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Glasscock County News
Bearkat Homecoming Activities Set
Before the homecoming football game Sept. 30, the junior class will host a beef brisket with trimmings meal from 5 – 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria at a cost of $8 for adults, $6 for children. The football game against Midland Trinity begins at 7:30 p.m. with Mr. Bearkat and the Band Sweetheart crowned at halftime. A dance will follow the game. On Oct. 1, an all-school homecoming reunion begins at 10 a.m. with lunch at noon in the school cafeteria. The reunion is open to all ex-students, spouses, teachers and friends; dress is casual and the cost for the meal is $9. Reservations need to be made by Sept. 26. For reservations or more information, contact Bonetta Bednar, 432/397-2221 or Wanda Moore, 432/354-2439.
GGCD Considers Budget, Pay Raises
At its regular meeting Aug. 16, the Glasscock Groundwater Conservation District’s Board of Directors (Mike Hughes and Larry Wheat absent) discussed its new budget and approved an increase of $77 per month in employee insurance premiums. The district’s proposed budget of $143,000 would be funded by a proposed tax rate of .025473 per $100 valuation, a 2.99 percent increase. GGCD Manager Rick Harston said the new tax rate would increase revenue by approximately $4,000. The proposed budget includes a three percent pay raise for Harston and district secretary Donnita Coats. If the raises are approved, Harston’s and Coats’ salaries will be $37,300 and $22,150 respectively. The board will adopt a budget and set a tax rate Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. The district’s major expenditure, other than salaries, is the annual $27,000 for weather modification. In discussing weather modification, Harston reminded board members that no cloud seeding can take place during a flash flood watch or warning. He said he thinks the National Weather Service issues those warnings prematurely in order to protect themselves. Weather Mod Can’t Make it Rain Harston said seeding planes worked 16 days in July, and there were three days in August when all four planes were seeding in all counties. GGCD directors say the weather modification program can’t make it rain; it can only enhance what’s there. It can, they say, squeeze more water out of eligible clouds. The board again tabled action on approval of a reinvestment zone and tax abatement for Wind Plus, Inc. (Director Larry Wheat told Harston by phone he was opposed to the tax abatement.) Director John Phillips said he wasn’t opposed to the project, but wanted more definitive information. Although a representative of Wind Plus had met with the board earlier, with Mike Hughes and Dennis Seidenberger absent, the board directed Harston to ask the Wind Plus representative to meet with them again to clarify some issues.
County Increases Help for Seniors
On Aug. 17, the Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court approved increasing the amount the county gives the county senior citizens group from $500 per month to $600 per month. The increase was said to be needed to help with rising insurance rates for the seniors’ building. Commissioners also approved budgeting $2,500 to fund Victim Rights Support, which is located in Big Spring, but assists victims in Glasscock County as needed. The court revised language in the job description of the courthouse custodian. As revised, duties include maintaining the courthouse and community center lawns, plants and trees, overseeing mowing of the grass islands along Highway 158 and monitoring the water for trees planted along the highway. The court designated County Judge Wilburn Bednar as the supervisor for this job. On Aug. 30, Diane Havlak, courthouse custodian, told the court that because of problems with her shoulders, she is unable to do the trimming around the buildings. She said she can’t hold a weed-eater, and can’t hold her arms above her head. Community Center Marker County Judge Wilburn Bednar said a limestone marker reading “Glasscock County Community Center, 2002” is supposed to be ready for installation. He said the stone was donated by TexaStone Quarry, and 4-H funds were used to pay for the engraving. He said county agents would also like a sign to designate the extension service office. Various types of signage were discussed, including one similar to large signs on the Glasscock County Bank and FSA office, which could be mounted on the west exterior wall of the community center. Another option was a smaller sign to be mounted on the center’s west glass door. No decision was made, pending installation of the limestone building marker. Some type of signage for the sheriff’s office, jail and tax office was also mentioned.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner Changed
Due to the small size and advancing age of the First United Methodist Church’s congregation, the church administrative council has decided to withdraw from the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Over the past few years, two other turkey dinners have been prepared with invitations to everyone in the community: one at the school cafeteria and another at the Senior Citizens’ Center. In addition to those, most of us enjoy a nice meal with our families to celebrate Thanksgiving. We feel it is time to try something new. In lieu of hosting the community dinner, we intend to support the West Texas Food Bank. One dollar given to this organization provides six meals for hungry people who do not have the opportunity to eat with a family at home. If you are interested in joining us in this project for people who do not have a Thanksgiving meal, please contact your local minister for the information provided by the food bank. --- Michael Hoch, Chairman, First United Methodist Church of Garden City Administrative Council
County Part of Texas Pecos Trails Region
Glasscock is one of 22 counties in the recently designated Texas Pecos Trails Region. The new heritage trail region is the ninth area to participate in the Texas Historical Commission’s award-winning regional tourism initiative, the Texas Heritage Trails Program. The region’s organizational meeting will be Sept. 22 at the Monahans Convention Center. Acceptance into the program begins the state-assisted development and promotion of the area as a heritage tourism destination. The THTP helps Texas communities promote tourism, revitalize local economies and foster community leadership through historic preservation. THC works with heritage regions for a minimum of three years, giving technical, marketing and financial help. In addition to Glasscock, the Texas Pecos Trail Region includes the following counties: Andrews, Crane, Crockett, Ector, Edwards, Kimble, Kinney, Loving, Martin, Maverick, Midland, Pecos, Reagan, Reeves, Sterling, Sutton, Terrell, Upton, Val Verde, Ward and Winkler.
County Lowers Tax Rate; Raises Salaries
The Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court on Sept. 12 approved a 2005-2006 budget, which raises most salaries and lowers the tax rate. The tax rate will be .410636 cents per $100 valuation for maintenance and operation plus .001690 for the debt on the community center, for a total of .412326 per $100. While the new rate is a decrease of 11.66 cents, it will generate $ $205,466 more in revenues than last year, largely because of increased valuations of oil and gas properties. The effective rate, necessary to raise the same maintenance and operation revenue as last year, was .380254, according to Valeria Hoelscher in the tax office. The county’s taxable value for 2005 was approximately $549 million, up $121 million from 2004. The maintenance and operation budget estimates approximately $2,609,000 in income and $2,663,000 in expenses. Road Equipment Budget Decreased While voting for the new tax rate, Commissioner Marck Schafer said several times that he thinks the county needs to build its reserves, and suggested the move of $25,000 from the road crew’s equipment budget to the miscellaneous fund. Most county employees were given a $600 per year salary increase, and a few were given more. At an Aug. 17 meeting, Schafer recommended that County Treasurer Alan Dierschke be given a raise which would have placed his salary at or near the level of the county/district clerk’s, since their positions are comparable. Later, Schafer recommended lowering by $2,700 the salary paid Dierschke for his job as Garden City Water System Administrator. Schafer said he thought $6,000 was too much for that job now, and Dierschke agreed. So, for the new fiscal year, Dierschke will make $29,900 as county treasurer and $3,300 as water system administrator. County/District Clerk Becky Batla will make $30,500, both she and deputy clerk Susie Hillger getting an additional $600 per year increase (Hillger to $26,300) for taking on the job of running the county’s elections. Wanda Forbis previously did that job at a cost to the county of $4,300 per year. Half the increase for voting responsibilities was taken from the clerk’s part-time help budget. Batla had asked for $1,200 each for herself and Hillger for the additional voting work. In a last-minute change, the court agreed to Sheriff Royce Pruit’s request for additional monies for three of his staff. Deputies Ken Zunker and Keith Burnett will each make $30,800 and Nancy Hillger will be paid $24,800, representing a $1,200 increase for each. County Judge Wilburn Bednar will make $25,020, plus a $15,000 supplement from the state. He also is paid $1,200 as the county’s Homeland Security Administrator. Justice of the Peace Marilee Jost will make $18,000 plus $7,800 as the judge’s secretary. County commissioners will make $21,600, constable Mark Frysak will make $9,000 and courthouse custodian Diane Havlak will make $19,600. The raises did not apply to Extension personnel nor to their secretary. County Extension Agent Charlene Belew will be paid $14,500 in county funds, and a new extension agent for agriculture, when hired, will be paid $12,000 and have use of a county pickup. The court also approved raises for part-time employees Jose Rosa Jr. and Jesse Lewis Overton from $9.50 per hour to $12.00 per hour, both raises recommended by Schafer. County Attorney Hardy Wilkerson asked for and was given, a $900 raise to $3,000, his secretary was raised to $150 and his special investigator was given a $180 raise to $1,500, both those less than Wilkerson requested. The court also approved the Garden City Water System’s new budget, with manager Jim Havlak being paid $17,400.
Cemetery Prices Given Boost; Land Donated
Glasscock County’s Commissioners Court on Sept. 12 raised the prices for burial plots at the Garden City Cemetery, effective immediately. The two tier pricing will be $250 per individual plot for Glasscock County residents, former residents and those with family buried here. For others, each plot will cost $1,500. In addition, sales will be only to individuals, with no sales to commercial entities. In the past, burial plots were $25 each, with no restrictions. The changes were made at the recommendation of the Garden City Cemetery Committee, which felt that local prices should be more in line with area cemeteries. The committee was also concerned that limited burial space in nearby cities and super-low prices here could combine to cause a future problem with out-of-county purchases in the local cemetery. Another option recommended by the committee would have closed the cemetery to anyone but county residents, former residents or those with family buried here. Area pricing for single burial plots include: Stanton, $100 for Martin County residents, $1,000 for others; Sterling City (city-owned and Montvale), $200 for residents, $500 for others; Big Spring Trinity $1,000 – $1,700, Mt. Olive (city owned) $916; Midland Resthaven $1,395 – $2,395. Both Stanton and Sterling City are planning price increases. Land Donated for Expansion Ray Walker has agreed to donate four acres of land immediately north of the Garden City Cemetery to the county for future cemetery expansion. The land was needed because the cemetery is nearing its capacity, and the cemetery committee asked for land north of the existing cemetery so that the new entrance would remain at the cemetery’s center. The new acreage, when put into use, will effectively double the cemetery’s size. The acreage is to be surveyed this week, and the deed drawn soon, but no fencing will be done until there is a need for expansion. The county commissioners agreed to contract mowing and trimming at the cemetery, and will open bids at their next meeting. At the request of the cemetery committee, the Glasscock County Sheriff’s Department is locking the highway gate to the cemetery at night and opening it in the early morning. If the gate happens to be locked when you want to get in, there is a key that can be checked out at the Halfmann’s Store.
Local 4-H Raises $’s for Evacuees
The Glasscock County 4-H Club and Volunteer Leaders Association are joining others in assisting Americans devastated by Hurricane Katrina. They have established a relief fund, with all monies to be used to purchase backpacks and school supplies for youth evacuees relocated to Big Spring. To donate money, send a check made payable to the Glasscock Volunteer Leaders Association, P.O. Box 299, Garden City, TX 79739. To donate new school supplies, drop off items at the county extension office inside the community center. Collections will be accepted until Sept. 23. All contributions are tax deductible and 100 percent will be used for the effort. If more money is accumulated than is needed for school necessities, gift cards from Wal-Mart will be purchased and distributed with the backpacks.
Letters to Young Victims Needed In addition, community members are asked to write “Letters of Caring and Hope” to youth in states affected by the hurricane. The letters will be distributed through 4-H agents, volunteers and youth to young people whose lives have been touched by the disaster. Letters should be sent to the respective state 4-H offices as follows: Mississippi State 4-H Program, c/o Dr. Susan Holder, 204 Bost Extension Center, MS State, MS 39762; Louisiana State 4-H Program, c/o Terril Faul, P.O. Box 25100, Baton Rouge, LA 70894-5100; Alabama State 4-H Program, c/o Lamar Nichols, 215 Duncan Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849.
Round-up for Rehab Encourages Donations
Area ranchers and farmers are encouraged to donate livestock to sell at special auctions this fall to benefit West Texas Rehabilitation Center. Rehab will serve more than 21,000 patients this year, many of them receiving therapy at WTRC-San Angelo. Fall livestock sales of particular interest to area producers are the cattle sale Sept. 22 at Producers Livestock Auction in San Angelo and the sheep/goat sale Oct. 24 at Junction Stockyards. Everyone in the agriculture industry is invited to attend one of the sales, donate cash or animals to the project, or notify Rehab of an intent to have an auction house cut a check to WTRC for animals sold later in the year. For information about the Rehab Center, Round-Up sale dates and arrangements for hauling donated animals, contact Glasscock County Chairmen Butch and Tammy Halfmann, 432/354-2367, or call WTRC-San Angelo, at 325/223-6300.
County Discusses Predator Control
Commissioner Marck Schafer questioned the effectiveness of local predator control at the county commissioners’ court meeting Sept. 12. At the court’s request, John Dorsett of the Texas Cooperative Extension Wildlife Services met with them to discuss trapping results In the county after the state increased its assessment charged the county to $2,200 per month per trapper for a total cost of $9,600. The local livestock protection association contributes $4,750 toward the county’s share of the salaries, the bulk of which are paid by the state. Schafer touched on dissatisfaction voiced by ranchers who feel underserved by the trappers. Schafer said participation in the county animal protection group has declined because some feel the money for trappers is wasted. Dorsett defended the trappers’ records in the county. Dorsett said trappers tend to concentrate their time in places where they can get sure results, and agreed that they might need to spread their activities more. He said using snares is sometimes a problem because fences are either weak or brushy and hard to access; M-44’s have to be checked frequently and at least one ranch has gone to commercial predator hunting. He also said trappers are not welcome on some ranches during bird and deer hunting. He said the two trappers are putting in the time they’re supposed to. Dorsett said the numbers of predators taken vary from year to year. His figures for Glasscock County from Oct. 1, 2004 thru July 31, 2005 show a total of 87 ranches worked, with 289 predators taken. Of those, Richard Bata (south of Hwy. 158) took 90 coyotes, 56 Red Fox and 21 Gray Fox. Jody Griffin (north of Hwy. 158) took 75 Coyotes, 9 Bobcats, 1 Red Fox, 5 Gray fox and 3 Feral Dogs. Aerial hunting: 4 hours by helicopter and 74 hours by fixed winged aircraft, Dorsett’s figures for Oct. 1, 2003 thru Sept. 30, 2004 were 88 ranches worked, coyotes taken 292, bobcats 27, red fox 25, gray fox 9, feral dog 5. Aerial hunting 6 hours by helicopter, 88 hours by fixed winged aircraft. (Individual results for the trappers were not given for this period.) Dorsett oversees 12 counties and offices in San Angelo. He said anyone who is unhappy with trapper activity on his or her land should call him at 325/655-6101. He said landowner input is the only way he can gauge the program's effectiveness. In spite of apparent reservations, the commissioners budgeted the increased assessment.
School Raises Tax Rate
At a special meeting Aug. 29, the GCISD board accepted a 2005-2006 budget, which projects expenditures of $8,552,633 and revenues of $8,515,965. They also set a tax rate of $1.46 per $100 valuation. Last year’s rate was $1.42 and the effective rate (the rate needed to raise the same dollars as last year) was $1.40. School Superintendent Steve Long said the school district needs to maximize the tax rate to keep up with state requirements. The board also voted to submit a bid for purchase of a house, with board member Diane Havlak opposed. Neither the house’s location nor the amount of the bid was discussed in the open meeting. On Sept. 12, the board discussed the results of the district’s status on the 2003-2004 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). The school achieved the highest rating of Superior, failing only one of the 21 indicators. The failed indicator was that the percent of operating expenditures expended for instruction was less than 54 percent. Long said the problems with a child’s peanut allergies have been taken care of with some changes in the cafeteria and in the child’s homeroom. He said no other changes are necessary. Elementary school enrollment is 155, in junior high, 46 and in high school, 84.
In The Spotlight
• GCHS vocational shop students won First Place in a division at the Permian Basin Fair in Odessa last weekend with their wooden, octagonal picnic table and took Reserve Champion of Show with a trailer they made for the Glasscock County Coop Gin. Raffle tickets for the table, complete with umbrella and benches, are being sold for $2 each or 12 for $10. The raffle will be held during the third quarter of the Homecoming game Sept. 30. The table will be displayed at the varsity football games Sept. 23 and Sept. 30. The vocational teacher is Rusty Hollingsworth.
County Again Looks for Ag Agent
The county commissioners’ court accepted Randy Rakowitz’ resignation as the county extension agent for agriculture. He had worked here some 14 months. Applications for the job are being taken now. County Constable Mark Frysak asked the court to restore the money they had previously taken out of his budget for educational funding and animal control. He said he is required to take stray animals to shelters in nearby cities because there is no approved facility for holding them here. Frysak says he’s new to the job, and doesn’t know what expenses he will have. County Judge Wilburn Bednar asked Frysak to bring cost estimates to the court for what he needs in the way of animal control compliance. Frysak, now a certified law enforcement person, has a police radio and lights in a vehicle. He says he needs a speaker for the siren. Charlene Belew brought five high school girls to the court meeting to give a summary of their late summer 4-H leadership trip, for which the county provided transportation. The presenters were: Hailey Schaefer, Amy Multer, Whitney Kellermeier, Brittany Chudej and Mikela Barton. The court agreed to consider assistance with transportation for this project again next year, if 4-H fund-raising doesn’t cover those expenses. Dierschke said he hopes to add $200,000 to the county’s reserves at the end of the current fiscal year. He says that addition should make a total of $872,000 in total reserves. The court discussed creating another investment zone and tax abatement guidelines, this time for a company called Renewable Energy, which plans a wind farm installation of approximately 100 towers, one-third of which would be in northeast Glasscock County. Action was postponed due to lack of correct wording for the action. The court approved an interlocal agreement with Midland County, which had been postponed earlier pending legal review. The agreement provides for mutual aid in emergencies.
Briefly
• Glasscock County Senior Citizens will meet Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. Please bring a snack or finger food. On Oct 4 at 5:30 p.m, the Glasscock EMS will be available to check blood pressure and to update health and medications records. This important service makes information available if seniors have a medical emergency. Potluck will be the fare that night. Everyone 50 years or older is invited.
• Glasscock County is taking sealed bids for a mowing and trimming contract at the Garden City Cemetery. The work will be done on an as-needed basis, with double pay for the first cleaning. The contractor must have his/her own equipment and will have a contact person from the cemetery committee or the county. Bids are due in County Judge Wilburn Bednar’s office by Sept. 27 and will be opened Sept. 29 at the county court meeting.
• The Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation is looking to hire temporary seasonal employees. Please apply at TBWEF, 127 N. Keathley, Garden City, TX 79739, 432/354-2402.
• A great big “Thank You” to the community for participating in the fundraiser sponsored by the Garden City High School Student Council to benefit my Uncle Bobby and Aunt Ruby and their children and grandchildren who were displaced when Hurricane Katrina hit their homes. We were all amazed at the phenomenal amount of money the students were able to raise! The money they collected, along with some donations from teachers and colleagues, was combined and a check for $1,500 was sent on Saturday to Moreauville, Louisiana where the family is staying until they can return to their homes. An update on how things are going: everyone's been accounted for with no serious injuries. Some of my cousins and their children have totally lost homes in Chalmette and St Bernard's Parish. They are unsure if they'll even be allowed to ever build there again. My aunt and uncle's home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi is still standing, but has substantial water damage. Hopefully, through God's guidance, they'll know what to do next. I know that they are stunned and so grateful for the outpouring of generosity from you. Thank you so very much. May God continue to bless us all. Love and hugs to you all, Jean Ann Kujawski, Terry Conrad Christian (Jean Ann's mom and sister to Bobby Conrad), and our entire families
• Anyone interested in government help with agriculture projects, including brush control, should attend the county’s soil and water conservation district meeting Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. in the community center. Input from this meeting helps determine allocation of NRCS resources in the county. Your opinion is important.
• The school library will host a scholastic book fair Sept. 26 – 28. The hours are the same as school hours. A family event will be held Tuesday Sept. 27 during report card night from 4 – 7 p.m. Teachers will have classroom selections available for purchase. Come by and give a child the gift of reading. If you are interested in volunteering at the book fair, call Tracy Hollingsworth at 354-2250 or 354-2381.
• Everyone is asked to help local 4-H’ers collect tabs from soda cans, vegetable and soup cans, etc. to benefit their “Pull for the Ronald McDonald House” project. Just pop the tabs off cans, save them in a clean and dry container and bring them to the extension office or the elementary or high school offices. The program, created in 1987, has collected more than 400 million tabs nationwide, generating more than $300,000. Interestingly, 1,280,000 tabs equal 1,000 pounds, which equals $450 for the program.
NRCS Program Development Meeting Set
Glasscock County’s Soil and Water Conservation District invites interested parties to participate in a Program Development Group meeting Sept. 27 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the community center. The meeting’s purpose is to request participation and comments from any agencies, organizations or individuals who have an interest in natural resource conditions and needs. The discussion will help the Local Work Group to address county-based funding for the Farm Year 2006 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The LWG will make recommendations regarding what resource concerns will be addressed, eligible practices, cost share rates, and ranking for county-based funding. For more information, call the USDA Service Center in Sterling City, 325/378-3971 or go to www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov.
From the Schoolhouse
Bearkat Counselor's Corner By Krista Hughes, Counselor
Seniors: Career Night on Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. Juniors: Career Night on Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. Career Night will provide a personality inventory, a password to log on to a website that will match student's personality to colleges that would best serve each student. A parent needs to attend. A flyer will be sent home with the junior and senior class students. Information regarding financial aide and scholarships will also be given. A big thank you to Glasscock County residents who contributed to Jean Ann Kujawski's family of 21 members who survived Hurricane Katrina. Student Council collected a total of $1,201.29 at the junior high and JV games on Thursday, Sept. 8th. WOW!!! Mrs. Kujawski has sent the money to the family and they couldn't thank our community enough!!! Student Council will be collecting again on Thursday, Sept.15 at the Junior High and Junior Varsity games. The family is now having some medical expenses, as well as trying to keep members fed. Also, contributions for the family may be dropped off with Krista Hughes, Counselor, at the high school.
Fall Festival Set for October
The 49th annual St. Lawrence Fall Festival will be held Sunday, Oct. 2 on the church grounds. A new array of activities and booths is planned with something for everyone to enjoy. Mass will be celebrated at the church at 9 a.m., and sale of uncooked German sausage for $4.50 per pound will begin at 10:30 at the “Sausage Haus” north of the main hall. The noon meal will be served until 2 p.m. at a cost of $7 for adults and $5 for children. Plates to go will be available. Bingo will be played from noon until 4 p.m., and a live auction will be held from 2 – 4 p.m. There will also be a Silent Auction until 4 p.m. A queen size, locally handmade quilt and a crocheted tablecloth will be raffled away at the end of the day. Sausage-on-a-stick, barbeque sandwiches and sausage sandwiches will be available at the concession stand. The Balloon Man will entertain, and local talent will perform. Booths and attractions will include the Kountry Kitchen, Plinko, Cross Booth, Spin-a-Wheel, Bean Bag Toss, Grab Bag, Pan for Gold, Coke Ring Toss, Golf, Petting Zoo and Mini Train.
Obituary
Glen W. Hillger, 83, died Sept. 3 at his residence in Big Spring and was buried in Garden City Cemetery. He was born Aug. 14, 1922 in Glasscock County to Bert and Bertha Hillger. He married Viola Elizabeth Robinson Nov. 9, 1946 in Pecos. He had been a resident of Howard County since 1983. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. In 2001, the Hillger family was honored at the Howard-Glasscock Old Settlers Reunion as the oldest family still living in Glasscock County. He is survived by his wife, Viola, of Big Spring, three sons, Bert Hillger of Big Spring, Alton Hillger of Garden City and Ronald Hillger of Weatherford; one sister, Eunice Becknell of Grovetown, GA; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, one brother and one great-grandchild.
Next Issue Date and Deadline
The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be Oct.12. The deadline for that issue is Oct. 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
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