|
|
|
|
|
REMEMBERING THOSE WHO SERVED--Skyler Cornelius lays a wreath at the base of the flag at the Floyd County Veteran's Memorial in a special service on Veteran's Day. Assisting were Molly Long, witth 4-H, and Melissa Dunlap, of Floydada High School.
Floyd County Honors Veterans Floyd County citizens, young and old alike, paid tribute to veterans this week in ceremonies at schools and at the one year old Floyd County Veteran's Memorial. Lockney High School honored their veterans on Monday, November 10, with special presentations by students, a poetry reading from Hannah Rockwell, and a speech by Air Force General Robert Dempsey. Dempsey encouraged Lockney youth to consider a career in the military because of their love of their country. He told the students that if the war is not fought in Iraq it will be brought to the United States. Lockney Boy Scout Troop 259 presented and retired the Colors. Alex Hall and Caitlann Wiley sang patriotic specials and the Longhorn Band played the National Anthem. Lockney Elementary children presented a colorful and uplifting rendition of Yankee Doodle Dandy and "signed" the song, "America My Home". Tuesday morning, November 11, Floydada youth gathered at Whirlwind Gym for a special service honoring veterans. The veterans filled seats on the gym floor and listened to special music by the Whirlwind band and readings from students. Melissa Dunlap read a "Veteran's Day" poem. April Arevalo also had a patriotic reading, and Evan Johnson led the crowd in "God Bless America". J.C. Simpson performed a solo instrumental of "God Bless the U.S.A.", and veterans were asked to stand when the band played a medley of Armed Forces theme songs. The special part of the program was presented by the Whirlwind Band with a new and emotional song and video presentation of "One Nation Under God". A new Floyd County tradition was started with a special wreath laying ceremony conducted at the Floyd County Veteran's Memorial, at 11:30 a.m., November 11. Members of the High School student council, the Junior High Student Council and R.C. Andrews Student Council handed out poppies to those gathering for the ceremony. The poppies were made by disabled veterans. Members of Floyd County 4-H handed out red, white, and blue lapel ribbons. Veterans gathered around the memorial and Skyler Cornelius opened the ceremony. Cornelius is the 4-H'er who led the drive to raise money for the Veteran's Memorial--which was dedicated last year on Veteran's Day. Chance Crossland, a member of FHS Student Council, gave the invocation and Floydada Boy Scout Troop 357 retired the old flag at the memorial and raised a new one. The old flag was presented to Nick Long, who had donated the flag. A beautiful red, white, and blue wreath was then placed at the base of the new flag. The wreath was made by the High School Art Department, under the direction of Art teacher, Michelle Cox. A banner on the wreath reads, "FHS Honors and Remembers". Spencer Schacht, a 4-H member, gave the closing prayer, and a fitting tribute of "Taps" was played by Jarret Kirk on his bugle. Perez Headed For State Cross Country Meet With a 10th place win at the Regional Cross Country meet on Saturday, Tony Perez, a Whirlwind runner qualified to run in the State Cross Country Meet, November 15, in Round Rock. Tony ran the 3 miles at Regionals in a time of 16:51. "We are proud of Tony," said Coach Prather. He and Samuel Juarez had their personal best times. "The team also competed well at the Regional Meet held at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock, November 8. They finished 8th out of 24 teams. " It has been a very successful year for the Floydada Boys Cross Country Team." The State Cross Country Meet will be Saturday, November 15, at Round Rock. The 2A boys will run at 12:50 at Old Settlers' Park at Palm Valley. Sylvia Meza Earns CNA of the Year Award By Darwin Robinson Sylvia Meza of Floydada Rehab and Care Center earned Certified Nurses Aide (CNA) of the Year from the Texas Health Care Association in Austin on Wednesday, October 5, 2003. Administrator Sandra Seago of the Floydada Rehab and Care Center said, "There are ten (care center) regions throughout Texas. Sylvia was nominated for CNA of the Year and letters were sent from family, Dr. Ahmad and other staff members." "The THCA committee then selects one CNA of the Year from these recommendations, the years of service and the qualifications of the individual," said Seago. Concerning the CNA of the Year qualifications, Seago said, "She has to be an outstanding person with a great personality. Her attendance, attitude and willingness to go beyond the normal are also needed." Meza has been 8 1/2 years in nursing total and 4 1/2 years in Floydada. Meza is married to Martin and they have three boys, Martin, Jr., 18, Manuel, 15, and Michael, 6. They have one grandson, Devin. Seago said, "Slyvia is a community leader. We both went to Dallas last Tuesday for training before going on to Austin for Meza's CNA of Year award presentation." Farm Labor Camp Loan Offered to City Council By Darwin Robinson The Floydada City Council met Monday, November 10, and heard a lengthy loan presentation from Loan Specialist Lance Smith from the USDA concerning a possible modernization project for the Floydada Farm Labor Camp. According to Floydada Housing Authority records, the Floydada Farm Labor Camp was begun on August 1, 1975 with the rental of 42 units. 36 more units were added in 1978. The Farm Labor Camp was constructed to provide low rent housing for domestic farm labor. The FHA is a nonprofit political subdivision of the City of Floydada that manages these units. Smith told the council, "Rural Development has agreed to a new $1.9 million project to renovate this housing development. The project will be a development of 30, one, two and three bedroom units. These units will be modern apartments with individual utility accommodations, including air conditioning in all apartments and will be comparable with the Floydada Duncan apartments." "This $1.9 million 33 year loan will include the demolition of the old units, which probably have lead paint problems, but probably not asbestos problems," said Smith. Smith estimated the loan payments would be around $20,000 per month. He said he believed the USDA would help pay the approximate $600 monthly rental payments on the units for those who could not pay. Councilmember Clar Schacht questioned Smith about the feasibility of renting all the units year around and the long term obligation to the City of Floydada. Smith tried to assure Schacht that the City of Floydada would not be obligated on the loan. Smith said he would still try to get a grant this coming year to help reduce the amount of the loan. Smith said only those households who make $4,600 per year from farm or ranch activities would qualify to rent one of the units. Smith said, "We want to help poor folks, but not poor acting folks." "The $1.9 million loan is already approved. If you want it and approve it, it is yours. We have renovated these types of projects in Morton, Muleshoe, Anton, Paducah, Lockney and Lorenzo," Smith said. "Sudy (Cochran) will be a good director for the FHA. We have training sessions for management personnel. There are and will be problems, but we can work through them. I am convinced we can get the Farm Labor Camp going again." Floydada Mayor Bobby Gilliland said, "I believe this will be a good thing for Floydada." Councilmember Jon Nielson asked, "Is there a need in Floydada for 30 more units?" Smith responded, "Yes, the study conducted a couple of weeks ago by our state office shows there is a need for 30 more low income farm labor units here. They were impressed with the projects that were completed and rehabbed, such as the Duncan Gardens family units." Neilson stated that he was for the project, also. Councilmember Eric Cornelius questioned the need to make a commitment at this particular time without further study into the project. Councilmember Schacht made the suggestion to wait to see if Floydada can get an grant this coming year to help on the project. No action was taken by the council. In a related matter, FHA Interim Director Sudy Cochran addressed the council, "About the proposed modernized units, the FHA will not pay their utility bills, but we can reduce their rent to offset that expense." "We need a loan to help the 12 families out at the Farm Labor Camp now. We are asking for financial assistance," Cochran said. In a handout to the council, the FHA financial assistance needed is: gas (includes estimated October final bill), $1,000; liability insurance, $310; Current utilities (does not include October final bill), $4,000; total current payables (approximately), $5,500; and loan payments or $395 X 18 = $7,110, for a total of $12,610. City Attorney Karen Houchin reminded the council that the City of Floydada cannot make a "loan." "However," she said, "The Floydada Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) can." The council decided to wait on the loan request until an FEDC loan could be investigated. The council approved two new fees in the Floydada Animal Control department. The holding fee at the landfill pens was raised from $3 per day to $5 per day. Also, an animal pickup fee of $10 will be charged on the week days (Mon.-Fri.) and $20 on Saturday and Sunday. An Electric Utility Consulting Agreement between the Cities of Brownfield, Floydada, Tulia and Tommy Buchanan was unanimously approved by the council. Floydada's part of the $2,000 per month payment will be $666.66. This is consulting information needed with the WTMPA agreement, according to City Manager Gary Brown. In a controversial move and upon the recommendation of City Manager Brown, the council approved by a split vote a motion by Councilmember Cornelius to close the City landfill to the public on Wednesdays. It was seconded by Councilmember Schacht. Councilmembers Cornelius, Schacht, Sheldon Sue and Bettye King voted for the motion, while Councilmember Nielson voted against it. According to a written statement by Brown, the City is "trying to figure out a schedule where we can tear down the buildings other than on the weekends when we have to pay overtime." "The scheduling of equipment and manpower during the week is not easy. We may need to close the landfill one day a week to do this," Brown stated. Sanitation Supervisor Julian Alaniz addressed the council before the vote and said, "All other City departments get overtime and this will only affect my (sanitation) men." "We need the overtime like the other employees. We did not get a raise this year either," Alaniz concluded. Mary Poole and Rosie Ramos were approved to serve on the Floydada Housing Authority Board.
By Darwin Robinson The Floyd County Commissioners met Monday, November 10 and heard a presentation by Floyd County Sheriff Deputy Paul Raissez and Sheriff Royce Gilmore concerning the need to replace the computer that was destroyed on October 4, 2003 by Jerry Lynn Williams. Williams was being booked into the jail when he became angry and began destroying everything in the booking room. He escaped through an upper window and was apprehended about a week later in south Texas, according to jail reports. Raissez told the commissioners that the phone company (ADS), which services the jail phone system, has a computer and printer with software that will allow the deputy to do photo lineups, check tatoo files, finger printing files, medical forms, suicide attempts and sex offender's records at the time of booking into the jail. "It cost $10,000, but the way I see it, it is free to us because we don't pay for it. The inmates do. Every time they (the inmates) make a phone call, the county gets so much of that in commissions," said Raissez. However, Floyd County Judge William Hardin pointed out to the court that the over $3,000 in phone rebates received every year is put into the general fund and used in the county's budget. After much discussion, no action was taken and the commissioners scheduled another special meeting to be held at 9:00 a.m., November 24, to hear other quotes on computers with similar programs. In other matters, the court approved a $6,000 request from the fire departments of Lockney and Floydada to meet matching grant requirement for the purchase of rural (brush) fire trucks. Floyd County J.D. Ragland gave a report to the commissioners. Ragland reminded the court of the Gold Star Banquet to be held on November 24, 6:30 p.m. at the Spirit Arena in Lubbock. According to Ragland, several Floyd County 4-Her's won at the District 4-H Food Show held last Saturday at the Levelland High School. "In the senior division, Lindsey Nutt took 1st Place and earned the right to compete at the State 4-H Food Show during the Texas 4-H Roundup on the Texas A&M University Campus in June," said Ragland. "We had 11 participants with four winning 1st Place, two winning 2nd Place and two winning 3rd Place." Ragland reminded the commissioners of the 2004 Floyd County Stock Show that will be held January 8-10, with the auction to be held on the 10th. Concerning the agricultural harvest, Ragland said, "Yield wise, sorghum is good and bad. Some yields are 7,000 bushels per acre and others are as low as 1,000 bushels per acre. The average is around 3,500 bushels." Ragland concluded, "Our wheat needs moisture. Some wheat is looking good under the pivot irrigation systems." "Our pumpkins were a good quality this year. Some sold for $.10 cents a pound this year, while the normal usually is from $.06 cents to $.07 cents per pound." Floyd County Treasurer Elva Martinez gave the commissioners the written financial report for October. The Beginning Balance showed $403,222.06 with $390,422.40 in Receipts. Transfers In and Out showed $72,709.31 and Disbursed was at $208,325.12, leaving an Ending Balance of $585,319.34.
Obituaries MILDRED BURKE CATES Services for Mildred Burke Cates, 84, of Floydada were held November 11, 2003 at 2:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church in Floydada. Dr. David Jones officiated. Mildred departed this life on November 8, 2003 at her home outside of Floydada. She was born March 12, 1919 in Atoka, Oklahoma and married Johnnie Clifford Cates November 18, 1939. She was a homemaker and artist, active in several women's clubs and charitable organizations, and was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church in Floydada. She is survived by her husband, Johnnie Cates, and four daughters, Carolyn Pufal of El Paso, Jan Lofton of Memphis, Tennessee, Donna Clayton of Amarillo, and Denise Calahan of Dell city; seven grandchildren; one sister, Jonelle Burke Fawver; and one brother, Lawrence Burke. She was preceded in death by her parents, D.W. and Martha Lee Burke, brothers, DeWit and James Burke and sister, Valerie Burke Tye. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church of Floydada or the Senior Citizens Center of Floydada. PAULINE MYRICK Services for Pauline "Polly" Myrick, 82, of Floydada, were held Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at the First Baptist Church of Floydada. Reverend Anthony Sisemore officiated. Burial was in Floyd County Memorial Park under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Mrs. Myrick passed away on Monday, November 10, 2003 at the Floydada Rehab and Care Center. She was born on September 28, 1921 in Rayland to Johnny and Dolly Green Cantrell. She graduated from Floydada High School and married Clovis Myrick on April 10, 1948 in Lubbock. She was a homemaker, and loved gardening and sewing. She was a lifelong resident of Floyd County and was a member of the First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents Johnny and Dollie Cantrell; three brothers, J.D. Cantrell, Bobby Cantrell, and Gary Cantrell; and two sisters, Inez Edwards and Ruthie Duke Beedy. Survivors include her husband, Clovis Myrick of Floydada; two sons, Donnie Myrick and wife Greta of Spearville, Kansas and Dwayne Myrick and wife Nancy of Grand Prairie; one daughter, Linda Jackson and husband Cecil of Floydada; three sisters, Aline Dobbins and Estell Warren both of Floydada and Genell Blanton of Idalou; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials to Alzheimer's Disease Education Program, 3601 4th Street, Room 3A116, Lubbock, Texas 79430. JOHN SPEER Services for John Speer, 76, of Floydada were held Tuesday, November 11, 2003 at First Baptist Church of Flomot. Reverend Nathan Mulder officiated. Burial was in Flomot Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Mr. Speer passed away Saturday, November 8, 2003 at his residence in Floydada. He was born on February 4, 1927 to Joe and Effie Speer. He graduated from high school in Flomot in 1944 and from Texas Tech with a Bachelor in Business in 1952. He married Joyce Bilberry on October 16, 1969 in Flomot. He was born and raised in Flomot and moved to Floydada in 1971. He was a veteran of the United States Army having served during World War II and Korea. He was a retired rural mail carrier and farmer. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, neighbors and friends. He was a member of the VFW and First Baptist Church in Flomot. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Melva Jo Speer and Alice Montoya. Survivors include: his wife, Joyce Speer of Floydada; one son, Bill Turbyfill of Corpus Christi; one daughter, Kay Nicoley and husband Ray of Tucumcari, New Mexico; two brothers, Walt Speer and wife Mary, and Raymond Speer and wife Dorothy; one sister Jimmie Hunter and husband Wayne; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials to Hospice Hands of West Texas, P.O. Box 1118, Lockney, Texas 79241.
By The Way | by Alice Gilroy
A View From The Lamplighter | by Ken Towery By Ken Towey We see by the papers that this state's Board of Teacher Certification, a committee of the State Board of Education, has finally made a move we think they should have made many years ago. Whether the full Board of Education follows through and does the right thing remains to be seen. The certification board voted, narrowly, to allow school boards to hire teachers for subjects (in classes 8 through 12) in which they have been educated, even if they do not have all those here-to-fore required "how-to" hours mandated by University or College education departments. Over the years many changes have been made in methodology as far as teaching is concerned, but one aspect of the job has not changed. The person who knows nothing is unable to teach something. If a teacher does not know his, or her, subject, no amount of "how-to" classes in education schools is going to improve things, or make a teacher out of someone who does not understand the subject being taught. Still, the education schools have had enough lobby power at the Texas Legislature to assure that anyone teaching in Texas schools must first have the required number of "how-to-teach" hours, acquired, or course, in schools of education where the subject of education is taught by well paid "educators." Nobody suffers, of course, but the kids. Albert Einstein could not teach physics in a Texas High School. If he had the required number of "how-to" hours from a Texas education department, he could, of course. Nor could Edward Teller (the person who dreamed up and pushed development of the hydrogen bomb) and probably one of the greatest nuclear theoreticians of all time. The list could go on. In short, those who control education in the state of Texas, like many other states, have a bird's nest on the ground and they are not about to give it up, if they can help it. If they can mandate, through the Texas Legislature, a continuing increase in the number of "how-to-teach" courses in colleges of education, the more secure their own jobs are. It may be important to note that the current move by the certification board was billed as an effort to reduce the current teacher shortage in Texas. That, in itself, is somewhat surprising, given the claim (in some quarters) in recent years that a glut of teachers existed, or exists. But whether a shortage or a glut exists, the proper course of action by the full State Board of Education would be to approve the recommendation, however divided, of its committee on certification. Nobody disputes the notion that proper training ought to accompany teachers into the teaching world, particularly in the early grades, and we will leave to others the argument whether that training ought to consist of 30 hours, or 60 hours, of "how-to" classes in college. But one thing is certain: before one can lift water from a well, there must be water in that well. If one spends a lifetime learning how to lift water from a well, and none on how to put water in that well, the whole exercise is futile. We have many people in the world of business, or finance, or agriculture, or economics who have years, not hours, of experience in their respective specialties. Many of them would just love to impart the knowledge learned over the years to a group of youngsters in their own communities. To deny them that opportunity while youngsters crave, or may crave, the learning is nothing short of criminal.
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
STEEL BUILDINGS--Summer Clearance. Must sell buildings from cancellation, brand new, never erected. One is 30x42. Will sell for unpaid balance. Call Bob 1-800-552-8504.
FOR RENT--Clean, furnished apartment in Lockney. Call 652-2642. Barker Real Estate.
GARAGE SALE Floydada ESTATE SALE for Lucille Daniels, 711 W. Mississippi, Floydada. Thursday 12-6, Friday and Saturday 10-5.
Lockney COMING - EFFIE PARKER ESTATE SALE--November 21 & 22. Watch for further announcement. 120 NW 4th, Lockney.
GRAZING WANTED--Wheat pasture, milo stalks and/or grass. Call 292-9723 or 983-5431 (nights).
PROVIDER-ATTENDANT needed for elderly lady in Floydada. Call 793-3615 or 795-9811.
LVN FOR BUSY 4 physician and one physician assistant family practise clinic. Full time, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Good benefits including health insurance, paid vacation and personal days. Qualified individuals should apply at or send resume to: Attn: Marsha Allen, W. J. Mangold Memorial Hospital, P.O. Box 37, Lockney, Texas 79241.
PART-TIME TEMPORARY POSITION for Program Assistant to work with educational programs in basic nutrition, food safety and money management. High school graduation or equivalent preferred. Must have valid driver's license, insurance and transportation. Applications must be submitted on line at greatjobs.tamu.edu. If you need access to complete the application, call or come by the County Extension Office at the corner of California and Wall Streets, 983-4912. Applications will be taken until 11-19-03. AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 require all new employees to present documentation (within three days of employment) verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.
LOCKNEY HEALTH & REHAB CENTER is hiring CNA's and parttime dietary staff. Call Keri at 652-3375.
2 AND 3 BEDROOM house for sale or rent to own. Call 983-5552.
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.
CHRISTMAS TREE--7 1/2 foot Monterey Pine. Like new. Only used one Christmas. Call 983-2186 or 983-7557.
FOR SALE--Sweet potatoes. 6 miles north of Flomot on Highway 599. Joe Edd Helms, 469-5387.
WANTED: Responsible party to take on small monthly payments on High Definition Big Screen TV. 1-800-398-3970.
FOUR BURNER TAPPAN electric stove $75.00. Call 983-3121.
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.
PAINTING INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. Vance Mitchell 983-6111.
LARRY OGDEN AUCTIONEERING-Estates, Farm, Ranch, Business, Liquidations, State Licensed and Bonded. (806) 983-5808. TX. #9240.
|
 |
|
