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KOOS DE KEYZER WITH GPS (in hand) AND HANG GLIDER By Alice Gilroy After more than five hours in the air, Koos de Keyzer and his hang glider came down 25 miles short of his Silverton destination. Koos left Big Spring at 2:15 p.m. and after losing his "lift" he set down behind the Lockney Care Center, at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 10. Part of a "Pre-World" competition, Koos traveled to Texas from Amsterdam, Holland to train for future competition. Koos said that from Silverton the hang gliders would be given a new destination to reach. Competition would be over on Saturday, August 12. The hang gliders were pulled into the air by a propeller glider at the Big Spring airport. "There were about 96 of us in these types of hang gliders," said Koos. The competitors, according to Koos, come from all over the world, including: Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Venezuela, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, Holland, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States. Koos said the hang gliders (including his girlfriend), try to stick together but it doesn't always work out. At approximately the same time Koos came down he said he also noticed another glider "go down" east and north of Lockney. One report came in of two gliders landing north of Lockney near TALA Kennels. Another report told of a glider coming down near the Baptist Encampment. The gliders travel with a GPS tracking system. After Koos landed, he made a call to a support man on the ground and gave the driver the GPS coordinates for Koos' landing site in Lockney. Koos said his maximum altitude was 10,000 feet above sea level, and his flying temperature was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit. "With the tailwind my top speed was about 50 miles per hour," said Koos. "My slowest speed was about 20 mph." "This area is beautiful from the air," said Koos. "The round green circles are very pretty." A Forensic doctor, Koos says that learning to fly a hang glider is very easy. "It usually takes about 2 weeks to learn to fly. However, landing and launching takes a lot longer and is much more difficult." The most dangerous obstacles hang gliders have to face are power lines, towers, and water. "You never want to land in water," said Koos. "Anything but water." Koos has been hang gliding since 1993 and says that once you experience the thrill you will never want to stop. Koos
left Holland in July for his "hang gliding vacation and
competition".
By Darwin Robinson County Extension Agent J.D. Ragland gave a drought farm report to the county commissioners Monday morning, August 14, in their regular board meeting. Concerning the drought situation in Floyd County and the entire High Plains area, Ragland gave the commissioners a 'failed cotton' report printed by Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. in Lubbock and the Texas Farm Service Agency. Using the report and charts, Ragland explained, "Out of the 181,309 acres of cotton planted this year in Floyd County, 11,833 acres (6.53 percent) have been declared 'failed crops' due to the lack of rain. According to Ragland and the report, Lynn County has lost the most 'failed cotton' acres due to the drought this year in the Texas High Plains. Lynn County has lost 167,199 cotton acres, which is 54.84 percent of their total 304,869 cotton acres planted. The report showed some of the other surrounding counties and their 'failed cotton' acres and their overall percentages. Briscoe County has lost 9,026 acres, or 23.17 percent of their cotton crop this year. Crosby County has lost 14,530 acres, or 6.79 percent. Dickens County has lost 2,769 acres, or 11.86 percent of their cotton crop. Hale County has lost 9,151 acres, or 3.28 percent, while Lubbock County has lost 46,849 acres, or 17.61 percent of their cotton acres. Motley County has lost 11,914 acres, or 49.76 percent, while Swisher County has lost 25,710 acres, or 27.58 percent of their cotton crop this year. The report showed, out of a total of 41 High Plains cotton growing counties with 3,842,876 acres of cotton planted this year, 970,259 of those acres, or 25.25 percent, have been declared 'failed' due to the drought. Comparing 'heat units' needed for cotton development, Ragland said, "We have had 1,620 heat units so far this year, compared to 1,634 in 2005 and 1,625 in 2004. This year has been about the same as the last two years, which is a surprise (due to the hot weather)." Ragland continued, "Last year, at this same time, we had received 15.43 inches of rain, while this year we have had only 7.35 inches of rain. The lack of rain will cause our yields to be way down this year." About
other crops, Ragland stated, "Our wheat is waiting for rain.
Our pumpkin crop is looking good. The later pumpkins are
looking better the earlier (planted) pumpkins, according to
some producers. The sorghum crop is suffering like our
cotton crop. It is just burning up."
Lockney ISD Trustees set the new tax rate at $1.37 in Monday night's board meeting. This is a decrease of 13¢ from the previous tax rate. "House Bill #1 put a new maximum tax rate in the State," said Superintendent Phil Cotham. "The State will be chipping in more from the new taxes from businesses, cigarettes, etc. There will also be money coming in from the budget surplus at the state level. "Next year will be even better." The tax rate was set after the board adopted the 2006-2007 budget. The projected expenditures for the new budget are $5,523,935 (salaries, $4,197,372; extra duty, substitutes, $72,560; and M & 0 $1,254,003). Projected Revenues are $5,396,511 (State Aid, $3,588,247; local taxes, $1,205,000; federal funds, $241,231; cafeteria, $158,600; and other revenue, $203,433). "This shows a deficit of $127,424, (which includes buying a new bus)" Superintendent Cotham explained. "However in the past we've been coming in on an average of $150,371 in the black--and I believe we will be able to buy the bus and still be in the black." The trustees also discussed whether the district would continue to tax non-producing income personal property. The board voted unanimously to continue taxing personal property. "We would cut out $135,000 from our budget if we stopped taxing personal property," said Cotham. "That would be 3 teacher's positions." Fuel bids were accepted by trustees from Raceway Fuels for all gasoline, supplied at 8¢ above cost per gallon, and from Lockney Coop for all diesel, sold at 4¢ above costs. Trustees also approved leaving the investment program the same for the district; approved the sale of property east of Lockney (all taxing entities had to approve the sale); approved policy update #78; and adopted the 2006-2007 Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. The
financial report for the district showed an August bank
balance of $491,032.4, CD investments of $3,158,987.72, for
a total balance of $3,650,020.12.
Estimated drought losses for Texas have reached $4.1 billion, eclipsing the $2.1 billion mark set in 1998, Texas Cooperative Extension economists reported Friday. Crop losses are estimated at $2.5 billion and livestock $1.6 billion, according to the report. The current drought equals the multi-year dry period of the 1950s and could go down as the worst ever without substantial rainfall by the end of the year, according to Extension officials. "The financial impact will be a major setback because of rising input costs, especially energy prices (to agricultural producers)," said Dr. Carl Anderson, professor emeritus and Extension economist. "Irrigation costs have soared and will cut cash flow from irrigated crop production substantially." "Most of North Texas, East Texas and the Coastal Bend were in various stages of drought since May of last year, and hay supplies were depleted maintaining livestock over the summer and winter," said Dr. Travis Miller, Extension agronomist. "Much of the corn and soybean crop has been harvested for silage or hay; pastures are bare and hay barns are empty. Much of the hay being fed is from out-of-state or along the upper coast, which has received favorable rains. Livestock water supplies are disappearing and ranchers are unable to sustain herds with purchased hay and dry tanks." Rural areas are being hardest hit, Anderson said, with projected economic losses at $8 billion when the agribusiness impact is included. This includes businesses that provide equipment and services to farmers and ranchers, including machinery sales, supplies and other production needs, Anderson said. The driest regions of the state are the Panhandle, Southern High and Rolling Plains, Northeast Texas and the Lower Rio Grande Valley. "If it rained now, it would be too late for the main crops," Anderson said. Statewide, cotton, corn sorghum and soybeans have been rated 48 percent to 58 percent in poor to very poor condition for several months. "That's very indicative of production levels around half a crop," Anderson said. "Much of the corn in Central Texas has been made into silage or hay and most of Northeast Texas soybean crop has been cut for hay to supply dairy operations in desperate need of forages. The irrigated peanut and rice crops are the only crops rated mostly in good to fair condition." More than $1 billion of the current losses come from cotton, Texas' No. 1 cash crop, Anderson said. "Because of dry soil, much of the cottonseed planted failed to germinate," he said. "The 2006 winter wheat crop fell to 35 million bushels, the lowest level since 1971 and two-thirds below 2005 production." Only 1.4 million acres of wheat were harvested, the smallest acreage since 1925, Miller said. Cattle producers are facing some of the toughest times ever, Anderson said, due to lack of hay and available forage on pastures. "Three-fourths of the land in range and pasture is too dry to produce much grazing or hay that is harvestable," he said. "Without rain soon, livestock herds will face further liquidation." At biggest risk are the state's cow herds, Anderson said. Rising hay and supplemental feed costs are forcing many ranchers to liquidate herds and lack of water has forced some to sell out completely. "Cattle sales are up sharply from a year ago," Anderson said. "The reduction in herd size will curtail beef supplies for several years. Also, the lack of adequate nutrition for cows means a smaller calf crop next year." However, land values continue to increase mainly due to purchases for recreational and hunting purposes, Anderson said. But the drought will "stress wildlife sources and reduce the amount and quality of wild animals and birds," he said. "Wildlife management programs are critical to maintaining the recreational value of land used for outdoor recreation during drought years," Anderson said. Agricultural lenders are reporting fewer loan repayments and greater demand for loan renewals and extensions from a year ago, according to the Second Quarter 2006 Survey of Agricultural Credit Conditions by the Federal Reserve Bank. Producers are collecting insurance based on individual coverage on dryland crops and many cow-calf operators have taken out larger loans because of higher feed costs. "Others have sold their herds due to limited water and forage," Anderson said. "High energy prices have substantially increased production costs to further stress an already depressed production environment. Some crop and cow-calf operators can't financially withstand more losses and will be forced to seek other jobs or business alternatives."
Kay Ledbetter Texas A&M University Research and Extension drought Communications Specialist Congressman Randy Neugebauer visited with constituents at the Lockney Community Center, Monday, and reviewed accomplishments of the 109th Congress and the issues facing the next Congress. Neugebauer said the top concerns from his constituents have been: border security, war on terrorism, health insurance, energy prices, death tax, and the farm bill. The Congressman said he had recently been named one of the top 5 most conservative members of Congress by the National Congress Magazine. "When I was asked why that was the case, I told them that I'm in tune with my district," said Neugebauer. On the issue of border security, Neugebauer said, "We have to make sure the door is locked and the screen is latched first. "We can't have a secure country without knowing who are what are coming in." According to Neugebauer the "Washington Rhetoric" combines border security and immigration. "These are two different issues," said Neugebauer. "Border security is about keeping America safe and immigration is a legal issue concerning coming into America legally." The Congressman said he believed it should not be easy to become a citizen of America. It is a privilege and an honor to be a citizen. "The House of Representatives has it right," said Neugebauer. "The first thing we need to do is secure the country. Let's make sure America is safe." Neugebauer said he supports House Bill 4437 that increases number of Border Patrol and Port Inspectors; and H.R. 698 (Citizenship Reform Act) that states no person born in the U.S. is automatically a citizen unless the mother or father is a citizen. A billboard in the Community Center displayed some statistics to highlight concerns of border security. It stated: *Today there are approximately 12 million illegal immigrants in the U.S.--an increase of more than 8.5 million since 1990. *160,000 that were arrested last year weren't from Mexico. *Illegal immigrants imposed more than 26.3 billion in costs on taxpayers in 2002, but paid only $16 billion in taxes, creating a fiscal deficit of almost $10.4 billion. Neugebauer praised Congress for lowering taxes. "It started in the 108 Congress," said Neugebauer. "We decided to trust people with their own money. We let them keep more of their hard earned money. This helped small businesses and created almost 5.5 million new jobs. "More Americans are working-more own their own homes--and unemployment rate went down to 4.7%. Minority home ownership is at an all time high and minority new businesses are increasing in double digits. "When we lowered the tax rate the tax revenues increased--14% higher last year and a projected 12% higher this year." Neugebauer said he believed the government had a spending problem and should learn to operate like families and local governments. Neugebauer said he supports a "Sunset" on every federal program. This would call for every program to be reviewed and debated on whether the program is relevant and not on how much it should be increased. Concerning energy problems, Neugebauer said, "We've let this go for over 30 years. We have to concentrate on nuclear power and alternative fuels. "We have to get serious about drilling in Alaska and on the east coast and west coast. We can do it in an environmentally safe way. "I've been to Anwar. They are extremely cautious and careful. We spill more in our driveways than they do. The arguments against drilling in Anwar are very weak. There is no Science in the arguments." Neugebauer said the votes in Congress to drilling in Anwar are getting closer every time. "A bill has been passed in the Senate to expand the drilling in the coast." Neugebauer said he remains committed to permanently eliminating the "death tax". "Everytime we pass reform on this the democrats in the Senate filibuster." Concerning the new farm bill, Neugebauer said, "We think we have a defendable case to take to Congress because of the past success of the last farm bill. "The new farm bill will probably look like the old one with a few improvements and "tweaks". Neugebauer said he believes Congress may have grossly underestimated the cost of the drought. "We need to re-address disaster aid. It will be tough to get a 'stand-alone' bill for agriculture at this time. It will be better to attach it some other piece of legislation." The Floyd County Commissioners met Monday, August 14, and unanimously approved an increase in service fees for the local Sheriff's department and Small Claims Court and renewed a contract with the Office of Attorney General of Texas for the purpose of collecting child support in the county. The Sheriff and constable fees were raised from $65 for serving papers to $75 and Small Claims Court fees were raised from $40 to $75. Floyd County Judge William Hardin told the commissioners, "It has been years since we raised these fees." In other matters, the court appointed Bob Alldredge to serve another year on the Board of Directors of MHMR and the commissioners approved a bid of $2.10 each by Bill Daniels for used grader blades being sold by the county. The commissioners transferred $17,000 from the Road & Bridge Fund to be used by Precincts 1, 2 and 4 for general expenses. County Treasurer Elva Martinez presented the court with the July, 2006 Financial Report. The report showed a Beginning Balance of $682,554.54 with Receipts of $143, 811.50. It showed Transfers In and Out of $175,196.03 and Disbursed Funds of $266,016.22, leaving an Ending Balance of $560,349.82.
LUCILLE POPE Lucille Pope, 73, of Floydada passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2006 at Lockney Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born November 2, 1933 in Wood County, Texas to the late Edd and Eula Nichols. She moved to Floydada from Wood County, Texas in 1942. She married Cecil William (Zeke) Pope in Febuary 1956 in Floydada. He preceded her in death on June 20, 1994. She was a cowgirl and loved her kids and grandkids. Her family was everything to her. She loved to crochet and was a member of the Nazarene Church in Floydada. She was preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers. Survivors include two sons, Cecil Wayne Pope, Clarence Edd Pope and wife, D'Lynn, all of Floydada; one brother, Newton Edward (Bill) Nichols of Levelland; one sister, Carolyn Mosel Nichols of Floydada; five grandchildren, William Blake Pope of Lubbock, Brooklynn D'Ann Pope of Crosbyton, Shasta Brook Adams of Quitaque, Roger David Adams and Malynnda Lauranna Adams of Texarkana; four great-grandchildren, Teighlor Lynlee Rhone of Anton, Kieler Chase Daniel of Lubbock, Austin Tyler Adams and Haedyn Gene Adams of Texarkana. Graveside services were held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at the Lockney Cemetery. Pastor Michael Frank Taylor officiated. Burial was under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Lockney. The family suggests memorials be made to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919.
By The Way | by Alice Gilroy
A View From The Lamplighter | by Ken Towery Sometimes, when a covey of quails flush and head off in all directions, about the only thing to do is scatter shoot; That is…take them one at a time all over the pasture. It's also about what happens when commenting on stories that break all over the lot. There is, of course, the story about the Middle East, but we started writing about that mess many years ago, and very little has changed in the meantime. Wars still break out with amazing regularity. American politicians still side with the Israelis, no matter what, Muslims still complain about it, no matter what, and Mid-East Christians still get ignored by their religious brethren around the world, no matter what. Robertson, Falwell and Hagee are too busy cheerleading for Israel to notice the plight of displaced Christians in Lebanon. Then there's the story, or rather lack of story, about millions of illegal aliens flooding this country while our President looks the other way. Oh, all of a sudden our President has become concerned about the situation, and decided Congress ought to do something. They ought to pass a law, for instance, that would put the illegals "on a path toward citizenship." Very few Americans, however, are fooled by Mr. Bush's sudden show of apparent interest in a situation he has ignored for years. Most will apparently "wait him out" and then punish those political leaders who sat on their hands and did nothing while the situation worsened. While all that was going on, the situation in Iraq got even worse. Ethnic and religious differences afflicted practically all the country. North Korea tested some more rockets, and the United Nations got all exercised because Iran indicated it was going to continue the search for nuclear weapons, that some day might bring it on a par with the Israelis, who, at the moment, are busy clobbering Lebanon with our President's approval. As if that was not enough we saw items in the papers the other day, and all over television for that matter, about Mel Gibson and his troubles. The last time we noticed anything about him was when he produced "The Passions of Christ" and thereby incurred the wrath of those who still think the Jews were wrongly accused of crucifying Jesus. This time he was wracked up for having too much to drink before driving, but the real story, told in every article we read about the guy, and every t.v. show we saw about him, was that he said unkind things about Jews while being arrested. We've never seen exactly what he is alleged to have said. It was reported he said Jews were responsible for all the wars, or many of the wars, or a lot of the wars, of recent times. Needless to say, many in the media, and many in Hollywood, jumped on that remark as if it were the ultimate calumny against all poor, powerless, Semites. That proved, in essence, that he was anti-Semitic, and had been all along. His case wasn't helped by the recent outbreak of hostilities between Jews and non-Jews in Lebanon. Nor was Gibson helped by his hasty apology, which had the effect of assuring everyone he felt he was wrong in the first place. And perhaps his critics were right, for Jews have certainly not been the cause of all wars. They have probably not even been the cause of most wars, although history records that, for one reason or another, they have been called upon to help finance a great many modern wars. There are those who even say Jews were helpful to the Allied cause during World War 1 in order to instigate the founding of Israel, which the Western world is still paying for.
Classifieds
FARM MISCELLANEOUS CUSTOM HAY SWATHING and baling. Large round bales or small square bales. Call *Steve Pierce - 983-5348 or 292-1642 (cell) or Tom Pierce 983-2578 or 983-0928 (cell).
RYE SEED FOR SALE--Rye is an excellent cover crop and great for grazing. Rye matures earlier than wheat, so it can be terminated earlier to plant cotton. 806-292-9723.
NO-TILL DRILL--Custom drilling of wheat in milo. Inter-seeding of grass, cotton stalks, etc. 806-292-9723.
WHEAT PASTURE WANTED--Call 806-292-9723.
Floydada 903 W. JACKSON--Garage sale Friday, August 18th - 9:00 a.m. - ??.
Lockney ESTATE SALE---Robert and June McDonald. Friday and Saturday, August 18th and 19th. 9:00 a.m. til 5:00 p.m. 619 SW 2nd, Lockney.
FLOYD COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT is now accepting applications for Clerk/Receptionist. Experience with PC-based computers, calculators, balancing/payments for collections, answering phone, drafting letters and filing is necessary. Floyd County Appraisal District is an equal opportunity employer. Mail resumes to: Floyd County Appraisal District, attention Chief Appraiser, P.O. Box 249, Floydada, Texas 79235 or deliver to 104 East California, Floydada, Texas 79235.
Floydada HOUSE FOR SALE--Brick, corner lot, 3-1-3/4-2, circle drive. 2300 sq. ft. $ 65,000. 900 S. Leonard. Call 983-5278.
OWNER WILL FINANCE--E-Z Terms. ** 206 E. Jeffie. 3 bedroom, 1 bath, large livingroom. **119 W. Jeffie. 3 bedroom, 1 bath, 2 story house. Very reasonable priced. Call Milton 806-790-0827.
Lockney HOUSE FOR SALE IN LOCKNEY--3 bedroom, living and dining room, 1 bath, garage, fenced back yard. 705 SW 2nd. Call 983-7731 or 652-3115.
MRS. LUCY DEAN RECORD is now enrolling music students for piano, organ, keyboard, guitar and piano accordion. Call 806-652-2364 and leave your name and number if necessary. Record Music Shop, 811 W. Willow, Lockney, Texas 79241.
PIANO LESSONS--$ 5.00 for 30 minutes and you buy the lesson book (approx. $ 6-$ 8). Mrs. Kathy Johnson Piano Studio, 983-5070.
FOR SALE--1 red Limozine bull (3-1/2 years old) and 1- 6 year old red horse (green broke). Call 292-5219.
"BUY A PIG" hires expert advisor. The new owner says "Jerrold Is Perfect For This Position". Trapping wild hog is one of his many specialities. Call Jerrold DAY or NIGHT, 1-800-THE-SOWS-EAR.
NEED A PLACE TO PARK your R.V., trailer or boat? Call 983-5516.
NO MOTION, NASA memory foam mattress and foundation, $399, new, warranty. 806-549-3110.
SLEIGH BED with comfortable mattresses. Boxes never opened. Warranty. Sell today $449. 806-549-3110.
QUEEN PILLOWTOP mattress set, $145. Twin mattress set $99. New, in plastic. Warranty. Call 806-549-3110.
KING PILLOWTOP mattress set $239. Full orthopedic mattress set $135. Brand new, warranty. Call 806-549-3110.
FOR SALE--6 Lockney cemetery plots. Row 44, Section 3, Block 5, Lot 5. Sell as one unit. 806-652-2674
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
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 a 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.
DOG AND CAT GROOMING--Pickup and delivery available upon request. Call Kelly at 806-685-3862.
READY NOW! Okra, jalapeno peppers, sweet peppers, sweet corn, cucumbers, onions (purple, white and 1015-y) Tomatoes in one or two weeks. Wholesale lots. Delicious. Our products are especially good this year. Call before you come. PANCHO'S GARDEN - 806-652-2727 or 292-2204. One block south on Highway 378 - east side of road, Lockney, Texas.
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