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FLOYD COUNTY was blessed with more moisture Friday night and Saturday morning, Feb. 13 & 14, in the form of snow. Lockney residents received more of the white stuff than Floydada. Jonathan and Reeda Sustaita enjoyed their "work" of shoveling snow for their neighbor in the 400 block of S.W. First in Lockney.
Principal's son wounded in police shootout with suspect Wichita Falls Police Officer Scott Poole, 37, the son of James and Shelia Poole of Lockney, is home and in good condition after being shot during a drug raid in Wichita Falls February 12. A 1985 graduate of Lockney High School, Poole was conducted a raid in search of marijuana when the suspect opened fire with a .22 handgun shooting Poole in the shoulder and Officer Karl King in the top of his left ear. Another shot tore through the side of Sgt. Larry Robinett's jacket but he was not injured. Three other officers at the scene were also not injured. The suspect's 14 year old son witnessed the incident. Police shot the 47 year old suspect, J.D. Jordan, in the thigh. He was treated at the local hospital and released into the custody of police. He was charged with three counts of attempted capital murder. Bond was $1.5 million dollars. Twelve to 14 pounds of marijuana was found in the house. According to the news report in the Wichita Falls Times Record News, "Members of the Police Department's Narcotics Unit had gone to the home at 3011 Avenue L to serve a drug warrant about 2:45 p.m., Thursday. Officers burst into the home after they identified themselves as police." According to police spokesperson Sgt. Cindy Walker, "As soon as the officers made an entry, he started firing. They returned fire." Walker said officers followed normal procedure during the raid. The six-man team knocked on the door, identified themselves as police and, 30 seconds later as mandated by law, they broke the front door down with a battering ram. Then the shooting began. Walker could not verify how many shots were fired by police or the suspect but she did say, "There were a lot of shots fired inside there." According to Scott's father, Lockney High School Principal James Poole, "Scott returned to his home on Sunday, February 15. He is sore and stoved up but he should be alright. The doctors did not do surgery on the shoulder. The bullet is lodged in Scott's bone and the doctors feel the best thing to do is leave the bullet where it is. They believe it would do more damage to muscles and nerves to take the bullet out." Scott has been a police officer for 11 years. He and his wife, Gretchen, have two sons: 9 and 5 years old. James and Shelia Poole have both been teaching for 37 years. James has been with Lockney ISD for 32 years, one year as principal at Lockney Junior High and 26 years as High School principal. Shelia first taught in Floydada ISD for 5-6 years and then moved to Lockney Elementary where she has taught for the remaining of her 37 year career. The Pooles will be retiring at the end of this school year and plan to move to Wichita Falls to be close to family. City of Lockney To Save Thousands in Future Water Bills By Judy Macha The Lockney City Council met Thursday, February 12, 2004 and heard City Secretary Ron Hall report on action taken by the Mackenzie Municipal Water Authority to lower the total amount of water pumped per day to 500,000 gallons. The result is a net savings to the City of Lockney of $20,000 per year. The City will now be allowed a daily use of 68,000 gallons. Chief of Police Jerry Edwards reported 2 pit bull dogs had gotten loose from a residence in the 500 block of South Main, and had systematically killed four other dogs who were legally tied/ restrained in the neighborhood. The dogs were taken and their owner ticketed. "Fortunately no child was hurt or killed," added Edwards. The Chief then presented his mandated annual update on racial profiling figures. It contained the following information covering February 1, 2003 through January 31, 2004: # Contacts, 651 - Blacks 31; Hispanics 320; Whites 292; Asians 1; Other 7; Male 434; Female 217 # Searches, 16 - Blacks 2; Hispanics 2; Whites 6; Asians 0; Other 1; Males 15; Female 1 #With contraband, 2 - Blacks 0; Hispanics 1; Whites 0; Asians 0; Other 1; Male 2; Female 0 # Citations, 109 - Blacks 8; Hispanics 71; Whites 28; Asians 0; Other 2; Male 78; Female 31 # Warnings, 427 - Blacks 17; Hispanics 218; Whites 187; Asians 0; Other 5; Male 286; Female 141 # Arrests, 37 - Blacks 3; Hispanics 21; Whites 13; Asians 0; Other 0; Males 28; Female 9 #Complaints filed on officers - Informal 0; Formal 0. Lockney Police Department statistics for 2003: motor vehicle accidents, 2003 - 21; 2002 - 26. This indicates a decrease of 19.3 percent in accidents within the city in 2003. During the year of 2003, the Lockney Police Department investigated 167 criminal offenses that were either reported to the department, or were observed by on-duty officers. In 2002 there were 152. This is an increase of 9 percent. Incident reports are actions that took place that were either observed by the officers, or reported to them. Incidents may have been criminal law violations or may not have been. However the reporting complaintant did not want criminal charges pressed and the information was not passed on to a court for prosecution. Also involved in incident reports are actions taken by the Lockney Police Department in assisting other law enforcement agencies on their investigations, such as recovery of stolen motor vehicles, child welfare cases and mental commitments. In 2003 there were 114 incidents. In 2002 there were only 77. This is an increase of 48 percent. During the year of 2003 the Lockney Police Department arrested 41 adults and placed them in jail. In 2002, 90 adults were arrested and jailed. This is a decrease of 219.5 percent. During 2003 the Lockney Police Department detained 23 juveniles and placed them in either the PAC center or turned them over to the Juvenile Probation Office. This is consistent with the same amount handled in 2002; no change. Chief Edwards continued in a letter to the council which accompanied his written report," It is my belief that the variations are due mainly in arrests, because several of our known troublemakers are incarcerated and have been for some time, and therefore are out of our hair for a short period of time. The main reason on the heavy incidents is the fact more family violence is being reported, but the victims are very reluctant to file charges on the violator. Accidents are down for several reasons; one, better enforcement, and two, causing factors such as ice and snow are missing because of the mild winters. "The juvenile detentions are consistent on paper but are misleading in the fact that two juveniles have been handled a total of twelve times (added together) for various incidents, and this accounts for over 50% of the detentions," Edwards stated. "I firmly believe the lack of detention of juveniles is aided very heavy by the fact we have the Lockney Youth Activity Center which attracts the youth to hang out there, and gives them something to do rather than be on the streets where idle minds move toward criminal activities. Since the building of this facility there appears to be a steady reduction of youth problem from year to year." Brenda Johnson presented the Lockney Economic Development Corporation's October-December, 2003 Quarterly report to the Council. The LEDC continued Leadership Lockney, which meets from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the first Friday of each month through May. Since its beginning in September, the program utilized presenters and/or tours from Wayland Baptist University, KKYN and KFLP radio, Plainview Daily Herald, Floyd County Hesperian-Beacon, Market Lubbock, Mangold Memorial Hospital, Hospice Hands of West Texas, Lockney Volunteer Fire Department, Lockney Health and Rehabilitation Center, Lockney Mayor and City Council, Justice of the Peace, Lockney Police Department, Floyd County Commissioners Court, District Attorney's Office, Floyd County Jail and Sheriff's Office, Lockney Area Chamber of Commerce, offices of U.S. and State senators and representatives, Texas Department of Agriculture, City of Levelland economic development and city manager, and Lockney Independent School District board, superintendent, and principals. At its annual meeting in October, the Board adopted a budget for the 2003-2004 fiscal year and elected a slate of officers. Bobby Hall will serve as president, Phillip Glasson as vice president, Brenda Johnson as treasurer, and Nell Glasscock as secretary. Heethe Burleson was approved to replace Abel Luna on the LEDC Board. Bobby Hall attended a joint meeting with nature and cultural tourism representatives of two counties and three surrounding communities. Realizing that no one city can effectively promote tourism on its own, the group is interested in developing a regional tourism package involving attractions and resources in the combined locations. The LEDC financial statement showed total income for the quarter as $6,862.02 and expenses as $1,632.64, for a net income of $5,229.38. In other business, Libby Hernandez presented a grievance before the council regarding perceived harassment against a relative by the Lockney Police Department and the Floyd County Sheriff's Office. "He is automatically blamed for everything that happens, because of his past experience with the law," Hernandez said. "Furthermore, he has been officially cleared of one count, yet the police are still watching him." Police Chief Jerry Edwards responded he had not received any notification from the State regarding this, and had to proceed on the information he had. Pending presentation of aforementioned official papers from the State pertaining to her complaint, there was no action taken. Other routine agenda items were voted on and passed unanimously by the Council. Laney to Join Stenholm on Campaign Trail U.S. Representative Charlie Stenholm will make a campaign swing through Floyd County, Thursday, February 19. He will be accompanied by State Representative Pete Laney. Stenholm will stop at Citibank in Lockney at approximately 2:00 p.m. From the bank he and Laney will take part in a groundbreaking ceremony at the City Farm for the new water treatment project. They will then come to the Floyd County Courthouse at approximately 3:00 p.m. Stenholm, a democrat, will face off U.S. Representative Randy Neugebauer, R, District 19, in November. Now the representative for District 17, Stenholm's district changed with the state's redistricting plan passed in October 2003. The redistricting also moved Floyd County out of U.S. Representative Mac Thornberry's District #13 into District #19. Floyd County will not be affected by the new district changes until the November 2004 elections, however Floyd County voters will have to choose between Stenholm and Neugebauer. FISD Sets May Election Date By Darwin Robinson The FISD board of trustees met Thursday, February 12, and set May 15, 2004 as the date for FISD trustee elections. Three school board incumbents are up for re-election. They are Amado Morales (District #4), Jill Warren (District #5) and Mark McCormick (At Large). Candidate applications can be picked up at the FISD central office located at 126 W. California. Filing deadline is March 15, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. 2004 Early Ballot Deputy Clerks approved by the board were Kelly Reddy and Pat Gonzales. The board approved Kay Crabtree as the Early Ballot Judge and Maybelle Monreal as the Alternate Judge. In other matters, the board voted 6 to 1 to approve a $20,175.00 estimate by Hammond Sheet Metal of Floydada to install five 5 ton window air-conditioner units, less framing in of the windows, in the FHS auditorium. Trustee Amado Morales voted against the motion. Superintendent Jerry Vaughn told the board, "FISD personnel, FHS shop classes or FISD contractors will be used to frame in the windows. The windows will stay in place and the openings on the outside will be insulation and stucco, while insulation and matching plywood will be used on the inside. Curtains alone for the windows would have cost over $7,000." A split vote of 5-2 by the board passed a motion to approve expenditures of $1,349 for board member Morales to attend a Celebrating Education Opportunities for Hispanic Students Conference in San Diego, California on March 19-21, 2004. Those voting against the motion were Board President Mitch Probasco and Board Member Bill Dean. Board President Probasco questioned the need for Morales to be permitted to spend $1,349, while the other board members attending the Texas State Convention were spending only $550 each. A renewal agreement/resolution for the 2004-2005 school year with West Texas Food Cooperative was approved by the board. WTFC supplies the FISD cafeterias with processed food commodities, according to Superintendent Vaughn. Superintendent Vaughn told the board that in March there would be trial runs on combining four school bus routes into two routes. Vaughn said, "Route #1 and Route #9 will be combined. Also, we plan to combine Route #4 and Route #5." According to records, Route #1 (northeast of Floydada) is down to one student riding now, with only two eligible riders. Route #9 (north of Floydada) has 17 eligible riders. This will be a 45 mile route with 20 eligible riders. Route #4 and Route #5 (west/southwest and south of Floydada) both have 10 eligible riders each. As a combined route, it would become a 42 mile route with 20 eligible riders. Vaughn said, "We will save around $16,000 annually with two less drivers, plus the cost of fuel, oil and bus maintenance." FISD dollars reimbursed from TEA is based on linear density of students riding buses. Those dollars would increase greatly with the combined routes, according to Vaughn. In another matter, the board discussed the need to possibly do something with the gymnasium and 2 acres of property at South Plains. Vaughn told the board, "The issue has come up again on the South Plains property and what it is costing us to maintain that property. Last month we had a $785 gas utility bill for the gym." Board Member Kerry Pratt asked, "What are they doing in the gym? Do they meet in there?" Vaughn responded, "They meet in there. They play volley ball and basketball. Rex (Holcombe) and I went out and met with Brett Marble and Nathan Johnson. On our third trip we got inside the gym to see what was happening." According to Vaughn, in 1988, when the schools (FISD and South Plains School) were consolidated, it was set up for FISD to pay the utilities at the South Plains gym. It was to be used as a community center. "There was no time period on how long it was to be set aside for this," said Vaughn. "In looking at this, it is costing us a lot of money over a period of these years to maintain it. Originally there were 5.03 acres in the block. In 1991, 2.6 acres, in an L-shape, were sold between the South Plains school building and the gym. The school building was sold to Seven Marbles, Inc. FISD still owns 2.03 acres of the other part of the L-shape property, including the gym of 100' X 63'. "We have basically two options to dispose of that property. We can sell it by means of a board resolution by bids or by a real estate agent. We must get the property appraised before we can do anything, so I am told," Vaughn continued. Vaughn continued, "Or we can donate it (the gym and property formerly used as a school campus) by board resolution to a municipality, a county, a state agency or a nonprofit organization. Right now none of those exist at South Plains. They do not have a community association, nor a voluntary fire department, nor are they an incorporated city. The church may be a nonprofit organization. "To transfer the property, the district must demonstrate that it does not need the real property or improvements for educational purposes. We have not used this property for years. The transfer must be to an entity that will use it for public purposes only, not a hay barn, etc.," concluded Vaughn. After more discussion by the board, Vaughn was given general approval to investigate the interest of those living at South Plains as to what they might want to do with the gym and the property. No formal action was taken. FISD Business Manager Sharon Rainwater gave the board a Tax Report ending on January 31, 2004 and an Investment Report ending December 31, 2003. The Current Tax Roll showed $2,093,435.17, with Net Collections of $1,880,575.47. This is 89.69 percent collected. The Investment Report showed a Beginning Balance of $4,794,350.53, with an Ending Balance of $5,861,564.13. The board recognized Students, Educator and Support Staff of the Month. They were: Students of the Month, Logan Everett, Kindergarten, A.B. Duncan Elementary; Krystal Ramos, Grade 5, R.C. Andrews Elementary; Jasminne Orozco, Grade 6, FJHS; Chance Crossland, Grade 12, FHS. Educator of the Month was Keith Prather, English/Coach, FHS. Support Staff were Carlen Beedy, Secretary, FHS, and Bill Gilbreath, bus driver. Retirements were presented. They were: Sue Daniels, 19 years with FISD and Enelda Staples, R.C. Andrews Elementary aide. Resignations accepted by the board were Deana Carmack of CCLC, Elizabeth Young of FJHS and Maria Cisneros of A.B. Duncan. Superintendent Vaughn reported FISD enrollment at 1,061, which is up 20 students over last year's enrollment at this same time last year. Lockney Chamber to Host Awards Banquet March 6 The Lockney Chamber of Commerce will host their annual banquet Saturday, March 6, at 7:00 p.m., in the Lockney Elementary Cafeteria. The cost for the steak meal will be $10 for adults and $5 for children (who want a steak dinner). Trimmings will be baked potato, salad, and cobbler. Entertainment for the evening will include Texas in a Swing and Mrs. Forgerson's gymnastic students. The chamber will present awards to the Lockney Citizen of the Year and the Lockney Fireman of the Year. Tickets can be purchased from Chamber President Sharon Hunt, Chamber Treasurer Kelly Prayor, or any chamber director. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Early Voting Starts Monday Early voting for the March primary will be held from February 23-March 5, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the County Clerk's office in the Courthouse. The primary election will be held March 9. In order to vote you must bring your voter registration card or proof of identification that matches your name on the voter list. Otherwise you will be required to vote a Provisional Ballot and it may not be counted.
Obituaries T.U. LINCH Funeral services for T.U. Linch, 86, of Floydada were held Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at the Trinity Assembly in Floydada. Reverend Henry Russell officiated. Burial was in Floydada Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Mr. Linch died Monday, February 16, 2004 at Floydada Rehabilitation and Care Center. He was born on January 9, 1918 in Iredell to the late Ira S. and Irene Blue Linch. He married Francis Ward on June 16, 1940 in Randlett, OK. He was a veteran of the United States Army Air Force having served during World War II. He was a lifelong resident of Floyd County, a carpenter and a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Francis Linch of Floydada; two sons, Floyd Linch and wife JoAnn of Lubbock and Gene Linch and wife Anita of Azle; one sister, Mozelle Bice of Lubbock; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. GREGORY RAISSEZ Funeral services for Gregory Raissez, 51, of Lockney will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2004 at Lemons Funeral Home Chapel in Plainview. Father Jim McCartney of San Jose Catholic Church in Lockney will be officiating. Burial will be in Lockney Cemetery under the direction of Lemons Funeral Home of Plainview. Raissez died Monday, February 16, 2004 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock. He was born June 23, 1952 in Boise City, OK. He married Alexandria Muniz April 15, 1972 in Lockney. He was a life long resident of Lockney and a member of San Jose Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife Alexandria of Lockney; two daughters, Amanda Raissez of Lockney and Ashley Raissez of Lockney; three sons, Michael and Angie Raissez of Plainview, Matthew and Samantha Raissez of Lubbock, and Joshua Raissez of Lockney; two brothers, Isabel and Mary Ann Raissez of Rotan and Alfonso and Nieves Raissez of Lockney; six sisters, Belen Hernandez of Casa Grande, Arizona, Rosaira Saenz of Floydada, Felipa Raissez of Plainview, Hortencia and Reynaldo Moralez of Edinburg, Ester and Frank Muniz of Lockney, and Maria Elena and Robert DeLaGarza of Dallas; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother and one sister. REFUGIO VASQUEZ Funeral Mass was celebrated for Refugio Vasquez, 66, of Lockney Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at the San Jose Catholic Church in Lockney. Father Jim McCartney officiated. Burial was in the Lockney Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Lockney. Mr. Vasquez died February 15, 2004 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock. He was born on July 4, 1937 in Raymondville to the late Roman and Maria Vasquez. He moved to Lockney in 1963. He married Pauline Rendon on July 22, 1963 in Plainview. He was an elevator operator for Patterson Grain Co. until he retired in 1989 and was a member of the San Jose Catholic Church in Lockney. Survivors include his Mother, Maria Vasquez and his wife, Pauline; three sons, Refugio Vasquez, Jr. of Lockney, Steven Vasquez and wife Jessica of Weatherford, Danny Vasquez of Lockney; three daughters, Esmeralda Cisneros and husband Roel of Floydada, Rachel Guerrero and husband Richard of Lockney, Connie Vasquez of Hobbs, NM; two brothers, Roman Vasquez and wife Juanita of Plainview, Luis Vasquez and wife Janie of Plainview; three sisters, Rosa Baltierra and husband Lupe of Robstown; Ninfa Luna and husband Gregorio of Uvalde, Pinfania Maldonado of Hobart, OK; and 13 grandchildren
By The Way | by Alice Gilroy
A View From The Lamplighter | by Ken Towery
The Hesperian-Beacon invites you to read a collection of thoughts and memories by Ken Towery. The "Reflections of Ken Towery" can be found on this website by clicking here.
Classifieds
1999 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS - V-8, auto, loaded. Very clean, $8,500. Call 806-348-7248 or 806-269-2013.
FOR SALE--2000 Chevy Van. $8,995.00. Call Pat Franklin, 983-5078 after 6:00 p.m.
FOR RENT--Clean, furnished apartment in Lockney. Call 652-2642. Barker Real Estate.
FOR RENT--1 bedroom trailer house. Single person or couple only. Call 292-9933.
GRASS HAY FOR SALE--Large round bales. Can deliver. Nelson Seed Farms, 806-983-5500, 983-7601 or 983-7102.
CAPROCK COMMUNITY ACTION is accepting applications for a Choices Case Manager. Duties include routine customer intale, assessment and eligibility determination, duties performed for the Choices Program. High School diploma/GED required, computer experience is a must. Applications may be picked up at 701 East Lee, Floydada, Texas. Applications will be taken until 5:00 p.m. February 27, 2004. Caprock Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Pre-Employment Drug Test is required. Questions concerning this position may be addressed by calling 800-692-4164.
ACT NOW! Work from home. Earn $500 - $5000, PT/FT. Call for interview 888-275-1871.
Floydada 12 HOUSES FOR SALE--2, 3 and 4 bedrooms. Some with 2 baths. Call 292-9528.
PRICE REDUCED--3/2/2 brick, central heat/air, fireplace, patio, 200 sq. ft. brick building. Call 983-5001.
FOR SALE--3 bedroom, 2 bath, 30x30 shop at 110 South First. Call Mike Giesecke, 983-3453 or 983-3787.
FOR SALE BY OWNER!--3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, updated throughout, corner lot, nice fenced yard, storage building.PRICE REDUCED!! Call 983-2064 or 983-2865, ask for J.
PETS FOR SALE--Border Collie puppies. Call 652-3696.
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
NEED PAINTING DONE? Call Vance Mitchell 983-6111.
TIME TO SPRAY FOR WEEDS- Call Emert Spraying Service, 806-839-1509, Hale Center.
ROOF LEAK REPAIRS AND RE-ROOFING on commerical roofs. 24 years experience. See why an Adams Roof Tech roof lasts longer at www.adamsrooftech.com or call 806-928-6062 for a free estimate.
LARRY OGDEN AUCTIONEERING--Estates, Farm, Ranch, Business, Liquidations, State Licensed and Bonded. (806) 983-5808. TX. #9240.
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