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CONSTRUCTION ON THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN SHRINE is in progress and will completed by October 5, just in time for the first "Pilgrimage to Our Lady". The shrine, honoring the Virgin Mary, is being built on County Road 786 in Muncy by Ed Marks Construction. The shrine will be used for yearly pilgrimages by area Catholics and open to everyone for prayer and meditation.
Shrine Expected to Attract Hundreds By Alice Gilroy Floyd County will have another "first" for this area, thanks to the generosity of Jim Doucette and the vision of Father Philip de Freitas, of St. Mary Magdelen Church in Floydada. The vision is sure to attract hundreds to Floyd County on a yearly basis. A shrine in honor of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, is now being built off County Road 786 in Muncy. The "Queen of Heaven Shrine" has been made possible through the donation of land by Jim Doucette and Doucette's donation of money for labor and materials. The "Queen of Heaven Shrine" will be finished by October 5, just in time for the first "Pilgrimage to Our Lady". Catholics from across the South Plains will gather at St. Mary Magdelen, in Floydada, at 1:30 p.m. and walk the 7 miles to the shrine. People who can't make the walk will ride in cars. The pilgrimage will be a yearly celebration for Catholics. The shrine will also be open during the day, all year, for prayers and meditation. "Everyone is invited to the pilgrimage," said Father Philip. "I've extended the invitation to Catholic churches and Protestant churches. The shrine will also be available for use by other churches and anyone can stop in for prayer." According to Father Philip the idea for the Queen of Heaven Shrine started over a year ago. "A visiting priest came and gave a sermon on the Blessed Mother and other shrines and pilgrimages. It got us to thinking--'why can't we do that here?' "Last year St. Mary Magdelen Church, along with the Petersburg Catholic Church, did an 11 mile pilgrimage to the Schwertner farm in Sandhill. We had a picnic there and Blessed Sacrament--but there was no shrine. "Later I announced in Mass that we should look for 1-2 acres to build a shrine. One of our parishioners mentioned it in a conversation with Jim Doucette. He said, 'I have land--and it's on pavement'. First he donated 200 X 200 feet of land--and then he donated the materials and labor to build the shrine." According to Doucette, the whole project has "kind of grown". "Ed Marks and I came up with the plans for the shrine on the back of his pickup. We just drew it out on a piece of paper. "I wanted the focal point to be the statue of the Virgin Mary. Doucette, who was raised Catholic but now attends the Methodist Church, says he felt led to do this after the President announced the end of the war in Iraq. "I had been praying for the safety of our troops," said Doucette. "Everyday I would ask for the intercession from the mother of Jesus, for our sons in battle. Rosa Gonzales mentioned what her church was looking for and I felt led to honor Jesus' mother in a special way. The building will slant toward the back where the statue of Mary will be. There will stained glass windows on the east and west walls and a glass front. "The back wall will be 20 feet tall and the front wall will be 35 feet tall," said Doucette. "The sides will be 30 feet. The glass in front will enable people to see the statue inside. There will be a statue of Michael the archangel on the peak of the roof inside which will also be visible from the outside. "The sunrises and sunsets will look beautiful shining through the stained glass." The shrine will be deeded over to the Floydada Knights of Columbus, which is associated with the Catholic Church. "They will take care of the property," said Doucette. "We will try and leave the building open all day. I may end up being a gatekeeper and locking it at night. But that's O.K.--I'm retired. I don't have anything else to do," said Doucette with a laugh. According to Doucette, the "Queen of Heaven Shrine" will soon feature the "Stations of the Cross", and sitting areas. The pilgrimage, according to Father Philip, will be made every year in honor of the "Feast of the Holy Rosary". "The only other shrine around here that is used for pilgrimages is in Groom", said Father Philip. "We are hoping this will be a special place for churches all over this area." According to Father Philip, pilgrimages to honor Saints are very popular in the Catholic church. "A pilgrimage is a tradition in many areas around the world. In Paris there is a pilgrimage that lasts 3 days and covers 78 miles." Father Philip said that no one needs a special invitation to participate in the pilgrimage. "Just show up October 5, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary Magdelen Church, 309 S. Wall Street." "We will have mass and holy sacraments at 6:00 p.m. at the Queen of Heaven Shrine. After the Mass we will have a hamburger/hot dog picnic with entertainment from the Tejano music group, Divina. "Our wish," said Father Philip, "is that the Shrine will help people come closer to God and closer to their faith. "Mr. Doucette told me if it helps just one person in their faith then the money is worth it." "Our
society is bombarded by symbols of evil,' said Doucette. "I
think it's time for Christians to start putting up symbols
of our faith. I think this is the right thing to do."
By Darwin Robinson The Floydada City Council met in Special Session Monday, September 22, and approved an extension to the Farm Labor Housing Camp on their past due utility bill of $6,785.42 on September 8, 2003. The camp is under the direction of Floydada Housing Authority. Records show the labor camp utilities were past due $3,940.54 on June 5, 2003 and $5,184.62 overdue on August 25, 2003. City Manager Gary Brown told the Hesperian-Beacon, "Another City Council meeting will be held at 7:30 a.m. Friday, September 26, to hear the plan of what FHA wants to do about the Farm Labor Camp's utility bill. FHA believes they can come up with some money between now and Friday." In the City Council regular meeting on Tuesday, September 16, the council voted unanimously to cut off the utilities to the Farm Labor Camp at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 17. However, Brown told the Hesperian-Beacon, "The utilities at the camp were never turned off." According to Brown, there are only about 25 units rented at the labor camp now out of a total of 78 units. "The labor camp began back in the early 1970s," said Brown. "It was for hoe hands during the summer and vegetable harvesters during the fall while they were picking onions, peppers and cucumbers." Concerning the future of the labor camp Brown said, "The future is to tear down part of the buildings and remodel the other units into about 45 two and three bedroom apartments. The apartments will no longer be just for migrant workers." Brown told the Hesperian-Beacon, "The FHA Executive Director Abel Cortinas had resigned." Sudy Cochran of the FHA told the Hesperian-Beacon, "I have been appointed the Interim Executive Director of FHA indefinitely. We are not looking for another director at the present time. The migrant economy right now is bad. It affects everyone from the farmers, the housing business and the City in general. The pumpkin workers are here for only about three weeks." In other matters, the council increased the landfill tipping fee from $27.50 per ton to $30.00 per ton.
After months of study and work, the four member cities comprising West Texas Municipal Power Agency (Brownfield, Floydada, Lubbock and Floydada), have worked out an agreement to settle all claims that the City of Lubbock alleged was owed to them by either WTMPA or each of the member cities. According to Floydada City Manager Gary Brown, this has not been an easy road to travel and none of the four cities got everything they wanted in the settlement. "The complete wording and contracts still have to be developed but a memorandum of understanding has been signed by the mayors of all four cities," said Brown. The conflict between WTMPA and the City of Lubbock began over the City of Lubbock's disagreement with the co-mingling of Lubbock Power and Light and the WTMPA. "The City of Lubbock wanted the two separated," said Brown. "Lubbock also believed that WTMPA member cities owed over 4 million dollars in repair bills, fuel bills, and operating expenses. Floydada's share of that would have been about 2 percent." There are 6 points to the agreed upon memorandum that have to be finalized. Briefly the points state: (1) The City of Lubbock will lease purchase the generator that WTMPA owns. The City of Lubbock will be responsible for all expenses on the generator including future bond payments, in exchange for the right to all the electricity produced from the generator. The City of Lubbock will not hold the WTMPA members responsible for liability of any kind pertaining to the operation or debt of the generator. (2) Any electricity that the member cities were entitled to receive from the WTMPA generator will be replaced with electricity from various contracts with WTMPA and or the City of Lubbock. (3) Ty Cooke's position as Chairman of the Board will be vacated. WTMPA will contract for bookkeeping services and work with Lubbock Power & Light in seeking additional sources of electricity. (4) The WTMPA bylaws regarding the voting power of each member city will remain unchanged. Floydada will continue to have the representation of 2 board members on the WTMPA board. "The member cities will continue as WTMPA so we can co-op our electricity purchases to get cheaper rates," said Brown. (5) The City of Lubbock will relinquish any claims to debts which it alleges is due it from either WTMPA or any member city which accrued prior to January 1, 2003. (6) Capacity charges, related to the WTMPA generator which the City of Lubbock has charged to the member cities since February of 2003 will be eliminated.
Obituaries P. JOE CABALLERO, SR. Funeral services for P. Joe Caballero, Sr., 63, of Floydada were held Friday, September 19, 2003 at the Getsemani Assembly of God in Floydada. Reverend Ray Gonzales officiated. Burial was at the Floydada Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. He passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2003. Mr. Caballero was born on June 9, 1940 in Harlingen to the late Octavio Caballero and Maria Caballero. He was a lifelong resident of Floyd County. He married Lupe Flores on November 7, 1959 in Lubbock. He was a member of the Getsemani Assembly of God. His parents, one brother, Jesse Caballero and one granddaughter, Lacy Cabellero, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife Lupe Caballero; four sones, Joe Caballero, Jr. and wife Consuelo of Floydada, Tony Caballero and wife Lori of Lockney, Danny Caballero and wife Shelby of Lubbock, Steve Caballero and wife Ester of Italy, TX; three daughters, Mary Caballero of Lockney, Sylvia Suarez and husband Jaime of Floydada, Lisa Caballero of Floydada; two brothers, Joe and Pete Caballero both of Abernathy; nine sisters, Linda Trujillo of Denver, CO, Judy Perez of Abernathy, Frances Rodriguez of Abernathy, Connie Flores of Lubbock, Mary Mendez of Woodrow, Rosie Martinez of Post, Josie Loza of Sweetwater, Anita Cantu of Abernathy, Rita Rodriguez of Lubbock; 19 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. ED W. CONNER Funeral services for Ed W. Conner, 77, of Canyon were held Saturday, September 20, 2003 at the First Baptist Church of Canyon. Rev. David Lowrie, pastor, officiated. Burial was in Dreamland Cemetery under the direction of Brooks Funeral Directors. He passed away September 17, 2003 in Amarillo. Mr. Conner was born on May 8, 1926 in Sulphur Springs to F.O. and Essie McManus Conner. He graduated from Floydada High School and West Texas state University. He married Joan Byars at Canyon in 1949. He was known as the 'Floydada Flash' while in college and was a member of the 1950 Sun Bowl Champion football team at West Texas State University. He was inducted into the West Texas Hall of Champions in 1996 and was very active in the WT Alumni Association. He had lived in Liberty, Missouri and Grapevine, TX. He coached at Canyon High School in 1951-52. He served in the U.S. Navy and the National Guard. He was a member of First Baptist Church and was preceded in death by one brother, Grady Conner, in 1985. Survivors include his wife Joan Byars Conner, of the home; two sons, Lon Ed Conner, and Guy M. Conner, both of Amarillo; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The
family suggests memorials to WTAMU Athletics WT, Box 60049,
Canyon, Texas 79016, or favorite charity.
EZEQUIEL ESTORGA Funeral services for Ezequiel Estorga, 56, of Floydada were held Monday, September 22, 2003 at the Primera Iglesia Bautista in Floydada. Reverend Pete Reyes officiated. Burial was at the Floydada Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Mr. Estorga passed away Friday, September 19, 2003 at Mangold Memorial Hospital in Lockney. He was born November 10, 1946 in Barstow to the late Ben and Francisca Contreras. He moved to Floydada from Littlefield in 1978. He married Vicenta Moran on September 23, 1983 in Plainview. He was a farmer and a member of the Primera Iglesia Bautista. Survivors
include his wife, Vicenta Estorga; his mother, Francisca
Contreras; three daughters, Anna Garza of McAllen, Lama
Tirado of Stephenville, Selene Mendez of Lubbock; two
brothers, Rudy Contreras of Mesquite, Vicon Contreras of
Littlefield; one sister, Eva Contreras; seven grandchildren.
D.M. "IKE" GILBERT Graveside services for D.M. "Ike" Gilbert, 85, of Floydada were held Thursday, September 18, 2003 at the Flomot Cemetery. Rev. Jeff Addison officiated. Burial was under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. He passed away September 16, 2003 at the Floydada Rehabilitation and Care Center. Mr. Gilbert was born January 29, 1918 in Hulver to the late Marlin Thomas Gilbert and Mattie R. Gilbert. He was a lifelong resident of Flomot. He graduated from Flomot High School in 1936. He married Christeen Merrell on February 4, 1940 in Floydada. He was a farmer and rancher until he retired in 1980. He was a member of the Homecoming Committee, past President and member of the Lions Club in Flomot, President and member of the Flomot School Board, and a member of the Cemetery Association of Flomot. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Straughter Gilbert, Dorsey Gilbert, Losey Gilbert, John Gilbert and one sister, Ocie Main. He
is survived by his wife; one son, Jerry Gilbert and his wife
Sheila of Jacksonville, AL; two daughters, Judy Heiskell and
her husband Leland of Pottsboro, Kathy Blanton and her
husband Neal of Graham; one sister, Inez Moss of Anson; six
grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
NOMAN HAMILTON Services for Noman Hamilton, 94, of Lubbock were held Monday, September 15, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church in Floydada. Dr. David Jones and Rev. Clayton Hicks officiated. Masonic graveside services followed in Floyd County Memorial Park. Arrangements were under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Mr. Hamilton died Thursday, September 11, 2003 at his residence in Lubbock. He was born on August 20, 1909 in Melrose, NM to the late Mr. Jasper Newton Hamilton and Mrs. Clora Ann Hall Hamilton. He graduated from high school in Quitaque and attended Texas Tech College for two years. He married Anna Louise Wright on November 23, 1932 in Quitaque. She preceded him in death on March 17, 1987. He married Juanita Martin Witcher on June 15, 1988. He had lived in Quitaque, Floydada, Tulia and moved to Lubbock in 1979. He worked for the Soil Conservation Service for 18 years and was a rancher and farmer. He was raised as a Master Mason on March of 1939, and had been a Mason for 64 years. He was also a long time member of the Scottish Rite, Chapter and Council, Commandry and Order of the Eastern Star.. He had also been a member of the Lions Club. He was ordained as a deacon in 1948 at the First Baptist Church in Floydada and was Sunday School Superintendent for several years. He is a member of Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock. He was preceded in death by four brothers, B.K. Hamilton, P.C. Hamilton, N.V. Hamilton and Paul Hamilton; two sisters, Sabra Setliff and Mary Garrison Burson. He is survived by his wife, Juanita Hamilton of Tyler; a daughter Noma Lou Rainer and husband Bobby of Floydada; a sone, Steve Witcher and wife Carol of Tyler; a brother, E.J. Hamilton and wife Nell of Lubbock; four granddaughters; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. In
lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to a favorite
charity.
WALLACE P. HARBER At the request of the deceased, no services were held for Wallace Preston "Pete" Harber, 84, of Sutherlin, OR. He passed away September 16, 2003 in Reedsport, OR. He was born March 31, 1919, in McKinney to Andrew Jackson Harber and Ida Dean (Buckner) Harber. He grew up on the plains of Texas, and lived in Floydada at one time. He is a WWII veteran, having served in the pacific as a "Sea Bee". He moved to California in the early 50's and worked many years as owner of floor covering businesses until his retirement in 1980. In 1998 they moved to Sutherlin, OR. He is survived by his wife, Velma Ruth Harber, of Sutherlin, OR; one son, Milton Harber of Perris, CA; one daughter, Judie Carey of Oakland, OR; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Faye Love of Lubbock, Ruth Day and Mildred Brookes, both of Lakeway. Donations
in lieu of flowers can be made to the WWII Memorial,
Washington D.C.
TONY MENDOZA Funeral services were held for Tony Mendoza, 49, of Floydada Wednesday, September 24, 2003 at the Primera Iglesia Bautista in Floydada. Reverend Pete Reyes officiated. Burial was at the Floydada Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. He passed away September 21, 2003 at University Medical Center in Lubbock. He was born on January 17, 1954 in Ballinger to the late Carlos and Sarafina Mendoza. He moved to Floydada from Ballinger in 1972. He was the Plant Superintendent for Barwise Gin and was a member of the Primera Iglesia Bautista. He loved going to Corpus Christi to go saltwater fishing. Survivors
include his mother, Sarafina Mendoza; eight brothers,
Marcilino Mendoza and wife Manuela of Metter, GA, Julio
Mendoza and wife Adela of Floydada, Hilario Mendoza and wife
Anita of Lockney, George Mendoza and wife Susie of Winters,
Jesse Mendoza and wife Helen of Richland Hills, Carlos
Mendoza, Jr. and wife Theresa, Joe Mendoza and Lucio Mendoza
all of San Angelo; five sisters, Florence Reyes and husband
Pedro of Floydada, Lydia Luera and husband Felix of Metter,
GA, Mary Enriquez and husband Joe of Plainview, Lupe
Almaquer and husband Roy of Floydada, and Rachel Mendoza of
Lubbock.
LEONARDO ZAMBRANO Rosary services for Leonardo G. Zambrano, 68, of Hale Center were Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at San Jose Catholic Church in Lockney. Funeral Mass was celebrated Thursday, September 18, 2003 at San Jose Catholic Church. Father Jim McCartney was celebrant. Burial was in Lockney Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Lockney. Mr. Zambrano died Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock. He was born on May 24, 1935 in Goliad to the late Jose Zambrano and Margarita Zambrano. He married Cuca Zambrano on May 26, 1952 in Karnes City. He moved to Hale Center from the Lockney area in 1977. He was a farmer and one of the first members of Sagrado Corazon for San Jose Catholic Church of Lockney and a Crusieista in 1969. He was preceded in death by his wife on March 11, 1984; one brother, Joe Zambrano, Jr.; three sisters, Enedina Bela, Ophelia Rodriguez and Antonia Martinez. He is survived by two sons, Lawrence Zambrano and wife Jeannie of Plainview, Jesse Salas of Kress; one daughter, Dina Trevino and her husband Joe of Kress; two sisters, Francisca Rodriguez of Seymour, Josie Perez of Floydada; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The
family suggests memorials to a favorite charity.
By The Way | by Alice Gilroy
A View From The Lamplighter | by Ken Towery
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 RENT--Two bedroom, two bathroom house in Providence Community. Couples preferred. Call 296-2031. 2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH HOME for sale. 1350 sq. feet. To be moved or sold on location in Dougherty, 17 miles east of Floydada. Loaded with storage - walk-in closets, pantry, large utility. $25,000.00. Contact Julie Finley - 806-983-5080.
FOR SALE--2 bedroom, 1 bath house. 226 E. Marivena. Will finance. Call 800-804-7110 or 806-785-4002.
FOR SALE--3 bedroom, 2 bath, 30x30 shop at 110 South First. Call Mike Giesecke, 983-3453 or 983-3787.
FOR SALE BY OWNER!--3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, updated throughout, corner lot, nice fenced yard, storage building.PRICE REDUCED!! Call 983-2064 or 983-2865, ask for J.
FOR SALE -- Brick home. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, basement, attached garage, large yard, 124 Mae Avenue. Call 983-2910.
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.
739 W. PRICE--Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 9:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m. Roll top desk, 32' color TV, cedar chest, dresser, lamps, bedspreads, brand new faucets, sink (still in box), hutch, sectional couch, electric stove, jewelry box, DVD player, 13" color TV, air conditioner, Barbie dolls, doghouse, dog carrier, toys, kid's desk, chair, booster seat, kid's rocking chair, kid's bed, school clothes for kids, 2 sets of folding doors, brand new bassinett, stationary bike, and life chair.
GARAGE SALE--Friday 26th and Saturday 27th - 8:00 a.m. til ??. Clothes, toys, sheets, flower arrangements. 428 W. Tennessee.
901 W. CALIFORNIA--Miscellaneous items. Friday, 9:30 a.m. - Saturday.
GRAZING WANTED--Wheat pasture, milo stalks and/or grass. Call 292-9723 or 983-5431 (nights).
LOCKNEY HEALTH & REHAB CENTER is hiring CNA's and parttime dietary staff. Call Keri at 652-3375.
UNLIMITED REWARD to participate in Revival at First United Methodist Church Lockney. Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
BEAUTIFUL HENREDON bedroom suite. Tier cabinets with light bridge and mirror. Triple dresser with bifold mirror. May be seen locally. Also Kenmore heavyduty washer/dryer, 5 years old. Call 687-5537 for appointment.
$202 - QUEEN MATTRESS SET. Brand new, never used, with warranty. 806-517-1050.
QUEEN PILLOWTOP doublesided mattress set. New, still packaged. Warranty. List - $550, Sell - $236. 806-517-1050.
FULL PILLOWTOP doublesided mattress set. New, still packaged. Warranty. List - $400, Sell - $208. 806-517-1050.
FULL SIZE MATTRESS SET. New, never used. $180.00. Call 806-517-1050.
$230 - KING MATTRESS SET--Brand new, still packaged. Warranty.Call 806-517-1050.
$268 - KING PILLOWTOP mattress set. Brand new, still packaged, warranty. Call 806-517-1050.
QUEEN CHERRY SLEIGH BED. New, still boxed. List - $750. Sell - $399. Call 806-517-1050.
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.
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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