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Glasscock County News
County Discusses Splitting Sheriff/Tax Assessor Jobs
Glasscock County commissioners discussed the possibility of splitting the sheriff’s and tax assessor-collector’s jobs at a special meeting May 7. Although the meeting was not called for that purpose, commissioners asked County Judge Wilburn Bednar to ask if Sheriff Royce Pruit intends to retire after this term, and whether he would be in favor of the job separation. Bednar reported at the regular commissioners’ meeting May 14 that Pruit has no set date in mind for retirement, and would not favor splitting the jobs, since he could not be the county’s chief appraiser if he is not the tax assessor. Separating the jobs would have to be passed by voters in an election, and commissioners said they wanted to be prepared to consider a change if Pruit decided to retire. However, Commissioner Marck Schafer said that since the two jobs have been combined for so long, he sees no necessity for changing right now. Bednar said, since Pruit opposes the change, he would not favor it right now, but that the county needs to be prepared to consider it later. Bank Depository Bids May 21 Bids for the county’s depository bank will be taken at a meeting May 21. One bid, from the Glasscock County Bank, was available at the May 14 meeting, since that was the advertised date for bids, but the bid was not opened and no action taken, since the item was not on the court’s May 14 agenda. County Treasurer Alan Dierschke said state law requires that the depository be a bank in the county, if there is a bank in the county, but the county’s investment bank may be elsewhere. According to Dierschke’s quarterly investment report, during the last quarter (October – December 2006), the county’s invested monies in the Glasscock County Bank averaged $879,758 and drew an average of 4.70 percent interest. During that same period, county funds averaging $176,993 were invested in TexPool, and averaged 5.28 percent interest. The county currently has $2,370,000 in the local bank, Dierschke said. Commissioner Jimmy Strube said some area banks are now paying up to six percent for six-month certificates of deposit. According to Roger Williams, the local bank pays the county the13-week T-bill ask (discount) rate minus .25 basis points (one-quarter percent). If the T-bill rate is 4.5 percent, the bank pays 4.25 percent. A jail report from Deputy Keith Burnett for April showed 19 inmates held for a total of 191 days at $36.50 per day. Payment to the county will amount to $6,972. In other matters, the commissioners: approved expenses for Tommy Hoelscher, Christy Seidenberger, Mark Frysak and Galen Schwartz to attend EMS training in Ruidoso; briefly discussed water tower ladder safety, since the light atop the tower is not working; hired Colby Hirt as a summer mower driver for the south portion of the county at $9.50 per hour, as per current part-time pay policy.
Three Teachers Resign GCISD
The GCISD school board accepted the resignations of Reta Bell, Linda Jones and Cecilia Schwartz at its regular meeting May 14. At the same meeting, they hired Carla Braden to teach elementary special education, Kelly Baker in business/technology and Micky Baker as a coach/teacher. (See Meeting New Teachers) After a 45-minute closed session, the board voted 6 –1 (Diane Havlak opposed) to make a bid on undisclosed property. Superintendent Steve Long reported that summer school will be May 29 – June 25 for 30 – 35 students and six teachers. He said the school’s summer work program would involve four students and two adults plus four students working for DSA contractors. Final enrollment figures were: Pre-K – 6, 140; grades 7 – 8, 38; grades 9 – 12, 93, for a K – 12 total of 271. Graduation will be Friday, May 18, and is planned for the football stadium. According to Long, if weather conditions force the event into the auditorium, graduates will draw for seating locations. Those drawing side seating will be allowed six seats; those drawing center seating will be allowed seven seats. The decision about location will be made during the afternoon of May 18.
County Grants Wind Farm Easements
The Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court (Commissioner Marck Schafer absent) at a special meeting April 24 granted easements to Wind Plus of Irving, TX to build an electrical transmission line along portions of three county roads: Sherrod Rd., Schafer Rd., and Hamby Rd. They also formally granted the same company permission to build the wind farm project and agreed to create a reinvestment zone for the project. Formal action granting tax abatements will follow at a later date. According to Ray Boothe of Wind Plus, the project, which was to have begun two years ago, has now been greatly expanded and is supposed to ultimately consist of more than 500 wind turbines, each the height of a 30-story building, including the rotor in a vertical position. The project will include more than 40,000 acres and will extend from northeastern Glasscock County southwest to just north of Garden City, then west and northwest several miles. Boothe said the project’s construction phase should create some 150-200 jobs, and 25 other jobs will be permanent after construction. He said the project needs to be pretty much up and running by December 2008, when important federal production tax credits are due to expire. In other action (with Commissioner Schafer present), the court agreed to pay $3,500 for repairs to a pickup belonging to Joe D. Schwartz after his employee ran into a county-owned pile of caliche which had no barricade or warning sign in place. They also adopted an official county road maintenance map.
Commissioners Meet with Engineer
Glasscock County Commissioners met with highway engineer Don Bonifay for the second time at their regular session May 14. They have been considering whether to use Bonifay’s services on a contract basis, and previously met with him at a called meeting April 2. Bonifay was Ector County’s highway engineer for 20 years, and before that, was with South Texas Construction. At the first meeting, Bonifay said he needed to drive Glasscock County’s roads, and to research dates when roads were paved and last seal-coated, to get an idea of the road situation. Having done that, Bonifay reported that the county’s roads are in good shape, and commended the commissioners for the work they’ve done. He said if he works for the county, he would set up a priority system regarding when seal-coating and paving should be done. He said age alone isn’t an indicator of a need for seal-coating, but has to be considered along with population, amount and type of traffic and other factors. Paving Companies Not Interested in Small Jobs He warned the commissioners’ court that it will be hard for them to find companies to do paving and seal-coating this year. He said Jones Bros. and Reese Albert are not doing this work for cities and counties (except Odessa and Ector County, their home), since they are having trouble keeping up with state work, which they prefer. He said neither of the two bid on Andrews County’s $400,000 job this year. He said Price Construction isn’t really interested in small jobs, but they might bid; Van Zant is still in the asphalt business, but no longer doing seal-coating. He said all the companies are short on personnel, and most have equipment sitting idle, due to competition from oil field work. Bonifay said he is opposed to Glasscock County buying seal-coating equipment, because 1) it sits idle most of the year, and 2) personnel can’t be hired who know how to do the work. He said the county’s best bet in the future will probably be to try to work with Reagan and Sterling counties to create a project large enough to attract companies to bid. Commissioners decided they wanted to hire Bonifay, and he is to bring a contract for their review to the next commissioners’ court meeting May 21 at 8:30 a.m.
Meeting New Teachers
Carla Braden, who will be teaching elementary special education, is a 1966 graduate of Wall High School. She graduated from Angelo State University in December 2000 with a BS in Education with a minor in special education. She is certified EC-4 and all grade levels of special ed. Braden was employed at Grape Creek ISD from 2002 – 2006, first as a paraprofessional, then as a CEI lab teacher and then was a special ed resource teacher for two years. Kelly Baker, who will teach business and technology, was employed from 1987 to the present by Whitharral ISD, teaching various computer classes and web design, accounting, yearbook and journalism. Previously, she taught newspaper, yearbook, journalism, photography and keyboarding at Greenwood ISD. K. Baker graduated from Humble High School in 1978 and Southwest Texas State University in 1982 with a B.A in journalism and a minor in business administration. She holds lifetime teaching certifications in secondary business administration (6-12), secondary journalism (6-12), information processing technologies (6-12) and a provisional certification in technology applications (8-12), which expires in July 2008. Micky Baker, hired to be a coach and teacher, is a 1978 graduate of Robert Lee High School, attended Western Texas College, Midwestern State University, and graduated from Angelo State University in 1982 with a B.S in physical education and a minor in history. He has completed six hours of graduate work in administration at Sul Ross State University. For the last 20 years, Baker has been the athletic director and head girls’ basketball coach at Whitharral ISD. From 1982-87 he worked at Greenwood ISD as a coach and teacher. He has taught Texas, world and American history, world geography, government/economics and secondary PE.
Notice to Our Readers:
Due to the ever-increasing costs of postage and printing, plus new postal regulations which make us ineligible for bulk mailing rates, the Glasscock County News will soon be an online-only publication. Most of our readers are already getting the newsletter electronically, but we regret the inconvenience to those who do not have Internet access at home. However, we hope you will be able to get the GC News at work, or from family or friends. If you are unable to receive the newsletter online, we encourage you to begin now making plans with people you know who have Internet access to print a copy of the newsletter for you each month after the printed copies end. If you have Internet access and haven’t sent us your email address, please do so now. Send it to: gcnews201@aol.com .We will announce the last printed, USPS-mailed issue when it occurs.
Briefly
• Glasscock County Senior Citizens will meet May 15 at 6 p.m. This will be snack or finger-food night. Chicken spaghetti and garlic bread will be furnished Tuesday, June 5, so bring a salad, veggie or dessert. The group meets the first and third Tuesday of each month, and they encourage you all to come out and enjoy the good food and dominos.
• The school library will be open May 29 through June 21 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon.
• Relay For Life will be held in Big Spring on May 18th. This year ONLY Glasscock County residents have the opportunity to enroll to participate in the 3rd Cancer Prevention Study of the American Cancer Society. Anyone between the ages of 30-65 years who has never been diagnosed with cancer and who will commit to the study long term may join. Enrollment will be at Relay For Life from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and then 10:30 p.m. until the last person enrolls. Enrollment will take 20-30 minutes. All you have to do is complete a brief survey, provide a waist measurement, and give a small amount of blood collected by a professional, trained phlebotomist. Within four months after Relay, you will be mailed a more extensive survey to complete, asking questions related to medical history, lifestyle, and behaviors. Every two years, you will receive a survey to update that information. For more information, visit www.cancer.org/cps3 or call toll free 1-888-604-5888.
• Vernon and Glenda Gill thank everyone for the cards, phone calls and prayers after Glenda’s broken hip. Special thanks to the Glasscock County EMS, Deputy Sheriff Keith Burnett, Butch Halfmann, Carmen Johnson and Joe Calverley. The Gills are temporarily at Saddleridge Lodge, Rm. 2005, in Midland (on the north loop, a few blocks east of Chili’s restaurant) and are happy to have visitors.
• Texas teacher certification information is available at www.sbec.state.tx.us. One can then click on Official Record for Educator Certificates, then enter a teacher’s name to see his/her certifications.
• Free telephone information number: 1/800/FREE-411. Works for both cell and landlines.
• Dumpsters at the community center are specifically for the use of offices and activities at the center, according to the Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court. They are concerned that private use is occasionally filling the dumpsters, and there is not enough room for trash from events held at the center.
• Little League baseball games at the Garden City field are scheduled for May 15, May 17, May 21, May 22, May 25, May 29, May 31, June 1, June 2 (at 10 a.m.), June 4, and June 8, all starting around 5:30 p.m. There will be a benefit co-ed softball game for Jessie & Joyce Overton on Friday, June 1 from 8 – 9 p.m., followed by a home run derby. Anyone junior high age through adults, male or female, is welcome to play. The per-person entry fee of $5 will go to the Overtons and teams will be formed the day of the event. Donations will also be accepted at the game and the concession stand will be open. Call Jamie Walker to sign up (398-5430).
• The local 4-H group is beginning a shooting sports project after the end of Little League this summer. The program will include shotgun and archery, and is in need of volunteers. One doesn’t need to be a 4-H member to be a volunteer leader or instructor and grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and business people are encouraged to help out. The project is also in need of seed money and equipment. If you would like to donate funding or used shotguns, or if you need information on becoming a certified instructor or volunteer leader, call Douglas Jost at 354-2205 or the Extension office at 354-2381.
• A White-tailed Deer Appreciation Day, showcasing the latest trends affecting the deer hunting industry, and sponsored by the Extension offices in Reagan, Upton and Glasscock counties, is set for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 22 on the Rocker B Ranch. Make reservations and get directions to the ranch by calling the Extension office in Reagan County at 325-884-2335. A complementary lunch will be provided. Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be available (two general and one integrated pest management).
• The Glasscock Groundwater Conservation District Board met April 17 and appointed Kent McMillan as the new director for Precinct #2. They also moved two CD’s from First Bank of West Texas to Big Spring Banking Center. The two $100,000 CD’s are both drawing five percent interest, one for a term of three months and the other for twelve months. There was no meeting May 15 due to lack of a quorum.
FSA County Committee Nominations Due
The USDA is accepting nominations for eligible candidates to serve on the local FSA County Committee. The nomination period runs until Aug.1. The seat up for election represents Local Administrative Area (LAA) number 2, which is the area located south of County Road 110 and west of County Road Coop and FM 3093 (the LAA boundary map is posted at the FSA office). Agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in an FSA program may be nominated for the committee. Individuals may nominate themselves or another as a candidate. In addition, organizations representing the socially disadvantaged, minorities or females may nominate candidates. Candidates must reside in, or have agricultural interests in LAA #2 to be eligible for this election. Nomination forms must be returned or postmarked no later than Aug. 1. For more information or nomination forms, call the local FSA office, or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/elections.
Spotlight
• Alex Halfmann and Taylor Niehues won their second state championship in class A boys’ doubles tennis. Taylor won several first place state academic awards.
• UIL academic meet and athletic events from GCISD are detailed in “From the Schoolhouse.” Garden City students excelled in both areas, advancing to the state level in academics, golf, tennis and track and field.
• On a recent visit to the state capitol in Austin, Chelsea Schwartz, Miss West Texas 2007, was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives and presented with an honorary resolution from Speaker of the House Tom Craddick citing her many accomplishments. Chelsea, a 2003 GCHS graduate, will compete for the title of Miss Texas in July in Ft. Worth.
• Brooke Halfmann attended the Business Professionals of American (BPA) 2007 National Leadership Conference, "Destination: Success," in New York City May 9-13. Brooke, who competed in Integrated Office Applications, joined over 6,000 other conference delegates from across the nation to participate in national-level business skill competitions, workshops, general sessions and the national officer candidate campaign and elections.
• Garrett Kellermeier, Dean's List, and Dusty Walker, Diplomat Scholar, were recognized by Howard College for their achievements during the 06-07 school year at an Awards Convocation held April 17.
• Garden City bands won several group and individual awards recently. Please see “From the Schoolhouse.”
From the Schoolhouse
UIL Academic Meets
State Meet Results: Garden City High School placed second over-all in state competition. Team Event Results: Math - 1st Taylor Niehues, Colton Schwartz, Wade Jansa, Michael Clarke; Number Sense - 2nd Taylor Niehues, Colton Schwartz, Wade Jansa, Brooke Halfmann; Calculator - 1st Taylor Niehues, Colton Schwartz, Wade Jansa, Michael Clarke; Computer Science - 1st Taylor Niehues, Colton Schwartz, Wade Jansa; Science - 1st Taylor Niehues, Colton Schwartz, Wade Jansa, Brooke Halfmann. Individual Honors: Taylor Niehues - 2nd Math, 3rd Number Sense, 1st Calculator, 1st Computer Science, 1st Science, High Point Biology and Physics; Colton Schwartz - 4th Math, 4th Calculator, 6th Science, 5th Computer Science; Wade Jansa - 3rd Math, 2nd Calculator, 2nd Science; Michael Clarke - 6th Calculator; Brooke Halfmann - 4th Computer Applications.
Region II meet: Garden City High School earned the Region II UIL Academic Championship. Teams placing first advance to state competition. Individual state qualifiers are Colton Schwartz, Taylor Niehues, Wade Jansa, Brooke Halfmann and Michael Clark. Team Results: Number Sense - 1st, Taylor Niehues, Wade Jansa, Colton Schwartz, Brooke Halfmann; Calculator – 1st Taylor Niehues, Wade Jansa, Colton Schwartz, Michael Clarke; Science – 1st Taylor Niehues, Colton Schwartz, Wade Jansa, Brooke Halfmann; Math – 1st Taylor Niehues, Wade Jansa, Colton Schwartz, Michael Clarke; Accounting – 3rd Cade Halfmann, Erin Hirt, Julie Hirt, Amy Multer; Literary Criticism – 6th Mikela Barton, Britton Avery, Laura Halfmann; Computer Science – 1st Taylor Niehues, Colton Schwartz, Wade Jansa. Individual Awards: Mikela Barton – 4th Literary Criticism; Michael Clarke – 6th Calculator; Brooke Halfmann – 1st Computer Applications; Wade Jansa – 1st Number Sense, 3rd Calculator, 5th Science, 2nd Math, 2nd Computer Science; Kelsey Jones – 5th Feature Writing; Amy Multer – 4th Accounting; K’Lann Niehues – 5th Ready Writing; Taylor Niehues – 2nd Number Sense, 1st Calculator, 1st Science, High Physics, 2nd High Biology, Chemistry, 1st Math, 1st Computer Science; Colton Schwartz – 4th Number Sense, 4th Calculator, 6th Science, 2nd High Physics 4th Math, 3rd Computer Science.
Sports:
Golf: State Results: The GC boys’ golf team finished in seventh place at the state tournament with a two-day total of 706. Individual scores were: Eric Hirt 172, Sam Long 176, Chase O’Brien 176, Taylor Niehues 182 and Marcus Cook 185.
Regional Results: The GC boys’ team qualified for the state golf tournament finishing second in Regional II competition with a two-day score of 642. Individual scores were: O’Brien 163, Long 164, Hirt 162, Cook 162 and Niehues 169. Koby Abney coaches the team. In the girls’ regional tourney, GC’s Kate Halfmann finished tied for ninth place in the medalist standings with a 184 total. Brooke Halfmann finished with a 190 score. District Play: Garden City’s boys’ golf team took second place in the District 11A tournament and qualified for the Regional tournament. Marcus Cook placed second in the individual medalist standings. The girls’ team, whose members are Erin Hirt, Brittney Chudej, Kate Halfmann, Brooke Halfmann, Laura Halfmann, Mikela Barton and Amy Multer, finished third in District 11A. Kate Halfmann and Brooke Halfmann, who placed third and fifth in the medalist standings respectively, advance to the Regional tournament. Ken Hoskins coaches the girls’ team.
Tennis: State Results: Alex Halfmann and Taylor Niehues won their second Class A state boys’ doubles tennis championship, defeating the team from Center Point 6-4, 6-4. In the semi-finals, they won the match with Era 6-2, 6-2, and defeated the team from White Deer 6-1, 7-6 in the quarterfinal round. Garden City’s mixed doubles team of Evan Jansa and Lyza Lopez were defeated 6-1, 7-6 in the quarterfinals by the D’Hanis team.
Region II Competition: Two Garden City doubles teams advance to the state tournament. The boys’ doubles team of Alex Halfmann and Taylor Niehues won their championship match to advance to state for the third consecutive year. The mixed doubles team of Evan Jansa and Liza Lopez won their championship match to advance. Nick Sanchez was a medalist placing third in boys’ singles.
District 9A tournament: varsity regional qualifiers - Girls Singles – Lauren Wheeler, 2nd; Mixed Doubles – Evan Jansa and Lyza Lopez, 1st, Juan Zuniga and Julie Hirt 2nd; Boys Singles – Nick Sanchez, 2nd; Boys Doubles – Alex Halfmann and Taylor Niehues, 1st, Spencer Plagens and Eric Hirt, 2nd.
Track and Field
State Results: K’Lann Niehues finished tied for fourth place in the girls’ triple jump at 36-00.50.
Regional Results: K’Lann Niehues advanced to state in the girls’ triple jump with a second place leap of 35.00’. Placing third, Paige Niehues medaled in the 400 M Dash; the girls’ 4 x 400 (1600 M) relay team also medaled with a third place finish, but third place does not advance. Area Round: With 23 schools participating in the Track and Field Area Round, Garden City boys finished 4th overall with 49 points and the girls finished 2nd with 65 points. Teams and individuals finishing in the top 4 in each event advance to the regional meet. Results of those qualifying for the regional meet: Boys’ events: 800 M Run - 3rd Jason Flores 2:09.13; 4 x 100 (400 M) Relay - 3rd Kevin Hillger, Jake Schwartz, Bo Eggemeyer, Jared Bradford 45.45; 4 x 400 (1600 M) Relay - 3rd Jake Schwartz, Jason Flores, Luis Zuniga, Colton Schwartz, 3:42.32; High Jump - 1st Jake Schwartz, 5'-10".
Girls’ events: 400 M Dash - 2nd Paige Niehues, 1:02.91; 800 M Run - 4th Morgan Schwartz, 2:37.38; 1600 M Run - 3rd Vikki Garza, 6:07.77; 3200 M Run - 2nd Vikki Garza, 13:24.51; 4 x 400 (1600 M) Relay - 2nd Lauren Wheeler, Paige Niehues, K’Lann Niehues, Morgan Schwartz, 4:25.45; Triple Jump - 1st K'Lann Niehues, 35'; High Jump - 1st K'Lann Niehues, 5'-0".
Band News:
The Bearkat Band received a trophy for First Division, Superior Rating at the Wink Band Festival. The following students received band awards: 5th grade – outstanding boy, Brandon Gartman, outstanding girl, Kamie Halfmann; 6th grade – outstanding boy, Craig Wheeler, outstanding girl, Sarah Hoelscher; Katy Multer, outstanding 7th grade student; Brittany Schniers, outstanding 8th grade band student; Luis Zuniga, outstanding high school band student; Shyla Curry, John Phillips Sousa Award winner. Garden City bands from grades 5, 6 and 7 competed at the Greenwood Music Festival recently. Each of the bands received a 1st Division Superior rating for their performance and won a trophy. Soloists from 5th and 6th grades, whose performance received 1st Division Superior ratings, were awarded individual medals.
4-H News
District 6 4-H Livestock Judging Contest results:
Junior Division Team: Bryson Batla Brooklyn Batla Rafe Royall Kadden Kothman; Individual: Carlie Hollingsworth. Sheep - Bryson Batla - 2nd, Team - 3rd; Beef - Rafe Royall - 1st, Kadden Kothman - 3rd, Team - 1st; Swine - Carlie Hollingsworth - 4th, Brooklyn Batla - 5th, Team - 2nd; Reasons - Carlie Hollingsworth - 2nd, Brooklyn Batla - 3rd, Rafe Royall - 4th, Team - 2nd; Overall - Bryson Batla - 3rd, Kadden Kothman - 4th, Team - 2nd. Intermediate Division Team: 1: Ian Schaefer Brody Halfmann Peyton Schaefer; Team 2: Chapman Royall Blayne Batla Colton Belew. Sheep - Ian Schaefer - 2nd, Peyton Schaefer - 5th, Team - 1st; Beef - Brody Halfmann - 2nd, Team- 2nd; Swine - Brody Halfmann - 1st. Team - 1st; Reasons- Ian Schaefer - 1st, Brody Halfmann - 2nd, Team - 1st; Overall - Brody Halfmann - 1st, Ian Schaefer - 2nd, Team 1 - 1st, Team 2 - 6th. Senior Division Team 1: Cade Halfmann Levi Schaefer Cole Schwartz Lane Halfmann; Team 2: Amber Halfmann Kelsey Jones Blaine Walker Lauren Schwartz. Sheep - Cade Halfmann – 1st, Cole Schwartz - 2nd, Levi Schaefer – 3rd, Blaine Walker – 5th, Team 1 - 1st, Team 2 - 2nd; Swine - Cade Halfmann - 2nd, Blaine Walker – 3rd, Team 1- 2nd, Team 2- 3rd; Beef - Cade Halfmann – 1st, Levi Schaefer – 2nd, Cole Schwartz – 3rd, Team 1 - 1st, Team 2 – 3rd; Reasons - Cade Halfmann – 1st, Levi Schaefer – 4th, Cole Schwartz – 6th, Blaine Walker – 8th, Team 1 - 1st, Team 2 - 3rd; Overall - Cade Halfmann – 1st, Levi Schaefer – 3rd, Blaine Walker – 4th, Cole Schwartz – 8th, Lauren Schwartz – 9th, Team 1- 1st, Team 2 - 3rd. Both Teams qualified and will represent District 6 at State Roundup in June.
Obituaries
• Jay Cunningham, 80, of The Woodlands, formerly of Big Spring, died April 25, 2007 at his residence and was buried in Garden City Cemetery. He was born March 2, 1927 to Arnison and Eva Cox Cunningham, descendants of pioneer Glasscock County families. Jay graduated from Garden City High School in 1944, attended Draughn’s Business School, and enlisted in the Navy at age 17. He proudly served his country as a Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class, was discharged in 1946 and attended Texas Tech. He was the proud owner of Jay’s Farm and Ranch Store in Big Spring; he retired in 1995 and moved to The Woodlands in 2001. He loved God and his family above all things. He was a man of integrity and dealt fairly with everyone. He loved life, was a joyful person and was happiest working in his garden and doing projects. He will be remembered for his sunny outlook, his patience, gentleness and kindness to everyone. He was beloved by his family and friends and will be sorely missed. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 55 years, Milli; children, Mike and Alice Cunningham, Marilyn and Jeff Fortezzo, James and Brenda Cunningham, Lara and Lee Gillen; 13 grandchildren, one great grandchild and 6 siblings. Memorials may be made in Jay’s honor to Odyssey Health Care, 233 I-45N, Conroe, TX 77301; Crossroads Baptist Church, 6565 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381, or a charity of your choice.
• Lilia Garza, 81, of St. Lawrence, died April 30, 2007, at her daughter’s home and was buried at the St. Lawrence Cemetery. She was born Oct. 8, 1925, in Mexico and married Ramiro R. Garza Sr. on April 25, 1951, in Mexico. Lilia, a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, enjoyed gardening, crocheting and cooking. She loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include her husband of St. Lawrence; four daughters and sons-in-law, Rosalinda and Robert Moreno of Lubbock, Julia and Frank Rosas of El Paso, Blanca and Roberto Guerrero of St. Lawrence, and Lucila and Pedro Trevino of Lavon; three sons and daughters-in-law, Juan and Anna Garza of San Angelo, Ramiro Jr. and Rosa Garza of St. Lawrence, and Jose and Bertha Garza of Big Lake; one brother, Antonio Zuniga of Garden City; four sisters; 25 grandchildren; and 32 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, twin sons, one brother and an uncle. The family suggests memorials be made to Hospice of San Angelo, 36 Twohig, Suite 1100, San Angelo, TX 76902.
• Trudy Hardy died Nov. 19, 2006, in Tucson, AZ and a memorial service was held in Garden City on April 15, 2007, led by Katherine Sturtz. Trudy was born on July 31, 1923, to Bonnie Mast and John Hyat Mast in Sugar Grove, NC, but lived in Rock Bridge Baths, VA, throughout her school days. She was an extremely playful soul, who loved to play tricks on her six siblings. Shortly after high school, she joined her sister, Lee Murphy, in Santa Monica, California. She met Dave Hardy on a corner, while she was pushing a child on a scooter. Guess she nearly mowed Dave over! She stood him up on a date, but he was persistent, chased her down, and they were married in Las Vegas two weeks later. They recently celebrated their 63rd anniversary. Trudy is survived by her husband Dave, daughter Vicki, son-in-law Bob, grandchildren Billy, Brittany, Scott, Brian and Michael, and great grandchildren Jessi, Kayton, and new baby Kylee. Trudy touched everyone she knew with her love, joy, honesty, sweetness, compassion and humor. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
• Clarene Hillger, 89, of Stanton, died May 2, 2007, in Midland and was buried at the Evergreen Cemetery in Stanton. She was born Nov. 8, 1917 in Glasscock County and married Jim Paul Hillger on Nov. 8, 1939, in Midland. Clarene lived in Martin County since 1949. She was a homemaker and a member of Christadelphia Ecclesia. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Duane and Suzie Hillger of Garden City; a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Dan Stevens of Midland; a sister, Jonell Hughes of Sand Springs; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Her parents, her husband, three brothers and five sisters preceded her in death. Memorials may be made to Christadelphia Ecclesia of Stanton, P. O. Box 817, Stanton, TX 79782.
• Gene A. Schafer, 82, of Kerrville, formerly of Glasscock County, died May 4, 2007 in Kerrville. He was born Aug. 31, 1924, to Bismarck and Genevieve Schafer. Gene was a graduate of Garden City High School and attended Texas Tech. He was a career drilling engineer and consultant. He is survived by his wife Edna, of San Antonio; a daughter, Suzanne Bambic of San Antonio; a son, Brant Schafer of Elgin; a brother, Marck Schafer of Garden City; and a sister, Joyce Fuller of Big Spring. His parents, a sister, Susan S. Walker, and a son, Gene R. Schafer, preceded him in death.
Next Issue Date and Deadline
The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be Aug. 14. The deadline for that issue is Aug. 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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