|
|
|
|
|
Jaworski hired as new Floydada EDC director
Justin Jaworski was hired as the new executive director for the Floydada Economic Development Corporation. He is pictured with his wife, Teena. Courtesy Photo
By Sara Sisemore, Managing Editor The Economic Development Corporation board of directors wishes to introduce the new executive director, Justin Jaworski, to the citizens of Floydada. Jaworski and his wife, Teena, plan to move to Floydada from Brownfield, Texas, around the first of the year.
Bob Alldredge, EDC board president, said the board plans to have a reception to welcome the Jaworskis to Floydada sometime after they arrive.
By Justin Jaworski INTRODUCTION: My wife, Teena, and I are looking forward with great anticipation to moving to our new home of Floydada, Texas. Our decision to come to Floydada has been a positive experience and something we have been very excited about doing. The Floydada EDC Board has warmly welcomed us and I am pleased to be able to serve as Executive Director for the City.
BACKGROUND: Originally, my wife and I are from Eula, a small community outside Abilene, Texas where I attended school. After which, I enrolled in Abilene Christian University and began an education in computer science. Shortly after enrolling, I changed my degree to Business with a focus on Marketing.
Shortly after graduating from ACU, I was hired as the Executive Director for the Brownfield Chamber of Commerce and we left to make West Texas our home.
While in Brownfield, I took the opportunity to work in partnership with our Economic Development Director, Jack Cargill. In doing so, I took advantage of several continuing education opportunities, namely with the South Plains Association of Governments - Rural Economic Development Initiative. As a result, I have learned and employed many of the tools and techniques used in today's industry for attracting businesses in partnership with the Brownfield economic development director.
FAMILY: Teena has been attending South Plains College and will most likely continue her education once we are settled. Teena's parents, Terry and Vonda Smith, recently graduated from Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, and since then have served with two congregations. Her brother, Travis, and his wife Staci currently reside in Lubbock, where he is working to complete his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Lubbock Christian University.
My parents, Paul and Theresa Jaworski, reside in Hickory Creek, Texas where my father is employed by the Lake Dallas Police Department and my mother works for the City of Denton's Finance Department. I have one brother, Jeff, who lives in Anchor Point, Alaska and works for World Christian Radio.
FUTURE PLANS: I'm look forward to spending my first months with the City of Floydada getting to know everyone and learning about the community. Floydada offers many opportunities for continued economic development in the areas of energy, agriculture, and other related industries. Since our goal is to market the City of Floydada and its trade area, we will be able to make the most of these opportunities by promoting our community as the destination for new development.
FISD improvements continue as scheduled
By Sara Sisemore, Managing Editor "We're making good progress," Joe Grimes of Grimes & Associates reported about the elementary school project to the Floydada Independent School District Board of Trustees at their monthly meeting on Nov. 13. "The brickwork is almost done. The kitchen is beginning to look like a kitchen. The ceiling tile people are moving through the building at a pretty good rate (and) within the next two weeks we should have the building enclosed and the heat on."
"We're pretty comfortable with what's going on now," he continued. "Most of the contractors are getting their jobs done."
Grimes brought up a few additional items that needed to be addressed by the board, such as a cafeteria sound system, an intercom system and enlarging the northeast parking lot.
The board unanimously passed the purchase and installation of an intercom system that runs the class bells, clocks, and even IP phones. The system to be purchased must meet final approval by Superintendent Jerry Vaughn per the FISD Board of Trustees.
Also, the board passed the motion to purchase the built-in sound system recommended by Grimes to install in the new elementary school cafeteria.
Spotlights with dimmers for the cafeteria stage were also considered, but the motion failed three to three, with board members Lyle Miller, Rachael Castillo and Bart Greer voting against it at this time. They explained this is a project that can wait until a later date to be considered.
Another item considered was the installation of electrical outlets in the ceiling of each classroom for the potential use of ceiling-mounted projectors. This item would cost $10,000 if done at this point in the construction project, but information was still being gathered at the time of the meeting concerning whether the school district could afford the mounting devices and installation of those mounting devices for the projectors they already own.
Grimes said the electrical outlets would be much easier to install at this point in the construction project, but that installation would still be capable at a later date should the board decide the district could afford the mounting devices for the projectors.
The board of trustees was generally for the installation of the electrical outlets, but wished to not spend money on a project that the district might not even be able to use.
The motion to install the electrical outlets at this time was voted down two for, four against, with only board members Amado Morales and Marty Lucke voting to proceed at this time.
According to Grimes, the northeast parking lot, designated as the staff parking lot, is currently large enough to hold only the staff. There was a motion made to double the size of the lot while the workers and the equipment are already in Floydada.
Grimes informed the board this project could easily enough be done at some future date if the need was made evident without much additional cost to the school district. Lucke, Greer and Morales voted to enlarge the parking lot now; Kerry Pratt, Miller and Castillo voted to wait. The vote was a tie, so the motion failed.
Another item the board approved unanimously was to install a swipe card door lock system on all seven external doors. This will allow the elementary school greater security by giving them the ability to change the lock code on all swipe cards as frequently as they desire. According to the figures provided by Grimes, this particular system will cost the district approximately $10,000.
This swipe card door lock system was chosen over a similar system (costing approximately $30,000) that would have included a computer monitoring system to record who entered and exited the building throughout the day. Vaughn suggested the board "take the difference between the $30,000 and $10,000 and put in security cameras." He explained that this would allow not just the comings and goings to be monitored for safety and security reasons, but would give the staff the ability to monitor all school hallways.
Another subject discussed at the meeting was the sale of Lot 22 in Dougherty to Mike and Carol Rainwater. The motion to sell was unanimously approved.
The school district's insurance policy was also up for consideration. Vaughn explained to the board that their agreement with their current provider had already been bid but the board had the option to open it up for bids from other insurance providers.
He said, "We can go out for bids, but (they) can then re-bid."
The motion to stay with the district's current provider failed with a tie: Miller, Lucke and Morales voted for; Pratt, Castillo and Greer voted against.
After more discussion concerning the district's insurance, a motion was made to go out for bids on insurance. This motion passed five to one, with Morales voting against.
The board also decided to go out for bids on the proposed parking lot across from the FHS gymnasium. Bids for both blacktop and caliche will be taken.
Junior high principal Mac Sherman reported to the board the upcoming UIL meet in Plainview at WBU on December 3.
Sherman also spoke about the junior high's recent emphasis on reading. "We just took the test online," he said, "(We've) made great strides in reading."
High school principal Wayne Morren expressed how well he thought the students did Tuesday, Nov. 11, in honoring our veterans.
Also, Morren mentioned how many of the students are enjoying having a place to go at night to work on school.
According to Vaughn, upcoming events for the district include Thanksgiving break &endash; with early dismissal on Nov. 26 and school resuming on Dec. 2 &endash; and the December 9 band concert.
Also, at press time, Vaughn and a group high school students are in Washington D.C. where they are presenting speeches at the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) conference concerning what it's like learning in a technology saturated environment.
Floydada to D.C.
Six Floydada High School students flew to Washington D.C. Sunday, Nov. 16, to speak at the State Educational Technology Directors Conference (SETDA) on Tuesday, Nov. 18, about what it's like to be educated in a technologically advanced program. Superintendent Jerry Vaughn said each of these students earned this trip to D.C. The students participating are: (back row, l-r) Blake Chavarria, Titus Miller, Sean Miller, (front row) Imelda Resendiz, Kelsea Miller and Mallory Graham. Photo courtesy of Jill Graham
All ad material and news must be at the newspaper by Monday, November 24th at 3:00 p.m. for next week's edition. The newspaper will be on the stands Tuesday evening and delivered Wednesday morning, November 26th. We will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27th and 28th.
The deadline for children's Santa letters is December 4th. All leters must be turned in to the Lockney or Floydada newspaper offices by the end of the day, Thursday, Dec. 4th. If your child's class does not do Santa letters, you may bring the letters to the newspaper and we will make sure Santa receives them.
The Floyd County Hesperian-Beacon is now offering advertising space on the front page of the paper copy of the newspaper. Available sizes are 2 col. x 2 in., 4 col. x 2 in., or 6 col. x 2 in.
If interested, please call us at 806-983-3737 or 806-652-3318, and mention you saw this on our website.
Offered on a first come, first serve basis.
Dear Editor,
An open letter to the students of Floydada:
Once again the students of Floydada High and Junior High outdid themselves in honoring our veterans with a special program on November 11. From the solemnity of the flag presentations, and pledge to our nation's flag, to the haunting strains of "Taps" (played very well be Goeffrey Sanchez), all our students stood tall during the observance.
The vocal solos by Jianna Davenport and Adriana Delacerda were beautiful and inspiring, as was the Spirit of the 'Winds Band's renditions of the themes of the various branches of the military (while the veterans snapped to "Attention!" upon hearing their respective service recognized). It was heart-warming to follow the tremendous voice of Blanca Suarez in singing our "National Anthem."
Jennifer Rainwater and Jordan Cornelius conducted the elegant presentation of the Memorial Wreath. Remarks by Aarrhon Flores were appreciated by all, and Sean Miller's meaningful prayer closed the remarkable program. Mrs. Jan Willson is to be commended for her guidance, but the students were WHO made it happen.
At a time when our country faces some of its most arduous and troubling conditions in the past fifty years, it is encouraging to witness the young people of Floydada paying homage to those who stepped forward in past wars and conflicts &endash; and to those who are currently serving their country.
A grateful veteran, Bill Gray Floydada, Texas
JULIAN ARREDONDO Rosary for Julian Arredondo, 86, of Amarillo (formerly of Floydada) was held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 2008 at Cox-LaGrone Funeral Home Benton Chapel in Amarillo.
Funeral Mass was held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 14, 2008 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial followed in the Dreamland Cemetery under the direction of Cox-LaGrone Funeral Home in Amarillo.
He died Tuesday, November 11, 2008. Julian was born July 18, 1922.
CHRISTENE EDWARDS
Ollie Christene (Brints) Edwards, 71, of Lubbock died on Thursday, November 13, 2008, in Lubbock. Funeral services were held at1:30 p.m., Monday, November 17, 2008, at LakeRidge United Methodist Church. Bill Couch officiated.
Burial followed at Resthaven Memorial Park in Lubbock under the direction of Adams Funeral Home of Ralls.
She was born August 23, 1937 in Munday to Woodrow Wilson and Stella Fay (Bingham) Brints. She grew up and graduated high school in Floydada in 1955. She married Don Edwards on November 4, 1985. Chris and Don shared together 14 children and spouses, 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Chris was a member of LakeRidge United Methodist Church where she was involved in many ministries including United Methodist Women, where she was the President for five years and helped to begin the Homeless Mission in Lubbock.
Chris was active in numerous civic, business and Christian organizations. Some of her accomplishments were receiving the Woman of the Year award in Morton and Crosbyton, was instrumental in forming the UMW at LakeRidge UMC, active in Kairos Ministry and recently was the recipient of a National Investor club award given to an individual who best exemplifies volunteerism and dedication to teaching others.
Chris was preceded in death by her father, Woodrow Wilson Brints on July 18, 2008.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Don Edwards of Lubbock, her mother, Stella Fay Brints of Lubbock, sons: James Bell and wife, DeAnn of Waxahachie, Greg Bell of Idalou and Perry Bell and wife, Starlett of Bryan; daughter, Renee Brantley and husband, Ray Bob of Trinity; brothers: Norman Brints and wife, Sydney of Vernon and Calvin Brints and wife, Susan of Lubbock; 14 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and many other family and friends.
The family accepted visitors at LakeRidge United Methodist Church Sunday, November 16, 2008, at LakeRidge United Methodist Church from 2 PM to 5 PM and Monday from 11:30 to service time.
JAMES MCKINNEY
James A. McKinney, was born in San Antonio, Texas on July 18, 1945, and was raised in Floydada, Texas where he was a star football player in high school.
He moved to Dallas, Texas after graduation from Texas Technological College with a Bachelor of Architecture degree.
He was a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Texas Society of Architects. He loved all aspects of architecture and was dedicated to achieving the best possible results for his clients. Some of the more notable projects in the Dallas area where he played a strong role were the Lew Sterrett Justice Center, Cityplace, and NorthPark's P.F. Chang's, Maggiano's, and Corner Bakery.
The yellow "LiveStrong" armband he wore exemplified the way he lived his life to the end. He was a wonderful, caring husband and a loving, supportive dad to his daughter. He also passionately enjoyed cycling and treasured the friendships and camaraderie that blossomed from his time on the bike.
James' courageous battle with pancreatic cancer mercifully came to an end on November 16, 2008.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John J. McKinney and Orma Lorena McKinney of Floydada and leaves behind his devoted wife of 39 years Janice Pipes McKinney and his daughter, Deborah Kay McKinney of Denton, Texas.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, Dallas, Texas.
Services were held Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, 9800 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas. Interment followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
If interested, donations may be made in his name to the Pancreatic Action Network at 1-877-272-6226 or http://pancan.org.
Short and Sweet | by Sara Sisemore
...and to the point.
Eat This! | by Ryan Mills I guess I should go ahead and do the Chicken Parmesan recipe since I've already told people it was coming.
I promise next week, I'll get away from Italian cuisine. Of course if you are like my wife and I, you can't get enough Italian.
I love Chicken Parmesan at Italian restaurants and I usually order it or Veal Parmesan when I visit one. However, there's nothing like a homemade version. Try this and you'll agree.
A few tips before the recipe &emdash; I pound the chicken breast as flat as I can. This is not mandatory but I like mine thin and crispy. Also, you can make your own sauce I'm just too lazy for that. So I use whatever looks good in the jar at the store. I've literally made it with 10 or 12 different jarred sauces and it always turns out good. I prefer to make this recipe with Panko bread crumbs. Those are Japanese style bread crumbs which cannot be purchased here. I order them online from a Japanese grocer but regular ol' bread crumbs work too.
On with the recipe: Ingredients: 1 large jar spaghetti sauce 1 can roasted garlic tomato sauce 6 chicken breasts Angel Hair pasta 2 tbs. butter 1/4 cup white wine Parmesan cheese (grating your own is best, but Kraft is fine) shredded Mozzarella cheese Panko bread crumbs pinch of salt pinch of pepper 3 eggs
Directions: Pound the chicken breasts as flat as you like. In a pie plate, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Wash the chicken in the egg and coat with the bread crumbs in a separate pie plate. In a large skillet heat oil over medium heat and brown the chicken on both sides. Transfer the chicken into a greased casserole dish. In the same skillet, drain excess grease and pour in wine to deglaze the pan. Add butter, spaghetti sauce and tomato sauce. Heat just until butter melts. Pour over the chicken. Generously sprinkle the Parmesan to cover the chicken and sauce. Cover with foil and bake at 350F for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and generously sprinkle the Mozzarella over the chicken. Bake uncovered for 10 more minutes. Prepare the Angel Hair per the package instructions. Serve the chicken and sauce over the pasta and enjoy.
The Paperboy | by Christopher Blackburn Attention good readers - local merchants need your support!
The Christmas shopping season is well underway as businesses are getting aggressive trying to stave off a recession. All they ask is that you give them a shot to meet your Christmas needs before heading up the road to another town.
Shopping at home is a win-win-win for you, the merchant and the town. You get that much needed gift, the merchant gets revenue to keep the doors open and the town gets some tax revenue.
We all know that the big cities have items you'll have to have and you'll most likely be heading there at some point, but no one is going to bend over backward for you and give you the service you deserve like the hometown folk.
All your local merchants have ever asked for is a chance to meet your needs. Give them that chance this year! ~ ~ ~
I keep hearing about this harsh winter, but it's been pretty mild this fall. Personally, I'm no fan of snow, but I'm a firm believer that a couple of good snows help us in the long run.
My oldest son has seen a couple of good snowfalls and is now expecting it. He's been asking about snowmen and snow castles so I hope he's not disappointed. I did try to explain that there was no guarantee we would get that much snow at any one time, but he wasn't having any of it.
Walked out of the back gate Sunday just in time to see a passerby throw trash out the window. Man that really burns me up.
Is it that hard to wait until you're near a trash can? Do you have such little pride in your town that you have to throw trash into someone's yard?
It's a pathetic thing to see our parks and vacant lots covered in litter. Next time before you chunk it out of the window, think of that 80-year-old widow that's going to be picking up after you.
I received a lot of feedback on my column about my boys dressing up. Well, I walked into the house the other day and there to greet me were a red Power Ranger and a bounty hunter complete with beard and ski mask. Last night I put to bed a couple of super heroes ... Spiderman and Superman to be exact. ~ ~ ~ Christopher Blackburn is the President of Blackburn Media Group, owner of this publication. Feel free to comment on this column at http://thenewbastion.blogspot.com/.
Scribbling Scribe | by Jeff Blackmon
Classifieds
BUILDING FOR RENT-- 608 E. Houston. 60' x 30'. Small office space. Electric overhead door. Call 806-495-3805.
FOR ALL YOUR CRP shredding needs, call 983-1456 (cell) or 983-5626 (shop). Both flail and rotary type shredding available.
LOOKING FOR A REWARDING JOB? Is helping others something you enjoy? Come work for us! Looking for Certified Nurses Aides and Licensed Nurses! Call Karen Oaks or Becky Myers at 806-652-3375.
Floydada FOR SALE BY OWNER--4 bedroom, 3 bath, large living and sunroom. 3 car garage. 1 year old roof. Call 790-8682 or 787-8338.
LARRY JONES REAL ESTATE: * Large 3-1.5-2 in country on .75 acres. * Nice 3-1 in town with 2 car carport. * Fixer-upper 2-1 on 2 lots. Call Dedra at 806-543-7540 for more information.
FOR SALE-- 121 N. 1st, Floydada. 2/1/1, corner lot, large yard, near school, very cute home. Financing available. Call Milton at 790-0827 or Shawna at 781-9025.
WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH. Quick close. Call Milton, 790-0827 or Shawna, 781-9025. ~ ~ ~ * 819 MISSOURI- 3/2, super nice. $ 6100 closing cost paid. $ 86,000. * 417 SW 3RD - 3/1, cellar, clean. $ 57,000. KIM STREET, STREET REAL ESTATE, 806-292-9944.
WE BUY HOUSES for cash. Quick close. Call Chad 806-773-6044.
OWNER FINANCE--1906 W. 1st Street, Petersburg. Low down payment. Easy terms. Call Chad, 806-773-6044.
PLAINS BELL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION - 206 W. California, Floydada. Remember us for all your personal financial needs - CD's, loans, checking and savings accounts. Call Laura at 983-3922. www.plainsbellfcu.org
BORDER COLLIE PUPS for sale. Poco Bueno Stock Dogs. Call Tim at 983-3322 or email: trixy@ pocosd.com or tim@pocosd.com
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
NEW RESTAURANT IN TOWN! "LOS POTRILLOS" 119 E. Houston Street, Floydada, Texas. Call (806)685-8130. We have a nice variety of Tex-Mex meals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
LARRY OGDEN AUCTIONEERING Estates, Farm, Ranch, Business, Liquidations, State Licensed and Bonded. (806) 983-5808. TX. #9240.
FIERROS AND SONS--AA Concrete. Gabriel, 806-292-5006/652-2292/570-2740. No job too big. No job too small. FREE ESTIMATES! (Since 1979). Lockney.
E & J LAWN SERVICE--Includes tree trimming and leaf clean-up. Call Ernie Torrez, 806-983-6088, 806-685-4539 or 806-983-3365.
COVINGTON CONSTRUCTION-- Home repairs and remodels. Contact Monte Covington, 548-3357.
CEMENT WORK--Need a new driveway, sidewalk, patio or flower bed curb? Call Gary Bennett at 983-5120 (home) or 778-8549 (cell).
|
 |
|
