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Glasscock County News
School Bond said a Plus for County
Editor’s Note: the following information was taken from an informational brochure distributed by GCISD.
The Glasscock County Independent School District has called a bond election for a total of $4 million to be held May 13 with early voting May 1 – 9. Bond money will be spent on roof repair and replacement; construction and remodeling; school buses and transportation; technology equipment; building material and equipment. According to the Texas Education Agency, which is Texas Independent School Districts’ regulatory body, GCISD is currently considered a “property wealthy” district. Under the state’s current funding program, this means GCISD must give the state a percentage (currently over 70 percent) of its Maintenance and Operations tax collections, which is then redistributed to “property poor” districts. This equalization of all Texas school districts is known as “Robin Hood” and the payment to the state is known as “recapture.” In 1997, the state legislature passed a bill that allows property wealthy districts to reduce their recapture payments to the state by issuing bonds. GCISD can avoid the payment of recapture for taxes that are levied to pay off voted bonds. This means that all local tax dollars raised for the repayment of this bond issue will be kept in our district. In other words, by issuing bonds, citizens of GCISD are ensured that those tax dollars will be used in GCISD rather than in other school districts throughout the state. The bonds issued from this election will not cause any increase in the total tax rate. A public information meeting regarding the bond election will be held April 25 at 6 p.m. in the Ruth Cook Auditorium, with a second pubic meeting to be held later at a time and place to be announced.
Hoskins K –12 Principal; Quits Coaching
Ken Hoskins was designated as the school principal, grades K – 12, at a salary of $62,500 at an April 10 meeting of the GCISD Board. With this move, Hoskins will relinquish the football coach’s job to a person yet to be hired. At this time, Hoskins remains the athletic director. The school district is taking applications for a head football coach. The school board election scheduled for May 13 was cancelled because there were no contested seats. All Teachers’ Contracts Renewed On March 20, the GCISD board renewed all contracts for its teaching staff. Dual contracts: Koby Abney, Josh Fee, Jimmy Fine and Brent Kirkland. Probationary Contracts: Alonzo Garcia, Perla Garcia and Kristin Schwartz. Term Contracts: Reta Bell, Phyllis Byrne, Jerry Cannon, Ken Chandler, Charles Clarke, Dana Cook, Bea Correa, Theresa Eoff, Conrad Flusche, Randy Gartman, Kim Halfmann, Carla Hirt, Rusty Hollingsworth, Melanie Hoskins, Linda Jones, Shanna Kirkland, Jean Ann Kujawski, Tanya Multer, Amy Schwartz, Cecilia Schwartz and Jill Tubb. After some discussion on March 20, the board approved Bill Slavik as the school’s architect for the planned construction projects by a vote of 6 – 1, with Carl Hoelscher opposed. Hoelscher said he prefers using Young’s Buildings’ plans for the vo/ag building. He said Young is not an architect, but he has one who signs off on his plans. There was discussion of buying Young’s plans for the building, which Slavik would oversee. Superintendent Steve Long said Slavik’s fee is five to seven percent of the project, depending on its size. Long told the board there is good information regarding the state’s efforts to reform school finance at http://www.texasisd.com.
Complaint Filed Against Deputy Zunker
On April 10, attorney Tim Yeats presented the Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court with a formal complaint against Glasscock County Sheriff’s Deputy Ken Zunker, and notice of contemplated litigation against Zunker and Glasscock County as his employer. The complaint is on behalf of Jeff Walling, a Glasscock County resident, and contends that certain actions and statements of Zunker “ …give rise to potential claims of malicious prosecution, abuse of process, and slander…,” all while on duty as a deputy sheriff for Glasscock County. The complaint contends Zunker used his office to intimidate and harass the Wallings in attempting to provide evidence for use by Mrs. Walling’s ex-husband [Raymond Miller] in his civil litigation against her regarding custody and visitation of their children. Neither the commissioners’ court nor Glasscock County Attorney Hardy Wilkerson (who was present at the court meeting) had any response to the complaint, which is on file in the Glasscock County Clerk’s Office. Contacted on the morning of April 12, Zunker said he was unaware of the complaint, and Glasscock County Sheriff Royce Pruit said he had not seen the complaint and therefore could not comment.
Inquiry into Sheriff’s Office Requested
A letter from Raymond Miller of Midland dated April 6, 2006 was sent to County Judge Wilburn Bednar and to each Glasscock County commissioner asking for an inquiry into possible improprieties within the Glasscock County Sheriff’s Office. Miller states that his letter was sent to the judge and commissioners because of his understanding that Sheriff Pruit is currently ill and may be unable to address his concerns. [The Miller letter was not previously made public, but Bednar provided the GC News with a copy April 12.] Miller’s letter states that he faxed information regarding an investigation involving Jeff Walling to Deputy Ken Zunker at the Glasscock County Sheriff’s Office. Miller says Zunker told him the information was used for reporting purposes and then placed in his office, accessible only to himself and Deputy Keith Burnett. Miller contends that the information was subsequently made known to Walling, who was then an inmate at the Glasscock County jail. In his letter, Miller asks that an inquiry be conducted to seek out who, other than Zunker, had access to the information and how it made its way to a jail inmate. He also asks Glasscock County for, as open records, detailed information for all calls placed to or from any county cell phones issued to or regularly used by Burnett during January, February and March of 2006.
County Hires Trevino
In special session March 20, the Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court hired Oscar Trevino to fill the combined job of county custodian-groundskeeper and operator of the Garden City Water System. His salary will be $27,900, with full county benefits. Approximately 60 percent of the job’s cost will be allocated to the county and 40 percent to the water system. Commissioner Marck Schafer said combining the previously separate jobs will save the county approximately $17,000 per year. The court again discussed buildings for the two county dump grounds, and decided to make them handicapped-accessible. Commissioners said it would be cheaper to build to meet ADA specs rather than possibly having to modify the structures to meet the requirements later. Commissioners discussed problems with burned-out trash barrels at the west dump and decided to allow them to be piled there, but not put into the container. The court emphasized that only barrels will be allowed outside the container; other metal items must be taken to the north landfill.
Information on Animal I.D. Set for Meeting
The Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, along with the Sterling and Glasscock County Offices of Texas Cooperative Extension will host a regional meeting April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Sterling County Community Center. In addition to TSGRA business, Dr. Rick Machen, Extension Livestock Specialist from Uvalde, will present a program on the National Animal Identification System.
Following the program, producers will have the opportunity to sign up to receive their premise number, if they like. The North American Hair Sheep Association and the First National Bank of Sterling City will provide a meal and there is no charge for the event. All Sterling and Glasscock County livestock producers are encouraged to attend.
Head Start, Kindergarten Registrations
Garden City Head Start registration will be April 19 - 21 for children who are 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2006. Bring birth certificate, immunization record, and documentation of medical insurance for the enrolling child, along with social security cards for all members of the household and proof of income such as: W-2 forms, income tax return, or recent check stubs. Applications will be taken in the Head Start Parent Room/Office from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Contact Delia Pierson at 354-2413 for more information. Head Start is primarily a program for 4-year-olds. However, if enrollment is low, some 3-year-olds may be included. All applications for both ages will be taken at this time and the 3-year-old applicants will be on a waiting list. All applications are needed to help plan the program for the coming year to meet community needs. Head Start will not deny enrollment on the basis of a child’s disability. Your child will be accepted based on the Head Start Point System. Kindergarten Registration April 28
Children who will be attending Garden City’s kindergarten this year are invited to come to the kindergarten classroom from 2 – 3 p.m. Friday, April 28. Students will meet the teacher and participate in fun activities. Parents will meet in the elementary office to register their children. Please bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate, shot record, and social security card. If you are unable to register your child at this time, come by the elementary office at your convenience or call 354-2243.
In The Spotlight
• Timothy Schniers, a student at South Plains College, was recently inducted into the Kappa Mu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. He is the son of Kenneth and Kathleen Schniers and a 2005 graduate of GCHS.
• Numerous Garden City students received recognition for superior achievements in both academic and sporting events recently. Check details in From the Schoolhouse.
Rent-A-Kat and Bean Cooking Contest May 1
Everyone is invited to a fun-filled evening at the football field – Glasscock County style – on May 1. Activities will begin with the FFA-sponsored bean-cooking contest at 6 p.m. The distinguished panel of professional bean-eating judges will consist of Steve Long, Bart Belew, and Rebel Royall. The contest is open to anyone in the county. Bowls of beans will be for sale after the contest. At approximately 7 p.m., the annual and always entertaining “Rent-A-Kat” will begin. This year’s crop of fine young athletes looks like they can get the job done. Talk about “bang for your buck,” this is a great way to support your local athletic program, and get a little work done around your place, too. At the conclusion of “Rent-A-Kat,” the results of the bean-cooking contest will be announced, and a special attraction, a bean “eating” contest, will begin. In addition, this year’s FFA ag mechanic projects will be on display throughout the evening. This will include the trailers that have been built and this year’s tractor restoration project. For more information and contest rules, contact Rusty Hollingsworth or Coach Hoskins at 354-2244.
Court Awards Bid on Landfill Office
At its April 10 meeting, the Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court voted to accept Daniel Kujawski’s $9,975 bid for construction of an office at the north landfill. The court plans to build another office for the west dump ground after a new budget is adopted in September. The court also voted to repair a bulldozer with transmission problems for a price of $38,000. After the repairs, the court will decide whether to keep the machine or trade it in on another. Commissioners appeared to agree with Keith Burnett’s request for two additional emergency radios at a total cost of $3,200, although no action was taken because the item was not on the court’s agenda. One of the two units will be installed in a maintainer and one used as a spare. To date, the court has provided new digital radios for emergency vehicles and the sheriff’s department at a combined cost of $26.000. Burnett said the new radios are in use and proving invaluable in firefighting efforts. The court voted to pay Constable Mark Frysak $100 per month for gasoline expense. The commissioners agreed that he is out working, trying to help, using his own car, and should be reimbursed for some gasoline. Earlier, Frysak had reported that he recently completed a basic course in animal control. Extension agent Charlene Belew was given permission to use a special paint to fill in the lettering on the stone community center marker. She also asked for lighting for the marker and was instructed to get a solar-powered light. County Judge Wilburn Bednar suggested that the paint be used on the lettering of the county marker at the main intersection.
Briefly
• Glasscock County’s Senior Citizens will meet April 18; bring snack food. Judy Pumroy from the new Veterans Home in Big Spring will be the guest speaker at the May 2 meeting and the fare will be potluck. Since the group has not met for a couple of months, everyone is encouraged to attend both meetings. Anyone over 50 years of age is invited.
• Beginning Sunday, May 7, First Baptist Church of Garden City will observe the following hours: Sunday School, 10 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.
• Cancellation Notice: The Third Annual 4-H Share-the-Fun Extravaganza scheduled for April 28 has been canceled due to conflicts in several youth’s schedules.
• Swim lessons will be held for two weeks beginning May 22. Exact dates will be announced later. Cost is $40 for 8 days. For more information, call Tibby Niehues 354-2220.
• Glasscock County is taking sealed bids on a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria with 104,000 miles. The car can be seen at the courthouse. Bids should go to the county judge’s office, and will be opened May 8.
• An informational meeting regarding the school district’s bond election will be held April 25 at 6 p.m. in the Ruth Cook Auditorium at the school. All voters are encouraged to attend. A second meeting will be held at a time and place to be announced.
• Early voting for the school bond election will be May 1 – 9, with election day May 13.
• There will be a Health Fair in Stanton April 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Martin County Community Center, 301 N. St. Theresa. There is no charge for admission. The fair will include free health screening including blood work, safety demonstrations, emergency vehicles and more than 50 other health-related exhibits and booths. A veterinarian (Dr. Cobb) will give pet vaccinations from 1 – 3 p.m., with a charge for the shots. Also, United Blood Services will be present for blood donations.
• An Adventure Trek Camp hosted by the Texas 4-H Center will be June 25 – July 1 at Colorado Bend State Park on the Colorado River. The camps, which are outdoor adventure camps for youth between the ages of 14 and 18, focus on progressive learning and adventures to help participants develop a true love of and comfort in the natural environment. Membership in 4-H is not a requirement. For information, contact the Extension office at 354-2381, or visit the Texas 4-H website at http://texas4h-ctr.tamu.edu/.
Kids Invited to Sterling City Reading Program
Hey, kids in Glasscock County, ages three to sixth grade, you’re invited for a fun time this summer at our public library in Sterling City. We are gearing up for our annual Summer Reading Program and we want you to be a part of it. It will run each Wednesday during the months of June and July. The theme will be “Reading…Sport of Champions.” As you know, reading offers a world of wonder, and we are going to have SO MUCH FUN. There will be weekly speakers, reading groups, challenging activities/games, door prizes and let’s not forget to check books out, of course! More information will be provided soon, so stay tuned and get ready to have LOTS OF FUN!!!
From the Schoolhouse
State High School TMSCA Meet Results: Garden City High School was the Sweepstakes winner at the state meet, placing first with 2495 total points. Tyler Bednar was a scholarship winner, tying for second place as Senior Top Gun. Top Gun Awards (students ranked by points earned in their grade level): Ninth grade – Michael Clarke 1st, Jake Schwartz 6th. Brooke Halfmann 7th; Tenth grade – Wade Jansa 1st, Juan Zuniga 5th; Eleventh grade – Taylor Niehues 1st, Colton Schwartz 2nd; Twelfth grade – Tyler Bednar 2nd (T), Katie Gully 8th. Team Results: Number Sense Team – 1st, Calculator Team 1st, Mathematics Team 1st, Science Team 2nd. Individual placements: Tyler Bednar – Number Sense 8th, Calculator 2nd, Math 10th; Katie Gully – Number Sense 5th, Math 7th; Colton Schwartz – Number Sense 8th, Calculator 8th, Math 2nd, Science 1st; Taylor Niehues – Number Sense 1st, Calculator 1st, Math 1st, Science 2nd; Wade Jansa – Number Sense 1st, Calculator 1st, Math 1st, Science 3rd; Juan Zuniga – Math 2nd, Science 7th; Jake Schwartz – Number Sense 9th, Calculator 6th, Math 8th; Michael Clarke – Number Sense 5th, Calculator 1st, Math 3rd, Science 8th; Brooke Halfmann- Number Sense 3rd, Calculator 9th, Math 9th; Cayla Schwartz – Math 6th. Science Subject Areas: Wade Jansa – Chemistry 5th, Physics 1st; Juan Zuniga – Chemistry 6th; Colton Schwartz – Biology 1st (T), Chemistry 6th, Physics 3rd; Taylor Niehues Biology 1st (T), Physics 1st; Tyler Bednar – Biology 3rd.
State Junior High School TMSCA Meet Results: Garden City Junior High placed third in the sweepstakes. Team Results: Number Sense Team – 4th, Calculator Team 2nd, Math Team 5th, Science Team 4th. Individual Awards: Hayden Halfmann – Number Sense 1st, Calculator 1st, Math 1st; Brian Hirt - Number Sense 2nd, Calculator 2nd, Math 15th; Brittany Schniers – Calculator 7th, Math 6th, Science 8th; Adriana Ramirez Number Sense 11th, Calculator 4th, Math 13th; Kate Halfmann – Number Sense 13th; Paige Niehues – Calculator 13th, Science 14th; Laura Halfmann – Science 6th.
Results of District Academic UIL Meet:
Accounting team – 1st, Cory Multer 1st, Erin Hirt 3rd, Cade Halfmann 4th, Katie Gully 5th; Calculator Applications team – 1st, Taylor Niehues 1st, Wade Jansa 2nd, Colton Schwartz 3rd, Tyler Bednar 4th; Computer Applications – Brooke Halfmann 1st, Taylor Niehues 2nd, Mikela Barton 3rd; Computer Science team – 1st, Taylor Niehues 1st, Wade Jansa 2nd, Colton Schwartz 3rd, Katie Gully 4th; Editorial Writing – Mikela Barton 1st, Britton Avery 6th; Feature Writing – K’Lann Niehues 3rd; Headline Writing – Sam Long 3rd; Informative Speaking – Tyler Bednar 2nd, Tracy Eggemeyer 3rd, Whitney Kellermeier 4th; Mathematics team 1st, Taylor Niehues 1st, Wade Jansa 2nd, Colton Schwartz 3rd, Tyler Bednar 5th; Number Sense team 1st, Taylor Niehues 1st, Wade Jansa 2nd, Colton Schwartz 3rd, Katie Gully 4th; New Writing – K’Lann Niehues 4th; Persuasive Speaking – Jason Flores 4th; Poetry Interpretation – Victoria Ortiz 5th; Ready Writing – K’Lann Niehues 3rd, Cory Multer 4th; Science team – 1st, Taylor Niehues 1st (High point biology, chemistry, physics), Colton Schwartz 2nd, Wade Jansa 3rd; Spelling and Vocabulary team – 2nd, Lauren Wheeler 3rd, Mikela Barton 5th, Luis Zuniga 6th; Journalism team – 1st; Speech team – 2nd. Regional Qualifiers and their events: Tyler Bednar – Calculator, Math, Informative Speaking; Cory Multer – Accounting; Katie Gully – Number Sense, Accounting, Computer Science; Tracy Eggemeyer – Informative Speaking; Cade Halfmann – Accounting; Erin Hirt – Accounting; Sam Long – Headline Writing; K’Lann Niehues – Feature Writing, Ready Writing; Taylor Niehues – Calculator, Math, Number Sense, Science, Computer Applications, Computer Science; Colton Schwartz – Calculator, Math, Number Sense, Science, Computer Science; Wade Jansa – Calculator, Math, Number Sense, Science, Computer Science; Mikela Barton – Computer Applications, Editorial Writing; Brooke Halfmann – Computer Applications; Jake Schwartz – Science; Lauren Wheeler – Spelling.
FAA News: Results of Ag Mechanic Contest were: 5’ x 10’ trailer – red ribbon, exhibited by Sam Long; 6’ 10” x 16’ trailer – blue ribbon, 1st in class, 2 in division, 3rd best of show, exhibited by Sam Long, Garrett Kellermeier, and Grant Schwartz; 1941 John Deere B – blue ribbon, 1st in class, 1st in division, 1st best of show, exhibited by Garrett Kellermeier and Grant Schwartz In addition, the team placed 2nd in the sweepstakes and 2nd in showmanship.
SPORTS: Tennis: Varsity Regional Qualifiers from District 9A meet: Mixed Doubles – Jeffrey Pierson and Lyza Ann Lopez, 2nd; Boys Doubles – Alex Halfmann and Taylor Niehues 1st, Evan Jansa and Nick Sanchez 2nd. Other Garden City players who placed in the District meet were: Girls Singles – Lauren Wheeler 3rd; Girls Doubles – Julie Hirt and Melissa Hirt 4th; Boys Singles – Tyler Bednar 4th. JV: Boys Singles – Pancho Zuniga 1st, Justin Pierson 2nd; Boys Doubles – Eric Hirt and Spencer Plagens 1st; Girls Singles – Samantha Pitts 2nd; Girls Doubles – Macy Schwartz and Sidney Halfmann 1st, Vikki Garza and Jessica Barnes 2nd, Britney Chudej and Halie Schaefer 3rd.
Track: Area Qualifiers from District 9A meet: Girls: K’Lann Niehues – Triple Jump 1st, High Jump 2nd, 400m 4th; Amy Multer – Shot Put 3rd; Lauren Wheeler – 400m 3rd; Britton Avery – 100 Med. Hurdles 4th, 300 Med. Hurdles 4th; Vikki Garza – 3200m 1st, 1600m 2nd; Whitney Kellermeier – 3200m 3rd, 1600m 4th; 1600m Relay – K’Lann Niehues, Britton Avery, Mikela Barton, Lauren Wheeler 2nd, Alternates: Julie Hirt, Angela Hoelscher. Boys: Jared Bradford- 400m 4th, Long Jump 3rd; Cory Multer – Disc 1st, Shot 1st; Dusty Walker – Shot 4th, Jason Flores – 800m 2nd, 1600m 3rd; Bo Eggemeyer – Pole Vault 3rd.
Golf: Teams Head to Regionals: Garden City’s boy’ and girl’s golf teams are headed to the Regional meet in Abilene after winning their respective District 9A competitions. Only the top two district teams advance to Regionals. The Lady Kats team shot a 457 topping second place Grady by 45 strokes. Team 1 – Kayla Medrano 1st Medalist, Brooke Halfmann 2nd Medalist, Erin Hirt, Amy Multer, Mikela Barton. Team 2, fourth place – Melissa Hirt, Brittney Chudej, Whitney Kellermeier, Cayla Schwartz. The Bearkats dominated the District 9A meet taking four of the six individual regional qualifying spots. The team, which shot a 353, took first place overall defeating second-place Borden County by 32 strokes. Team 1 -Chase O’Brien 2nd, Eric Hirt fourth, Taylor Niehues fifth, Sam Long sixth, Cory Multer. Team 2, fourth place – Evan Jansa, Spencer Plagens, Colton Schwartz, Cade Halfmann, Blaine Walker. At the tournament hosted by Garden City earlier, the Bearkats and the Lady Kats brought home their team titles. Each of their second teams took fourth place.
Basketball: After an excellent season, four Lady Kat players received post-season honors. In District 7A, Erin Hirt was named MVP, K’Lann Niehues was defensive player of the year, and Lauren Plagens and Lyza Lopez were named to the all district team. The Texas Six-Man Coaches Association, named Plagens and Hirt to the first team – all region, and Hirt was named to second team - all state. Hirt was selected to the Texas Girls Coaches Association all state team.
Next Issue Date and Deadline
The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be May 10. The deadline for that issue is May 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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