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A RARE SIGHT -- Pretty cotton blossoms such as this one in a Sandhill field are a rare sight in Floyd County after much of the region's cotton was destroyed earlier in the summer. (Staff Photo)
Crop Insurance Claims High in Floyd County By Darwin Robinson
According to local insurance agents, millions of dollars have been paid to Floyd County farmers for crops damaged in May and June by hail, hard rains and high winds.
Insurance agent Kyle Smith of Goen and Goen Insurance in Floydada told the Hesperian-Beacon, "We have paid out over $4,000,000 to Floyd County farmers and their landlords. Most of this was for (lost or damaged) cotton, with some of the payments going towards the wheat crops (that were lost)."
"This will go a long way towards keeping a farmer in business and helping him pay off his notes. He probably will not make a profit on the insurance, but it will keep him in business and hopefully let him farm next year," said Smith.
Smith said, "If it doesn't rain soon, we will probably add to this dollar total for lost grain sorghum. Most of the grain adjustments will not be decided until probably September or October."
Floyd County lost 85 percent of its cotton crop, or about 160,000 acres, by the end of June this year due to the damaging weather. Bailey, Lamb, Deaf, Parmer and Swisher counties all lost similar high amounts of cotton acreage, according to Plains Cotton Growers and the Texas Cooperative Extension Agency.
According to Floyd County FSA director Rodney Schoppa, CED, "Most of these lost cotton acres were replanted with grain sorghum this year. It has been a tough year for the farmer. We are just now sending out our disaster checks to the farmers for the 2001-2002 disaster program, which was only approved about six months ago."
"Whether we get disaster money for this 2003 year's loss depends upon the legislators and this year's farm program. We have had five to six years of dry weather and even the grain elevator operators will be hurting, if we don't get some rain soon," concluded Schoppa.
Floyd County Farm Bureau Insurance Agent David True said, "We have only about 19,000 acres of cotton left in Floyd County and we have paid out millions due to the crop losses."
Debra Scott of J&K Insurance in Floydada said, "The Lockney area was completely wiped out. Even though we have paid the farmers millions of dollars, their expenses, chemicals, seed, and irrigation has been great this year."
Windmark Insurance Agent Clar Schacht of Lockney said, "Our agency has only one patch of cotton left in Floyd County and only two patches in Swisher County. We have paid out millions of dollars, but I do not have an exact figure."
Floydada Coop Gin Manager Leighton Stovall told the Hesperian-Beacon, "The weather has been pretty rough the last couple of years on us here in Floyd County. We have lost a lot of cotton bales already this year. However, we are looking forward to starting another year."
LOCKNEY SCOUTS took their flag to the top of Look-Out Point during a two week backpacking trek through Philmont Scout Ranch. Shown here are: (back, l-r) Ryker Cabler, Jim Huggins, Mike O'Connell, Brandon Gilroy, Danny Huggins; (middle, l-r) Brady Tannahill, Coby Tannahill, Jay Ragland, Richard Landrum, Will O'Connell; (front) John O'Connell. Not pictured is Pat O'Connell. (Courtesy Photo)
Lockney Scouts "experience" Philmont
By Jeffrey Hunter
While the heat of a West Texas summer scorched the county, some local Boy Scouts took refuge deep in a cool mountain wilderness and experienced one of Scouting's proudest traditions.
Over a 12 day period from July 27 to August 7, twelve members of Troop 259 in Lockney backpacked more than 70 miles through the rugged mountain terrain of Philmont Scout Ranch.
Philmont is a national camping area operated by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. It consists of over 137,000 acres of rugged wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo mountains near Cimmaron, New Mexico.
Scouts and leaders Ryker Cabler, Brandon Gilroy, Danny Huggins, Jim Huggins, Richard Landrum, John O'Connell, Mike O'Connell, Pat O'Connell, Will O'Connell, Jay Ragland, Brady Tannahill, and Coby Tannahill formed crew 727 L1.
Hiking anywhere from 3 to 12 miles a day with backpacks weighing over 50 pounds, the Scouts followed a planned route along Philmont's trails to a series of camps.
Philmont operates 82 camps&emdash;some staffed and some not&emdash;where scouts can participate in programs ranging from navigational challenges and rock climbing to Indian history and western lore.
The scouts say their favorite of the staffed camps was Cyphers Mine where they toured an old mine, panned for gold, and were treated to a musical program.
Midway through their trek, the Scouts climbed 11,721 foot Mt. Phillips, the second highest peak on Philmont property.
"While we were up there, we saw a sensational sunset," Jim said. "It was one of the highlights of the trip."
Trail safety is a top priority for the Scout Ranch. Rules prohibit the use of certain scented products and require Scouts to rid themselves of food and other products each night to protect against wildlife, particularly bears. Food, medicines and some equipment had to be placed in air-tight "bear bags" and tied high into trees.
"We heard a lot about bear precautions," Danny said. "They were very concerned about the bears."
While on the trail, the Scouts sighted four bears, but had no major incidents.
On average, the Scouts carried three days worth of food in their backpacks. The food was supplied by the Scout Ranch and was picked up at designated points along the trail. A typical lunch consisted of Ritz crackers, squeeze cheese, apple sauce, honey ham sticks, and Gatorade drink mix.
"I thought it was pretty good," Jim said. "But I got tired of squeeze cheese."
Suppers usually consisted of freeze-dried trial food meals such as chicken teriyaki and black beans and rice.
While on the trail, the Scouts were lacking in almost all of the conveniences of home; most notably a bathroom. Primitive outdoor toilets could be found at each campsite, but privacy was at a minimum.
"The toilets side-by-side were 'pilot to co-pilot,'" Danny said. "The ones back to back were 'pilot to bombardier,' and the few that had walls were 'the red roof inn.'"
The Scouts usually ended their day by 8 p.m. in order to get an early start&emdash;once at 4 a.m. and never later than 6:30 a.m. &endash; on the next day's hike.
Philmont Scout Ranch was donated to the Boy Scouts of America in 1941 by oilman Waite Phillips. According to Phillips, the rugged mountain wilderness was given "for the purpose of perpetuating faith, self-reliance, integrity and freedom - principles used to build this great country by the American Pioneer. So that these future citizens may, through thoughtful adult guidance and by the inspiration of nature, visualize and form a code of living to diligently maintain these high ideals and our proper destiny."
Since its inception, Philmont Scout Ranch has hosted Boy Scouts from all over the United States and the world. More than 21,000 Scouts visit the ranch each year, and there are sseveral thousand backpacking through the wilderness at any one time. To accommodate the number of visitors, Philmont has formed a massive operation consisting of a town-like base camp complete with a logistics center to keep track of the visitors and a tent city to house those waiting to start out on the trail. "I was most impressed by their organization," Jim said. "It is a big operation, and the staff is mostly just kids." The variety of visitors gave the Lockney troop a chance to meet Scouts from other parts of the country. They recall a trailside visit with a troop from New Jersey as one of their fondest moments of the trek. "We had a long talk with a crew from New Jersey," Danny said. "We talked about everything. The weird things they do in New Jersey, and the weird things we do here [in Texas]." According to Jim, the trek taught more than just the basics of backpacking. "We all learned a lot," Jim said. "I learned that I was stronger than I thought I was." "A lot of the learning is working together and watching out for each other, which we did quite well." To prepare for the trek, the Scouts went on many practice hikes including shorter weekend trips to Caprock Canyons State Park, and hikes to the highest point of both Texas and New Mexico, Guadalupe Peak and Wheeler Peak, respectively. According to Jim, the preparation paid off. "It was unbelievable how smoothly it all went." Backpacking is not a new adventure for the Lockney Scouts. The troop has participated in dozens of backpacking trips, many of which lasted more than a week and covered over 50 miles. Considered a "high adventure camp" by the Boy Scouts of America, Philmont is the top destination for Boy Scout troops. Because of limited space and the difficulty of getting reservations &endash; troops must reserve spots more than two years in advance &endash; many Scouts don't get a chance to participate in one of Scouting's proudest traditions. "It was the scouting trip of a lifetime," Jim said. "And like the Philmont hymn says, it's a scouting paradise."
Fair Opens This Weekend
Acitivities at the 50th Floyd County Fair kick began yesterday--Thursday, August 14, at the Unity Center in Muncy. Closing day is August 16.
Admission to the Fair is free, however there will be a $5.00 fee for admission to the Saturday night entertainment by Jimmy Burson and "Texas in the Swing".
Visitors to the Fair can browse the booths inside, view Fair entries of crafts, art, photography, embroidery, knitting, crochet, quilting, etc., enjoy the wide variety of food choices, or hop on a carnival ride.
Children will be special guests ay Children's Day Friday night. Also on Friday is the Silent Auction which begins at 6:00 p.m. and the Live Auction at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday is a full day at the Fair. Activities kick off with a parade on Main Street in Lockney at 9:00 a.m.
After the parade the Tractor Pull competition begins at 1:00 p.m. Washer pitching is at 1:30 p.m. (at Pinner's Drive In) and the Trap Shoot (behind the Unity Center) and Pet Show (inside the Unity Center) are both at 2:00 p.m.
There is no entry fee for the Pet Show and all types of pets are invited. Awards will be given for: smallest, most obedient, biggest, best of show, biggest eyes, cutest, most original, saddest face, biggest ears, best groomed, and many more.
Jimmie Burson and "Texas in the Swing" entertainment begins at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, August 16th.
LOOKING FOR THE SUN -- Sunflowers in a field south of Floydada stand at attention as the sun passes overhead. (Staff Photo)
Obituaries COL. ELTON L. BRIAN Services for Colonel Elton L. "Speck" Brian, 68, of Wolfforth were held August 9, 2003 at Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock. The Rev. Jerry Wilson officiated. Burial with full military honors and a graveside service conducted by Rev. Anthony Sisemore, pastor of First Baptist Church, Floydada, was in Floyd County Memorial Park. The service was under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home, Floydada. Colonel Brian died at his home on Tuesday, August 5, 2003. He was born December 17, 1934 in Levelland to the late Dr. and Mrs. A.A. Brian. He married Patricia Key Callaway on June 7, 1957 in Floydada. He was an ordained Baptist minister who pastored churches in Texas, New Mexico, and California. Colonel Brian was commissioned into the United States Air Force on August 13, 1964. He was attached to Air Force Bases in Texas, California, Hawaii, Illinois, and Alabama. He was in the Defense Intelligence Agency at the Pentagon and proudly served his country in Vietnam. Colonel Brian was attached to HQ PACAF, Air Training Command, Air Command and Staff, and Inspection Directorate HQ ATC. He served as Assistant PAS of Angelo State AFROTC and PAS of Texas Tech AFROTC and truly enjoyed working with young cadets. He was a decorated Veteran with numerous awards, including the Bronze star and the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Colonel Brian retired from active duty on June 30, 1991 and began teaching for Wayland Baptist University Lubbock Campus and South Plains College Reese Center. He was ever faithful to his Lord and taught Adult Sunday School at Southcrest Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Kay; daughters Kristi Sepkowitz of Alto, NM and Kellie Williams of Floydada; son Kendall Brian of Amarillo; a sister, Bobbie Dyer of San Antonio; and seven grandchildren. Memorials may be sent to the Brian Family Scholarship, Wayland Baptist University, 1900 W. 7th street, Plainview, Texas 79072; Southcrest Baptist Church Building Fund, 3801 S. Loop 289, Lubbock, Texas 79423, or Southwest Cancer Center, C/O Mikell Bollinger, University Medical Center, 602 Indiana Ave, Lubbock, Texas, 79415.
BILLY MUNSEY CODGELL Services for Billy Munsey Cogdell, 70, of Silverton were held Thursday, July 31, 2003 at the Silverton High School auditorium. Jess Little, Joe Howard Williamson and Randy Mulin officiated. Burial was in the Silverton Cemetery under the direction of Wallace Funeral Home of Tulia. Mr. Codgell died Monday July 28, 2003 at BSA Hospital in Amarillo. He was born November 25, 1932 in Childress to David Munsey and Johnnie Kate Cogdell. He married Bette Barnes on September 29, 1961 in Tulia. He was a rancher in Briscoe County, and a member of the Vigo Park Methodist Church. He was a member of the NCHA and the AQHA. He was a past director of, and Hall of Fame member in the NCHA. He received the Foy Proctor Memorial Cowman Award and the National Ranching and Heritage Award. Survivors include his wife Bette Cogdell of Silverton; a daughter and son-in-law, Penny Lee and Ken Carpenter; three sons and daughters-in-law, Billy Rank and Toy Cogdell; Dick Munsey and Kippi Cogdell, and Jim David and Pam Cogdell, all of Silverton; and 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, D.M. Cogdell, Jr.; and two sisters, Joni Sue Stiff and Martha Ann Cogdell. Memorials may be made to: the Billy Cogdell Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Silverton Cemetery Fund or to a favorite charity.
VELMA MCKEE Private services were held for Velma Lois Young McKee, 77, of Burlington, NC. Arrangements were by Parks Funeral Home, Inc. Summerville, SC. Mrs. McKee died August 6, 2003 at a Charleston area hospital. Mrs. McKee was born August 13, 1925 in Chillicothe a daughter of Rufus Edgar Young and Ola May Ragan Young. She was a teller for NBSD Bank in Goose Creek, SC, and retired as a fashion merchandiser with Caster Knott Department Store. She was a graduate of Silverton High School and Wayland College. She was an Episcopalian. Survivors include two daughters, Sheri Beth Kigos of Summerville, SC and Cynthia Ann Hennigan of Burlington, NC; four sisters, Ruby Brannon and Donnie Bowman, both of Silverton, Mary Shurbert of Floydada, and Peggy Young of Lubbock; one brother, Travis Young of Floydada; and two grandchildren, Whitney Leigh Kigos and Jason Lamar Kigos, both of Summerville. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, LaVerne Pitts and Ola Evelyn Young; and two brothers, Deral Young and Rufus E. Young, Jr. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 1817 Gadsden Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or to the American Heart Asociation, 409 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403.
By The Way | by Alice Gilroy
A View From The Lamplighter | by Ken Towery
In this continuing Texas crisis: (or, it would be a crisis if enough Texas citizens, not to mention editorial writers, thought political responsibility had some moral bearing)…eleven of our State Senators continued to hole up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, insisting they were doing the Lord's work, even as the Governor and Lieutenant Governor sought legal means to bring them back to Austin to fight their battles on the turf set out by the Constitution.
The absent Senators insist they are saving the seats of sitting U.S. Democratic Congressmen in Washington, people like Martin Frost of Dallas, Lloyd Doggett of Austin, and Charles Stenholm of Stamford. It's kinda funny. Stenholm, Doggett and Frost seldom vote alike on any issue, but there is one thing they are united on…and that's saving their rear end, and all the money and perks that go with it. And politics being politics, they can count on the support of at least eleven Texas State Senators with whom they claim a kinship, or sorts…and about half a hundred State Representatives who have suddenly, courtesy of Texas voters, found themselves in the political wilderness, without influence on the direction of government.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, President Bush contemplates a trip to California, where he will raise some campaign funds while most citizens there try to decide which one of almost 200 other citizens deserve their vote for the next governor, it being a foregone conclusion that the sitting Governor, Gray Davis, is a goner. Bush, if he is wise, will take no part in the campaign, other than to say this one or that one would make a good Governor. Judging from all the buzz in the national press about the race, the movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger (I think that's how you spell it, but I'm not certain) seems to have the inside track, and that makes sense for California. Married to one of the Kennedy clan, handsome with self-made riches, claiming a populist streak, claiming also to be a liberal on social issues and conservative on fiscal issues, Schwarzenegger could be the ideal choice for a liberal state that has suffered mightily under the corrupt rule of Democrat Governor Gray Davis. Never mind that it is impossible to be both a liberal on social issues, which requires the outlay of tremendous amounts of public money, and a conservative on fiscal issues, which requires just the opposite, the claim by Schwarzenegger must sound good to Californians. By some feat of political hocus-pocus, they may be able to have both, a sound fiscal policy and unfettered social services. In fact, it must sound good to some people in other states as well, judging from the fact that many politicians adopt that idiotic line in their campaigns.
And while Bush was heading for California to raise funds, and Californians were trying to decide what to do about their Governor, and while Texas Democratic State Senators were serving their constituents from a luxury hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the University of Texas President, a Mr. Larry Faulkner stands to see his yearly salary jump from $453,755 to $464,352, starting in September. Faulkner's "base" salary is a mere $260,821 per year, but the rest is various "add-ons", such as a $78,000 housing allowance, a $8,400 car allowance, and $5,313 for club memberships. By way of comparison, if one wishes to make comparisons, U.S. Senators and Congressmen make about $130,000 per year. Our Governor is in the same league, probably a little less. Clearly, the place to be is in university education. If income has any correlation to education, our university types must be well educated indeed. Certainly, they are teaching the rest of us a few things.
And while the University Regents were boosting the U.T. president's salary, American troops continued to dodge bullets and grenades (some of them, at least) in Iraq and Afghanistan. This business of maintaining empires is costly. The British used to have one "on which the sun never set." In time, they had to give it up, turning just about everything "east of Suez" over to the United States. About the only thing we inherited from the British that didn't end up costing us a bunch of lives was a little island in the Indian Ocean called Diego Garcia. Even there we spent millions upon millions, but we at least got a military base out of it, which is more than we'll get out of the land of Canaan, no matter who inhabits the place. And you think the Episcopalians got trouble?
The Hesperian-Beacon invites you to read a collection of thoughts and memories by Ken Towery. The "Reflections of Ken Towery" can be found on this website by clicking here.
Classifieds
FOR SALE--1986 Ford Ranger XLT pickup. Call 983-8100.
FOR SALE--1999 Buick LeSabre. Extra clean. 80,000 miles. 23,000 miles on engine. See at Muncy Elevator - Herman Graham. 806-652-3100.
1989 CADILLAC--94,000 actual miles. Excellent condition. Runs great. $3,500.00 - REDUCED - $2,800.00 or make offer. Call 806-983-2278.
GMC EL CAMINO--1987 model. Good shape, low mileage, good running condition. Call 983-2576 or see at 740 W. Mississippi.
FOR SALE--270 acres of dryland. Call 293-1769.
Floydada 40x50 FOOT BUILDING--Dock high, rent or sale. Call 983-7147.
FOR RENT OR SALE--1 bedroom to 4 bedroom apartments/houses. Call 983-5552.
Lockney FOR RENT--Clean, furnished apartment. Water and trash collection included. Call Barker Realty - 652-2642.
Floydada HUGE GARAGE SALE--Lots of goodies. 9:00 a.m. - ??. Saturday, August 16th - 704 E. Thornton.
Lockney HUGE 3 FAMILY GARAGE SALE--Lots of collectibles, cheap. Household and miscellaneous items galore. Across from swimming pool on 378, east Lockney. Open 8:30 a.m. Saturday, August 16th.
FOR SALE--Nice 5/2/1.5 with 2 car garage, brick/comp/, basement in Lockney. Call 806-983-2151 or 806-652-3613.
3/2/2 BRICK--Fireplace, patio, large master, large living area, large utility. Plus separate 200 s/f brick building for office/hobby. Call 983-5001.
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.
FOR SALE BY OWNER!--3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, updated throughout, corner lot, nice fenced yard, storage building. Call 983-2064 or 983-2865, ask for J.
**3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOME on 9.2 acres for sale. 5 miles south of Silverton, at intersection of highways 207 and 145. Brick veneer, AC/H, fireplace, carpet, lots of cabinets, countertops, 2 separate ovens, double sink, 2,317 sq. ft. with 594 sq. ft attached garage. Was $85,000.00. REDUCED TO $79,000.00. **CALL BARKER REALTY - 806-652-2642 or John Simpson Real Estate 995-4873 or Warren Mitchell at 983-2151.
I'M MAD...at banks who don't give house loans because of bad credit, problems or new employment. I do, call L.D. Kirk, Homeland Mortgages. 254-947-4475.
NOW ENROLLING FOR PIANO, guitar, organ, piano accordion and keyboard lessons. Record Music Shop, 806-652-2364.
MUSIC LESSONS--Piano, organ and voice lessons. Experienced teacher. Satisfaction quaranteed!! Call 983-5070.
CLEAN USED 6 year old Whirlpool washer and dryer. 1122 S. Main Street.
KING BRAND TROMBONE--Good shape, clean and ready to go. $300.00. Call 983-5037.
PIT BULLS FOR SALE--3 males and 3 females. Call Auggie at 781-0586.
COWDOG PUPPIES and 1 adult male. Call 778-1717.
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
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.
REWARD!!! For information leading to the arrest and conviction of those who broke into our barn and stole leather motorcycle wear, shop vac and miscellaneous merchandise. Call 983-3079 or 983-2834.
CEMENT WORK? Sidewalks, patios, driveways, curbing. Odd jobs around home or farm. Gary Bennett. Call or leave message. 983-5120.
LARRY OGDEN AUCTIONEERING Estates, Farm, Ranch, Business, Liquidations, State Licensed and Bonded. (806) 983-5808. TX. #9240.
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