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WITH VOTING MACHINE--County Clerk Marilyn Holcomb attended
the "Meet Your Republican Candidate Forum" at the Unity
Center, Thursday, to demonstrate the new electronic voting
machines. After the forum, guests were able to practice
voting for candidates such as Abraham Lincoln, etc. Holcomb
stated that she will be happy to demonstrate the machine for
organizations such as Lions Club, Rotary, Senior Citizens,
etc. People will be allowed to participate in hands on
demonstrations. Holcomb says that anyone wanting to see the
machine and practice before voting day can come to the
County Clerk's office and she will help you learn how to
vote. Early voting for the Primary begins February 21 and
lasts until March 3. Holcomb also asks voters to remember to
bring their voter registration cards to vote, and if you
have moved or your name has changed please contact the Tax
Assessor Collector's office. Staff Photo
OVER
100 PEOPLE attended the "Meet the Republican Candidate" at
the Floyd County Unity Center in Muncy on Thursday, February
9. Every local Republican candidate seeking office spoke for
5 minutes before the crowd. Jim Landtroop (bottom left) of
Plainview, also addressed the crowd. He is running for State
Representative. Staff Photo
Council Looks at Tough Stance on Dog Ownership
By Darwin Robinson The City of Floydada Council met Monday, February 13, and approved a one-fourth cent City sales and use tax to be on the ballot in the May 13th Special Election. The money will be designated for street maintenance. Concerning the one-fourth cent sales tax, City Manager Gary Brown told the council at their January board meeting that the tax would raise about $25,000 a year. "It will not be enough, but it will help, " said Brown. In other matters, the council discussed an amendment to the City's Animal Control Ordinance. The amendment involves the keeping of a large dog over 35 pounds and an aggressive dog within the City limits. The amendment states that a large dog must be in "control by the owner...at all times," while a dog determined to be "aggressive" must be kept in a 6 foot privacy fence, muzzled and on a 5 foot lease, when outside the fence. Violations of the ordinance "shall lead to the loss by the owner, his immediate family or household, to own any animal within a period of one year, to be reviewed by the Judge on an annual basis." Police Chief Darrell Gooch told the council, "We need and want this amended ordinance. Our worst offensive dogs are Pit Bulls. With this ordinance, we can keep going back to the same offenders and picking up their $300 and $400 dogs. This will get their attention." No action was take on this amended Animal Control Ordinance, but a Public Hearing on this ordinance was set for March 21st, at 6:30 p.m. Floydada Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Dora Ross addressed the council concerning a $10,000 matching Texas Yes! Rural Beautification Program grant that has been approved recently. "For our $5,000 matching part, we will be putting planters downtown at a cost of about $225. We hope all the businesses will participate. We want to be proud of our town. We are planning another fund raising event soon for the FEDC to help new businesses, or City wide community projects." Upon the recommendation of City Manager Brown, the council purchased a one acre parcel of land on the north side of town for $5,000 from the FEDC for the purpose of building a new sewer lift station. The motion passed 5 for, and 1 abstained. Councilmembers Bettye King, Sheldon Sue, Jon Nielson, Ruben Barrientoz and Clar Schacht voted for the motion, while Councilmember Monte Williams abstained because he is on the FEDC board. The council approved the adoption of the state mandated use of electronic voting system for elections to be held by the City. Diane Washington was hired for auditing services for the fiscal year of 2005-2006. The council approved a request by Cox Cable to transfer to the new cable carrier, Cebridge, the pole attachment agreement with the City. The council reappointed George Basaldua and Richard Bradley to be in charge of the 2006 adult softball program at Annie Taylor Park. "These two men have been the best we have had running this program in a long time. I recommend them again for this year," said Brown. Police Chief Gooch presented the council with the 2005 Annual Racial Profiling Report by the Police Department. Gooch told the council, "After three years of compiling these reports, it seems everybody (towns) collect about the same numbers." In the written report, Gooch stated, "It is my hope that the findings provided in this report will serve as evidence that the Floydada Police Department continues to strive towards the goal of maintaining strong relations with the community." The report showed: 2005 Population, 3676; Ethnicity - Caucasian (1,549), 42.1%; Hispanic (1,898), 51.6%; African (162), 4.4%: Asian (7), 0.2%; and Native American (60), 1.6%. Total Reported Offenses in 2005, 269 (compared to 215 in 2004, and 296 in 2003); 2005 Misdemeanors, 184; Misdemeanors Cleared, 147 (79.8%), compared to 70% cleared in 2004, and 65% cleared in 2003. 2005 Felony Offenses, 85; Felonies Cleared, 71 (83.5%), compared to 68% cleared in 2004, and 65% in 2003. 2005 Traffic Accidents, 35, compared to 33 in 2004, and 39 in 2003. Police Initiated Contacts in 2005 were 1,068, compared to 1,221 in 2004, and 1447 in 2003. (2005: Caucasian - 379; African - 78; Hispanic - 608) 2005 Calls for Service were at 3,262, compared to 3,408 in 2004, and 2,419 in 2003. (2005: Caucasian - 1,399; African - 148; Hispanic - 1,689) Contact Arrests were at 49 in 2005, compared to 59 in 2004, and 90 in 2003. (2005: Caucasian - 5; African - 8; Hispanic - 36) Warrant Arrests were at 83 in 2005, compared to 52 in 2004, and 115 in 2003. (Caucasian - 4; African - 8; Hispanic - 71) Call
Arrests were at 35 in 2005, compared to 17 in 2004, and 53
in 2003. (Caucasian - 7; African - 1; Hispanic - 27)
By Darwin Robinson The Floydada ISD met Thursday, February 9, and discussed the district's time lines for another bond election and the need for future renovations and consolidations of the four campuses. According to Superintendent Jerry Vaughn, in order to hold another bond election, the time line is between February 13th and March 13th. "The state only allows us to have elections in May or in November. We must call for a bond election before March 13th." Board President Bill Dean told the board, "I am for merging the junior high and high school, and R.C. Andrews Elementary and A.B. Duncan Elementary. I know we need $10 million, but in my opinion, we do not have 100 percent of the board's vote to do that. I am willing to do the $5 million, if we can get 100 percent of the board for it." Dean continued to explain that paying off a 30 year bond note in 10 years would be better than trying to pay off a 10 year bond note in 10 years, because of the way the legal fees are charged. "This would make it easier on the tax payers. Also, we can put our $2.8 million designated funds into an escrow account to cover any cost overruns." Board Member Bart Greer said, "I still think a 10 year bond would be better. And since our public forum, I have been trying to figure out how to get the high school deal done. I saw the new construction at Roosevelt. It looks like some kind of new construction. I don't know how loog it will last. It may be modular construction. Maybe we need to look at it. It is pretty nice." "I think with $6 million, or $7 million bonds, we can get it done. We could do Duncan Elementary first and some at the high school and use some of the $2.8 million for junior high. But 30 years (bond payments) bothers me, but maybe 15 years," said Greer. Board Member Lyle Miller added, "I know that Roosevelt is raising a $5 million bond right now." Concerning two different types of state funding, IFA and EDA, Administrative Assistant Rex Holcombe told the board, "You cannot double dip. IFA funding rules state it is for new separate construction only, while our EDA funding will increase if we leave IFA funding out." No action was taken, but a work session was scheduled for Monday, February 13th. In other matters Business Manager Sharon Rainwater presented the board with a Tax Report and a Cash Flow Statement. The Tax Report showed $1,851,426.92 collected as of January 31, 2006, or 91.23 percent of the Current Tax Roll. The Cash Flow Statement showed a Current Cash Balance at $$6,645,847.44 and a Fund Balance at $5,414,536.14 as of January, 2006. The board approved a mandated resolution by the state to use electronic voting equipment in all following elections. In a related matter, the board set May 13, 2006 for the FISD Trustee Election, with Kerry Pratt, Pct.1; William Dean, Pct. 2; and Jill Warren, At Large, all running unopposed. Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Vaughn, the board approved with compensation: Early Ballot/Election Judge ($250), Roger Poage; Alternate Judge ($200), Selia Arellano; Early Ballot Clerk ($150), Laveta Morren; Deputy Early Ballot Clerks ($125 each), Kelli Reddy and Dee Leatherman; and Bilingual Early Ballot Clerk ($50/day, plus $75), Alice Pesina, and Technical Assistant ($100), Dee Leatherman. The board approved the bid of $500 by John Suniga for City Lots 11 & 12, Original Town, at 416 W. Lee. Upon
the recommendation of Vaughn, the board approved the hiring
of Tomas Barrientos and Danny Espinoza in the
Transportation/Maintenance Department.
By Darwin Robinson The Floyd County Commissioners met Monday, February 13, and discussed the possibility of leasing out any of their 21 new electronic voting machines to entities outside of the county and inside the county. Floyd County Judge William D. Hardin told the commissioners, "If we do this, we probably need to draw up a contract. Our cost for licensing fees is $5,000 per machine per year. We need to know what we will be responsible for in case they are damaged. We have 10 regular voting machines and 11 for the disabled." Commissioner Lennie Gilroy said, "I am not opposed to leasing them out, if we don't need them at that particular time. But we need to put who's liable in the contract, in case one is dropped (or damaged). We need to charge for later replacement and upkeep on them, but we don't need to make a profit. It is not unreasonable to get help in keeping the machines up." Commissioner Jon Jones said, "I believe we need to help them out if they are in a bind and we should charge them for the programming fee as well." No action was taken on the matter, but it was decided by the court to wait until after the March election to see how much expense will be involved with the new voting machines. In other matters, the court appointed Commissioner Billy Quattlebaum to the SPAG Board of Directors, representing Floyd County. Quattlebaum will be replacing Craig Gilly in that position on the board. The commissioners also appointed Sherry Cannon and Shawnda Greer to the Floyd County Library Board, replacing retiring members, Doris McClain and Martha Farris. The court unanimously voted to transfer an old county road scrapper machine into Precinct 4 for repairs, upkeep and use, as needed, by Commissioner Jones. "We may charge hourly rates for its use in the future," said Jones. Upon the recommendation by Judge Hardin, the commissioners voted to rent a lock box at First National Bank of Floydada for the purpose of storing courthouse records being transferred to microfilm. The court transferred $48,000 from the Road and Bridge Fund into the four precincts at $12,000 each to be used for general expenses. County Treasurer Elva Martinez presented the January, 2006 Financial Report to the commissioners. The Beginning Balance was at $879,877.13, with Receipts at $319,165.93. Transfers In and Out were at $147,740.52, with Disbursed at $259,606.91, leaving an Ending Balance of $939,436.15. Nineteen farm contracts were approved by the court. There were: two in Precinct 1 for leveling ground and turnrow buildup; 7 in Precinct 2 to fill in low areas, building up borders and terraces and cleaning out waterways; 4 in Precinct 3 for burying concrete, cutting a fireline around grass and cleaning out tailwater pits; and 6 in Precinct 4 for filling washouts, cleaning out water pits, clean out ditches and clearing fence lines and drainage ditches. Floyd County Extension Agent J.D. Ragland gave a brief report to the commissioners. Ragland said, "We have been very busy with the different 4-H stock shows. An Irrigation Conference is scheduled March 2 at the Unity Center in Muncy. We are planning to work with the PAC kids this summer and raise different kinds of vegetables in their garden. Maybe we can sell some of these to the general public at a small farmer's market on a weekly basis."
ROBERT G. MCDONALD Funeral services for Robert G. McDonald, 87, of Lockney will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning, February 16, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church in Lockney with Reverend Neely Landrum officiating. Burial will be in the Plainview Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Lockney. Mr. McDonald died Monday, February 12, 2006 at Mangold Memorial Hospital in Lockney. He was born June 20, 1918 in Midlothian to the late Will and Alma McDonald. Robert graduated from Midlothian High School in 1936 and moved to Lockney in 1937. He served as a Captain in the Army during WWII and was engaged in combat with the 772nd Tank Destroyer Battalion in Europe from 1944 to 1945 and received the Bronze Star. He married Helen Boedeker on May 10, 1949 in Amarillo. She preceded him in death on January 17, 1982. He owned McDonald Construction from 1950 until he retired in 1981. He married June Bybee on July 16, 1983 and she preceded him in death on July 14, 2003. He was a member of the Rotary Club, VFW, Chamber of Commerce, served on the McKenzie Municipal Water Board, was a hospice volunteer and a Scout Master for the Cub and Boy Scouts. He was Lockney's Outstanding Man of the Year in 1961 and Pioneer Man of the Year in Floyd County in 2003. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lockney where he taught Sunday School and served on the Administrative Board. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Katherine Clayton. Survivors include three sons, Gary McDonald of Lubbock, Monty Bybee of El Dorado; and Marlon McDonald of Lockney; two daughters, Tony Akin of Christoval and Cathie Elam of Mansfield; one brother, Charles McDonald of Missouri; one sister, Dora Lee Cole of Odessa; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be made to
the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 7,
Lockney, Texas 79241.
PAULA ZAVALA TORRES Funeral Mass for Paula Zavala Torres, 71, of Floydada was celebrated Tuesday, February 14, 2006 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Father Joe Relentes was celebrant. Rosary services were Monday, February 13. Arrangements were under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Mrs. Torres died Thursday, February 9, 2006 at Mangold Memorial Hospital in Lockney. She was born January 15, 1935 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico to the late Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Zavala. She married Pablo Torres on September 17, 1957 in Linares, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. She moved to Floydada in 1976. Mrs. Torres was a loving mother and a wonderful housewife. She was a member of St. Mary Magdalen Church. She is survived by her husband; a son,
Frank Torres of O'Fallon, Missouri; and two grandchildren.
EDNA E. WORKMAN Edna E. Workman, 90, of Lockney died Tuesday, February 7, 2006 in Plainview, TX. She was born November 12, 1915 in Fannin County, TX to the late James Newton and Lily Nora Snodgrass. She graduated from Silverton High School in 1933. She married John William Harley in 1935 in Lone Star, TX. He preceded her in death on January 30, 2001. She moved to Lockney from Amarillo in 1948. She was the co-owner of Workman Plumbing and Heating and Air Conditioning from 1948 until 1976. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Methodist Church in Lockney and was one of the founding members of the Lockney Senior Citizens. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Lisa Roxanne Workman in 1981, five brothers and two sisters. Survivors include three sons, Jerry Workman of Julian, CA, Wayne Workman of Lubbock and David Workman of Christoval, TX; two daughters, Harleen McAda of Tarzana, CA and Donna Barton of Plainview; a daughter-in-law, Velda Workman of San Francisco, CA; nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Memorial services were at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church in Lockney. Burial will be in the Lockney Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Lockney. The family suggests memorials be made to the Lockney Senior Citizens, P.O. Box 82, Lockney, Texas 79241 or Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 1890, Amarillo, Texas 79174.
By The Way | by Alice Gilroy
A View From The Lamplighter | by Ken Towery I suppose it is no secret that we tend to favor conservative government, and generally support those candidates who we feel will best champion that philosophy once in office. Long ago, in 1974 if my memory is anywhere near accurate, we helped found a little organization called "The Associated Republicans of Texas" that had as its primary objective, the growth of a two-party system in this state. It sought to support those candidates willing to call themselves Republicans in a heavily Democratic state (at that time). In the process, we supported some real dogs. For awhile, during those early days, just about anybody who had enough intestinal fortitude to stand up for decent government, as a Republican, got our support. The growth of a two-party Texas far exceeded our modest expectations. Few people were willing to stand up at that time and declare their true thoughts relative to politics. As time went on those few who would call themselves Republicans grew into multitudes, and now Texas is an entirely different place from what it was when we began ART. Even here in Floyd County, which traditionally voted for conservative Democrats, the change has been such that one no longer has to search diligently for a Republican to vote for. Now, several people are contesting for the Commissioners' position in Precinct Two in Lockney, while 3 Republicans are even contesting for County Judge in Floyd County. As I understand the situation, there's one Democrat in the race for County Judge. The entire transition was, and is, somewhat painful. Many people, some former big name Democrats, and some little name Democrats, have jumped into the Republican Primary race for whatever position they think might be available, and for whatever reason. Some are what we used to call "Rhinos" or "Republicans in name only", meaning they have not changed their thoughts at all. The only reason some candidates are switching to the Republican column is that is where they find most of the voters. And, having tried the Democratic column and failed, decided they would try the Republican column. Anything to win. We have that sort of situation in the State Representatives' race, where former State Representative Pete Laney, having given up on West Texas and moved down to Austin to live off his $100,000 state pension, is advising local citizens (via the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal) how they ought to vote on who might replace him. There are many ironies in the Pete Laney thing. Within our own memory of Speakers of the House, which goes back to the 1950s, there has never been a Speaker so beholden to what we might call "special interests", or the "lobby", as Pete Laney. Pete was very successful, over the years, in playing all sides of every issue. In that sense he was a good politician. Much better than most. The only problem was, one never quiet had complete trust in him, He claimed, for instance, to represent West Texas, but everyone in politics knew his political base, as far as the lobby was concerned, was in the big cities. That's where the votes for Speaker were, and that's where he had to go to get the votes necessary to become Speaker. And that's to whom he had to make his commitments. The feedback we get is that Pete is very concerned that the person who replaces him in the Legislature not be a Republican, (and particularly not Jim Landtroop of Plainview) but instead, someone who will carry on the Laney tradition of absenting himself from his post of duty…by heading for Ardmore, Oklahoma, or somewhere. For those of us who broke the new ground, it has to be that we now look upon it all with mixed emotions. On the one hand we have wanted to see the Party grow, so Texans would have more opportunities when presented with a ballot. But there is no doubt that the process invites charlatans, windbags, opportunists. It did even before the growth of the Republican Party. But now voters must pay special attention to the weeding process.
Classifieds
FOR SALE--1991 Ford Ranger pickup. 4 cyl., 5 speed. Real clean. Good gas mileage, mechanically sound. $2,500. Call 293-7413.
1979 BUICK LIMITED--New muffler, inspection sticker. Full tank, spare parts, two spares. $500.00 Call 983-2218.
2000 CHEVROLET PICKUP for sale. Extended cab. 4WD. Very clean. 140,000 miles. $ 9,000.00. Call 983-2449.
FOR SALE--2004 round bales of hay. Call 983-3844.
ONE REGISTERED BOER BUCK--5 years old - $900; Bred boer nannies - $200. Call 806-296-5228.
RYE SEED FOR SALE--Rye is an excellent cover crop and great for grazing. Rye matures earlier than wehat, so it can be terminated earlier to plant cotton. 806-292-9723.
NO-TILL DRILL--Custom drilling of wheat in milo. Inter-seeding of grass, cotton stalks, etc. 806-292-9723.
WHEAT PASTURE WANTED--Call 806-292-9723.
4 BEDROOM HOUSE for lease or rent. Close to high school. For more information call 983-5440.
FOR RENT--806 S. 3rd. Two bedrooms, 1 bath. Call 983-3746 or 983-5803.
FOR RENT--New storage spaces available for boats, trailers, trucks, autos, tractors and misc. items. Contact Louis Pyle, 806-983-3674 or 806-983-5358.
AVON REPRESENTATIVE needed in this area. Call 1-800-658-6982.
POSITION AVAILABLE AT POTTS COMPOSITES--Looking for responsible self-starter to mold carbon fiber parts. Hourly pay based on experience with possible bonus. Call 806-983-3311 for appointment.
Floydada HOUSES FOR SALE-- ** 5 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car garage with 3 apartments on 2 lots - $50,000. ** 3 bedroom, 2 bath, large garage with office on 3 lots - $15,000. ** 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 car garage and large storage building - $15,000. Call 983-5475 or 470-8695.
REDUCED! 3-2-2 brick, formal living room, formal diningroom, storage building, cellar, fenced yard. 904 W. Missouri. Call 972-548-9100 or 806-698-6586.
NICE COUNTRY HOME southwest of Floydada. 4 bedroom, 2-3/4 bath, brick, on pavement with 35 acres. 4" well with underground pipe. $125,000. Call Bill Strickland at Area Wide Realty, 806-292-1687.
COLONIAL 2 STORY home with 4 bedroom and 3 baths with 2 car attached garage on corner lot. Home has abundant storage and 2 living areas. A MUST SEE! Call 543-7540 for more details.
COUNTRY HOME WITH 10 acres! Home has 3 bedrooms and 1 bath with 1 bedroom upstairs, 2 car attached garage, cellar and 2 living areas. Barns and sheds included. Call 543-7540 for more details.
FOR SALE--2 bedroom house. Owner finance. 208 W. Virginia. Call 806-293-2918.
REDUCED! MUST SELL! 3 bedroom, 2 bath, storage building, fireplace. 114 J.B. Avenue. Call 983-6456.
FURTHER PRICE REDUCTION 118 W. Mississippi. Call 806-983-5556.
1104 S. RALLS HIGHWAY--2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage. Home has living and family room. Close to High School. Call Assiter and Associates for more info or to set up viewing times. 806-983-3322.
PLAINS BELL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION--206 W. California, Floydada. Remember us for all your personal financial needs - CD's, loans, checking and savings accounts. Call Laura at 983-3922. www.plainsbellfcu.org
2 PIECE QUEEN ORTHOPEDIC mattress. In plastic. Factory warranty. Sacrifice - $169. Call 806-549-3110.
O ACHES! NASA memory foam. Queen Sleep System. First $599 takes brand new warrantied set. Unopened! Call 806-549-3110.
ALPHATEX KENNEL, AIKEN, TEXAS offers superior quality AKC Registered, DNA Certified Collies, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. Puppies and stud service available. www.alphatexkennels.com
WILL CLEAN YOUR house and shampoo carpet. Call 685-0606.
LARRY OGDEN AUCTIONEERING--Estates, Farm, Ranch, Business, Liquidations, State Licensed and Bonded. (806) 983-5808. TX. #9240.
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