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PUMPKIN PEOPLE--The pumpkin people at the Floyd County Museum enjoyed sitting with visitors from out of town during Punkin Day in Floydada.
A TASTE OF THE TOPICS--(L-R) Jennifer Rainwater, Johanna Dawdy, and Blanca Garza enjoyed drinking from decorative coconuts at Punkin Day on Saturday. A Hawaiian grass hut was set up on the square to serve tropical drinks, and the backdrop was also used for pictures.
PUMPKIN GAMES--Children enjoyed the Pumpkin Toss Game at Punkin Day. Parents and friends cheered from the sidelines.
HONDA SAFETY TRAINING FOR CHILDREN
CLASSIC CARS
ROPE MAKING AT FLOYD COUNTY MUSEUM
TRAIN RIDES
FUN FOR EVERYBODY
Horse and Mule Take Traveler Around the Country
CROSSSING AMERICA ON A MULE--Bernie Harberts, of North Carolina, was seen on Friday on his mule ride across America. He is shown hugging his mule, Woody (left), and his pack horse Maggie (right). He spent the night in Floydada with Tony and Pam Ricketts (far left). By Darwin Robinson A North Carolina world traveler came riding through Floydada last week riding a mule and leading a pack horse. It was an unusual sight. Many local people called the newspaper office to report the sighting. Bernie Harberts from Stateville, North Carolina told the Hesperian-Beacon, "I'm on my way to California. I hope to be there by the first of the New Year (2005)." Bernie, a single 36 year old ex-farmer/rancher, horse trainer and wood worker, left the east coast of North Carolina on March 15, 2004 to ride his mule, "Woody", only over the mountains of that state. However, he liked it so well, he bought a pack horse, "Magnolia (Maggie)", and kept coming across the southern central states. So far, he has "walked" Woody and Magnolia across the states of North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma and now through Floydada, Texas, heading for Ralls. Bernie, and his mini caravan, walk 15 to 40 miles per day on the highways "facing traffic." He says, "It's safer that way. If I see something coming at us that I don't like the looks of, we get off the highway. We walk because trotting or running rubs sores on the animals." Bernie keeps 'easy boots' on all the hoofs of both Woody and Maggie and "that keeps their hoofs from being eaten up walking on the highways. They are not supposed to be for long distances, but so far they are still in good shape." Bernie carries about four to eight pounds of feed for Woody and Maggie, and he buys it along the way. He stops each night at a favorable looking home, after asking permission, and has found southern hospitality everywhere he goes. Bernie's parents live in Statesville, North Carolina on a farm and horse ranch where he was raised as a boy. He has one older brother who lives in France. Bernie learned to love horses as he grew up. Now he has trained and judged them at horse shows around the world. He has a web page www.riverearth.com where he tells all about his travels. Bernie quit his good wood "molding" job in North Carolina back in November, 1998 and traveled around the world for five years in a 34 foot, personally modified, steel boat. He and his engine powered boat named "Sea Bird' travelled from North Carolina to Saint Thomas Island in 1998. Similar to this mule trip, he decided to "keep going and see how far I could get." Bernie and Sea Bird made the 24,000 mile trip by water stopping at Columbia, South America, French Polynesia, Tahiti, New Zealand, where he spent a year and a half working with "herders" and replaced a burned out engine. He landed at South Africa and Australia, and finally back home in North Carolina on June 1, 2003. Bernie tells on his web page, "I'm not a sailor, but a farmer. I just travel from land to land by boat. I never lost my tendency toward sea sickness and I celebrated my 35th birthday in South Africa. I trained horses and judged horse shows in different islands and countries on that trip. I lived on lots of rice, fish (raw and cooked), tuna jerky and rain water. I read lots of books and I was in the sea for 65 days in the Caribbean." Bernie came up the caprock from Quitaque and stopped for three days, during the heavy rains, at the home of Nathan and Connie Johnson. While there he was able to get on the computer and add to his already informative web page. When he got to Floydada on Thursday he stayed in the home of Tony and Pam Ricketts on the Ralls Highway, where this reporter caught up with him saddling his mule and horse. Bernie thanked the Johnsons, the Ricketts and Nick Long for all their help and "Incredible hospitality" while he was passing through this area. When asked about the possibility of marriage, Bernie chuckled and said, "I would have to find a woman who wouldn't mind traveling a lot and riding behind a mule day after day." He did say he was meeting a female traveler in California to ride with him as he makes his final leg of this trip, around the first of the year. From Floydada, Bernie said he would be going to Artesia and Alamogordo, New Mexico, then through southern Arizona as his route through the upcoming colder months this year. Bernie uses what he has to fix things along his mule trip across southern America. He has fixed the bridles and blinders for Woody and Maggie with old sunglass wire and other things picked up off the highways. He has even soaked parts of the bridles in his hot tea in order to give the bridles flexibility. A story told on Bernie's web page involves his crossing the Core Creek Bridge, which is 65 feet above the Intra Coastal Waterway. According to Bernie, It was a tall and high bridge and a man named Mike came by with a horse trailer and offered them a ride over the bridge. After putting Woody, the mule, in the trailer, they crossed the tall bridge. On the other side they discovered Woody had tried to escape and hung himself upside down in the trailer. Bernie quickly cut him loose, thinking he was dead or injured badly. Woody staggered to his feet and only had one bruise. There was no harm done, said Bernie. Bernie concluded, "Mike's trailer goes on record as the only time for anyone to ship an Amish mule over the Core Creek Bridge upside down." Another river crossing was in Memphis, Tennessee when Bernie and his animal partners arrived at the wide Mississippi River. Bernie was thinking, "How in the world are we going to get across the Mississippi." Just at that same time, a man named Jim Darnell pulled up alongside in his pickup pulling an empty horse trailer and asked, "How in the world are you going to get across the Mississippi?" After an invitation, he loaded up the mule and the horse in Darnell's trailer, and they were transported across the wide Mississippi. Bernie
learned a lesson that day, and he said, "The next time you
have to cross a big river, just get a good night's sleep,
keep walking on down the road, and your answer will always
drive up."
Incumbent Sheriff Royce Gilmore, a Democrat, is being challenged in the Sheriff's race by Ray Macha, a Republican. Both were given the same set of questions for the candidate's profile. Their responses are printed below.
BILLY R. GILMORE Family & Education: 5 children, (3 sons, 2 daughters), 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren. Completed high school, attended college, have 2338 police training hours, hold a Master Peace Officer's Certificate, and have over 22 years of police experience. Why Do You Want This Office? I want to continue to serve the citizens of Floyd County. What Do You Want to "Do" or "Change" If You Are Elected? I want to continue to work on the drug problems in Floyd County. What Are Your Qualifications For This Job? I have already been serving as Sheriff of Floyd County for the past 9 years.
RAY MACHA Family & Education: Born in 1951, I was raised on farms in Lubbock and Hale counties. I graduated from Plainview High School in 1970, earned my Law Enforcement degree from Amarillo Junior College, attended Wayland Baptist College and have attended many continuous educataion classes through the years at my own expense. I was first commissioned as a Texas Peace Officer in 1972. My wife of 32 years, Judy, and I were married that same year. We have no children. We purchased a home and moved to Floydada in 1978, when I went to work for the City of Floydada Police Department. I have also worked part-time for the City of Lockney and served as Constable for Floyd County. I hold an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the State of Texas and have been an NRA certified police firearms instructor since 1982. We have been continuous residents of Floyd County since 1978, and have been self-employed in farming and ranching since 1979. We moved to the Providence community in 1990, where we still reside. Why Do You Want This Office? The Sheriff's Office is the largest expense the County has. Surviving an eight year drought farming and ranching has not been easy. Judy and I have really had to tighten our financial belts to get by. As property owners we know how difficult it can be to pay taxes. I'm not complaining about paying taxes, but I'd like to think the money is being spent wisely. I know I can operate the Sheriff's Office more efficiently, thereby saving Floyd County some money, and at the same time providing better law enforcement services. What Do You Want To "Do" Or "Change" If You Are Elected? I would change the focus of the Sheriff's Office to serious crimes against persons, property and drug offenses. With aggressive patrol and investigation, I would attempt to lower crime rates in these serious areas that concern the people. Running radar on Highway 70 will not accomplish these goals. Only patrol out in the county, off main highways will protect county residents. We will be a visible deterrent to stop the crime before it happens if possible. I will increase training for the employees of the Sheriff's Office and demand excellence and accountability from them. I will operate within a budget. What Are Your Qualifications For This Job? I have the education, experience, temperament and desire to be sheriff of Floyd County. Being self-employed for years, I know the importance of operating within a budget. Money does not grow on trees and taxpayers pockets are not bottomless. I can cooperate with the Commissioners Court, other law enforcement agencies, and the general public, while respecting diverse points of view. I have enjoyed serving Floyd County by volunteering my time as constable, helping teach part of the annual Hunter's Safety Course and by helping with the hospital's Health Fair. I am the firearms qualification officer for the Lockney Police Department. I have a good sense of humor, which would help in this job. I have stability in my personal life and live by Christian values.
County Approves Purchases for Sheriff's Office By Darwin Robinson The Floyd County Commissioners met Monday, October 11, 2004 and approved the purchase of another digital camera for use by the Sheriff's Department. Deputy Sheriff Paul Raissez told the commissioners, "We spend around $896 each year on (regular) film and developing, plus our time involved in delivery and pick up. For about $15 to $20, we can buy 300 floppy discs for a digital camera. Each floppy holds 36 pictures and we already have the printer to print out digital pictures. We already have one digital camera and we need a couple more to put in each deputy's car." Commissioner Lennie Gilroy commented, "I do know that digital pictures are cheaper than regular film and developing." Following a motion by Commissioner Ray Nell Bearden and a second by Commissioner Jon Jones , the court approved the purchase of a $300 digital camera. The money will be taken out of the Sheriff's budget, according to County Judge William D. Hardin. In a related matter, the commissioners approved the spending of $2,607 by the Sheriff's Department for supplies, cellular air time, commodities and miscellaneous. The money came out of the Sheriff's Criminal Asset Forfeiture Fund. According to County Treasurer Elva Martinez, there is $5,239.67 remaining in the Forfeiture Fund. The court voted unanimously to keep juror pay per day at $11. This amount is the same as the past. Also, the commissioners transferred $20,000 from the Road and Bridge Fund into the four precincts' working fund at $5,000 each. A yearly Interlocal Cooperation contract with the Texas Department of Public Safety regarding Failure To Appear System was approved by the commissioners. County Treasurer Elva Martinez presented the September, 2004 Financial Report. The report showed a Beginning Balance of $463,401.48, with Receipts of $107,038.42. Transfers In and Out were $234,582.54, Disbursed were $235,948.38, showing an Ending Balance of $334,491.52. Floyd County Extension Agents J.D. Ragland and Melissa Long both gave reports to the commissioners. Long told the court about the completion of their Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes Classes that attracted 14 residents. "The Harmony Extension Education Classes have started meeting again. I will give their November program," said Long. She reported that there were 20 4-Her's entered exhibits in the South Plains Fair. Cheyann Powell had two Best of Show Awards. Three 4-Her's participated in the Fashion Follies. Jill Bramlet placed 1st and Taylor Orr placed 3rd. Spencer Schacht served as Narrator. "I attended the State Fair Honor Award Banquet with Kami Keaton, President of the District II 4-H Council," said Long. She reported: the Adult Leader Fall Forum will be held at Texas Tech on October 23; the County Food Show and a Bunko Fund Raiser will be held October 30 at the Unity Center; a District Food Show will be held November 13 in Levelland and the District Gold Star Banquet will be November 22 at the Fraiser Alumni Pavillion. Ragland said, "On our Ag Tour, September 21, we had 41 producers participated. The Antique Tractor Show had 17 tractors, one coming from Dora, New Mexico. There were 668 elementary kids that came and observed four different programs. It was a big success." Concerning an ag report, Ragland said, "We have had a lot of rain lately. It had been both good and bad. It is good for our wheat, but bad for our cotton. About 20,000 acres of cotton was hailed out north of Lockney, and 5,000 to 7,000 acres of cotton were a total loss." Ragland
told the court of the upcoming Pheasant Management Workship
to be held Tuesday, October 26, 6:00 p.m. at the Floyd
County Extension Office Meeting Room in Floydada.
Obituaries
JON STEVE STANSELL A memorial military graveside service for Steve Stansell, 56, of Waveland, MS will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 16, 2004 at the Lockney Cemetery. Mr. Stansell will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. He died October 1, 2004 in Waveland. Mr. Stansell was born in Lubbock on January 10, 1948. He was raised in Lockney, where he graduated from high school. He served in the U.S. Army from September 1967 to July 1969 and the U.S. Marines from May 1973 to December 1980. He served two tours in Viet Nam. He was awarded a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for military combat in Viet Nam in addition to numerous other honors and medals for his brave service to his country. Mr. Stansell was preceded in death by his father, Jon "Pat" Stansell, his mother, Dorothy "Dottie" Asher Stansell and a sister, Sue Stansell Rigby. He is survived by two brothers, Tim Stansell of Lubbock, Scott Stansell of Shallowater and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends before
and after the graveside service in the home of Nina Teuton
in Lockney.
MARTIN W. STEPHAN Funeral services for Martin W. Stephan, 71, of Coyanosa, Texas will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 14, 2004 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Plainview. Rev. Michael Fickenscher will officiate, assisted by Rev. Gerald Boerger. Burial will be in Plainview Memorial Park under the direction of Lemons Funeral Home of Plainview. Mr. Stephan died Monday, October 11, 2004 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock. He was born December 2, 1932 in Abilene. He graduated Lockney High school in 1951 and married Ruby Schaefer July 24, 1955 in Plainview. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Stephan of Coyanosa; three daughters, Wanda Stephan of Coyanosa, Janette Wilheim and husband Dale of Nazareth and Linda Branham and husband Eric of Coyanosa; one son, Clinton A. Stephan and wife Susan of Grand Falls; one brother, Clarence Stephan and wife Teddie of Coyanosa; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Stephan was preceded in death by his parents Karl and Hildegard Eifert Stephan and a sister Ruth P. Stephan.
Dear Editor, As many of you already know, our Superintendent, Raymond Lusk, has decided to retire from our school system at the end of this school year. I would like to take this opportunity to say how much I have enjoyed working under his leadership. We have a great school system, due in large part to his guidance and management these past 12 years. Those in charge are now left with the job of finding his replacement. I know this is a very serious and thoughtful process, because I served on the last Search and Interview Committee, made up of teachers, community leaders and board members that made the final recommendations to the school board, Fortunately for us, the best qualified man for the job already had a connection and love for our community and schools. Mr. Lusk had worked for our school system before for 14 years as a band director and then as a principal. We as individuals do not get to cast our vote for the future superintendent, but we have elected board members to represent us and make that final decision. Those that represent us are John Quebe, Jessie Garza, Aaron Wilson, Jeff Don Terrell, Mike Ford, Robbie Long, and Lonnie Hooten. I encourage those of you who work for our schools, have children or grandchildren that attend our schools, volunteer in our schools, or you are just interested in the future of our schools, to please visit with these men in person, call them or write a letter to the board and share your opinions and wishes for the future of our school system. Please keep these men in your thoughts and prayers as they work to make decisions for the future of Lockney I.S.D., which affects our whole community. Sincerely, Charlanne Burson
By The Way | by Alice Gilroy If you didn't make it to Punkin Day on Saturday, you really missed out on some fun and good food. If you did make it you probably couldn't find a parking space! I couldn't believe how many people were crowded into Floydada's downtown square. I've been covering Punkin Day since the first one and I don't think we've ever had a celebration this well attended. The weather was beautiful and the arts and crafts booths were excellent. I did not see any junky booths. There were so many booths--over 80 I think--that the games had to be moved off the square. The pretty park next to the First National Bank came in quite handy. Not only were the nice picnic tables used all day, but people were using the manicured lawn for resting and playing games. The courthouse lawn was so packed with people shopping that it was almost impossible to move from one side of the lawn to the other. Chamber Manager Iantha Smith worked so very hard. I have heard wonderful comments about her hard work all week long. People really appreciated her work and the fruits of her labor were evident in the amount of people who showed up on Saturday. When I saw all the people in town I thought to myself, "Now this is the way to promote our town---WAY TO GO IANTHA! I know the people who were here went away with a good feeling about Floydada. The town looked great. The decorations were beautiful--thanks in a big part to our pumpkin producers. The Chamber of Commerce directors were everywhere working hard promoting Floydada and making sure everyone had a good time. I heard that before the day was half over booth vendors were already giving Iantha money to reserve their spot for next year. Many booths left early because they sold out! The Floyd County Museum had their rope maker working fast and furious. "There were 126 ropes made on Saturday," said Museum Manager Carolyn Hardy. The Museum's register had 504 names on the list. Carolyn said a lot of people signed, "and family", or they didn't sign at all. People signed in from Oklahoma, Maine, Alabama, California, Colorado, and all over Texas. While we were taking pictures it seemed like all we heard was, "I'm from Lubbock", or "I'm from Plainview", or "I'm from Amarillo", etc. It was great! There were more people here from somewhere else than there were from here! In my opinion there is so much money spent and wasted on certain ventures that are supposedly going to "promote" this area. These ventures very seldom do anything but line the pockets of "promoters". Very often we never ever see any benefit of the money spent. We pay "experts" who are going to spread our name around to all the "right" people. Money very often goes from one hand to the other but it never ends up here where it really helps. Punkin Day is an example of everything done right! Thanks Iantha and Floydada Chamber of Commerce. By the way--I'd like to thank the folks who have told me they missed my column. I'd also like to thank the folks who didn't miss my column but kept their opinions to themselves.
A View From The Lamplighter | by Ken Towery
Classifieds
FOR SALE--1994 Towncar. Call 983-2738.
FARM LAND FOR SALE--Dry land acres available located southwest of Dougherty. For more information, call Jones Enterprises, Inc., 806-983-2151.
FOR RENT: 2 bedroom, 1 car garage, central heat and air. In Lockney. Call 652-2252.
HOUSE FOR RENT---127 W. Jeffie, Floydada. Section 8 approved. Call 806-983-2915.
HAY FOR SALE--Norman Muncy. Call 983-2259.
FLOYDADA REHAB is now looking for part-time cook. Call 983-3704.
NOW HIRING WAITRESSES--Must be able to work Tuesday - Sunday and some nights. Please apply in person. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Nielson's Restaurant and Catering, 304 E. Houston, Floydada.
JOIN AMERICA'S #1 Beauty Company, AVON! Earn up to 50% on your sales. $15 signup fee. Free gift when you signup. Call NOW! JoAnn, 806-745-5907.
Floydada BY OWNER--807 W. California 3/3/2 with den, formal dining, lots of extras and plenty of storage including 3 large cedar closets. $89,500. Call 983-8011.
710 W. MISSOURI--3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car garage, fireplace, central heat and air, deck and pool. Call Assiter and Associates for details. 806-983-3322.
FOR SALE BY OWNER--1-1/2 story, 4 bedrooms, 3-1/2 baths, multiple walk-in closets and built-ins, outside storage, sprinkler system. 827 W. Jackson. Call Leora Younger, 983-2824 or 786-8452.
HOUSE FOR SALE--3 bedroom. 123 J.B. Avenue. Call 983-3334.
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 or www.homeland46.com
USED OFFICE FURNITURE FOR SALE--Call Tom or Glenda at FNB, 983-3717. 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
WHEAT AND OAT SEED--Tarn 101, Tarn 302 limited quantity, Russian Beardless, OK 102, Certified Dallas Oats, Certified Chilocco Oats, Triticale. Prices start at $6.00 a bag. Call for your best price -Vetch, Clovers and Alfalfa seed also available. Browning Seeds, Inc. Call 800-243-5271 or 806-293-5271 or visit www.browningseed.com
LARRY OGDEN AUCTIONEERING--Estates, Farm, Ranch, Business, Liquidations, State Licensed and Bonded. (806) 983-5808. TX. #9240.
WILL DO HOUSECLEANING--Have references. Call 685-1934.
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