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Glasscock County News
School Considers Real Estate
The GCISD school board discussed the purchase of additional housing at its meeting July 12 (Diane Havlak absent). Even though the number of school houses is more than adequate now, the board discussed future possibilities. One of those is eventually removing three of the small houses in front of the high school and making a parking lot. Also, at some future time, there may not be as many local teachers who own their own homes as there are now. Some board members said when there are appropriate houses for sale, the school should consider them. Purchase of a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house currently on the market was discussed, but the vote was split on whether to buy it. Andy Wheeler, Doug Schaefer and Carl Hoelscher voted to buy; Tibby Niehues, Karla Hoelscher and Kevin Hirt voted against. But those voting against seemed willing to look at purchasing a house again next month, when state school finance issues may be clearer. Gym Air Conditioning Discussed School Superintendent Steve Long said that the estimated cost of air conditioning the gym is $30,000 to $40,000, with operational costs estimated at $700 to $1,000 monthly. A decision was put on hold, again pending information on state school financing. Schaefer noted that other expensive improvements have also been put on hold, mentioning stage lighting and a new vocational shop. Carl Hoelscher said putting all these projects into a capital improvement project would help with the school’s Robin Hood problem of sending money out of the district. Secondary School Principal John Petree said he is working on scheduling, and is putting concurrent English back into the high school offerings, since it is considered a plus at some colleges.
GCISD Releases TAKS Results
On May 26, GCISD released the preliminary results of its most recent TAKS testing. School Counselor Jan Holland said final results would not be available until December. The percentages of those passing the test in each of the grades tested are as follows: Third grade: reading 100%, math 89%; Fourth grade: writing 94%, reading 100%, math 100%; Fifth grade: reading 94%, math 94%, science 64 %; Sixth grade: reading 100 %, math 88%; Seventh grade: reading 83%; math 84%, writing 91%; Eighth grade: reading 100%, math 90% and social studies 90%. Ninth grade: reading 100%, math 85%; Tenth grade: English language arts 60%, math 93%, science 66%, social studies 96%; Eleventh grade: English language arts 80%, math 94%, science 76% and social studies 94%. Editor’s note: On July 12, Secondary School Principal John Petree said he couldn’t explain why some scores were lower than in the past, but added that the secondary language arts tests are being rescored. By state law, students must pass TAKS tests to graduate.
County Approves Tax Abatement
The Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court, meeting in regular session July 12, designated Sections 4, 6, 10 and 12, Blk. 32, T-3-S as a reinvestment zone (Marck Schafer abstaining). Wind Plus, Inc. intends to construct an electricity generating facility consisting of a wind turbine farm and ancillary equipment in the zone. The court also approved a tax abatement contract with Wind Plus (Shafer abstaining). The 10-year, 70 percent abatement will begin when the project is completed and on the tax rolls. The abatement applies to ad valorem taxes assessed against all real property, including improvements, owned or leased by Wind Plus within the reinvestment zone. Taxes abated are those assessed solely by virtue of the improvements to the extent such improvements increase the fair market value of the real property over and above that value on Jan. 1, 2005. No taxes will be abated that are not a direct result of the improvements. The resolution creating the reinvestment zone states that the designation will contribute to expansion of employment and attract major investment in the zone, benefit property included in the zone and contribute to the economic development of the county. It also says the designation will protect existing jobs and increase the tax base, giving some relief to present property owners’ tax rate. In exchange, Wind Plus, Inc. agrees to construct an electricity generating facility at a minimum capital expenditure of $50 million and possibly as much as $105 million. The project is expected to consist of 42 turbines that will generate 75 mega watts of electrical power. Completion of construction is estimated to be January 2007. County Judge Wilburn Bednar said another wind company is also interested in building a turbine facility in the county, but no details were available. Roberts Replaces Palmer The court agreed to hire Wanda Roberts as a part-time employee to replace retiring Curtis Palmer as the overseer of the county’s two dump grounds. Roberts has been filling in for Palmer as needed for some time. Commissioners again discussed insurance rules regarding non-employees in county vehicles, but wanted clarification of wording from the county’s risk management organization before adopting a policy. County to Pay for 4-H Trip The court agreed to pay transportation costs for a 4-H group to attend a leadership event in Tennessee/Kentucky. Due to safety concerns, the court recommended that two minivans (no Suburbans were available) be leased rather than one 12-passenger van. Lease was estimated at $850 total for two seven-passenger minivans. In addition to the two leased vehicles, County Extension Agent Randall Rakowitz plans to take luggage along in the county’s 4-H pickup. The court decided to continue its practice of not adding an optional local fee to vehicle registrations. Commissioners again agreed that many out-of-county vehicles are registered here because it’s less expensive than in other counties, and that volume provides more revenue than an added fee would generate. The court appointed the following election judges: Anne Hoelscher, Jo Ann Turner, Helen Glass, Maritha Blalock and Betty Pate. Barbara Fuchs, Doris Schwartz, Sandy Allen, Diane Havlak and Kathleen Schniers are alternates. Commissioner Mark Halfmann said he hopes to get fence posts set in concrete at the Garden City Cemetery this week.
Briefly
• Metal trash barrels are available from the local Lions Club for $10 each. You can pick them up or a club member will deliver. Call John Kinnibrugh, 354-2512, Eric Seidenberger, 354-2314 or Warren Multer, 354-2466.
• Special thanks to all the people of Glasscock County who donated to the National Guard garage sale held in Midland May 21. Because of your kindness, our sale was a huge success. Our soldiers and their families were so thankful and could not believe the outpouring of support from this small community. --- Vickie McCombs and all members of F.R.G.
• Ervin and Bertie Wooten thank everyone who helped make their fiftieth anniversary party a success.
• The fourth annual All-Americas small school basketball games will be played here July 15, with the girls’ game beginning at 6 and the boys’ game at 8:15 p.m. Locals Chase Goodwin, Megan Niehues and Krystal Sullivan will play in the games, along with several other players from local area school according to Ken Hoskins, Garden City Athletic Director and All-Americas Coordinator.
• Garden City will host the 10th annual All-Americas six-man football game July 16 at 7:30 p.m. Locals Trey Hillger, Tim Schniers and Wade Machicek will play in the game that will feature 22 athletes from Texas and 20 athletes from ‘”the world.”
• An attempt is being made to form a Weight Watchers group in Garden City. It would start after Labor Day, and needs 30 people. To sign up, or for more information, call Donna Eggemeyer at 354-2678.
• Bearkat football begins Aug. 13 with a 10 a.m. scrimmage against Kress/Ropes at Ropesville. Another scrimmage will be in Garden City Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. against Grady/Ft. Davis/ Wellman-Union. The regular season begins Aug. 25 with the Bearkats playing Grandfalls-Royalty in Grandfalls at 7:30 p.m.
• Homecoming 2005 is scheduled for Sept. 30. The game will be against Midland Trinity at 7:30 p.m.
• The Concho Valley Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society invites all members, potential members and their families to an evening of bowling and fun July 16, 2 p.m., Stadium Lanes, 2105 Knickerbocker Rd., San Angelo.
GCISD Hires New Teachers
At its June 13 meeting, the GCISD School Board hired Amy Schwartz as an elementary school teacher and Kristin Schwartz as a secondary school teacher. Amy Schwartz is a 2003 graduate of Texas Tech (Cum Laude) with a BS in early childhood education. Last year, she taught kindergarten at Moss Elementary in Big Spring, and holds gifted and talented certification. Kristin Schwartz is a 2003 graduate of Angelo State University with a BS in elementary education with a mathematics specialization. For the last two years, she has taught eighth grade math at Goddard Junior High in Midland. Board member Kevin Hirt suggested that the school look into the possibility of air conditioning the main part of the gymnasium, not including dressing rooms. Superintendent Steve Long was to look into cost estimates for both installation and operation. The board approved Secondary School Principal John Petree’s recommended changes to the secondary school student and teacher handbooks. Changes affecting students include those relating to clothing, male hairstyles, schedule changes, graduation plans and elective credits. Changes to the teachers’ handbook address school day hours and clothing. Exercise Equipment School Superintendent Steve Long said that the company that was to have repaid money spent for exercise equipment purchased in 2003 with a National Fitness Foundation grant is being liquidated. Proceeds are to be divided among the schools that bought the equipment. He said he has no idea how much money GCISD will get from the liquidation. The board approved a two-year extension (2005 – 2007) of the school’s depository contract with the First National Bank of Sterling City, Glasscock County Branch. Long said an extension can be done once every four years, then the contract has to be put out for bids. The bank’s interest rate on the school’s deposits is currently 2.62 percent; the 90-day rate is .25 percent above the current T-bill rate. In supporting the extension, board member Karla Hoelscher said the bank has been a big county supporter, and Long said it makes sense to do business locally. On June 30, GCISD had in excess of $3 million on deposit with First National of Sterling City, and a $1 million Certificate of Deposit with First Bank of West Texas in Coahoma. The CD with First Bank is paying two percent interest. Correction: GCISD hired Alonzo Garcia to teach in the secondary school and to coach, not to teach math as we reported in the May issue of the GC News. Garcia will be teaching computer science and health. We regret the error.
In The Spotlight
• Bennett and Wanda Moore recently celebrated their50th wedding anniversary at a family gathering hosted by their children, Laura Havlak and Allan Moore. Bennett and the former Wanda Wilkerson were married July 1, 1955 in Lovington, N.M. Moore worked for the Midland Police and Fire departments for 27 years. Mrs. Moore worked for several oil companies and for Southwestern Bell for 11 years. They are members of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Midland.
Farm Service Agency Election Set
The USDA has begun accepting nomination forms for eligible candidates to serve on the local FSA Committee. The nomination period is June 15 – Aug. 1. For Glasscock County, the committee seat up for election in 2005 represents local administrative area (LAA) number 1, which is the portion of the county north of County Road 110, following the section line south of Garden City to Hwy. 158, and then all area north of Hwy. 158. (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 others as a candidate. In addition, organizations representing socially disadvantaged (minorities and women) farmers or ranchers may nominate candidates. All nomination forms must be returned, or postmarked, no later than Aug.1, 2005. Voting will be Nov. 4 – Dec. 5. For more information or nomination forms, contact the Glasscock County FSA Office, or visit the web site at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/elections/Default.asp From the Schoolhouse
Honor Rolls Announced (Sixth Six Weeks 2005)
Elementary School • All A’s: Brooklyn Batla, Emily Glass, Hope Halfmann, Carlie Hollingsworth, Megan Hughes, Tristin Rodriguez, Araceli Bocanegra, Holly Halfmann, Brazos Hirt, Maddie Hoelscher, Kadden Kothmann, Ashley Halfmann, Amelia Lopez, Lexie Schaefer, Shawn Walker, Cody Halfmann, Kellan Kirkland, Brody Halfmann, Austin Hoelscher, Sarah Hoelscher, Agatha Koethler, Izamar Ocon, Peyton Schaefer, Craig Wheeler, Reggie Halfmann, Jessica Olveda, Shelby Schwartz, Hayden Halfmann, Katelyn Hoelscher, Samantha Kellermeier, Dylan Lowery, Ian Schaefer.
• A Average: Hugo Almazan, Mikaela Garza, Karen Hernandez, Hope Allen, Vanessa Barco, Daeley Havlak, Rico Mier, Antonio Ramirez, Brylie Schaefer, Brandon Gartman, Kamie Halfmann, Jessica Martinez, Miguel Bocanegra, Sarah Avery, Blayne Batla, Britni Cook, Shanna Halfmann, Cassie Hirt, Calleen Jansa, Jessi Jones, Katy Multer, Brett Chudej, Joshua Colunga, Heather Havlak, Brian Hirt, M’Call Schaefer, Brittney Schniers.
• Perfect Attendance for the Year Awards went to: Bethany Matschek, Hope Allen, Colten Hare, Daeley Havlak, Vanessa Cardenas, Cody Halfmann, Amie Lopez, Casey Hare, Agatha Koethler, Calleen Jansa, Shelby Schwartz and Hayden Halfmann. The Garden City Elementary PTO awarded each of these students a $10 gift card to Wal-Mart. Best Home Care in Big Spring, represented by Marketing Director Cindy Lopez, donated two bicycles for a drawing; Daeley Havlak and Amie Lopez won them.
Bearkat Counselor's Corner by Krista Hughes, counselor
Parents, the time is already here to prepare for school!
New to Garden City Schools? Students, want to change your schedule? Parents you can enroll your child or make a schedule change the week of Aug. 1-5. There are no changes in the master schedule this year, but remember you can only have one schedule change per semester and the change will need to be completed at the beginning of the school year.
Attention: Juniors and Seniors
If you are interested in taking concurrent classes, then you need to make sure you meet the criteria. 1. On your TAKS results they identify if you are exempt from taking the THEA test and in what area. Look back at your results. The results will state THECB Standard for higher education readiness if you are exempt from the test. In the area of ELA, you would have needed a scale score of 2200 and scored a 3 on your writing. In math, you would need a scale score of 2200. 2. If you need to take the THEA test, contact Howard College and take it in the areas where you want to take concurrent classes. You will also need to take the test and pass it before school begins or you will not be able to enroll in concurrent classes. 3. When I get the registration packets for the concurrent classes from Howard College, I will send them with the students, and I will need those returned to my office no later than by August 18.
I am looking forward to working with you this year.
Band News from Conrad Flusche, band director
• DCI (Drum Corp International) will be in Midland for the 5th annual "Thunder In the Desert" on July 21 at 7 p.m. Any band student 7-12 grade and their parents who would like to attend, contact Mr. Flusche at 354-2426 or 354-2229 by July 15. Cost of tickets is covered, only concession stand money is needed. More information is coming in the mail. DCI website: www.dcimidland.org
• Summer Band will be starting after Aug. 1.
GCISD Service Awards, 2004 – 2005
Twenty-five years, Phyllis Byrne; twenty years, Jimmy Fine; fifteen years, Rosalinda Martinez; ten years, Carla Hirt, Melissa Schmitz, Guadalupe Rodriguez; five years, Randy Gartman, Brent Kirkland, Shana Kirkland, Steve Long, Kristi Long, Candy Jones and Delia Pierson.
Obituaries
• John Kinnibrugh, 75, of Abilene, died June 1 and was buried at the Vera Cemetery in Vera, TX. He was born April 3, 1930 in Vera to Jim and Essie Kinnibrugh and married Valarie Burgess in 1947 in Gilliland. He was a farmer in Gilliland and South Plains, TX and during the drought of the 1950’s left the farm to attend the first police academy in Wichita Falls, working as a police officer for two years after which he resumed farming. He served on both the Gilliland and South Plains school boards and was a member of the Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife Valarie, a daughter, Beverly Kinnibrugh of Abilene; a son and daughter-in-law, John Mark and Misty Kinnibrugh of Garden City; two grandchildren, Devon Claire and James Curtis Kinnibrugh; a sister, Doris Thomas and a brother, Sylvin Kinnibrugh. Three baby boys, his parents, two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.
• Hazel Marguerite Hardy, 96, died July 8 at a Big Spring hospital. She was born Sept. 30, 1908, the fourth of eight children born to Jimmie Margaret and A.D. Cook in Garden City. She worked for the phone company in Garden City before marrying the love of her life, Lloyd Hardy, in 1939. He preceded her in death in 2002. She was a fabulous cook, an outstanding seamstress and adored by her family. She was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church of Garden City. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Reta Carol and Steve Bell of Garden City and Paula and Guy Talbot of Big Spring; three grandchildren, Stephanie and Charles Dobbs of San Angelo, Krystal and Brandon McDaniel of Leawood, Kan. and Neiman and Lance Hill of Dallas; one great-granddaughter, Bryce Hill of Dallas; one sister, Marjorie Klein of Fredericksburg; one brother, Allie B. Cook of Garden City and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Allene Dozier and Pauline Berry, and three brothers, Alton D. Cook, Marshall Cook and Jack Cook.
Next Issue Date and Deadline
The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be Aug. 10. The deadline for that issue is Aug. 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: glasscockcountynews.com
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