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Lerma's CPR Training Saves A Life Seventy-five year old Bill Smith is giving credit to Randy Lerma for saving his life. Lerma is giving credit to the people who made his CPR class available to him. Lerma also believes that God can put you in the right place at the right time--even at Little Dribbler's games. Lerma thought about not attending that CPR class. He had been asked to attend classes, by his employer, Azteca Milling. Lerma didn't want to go. "They weren't going to reimburse me," said Lerma. "I was going to have to get up (Lerma works nights) and go to school." Lerma received his first CPR school 3 years ago and was asked to recertify in November. After employees expressed their reluctance to go spend the 6 hours in a CPR training class without pay, the safety manager, Tony Santos, approved pay for attending the classes. "That class sure paid off for me," said Lerma. Eleven year old Randy Jr., also deserves a little credit. If he had not had a Little Dribbler's All Star game--and if his dad hadn't promised to be there--well, who knows what would have happened. "I didn't want to get up and go to the game," said Lerma, "but I promised." The 5th and 6th grade All Star teams were in tournament play, in Ralls. It was Floydada vs. Olton. Just after halftime, Lerma noticed a commotion in the stands across the court. The grandfather (Bill Smith), of one of the Olton players had suffered a heart attack and had collapsed in the aisle. The referees stopped the game and the kids were called to the sidelines. "My wife and I were watching everyone gather around Mr. Smith," said Lerma. "She said, 'Why don't you go see if you can help, since you've had training.'" Lerma didn't waste a moment. He ran to the opposing team's section and knelt beside Mr. Smith. "You have to get a family's permission first to perform CPR," said Lerma. "Mr. Smith's son, Kenny Smith, told me to do whatever I could do. "I was starting to panic a little--but then I remembered what they told me in CPR class. They said, 'If you are ever in a situation where you are called upon to administer CPR and you can't remember anything-just close your eyes and take a deep breath. Relax--and it will come back to you'. So that is what I did--and I remembered everything." Lerma checked for a pulse and found none. He listened for a heartbeat and heard none. He felt no breath on his face. Lerma then began his series of 15 chest compressions and 2 breaths. "I only got through one set of 15 compressions and my arms were so tired that I didn't think I was going to be able to keep it up," said Lerma. It was at this time that more help arrived. Also in the Floydada side was Floydada Police Officer Ruben DeLeon and Floydada citizen Tim Lipham-both trained in CPR. "We didn't think there was anything too bad going on," said DeLeon. "We saw the crowd, but everyone kept yelling to Mr. Smith's grandson, Dillon, that his grandfather was alright. (Dillon was on the floor with the other ball players). "We assumed everything was really alright--until we saw Randy doing CPR. Then we ran over." "I was sure glad to see them," said Lerma. "Ruben took over the chest compressions and I kept up the breathing. "I was also very grateful to Tim Lipham," said Lerma. "He was very helpful with his suggestions of things I forgot to do. "Mr. Smith was blue when we started but the color started coming back quickly. He was gasping about every 3 seconds, but I was told that is the body's reaction to suffocating." Paramedics arrived in approximately 8-10 minutes. "That was the longest 10 minutes of my life," said Lerma. "It always is," said DeLeon-who is used to emergency calls. Paramedics placed a defibrillator on Mr. Smith and shocked his heart. The CPR cycle was repeated. Still no pulse. The heart was shocked again. Now there was a faint pulse. The CPR was continued, and Lerma, DeLeon and Lipha helped Mr. Smith onto a stretcher and then into the ambulance. Smith was taken to Crosbyton Hospital where he was stabilized and then flown to Lubbock. "He had a strong heartbeat and was breathing on his own when they left the Crosbyton Hospital," said Lerma. "I was told that Mr. Smith's blood oxygen only dropped from 100 to 98 because I started CPR so fast. The doctors said that is what keeps someone from getting brain damage." Mr. Smith has recently been released from the hospital with a pacemaker to help his heart. Before he was released Lerma paid him a visit. "He didn't remember anything about the heart attack," said Lerma. "He remembers the game up until that point-but nothing after that." Mr. Smith and his family wanted to make sure to thank Lerma in a special way. They decided the same people who witnessed the incident should be part of the thanks. So it was decided to honor Lerma at a Little Dribbler's game. When Olton came to Floydada to play a Little Dribbler's game against Cooper, a certificate of "Heroism" was presented to Lerma. "Mr. Smith's pastor, Mike Reed, presented me with a plaque. They wanted to give it to me at halftime in front of everybody, but I was too embarrassed--so we went outside." The plaque reads: "Honor of Heroism--Presented to Randy Lerma For the Heroic Act of Saving the Life of "Bill" Cecil Glenn Smith, April 5, 2003. With Loving Appreciation and Gratitude, From the Smith Family." A graduate of Asherton High School, Randy Lerma moved to Floydada in 1989. He and his wife, Olga, have 4 children: Randy Jr., 11; Mercedes, 9; Stephanie, 7; and Esteban, 4. Ruben DeLeon has been involved in law enforcement since going to work at the Floyd County Sheriff's Department in 1991 as a jailer. He was hired as a deputy and served in that position for 3 years before coming to the Floydada Police Department 2 years ago. He is married to Laura. They have two children: R.J., 9 years old, and Lindsey, 6. DeLeon says he has had to perform CPR in the jail on a couple of occasions--but there was not a happy ending. "It sure is nice to have it work at this way," said DeLeon. Even though Lerma is taking a lot of teasing from his friends and co-workers for "being a hero", the incident hasn't gone unnoticed at Azteca Milling. The story of Lerma's CPR classes and his quick action will soon be featured in the Azteca newsletter. Lerma will be sure to thank his safety manager Tony Santos for approving the hours, and "my CPR teacher--Veronica Wood". "People call me a hero," said Lerma. "But I don't see myself that way. I was just the guy who was in the right place at the right time. The good Lord wanted me to be there." 
NEWSPAPER HONORED--(L-R) Newspaper Publisher Alice Gilroy holds the Community Service Award presented by PPA Secretary Becki Lightfoot. Hesperian-Beacon Wins Awards The Floyd County Hesperian-Beacon won three awards from the Panhandle Press Association's Better Newspaper Contest, at the organization's 93rd convention in Amarillo, April 12. One of the most coveted awards, the "Community Service Award", was won by The Hesperian-Beacon. The newspaper was recognized by the Panhandle Press Association for a year's work of reporting and promoting the Floyd County Veteran's Memorial. "This is a very special award to me," said Publisher Alice Gilroy. "I believe a community newspaper should not only be involved in reporting the news, but should also play a vital role in promoting its community. The staff here works very hard at promoting the accomplishments of our community and I am very proud of everyone at The Hesperian-Beacon." The Press Association also presented Gilroy with a 2nd place plaque in the newswriting division. The 3 news stories submitted for judging consideration covered LISD drug testing, a meth lab uncovered in Floyd County, and a June hail storm that wiped out county crops. A 3rd place was won by Alice and Lennie Gilroy for "Spot News Photography". Judges liked photos of veterans at the memorial unveiling, the Consumers Elevator grain fire, and snow pictures. Gilroy also received an Honorable Mention for "feature
stories".
Obituaries DOMINGA BARRAZA Rosary services for Dominga Barraza, 81, of Floydada were held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at Moore-Rose-White Memorial Chapel in Floydada. Funeral Mass was held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2003 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Father Philip deFreitas officiated. Burial was in the Floyd County Memorial Park under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Mrs. Barraza died Saturday, April 12, 2003 at Mangold Memorial Hospital in Lockney. She was born on July 4, 1921 in Navasota to the late Anastacio Lara and Juanita Hernandez Lara. She moved to Floydada from Navasota in 1956. She was a homemaker and a member of the St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Survivors include one son, Juan Barraza of Floydada; three daughters and sons-in-law, Janie and Joe Barrientos of Floydada, Anna and Robert Mota and Beatrice and Charlie Hernandez, all of Lubbock; one brother, Marcelo Lara of Floydada; 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. JUDY BUSBY Graveside services for Judy Busby, 56, of Petersburg were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2003 at the Petersburg Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of White Funeral Home of Idalou. Ms. Busby died Thursday, April 10, 2003. She was born on January 8, 1947 in Littlefield to the late Mr. John Denmon Busby and Mrs. Jewel Naomi Chandler Busby. She attended Petersburg schools. She moved to Petersburg from Floydada in 2000. She was a member of the East Side Church of Christ in Petersburg. Survivors include her special friend, Bill Fulton of Petersburg; her mother, Jewel Brown of Petersburg; one son, Alan Barnwell of Petersburg; one grandchild, Ryan Barnwell; and one sister, June Collins of Petersburg. The family suggests memorials to Hospice of Lubbock, P.O. B ox 16800, Lubbock, Texas 79490. THERESITA F. GOMEZ Holy Rosary for Theresita Flores Gomez, 56, of Hondo was recited at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2003. Mass was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2003 at St. Johns Catholic Church. Interment followed in the Hondo City Cemetery under the direction of Puente & Sons Funeral Chapels of Hondo. Mrs. Gomez passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2003. She was born on March 3, 1947. She was married to Juan Jose Gomez for 35 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Miguel and Candelaria Flores; sisters, Dolores Luna, Inoncenia Garcia, Ramona Alvarado, Maria Escamilla and Maria Santos Luna; brothers, Salome Flores and Miguel Tony Flores, Jr. Survivors include her husband, Juan Jose Gomez; a daughter, Marisol Gomez; a brother, Feliciano (Felix) Flores and wife Adreana; a sister, Lupe Caballero and husband, Jose from Floydada. MAGDALENA GONZALES Rosary for Magdalena Gonzales, 81, of Lubbock was held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at White Memorial Chapel in Lubbock. Mass was celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2003 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Father Michael O'Dwyer officiated. Burial was held in the Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park under the direction of White Funeral Home of Lubbock. She was born on May 24, 1921 in Staples, Texas to the late Evaristo Piseno and Felica Ramirez. She moved to Lubbock from Lockhart in 1944. She married Martin R. Gonzales on August 16, 1936 in Martindale. She was a retired homemaker and a member of the Guadalupanas at St. Patrick's Catholic Church and a member of the Cursillista's. She was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin R. Gonzales on November 11, 1995 and by a son, Pete Gonzales on December 9, 2001. Survivors include two sons, Jim Gonzales of Ft. Lupton, Colorado and Tommy Gonzales of Lubbock; six daughters, Mona Oliva of Lubbock, Cleta Arellano of Acuff, Paula Narbaez of Lubbock, Juanita Arellano of Lubbock, Rosie Navarro of Keller and Margie Szekely of Montevelo, Colorado; thirty-five grandchildren; sixty-three great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Memorials should be sent to St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Guadalupana Society at 102 N. Ave P, Lubbock, Texas 79401.
VIRGINIA MARTIN Graveside services for Virginia Martin, 41, of Floydada will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 2002 in the Floydada Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Miss Martin died Friday, April 11, 2003 at University Medical Center in Lubbock. She was born on July 25, 1961 in Sacramento, California. She attended schools in California, Florida and Texas and graduated from high school in Bishop, Texas in 1979. She moved to Floydada from Wausau, Wisconsin in 1982. She was a PBX operator and a member of Bible Baptist Church in Floydada. She was preceded in death by a sister, Vivian LaRios. Survivors include her mother, Bonnie Palacios of Floydada; two grandmothers, Maurine V. Rose of Fresno, California and Frances C. Gonzalez; one sister and brother-in-law, Valerie L. and David Lawson of Canyon; five nieces and four nephews. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Bible Baptist Church, 810 S. 3rd, Floydada, Texas 79235 or to the Lupus Foundation of American, West Texas Chapter, 1717 Ave K, Suite 127, Lubbock, Texas 79401.
Dear Editor, Joseph Kline and Judge Hollum's actions in the Travis Hayes case are an absolute mockery of justice. Mr. Kline's arrogance was beyond the limit of human compassion and understanding. I cannot understand either of them agreeing to such a plea bargain. A pox on both their houses. Guy Roy, Mount Vernon
Dear Editor, I am responding to the letters that were printed in the "Letters to the Editor" April 3, 2003 edition by Janie Suber and Jerry Johnson. I have been incarcerated in the Texas Prison System for over three years. I had an addiction to cocaine, and because of my addiction I committed some crimes that put me behind these walls. Prison works, and it helps people who need help. I am living proof. I am a parent and I'm concerned for all the parents of Floyd and surrounding counties. I believe that Mr. Travis Hayes needs help, and the best help for him would be to put him behind these prison walls. It will give him time to think about his mistakes, and it would protect our children. I cannot believe that Judge Randy Hollums agreed to one count of Injury to a child, in exchange for dismissing 7 separate cases of Indecency with a child and 2 counts of aggravated sexual assault (involving 4 different girls, age 7 and younger) I believe Mr. Hayes has an addiction. The only help for this man is prison. "Shock Probation" would be a mistake, and a pat on the back. I fought the law and the law won. If Mr. Hayes is granted "Shock Probation", he has fought the law and he has won. I pray that God's will will be done, and my sympathy goes out to the children who were the victims. Justice should be served in all of the crimes that Mr. Travis Hayes has committed. Judge Randy Hollums sentenced me to 10 years probation for a Burglary of a Habitation, (a first degree felony), and total restitution of $75. How can he give a man who molested 4 different girls ages 7 and younger 10 years? Aren't those girls' lives worth more than $75? I was also sentenced to 10 years probation for a second degree felony - Burglary of a Building by Judge Randy Hollums - total restitution of $25. Aren't those 4 little girls' lives worth more than $25? I stayed on my probation for 7 years and 8 months, before I was arrested again on a third degree felony- Possession of a Controlled Substance, to wit: Cocaine, total restitution of $140. In a plea bargain agreement with Judge Randy Hollums, I was sentenced to 8 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. My probation was revoked and I am now serving 10 years. Prison works for people with addictions, and sick minds. I'm living proof. If Judge Hollums grants Mr. Travis Hayes "Shock Probation", more children may become victims. I say send him down here where the bigs are, and give him some years to think about what he has done to those children. Prison does help those who need help. Sincerely, Inmate Dale Minner Wallace Unit Colorado City, Texas
by Alice Gilroy
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by Ken Towery
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1991 FORD AEROSTAR--Excellent condition, extra clean, good shap. $2500.00. Call 983-5708. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES WORK FROM HOME--Our children come to our office everyday. www.4mymoneybiz.com
NEED HELP WITH YOUR COMPUTER? Troubleshooting, upgrade or repairs. Mac or PC. Call 806-983-6306.
39.5 ACRES--Ideal location south of town. Call 903-334-9361.
Lockney FOR RENT--Clean, furnished apartment. Water and trash collection included. Call Barker Realty - 652-2642.
Floydada GARAGE SALE THURSDAY----1/4 mile Ralls Highway. 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m. Furniture, TV's, tools, miscellaneous.
TAURUS 38 SPECIAL REVOLVER--2" blue barrel. Good condition. Reduced! Call 983-3737 (before 5:00 p.m.) or 983-2186 (after 5:00 p.m.).
COOK NEEDED--Apply Parent Adolescent Center. 111 N. Wall. 983-4925.
$MANAGER TRAINEE$ - $525/week average. Call 766-7175.
3 BEDROOM BRICK HOME--1 bath, carpeted, fenced yard, garage. 118 Mae Avenue. Close to Junior High. Call 983-3320, 983-3355 or 806-383-2499.
FOR SALE BY OWNER--Completely remodeled. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2300 sq. ft. home on 6 acres. 1/4 mile south of Floydada on FM 1958. Call 983-5908. Shown by appointment only.
TWO HOUSES FOR RENT IN COUNTRY--$300 per month with $150 deposit and $400 per month with $200 deposit. Call 983-5974.
COUNTRY HOME ON 2 ACRES, 3 miles east Highway 70. Three bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, fireplace, living, dining, den, office, utility, basement, 2 patios and shop. Call 983-2938 or 983-3786.
HOUSE FOR SALE--($25,000) or rent ($375/mo). Newly remodeled 2BR/1B, Section 8 approved. Call Britt Gregory, 580-596-3850.
STANDING CUTTING BRED black and white Homozygous Paint Stallion. Call 806-889-3441.
FOR SALE--100 gallon butane tank. Call 652-3778.
FOR SALE--Fishing rods and reels, dresser with mirror, brass headboard, end table, night stand, lamp. Call 983-5520.
ALPHATEX KENNEL, AIKEN, TEXAS offers superior quality AKC Registered, DNA Certified Collies, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. Puppies and stud service available. 806-652-3458 or 806-292-5348.
PROPERTY FOR SALE Floyd County, pursuant to a tax foreclosure sale, is offering for sale the following property in the City of Lockney: All of Lots No. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in Block 35 and Lots 1 and 2 in Block G of the N.B. Davis Survey located in the City of Lockney, Floyd County, Texas also known as the Webster Service and Supply, Inc. property. Any offers should be submitted to: William D. Hardin, County Judge, Courthouse Room 105, Floydada, Texas 79235.
MCLEAN'S LAWN SERVICE is now serving both Lockney and Floydada. Call today! 652-8970.
CEMENT WORK? Sidewalks, patios, driveways, curbing. Odd jobs around home or farm. Gary Bennett. Call or leave message 983-5120.
REECER LAWN AND LANDSCAPE--Full service landscaping. Lawn maintenance, fertilizing, tree service and more. Experienced and knowledgable. Call 293-7465 for free estimates. References available. Lockney and Floydada.
TIME TO SPRAY YARDS FOR WEEDS--Call Emert Spraying Service. Call 806-839-1509, Hale Center.
Estates, Farm, Ranch, Business, Liquidations, State Licensed and Bonded. (806) 983-5808. TX. #9240.
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HEROISM
APPRECIATED--(L-R) Floydada Police Officer Ruben DeLeon
stands with Randy lerma who holds the "certificate of
heroism" he received for life saving CPR.