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Donation On Water Bill Helps Fire Department
FIREMAN PRESTON BELT POINTS TO LEAKY WATER TANK ON OLD FIRE TRUCK By Judy Macha Lockney citizens are now being given the option to help upgrade firefighting equipment with a voluntary $2.00 charge on monthly water billings. "The voluntary $2 charge on the Lockney water billings is simply to help us update our equipment," said Lockney Volunteer Fireman Preston Belt. "Some of our surrounding communities have mandatory $2 - $4 charges." Belt stated the department felt the charge would be more acceptable to the citizens if it were voluntary. "We don't want anyone to feel we are shoving this charge down their throat. We are giving them a chance to be part of improving their Fire Department," he said. "It's a small donation, but it will make a very big difference!" A fundraiser is currently in progress to raise money for a 2003 Freightliner fire truck. The monthly donation will help maintain and upgrade equipment for future needs. $143,969 has been received to date for the new Freightliner truck. It will be delivered in less than nine months to its new home in Lockney. This is a major accomplishment for a volunteer fire department of a small community, whose newest piece of equipment is a twelve year old ambulance. Belt listed some features of the new truck, "It has top mounted controls that run the pumper, allowing the operator to be up top between the cab and back, where he will have a clear view of both sides and the rear. Inlets are located on right, left and rear, enabling firemen to be more effective upon approach to a fire. It sports all new hose, a diesel engine, automatic transmission, on-board compressor, and a battery charger/conditioner for shorter start-up time. "The on-board 5,000 watt generator will operate lights at night, and other electric tools. It has a new ladder, 4 door cab with 3 self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) mounted into the back seat. The apparatus means that upon arrival at the scene, the #1 man of the first of our two 2-man hose teams will be ready to go and the backup team can be ready faster. It is something the community can be proud of," he added. Belt said taking delivery of the new fire truck is a first step in replacing an inventory of old and used up equipment. "We're stretching this old equipment as far as we can," he said. "But there is a breaking point, and we're fast approaching it." The department's major equipment inventory currently consists of: a 1963 Chevrolet converted fuel tanker used for house and grass fires out in the county, and for additional water; a 1973 converted bread truck serves as the rescue wagon, and carries all the rescue equipment; a 1974 Ford 900 main fire truck, whose water tank leaks badly, has four scattered manual controls making for a time consuming "set-up" at the scene, and it is mechanically undependable; and a 1974 Suburban, with no air-conditioning, which is used for rescue and for pulling a 1000 gallon nurse tank for additional water. The department no longer uses its second ambulance, as the cost of bringing it up to code and making it mechanically dependable would be prohibitive. Case in point, one requirement is a $5,000+ automatic external defibralator unit. As it stands now, the firemen not only donate their time, but they must also take their own vehicles and pay all cost incurred in traveling to and attending mandatory schools. Belt believes the old Suburban could be air conditioned and used for taking the firemen to these schools, as well as still hauling additional water. On the department's wish list is a second fire truck. It is on a super duty one ton Ford chassis, with 4-wheel drive. It would be used for wildland fire and rescue. It has its own on-board generator and jaws of life. All rescue equipment would be on this truck. It comes equipped with side compartments for easy access, and has a 400 gallon water tank for grass fires. Belt quickly pointed out, "This second fire truck will mean many times we could answer a call with one vehicle instead of the two or three we're having to take now." "We have two 90/10 type grants in the works now. That is, they provide 90% and we come up with the other 10%. One is with FEMA for $45,000, and the other is with the Texas Forrest Service," said Belt. "These would go toward buying the second fire truck, new wildland equipment and gear, 2-way radios, and some training material." The department's charter calls for twenty-five members, and they are making do with four walkie talkies. "This can be a dangerous situation," said Belt. "With some of these vehicles, we take our life into our own hands just getting to the scene," Belt reminisced. "Once while answering a call in the 1963 tanker, we got to the stop sign at the intersection of FM 97 and Hwy 70...no brakes! Fortunately, no one was injured." There are 816 meters in the city. The voluntary $2 charge has the potential to bring in $1,632 a month, or a yearly total of $19,584 to purchase, up-date, and maintain the department's equipment. Belt added, " We want to encourage all who live out in the county to donate as well. They also benefit from our services. "We'd really appreciate everyone's help. With the dwindling tax base, this is where we have to go for funds," Belt said. "Our main goal here is protecting the community." To donate, contact Preston Belt, Aaron Wilson, Joe Marks,
or any of the other firemen.
MARKS PUTS ON ROOF--Sam Moore and Joe Marks stand on the top of the Lockney Boy Scout Hut as Ed Marks works to raise the first of the truss beams. Staff Photo Thanks to the generosity of the Lockney Rotary Club, fund raiser efforts of the Boy Scouts, and Ed Marks, of Lockney, the Lockney Scout Hut is now sporting a new roof. Fund-raisers by the Lockney Rotary Club, and Boys Scouts, raised $9,000 for the Lockney Scouts. Ed Marks donated his skills to put the metal roof on the old building. "We needed a roof bad," said Scout Leader Sam Moore. "The leaking was so bad that you couldn't even air the tents out inside this building because they would stay wet and mildew." The Main Street building which houses the Lockney Boy Scouts is the former Mesa Theatre. It also served as a 4-H rifle range at one time. The building was donated to the Scouts in 1975, or 1974, by J.B. and Dovie Seales. "The Lockney Lions Club arranged the contribution," said former Lions Member Robert Webb. "This building has been around a long time," said Moore. "The Scouts could have moved out and found a new home but because of Rotary and Ed Marks we were able to stay and fix up a landmark on Main Street. "Grace Fellowship Church (which closed in December 2001) also contributed to the project after their church building sold. Even though Grace Fellowship is gone--their good works continue." According to Moore the roof work turned into a bigger project than was expected. "Ed Marks, his son, Joe, and myself cleaned off the roof," said Moore. "We probably took off 10,000 to 12,000 pounds of rock, dirt, and old tar. I don't think Ed figured he would have to clean off so much stuff--but he did it anyway. He is always doing 'pro-bono' work for people around here. "Ed really does quality work. I hope the community remembers him when they need metal work and steel buildings." Mackenzie Water Authority Board Asks For Resignation of Manager Tom Davey During an executive session of the Lake Mackenzie Municipal Water Authority Board meeting, April 24, the general manager of the Water Authority, Tom Davey, was asked for his resignation. Bookkeeper Gail Wyatt and her husband, John, had already resigned from their positions. One of Floydada's representative on the Board, Jeffrey Johnson, presided over the board meeting. According to Floydada City Manager Gary Brown, "the board had to make some very difficult decisions and Johnson did a good job. Overall, I felt the board responded well to the concern of the member cities." According to Brown, who attended the meeting, the cities representatives on the board voted unanimously to: (1) Approve the authority's payment of employee insurance only, beginning Oct. 1, 2003. (2) Table the decision to remove pumping restrictions as requested by the cities. "With the reduction in work force the board was not sure the amount of water to be treated could be increased over what it is now," said Brown. (3) Approved reducing the salary base by $2,500 per employee, back to the 2001/2002 budget level. (4) Reduce the Christmas bonus of 3 weeks pay and double time holiday pay. (5) Postpone more budget cuts until personnel issues are settled. (6) Requested that all cities see the proposed budget for each new year at least 30 days before the Mackenzie board approved it. (7) Allow the park superintendent to get his license so he could help in the water treatment plant. (8) Only pay for the schooling that must be obtained for the employees directly related to their jobs. (9) Allow employees to use Authority vehicles for Authority business only--within reason. "The hiring of a new business manager was discussed in great detail," said Brown. "The board authorized Davey to hire an interim business manager to fill the vacated position of Wyatt." After an executive session to discuss employee matters, the board reconvened and asked Davey to resign by July 1st. "He was told if he resigned he would receive 6 months benefits if he signed away his right to sue the board," said Brown. "Tom said he would give his answer within 7 days after talking to his attorney." Brown said a decision on a replacement for Davey will not be made until Davey replies to the board. According to Brown the board did not pass the reduction of all salaries by 20% because the cities wanted to see if the budget cuts of approximately $230,000 could be reached without making the salary cuts. "I felt all board members represented their towns well," said Brown. "Jeff Johnson and Gary Carthel (representing Floydada) deserves thanks."
Obituaries IGNACIA CASTORENA Services for Ignacia Castorena, 103, of Lockney were held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at Primera Iglesia Bautista Church in Lockney. Pastors Pedro Reyes and Pedro Villarreal officiated. Burial was in Lockney Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Lockney. Mrs. Castorena died Sunday, April 27, 2003 in Lockney. She was born July 22, 1899 to the late Espiririon Castorena and Prisciliana Ibarra Castorena. She moved to Lockney from Flores, Mexico in 1984. She was a homemaker and a member of the Lockney Primera Iglesia Bautista Church in Lockney. Survivors include: a son, Manuel Castorena of Tepezala, Ags. Mexico; three daughters, Amparo Castorena Gonzales of Juarez, Mexico, Carmen Castorena of Juarez, Mexico, and Francisca Reyes of Lockney; 35 grandchildren, 93 great-grandchildren and 38 great-great-grandchildren. W.A. NEFF Services for W.A. "Bud" Neff, 75, of Apache Junction, Arizona will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2003 at Moore-Rose-White Memorial Chapel in Floydada with Reverend Bob Miller of Amarillo and Elder Ronnie Hedges of Brownfield officiating. Burial will be in Floyd County Memorial Park under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Mr. Neff passed away at Valley Lutheran Hospital in Mesa, Arizona on April 27, 2003. He was born on August 3, 1927 in Floyd County to the late William P. and Annie L. Neff. He married Betty Battey on September 22, 1977 in Hereford. He was a teamster driver and retired in 1984. He lived in Amarillo before moving to Apache Junction, Arizona on September 1, 1999. He was a member of the Southern Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Betty Neff of Apache Junction, Arizona; one son, Bill Neff of Odessa; two daughters, Vivian Mobley of Amarillo and Diane Neff of Modera, California; two step-sons, Linn Battey of Tuscora, Nevada and Bruce Battey of Korea; one brother, Edd Neff of Floydada; two sisters, Barbara Hauteen Woody of Lubbock and Pauline Eatherly of Prescott Valley, Arizona; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Casket bearers will be Jerry Galloway, Sammy Woody, Aubrey Neff, Eddie Guffee, Phillip Taylor, Glenn Lobstein and Andy Coats. JOSE R. RODRIGUEZ Funeral Mass for Jose R. Rodriguez, 81, of Floydada was 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2003 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Father Phillip deFreitas, officiated. Services were at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2003 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Deacon Ricky Vasquez officiated. Burial was in Floydada Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Survivors include one son, Johnny Rodriguez of Lubbock; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Dear Editor, I recall two years ago there were two girls that came together as really good friends and even better competitors. Spring time came which brought about tennis season. The girls worked hard every day to get ready for the district tennis meet and when this time rolled around they were undefeated and ready for the competition. They were uncontested in district and were headed for the regional meet. However, one of the girls failed a class so she had to stay home while her partner competed in the Regional Tournament with another player. Although they were both heart broken they were not able to extend their winning streak and possibly make the trip to Austin, a rule is a rule, right? Wrong. It has come to my attention that Floydada High School has double standards when it comes to women's and men's athletics. Recently, a boy that has failed repeatedly was passed on so that he would be able to compete in doubles at the regional tennis meet. I wish someone could explain to me how it is right that a repeat offender of the "no pass, no play" rule was passed so his partner would not have to play with someone he was not used to playing with and a first time offender was turned away with a simple, "no". The controversy poses the question of right and wrong and the school's ability to make decisions like this. Is it not a rule that if you do not pass you cannot compete? And does the rule not apply to all students? Apparently this rule applies to only those that are not of the male gender. Several times, male athletes have been passed even though they did not earn it just so they would be able to play. If the rule is going to be compromised, why have the rule at all? Would it not be better to just allow everyone to compete no matter their grades, or would this force school officials to give equal treatment to all athletes? There is no question in my mind that the rule about passing that now stands is necessary, but if it is not enforced there is no point in having it. I realize that the current doubles team would have a better chance of succeeding if the pairing was the same as always, but was not this the case two years ago? Why is this situation different? Did the girls not have a good chance of making it to state and the boys do? Personally, I would have to disagree with this assumption. The girls would have entered the Regional Meet undefeated and the current team has not achieved an accomplishment close to this. No matter what happens in this current situation, the girl's past season cannot be changed but what happens in the future can. If current school officials are not going to give equal treatment to all athletes and students, perhaps the Floydada School district should appoint someone to this position that will. Sincerely, Two year alumni of FHS Tennis Team, Jenna
Payne
by Alice Gilroy
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by Ken Towery
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AUTOMOBILES FOR SALE 1992 FORD PROBE--$1700.00. Call 983-6011.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 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.
FARMLAND FOR SALE 39.5 ACRES--Ideal location south of town. Call 903-334-9361.
FOR RENT OR SALE Lockney FOR RENT--Clean, furnished apartment. Water and trash collection included. Call Barker Realty - 652-2642.
GARAGE SALE Floydada ESTATE SALE--902 W. Mississippi. Saturday - 8:00 a.m. Washer and dryer, miscellaneous.
GARAGE SALE--In alley behind 807 Mesquite Street. Friday, May 2nd - 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 3rd - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon.
309 W. MARIVENA--Friday Only! 8:00 a.m. - ??. Treadmill, bikes, exercise equipment, pans, baby clothes and lots more.
MOVING SALE--May 9th & 10th. 1004 S. 3rd. NO EARLY SALES!
615 W. MISSISSIPPI--Garage sale--Saturday, May 3rd - 8:00 a.m. -??. Lots of clothes, toys and miscellaneous items.
Lockney GARAGE SALE--Friday, May 2 thru Sunday, May 4th - 8:00 a.m. - ??. 1998 Explorer, TV's, china cabinet, recliner, more furniture, kitchen/bath fixtures, stove, craft supplies, more. 302 S.E. 2nd, Lockney.
THE FLOYDADA HOUSING AUTHORITY is accepting applications for Maintenance Position. Must have a high school diploma or GED, valid Texas drivers license and must have 2 1/2 years experience in plumbing and electrical. Knowledge of general maintenance. Apply at the Texas Workforce Commission office located at 701 E. Lee.
FLOYDADA REHAB AND CARE CENTER has a opening for a Certified Activity Director. Person must also have some computer knowledge and outgoing personality. Send resume to P.O. Box 129, Floydada or see Sandra at 925 W. Crockett Street, Floydada.
$MANAGER TRAINEE$ - $525/week average. Call 766-7175.
LAKE MACKENZIE MUNICIPAL WATER AUTHORITY is seeking a business manager to work at Lake Mackenzie. Must have computer and bookkeeping skills. Salary will be based on qualifications. For more information call 806-633-4318.
BLANCO GIN--Experienced farmhand needed to work immediately. Call Jody at 806-697-2631.
CERTIFIED LIFEGUARDS needed for Floydada City Pool. Please send name, address and copy of certification to N. Smith, HCR 4, Box 36, Lockney, Texas 79241. Application cutoff date is May 18, 2003.
HOUSES FOR SALE FOR SALE--Brick 3-2-2, fireplace, sprinkler. Nice neighborhood. 804 Cedar. Call 983-3360 (day) or 983-3390 or 983-5555 (nights).
NICE BRICK HOME--3 bedroom, 2 bath, fenced-in yard. Near high school. 808 W. Marivena. $39,000.00. Call 983-2389 after 5:00 p.m.
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 BY OWNER--407 N.E. 2nd Street, Lockney. 4 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, garage, carport, storage room, cellar, fenced backyard. $30,000.00. Call 652-2924.
HOUSE FOR SALE BY OWNER-- Owner financed, $80,000.00. 3 bedroom, 2 baths, basement, large office, 2 out-buildings, fenced yard, north of Lockney in Silverton school district. After 5:00 p.m. call 652-8975/mobile - 292-8669.
MUSIC LESSONS beginning May 2nd. Will accept students for piano, voice or organ lessons. Call 983-5070 at Kathy Johnson's Music Studio. Openings available Tuesdays and Thursdays.
FOR SALE--Hot tub. Call for information. 983-8100.
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.
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.
ROOF REPAIR, wind damage and leaks. Residential and commercial. Call 293-7465.
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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