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Glasscock County News
County Considers Volunteers’ Stipend
At a special meeting Jan. 22, the Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court (Jimmy Strube absent) discussed paying county volunteers a per-run stipend. Both volunteer emergency medical service personnel and volunteer firefighters would be included. In the past, volunteers have declined offers of stipends. County Judge Wilburn Bednar said Sterling County pays its volunteers stipends of $75 per person per run made. He said it would not affect their volunteer status if their group is properly incorporated. The court was unsure if local incorporation has been done, but was in agreement that incorporation is important in several ways, including insurance for volunteers. Bednar asked commissioners to discuss the matter with the volunteer groups and said he would put paying stipends on the agenda for the court’s February 11 meeting. Seniors Request Less County Help At the request of the Glasscock County Senior Citizens group, the court agreed to lower the amount of money the county provides them from the current $600 per month to $400 per month beginning in March 2008. The group is close to having its building paid for, and says it no longer needs as much assistance from the county. The court discussed terms being negotiated with Airtricity regarding a wind farm it plans to build in Glasscock County.
County Gives Wind Farm Tax Abatement
At a called meeting Feb. 7, Glasscock County’s Commissioners’ Court granted a ten-year property tax abatement to Airtricity Panther Creek Wind Farm, LLC. The abatement is for 60 percent of taxes during the first five years and 40 percent during the second five years of the agreement. Construction is to begin by June 1, 2008 and completion is planned by Jan. 1, 2009. The tax abatement will begin on Jan. 1 of the next tax year after the project is completed. The project is expected to add taxable value of approximately $320 million to the county, according to County Treasurer Alan Dierschke. The exact amount is still undetermined, and will ultimately depend on appraisals. The wind farm will include 23,000 surface acres and approximately 111 turbines in northeastern Glasscock County. Some 27 turbines in the project will be in Howard County and 6 in Sterling County, according to Bobby Blount of Airtricity. He said the turbines are made by General Electric and are capable of generating 1.5 megawatts each. ‘Reasonable Efforts’ to Use Locals Promised Attorney Alan Carmichael of Sweetwater was the county’s primary negotiator for the abatement agreement. Some of the agreements’ terms follow. The agreement states that the company will create at least six permanent full-time jobs at the project and make reasonable efforts to employ persons who are residents of Glasscock County, provided they are equally or more qualified than nonresident applicants and will work for terms and/or salaries comparable to nonresident applicants. The company will provide some training. Further, Airtricity agrees that it and its contractors will use reasonable commercial efforts to maximize its use of Glasscock County businesses in the construction, operation and maintenance of the improvements on the project. These goods and services must be similar in quality and on terms, conditions and prices to those provided by nonresidents. Comparable price is considered as less than or equal to 105 percent of the non-resident price. Coordinator of Local Services Airtricity or its construction contractor will designate a coordinator of local services who will act as a liaison between individuals, businesses and contractors residing or doing business in Glasscock County who are interested in obtaining information about providing goods or services related to the construction of the project. Also, the company is to advertise in local newspapers for local contractors to perform work on the construction of the project. The county granted Airtricity permission to use the following county roads for planning, construction and operation of the project: Hamby Road, Longshore Road, Phillips Road, Overton Road, Sherrod Road and Schafer Road and all other county roads located in the Panther Creek Wind Farm. Annual Contribution to County Organizations In addition, Airtricity agrees to make a contribution totaling $10,000 to Glasscock County charitable organization(s) designated by “ County Authorities” during each year of the agreement. County Judge Wilburn Bednar said he believes the contribution will be made to the Glasscock County Lion’s Community Center and Historical Foundation, a 501c-3 (tax-exempt) organization, whose board will determine how the money is distributed. Blount told the court that Glasscock County has strong possibilities for other wind farms, and that Airtricity is looking at other locations in the county. He said Reagan County is “ripe for picking,” but is hurt by a lack of transmission lines, a problem that also hampers wind farm development in the Texas Panhandle. He said if federal production tax credits, which expire at the end of 2008, are extended with equally favorable terms, his company will continue to expand their operations. Editor’s Note: The entire tax abatement agreement is available to the public in the county clerk’s office in the courthouse. In other action, the court approved a bond for Hortensia Jones, who has been hired to replace Susie Hillger as deputy county clerk.
Pruit is Longest-Serving U.S. Sheriff
Editor’s Note: The following is from a feature article, “Glasscock County’s Pruit is longest-serving U.S. sheriff,” by Bob Campbell, which ran in the Jan. 27, 2008 issue of the Midland Reporter-Telegram, and is used here with Campbell’s permission. The article will also be used in the “Texas Lawman,” journal of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas. -------------------------------------------------------------
The people of Glasscock County took to a man called Booger 49 years ago and never changed their minds. Actually, the relationship dates to when Royce “Booger” Pruit was an Odessa High sophomore visiting his sister Eunice Rowe in the southwest part of the county. One of 11 children of Gulf Oil pipeline gauger Chester Pruit and Annie Matthews, the big kid from Penwell liked this town 35 miles southeast of Midland and stayed. He graduated from high school here, married sweetheart Beverly Cox and was an oilfield roustabout and service station attendant before Sheriff Buster Cox (no relation to his wife) gave him his career. “I worked at the station across the street,” said Pruit, “and Buster asked me to go to work for him. I had never planned on it, but I told him I’d try it.” He spent three years as a deputy and had been with the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office in Lamesa for two months when Cox resigned and commissioners named him sheriff Jan. 22, 1962. Unopposed Since 1962 Unopposed in that year’s election and every one since, Pruit is the longest tenured sheriff in the nation, according to references – just ahead of 75-year-old Dwight Radcliff of Pickaway County in south central Ohio. Radcliff took office in 1965 and is seeking another term this year, Radcliff’s secretary said. “I came to visit Eunice for a week and ended up staying,” said Pruit, 70. “It was the people. You know them and they all know you. You know the kids from the time they’re born and with a lot of them even the names of their dogs.” “The best thing I have going is the young people and the parents are a big help. These kids come off ranches and farms and when they get out of school, they’ve got work to do. To me that’s about as important as education, teaching them to work.” The soft-spoken Pruit does not seem like a “booger,” but the nickname stuck after his twin, Joyce McFarland of Arlington, called him that when they were 2 – 3 years old. ‘You Can’t Stay Here’ But he is vigilant in protecting his people, recently making suspect driveway pavers retreat down Highway 158 upon finding a widow about to pay them more than $7,000. “They were supposed to put on 3 inches of pavement and had come to get their money,” he said. “It might have had an inch. I wouldn’t let her pay. I told them, ‘You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.’ “ Sterling County Sheriff Don Howard, Pruit’s deputy in the early 1980’s, said, “ I never saw Booger lose his temper. He taught me you have to make decisions but don’t want to lose your cool.” This is one of a dozen counties in Texas whose sheriffs also serve as tax assessors, but the duties are now being separated with assessor’s clerk Nancy Hillger seeking the office. Deputies Ken Zunker and Keith Burnett are running in the Republican primary to succeed Pruit. The sheriff and his siblings rode a school bus 20 miles east from Penwell to Odessa and with their father were involved in rodeo. Eunice and Roy are deceased, but the rest survive – twins Donald Ray Pruit of Fort Worth and Donna Kay Lawton of Greenwood, Ark., Hollie Harwell of Menard, Tommy of Woodward, Okla., Iretta Felkins of Odessa, Bobby of Louisville, Ky., and Dick of Spencerville, Okla. “With 11 kids, if you wanted anything, you had to work,” he said. “Daddy was more like a brother than a daddy. He played with us a lot. He roped mostly and rode broncs and saddle broncs. We had Sunday ropings and bull riding and the girls barrel raced.” Recent Hard Times The Pruits had trying times two years ago, when their son Lonnie of Christoval died of a liver ailment and the sheriff was hospitalized for six months with an abdominal infection. He was in Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo when his son died there. “2006 was terribly bad,” he said. “It’s tough to bury one of your kids.” The couple’s other son is Van of Stanton. They have three grandchildren, including twin granddaughters. Pruit also lost his best friend a few years ago – U.S. Agriculture Department official and Borden County rancher Glen Kingston, a part-time deputy for 33 years. “Glen was like a brother,” he said, smiling. “He’d help kids work on their cars and help people who were stranded. He wasn’t very big but was wired pretty tight. You didn’t have to hunt him, either. He’d be there.” When asked what he taught his deputies, Pruit said, “Mostly to treat people like they’d want to be treated.” “We’re public servants and we work for them.”
Important Wildfire Information
Texans now face severe danger of wildfire. Be extremely cautious about any outdoor activities that might cause sparks or fires. Sparks can easily escape from burning trash. Avoid use of welding or grinding equipment near weeds and grass. Avoid parking vehicles in tall, dry grass and weeds that could be ignited by hot catalytic converters. When in your vehicle, crush smoking materials in your ashtray and make sure they are really out. Don’t Drive into Smoke on the Road Monitor TV and radio broadcasts before you travel and check fire and weather conditions as you go. Watch for highway signs, traffic control personnel and fire fighters. Slow down and be prepared to stop if they signal you to do so. If you see dense smoke on the road, do not drive into it. Slow down, prepare to stop and turn around. Activate your emergency flashers to warn vehicles behind you. Check for oncoming traffic and make sure you can turn around safely. Wildfire Precautions for Rural Homes and Suburbs Protect your property by clearing brush and grass away from your home and buildings. Clear brush from areas between the trees. Prune lower branches. Make sure areas under utility lines are clear of brush, tall grass and trees so that utility service will continue. Create a firebreak by clearing vegetation from areas between your house and nearby fields or wild land areas. Wildfire Tips for Farms and Ranches You should postpone outdoor burning as long as brush and foliage remain dry. Keep a fire extinguisher and water handy when working outdoors with equipment that gets hot. If possible, wet down outdoor work areas in advance. Keep mufflers and spark arresters on agricultural equipment in good working order. When baling hay, check for hot bearings or hay caught in rollers. In Case of Evacuation Wildfire propelled by strong winds can move as fast as 60 miles per hour. When told to evacuate – leave the area immediately. Choose a route that leads away from the fire. Stay alert to changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke. If you have time to get prepared, shut gas off at the meter and turn off propane tanks. Wet down your roof and shrubbery within 15 feet of your residence. Park your vehicle facing in the direction of escape.
Editor’s Note: This information is from The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Forest Service.
In The Spotlight
• The Garden City Bearkats and Lady Kats wrapped up the varsity basketball regular season championship in Class A Division II District 11 earning each team a first-round bye in the playoffs.
• Lauren Wheeler advances to state competition after receiving a Division 1 superior rating in piano solo at the Region 6 UIL Solo and Ensemble contest. Lauren, daughter of Karen and Andy Wheeler, is a junior at GCHS and a piano student of Leroy Moore.
• The Glasscock County FFA tractor technician team placed first at the area tractor tech contest in Lubbock Jan. 25. They now advance to the state contest in Houston in March. Team members were Cole Schwartz, Levi Schaefer, and Eric Hirt, along with alternates Spencer Plagens and Ian Schaefer. Their instructor is Rusty Hollingsworth.
• The GCISD robotics inventions team placed first with the Turbinator ExtraordinAIR at the state TCEA Robotics Tournament. Team members were Laura Halfmann, Hayden Halfmann and Brittany Schniers. The arena team of Wade Jansa, Whitney Kellermeier and Mikela Barton placed thirteenth. This is an open competition that includes Class 1A – 5A schools, as well as preparatory and magnet schools. The robotic teams, who will make a presentation at the school’s open house March 11, thank EcoDrip and the Glasscock County Coop Store for their help with the projects.
• Amber Halfmann has been named to the Texas 4-H Clothing & Textile Advisory Board. The board includes nine senior 4-H members, volunteer adult leaders, county Extension agents and industry representatives throughout the state. They review project materials and activities, recommend program directions, special activities, new materials, and competitive events. They also help plan and conduct all clothing-related contests. Amber is the daughter of Nathan and Gena Halfmann.
County Court Sets Employee Holidays
Meeting in regular session Feb. 11, the Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court set employee holidays for 2008. For courthouse employees, holidays are: New Year’s Day, Jan. 1; MLK Day, Jan. 21; President’s Day, Feb. 18; Good Friday, March 21; Memorial Day, May 26; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, Sept. 1; Columbus Day, Oct. 13; Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11; Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, 28; Christmas, Dec. 24, 25, 26. Employees who work on the road crews have the following holidays: Jan. 1, March 21, May 26, July 4, Sept. 1, Nov. 27, 28, Dec 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31. At the request of Deputy Sheriff Keith Burnett, the court agreed to pay for 5 volunteer fire department personnel to attend a workshop dealing with prescribed rangeland burning sponsored by the Texas A & M Experiment Station. The workshop is Feb. 21 – 23 in Sonora, and costs $395 per person, including lodging and meals. Burnett said it is important that the volunteer group know how to properly use a backfire as a method of controlling wildfires, saying it can be one of the most effective tools. Volunteers termed ‘Awesome’ Burnett praised the county’s volunteers, and county workmen, describing how many have quickly responded to recent wildfires, dropping their personal matters to serve. He said the county has “…awesome people and good equipment.” He said the volunteer fire departments’ communications equipment is working well, including the radios in maintainers. He also spoke highly of Howard County’s quick help in fighting fires in northern Glasscock County. The court voiced its appreciation for all the county volunteers, in both the fire department and emergency medical service, and extended its appreciation to Howard County as well. Stipends for county volunteers, discussed as a possibility on Jan. 22, were not on the Feb. 11 court agenda, and were not discussed. Also, there was no mention of whether stipends have been discussed with the county’s volunteer groups. Major Sewer Line Break On a different note, Burnett reported a major sewer line leak under the jail, which is going to cost more than $8,000 to repair. A cast-iron pipe under the concrete floor will be replaced with PVC, along with several other replacements. Whitmore’s Plumbing of Big Spring will do the work, beginning in two weeks. County Treasurer/County Historical Commission member Alan Dierschke reported that once again, Glasscock County was denied funding for courthouse restoration. The state historical commission awarded $56,5 million to fund 14 projects and has a reserve fund of $4.5 million. Applications for the state money may be submitted again in two years.
4-H Inspires New Blue Bell Ice Cream
In honor of the Texas 4-H organization's 100th birthday, Blue Bell Creameries of Brenham is introducing Centennial Cupcake Ice Cream. To sweeten the deal, the Little Creamery is donating a portion of the sales to promote 4-H educational programs. Centennial Cupcake Ice Cream is a cake batter ice cream with pieces of yellow cake, a chocolate icing swirl and four-leaf clover sprinkles. Blue Bell has also created a unique carton for this new flavor. It features four children in 4-H T-shirts and the organization's widely recognized four-leaf emblem and will be available in stores in mid-February. 4-H is a national organization that prides itself on teaching young people across America leadership, citizenship and life skills. There are more than 7 million members from eight to 18 years of age involved in 4-H. Centennial Cupcake Ice Cream will be available in stores in mid-February and will be sold in Texas and across the company's 17-state distribution area.
Take Steps to Prevent Flu
With flu classified as “widespread” in the state, Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) officials are reminding people to take precautions to reduce the risk of getting and spreading the viral illness. According to health officials, getting a flu vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent getting and spreading the illness. Vaccination is recommended for people ages 6 months and older. Flu vaccines are available in shot and nasal spray forms. Only healthy people ages 2 through 49 years who are not pregnant may receive the spray form. DSHS health officials offer the following additional precautions: 1) Wash your hands frequently with either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer 2) Cover your coughs and sneezes and 3) Stay home if you’re sick. The Texas flu season typically runs October through March. The flu vaccine, which takes about two weeks to become fully effective, can be given at any time during this period. People wanting the flu vaccine should call their health care provider, local public health department, 2-1-1 or check online at www.211Texas.org about availability. Flu is not a reportable condition in Texas, but DSHS relies on reports from a surveillance network to classify flu activity in the state. The “widespread” classification applies when there are increases in flu-like illnesses and recent laboratory-confirmed flu cases in at least half of the state's regions.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Available
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs administers two federal programs to help low-income families pay their utility bills and weatherize their homes: The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Recently, the US Department of Health and Human Services announced funding for these programs to states to help eligible low-income homeowners and renters meet home energy costs. The programs help eligible families pay for home cooling, heating and insulation in summer and winter months. Every year, more than five million low-income households across the country receive such assistance. Information about these programs and applications for them may be found on the TDHCA website: http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ea/index.htm. Call the local Extension office (354-2608) for more information.
Internet Safety Programs Set
Weldon Floyd, a computer specialist with the Extension Service, will lead a presentation, “Child Predation vs. Child Protection,” Monday, Feb. 18 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. in the Ruth Cook Auditorium at the school. The presentation will focus on the battle parents face in keeping themselves and their families protected from Internet dangers. A question/answer session will follow the program. All interested persons are invited to attend. From 12:45 – 2 p.m. that day, Floyd will conduct an educational program for junior high and high school students focusing on how the Internet can become an addiction, a danger and a threat to youth, their families and communities. Floyd is an internet content specialist with a vast amount of experience giving internet safety programs to students, teachers and parents throughout the state. The programs are sponsored by Glasscock County’s AgriLife Extension Service and GCISD. For more information, call Charlene Belew, 354-2381.
Briefly
• DON’T FORGET TO VOTE! Early voting is Feb. 19 – 29 at the courthouse and the Primary election is March 4 at the usual polling places. Be sure to bring your voter registration card.
• Glasscock County Senior Citizens will meet Monday, March 3 (due to election day) at 6 p.m. Fried chicken will be furnished, bring something to go with this. We will try to get back on regular schedule Tuesday, March 18 for a snack and finger-food night. Nurses from Accolade in Big Spring are coming to the first meeting of each month to take blood pressures. All seniors are invited to attend and enjoy the food and games.
• The new website address for Glasscock County ISD is: http://www.gckats.net. Check it out!
• The 4-H Leadership Tour is hosting another fundraising garage sale on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Community Center from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Many new items have been added, so make plans to attend to scoop up on great bargains. While you are shopping, enjoy a soda or an ice cream cone for $1. Call Linda Avery at the Extension office for information.
• The St. Lawrence Catholic Church CYO thanks the school and the community for supporting their efforts in the "Souper Bowl of Caring.” Almost $500 was collected and sent to the West Texas Food Bank.
• The Texas Forest Service sells windbreak trees each year from January until March. A variety of seedling oaks, pines and wildlife-friendly varieties are available at prices ranging from $30 to $40 per 30 to 50 seedlings, depending on the plant species. To see what is currently available and to order trees go to: http://tfsstore.tamu.edu/wtn/aboutus.asp.
• Voters in the March 4 primary election are urged to bring their voter registration cards! The cards need to be stamped, showing which party’s primary one voted in, because if there is a run-off election April 8, one has to vote in the same party as in the primary. This information, or whether one voted in the primary at all, does not matter in the November General Election, according to county Republican Chairman Diane Havlak.
• An all-time high of more than $1,250,000 was raised during the 38th Annual West Texas Rehabilitation Center Telethon held Jan. 19. Glasscock 4-H, Beta Club and National Honor Society members thank everyone in the community who donated to the cause. If you didn’t have an opportunity to make a donation and would like to do so, contact Charlene Belew, 354-2381. West Texas Rehab is a non-profit organization which provides comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation services for children and adults with disabling illnesses and injuries, as well as communication or hearing problems, regardless of their financial circumstances. They have centers in Abilene, San Angelo and Ozona currently serving over 21,000 patients.
• Sheriff Royce “Booger” Pruit encourages county residents to support law enforcement by becoming associate members of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas. Tax-deductible membership is $25 and includes a quarterly publication, membership card, two window decals and discounts at LaQuinta. Checks or credit card information should be mailed to 1601 South IH-35, Austin, TX 78741. This association does not solicit by phone.
• Senator Kel Seliger received recognition for his leadership and advocacy on issues important to both the business and education communities during the 80th Legislative Session. The Texas Association of Business (TAB) recognized him as a "Fighter for Free Enterprise," while the Texas Association of Mid-Size Schools (TAMS) honored him with the "Golden Apple," the highest award given by their organization. Seliger’s district spans 26 counties from the Panhandle to the Permian Basin and includes Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Big Spring and Glasscock County.
Obituaries
• Pedro R. Trevino, 70, of Garden City died Jan. 17, 2008 at his residence and was buried at St. Lawrence Cemetery. He was born April 13, 1937, in Muzquiz, Coahuila, Mexico and married Maria Lucila Lopez on July 16, 1956 in that same town. He was a longtime cotton farmer in Glascock County and a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Lucila Trevino of Garden City; son and daughter-in-law, Oscar and Martha Trevino of Garden City; daughter and son-in-law, Rosa and Ramiro Garza of St. Lawrence; daughter and son-in-law, Lucila and Fernando Dominguez of Odessa; son and daughter-in-law, Pedro “Pete” and Lucila Trevino of Dallas; son, Jesse Trevino of Granbury; son, Joe Trevino of Odessa; daughter, Mary Ellen Trevino of Athens, 17 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, four brothers and two sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. The family suggests memorials be made to Home Hospice, 111 E. 7th, Suite A, Big Spring 79720.
• Iva Doris Hillger, 87, of Midland died Jan. 21, 2008. She was born Nov. 25, 1920, to Isom and Kate Hare of Sulfur Springs. She met Harvey Lee Hillger while working in the cotton fields in Garden City, and they were married on Valentine’s Day 1936. They farmed and ranched in Garden City and later in Courtney, moving to Midland in 1951. Doris was employed by Midland Hardware and Pittsburgh Plate Glass, then owned and managed several bed and bath stores in the area, retiring in 1987. Hard work and dedication to family combined to give her a great purpose in life. Doris is survived by three daughters, Lois Jean Page of Midland, Barbara and her husband Ralph Meriwether of Alpine, and Jan and her husband Michael Stephens of Midland. Other survivors include eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and a wonderful caregiver Suzie Rodriquez of Midland. She was preceded in death by her husband, three brothers, two sisters and one great-grandson. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Midland, P. O. Box 2621, Midland, TX 79702.
Next Issue Date and Deadline
The next issue of the Glasscock County News will be Mar.12, 2008. The deadline for that issue is Mar. 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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