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Glasscock County News
County Hires New County Agent
The Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court, meeting in regular session Nov. 16, voted to hire Rebel Royal as the new extension service county agent for agriculture. The county will pay Royal $12,000 in addition to his state salary. Benefits are paid by the state. Royal has been the county agent in Stonewall County (Aspermont) for several years. The court took no action on a letter from Brenda Rue, district extension service director, asking that the county give extension agents’ raises commensurate with those given other county employees. Mark Frysak, county constable, reported two rabid foxes killed recently near the co-op gin in St. Lawrence. Frysak said if anyone kills an animal suspected of having rabies, care should be taken not to damage the head. He said to call him (cell 270-3307, home 397-2307) and he will take care of sending the head off for analysis. County Treasurer Alan Dierschke reported that Scott Tractor had lowered a $4,000 bill by $2,000 after Commissioner Marck Schafer took issue with the company’s charges. Commissioners asked Dierschke to look into changing extension agents’ cell phone plan to a less expensive one, and voted to change to a different plan for cell phones used by ambulances, road crew, and the landfill/dump. The court rejected the only bid for a 1999 Crown Victoria. It was from 87 Auto Sales for $1,530. In other action, commissioners approved a maintenance agreement with Thyssenkrupp Elevator in Midland, changed the date of the court’s January meeting to Jan. 10, and canvassed votes from the recent election.
County Election Filing Deadline Nears
The filing period for the March 7 primary election is Dec. 3 – Jan. 2, according to Diane Havlak, county Republican Party chairman. County positions up for election are judge, county/district clerk, treasurer, justice of the peace, and commissioners in Precincts 2 and 4. Those intending to run on the Republican ticket should see Havlak at the courthouse between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., M – F.
FSA Holds Committee Election
Ballots have been mailed for the current Farm Service Agency County Committee election. This election is only for Local Administrative Area (LAA) #1, which includes land located north of County Road 110 and Highway 158. Incumbent Earnest Schwartz and Larry Wheat are on the ballot for the committee seat. Ballots must be returned to the FSA office or postmarked no later than Dec. 5. You must sign the label on the outside of the envelope, and in your representative capacity if an entity (i.e. John Doe Farms, Inc., by John Doe). Absentee landlords vote in fewer numbers than any other group, so producers might want to remind their landlords of the importance of participating in FSA elections. Jerry Harris, chairman of the state FSA committee, said in Garden City Aug. 1 that the county committee system is threatened because there are too few people on ballots and too few people voting in the elections. At that same time, U.S. Congressman Mike Conaway echoed Harris’s comments, and said large percentages of voters are very important in county FSA elections.
Christmas Lighting Help Available
On three separate weekends, Glasscock County senior 4-H members will help put up Christmas lights on houses, businesses and/or trees. The money they earn will go toward funding the 4-H teen leadership trip to California next summer. The work will be done Nov. 12 or 13, Nov. 19 or 20, and Dec. 3 or 4 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. The cost is $1 per foot of light strand used, and includes taking the lights down after Christmas. The kids supply the labor; you must supply the lights, ladders, clips, extension cords, etc. Call the Extension office (354-2381) and a 4-H member will call you to schedule the work.
Annual County Pecan Show Set
Everyone, old and young, is invited to participate in the Third Annual Glasscock County Pecan Show Nov. 21 by entering pecans or food items for contest, or by purchasing the entries. Pecans and food items will be judged the morning of the show at the community center, then the event moves to the school gymnasium that evening. Proceeds from the show will go toward financing a scholarship that GCHS seniors may apply for in the spring of 2006. Pecan entries (45 pecans per entry, in a zip-lock bag labeled with your name and variety of pecan) are due by noon Nov. 16 at the Extension office and will be judged at 9 a.m./ Nov. 21 at the Community Center. Recipes for entries in the cooking division must be in the Extension office by noon on Nov. 7. Pecans must be in each recipe, and there is no limit on the number of entries per person. Items requiring refrigeration will not be accepted. Age categories are adult, youth (grades 3-12) and noncompetitive peewee (Pre-K – grade 2). Food categories are cake, pie, cookie, candy, bread and miscellaneous. Food, on disposable dishes covered with clear plastic wrap, should be entered at the Community Center Nov. 21 between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. Place your name, division and age category on the bottom of the container. A silent auction of each first place food item and non-advancing pecans will take place in the foyer of the school gym during the basketball games on the evening of Nov. 21, A live auction of grand and reserve grand champion food items will take place at halftime of the games, and non-auction food items and recipe books will be for sale during the evening. For more information, contact the Extension office at 354-2381 or 354-2608. The event is sponsored by the Glasscock County Cooperative Extension Program Council.
In The Spotlight
• The Garden City Bearkat football team (10-1) defeated Borden County 54 – 28 in the bi-district round of the six-man playoffs and will play Grandfalls-Royalty (10 -1) in the area round Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Big Lake. The Bearkats, who won their second straight district title, were seeded No. 1 in the playoffs out of District 8,
• Vicki Garza, a freshman, recently placed 24th at the State Cross Country Meet in Round Rock.
• Wilburn and Bonnie Bednar invite everyone to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sat., Dec 3 from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Garden City Church of Christ Fellowship Building. They request no gift at the come-and-go event.
• Cypert Garage celebrates 50 years in business. See item, p. 4.
Wish List Reviewed for Possible School Bond
The GCISD board reviewed a 2005-’06 “wish list” at their regular meeting Nov. 14, with Kevin Hirt absent. The list, compiled by school faculty and staff with a possible bond issue in mind, is incomplete, and School Superintendent Steve Long says the list is just a place to begin planning for future needs. Long indicated that he wants the list to be circulated through the county, and hopes everyone with an interest will have input in the matter. The board will learn more about bond financing at its next meeting, which has been rescheduled for 8 a.m., Dec.12. The public is welcome. Items on the wish list, in no particular order were Maintenance: replace carpet in elementary school, replace ceiling tiles, replace heating and cooling units, repair storage room in elementary wing, replace all bathroom stalls, replace ceramic tile in bathrooms, replace torn carpet in high school classrooms, remodel cafeteria, redo plumbing in the game gym, replace football press box, drop ceiling in workout room, new lighting and air conditioning in workout room, redo insulation in bus barn, remodel or replace vocational building, pave around bus barn and home football stands, replace water well sheds, install drip system for school grounds, redo roofs on elementary, high school and complex, install lighting on practice field and track, lockers in high school, replace lighting and sound system in auditorium, choir risers for elementary school, cabinets in high school classrooms, remodel bathrooms, new practice gym, furniture in library, press box and concession between track and tennis courts, paving for high school parking, three school houses, air conditioning and sound system in gym, lower ceilings in high school, scoreboard for football field, purchase land across from administration building, shade area and picnic tables by tennis courts, enlarge first and third grade rooms, redo water fountains in elementary and high schools, elementary science lab, cabinets/storage with sinks in elementary school. Ice machine in elementary, update high school lab (cabinets, storage, chemicals, chemical disposal), redo planters in front of library. Transportation: buy a second activity bus, update one school car, two grasshopper mowers, two Gators, three route buses, new maintenance pickup truck, new ag pickup truck, attachment forks for tractor, heavy disk for tractor, buy a second Suburban. Technology: projectors mounted in classrooms, camera/server for web page, three traveling printers, smartboards, laptops for teachers in classrooms, computer for video editing, black/white and color printer for yearbook, bell system with classroom clocks, updated TV’s/ DVD’s, scanners, overhaul of library accounting system (Athena upgrade), laser printers, update computers. Miscellaneous: veggie steamer, stand-up freezer, band uniforms and instruments, furniture/books/maps for library, Lego robotics kits, eight welding machines, one Bobcat gas-powered welder, cold cut saw, an iron work machine, and a pipe-bending machine. Those with suggested modifications or additions to the wish list, should call Long at 354-2230, or call a school board member. The board accepted the 2005 audit report, as presented by Tracy Tarter, CPA. Tarter was complimentary to GCISD’s board and administration for being fiscally responsible, even in the face of falling enrollment. He said the administration has been very careful with its resources, and is in unusually good financial shape. The district currently has a fund balance (reserves) of just over $3 million, which Tarter said is “…strong for a district this size, and way more than the three to six month’s operating expenses the state wants a district to have.” Tarter singled out the school cafeteria for praise, saying this year’s $51,000 loss is a vast improvement from what was generally a $100,000 annual loss only a few years ago. Board member Karl Hoelscher passed on compliments regarding the behavior and good manners of GCISD kids recently traveling as group. He said teachers, coaches, and administration, as well as kids, were to be commended.
Briefly
• Glasscock Co. Senior Citizens will meet Nov. 15, at 6:00. There will be finger foods and games. The Christmas party will be on Dec. 6 with Christmas potluck. Instead of a gift exchange this year, each senior is asked to bring canned goods (non-perishable) to donate to someone who needs the food. Please join us for good food and fellowship.
• Once again, we ask those with Internet access to remove your names from our U.S. Postal delivery list, and instead, read the Glasscock County News online. This helps us with both printing and postage expenses, and gets the newsletter to you a full day or more before the postal-delivered copies. We will notify you via email each month when the newsletter is posted to the website. From the Internet, you can print your own copy of the GC News, and can refer to back issues dating to January 2000. Just call 354-2221, or send an email to gcnews201@aol.com and give us your email address. Do it now – before you forget! Thanks!
• Bearkat Invitational Basketball Tournament is Dec. 1 – 3.
• The All-Community Christmas program will be Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center. The children’s program will be followed by the adult musical with fellowship afterwards.
• Glasscock Groundwater Conservation District’s Board of Directors met in regular session Oct. 18 (Kenneth Braden and Mike Hughes absent) to transact routine business. They also decided to renew two certificates of deposit ($101,000 and $36,000) with First Bank of West Texas in Big Spring. Their November meeting was cancelled due to lack of a quorum. Kenneth Braden, Dennis Seidenberger and John Phillips were unable to attend.
• The Weight Watchers meeting has been changed from Tuesday to Thursday. Weigh in is at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting is at 6 p.m. Leaders would like all members to be present to keep attendance up and the meetings going. For more information, call Donna Eggemeyer, 354-2678.
• State Senator Kel Seliger (R. Amarillo) recently received a Texas Municipal League Distinguished Legislative Service Award for his work in promoting municipal authority and advocating municipal positions during the 79th legislative session. Seliger also was named Texas Senate Rural Legislator of the Year by the Association of Rural Communities in Texas for his work during that session in passing meaningful legislation to aid rural communities. The ARCIT also presented Seliger’s Chief of Staff, Bryan McMath, their Outstanding Rural Senate Legislative Staff Award.
• The December GCISD board meeting will be Dec. 12 at 8 a.m. in the school administration building.
• On Dec 14 at the co-op in St. Lawrence, there will be state-sponsored free collection of materials such as chemicals, batteries, oil filters, used oil, etc. No tires. Most folks have gotten a brochure explaining what is allowed. Call Warren Multer for more information.
Cypert Garage Celebrates 50 Years
Cypert Garage is celebrating 50 years of business in Garden City, having opened shop in 1955. They first operated from a small building located west of what is now Halfmann’s Store before moving to the present location. Donald joined the business in 1976. James, Donald, Darrell, Bryan and Nita appreciate their many customers’ business and friendship over the years, and look forward to continuing these relationships in the future. The Cyperts are hosting a catered barbeque Nov. 19 at the Community Center in Garden City from 4 – 8 p.m.
Dierschke Installed as President of State Group
Glasscock County Treasurer Alan Dierschke was recently installed as President of the County Treasurer’s Association of Texas at their 57th annual conference in Kerrville. The ceremony was attended by several people from Glasscock County, as well as other friends. He will lead the 245-member association for the next year. Duties include formulating a legislative package that will be taken to the next legislative session in Austin, along with representing the treasurer’s association at different county association conferences. Dierschke will also be on the board of directors of the Texas Association of Counties, an organization that looks after matters that affect county government. Dierschke thanks the local commissioner’s court and fellow county employees for their help and support.
From the Schoolhouse
Bearkat Counselor Corner By Krista Hughes, Counselor
A packet for scholarships was sent home with seniors on Nov. 11. The packet includes all the information I have received for scholarships. The students do not have to apply to all the scholarships. I wanted to make sure parents and students have the information you need at home to assist in the scholarship hunt. If you will sign the letter and send back to the school, then I will know you have received the information. At the first of the month there will be a monthly scholarship information packet that goes home with your child. Important dates Nov. 16 the senior class will travel to Howard College for college day. They will be able to meet with representatives from Texas colleges. On Nov. 30, the junior class will take the ASVAB test (vocation test). On Jan. 9, we will have the FASFA Night for seniors and their parents at 4 p.m. Juniors may also attend. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at 354-2244.
School Dates to Remember:
Nov. 17: school will dismiss early and buses will run at 11 a.m.
Nov. 22: school dismisses at 12:15 for Thanksgiving holidays.
Obituaries
• Allie B. Cook, 88, of Garden City died Oct. 11 in Henderson and was buried Oct. 15 at the Garden City Cemetery. He was born Feb. 19, 1917 in Garden City. He was farmer and rancher and enjoyed horse racing, fishing and work. He especially enjoyed his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, James N. and Charlotte Cook of Houston; a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Danny Coats of Henderson; a sister, Marjorie Klein of Fredericksburg; two grandsons, James N. Cook, Jr. of Round Rock and Clay Coats of Longview; a granddaughter, Kristi Evans of Conroe; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Ruth Cook of Garden City. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, three sisters and two grandchildren, John Cook and Mary Cook.
• Velma Zora Christie Sherrod, 85, died Oct. 27 at her home near Garden City. She was born Aug. 21, 1920 in Indian Gap to Sampson Christie and Gladys Matilda Howington Christie. She graduated from Garden City High School in 1938 and went to post-graduate school in Pharr. She married Randell Louie Sherrod in 1941. She is survived by her husband; a daughter, Velma Lee and husband Tom Blakeney of Amarillo; two sons, Jimmy Randell Sherrod of Garden City and John Edward Sherrod of Big Spring; two sisters, Virginia Christie Hartley of Garden City, and Fred Christie Young of Hoonah, Alaska; a brother, Norman Christie of Del Rio, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Warren Christie.
Next Issue Date and Deadline
The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be Dec. 14. The deadline for that issue is Dec.12, 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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