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Answers questions about plans for business and FLDS beliefs
SAMUEL FISCHER By Alice Gilroy The Lockney Community Center was filled to overflowing Friday night as approximately 175 people listened to Samuel Fischer explain his plans for the former Tye Company of Lockney, his own religion, his own background, and what he sees as the future of his operation. Fischer told the group his purchase of the Tye Company is "pending", but the owner, John Tye, has allowed his company to begin installing machinery and ductwork. Fischer also fielded questions on his life of polygamy, and his allegiance to the Fundamental Latter Day Saints religion (FLDS). The questions came from an attentive and mostly polite audience. The meeting was called after reports in this newspaper identified Fischer as a member of FLDS. The FLDS (not affiliated with the Mormon Church), is known for their allegiance to their prophet Warren Jeffs (who was recently arrested and has been charged with 2 counts of Rape as an Accomplice in Washington Co. Utah, and 4 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in Mohave Co., Arizona). They are also known for their secretive society, arranged marriages, the Lost Boys, polygamy, and the practice of kicking men out of the religion and "reassigning" their wives and children to another. Fischer is in contract to buy the Tye Company in Lockney. According to Fischer the new company (called Techsun) will be a cabinet making business and, although very unusual among FLDS businesses, Fischer says he will employ others outside of his religion. Fischer greeted people as they came in to the Center. After being seated Fisher had his 16 year old son, Daniel, hand out paper for those wishing to write down questions. The questions were then picked up and addressed by Fischer after his introductory speech. Fischer says he was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1955. His father moved to Southern Utah when he was 12 and he started working in the cabinet shop at the age of 15. Fisher's business in Hildale, Utah (home to the FLDS polygamous sect) is called Westwood. According to Fischer the business specializes in custom cabinet work, however he intends to branch out into the modular line of cabinet making. "About 4 years ago the furniture business started to collapse," said Fischer. "The furniture business started going overseas. Furniture making businesses can now buy the furniture already made cheaper than they can make it. "Also about 4 years ago I started buying machines (for making modular cabinets) off the internet. The machines had been put on the market for about 10 cents on the dollar." Fischer says the timing has been perfect for him. He now has enough machines to set up a modular line. "At present we do custom cabinets and deal in high end homes," said Fischer. "This area is different. In Las Vegas where we do some work the cabinet work can run $300,000 just for the cabinets. That's more than you'll pay for a home here. "In looking at the market here we will want to do a modular line and custom work. The modular line caters more to tract housing and low income housing. We already have the machinery in place for that line." Fischer says he wants to set up his custom line first and then set up the modular line. "We can set up both sides of the market and in the modular line you can get by with less skilled helpers--or people who you bring in at the base level can start there." Fischer says he does not know how many he will hire at first. "That building (the former Tye Company) has the capability to put a lot of people to work. I'd like to see it grow so that anyone who wants a job can have a job." Fischer says he plans to continue operating his business in Hildale while he is building Techsun. In Hildale Fischer says he employs about 20 people. Two, whom he called outside sales people, do not belong to FLDS. Fischer says his business deals mostly with contractors but he also deals with personal home owners. "One reason for coming here," said Fischer, "is that I couldn't buy 5 acres of commercial ground with nothing on it, in Utah, for the same amount as the Tye Company. Fischer is purportedly buying the Tye Company for $750,000. He also purchased 3 homes. One in Edmundson, one in Halfway, and another outside of Plainview. Fischer says he and his family will live in one house and "key people", who will be moving here, will live in the others. He said he did not know who those people would be. Fischer said he bought those homes because there were no houses in Lockney that were large enough to fit his needs. He also said his son has 5 horses and he needed acreage for the horses. Fischer said he was the sole proprietor and that he had "no partners". He said none of the money was "coming from the church", and that no one directed him to do this. When asked if he was leaving Hildale because the State of Utah had taken over the United Effort Trust , Fischer said the State was selling off his home. "Utah says they took it because they said assets were being funneled off to the church," said Fischer. "And now the State has funneled off 10 times the assets." In response to an audience question of whether or not his family will be involved in local organizations, Fischer said, "If you see us hoeing weeds--yes we'll be involved. But we like our privacy and we consider many things in our life sacred and private." When asked if his children would go to school in Lockney, Fischer answered that his family is home schooled and also that his children work with him. Fischer was asked if he would abide by the State's child labor laws and home schooling criteria. He replied that he did not know what that criteria was, but that he would abide by the laws. Fischer said his children would "interact" with local children if they chose. When asked how many more FLDS members would be moving to the community, Fischer said he did not know. "I'm not here to pave the way," said Fischer. The question about his life of polygamy was posed to Fischer. He responded by telling his story. "My first two children died after they were born," said Fischer. "I adopted two girls from a family of 9, ages 5 and 7. It always stuck with me seeing their family torn apart. We were able to have our own children but my wife had complications with the last 6 children. After we had a bunch of our own (13), there was another family of 9 children that came up for adoption. After that first experience I thought I'd be a fool if I didn't taken them all. I adopted their mother also. How many of you would have done that? I gave her a place to live. I took care of her needs." When questioned about why the children were up for adoption, Fischer said, "Their father was unfaithful. We are strict about the marriage covenant, morality, and adultery. If a man breaks his vows then he stands the chance of losing his family. It makes me think real hard about being faithful to my wife." Fischer answered that he felt the woman he adopted is he wife before God. "I have 2 ladies," said Fischer. "I have never been with another lady besides the two I have." Fischer said he does not receive government assistance. He said his wives are not on welfare and that he provides for them. Fischer was asked what his views were about the laws of Texas in regards to marriage. He said, "You be the judge." Asked again, "Will the living of your religion be in conflict with the state, Fisher replied, "It sounds like it may--but tell me-do I throw out my family? "I've lived 52 years of my life in this religion." Fischer bristled over questions concerning his "spiritual leader", Warren Jeffs. He said news accounts about FLDS and Warren Jeffs could not be believed. When asked why Warren Jeffs was in prison, Fischer said, "for his religious beliefs." When pressed as to what Jeffs had been charged with, Fischer refused to answer, except to say, "Is it relative to what we do here?" Fischer became agitated when questioned over the news reports of Jeff's arrest and stated that since he wasn't there (and neither were those in the audience) then there was no way of knowing what really happened. Fischer stated he had 4 sons who do not associate with his religion. He also said he was not in the area to build a "compound". Randy Mankin, editor of the Eldorado "Success" questioned Fischer about his plans. "My community was mislead by FLDS," said Mankin. "I don't feel I've misled anyone," said Fischer. I've been open with people in local government. I don't feel I can please everybody," said Fischer. "Not everyone will agree with me. Judge me after I've been here awhile. Let me prove myself." Fischer said he was putting everything on the line. "I'm not just here dipping my toe in the water seeing if it is the right temperature. I'm putting everything I have into it." Editors Note: Bruce Wisan, court appointed special fiduciary of the United Effort Plan Trust, took exception to Fischer stating that the state was selling off his house. Wisan said he wants to distribute trust property to trust beneficiaries and is currently transferring titles to people who built their houses. "We are not taking houses," said Wisan. "We have devised a "Spendthrift Trust where a trust beneficiary and an outside trustee control the trust. A Spendthrift Trust keeps an FLDS member from giving the property back to a religious leader instead of keeping the property within the family members who are beneficiaries. "Sam Fischer could have title to his house (which Fischer valued at $1 million) put into a Spendthrift Trust for a $5,000 transfer fee plus closing cost of $600- $900. "I'd take care of that right away if he would just call me. I'd be very happy to discuss this with Sam Fischer."
Lockney Community Center Fills for Fischer's Comments
What is the UEP By Randy Mankin, Editor of the "Eldorado Success"
The UEP owns most of the real estate in Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona. The two towns are actually one community, known collectively as Short Creek. Back in the late 1800's the U.S. government pressured the main stream Mormon church into abandoning polygamy by attaching the church's property and dispossessing individual members found guilty of the practice. The UEP was intended by early FLDS leaders as a preventative cure for this problem. Members of the FLDS Church were allowed to build their homes on UEP land, safe in the knowledge they could never be taken away since the homes belonged, not to the individuals, nor the church, but to a independent charitable trust controlled by church leaders. Enter Warren Jeffs. As the church's previous prophet Rulon Jeffs suffered a series of strokes and became less and less active in his position of power, Warren Jeffs worked to consolidate his control over church affairs. One way in which he did this was to act in his father's name, excommunicate men he saw as a threat, reassign their wives and children to other men, then order them off UEP property, effectively banishing them from town. The tactic worked, and Jeffs ascended to the position of prophet when his father died in 2002. The excommunications, and the banishments from town continued apace as Warren Jeffs solidified his hold over his people. But Warren Jeffs pushed too hard, too fast, and some of the people he steam rolled weren't content to lie flat and watch as he made off with their families and their earthly possessions. Soon a series of lawsuits were filed against Jeffs, the FLDS Church and the UEP Trust. But by then Jeffs was in hiding, facing criminal charges related to his involvement in a series of underage marriages. In Utah the charges were elevated to "Rape as an Accomplice" a first degree felony. Then the Feds entered the case and charged Jeffs with "Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution." Ultimately he found his way onto the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List. The criminal charges made it impossible for Jeffs to come forward to defend the civil charges brought against him by a group called the Lost Boys, young men who claim to have been kicked out of the group in order to reduce the competition for young girls. Others sued also, including Shem Fischer, who alleged that a manufacturing firm called Forestwood Company fired him from his job when he stopped participating in the FLDS faith. Interestingly, Shem Fischer is the brother of Samuel Fischer, the man who has bought the Tye manufacturing facility at Lockney. Finally, Judge Denise Lindberg removed Jeffs and his lieutenants from their positions of leadership over the UEP. Their failure to answer the numerous lawsuits left the UEP vulnerable as had their prior mismanagement of the trust's assets. Today the UEP is overseen by Special Fiduciary Bruce Wisan, a Salt Lake City accountant appointed by the judge to run the trust on a day-to-day basis. There is also a UEP board of directors appointed by the judge. Interestingly, one of the members of the new UEP board is a woman named Carolyn Jessop, the former wife of Merrill Jessop, the man who currently oversees the YFZ Ranch near Eldorado, Texas. Local voters returned incumbents to their seats on the Lockney and Floydada School Board and Floydada City Council. On the Floydada City Council, Ruben Barrientoz kept his seat by defeating Sam Green, 89-58. In the At-Large race for the FISD, challenger Tom Farris was defeated by incumbent Marty Lucke, 308-263. Lockney ISD had the most contested races, however all incumbents won. In the At-Large race, Lonny Hooten beat Lindan Morris, 283-51. In Pct. #3, Aaron Wilson received 55 votes to write-in Kelly Dunbar's 15 votes. In Pct. #4, Robbie Long kept his seat with 109. Challenger Mike Mathis received 42. Only 407 voters went to the Courthouse to cast ballots for the constitutional amendment. Floyd County went with the rest of the State and voted in favor, 383-220. The amendment will extend tax cuts to senior citizens and the disabled.
LOCKNEY STUDENTS Rion Aufill and Lauren Stewaart competed at the UIL State Meet. Aufill earned 4th place in Number Sense and Stewart earned 1st place in Newswriting and 6th place in Editorial. Aufill is the son of Chuck and Rhonda Aufill. Stewart is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Stewart. Staff Photo By D'Lyn Morris Thursday, May 3, 2007 Lauren Stewart became the first UIL State Champion Lockney High has had in several years by placing first in News Writing at the State Academic meet in Austin. She also finished in the state's top 10 Editorial Writers with a 6th place honor. Lauren is a junior and is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Stewart. She is coached by J.C. King. With this tremendous performance, Lauren will be eligible to apply for the UIL Foundation Scholarship next year as a senior. Rion Aufill also competed at the meet on Saturday, scoring his career high 261 points and finishing in 4th. Rion is the son of Chuck and Rhonda Aufill and is a senior. He is coached by Pam Fulton and has been groomed for this event for many years as he grew up by his grandmother, retired LHS math teacher, LaDora Aufill. Mrs. Aufill also coached Dwayne Jones in 1997 when he won 1st in Number Sense at the state meet. Rion will be applying for the UIL Foundation scholarship this year. Lockney High School is extremely proud of the accomplishments of these students and their excellent representation of our school at the state level. 
AARRHON FLORES
Flores Wins 3rd at State FHS Aarrhon Flores won 3rd place in the Final Class 2A Boys 200 Meters Race Saturday, May 12, 2007 in Austin. Aarrhon's time was 21.73, while 1st place as 21.56 and 2nd place was 21.60. Aarrhon is the son of Julio and Jeanette Flores, of Floydada. By Darwin Robinson The 78th Old Settlers Reunion will be held in downtown Floydada on Saturday, May 26th. Theme for this year will be "Pioneer Spirit - Remember the Heritage, Build the Future." Booths will be set up on the square selling hand crafts and food. Entertainment will include local and area talent and "Texas In The Swing" band. Special activities will include a flag presentation, a business meeting, a memorial service, awards to special pioneers, a parade, games, prizes, team roping east of town and contests for both young and old. Friday, May 25th, the Floyd County Historical Museum will hold an Open House from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served and a Special Feature video of "Coronado in Blanco Canyon" will be shown.
The Floyd County Historical Museum announces the unveiling of a painting of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado by Daphne Deavenport Hollingsworth. Hollingsworth will be at the Museum during the Museum's annual Open House on Friday, May 25th, from 1:00 p.m.. until 5:00 p.m. The unveiling of the painting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. The painting was purchased by the museum through a generous gift of a patron and set aside for this purpose and will compliment the Coronado artifacts already on display in the museum. Artist Hollingsworth was an art instructor at Plainview's Coronado Jr. High School. This painting, which was originally painted for long time superintendent Glen Harris, and was returned to the artist after his death, will now be on display at Floyd County Historical Museum. Honor Band
PATRICK DOUCETTE Patrick Doucette, son of Jim and Denise Doucette of Lockney has been selected to perform with a national performing organization known as The "Sound of America Honor Band and Chorus". Patrick will be playing the Clarinet on this concert tour. He also plays the Saxophone during marching season and has been in Band since the 5th Grade with Band Director, Mr. Rob Lovett. Patrick has made All-Region Honor Band playing the Clarinet his Freshman and Sophomore years and All-Region Jazz Band playing the Bari Saxophone, while maintaining an "A" average. Patrick has competed in UIL events, is a member of FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FUMC Youth Group and is a Scout in Lockney Scout Troop 259 working to become an Eagle Scout. Patrick also enjoys playing the acoustic and electric guitar, banjo and piano. He will also be competing in the Texas UIL State Solo-Ensemble Contest in San Marcos the end of May. He will join other select student musicians chosen from applicants representing nearly every state when The "Sound of America" Honor Band and Chorus begins its 2007 European Concert Tour in July. Selection into The "Sound of America" membership is a distinguished honor for all participants. All applicants are carefully screened and chosen only after a rigid character and musical evaluation. The 200 student performers will meet on the campus of Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA on June 29. After four days of intensive rehearsals and orientation, the group will depart New York for Frankfurt, Germany. The group is scheduled to present ten performances in some of Europe's finest concert halls and major cathedrals during its 25-day concert tour. The students will experience the cultures of six countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France and Luxembourg. Some of the exciting locations that will be visited during the tour are Paris, Venice, Strasbourg, Innsbruck, Stresa, Verona, Rothenburg, Grindelwald, La Chaux-de-Fonds and Lucerne. Clyde M. Barr, Past State President of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Assoc. and President of the North American Music Festivals which sponsors Music Festivals in Myrtle Beach, Toronto, New York, Virginia Beach, Hershey, Cleveland, and Washington, D.C. is Tour Coordinator and Conductor of the Honor Band. The "Sound of America" Honor Band & Chorus is celebrating its 31st year in 2007 and is recognized as one of the finest and most successful European Concert Tour programs in existence. It has received international acclaim for its exemplary success in achieving outstanding cultural relationships with European countries. The "Sound of America" has been the recipient of letters of commendation from current United States President George W. Bush, former United States Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush. By Randy Mankin Editor, Eldorado Success Running a newspaper in Eldorado, Texas has been an experience these past three years. I had always loved the business, but I never planned for a national news story to blossom a mere four miles from my front door. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened in 2004. The story actually began in the Fall of 2003 when a man named David Steed Allred came to Eldorado and purchased a 1,691 acre ranch just outside of town. He told folks here that he was in the cement business and that he had a lot of customers in Las Vegas. He said he would be using the local property as a hunting retreat where he could entertain his clients. Wildlife is abundant in Schleicher County, so his story made sense and folks hereabout were pleased to have the small boost to the economy that a hunting retreat would bring. The fact that Allred said he was of the Mormon faith was of little consequence. Gary Grubbs, our head football coach at the time, and his entire family were Mormon. So are a couple of other families here. It was only later that we learned Allred was a member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a breakaway sect that continues to practice polygamy. No one here had ever heard of Warren Jeffs, or the FLDS Church. In fact, I doubt if there were more than a handful of people here who knew that polygamy was still being practiced openly anywhere in the United States. The ensuing months have been a blur for us. First we learned Allred's true identity. Not only is he Warren Jeffs' cousin, we have learned that he is the fundamentalist prophet's father-in-law....and son-in-law. I'm going to pause here and let that one sink in. Yes, I said father-in-law and son-in-law. It seems they married one another's daughters &emdash; polygamous marriages for each. Since that time, the erstwhile hunting retreat has grown to be a stand alone town, complete with a public water system, a wastewater treatment plant that is under construction, a dairy, nearly two dozen large homes (ranging in size from 12,000 to 30,000 sq. ft. each) and a massive white limestone temple. There are numerous shop buildings and warehouses, plus a large storehouse which serves as the ranch's grocery, dry goods and hardware store. Since only a handful of local citizens have been allowed on the property (Sheriff, tax appraiser, etc.) no one can be sure how many people presently live on the YFZ Ranch. Careful examination of aerial photos convince me that there could be as many as 400 &emdash; maybe even more if you count the dozens of small children that are seen from time to time. Four hundred is a lot of people to add to a county whose population stood at 3,000 only three years ago. Judging by the size of the water system and the sewer plant at the YFZ Ranch, it's not difficult to image that in a few short years the ranch's population will surpass the number of locals. I've said all that to say this. I was in Lockney last Friday evening and listened intently as Samuel Fischer tried to allay fears about his involvement with the FLDS Church. Much of what he told the citizens gathered in the Community Center is absolutely true. But as we've belatedly learned in Eldorado, Warren Jeffs' closest followers (remember that Fischer said Jeffs is his spiritual leader) value the truth so dearly that they seldom use it. Here are a few of my observations. 1) Mr. Fischer tried valiantly to control his message. By having people write their questions down, he hoped to control the situation, answer the questions he liked and dismiss the ones he didn't. I couldn't help but be reminded of a politician trying to spin a message while casting aside one substantive question after another. Few people in the room were fooled. Alice Gilroy's column a week earlier in the Hesperian-Beacon had served as a clarion call. Apparently more than a few Lockney residents took Alice's information, then supplemented it with their own research. 2) Mr. Fischer desperately wanted to portray himself as a fine upstanding businessman imbued with high moral ethics and strong family values. His story about learning the cabinet trade from his father might have touched even my calloused heart had I not already known that he stood aside and did nothing when Warren Jeffs excommunicated his father from the FLDS Church then reassigned his mothers (yes, I said mothers) to other men. Likewise, when those men proved unworthy of Warren Jeffs' continued blessing, the women were reassigned again. I would have liked very much for Mr. Fischer to explain how this translates to family values. Similarly, I would have liked for him to explain why he did nothing as some of his sons were kicked out of the church, and the town in which they grew up. I would also like to ask him why even to this day he prevents them from seeing his own mother, their grandmother, who we are told is dying of cancer. 3) Mr. Fischer told us he is being forced out of Hildale, Utah because the state is taking over the United Effort Plan Trust. The fact of the matter is, the UEP was one of Warren Jeffs' cash cows. District Judge Denise P. Lindberg rightly ruled that Jeffs and his cronies were looting the charitable trust and removed them from their positions as trustees. She then appointed new trustees, including a few people Jeffs had excommunicated. Some of the new trustees are women, horror of horrors, so Jeffs has directed that his followers have nothing more to do with financial empire he once ruled over like a king. A Salt Lake City accountant named Bruce Wisan was appointed as Special Fiduciary to oversee the day-to-day operations of the UEP. Wisan has been busy in recent months transforming the UEP so that individual members may own the homes they built on UEP land. Samuel Fischer has been given this same opportunity. All he has to do is work out a payment schedule to buy the land his home and business occupy. It is Fischer who balked at the deal, not the State of Utah. 4) Mr. Fischer told us that the State of Utah is persecuting one of his friends by evicting him from a farm he owns near Beryl, Utah. The facts are these. Harker Farm near Beryl was given to the UEP by Parley Harker. The late Mr. Harker stood during a church meeting to announce that he had realized his dream of donating his farm to the trust. However, unknown to everyone except Warren Jeffs and one of Mr. Harker's sons, the land was moved into a company controlled by Jeffs. Profits from the farm were funneled into Jeffs' pockets and helped shield him while he was on the run from the law. Recently, a Utah judge ruled that the land belonged, not to Mr. Fischer's friend or Warren Jeffs, but to the UEP Trust and directed that the trust take immediate control of the farm. Efforts are currently under way to work out a deal by which Mr. Harker's heirs can regain control of the land. Mr. Fischer failed to tell us any of this. 5) Mr. Fischer kept emphasizing that he intends to hire local people at his Lockney plant. That may very well be the case. I hope it is. However, we have been told here in Eldorado that the YFZ Ranch truly was intended as a hunting retreat but that the group's intentions changed once they owned the land. Let me say this about the people I've gotten to know both in and recently removed from the FLDS Church. They seem like decent, hard working people. Their work ethic defies comparison. Their craftsmanship is unparalleled, as is their zeal for their religion. There is no need to fear that they will attempt to recruit your children or otherwise look for converts within your community. They consider anyone outside their faith to be Gentiles and tend to keep to themselves. Polygamy is the absolute cornerstone of their faith, albeit one that they have tried to keep hidden. I was stunned when Mr. Fischer openly admitted, after some prodding, that he considers himself married to his "two ladies." I did find his story about adopting 9 children and then adopting their mother a bit hard to swallow. The fact is his second wife Glenda, and her children, were reassigned to Mr. Fischer by Warren Jeffs. I have heard the argument that the freedom of religion that we Americans cherish extends to polygamy and that the Constitution prohibits us from legislating against it. I beg to differ. If the First Amendment protects polygamy, then it must also extend to other forms of worship that modern people find reprehensible. The Aztecs and Mayans practiced human sacrifice. I know of no one who would argue that killing virgins to appease a fertility god should be a protected form of worship. What many people don't understand is that religion is a belief system and beliefs are absolutely protected under the Constitution, just as the freedom of speech is protected. But, our rights end when they impact others. The freedom of speech doesn't give me the right to yell, "Fire!" in a crowded theater. Neither does freedom of religion mean that the state that licenses marriages cannot regulate them in order to protect the weak and defenseless, such as the underage girls Warren Jeffs married off to his older male cronies. Polygamists are free to "believe" as they wish, but believing and practicing are two very different things. If not, then we should brace ourselves for the next group that comes along wanting to sacrifice virgins or burn witches. (Randy Mankin the owner and publisher of The Eldorado Success newspaper in Eldorado, Texas. He and his wife Kathy purchased The Success in 1994. Since that time they have received numerous awards from the Texas Press Association and the West Texas Press Association. He currently serves on the board of directors of the TPA and as Chairman of the Board of the WTPA. The Mankins took on a second newspaper in 2005 when they purchased The Big Lake Wildcat in Big Lake, Texas.
"Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter." THOMAS JEFFERSON
Dear Editor, I read with interest the article concerning Samuel Fischer a practicing polygamist and his intentions to move his cabinet making business to Lockney, Texas. I am the owner of Intermountain Wood Products headquartered In SLC, Utah with ten locations located thought the western United States. My company has done business with Mr. Fischer for three decades. During that time I have found him to be honorable in every sense of the word. I am confident that wherever Sam relocates his business it will be a plus to the local community. Sam pays his obligations, he is ethical, and a pleasant person to deal with. I would encourage you to welcome him into your community as you would any other legitimate business enterprise. We will miss our association with him.
Ben E Banks SLC, Utah
By The Way | by Alice Gilroy First of all I want to apologize for the mix-up in some Lockney kids pictures last week. There were some very deserving State winners who should have been on the front page and weren't. Trying to explain how that happened is too confusing--but we corrected it this week. There were some upset people over that and I don't blame them! Congratulations to Rion Aufill and Lauren Stewart. We're sorry we flubbed. We didn't mean to do that! The press was of course at the Community Center in Lockney on Friday to hear Mr. Fischer talk about his plans for his company. I was joined by media from Lubbock, Plainview, Eldorado, and Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City paid a lot of money to send a reporter--Brooke Adam. I think she enjoyed her visit. She has been covering the polygamy issue for her newspaper for over a year. They thought this rare public appearance and question and answer session by an FLDS member was so startling that they had to send a reporter. The Eldorado newspaper editors, Randy Mankin and his wife, Kathy, are like me. Their paper is them. They paid their own way. There was no way the Mankins were going to miss the meeting. They have been covering Warren Jeffs and the YFZ Ranch in their county for 3 years--and covering it very thoroughly. They also thought of this meeting as a historical event. I enjoyed all their visits and their invaluable information on FLDS. What great resources they have been for me and will continue to be. I consider them all to be experts in their field. It was impressed over and over to me that a FLDS member facing the press and public scrutiny is "never" done. Obviously there is no love loss (as was evident by Samuel Fischer's remarks) by FLDS towards the press. So--to his credit, I want to thank Mr. Fischer for speaking to the community. For anyone that was there you know it could not have been easy to stand up there and take questions. According to Fischer the deal is done. He will be opening his cabinet shop. He said he will be hiring outside people. Knowing much of the background, many of Fischer's answers were vague and misleading. But it really doesn't matter. The truth will bear out. If he gives jobs to our current residents then we are better off. If he doesn't, then it will be one more "news report" that follows the history of FLDS migration. Mr. Fischer didn't surprise me, but the Lockney citizens who came to the meeting did surprise me--and I'm ashamed to admit that. After all the angry phone calls I've received the past week from citizens worried about this secretive religion moving to town--I was afraid some of that anger might spill over into the community center. But obviously there was a lot of prayers being lifted up in that area. In fact, I saw two couples praying in front before the meeting started. I was so very proud of the Lockney citizens. Your questions were excellent. They were informed and well thought out. You stuck to your guns and recognized obfuscation when you saw it. You held Mr. Fischer's feet to the fire--but also gave him respect. Mr. Fischer returned that respect. I thought the meeting went very well. The questions were very tough. Not tough for any one of us--but for someone who has been raised and still lives in FLDS the questions were very tough. Except for the anger displayed by one woman (who doesn't even live here) towards those asking questions, the citizens usually did not argue over religion or anything else. Questions were raised, but when answered the matter was usually dropped. I was also impressed with the young adults who showed up and listened. Alexis Hall asked a very astute question. She is going to make a great journalist someday. I hope everyone will take the time to read Mr. Mankin's guest column. It covers a lot of territory but he writes about what he knows. He has lots of eyes and ears out there that help him with information and I know he does not repeat any of it lightly. As for me I know things will work out fine in the area with our new neighbors. I wish it was different, but it appears that this is a done deal. I know Lockney people will be kind and respectful. But they also won't be push-overs or naive.
A View From The Lamplighter | by Ken Towery
Classifieds
WANT TO BUY irrigated or CRP land in Floyd County. Contact 806-382-3194.
CUSTOM HAY SWATHING and baling. Large round bales. Call Steve Pierce, 983-5348 or (cell) 292-1642.
Floydada GARAGE SALE-Friday and Saturday, furniture, kid's stuff, misc., 905 W. Georgia.
Lockney FRI., SAT., 9:00 a.m.- ?, 920 West Bryant, Lockney, trunk, small hutchtop (maple), bookcase, lots of misc.
PRODUCERS COOPERATIVE ELEVATOR has 4 openings for seasonal help in its grain division. Positions start mid-May and could last until mid-December. There will be a lot of overtime during harvest including Saturday and Sunday's with these positions. A valid driver's license is required. Plese apply in person at 301 E. Missouri. Ask for Jeff or Bill.
B&B SOLVENT hiring heavy equipment operators, labor positions, CL drivers and security personnel. Contact Joe Littlefair at (936) 329-5515. If no answer, please leave voice mail and contact number.
ESTABLISHED HIGHWAY construction company looking for equipment operators and laborers in the Floydada - Matador area. Wages compatible with industry. We offer health, dental and 401K upon qualifying. We are an equal opportunity employer and we comply with Amercian Disability Act. Please call (817) 994-7064
HACKBERRY CREEK Care Center seeks experienced Administrator & RN/DON to grow 50 bed, state-of-the-art, non-profit, Long Term Care facility in Matador (79244). Send resume to Box 651, fax 806.347.2916, or e-mail to hcccinc@caprock-spur.com Attn: Steve Moncrief. MAKE UP TO $2,000.00 in 11 days. Looking for enthusiastic adult to manage a firworks stand outside Floydada June 24 thru July 4. No investment rquired. Phone 10am thru 5pm for more info 210-622-3788 or 1-800-364-0136. THE GEO GROUP, INC--Dickens County Correctional Center has an opening for the position of Substance Abuse Counselor. Candidate should possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Must possess a LCDC or LPC by the Texas Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor's and/or national certification. Must hold a state Chemical Dependency Counselor's License. One year prior experience or one year teaching experience. EOE. All interested candidates should apply in person or send resume to 2637 FM 26l, Spur, TX or on the web at: www.thegeogroupinc.com<http://www.thegeogroupinc.com>
THE GEO GROUP,Inc. - Dickens County Correctional Center now hiring the following: full and part time Correctional Officers, Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Technician. Must pass physical and background check. Benefits available after 90 days. EOE. All interested candidates should apply in person or mail resume to 2637 FM 261, Spur, TX.
COLLEGE STUDENTS/HS GRADS. SUMMER WORK - $12 base/appt. Flex hours. Sales/service, no experience necessary. Work in Floydada, apply in Lubbock. Condition apply. All ages 17+. (806) 799-2590.
Floydada 128 J.B. AVENUE--3 bedroom, 2 bath, corner lot, fireplace, updated tile and carpet. Call 784-0452 or 778-6389.
FOR SALE--rent house, 217 E. Tennessee, 983-3455
801 MESQUITE--3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, storm cellar. Call 983-2048 or 983-3284.
HOUSE FOR SALE--3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1 car garage. 815 W. Jackson, Floydada. $40,000. Call 806-296-5006 (H) or 806-292-5408(C). HOUSE FOR SALE--3/1-1/2-2 - 714 W. California. 1800 sq. ft. Call 806-543-7540.
COZY 3 BEDROOM, 2 bath home located in the 800 block of west Ross in Floydada. A MUST SEE! Call Assiter & Associates. 806-983-3322.&emdash; Other *BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY HOME -4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage on 3 acres. $149,500. *3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH brick home for sale in South Plains. $58,230. *2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH. 128 W. Tennessee. Good credit, will finance. ERA, Roberts and Wilkins. Call Bill Strickland, 806-292-1687.
FOR SALE--2441 FM Road 1958-3/2/1 with approx. 2300 sq. ft.-$115,000. 6 fenced acres with barn, storage building, and deck. Large kitchen and living area. See at WeSellLubbock.com or call 806-797-SELL (7355).
GERMAN SHEPHERD female, large, black and tan, 652-3458.
FOR SALE--Mobile homes. Different sizes and prices to choose from or purchase the whole trailer park. Call 983-2929 or 983-6337.
FOR SALE--13 in. closed caption color TV w/remote - $40, Quasar VCR w/remote - $25, black 2003 Sharp carousel microwave - $30, white GE turntable microwave - $25, Hoover vacuum - $35, shelf w/six shelves - $25, and a microwave cart - $30. Contact Susan Kirk 983-3299 after 4 Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
FOR SALE--used furniture, contact at 300 E. Kentucky or call 983-7515.
PLAINS BELL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION -- 206 W. California, Floydada. Remember us for all your personal financial needs - CD's, loans, checking and savings accounts. Call Laura at 983-3922. www.plainsbellfcu.org
2 PC. QUEEN pillow top/orthopedic mattress set, new, warranty. $139. Call 806-549-3110.
BED-KING/CAL king pillow top mattress and box. $239. In plastic, warranty. Call 806-549-3110.
BRAND NEW double/full size mattress set. $119. TWIN mattress set. $99. Under warranty. 806-549-3110.
BRAND NEW micro fiber sofa, loveseat and coffee tables. New in box, lifetime warranty. $499. Call 806-549-3110.
FORMAL DINING ROOM TABLE chairs, hutch/buffett. Brand new, must see! List $3133. Sell $999. 806-549-3110.
COMPLETE BEDROOM set. New in box, must sell NOW. $499. 806-549-3110.
AIR SLEEP NUMBER type mattress set. Select individual comfort level. New from factory, warranty. $799. 806-549-3110.
UNBELIEVEABLE sleeper sofa brand new from manufacturer. Each list $1679. Sell each $399. 806-549-3110.
4 LABORADOR PUPPIES for sale. Ready to go. $20. Call 983-3644.
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
CEMENT WORK--Need a new driveway, sidewalk, patio or flower bed curb? Call Gary Bennett, 983-5120 (home) or 778-8549 (cell).
LARRY OGDEN AUCTIONEERING--Estates, Farm, Ranch, Business, Liquidations, State Licensed and Bonded. (806) 983-5808. TX. #9240.
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