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Glasscock County News
Board Explores More Building Options
At a special meeting at noon on Nov. 1, the GCISD School Board looked at two bids for the proposed new vocational arts building, one from Young’s Building of Midland for $450,000 and the other, not seriously considered, was from Johnson Building Construction for $635,000. The bids were done on the basis of scale drawings, but not architectural plans. According to current plans, the 110 x 125-foot building being considered would rest on a four-inch slab, and would be built largely of metal, with 20-foot walls, except for classroom space, which would be of cinder block with 12-foot walls. Upper level storage and central air conditioning/ heating are included in the bids. Superintendent Steve Long suggested that the existing bus barn might be remodeled as the vocational shop. He said the present ag/voc shop could then be used for bus and other maintenance, and, if necessary, “carport-type” shelter built for bus storage. The proposed new building is approximately 13,000 square feet; the bus barn is approximately 12,000 feet. Board member Karla Hoelscher was joined by board member Tibby Niehues in questioning the size and expense of the building. They asked whether the plans could be cut back, both in size and in “extras” to save money and board member Diane Havlak asked whether the board should get bids on remodeling the bus barn. But board member Carl Hoelscher insisted cutting back on size wouldn’t save “that much,” and that the existing bus barn was not built to support the hoist needed. The board also discussed the possibility of adding to the existing ag building. The board decided to advertise for more bids on a smaller building, and to get bids on updating the bus barn for vocational use. The board committee of Carl Hoelscher, Doug Schaefer and Andy Wheeler, which was asked to determine if the property just southeast of the high school entrance was large enough for the new building, has decided that the area is not large enough. So the board is looking for alternative sites. A six-minute closed session was held to discuss possible land purchase. No details were available.
Bearkats Roar Through District
The GCHS Bearkats handily won District 8, giving Garden City a district football championship for the first time since 1990. Having returned to six-man competition, the Kats ended the regular season 8-2. They were undefeated in district play going 4 – 0 against Water Valley, Robert Lee, Veribest, Paint Rock, with the 45-point “mercy rule” ending each game. Their last game, a non-district contest against Valley Christian Academy of Roswell, N.M. Nov. 5, ended with the Kats being on the short end of a 46 – 42 score. It was only their second loss, with the first being to Ira in the season opener. The Kats begin post-season play against Ira Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Borden County’s stadium. The winner of that game will take on the winner of Grady vs. Dell City Nov. 19 at a site to be determined. The Bearkat Varsity team members are: Colby Hirt, Mitch Rider, Uriel Talamantes, Travis Coats, Taylor Niehues, Colton Schwartz, Alex Halfmann, Robert Lopez, Jared Bradford, Tim Schniers, Trey Hillger, Wade Machicek, Blaine Walker, Cory Multer, Grant Schwartz and Dusty Walker. Members of the two Bearkat Junior Varsity teams are: The Red Storm – Evan Jansa, Bo Eggemeyer, Cade Halfmann, Ryan Alvarado, R. C. Lietgib, James Wolfe, Brandon Reyes, Kevin Hillger, Garrett Kellermeier, Cade Doss, Spencer Plagens and Wade Jansa. The Black Attack – Jason Flores, Eric Hirt, Nick Sanchez, Chance Burks, Pancho Zuniga, J. R. Medrano, Sam Long, Troy Barnes, Chase O’Brien, Jeremy Randall and Ryan Machicek. The Bearkats are coached by Ken Hoskins, Kobe Abney, Josh Fee, Jimmy Fine, Brent Kirkland and Cory Richardson.
GCISD Gets High Marks in Audit
At the GCISD board’s regular meeting Nov. 8, auditor Tracy Tarter gave the school’s administrative staff and school board “A’s” in his audit report. He also said both School Superintendent Steve Long and Kathy Wheat are doing a good job with school financial data. He said the school added $42,000 to reserves in fiscal 2004, bringing its fund balance to approximately $2.7 million, about double what the state recommends. Long said the cafeteria’s audit was also good. The board discussed the possibility of a portable basketball floor for the “Complex.” Board member Tibby Niehues said such a floor would make the building considerably more functional, since it would be usable for both practice and for tournament games. The total cost was estimated to be $35,000. Long said he would get more information on flooring for the December board meeting. High School Principal John Petree told the board the auditorium’s stage lighting control box needs replacing. He said it is 29 years old and has had many repairs in the last 10 years. He estimated the cost at around $30,000. Petree is to get equipment bids. The board plans to purchase two Suburbans to replace vans. Long said bids will be necessary since the cost will be about $28,000 each. He said he plans to sell one van and keep one for local runs. Enrollment is 167 in Pre-K through sixth grade, 51 in grades seven and eight, and 96 in grades nine through 12, for a school-wide total of 314. Average daily use of the fitness equipment is 26 (excluding school kids).
Commissioners Handle Varied Agenda
At its regular meeting Nov. 8, the Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court approved lowering all the ceilings on the courthouse’s first floor, including the hallway, at a cost of $7,789. County Judge Wilburn Bednar told the court that Eddie Quine, who was chosen in September to install central air and heat in the courthouse, had said that he could not install the system without lowering the ceilings. Commissioners signed an oil and gas lease with Carrland Oil and Gas for a primary term of two years at $100 per acre and a one-fifth royalty interest. The lease pertains to the county’s interest in the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 11, Block 34, T-5-S, T & P Survey. Commissioner Jimmy Strube suggested that the county draft a resolution, which would be sent to President George W. Bush and to area counties, requesting that former U.S. Congressman Charles Stenholm be named Secretary of Agriculture if Ann Venneman steps down, or that he be appointed to another high-ranking position in the USDA if Venneman continues as the Secretary. Strube said Stenholm would be valuable to West Texas in such a position. He said because Glasscock County is unique in the high percentage of votes cast for Bush, the President might pay attention to such a request. The court agreed a resolution was a good idea, voted unanimously in favor, and Bednar was to draft it. County to Replace Some Road SignsBednar presented advertisements from a company that makes road signs, offering prices that would be a substantial savings from the usual prices. Commissioners decided to purchase enough signs for use both now and later. The court discussed the deterioration of road signs due to weather and sun. They agreed that many need to be replaced because they are no longer easy to read at night, and they opted to increase the size of some signs. The court discussed problems with community center flowerbeds holding runoff water from downspouts. They decided to install plastic liners, rock and low-maintenance plants, and to extend the downspouts out far enough that the water will run off on pavement. In other action, the court agreed to pay Bob Turner, a former state representative who is now a lobbyist, an annual “consulting fee” of $500; signed a resolution asking for grant money to help pay for state-mandated voting machines, and asked Bednar to arrange a meeting with a representative from a company which makes emergency warning sirens. The court will meet Nov. 10 at 8 a.m. to canvass votes from the Nov. 2 election.
County Again Goes Huge For Bush
On Nov. 2, Glasscock County once again voted for President George W. Bush by an overwhelming percentage: 488 (92 percent) to John Kerry’s 44 (8 percent) and Badnarik’s 1 vote (0.19) percent. Countywide, there are 761 registered voters, and 534 of them (70 percent) voted in the election. But not all voted in every race. Indeed, only 533 cast presidential ballots, and fewer were cast in most other races. For U.S. Representative, District 11, Mike Conaway received 430 votes, while Wayne Raasch got 47; 322 votes went to Victor Carrillo for Railroad Commissioner, 107 to Bob Scarborough and 1 to Anthony Garcia. Kel Seliger got 401 votes for State Senator, District 31, while Elaine King Miller got 60. Laney Edges Sharp In the race for State Representative, District 85, Republican Kent Sharp narrowly lost the county to Democrat James “Pete” Laney by a vote of 231 to 258. Harriet O’Neill got 359 votes for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 3 and Paul Green received 361 for Justice, Supreme Court Place 5. Scott Brister got 355 votes for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 9 to David Van Os’ 56. Lawrence Meyers got 366 votes for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 25, while opponent Quanah Parker got 8. Cheryl Johnson received 361 votes for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5 and opponent Tom Oxford got 9. Michael Keasler got 349 votes as Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 6 and J.R. Molina received 63. Although unopposed, Hardy Wilkerson only received 379 votes for District Attorney, 118tth Judicial District, and Terry McCall got fewer (357) for Justice, 11th Court of Appeals District, Place 3. There were no contested local elections. Incumbent Sheriff Royce (Booger) Pruit, and incumbent County Commissioner Precinct 1 Jimmy Strube and newly elected County Commissioner Precinct 3 Marck Shafer and Constable Mark Frysak will take office Jan 1, 2005. Complete voting results, showing voting by county precinct, are posted at the courthouse.
In The Spotlight
• The 2004 Bearkats have won the district title for the first time since 1990. Having returned to six-man football, the Kats ended the regular season 8-2. They were undefeated in district play (against Water Valley, Robert Lee, Veribest, Paint Rock), with the 45-point “mercy rule” ending each game. (See related article, page 1)
• The Bearkat Junior Varsity football teams, The Black Attack and The Red Storm, each finished the season with 8 – 1 records. (See article, page1.) The junior high team finished the season 6 – 3.
• Kina Lankford’s newly released music CD, “Copenhagen Kisses,” can be purchased locally at Halfmann’s Store. In the CD’s cover material, she credits Garden City for inspiring the song “Small Town,” and thanks Mike Hillger for teaching her first three guitar chords. [Undoubtedly, her years here also influenced the title track.] A 1999 graduate of GCHS, Lankford lives in Abilene.
• Leslie Batla, a senior at Texas Tech University, was selected to the 2004 Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She was chosen by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for recognition of scholastic achievement, participation and leadership in academic and extracurricular activities, citizenship, and service to the Texas Tech campus and Lubbock community. She was among 96 students selected to receive this award. Leslie is the daughter of Kenny and Vicki Batla.
Briefly
• Glasscock County Senior Citizens will meet Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. for a Thanksgiving meal. Turkey and dressing will be furnished; please bring a dish of your choice to complete the meal. The Dec. 7 meeting at 6 p.m. will be the Christmas party, so bring a $15 gift to exchange. Ham will be furnished, so provide a dish of your choice. There will be no other meeting in December and no meetings in January 2005. The regular meeting schedule will resume Feb. 8. All senior citizens are invited to the meetings.
• Thanksgiving lunch at the school cafeteria will be Nov. 18 for $5.50 per plate. Serving for the public will begin at 11:30 a.m. (not before). Take-out orders, which are available by calling 354-2243, may be picked up beginning at 11 a.m. (not before).
• We thank everyone who sent cards, flowers and prayers for our grandson, Zackary Ray Alvarado. God bless you all. --- Jaime and Cecilia Alvarado
• A children’s Christmas program will be held at the First Baptist Church Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Children are asked to bring canned goods for an area homeless shelter. Contact Suzie Hillger at 354-2371 (work) or 354-2254 (home) for more information or to volunteer to help. An adult Christmas musical, under the direction of Linda Avery, will follow the children’s program. Contact Avery (354-2206) for information. Refreshments will be served in the church fellowship hall following the programs.
• A community Christmas candlelight communion 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.
• The county pecan show will be Nov. 18 at the community center. Pecan judging begins at 9 a.m.; non-auction foods and recipe books will go on sale at noon. A program beginning at 6 p.m. will feature a guest speaker whose topic is the increasing bee problem. There will be snacks, plus an auction of winning foods and non-advancing pecans. Call the extension office for entry information.
• The Glasscock County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) invites interested parties to participate in a Program Development Group Meeting Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. at the community center. This group will provide advice to the Local Work Group concerning the county’s 2005 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Immediately following, the Local Work Group will convene to review and approve the public comments regarding the local resource concerns.
Sheriff’s Beat
The Sheriff’s report from Oct. 16 to Nov. 6 included the following incidents: Responding to a reported power outage, deputies discovered a crop dusting plane had hit a power line west of town on Hwy 158. TXU quickly responded to repair the line and power was restored. Officer responded to an alarm call on CR 111, but determined it was caused by the power outage. There were several animal control calls, including cows out on Hwy. 33 and dogs loose on CR 415. A report of possible explosives on Sisson Road was investigated. EMS and sheriff’s deputy checked on a report of an unresponsive person east of town. EMS responded to a wreck at CR 461 and Hwy 33 involving minor injuries. Deputies also assisted a number of motorists, responded to a deer/vehicle accident at CR220 and Hwy 158 and investigated a stolen motorcycle, which was recovered.
From the Schoolhouse
Texas Math and Science Coaches Association Meet Results
Garden City high school students who participated in the TMSCA meet recently in Abilene placed second overall in the Sweepstakes. Team placement were: Science 2nd; Math 2nd; Number Sense 3rd; Calculator 3rd. Participants were Cory Multer, Colton Schwartz, Taylor Niehues, Halie Schaefer, Wade Jansa and Juan Zuniga. The junior high and elementary students placed third in the sweepstakes. Team placements were: Science 1st; Math 4th; Number Sense 3rd; Calculator 2nd. Participants were Brooke Halfmann, Britton Avery, Jake Schwartz, Levi Schaefer, Adriana Ramirez, Laura Halfmann, Kate Halfmann, Hayden Halfmann and Brian Hirt.
Regional Cross Country Results
Shaun Maxie placed 22nd at the Regional Cross Country meet in Arlington recently. In the girls’ race, Whitney Kellermeier placed 23rd. Other Garden City students who qualified for Regionals were Megan Niehues, K’Lann Niehues, Julie Hirt, Lyza-Ann Lopez, Analisa Gonzales, Lauren Plagens and alternate Krystal Sullivan.
FFA News
• Garden City FFA students who are particularly interested in horticulture have formed the Cotton Pickers Association. The group will participate a 10-cotton plot demonstration this year by hand harvesting and weighing samples. Consulting with the students at the beginning of the project were Hubert Frerich (Eco-Drip), Dr. Norman Wilson (DelStar Services), Dr. Vernon Woodbury and Dr. Neil Pratt (Texas A&M).
• Students are currently working on two large projects for the ag mechanics show. A 1940 Minneapolis Moline tractor, sponsored by the Sammy Kellermeier family, is being restored. Three students who are working on the tractor (Garrett Kellermeier, Grant Schwartz and Cory Multer) visited a premier Minneapolis Moline machine shop in Dimmitt where the shop’s owner assisted them in installing a crankshaft in the engine of the tractor. The other project, a flatbed utility trailer, is sponsored by the St. Lawrence Co-op Gin. The FFA chapter appreciates the support shown by these sponsors and others.
4-H News
• The county food show was held Oct. 24 with 16 entries. First place winners were: Amy Multer, Whitney Kellermeier, M’Call Schaefer, Samantha Kellermeier, Laura Halfmann, Sarah Hoelscher, Katy Multer/Sarah Avery/ Peyton Schaefer, Colton Belew/Kamie Halfmann, Shannon Halfmann/Jessie Jones. These winners will advance to district competition Nov. 13 in Fort Stockton. Carlie Hollingsworth, .Brylie Schaefer and Madeline Hoelscher participated in the Clover Kid Division.
Next Issue Date and Deadline
The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be Dec. 15. The deadline for that issue is Dec. 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
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