Hayden Halfmann 4th; 7th grade Lane Halfmann 6th; 6th grade Math team 1st, Hayden Halfmann 1st, Brian Hirt 2nd, Ian Schaefer 4th; 7th grade team 1st, Adriana Ramirez 2nd, Noemi Gonzales 5th; 8th grade team 1st, Brooke Halfmann 1st, Michael Clarke 2nd, Jake Schwartz 3rd; 6th grade Modern Oratory Joshua Colunga 6th; 7th grade Marcus Cook 4th; 6th grade Music Memory team 4th; 6th grade Number Sense team 1st, Hayden Halfmann 1st, Brian Hirt 2nd, Brittany Schniers 3rd; 7th grade team 1st, Adriana Ramirez 1st, Kate Halfmann 3rd, Noemi Gonzales 5th; 8th grade team 1st, Brooke Halfmann 1st, Michael Clarke 2nd; 7th grade Oral Reading Paige Sturtz 4th, Marcus Cook 6th; 8th grade Kaci Coats 5th; 7th grade Science team 1st, Laura Halfmann 1st; 8th grade team 1st, Brooke Halfmann 2nd, Jake Schwartz 3rd, Levi Schaefer 5th; 6th grade Spelling team 1st, Ian Schaefer 1st, Brian Hirt 3rd; 7th grade team 3rd, Kate Halfmann 6th; 8th grade team 3rd, Lauren Wheeler 4th, Travis Gully 6th; 7th grade Ready Writing Kelsey Jones 4th, 8th grade Kaci Coats 4th; 7th grade Editorial Writing Amber Halfmann 1st, Laura Halfmann 2nd, Kelsey Jones 3rd; 8th grade Britton Avery 1st, Sydney Halfmann 2nd, Kaci Coats 3rd.

 

                Garden City Elementary School placed second finishing with 378 total points, points for other schools were Borden County 475, Grady 327, Sands 238, Klondike 101 and Ira 83.

                Elementary school results: 4th grade Art team 4th, 5th grade 4th; 5th grade Listening Skills team 2nd, Shelby Schwartz 1st; 5th grade Maps, Charts and Graphs Cassie Hirt 6th; 3rd grade Music Memory team 3rd; 4th grade team 3rd; 5th grade team 4th; 4th grade Number Sense team 1st, Izamar Ocon 2nd, Miguel Bocanegra 3rd; 5th grade team 2nd, Reggie Halfmann 1st; Kindergarten Oral Reading Jackson Abney 2nd; 1st grade Brooklyn Batla 2nd, Hope Halfmann 5th; 2nd grade Kadden Kothmann 5th; 3rd grade Shawn Walker 4th, Kamie Halfmann 6th; 4th grade Austin Hoelscher 3rd, Brody Halfmann 6th; 5th grade Shelby Schwartz 6th; 3rd grade Spelling Lexie Schaefer 4th; 4th grade team 2nd; 5th grade team 2nd, Shelby Schwartz 3rd, Katlin Dawes 4th; 2nd grade Storytelling Ismael Ramirez 2nd, Brylie Schaefer 3rd; 3rd grade Ashley Halfmann 1st, Lexie Halfmann 2nd, Shawn Walker 5th; 2nd grade Creative Writing Kadden Kothmann 4th, Marley Braswell 5th;  3rd grade Ready Writing Kellan Kirkland 1st, Lexie Schaefer 2nd; 4th grade Kaitlyn Braswell 3rd, Izamar Ocon 5th; 5th grade Jessica Olveda 1st.

 

FFA News

 

Members of the Glasscock County FFA Chapter competed in Area 2 Leadership Development events, placing as follows:

Job Interview Cory Multer 5th, Junior Skills Wade Jansa, Spencer Plagens and Eric Hirt 7th, Junior Quiz Halie Schaefer, James Wolf Whitney Kellermeier and Jeffery Pierson 8th, Senior Skills Logan Willis, Jason Flores and Taylor Willis 10th.

Earlier FFA Chapter members had competed in leadership events in Odessa. 

Placing in the various events were:  Senior Creed Speaking – Angel Rodriguez 6th, Marissa Schwartz 7th; Senior Quiz – Grant Schwartz, Marissa Schwartz and Anthony Garza 6th; Radio – Halie Schaefer, Whitney Kellermeier and Jason Flores 3rd; Job Interview – Cory Multer (who advances to Area competition) 2nd, Dusty Walker 3rd; Junior Quiz – Halie Schaefer, Jeffery Pierson, James Wolfe and Whitney Kellermeier 1st; Senior Skills – Taylor Willis, Jason Flores and Logan Willis 1st; Junior Skills – Wade Jansa, Eric Hirt, and Spencer Plagens 1st.

  

 

 Obituaries

 

•  Edwin J. Bednar, 82, of Big Spring died Dec. 6 at his residence and was buried at Trinity Memorial Park. He was born in 1922 in Eola and in 1941 married Luella Tennison, who preceded him in death in 1967. In 1970, he married Zirah LeFevre. He was an aircraft inspector for North American Aviation before joining the U.S. Army, serving as a medic in the European Theatre. He farmed all his life in Glasscock County. He was a member of the Fourteenth and Main Church of Christ, and an elder at the time of his death.    

                Bednar had served on the Selective Service Board in Midland, the Garden City School Board, Glasscock County FSA Board, and the Howard County Farm Bureau Board. He was fluent in the Czech language, did missionary work in Slovakia and also worked for years in the Big Spring prison ministry.  Survivors include his wife, one daughter and son-in-law, Ruth Ann and Gene Spangler of Big Spring; one brother and sister-in-law, Wilburn and Bonnie Bednar of St. Lawrence, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Suan Blair, and one brother, Clayton Bednar.

 

•  Robert L. Nickell, Jr., 74, of Midland died Dec. 8 and was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger. He was born in 1930 in Del Rio to Theresa and Robert L. Nickell. He graduated from Alpine High School and played football for Sul Ross University before serving in CID in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Gladys Hill in 1954, graduated from Texas Tech in 1958 and was with El Paso Natural Gas 28 years, first as a drilling engineer and retired in 1986 as regional operations manager of El Paso Exploration.

                Nickell is survived by his wife; two sisters, Helen Wilkerson and husband Marion of Garden City and Marilyn Read and husband Bob, of Big Spring; several nieces, a nephew and a host of friends.

 

Next Issue Date and Deadline

 

             The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be Jan.12. The deadline for that issue is Jan. 10, 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