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THIS MOUTH
FULL of hot dog belonged to one of the youngsters from Kids
Korner Learning Center who came to the Salute to Businesses
on Friday, at the Courthouse Square. The luncheon was
sponsored by the Floydada Chamber of Commerce. Free hot dogs
and trimmings were enjoyed by local businesses and
employees.
City Earns Storm Ready Designation The City of Floydada, was recognized by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Lubbock as a "StormReady" community on Tuesday, August 26, with a formal presentation ceremony at the Floydada City Council meeting. At the ceremony, which officials from the NWS presented city officials with two StormReady signs and a StormReady certificate to honor the community's disaster preparedness activities. The StormReady program gives communities the skills and education needed to survive severe weather - before and during the event. "Communities have fewer fatalities and lower property damage if they plan for disasters that potentially threaten them before the disaster occurs," said Ed Calianese, Warning Coordination Meteorologist of the Lubbock NWS Office. "No community is storm proof but StormReady is designed to help communities save lives and it has recently proven its effectiveness in a number of communities across the country that have been affected by violent weather." According to National Weather Service statistics, at least 42 tornadoes have occurred in Floyd County since 1950. Several of these tornadoes were rated strong or violent producing wind speeds up to around 260 mph. Fortunately, these tornadoes killed only one person and injured three others while producing nearly $1 million in property damage. In addition, more than 200 damaging wind and hail events have occurred in the same period resulting in nearly $3 million in property damage and more than $20 million in estimated crop damage. "We realize that severe weather is one of the biggest threats to our community," said Carroll Sims, Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Floydada. "We have a strong working relationship with the National Weather Service Office in Lubbock and work to constantly improve our ability to handle weather disasters in our community." The City of Floydada has developed a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center that is staffed with key personnel whenever severe weather threatens the county. They have several means to receive warnings directly from the NWS as well as the local media and state agencies. They also have multiple ways to relay warning information to their citizens. NOAA Weather Radios have been placed in a number of key locations across the city, including all city offices and the school superintendent's office. Most of these radios were donated to the city by one of its citizens. Floydada is the 24th StormReady designated community in Texas and only the second community in the South Plains to be recognized. The City of Lubbock earned StormReady recognition last March. StormReady is a voluntary program developed by the National Weather Service in partnership with the emergency management community to help emergency managers strengthen their local hazardous weather operations. The guidelines are intended to ensure the community has the tools necessary to receive and disseminate life saving National Weather Service warnings throughout the community. Severe weather educational activities within the community are also an important aspect of the program to ensure citizens are prepared for a quick response once they receive the warning information. "Something the StormReady program emphasizes most is redundancy," said Larry Vannozzi, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the Lubbock NWS Office. "It is important for communities to have multiple systems in place so if one system fails, others can be relied upon to both receive and disseminate National Weather Service information throughout the community." According to the program's guidelines, StormReady communities must have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings and to alert the public to the threat; they must have established a 24-hour warning point and EOC from which emergency response efforts can be coordinated; they must promote the importance of public readiness through education and training; and they must have a formal hazardous weather operations plan that is utilized during disasters. Because of their hard work to plan for and prepare for disasters such as tornadoes and floods, StormReady communities are also better prepared to handle all disasters, both natural and manmade.
Commissioners Raise Taxes Floyd County Commissioners voted unanimously to raise taxes at the August 22nd meeting. The new county tax rate will be 41.300 per $100 valuation. Two citizens appeared before the Commissioners with concerns about the increase. Cleo Whittle asked the Court "I want to know why you are raising our taxes." Judge Hardin responded, "The county has not raised taxes in ten years. We really did not have a choice." Shelby Calahan also had a concern about the amount of the increase. Commissioner Gilly said the increase was 7.80% over the 38.311 tax rate of last year. " This would increase the rate to 41.300. If your home is valued at $100,000, approximately $30 will be added to your county taxes. The commissioners also adopted the budget for the upcoming year. All salaries and personal expenses will be held at the same rate as last year. 
MEMORIAL FLAG DONATED--The Long family has donated the next flag which will fly at the Veteran's Memorial for the next four months. The flags are rotated every four months because of wear and tear from 24 hour a day use. City Auto was the first local business to donate a flag. Skyler Cornelius, chairman of the Veteran's Memorial Project, will present City Auto with a certificate and return the old flag to City Auto. When the Long family's flag is replaced, their flag will be returned and they will also be presented with a certificate. The flags are being sold through Script Printing for $30-$40. Any business who would like to donate a flag should contact Skyler Cornelius.
Obituaries
ERVIN BREWER Services for Ervin Brewer, 63, of Lubbock were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in the LakeRidge Baptist Church in Lubbock. Rev. Merle Fulmer and John Wodetski officiated. Burial was in the Crosbyton Cemetery under the direction of Adams Funeral Home of Ralls. Mr. Brewer passed away at his Lubbock home on Saturday, August 23, 2003. He was born July 24, 1940 in Crosbyton to the late Henry and Eunice (Forman) Brewer. He was a 1958 graduate of Crosbyton High School and a 1969 graduate of Texas Tech. On November 17, 1975 he married Janet McClain in Lubbock. He was a member of the LakeRidge Baptist Church and the Top of the Hill Sunday School Class and served on the Youth Committee. He was a former Boy Scout leader and a member of the Order of the Arrow and Wood Badge. He worked for United Supermarkets as a store manager until 1978. He owned and operated Cornerstone Cobble Boot and Shoe Repair (formerly Monterey Shoe Repair) until his retirement in 2002. Survivors include his wife, Janet Brewer of Lubbock; three sons, Monty Brewer of Lubbock, Terry Mooney of Lubbock, and Dean McClain of Houston; two daughters, Lt. Col. Tish Mooney Wodetzki of Lake L.A., California and Latonya Brewer Hill of Denver, Colorado; three brothers, Duwayne Brewer of Irving, Darwynne Brewer of Floydada, and Harry Brewer of Ft. Worth; three sisters, Glenna Watson of Floydada, Dorthy McDougle of Crosbyton, and Peggy Ayers of Lubbock; and six grandchildren. LAWANA CRUSE Funeral services for Lawana Cruse, 65, were held Sunday, August 24, 2003 at the Church of Christ. Stuart Smith and J.D. Nance officiated. Burial was at Dreamland Cemetery by Myers-Long Funeral Directors of Turkey. Lawana was born February 7, 1938 in Bridle Bit to Fletcher and Erma Wynn. She passed away August 21, 2003 in Plainview at Covenant Hospital. Survivors include two daughters, Debra Smith of Silverton, and Melody Hysinger of Clarendon; three sons, Robert Gragson of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Lee Cruse of Happy, and Brett Cruse of Round Rock; four sisters, Edna Huffines of Canyon, Inez Payne of The Keys, Florida, Joy Martin of Clarendon, and Glenda Perry of Lubbock; two brothers, Doyle Wynn of Estelline and Jim Wynn of Carlsbad, New Mexico. She was preceded in death by five brothers, Oran Wynn, Burl Wynn, Karl Cruse, and Everette Cruse; one sister, Norene Clark; and two husbands, Robert Gragson and Tommy Van Cruse. She was also involved in several organizations including: founder of Turkey Heritage Foundation, President of Hall County Heritage Foundation; on the board of Turkey Roost Museum; Turkey Jamboree coordinator; founder of Turkey Gem Theatre; member of the Lions Club; member of the Church of Christ; and she was also a Life Gift donar. The family asks any donations be made to Turkey Heritage Foundation. If donating, please send donation to the City of Turkey. RITA WEBSTER Funeral services were held for Rita Webster, 72, of Lockney on Saturday, August 23, 2003, at the First Baptist Church in Lockney. Reverend Phillip Golden officiated. Burial was in the Lockney Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Lockney. She died August 21, 2003 at Highland Medical Center in Lubbock. She was born on October 21, 1930 in Brownfield to the late Wayne and Viola Mullins. She moved to Lockney from Brown- field in 1947. She married R.V. Webster on July 22, 1947 in Seminole. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Lockney and was a teacher's aide until she retired in 1995. She was a member of the Eastern Star and the Senior Citizens of Lockney. Her husband, R.V. Webster preceded her in death on June 6, 1996. She is survived by a son, Bobby Webster of Baton Rouge, LA; a daughter, Debbie Harmon of Lubbock; a sister, Barbara Cunyus of Lockney; and four grandchildren, Hilary Webster and Jaime Webster both of Kansas City, KS, Blake Webster of Los Angeles, CA, and Chad Harmon of Lubbock. The family suggests memorials be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation, 1501 NW 9th Ave. Miami, FL 33136
Dear Editor, While in the area for my mother's funeral, my wife and I drove over to Floydada where I grew up. Our car died on the square Saturday evening about 7:00 p.m. We were stuck, with no auto repair available until Monday. A City employee was kind enough to stop by to see if we needed assistance. He had a fine gentleman to come by (so sorry I lost his card and name), but we were still unable to start the car. The gentleman's father-in-law, Leroy Burns, then came to our further rescue. While the first gentleman towed our car to place it inside for security, Mr. Burns personally loaded our bags into his vehicle and remained with us until we secured a room at the Floydada Inn. The gracious manager (Mr. Patel?) saw us walking (we are older people and the temperature was over 100), and kindly drove us to a Jiffy Store for food to get through the night (all restaurants had closed). He waited patiently while we purchased our food, and returned us to the motel. The next morning, Mr. Burns went the extra five miles. Knowing we were afoot, he came by to drive us to breakfast. West Texas is unique in the USA in having the most gracious people I have ever known. May Leroy Burns and his family, as well as Mr. Patel, have the great rewards their services have earned them; Floydada's kindness warmed our hearts. Thank you! Sincerely, Lou (Rie) & Velda Johnson
Dear Editor, This letter is both a thank you for volunteers and a plea for volunteers. Our community - our nation - could not achieve what we have over the years in the realm of provision for services and aid for the sick and poor without the volunteer. Many volunteers also work to provide artistic and cultural opportunities to tour community. Volunteers in Floyd County make things happen - they drive patients for physical therapy and cancer treatments, they work at the Spirit of Sharing providing food and clothing, they gather toys for children and household articles for the elderly at Christmas through the "Reflections of Love" organization. Volunteers work daily at the Floyd County Museum - which, by the way, is one of the best for a town of our population. Volunteers in Floydada provide Christmas dinners for the Ronald McDonald Houses in Amarillo and Lubbock and for those who will be alone on Christmas Day. Volunteers work with the Chamber of Commerce to promote Floydada and Lockney businesses through Punkin Days celebrations and Old Fashioned Saturday. Youth volunteers honored our servicemen by raising money for our Veterans Memorial. Volunteers read to children in public schools and deliver meals to the elderly and to shut-ins daily. Volunteers raise money for research and cures for many diseases through many and varied fund-raising drives. Thanks to all of you who go beyond your own family or church family to SERVE OTHERS. The Floyd County Unit of the American Cancer Society honored the memory of a Floydada volunteer a few weeks ago. She made an extraordinary difference in our community. A popular saying is "If you want something done, ask a busy person." We are asking all you "busy" people to volunteer five hours this next year. The American Cancer Society needs an infusion of new blood, and the enthusiasm of young adults, as do many of our volunteer organizations. We invite you to become a member of the ACS. We meet the first Monday of every other month, September-May, for about an hour. If you won't volunteer - volunteer to keep another person's child so he/she can be an active member. If there were no ACS in Floyd County, patient services would cease to exist. Reach to Recovery for women who have had breast cancer surgery, support groups for those dealing with their own disease or of a family member, providing hospital beds and supplies for patients, distribution of educational materials that encourage adults to be screened and that educate youth about how to adopt healthy lifestyles would not longer be available. Don't wait to be asked! Find a place in Floyd County to volunteer - this letter only touches on a few of the many worthy agencies that could benefit from your talents and time. This is your chance to make a difference in our county.
Linda Matsler
By The Way | by Alice Gilroy
A View From The Lamplighter | by Ken Towery
Not that it matters to anyone, except those who value water, and those who value leadership, and those who value patriotism, but to those who do, some recent comments by Governor Rick Perry were welcome indeed. Mr. Perry said, in effect, that if Mexico does not start living up to its word, its written agreements, then he, Perry, will recommend that the American government "cut off the tap" on water currently flowing to Mexico from Texas, until the Mexicans start to honor their word. That word, given many years ago in agreements between Mexico and the United States, simply says that certain waters will be divided in certain ways. Mexico has consistently violated that agreement, keeping water that should have legitimately been released for farmers in South Texas. In the meantime, of course, Mexico has greatly expanded its farming operations in north-central Mexico, and irrigated those acres with water that should have gone to Texans years ago. We applaud the Governor's position, and his comments. Both are long, very long, overdue. But lottsa luck, Mr. Perry. Agreements between the United States and foreign powers are enforced, or, are not enforced, by the federal government. States can do little about enforcing those agreements. About all the states can do is suffer when the federal government fails to enforce laws on the books. Or, in this case, make recommendations to the federal government which may, or may not, be followed…depending on the demands of domestic politics. Anyone with an ounce of brains can see what is going on. The Mexican government, starting way back when John F. Kennedy was President, and continuing through Lyndon Johnson and every President since, has jerked around the U.S. government. If we want to go back into recent history, we could start with the Chamizal matter in the early 1960's, involving where the border should be near El Paso, after the Rio Grande changed course ever so slightly. Up until then, international agreements between Mexico and the United States, said simply that the border followed the river. If the river went on a rampage and sliced off a few acres of the United States, so be it. If it sliced off a few acres of Mexico, so be it. The laws followed the river. It was a lot easier than arguing over every acre of land that got cut off when the river changed course. But then, things changed. The United States elected a new President, who decided that his first foreign venture would be a visit to Mexico, where, by virtue of religion and proximity, everything would go swimmingly. The Mexican government had other things in mind. They obviously figured to use the Chamizal matter as a club with which to intimidate the new President, and they did. I personally was told (during Senate debate on the issue), by a State Department type who was along on the trip, that the Mexican government flatly told Kennedy in Mexico City that unless he agreed with the Mexican position, there would be no "Joint Communiqué" issued at the end of the meeting. That would have been disastrous, diplomatically. The Administration could not stand that, so they agreed with the Mexican position. One of the only, if not the only, Senator in America who voted against that ridiculous agreement (when it finally had to be ratified by the full Senate) was John Tower, then a new Republican Senator from Texas. In voting the way he did, Tower had to oppose Lyndon Johnson, then Vice President and the lackey of Kennedy, plus the leadership of his own Party, then relegated to a mere 30+ votes in the Senate. One of the United States (Texas) ended up with less land and the U.S. ended up with less money, but Mexico got its agreement and Kennedy got his praise. Then there was the Foot and Mouth thing. Mexico had an outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease that obviously threatened the livestock industry in the United States. It had to be stopped, if possible. Mexico, sensing an opportunity, essentially refused to do anything, except to tell the United States that if they wanted to do anything about it, they could, as long, of course, as they paid through the nose. So, the American government sent people into Mexico to do the job the Mexican government refused to do. We ended up paying the Mexican ranchers and farmers for killing sick cows, and then had to pay the Americans who had to do the killing, a fact made necessary because the Mexican government did not want to be seen as killing Mexican cattle with Mexican labor. It would be much better if the cattle killing could be blamed on "gringos." Then there was the "blow fly" thing, which will require no great explanation for those familiar with the situation. In a nutshell, a way had been found to sterilize the male blow fly, hopefully rendering future generations moot. Huge (by my standards) factories were built for the production and sterilization of flies that were then dropped in little boxes on both sides of the Mexico-U.S. border. Great benefit resulted for both countries, but you may guess who paid the bill. The list goes on, but perhaps the most egregious example of contrariness on the part of Mexico, aside from its complete unwillingness to do anything about the illegal transit of Mexican citizens into the United States, is the refusal to abide by agreements entered into on the sharing of waters that originate in the headwaters of streams feeding the Rio Grande. Mexico, to be completely honest about it, is flat stealing the water and using that water to irrigate vast new acreages. George W. Bush could do nothing about it when he was Governor, and he is doing nothing about it now that he is President and charged with enforcing the laws of the land. Mr. Perry is not President, he is Governor. Mr. Bush is not (now) Governor. He is President. He, theoretically, controls the Department of State and all other positions of the Executive Branch. We hope he will someday find time to look after such mundane things as illegal immigration…and the theft, by Mexico, of water that is legally due the citizens of the United States. In the meantime, Texans can be happy they have a Governor who is not afraid to call a spade a spade.
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.
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