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Kirk & Sons Around 1920--The first three men are unidentified, then it is J.T. Kirk and O.W. Kirk By Alice Gilroy What many consider a historical landmark will either be changing hands or closing down in Floydada. Layne Kirk, the owner of Kirk & Sons, has made the painful and difficult decision to sell his business or liquidate. "What I want is for someone to come in and buy the business, lock, stock, and barrel. I 'll just hand them the keys and walk away. If I can't sell, then I will liquidate." Kirk made the decision after both he and his wife were offered job opportunities in Amarillo. "I'm only selling the business because of a better business opportunity." Kirk has weathered many difficult times in Floyd County because of his loyalty to the community and to the family run business that has been around since 1910. Layne is the 4th generation Kirk to run the business. Layne's great-grandfather James T. Kirk was a native of Alabama. He came to Texas in 1900 to farm around Clarksville and moved to Floyd County from Red River County, Texas. Shortly after coming to Floydada J.T. became a silent partner in a second-hand furniture store. A.T. Henderson and Monroe Windsor were his partners. The business was located on the present site of Kirk and Sons on the north side of the square. A small sheet iron building served as the first store. Henderson sold out to Kirk in 1911 and the business became known as Kirk and Windsor. The second-hand merchandise handled by the store came from local homes. When families purchased new furniture, the old was sold independently. J.T. soon went into the hardware business as well as dealing in new furniture and farm equipment. In 1910 J.T. bought out the Big Four Hardware in Lockney and brought all furniture, fixtures, and merchandise to Kirk and Windsor. To accommodate the growing business the present two story brick building was erected in 1916. Among the fixtures brought from Lockney was an 1886 Mosler Safe, originally brought to Lockney from San Antonio. "The safe is still in the store," said Layne. "There is a whole story surrounding this safe and how it was brought here. "An eight-mule team was taken to Lockney to bring the safe back. Men used timbers, blocks and tackles to raise the safe onto the wagon. On the way to Floydada the wagon tilted and the safe rolled off. The timbers, blocks and tackles had to be brought to the site and once again the safe had to be loaded. It was nightfall when the wagon arrived at the store so the men just unloaded it in the back of the store and waited until morning to move it where it was going to sit. When they came in the next morning, the heavy safe had fallen through the floor. Once again they had to send for the timbers, blocks and tackles and pull the safe up. The floor was fixed and the spot where the safe was going to sit was shored up to hold the weight." A second building was built for the store in 1926. In 1960, a new furniture building was built on the site of the old sheet iron building. J.T. Kirk made frequent trips by rail to Dallas, Kansas City, and Cedar Rapids which were the furniture centers of the country to buy his furniture stock. Merchandise was delivered by rail to Matador. From there it was brought to Floydada by draymen with a wagon and mules. Stock was also ordered from traveling salesmen or "drummers". Although these men represented competing companies, they would share the same wagon from Matador. As each visited with Mr. Kirk, the others would stay out of ear shot to allow for privacy when presenting their wares. J.T.'s son, O.W. Kirk, was 17 years old when the family moved to Floydada. He got degrees from West Texas State at Canyon and the University of Texas and then taught at various schools. He quit to enter WWI. In 1918 J.T. bought out the Windsor and ran the business with the help of his wife, Tommie. After WWI, J.T. formed the partnership with his son, O.W., and son-in-law W.S. Goen. The business was now Kirk and Sons. This partnership lasted until J.T.'s death in 1950. O.W. Kirk continued with Kirk and Sons in a partnership with family members: J.T. Kirk II, Marjorie Hollums, D.L. Kirk, and Patricia Lansford O'Shea. O.W. stayed busy in a booming town, and worked hard against the competition of six other hardware stores in the 1920's. Business was often carried on by barter back in the late 20's and early 30's during the depression. Eggs, milk, even "weener" pigs were treaded for necessary items to keep the farms and households operating. Hours were long. The usual working day was from 6 a.m to 9 p.m. On Saturday nights businesses stayed open until 11 p.m. O.W. Kirk's son, Dave (and Layne's father) began as a buyer for the family business in 1936. Except for taking time out for college and WWII, David Kirk worked for the business from that time on. O.W. Kirk died in 1976 and David continued the business. Layne Kirk worked part time in the store during his junior and senior high school years and during college vacations. "I'd come down after school," said Layne. "Daddy always had something for us to deliver. I knew all the streets of Floydada and where everyone lived. It was easy to get to know everyone that way." Layne says that some of this fondest memories of the store include his grandmother teaching piano lessons in Kirk and Sons. She kept a parrot, called 'Dickie Bill' down here. The parrot would squawk and sing to kids practicing on the piano." As president of Pheasants Forever at one time, Layne remembers the years of '93 and '94 as being full of pheasant hunters. "Last year was good too," said Layne. With the store also supplying ammunition and rifles, hunters and gun enthusiasts are a common site inside Kirk and Sons. Layne served on a partnership basis with his father until David's death in November 1986. Layne is now assisted at the store by John Campbell, who has been employed at the store since 1954. Layne was assisted by his mother Jill, as bookkeeper, for many years until she retired to Cottonwood, AZ. Kirk and Sons still does business in the original building, but has added considerable space. It now includes about 12,000 square feet under the roof, and besides hardware, appliances, furniture and floor coverings are sold. "Recently the carpet sales have been the most profitable," said Layne. "Hardware is the meat and potatoes and pays the bills every month. "The heritage has kept me here all these years. It's an Oak tree with deep roots. "It pains me to see all the empty buildings in Floydada. I look at the west side of the square and ask, 'What happened?'. "I remember 4 theaters in the County&endash;3 in Floydada and one in Lockney." It will be hard for the Kirks to leave. Both Layne and his wife, Susan, have devoted their lives to family and community. Susan is a teacher of special education at Floydada High School. Their daughter Chelsea is now a senior at the University of North Texas, majoring in sculpture with a minor in International Studies. Son, Jarrett, is a senior at FHS and plans on going to Tech and major in Chemistry. "This is not a farewell yet," said Layne. "I'll be serving the people of Floydada until I can't anymore. I'm going to keep the stock up and keep selling until it's time to leave. I don't want people to think I'm going to liquidate next month. I want the store to keep on serving Floyd County through 2006."
KIRK & SONS
Wind Energy May Come to Floyd County By Darwin Robinson The Floyd County Commissioners met Monday, May 8, and heard a request for tax abatement, over the next ten years, for the construction and usage of 26 wind energy turbine towers to possibly be installed in eastern Floyd County along the caprock. Dale Cummings of Whirlwind Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of Renewable Energy Systems Americas, Inc. of Colorado, told the commissioners, "In order to get this wind farm project started by January 1, 2008, we are asking you to approve an (amended) resolution of the county's Guidelines and Criteria for Tax Abatement and set a date for a Public Hearing to create a reinvestment zone where the wind farm will be built." Cummings asked the court for a 100 percent tax abatement for the first year, 2008; 90 percent for 2009; 75 percent for 2010, 2011 and 2012; and 50 percent for the following five years of 2013-2018. Scott Caldwell of RES also told the court, "We can probably have this 60 megawatt wind farm in operation by next year. We will need to lay about 17 miles of underground transmission lines in order to connect with the Matador facility." According to Caldwell, one of the keys to build a wind farm in this area is the great wind resource along the caprock area. "It is better here than any other location in Texas." Commissioner Lennie Gilroy asked, "How many homes will these towers service? Caldwell responded, "One tower produces 2.3 megawatts and one megawatt will supply electricity for 600 to 1,000 homes on the average. The giant key part to this project, in order to make it work, is transmission lines. Land owners will get good healthy royalty checks from this (wind farm) for a long time." According to Caldwell a wind turbine could possibly last from 20 to 25 years and the entire project could add over $95 million to the county's tax base. Following a question by Commissioner Bill Quattlebaum concerning the present tax base for the county, Judge Bill Hardin said, "It is around $275 million." Quattlebaum stated, "I don't feel comfortable with this amended resolution until we have a qualified individual review the document. Let's have County Attorney Lex Herrington review this. I move to table this item." A special commissioner's meeting was set tentatively for Monday, May 15, to discuss this issue again, following County Attorney Herrington's review. In other matters, Steve Davis, Floyd County's Extension Agent-IPM, gave his annual written report to the commissioners. Davis said, "We stay busy during the summer time with pest monitoring, plus training sessions. Our Caprock Cotton Conference this year was a success with 147 in attendance." The court voted unanimously to keep the county's Fire Ban in place. According to County Judge Hardin, Federal Disaster Funds would not be available if the county does not have the Fire Ban in place. A motion was made by Commissioner Ray Nell Bearden to 'table' the item on the agenda to "close the concrete weight pad in Lockney." It was seconded by Commissioner Quattlebaum and unanimously approved. Four farm contracts were approved by the court. They were: (Pct. 4) 6 miles east and 6 miles north of Floydada, to dig a water pit for cattle and soil conservation, by Hinsley Farms; (Pct. 4) 4 miles east of Hwy. 1958, to haul 2 loads of gravel for a thrashing pit, by Randy Rainwater; (Pct. 3) 6 miles east of SH207 on Fm 689, to clean out cattle guards on ranch, by Joe Taylor; and (Pct. 2), 11 miles north of Lockney, to remove borders for soil conservation, by David Frizzell. Floyd County Agents J.D. Long and Melissa Long gave reports to the commissioners. Long said, "We have 7 teams participating this year in Walk Across Texas. They will walk 830 miles in 8 weeks and it is for your own health." Long reported that Brady Ragland was elected to 2nd vice-president of the District 4-H Council and Kami Keaton was interviewed in Austin for a 4-H scholarship amounting from $1500 to $12,000," concluded Long. Ragland told the court, "We need more rain. The rain has been spotted and it is time to plant. We should plant about 190,000 acres of cotton this year in the county. We have around 70,000 acres of wheat, but only about 20 to 30 percent will go to grain because of the lack of moisture. We usually plant around 40,000 acres of milo grain sorghum." Ragland told the commissioners about the new PAC garden project this year. "We hope to have a 'farmers market' on the downtown square to raise money for PAC. It may be on the first and third Thursday of each month." Ragland concluded by telling the court about an animal I.D. micro chip that will probably be in place by the year 2008, due to the mad cow disease. Floydada Citizens Voting On Sales Tax and Bond Issue By Darwin Robinson This Saturday, May 13, Floydada ISD and the City of Floydada both have important items on the voting ballots. All voting will be done from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Massie Activity Center, located in the 500 block of W. Georgia. The citizens of the City of Floydada will decide whether the City can levy a one-fourth cent City sales tax to be used for street maintenance. While the constituents of the FISD school district will decide whether they want a 30 year $5.5 million bond debt, in order to consolidate R.C. Andrews Elementary with A.B. Duncan Elementary. Also, on the FISD ballot, the school district citizens will elect a new At Large Trustee Member. Running for this trustee position is Marty Lucke and Bud Taylor. Concerning the one-fourth cent sales tax, City Manager Gary Brown told the City council back in their January meeting, "If this tax is applied, it will raise approximately $25,000 a year that will be dedicated for street repair." Concerning the FISD $5.5 million 30 year bond debt, the cost to the homeowner and the landowner will be approximately $0.125 increase yearly over the current tax rate. For example, a home valued at $50,000, after the $15,000 homestead exemption, would have a yearly $43.75 tax increase, according to FISD's Fact Sheet. While irrigated land, Class 1, valued at $280 per acre would have a yearly $0.35 cents per acre increase , or a $224 yearly tax increase per section for 30 years. Concerning
the FISD Trustee election, study the Candidates' Profiles in
this issue of the paper and vote your individual choice.
Marty Lucke Family & Education: My wife Delinda and I have been married for 14 years. We have two daughters, Ashley who is 11 years old, and Delaney who is 8 years old. I graduated from Anson High School in 1982, and received my Bachelor of Science degree from Abilene Christian University in 1985. I attended the Texas DPS Training Academy in 1987. I have my Master Peace Officer License and I am a licensed TCLEOSE Instructor. Why do you want this office? I am truly interested in the School District and the community. I have dedicated my career to making Floyd County a better place to live and raise a family. I want the School District to excel in the education of our children, the quality of our educators, the support of the parents and the support of the public. I want every person in the community to be proud of the School District. I want to serve my community and the School District. I believe that improvements can be made to the School District while keeping the taxpayer in mind. What do you want to "do" or "change" if you are elected? One thing that I would like to do is implement some type of program for interaction between the students and the community. This would allow the students to give back to the community and also help build pride in the School District. I would also like for the School District to make as many purchases as possible locally. As for what I would change, I am one vote so I could not change anything. I will voice my opinions and concerns on matters that I believe need to be changed. I will not be shy about asking questions concerning the operation of the School District. I will gladly put forth ideas for improvement of the operation of the School District from both the public and the educators. What are your qualifications for the job?: I have two children in the School District, my wife is an educator in the School District, and I am a taxpayer in the School District. I was also the only candidate to attend free training to improve my knowledge of the School Board. If elected, my decisions will be based on what is best for all the children and employees, and not just what is best for my wife and child. If elected, I will bring a positive and open minded attitude with me to the School Board. I am not bringing an "agenda" and I have no "axe to grind". I am not seeking election just to be on a board, but I am seeking election to serve everyone in the School District as a Board Member.
Family & Education: I am the son of Junior and Martha Taylor from Cedar Hill. My wife, Penny and I live in Floydada, but I continue to own and operate my own business at Cedar Hill. I completed 12 years of schooling in the Floydada ISD, and graduated from Floydada High School in 1976. I received an Associate Degree in Agritechnology from South Plains College in 1978. Why do you want this office? I care about my community and have always tried to support it actively. I feel that Floyd County has given me much, and I would like the opportunity to give back. What do you want to "do" or "change" if you are elected? I am interested in the future of Floydada, and would like an opportunity to contribute my efforts toward ensuring both the current and future students of FISD a quality education, while doing what is best for our community. What
are your qualifications for this job? I have served on
various committees and boards for the past twenty-plus
years, dealing with problems including economic development,
budgeting, finance, personnel, long-range planning, and
fiscal responsibility. I have attended numerous Director
Management seminars addressing the duties, responsibilities,
and mechanics of trustee groups and boards. I have
demonstrated through my experience on other boards my
ability to come to the table well informed, lacking bias,
and concerned about the well-being of all stakeholders who
will be impacted by my decisions.
Dear Editor, Thank you for your coverage of the Floydada ISD bond election. As president of the FISD board of trustees I would like to urge all voters to cast their votes on Saturday, May 13, 2006. Our school board and administrators have spent many months determining what we feel to be the best options for our schools, students, teachers, and community. Our board has proposed that we close R.C. Andrews and build new facilities at A.B. Duncan. This will include renovations to Duncan. Combining Andrews and Duncan schools into one campus will allow our district to realize a savings of close to $350,000 annually. If our bond does not pass, and we are not able to achieve this savings, our district will be forced to start cutting back on programs that we are now able to offer to our students. Following programs will be a necessary reduction in force. No one wants to pay unnecessary taxes, but there comes a time in every community when its citizens must take the initiative to provide for the betterment of the entire population. We have that opportunity this Saturday. Please take this opportunity to go vote for the FISD bond proposal. Respectfully, Bill Dean
JERRY MCCLURE Jerry Weldon McClure, 72, professor emeritus of botany at Miami University, died Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at Fort Hamilton Hospital. He joined the Miami faculty in 1964, attaining full professorship in 1973. In 1972 he was the first recipient of the Sigma Xi Outstanding Researcher of the Year award. Throughout his career, he received numerous National Science Foundation and U. S. Department of Agriculture grants to fund his research. McClure retired in 2001. He received the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Senior U. S. Scientist Award from the West German government, which included transportation for his family and a stipend in 1974-75, and simultaneously received a Fullbright Foundation Honorary Research Fellowship award. He was a visiting professor at Ruhr-Universitat, Bochum, Germany, giving more than 30 invited lectures in the U.K., Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, USSR and East Germany. In 1982 he was named Distinguished Visiting Scientist, Texas Tech University; in 1983, he received the Heinrich-Hertz research award in Dusseldorf, West Germany, and the Gordon Research Conferences organizing award. In 1987, he was an invited visiting scholar, University of Nairobi, Kenya, and at the same time, worked with the Richard Leakey group and National Museums of Kenya. Before returning to Miami University in the fall of 1987, he presented invited lectures in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Asmara, Eritrea; Nanning and Guilin, Peoples Republic of China. He was born May 3, 1933 in Floydada and took pride in having gone from a depression-era cotton farm and one-room school to becoming an internationally recognized scientist. At Wayland Baptist College he was offered a music scholarship in voice, however, he transferred to Texas Tech University, where he earned a degree in agriculture in 1954. He served in the U.S. Air Force in 1955 to 1959. Returning to Texas Tech he received an M.S. in agriculture. He received his Ph.D. in botany from the University of Texas, Austin, 1964, publishing his first research results in the journal Nature, while still working on his degree. McClure was treasurer and later president of the Phytochemical Society of North America; chair of the physiological section, Botanical Society of North America; member of the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, Life Sciences; screening committee for Fulbright Awards; screening committee of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowships Foundation, Ohio and Michigan region and more. In addition, he and his wife, Frances were Danforth Faculty Associates; presidents of the McGuffey Laboratory School PTO and Community Service Program for Foreign Students (COSEP), Oxford; and regular helpers for Meals on Wheels. He was president of the Society of Miami Emeriti, 2005-2006 and a member of the Oxford Men's Club. In addition to Frances, his wife of 52 years, he is survived by two daughters, Rachel (David) Pierce, Houston and Martha (Mark) Gibbins, Monroe, Ohio; his sister, Margaret (Wayland) Jones, of Floydada; three grandsons, aunts and uncles, numerous cousins and friends; in addition three young women, Joy Dietrich of New York City, Dr. Caroline Kaltefleiter, University of N.Y., Cortland, and Tingirt Worku of Ethiopia, now at Kent State University, who lived with the McClures to complete their education; and Caleb Lische Shitambasi, Nairobi, Kenya, who they have supported for his education, and Tracy Ibold. According to his wishes, his ashes will be scattered in the pasture on the family farm where he grew up and where he developed his first interests in the natural world. A memorial service will be held in Oxford in the fall. (Paid Obit)
JIMMIE SMYTH A World War II hero has succumbed to death. Jimmie Smyth was born March 1, 1924 in Floyd County, Texas and passed from this life on April 25, 2006 at the VA Hospital in Dallas; making his stay on earth 82 years, 1 month, 24 days. Jim was the fourth son of Oliver Zack Smyth and Etta Marie (Jones) Smyth. Both parents and his three brothers, Guy, Lynn and Earl preceded him in death. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 63 years, Maryann Florence (Jones) Smyth of Arlington; his two daughters, Barbara Jeanne Gotcher of Colleyville and Linda Marie Lankford of Denver, Colorado; seven grandsons, Dusty Darrell, Cary Wayne, Ty Martin and Brady Lynn Gotcher, Jimmie Don, Bobby Jack and Michael Ray Lankford; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; two step-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and other relatives. Also surviving him are two brothers-in-law, Newton Jones of Ft. Worth and Presley D. Hopper of Corsicana; and a sister-in-law, Patsy Goodman of Penn Valley, California. From the Pleasant Hill farm in Floyd County where he was born, and during his childhood on the Tom Montgomery Ranch in Blanco Canyon, Jim lived a storied and exciting young life. He excelled in school, being valedictorian of his 7th grade class and finishing in the top percentage of his Floydada High School graduating class in May, 1941. After Pearl Harbor was bombed in December, 1941, Jim answered his country's call to arms and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942. On February 20, 1043, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Florence Jones. That same day, Jim received his Naval Aviator's wings and commission in the Navy. He went on to serve on two separate aircraft carriers: the USS Bataan and the USS Essex where he was a TBM torpedo bomber pilot. At the end of WWII, Jim left active duty with the rank of First Lieutenant, having been decorated with the Navy cross, five silver stars, three bronze stars, and numerous ribbons and medals. Jim was the second youngest Navy pilot in the war; former President George Herbert Walker Bush was the youngest. They served in some of the same squadrons in the Pacific Theater of the war. Jim realized that it was his Saviour that saw fit to place a hedge of protection around him as he defended his country so valiantly. He served in the Naval Reserves until 1965 when he was given an honorable discharge by his government and a grateful nation. Jim and Flo were charter members of the Paradise Primitive Baptist Church of Arlington, Texas. Jim served as the first church clerk for many years and also ably and faithfully served the church for over 50 years as a deacon. He was a member of the First Primitive Baptist Church in Dallas at the time of his passing. He was an honest man with a deep, abiding faith in the Lord. Jimmie was a big man, 6'4" tall, and was known far and wide for his calm demeanor. He was affectionately considered by may as the "Gentle Giant." If the number of a man's friends equals love, Jim was endowed with both. He and Flo traveled extensively and, blessed with the ability to make friends easily, were loved by many people across the country. Jim completed his earthly journey with the same courage and tenacity that he manifested throughout his lifetime. Funeral services were held on April 28, 2006, in Moore's Funeral Chapel in Arlington. Due to a violent thunderstorm, the graveside service was held inside the chapel. The 21 gun salute and the full color guard had to be cancelled. Two Navy shipmen performed a precision drill and elegantly folded the US flag that draped the casket. One of the shipmen presented it to Jim's widow, as a lone buglar played "Taps" in the distance. Such a ceremony, for a man that exemplified dignity and humility, was his just due in passing from the toil of this life into the perfect peace and complete rest of the next. It was Flo's desire that Jim be laid to rest in the cemetery nearby instead of in the nearest national cemetery. A nomination has been submitted to the Texas Aviation Historical Society nominating Jim for induction into the Distinguished Flying Corps Hall of Fame. (Paid Obit)
BOBBY SPENCER Bobby Spencer, 69, of Lockney died May 4, 2006 at Lockney Health and Rehabilitation Center after an eight month courageous battle following a stroke. He was born in Tigertown, Texas on October 18, 1936 to the late Jeff and Bonnie Spencer. Bobby moved to Plainview in the 1950's and served in the National Guard. He married Jacqueline Boyd on August 2, 1957 in Plainview, and moved to Lockney where he was a volunteer fireman and coached summer league baseball teams. He was a member of the Plainview Bass Club and greatly enjoyed fishing, hunting and golf. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a member and Past Master of the Arch Keyes Masonic Lodge #1395 and a Member of the Scottish Rite. His career included: Salesman for Lockney Farm Supply, Tillerson-Fish in Plainview, Connally Implement Supply Co. in Amarillo and James Bros in Plainview. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Survivors include his wife, Jacqueline Spencer of Lockney; three daughters; Donna Miller of Weatherford, Oklahoma, Kim Lambert of Lockney, Sharon Ard of Weatherford Oklahoma; seven grandsons and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by nine brothers, seven sisters and their families of the Paris, Texas area. Graveside services were at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 6, 2006 at the Lockney Cemetery in Lockney. Arrangements were under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Lockney. The family suggests memorials be made to the Texas Plains Veterans Association, P.O. Box 282, Lockney, Texas 79241 for the Lockney Veterans Memorial.
By The Way | by Alice Gilroy
I haven't had room to comment one way or the other on the theft of the military flags from Lockney's Veteran's Memorial. Not that it mattered--I wouldn't have been saying anything that everyone else wasn't saying. When I first heard about the theft I was shocked. Shock turned to anger and outrage, and now I'm just saddened. There were so many people who worked hard on the Memorial, and many who sacrificed to give money to make the dream a reality in Lockney. There are always plenty of complainers in any area who sit back and wonder why "nobody is doing anything to make this town any better!" They don't offer fresh ideas or even the sweat off their brow to help--but they can complain over a cup of coffee. Then there are those who actually got out there with shovels and worked long hard hours to make a difference. Then one night someone showed their contempt for veterans, and the community who pulled together to build this Memorial. The flag at the Veterans Memorial in Floydada is on a special flag pole which has a locked compartment where the flag's rope is tucked safely away from vandals. It is an expensive flag pole. The Lockney Veteran's Memorial couldn't afford to buy 9 expensive special locking flag poles. The organizers and builders trusted everyone to honor the site. What a shame. How very sad. I hope the vandals who are still laughing over their theft will eventually brag to the wrong person--a person with a conscience. A person who will call the police and get the flags back where they belong. Flying in tribute to the men and women who have fought and died for us.
A View From The Lamplighter | by Ken Towery Somewhere, sometimes way back yonder, somebody once said that "the mills of God grinds slow, but sure." Then, somebody else sought to improve on that comment. As a result, the saying has shown up many times in different quotes, but the meaning remains the same: We must all learn patience. The recently-passed tax bill proves the point. We do not mean to equate the work of the Texas Legislature with that of the supernatural, but the fact that they have come up with a tax bill that most people approve is little short of the supernatural. After several tries at a solution, the Legislature has fashioned a bill, with the Governor's help, that makes most people satisfied, if not happy. And there's no way one can fashion a tax bill that makes 100 percent of the taxpayers happy. Those, of course, who happen to be on the receiving end can end up being reasonably happy with just about anything that increases their take. Those who pay the tax are entitled to complain. Always have, always will. We still believe the Legislature missed a marvelous chance to do things up right, but it did about as well as it could under the circumstances, which is always the case when new or different taxes are considered. We still believe, for instance, that a vast improvement could be made by simply directing that the local sales tax (for those localities that levy the tax) be directed back to the localities from whence the tax comes, rather than to the coffers of big cities that can give away millions to lure tax collecting machines, on the order of Wal-Mart etc. Such a tax could be revenue neutral, but it could (and would) upset certain lobbyists. Still, what is done is done. The plan advanced by Gov. Perry and adopted by the Legislature (it still has to go through a Senate-House Conference Committee), makes some needed changes. It reduces, somewhat, the heavy burden previously laid on property owners for financing state services. (that will upset those who do not approve of private property anyhow.) It will make money available for increases (how much, we do not know) in school teacher salaries. (And we can rest assured that , whatever the amount, it won't be enough to satisfy those who are paid to speak for educators.) On the business tax side, the plan makes what we regard as some needed changes. It will finally capture a portion of the millions that flow out of this state every year simply because the business concerns have enough money to hire good lawyers. Some of us are on the state's tax rolls for Franchise Taxes, and some of us (like the rich and powerful Austin American-Statesman), are not. (The Austin paper is only one of several media outlets in Texas owned by the Cox outfit.) They have seen fit to organize themselves (with the help of expensive lawyers) into partnerships that escape the taxation. And it must take real good lawyers to prove to taxing authorities that an outfit as large, and rich, as the Austin American-Statesman newspaper is actually just a "partnership." It probably has helped, in the past, that the Austin paper is gung-ho Democrat, as is the entire Cox outfit, but at any rate we suspect they are going to get caught in the new dragnet, and it's about time. Things do change. As this is written, the Legislature still has a way to go before it is due to close shop and go home. So, much can happen. But at this stage we are reasonably happy with their work. We suspect that the voters of Texas will reward Governor Perry with another term. He has certainly performed much better than his predecessor, Governor George W. Bush.
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