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LISD To Try Drug Testing Again In wake of the recent Supreme Court decision that ruled in favor of drug testing in the Tecumseh Oklahoma ISD, Lockney ISD trustees unanimously agreed to once again pursue random drug testing at the Junior High and High School campuses. In a school board meeting, Tuesday, August 13, Superintendent Raymond Lusk told the trustees, "The Tecumseh policy is very similar to the amended drug testing policy we had. In some ways it is even stricter." "The Tecumseh policy says if you refuse to take the drug test you can't participate in any extra curricular activities." Trustee Jim Bob Martin asked, "If we just insert our name (LISD) into the Tecumseh policy, would that be O.K.?" "Yes", said Lusk. "All courts are bound by the Supreme Court ruling. "Let's just make our policy word for word as Tecumseh and change the names," said Trustee Mike Mathis. Trustee John Quebe expressed his desire to pursue the drug testing as quickly as possible, and Lusk explained that it would be impossible to have implemented by the beginning of the school year. "We want to give everyone a grace period after we announce the date it will become effective," said Lusk. School board members all agreed to pursue the policy and gave Lusk the go-ahead to present an LISD policy to lawyers for review. After attorney approval the policy will be presented to the school board at the next meeting. "Maybe we can have it implemented by October or November," said Lusk. Lockney first began random drug testing in February 2000. The original policy called for drug testing of all students 6th-12th grade one time and then randomly after that. The policy was amended in July 2000 and called for testing of 7th-12th grades. Refusal to sign would subject the student to being banned from extracurricular activities. A parent, Larry Tannahill, represented by the ACLU, challenged the policy. In March 2001, U.S. District Judge Sam Cummings ruled in favor of Tannahill. Lockney ISD did not pursue the case to a higher court because of the fear the school's insurance company would not continue to cover the costs. However, the Tecumseh, Oklahoma school district did pursue their own similar case. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Tecumseh on June 27, 2002. Brief Review of Tecumseh Policy: *"In addition to the drug tests required...any Activity Student may be required at any time to submit to a test for illegal or performance-enhancing drugs, or the metabolites thereof when an administrator, coach, or sponsor has reasonable suspicion of illegal or performance-enhancing drug use by that particular student." *Consequences for the First Offense: The parent/guardian will be contacted immediately. In order to continue participation in the activity the student and parent/guardian must, within five (5) days of the joint meeting, show proof that student has received drug counseling from a qualified drug treatment program or counseling entity. Additionally, the student must voluntarily submit to a second drug test to be administered within two (2) weeks in accordance with the testing provisions of this policy. If the parent/guardian and student agree to these provisions, the student will continue to participate in the activity. Should the parent/student not agree to these provisions the consequences for the second offense will be imposed. *Second Offense: Suspension from participation in all extra curricular activities for 14 calendar days, and successful completion of 4 hours of substance abuse education/counseling provided by the school. The student will be randomly tested monthly for the remainder of the school year...A student who on his own volition informs (self refers) of usage before being notified to submit to a drug test will be allowed to remain active in activities. He will be considered to have committed his first offense and will be required to retest as would a student who has tested positive. *Third Offense: Complete suspension in all extra curricular activities for the remainder of the school year or one semester (whichever is longer). *A student refusing to submit will not be eligible to participate in any extra curricular activities for the remainder of the school year. The student shall not be considered for any interscholastic activity honors or awards given by the school. More West Nile Cases Confirmed Possibly four more cases of the West Nile virus have been confirmed in Floyd County. Three cases were confirmed today, Tuesday, August 20. According to Dr. Paul Glasson, DVM, two of the horses were pastured seperately approximately two miles north of Floydada. "Both of the horses close to Floydada have died from the virus," said Glasson. "One of them was dead when I got there and the other died later." Another confirmed case is on a horse kept 1 1/2 miles south of Lockney. Dr. Glasson says that tests on a 4th horse (also pastured 1 1/2 miles south of Lockney) are pending. "I feel pretty sure that we will have another confirmed case on a 4th horse," said Glasson. The Lockney area horses are still alive. This will bring the total to 5 horses infected in Floyd County. A horse, pastured at the Floyd County Fairgrounds in Lockney, was euthanized last week and confirmed to have the virus. Dr.
Glasson says he has vaccinated approximately 150-200 horses
in a week's time. He still has the vaccination available.
Thanks to the hard work of Game Warden Mark Collins, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife public hunting program, you won't need to have a lot of money to enjoy a good place to hunt in Floyd County. For a $40 purchase of a public hunting permit you will be able to choose from 4,400 acres locally or any other public hunting spot in the State. Public hunting leases have always been available and appreciated in other part of Texas, but practically unheard of in this area. "In March the director of Parks and Wildlife started a renewed focus on acquiring public recreational property for Texas," said Collins. "He announced we (game wardens) were directed to this. "Prior to this announcement I had already been checking on several prospective properties in hopes of somehow getting my foot in the door." Collins had to move quickly because completed contracts and applications for approval had to be submitted to the State by the first of June. "There was a lot of leg work," said Collins. "Landowners had to be identified, contacted, contracts had to be developed and signed, and detailed maps of each parcel of land had to be made. Then the real work started with the boundary and regulation posting of each unit." All of this work was in addition to Collins' normal game warden duties. The preliminary work is now done and approximately 4,400 acres, or 12 units, have been signed up to participate in the Public Hunting program, which kicks off September 1, 2002, just in time for the start of dove season. "Eleven of the units are in Floyd County," said Collins. "The other one is in Hale County. "The units are spread out--but easy to get to. I designed the layout this way to reduce crowding should it become an issue, and to give the hunter the option of switching to different units with a minimum to travel time. All sites are within a mile of pavement or on pavement. They range in size from 137 acres to 960 acres. According to Collins this program has never been seriously pursued in this area. "This is a first. If it goes well and there is good participation, I'll try and get more land signed up next year." Collins said he is particular when choosing his sites. "First I look for proper habitat with a sustainable game population and good reproduction potential. Then I look for ease of access." Anyone wishing to hunt the public hunting property must be in possession of a $40 public hunting permit, and a valid hunting license. If you are under the age of 17 you do not need a permit to hunt but you must be in the company of a licensed permitted adult. "An adult with a permit may take children age 16 and below with them to hunt," said Collins. When a permit is purchased the hunter will be given a book with detailed locations of all public hunting property in the State of Texas. The book also details the legal game and dates for hunting of each site. Each site has different regulations. "Without the book you won't know the rules," said Collins. "Make sure they give you a book when you get your permit. Some spots are for dove only and others are for a wide variety of species." Collins says ignorance of the rules and regulations will be no excuse if a person is found to be in violation of any of them. "There will be enhanced law enforcement presence on these units. I urge people who will be taking advantage of this new outdoor recreation opportunity to please study the rules before accessing the units." Another type of permit is also available to people wanting to use the public hunting areas. For $10.00 a person can purchase an "entry" permit only. "This is for hikers and birdwatchers," said Collins. "There is no hunting allowed with this permit." "If a person age 17 or over is on any of the public hunting property, they must possess one type permit or the other," said Collins. "You can't just go and 'check out' the area to see if it is a place you would like to hunt. You must have a permit to access the land in any way at any time." Preseason scouting for most species is allowed if a person possesses a permit. Collins says it will not be difficult for hunters to "be legal". "The book is full of information. It is basic rules, and common sense." Regulations include: "No alcohol on premises. No loaded firearms in vehicles or parking areas. No smoking, and No Littering. Vehicles are only allowed on designated roads and in posted parking areas. ATV's (all-terrain vehicles) are not allowed. "This is a privilege to be able to access these private properties," said Collins. "Treat the land with respect, and make it an enjoyable experience for all who use it." Collins says he appreciates all the landowners who have been willing to work with him on this project. "I also appreciate Kyle Smith at Goen and Goen," said Collins. "They were extremely generous in providing me with excellent maps of the properties." Collins is excited at the opportunity being provided to local hunters. "Currently in this area, the cost per hunter, per day, for pheasant, ranges between $100 and $150. "This public hunting is making hunting available at bargain prices, while it financially benefits the private landowners that participate in the program," said Collins. "The $40 hunting permit allows a person to hunt all of these units, usually for the entirety of each listed games species season. "Another plus is the more hunters that are attracted to this area, the more money they are likely to spend in our communities." Collins believes the public hunting program will work if hunters extend a little courtesy to each other, and use common sense. "Treat these properties like you would want someone to treat your land," said Collins. "Be safe, and enjoy."
MARK COLLINS TAKES TO HORSEBACK TO COVER GROUND AND POST BOUNDARY MARKERS FOR PUBLIC HUNTING
ELGENE TOWERY ALLEN Elgene Towery Allen was laid to rest Thursday, August 15 in Rockport Masonic Cemetery with Eastern Star graveside rites. She passed away August 11, 2002 in the Lakeview Christian Nursing Home, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Elgene is survived by one son, Robert Perry of Dallas, Texas, one brother, Roland Kenneth Towery of Austin and Floydada, and one sister, Irene, of Carlsbad, New Mexico. She is also survived by two granddaughters, Stephanie Milam of Houston and Robin Perry of Dallas, and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by six brothers and two husbands, Elgin Perry of Houston, whom she married in 1940, and W.B. Allen of Rockport, whom she married in 1978. She was born July 20, 1915, in Monroe County, Mississippi, to Wiley Azof Towery (1875-1964) and Lonie Cowart Towery (1884-1974) and grew up in Raymondville, Texas, where she attended school, graduating from Raymondville High School there. Elgene worked for many years as secretary-bookkeeper and real estate broker in Houston. She was very active in the Eastern Star throughout her adult years. In brief remarks at her funeral, her brother noted that "One did not have to be around Elgene long to realize she had two great loves in life. That was her family and the Eastern Star." AARON RAWLS CARTHEL Services for Aaron Rawls Carthel, 88, of Floydada were at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 16, 2002 at the First Baptist Church with Reverend Anthony D. Sisemore officiating and Reverend Jimmy McGuire assisting. Burial was in Floyd County Memorial Park under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Mr. Carthel died Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at the Floydada Rehabilitation and Care Center in Floydada. He was born on December 2, 1913 in Lockney to the late William Arthur and Lillie Steele Carthel. He attended grammar school in Prairie Chapel and graduated from Lockney High School in 1934. He married Lizzie Estelle Byars on September 21, 1935 in Lockney and they moved to Floydada in January, 1940. He was a farmer, rancher, Floyd County Commissioner and a Phillips 66 Jobber for 35 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church. He was a member of the Civic Air Patrol from 1942 to 1944 and held a commercial pilot's license. He also coached basketball for FISD in 1942. Other civic contributions include serving on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Floydada Country Club, Floyd County Museum, People's Hospital, and serving as vice president of the Floydada Board of Education for eight years. He was selected as "Pioneer Man of the Year" in 1995. Mr. Carthel helped in the building of many community facilities including the baseball field, the City Park tennis courts, the Country Club golf course and club house, the City Pool and the Floydada Nursing Home. He also helped build the Dynagreen Fertilizer Plant in Hurlwood during his affiliation with Phillips 66. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Cap Carthel and A.C. Carthel; two sisters, Rose Lee Cooley and Dee Ritchey and one great-grandchild, Jonah Byars Adams. Survivors include his wife, Estelle Carthel of Floydada; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Doris Carthel and Hulon and Anne Carthel all of Floydada; one daughter and son-in-law, Fletta and Monroe Shannon of Shamrock; three brothers, Lavern Carthel and Cecil Carthel both of Lockney and Ray Gene Carthel of Amarillo; two sisters, Velma Harrison of Lockney and Lillian Mae Rogers of Lovington, NM; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church, PO Box 610, Floydada, TX 79235 or to Floyd County Friends Unity Center, PO Box 58, Floydada, TX 79235. RAY "RAYMAN" GARCIA Funeral mass for Ray "Rayman" Garcia, 30, of Floydada was at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2002 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church with Father Jerry Kenney, officiating and Father Phillip deFreitas, assisting. Burial was in Floydada Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Mr. Garcia died Wednesday, August 14, 2002 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock. He was born on June 13, 1972 in Lockney to Adolfo and Irma Martinez Garcia. He graduated from Floydada High School in 1990 and from Phoenix Institute of Technology in 1992. He lived in Phoenix, Arizona for 11 years and was a produce manager for Dessert Market in Phoenix, Arizona. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Boy Scouts and Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Plainview. Survivors include his parents, Adolfo and Irma Garcia of Floydada; his grandparent, Ventura Garcia of Floydada; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Adolfo and Roxanne Garcia of Olton and Roy and Sandra Garcia of Floydada; one sister and brother-in-law, Mita and Adolfo Chavarria of Floydada; his fiancee, Stephanie Raffery of Phoenix, Arizona and several nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society, 3411 73rd St., Lubbock, TX 79423. V.H. GAFFORD Services for V.H. (Buddy) Gafford, 85, of Nampa, Idaho, were held in Nampa. He died at his home August 14, 2002. Burial was in Hill Crest Mausoleum in Nampa. He was born in Lipan on October 23, 1916 to Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Gafford. In 1920, he moved with his parents to Turkey, where he lived for several years. He married Ida Belle Seigler in Floydada in 1936. She passed away in October, 1970 in Idaho. In January of 1972, he married Mae Blanks in Las Vegas, Nevada. He served in the Army in World War II in 1942 and 1943. He and his wife moved to Idaho in 1954 where they were engaged in farming and livestock. Survivors include his wife, and three sons, Jerry of Rigby Idaho; Darrel of Caldwell, Idaho; and Don of Carson City, Nevada; several grandchildren; a sister Jo Copeland of Lubbock; and brother, Randy Gafford of Floydada. HENRY L. (BUDDY) GAITHER Services for Henry L. "Buddy" Gaither, 60, of Floydada were at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 19, 2002 at the First Baptist Church with Reverend Anthony D. Sisemore officiating. Burial was in Floyd County Memorial Park under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Mr. Gaither died Saturday, August 17, 2002 in Floydada. He was born on November 22, 1941 in Breckenridge to the late Mr. and Mrs. William T. Gaither, Jr. He graduated from Floydada High School and was also educated in the heating and air conditioning field. He was also a licensed plumber. Mr. Gaither served in the United States Army. He married Anita Williams in May 1966 in Floydada. Mr. Gaither was the co-owner of Hammons Sheet Metal until his retirement in June 2000. His wife preceded him in death in 1990. Survivors include two daughters, Angela Dunavant and husband, Dahl of Rudy, AR, Tanya Smith and husband, Russell of Hugo, OK; three grandchildren, Bryan Pierce, Robin Goins, and Seth Dunavant; a brother, William T. Gaither and wife, Debbie of Springhill, FL; and three nephews. The family suggests memorials to the American Heart Association, 3403 73rd St., Suite 1, Lubbock, TX 79423 or Floydada Emergency Medical Service, 109 N. Main, Floydada, TX 79235. NOLAN HARRISON Services for Nolan Harrison, 83, of Flagstaff, Arizona, were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 16, 2002 at Grace Fellowship Full Gospel Church. Interment followed at Citizens Cemetery, Veterans Section. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Norvel Owens Mortuary. He died Wednesday, August 14, 2002. He was born March 16, 1919 near Centerville, Leon County. He served in the United States Army Air Corps Military Police during the North African and Italian Campaigns from 1941-1945 earning two Bronze Stars and numerous service ribbons for his service. In previous years, Mr. Harrison had lived in Plainview and Lockney. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Mary of Flagstaff; sons, Rick Harrison of Flagstaff and Bob Harrison of Chandler, Arizona; and four grandchildren, Lori, Faith, Justin, and Christy. MARTHA FRANCIS PARRISH Services for Martha Francis Parrish, 92, of Lockney were held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 21, 2002 at First Christian Church in Plainview with Mary Lou Dillon, officiating. Burial was in Park Lawn Memorial Garden under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Lockney. Mrs. Parrish died Sunday, August 18, 2002 in Plainview. She was born May 21, 1910 in Brady, Texas to the late James and Rhoda Jane McAda. She graduated from high school in Spade, Texas. She then moved to Floyd County where she was a 76-year resident. She married Joe Weldon Parrish June 19, 1926 in Littlefield, Texas. Mrs. Parrish worked as a manager at SPS until her retirement in 1973. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 60 years, the Pollyanna Club of Lockney and also the First Christian Church. Her husband preceded her in death on May 1, 1984. Survivors include: a son, Wilkie and wife, Carol of Joliet, Il.; a daughter, Louise Thompson of Plainview; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; a brother, Tommy McAda; and three sisters, Myrtle Joiner, Minnie Lee Curtain, and Ruth Duncan. The family suggests memorials be made to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund, 1800 N. I 27, Plainview, Texas 79072.
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A friend of mine called me at work last Thursday morning. The first words out of her mouth after I answered the phone was, "Three". I said, "Three what?" She said, "Oh, you're not having one of those contests where you call in and tell you how many mistakes there were in the paper?" Very funny. I wish there had only been three. I got my first clue Wednesday afternoon when Randy Miller called me and asked me if I had a chance to look at page 3 yet. I started crying before I even opened the paper. On the top of the page in 40 pt. headline was: "Searsy and McLain wed". The problem was, Searsy and McLain were already at the bottom of the page in an engagement picture. The headline should have said, "Keaton and Golden Wed". I asked Randy if he wanted to come and be our proofreader. He said, "Oh no, I couldn't do that. The only reason I noticed this was because it was SO BIG! Groan. I started to feel a little better later on in the day. As part of the Texas Press Association I am on a type of "chat room" with publishers all over the state who share problems and try and help each other with answers. This week someone else wrote in about a "wedding mistake" and everyone joined in with their classic stories. I thought I would share a few. One editor wrote in about a couple who married in a sailplane. The Justice of the Peace radioed the vows from the ground. JP: Burt, do you take Kathy to be your wife? Over. Burt: I do. Over. JP: And Kathy, do you take Burt to be your husband. Over. Etc. Another editor wrote in about a halftime six-man football game. The bride and groom (who was the big star the previous year) stood on the field with their attendants. The local Church of Christ minister (who also is the regular announcer for the games), switched hats and performed the ceremony over the loudspeaker from the press box. One editor told of an engagement picture in which the couple was pictured under water in full scuba diving regalia---masks, snorkels, and all. Another told of a "bride to be" dressed in black leather and wearing a metal studded leather choker and wrist bands. But my favorite and the one that really made me feel better about my day was the story about the editor that switched the cutlines under an engagement picture and the picture of the "Grand Champion Hog" at the county livestock show! ******** I sure enjoyed Old Fashioned Saturday in Lockney. It was hot hot hot, but the games, booths, food, and talent shows were great. Thanks Chamber of Commerce for all your hard work! ******** A boss always scheduled the weekly staff meeting for 4:30 p.m on Fridays. When one of the employees finally got up the nerve to ask why, she explained: "I'll tell you why--I've learned that's the only time when none of you seem to want to argue with me."
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A View From The Lamplighter By Ken Towery
back to top Somebody is lying, again. President Bush's good buddy, Ariel Sharon, told Israeli media folks last week that he was leaning on the American President to overthrow Iraq's Saddam Hussein. The story was prominently displayed in Tel Aviv's Ha'aretz, a daily paper known for its honesty and independence. Mr. Sharon was quoted as saying he had sent two messages to Mr. Bush recently, urging full speed ahead on the project of dumping Saddam. Then, all of a sudden, and all over Sunday talk shows, the message was that Israel has not communicated its opinion relative to Saddam. The Israelis are supposedly taking a "hands off" approach to American policy regarding the Iraq matter. Obviously, that is what Sharon wants Americans to believe, while he wants Israelis to believe something quite different, that he is using his clout to influence America on Israel's behalf. Clearly, Americans are not getting the "whole truth". Someone, or a group of some ones, is not telling the whole story. Gazing back in history, and using that history as our guide, we have our opinion, just as our readers may have their own opinion, as to who that someone is. It is inconceivable, to us, that a major operation involving American forces in the Middle East could be taken, or even considered, without Israeli input. So, maybe that's the real reason the President appears undecided about Iraq. Maybe the Israeli's are having second thoughts, and are indeed assuming a "hands off" policy. We doubt it, but it could be true. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, different people have differing ideas. Indiana's Senator Lugar, who was Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before Sen. Jeffords flaked off, giving control of the Senate to the Democrats and control of the Foreign Relations Committee to Joseph Biden, voiced a good bit of unease toward the idea of an Iraqi invasion at this time. In doing so, Lugar joined the ranks of several other Republican and Democratic leaders who have voiced similar reservations. Even House Majority leader Dick Armey, usually a decided hawk on military matters, has urged caution, as has Brent Scocroft, head of the National Security Council under former President George Bush. Still, the "go, no-go" decision would have to be considered up in the air. On one side are those mentioned above, while on the other are folks like Daniel Pipes and Richard Pearle, both in the Israeli camp, and, of course, the usual group of camp followers. Our own view is that there should be no doubt that the United States could and would prevail, and prevail quickly. But is it worth the effort? More than a few lives are likely to be lost in the endeavor, none of which will be among those most loudly demanding an immediate "preemptive" war. Pipes will be safe at home, as will Pearle. But others not so safely situated will go. And will die. It is one thing to roll back an invasion of Kuwait with the rest of the world with us. It will be quite another to bring down a regime, alone, especially when the leaders of that regime know the gallows are waiting. Indeed, a word of caution is advisable.
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