Marriage Education Class Offered
1/5/2009
Planning to say "I do" soon? Want to save money for your big day? Want to learn to love for life?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, a Twogether in Texas marriage education class will be held Saturday, January 10, 2009 at the Central Texas Opportunity office at 710 West 10th Street. The class will be held from 8am-5pm. There is no charge for participants. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Learning effective communication skills can make a difference in every relationship, learn how to talk with each other, solve problems, set goals for the future, enjoy being together and having fun! The instructor-led workshop will provide easy-to-understand skills you can use every day to make your love last for a lifetime.

Texas now offers free marriage education classes around the state. Couples who complete a class will save $60 on their marriage license. The classes are at least 8 hours long and focus on helping couples develop communication and conflict resolution skills and other tools for a strong relationship. More information about this state initiative can be found online at www.twogetherintexas.com.

After completing the class, you will get a certificate that you can take to your county clerk to save $60 on a marriage license. And you won’t have to wait 72 hours to be married. The waiting period is waived for couples who complete the course.

For information on other classes in the area or to pre-register for the Twogether in Texas class on January 10th contact Family Services Center (325) 646-5939 or toll free at (866) 211-2255. Classes may be cancelled due to lack of registration, but you do not have to be registered to attend. Walk-ins are welcome.

Agenda for City Council Meeting
1/5/2009
THURSDAY, January 8, 2009, 5:00 P.M., Coleman City Hall, 200 W. Liveoak, Coleman, Texas
RECEIPT OF BIDS:
1. Council will receive proposals for salvage of the Municipal Light Plant. Council may take any action deemed necessary.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Council will consider reappointing Roy Poage to the Coleman EDC Inc. Board of Directors, for a 3 year term, starting January 1, 2009.
2. Council will consider, on the first reading of Ordinance No.1102, changing the zoning from residential to commercial for the purpose of a Certified Public Accountant’s office at 1404 Concho St for Sandra Rose.
3. Council will consider approving the 2009 Emergency Action Plan for Lake Scarborough Dam.
4. Council will consider the sale of untreated bulk water for construction on U. S. Highway 283.
5. Council will consider a review of the FY2008 Audit Report from the City Manager.

CITY OF COLEMAN
2009 ELECTION CALENDAR
1/5/2009
To be on ballot May 9, 2009: Mayor, Chief of Police, Council member Place 2 (West Ward), Place 3 (East Ward)
February 9           First day for filing application for place on ballot
March 9               Last day for filing application for place on ballot
March 10             First day to accept applications for voting by mail ballot
March 11-13        Draw for order of names on ballot
March 17            Last day candidate may withdraw name
April 9                 Last day to register to vote (local voter registrar’s office)
                          to be eligible to vote in this election
April 27 – May 5   Early Voting Period by Personal Appearance
                           8 a.m. until 12 noon, 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
                         Monday, May 4, 2009 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
                        Tuesday, May 5, 2009 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
May 9               Election Day, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
May 12              Council meet to canvas election and proclaim winners
To file for one of these offices, please contact City Secretary Sue Burleson in City Hall, located at 200 W. Live Oak St., Coleman, Texas (cannot file until 2-9-09).

CHS Honoring Students
1/5/2009
Coleman High School is honoring its students who have received their high school equivalency diplomas on Thursday, January 8, 2009 , at 5:30pm in the High School Auditorium. All friends and family are invited.

New Session of GED Classes to Begin
1/5/2009
A new session of GED classes will begin Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at the Coleman ISD Annex Building (located between the High School and Jr. High buildings). These classes are free and are offered on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Those who are interested should report to the Annex Building, Room A-4, on Monday, January 12th with a formal photo I.D (such as a Driver’s License, passport, etc.) and original Social Security card (no copies). Day Care is NOT provided. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Sexton at Coleman High School 325-625-2156.

Jr High Games Cancelled Because of Bad Weather
1/5/2009
The Jr. High basketball games scheduled for tonight against Comanche have been cancelled. The GIRLS games are tentatively set for Thursday, January 8th, same site and times.  The boys are scheduled for a tournament in Wall, so their games have not been rescheduled yet.

NOVICE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY
ENCOURAGE PERFECT ATTENDANCE
1/5/2009  (Contributed)
A school-wide assembly was held at Novice ISD on Friday, December 19, 2008. Students with perfect attendance were recognized at the assembly. People from the Novice community as well as members of the faculty, staff, administration, and school board have banded together to encourage students to attend school regularly and have raised funds to reward those with perfect attendance. The students that had perfect attendance each week of the six weeks were recognized and cash drawings were held for those weeks. The finale’ came when the drawings were held for the all semester perfect attendance. Diana Dobbins, principal, was accompanied by Kasi Lewis and Lacye Briley and drew for a boy and a girl winner from each level. The high school students with all semester perfect attendance were entered into a drawing for new laptop computers, junior high students were entered into a drawing for I-pods, and the elementary students were entered into a drawing for Nintendo DS systems. There were a total of 23 students in all the drawings. Winners are pictured below.

After the awards were handed out, the entire school enjoyed fresh baked cookies and candy canes. Everyone sang Christmas carols which were led by Gary Tapley with Treva Gambrell and Darrell Vinson providing accompaniment on guitars. Mr. Wes Hays (pictured right) read “The Night Before Christmas” book which was donated to the school library by the art class. The art class of Tammy Perkins printed and illustrated the book for all students to enjoy and Mr. Hays did a great job of reading it to the school. Students that provided illustrations for the book are Skylar Halsell, Samantha Arispe, Heather Krantz, and Sarah Bennett.

After the time of visitation, singing, and prizes, school was released for the holiday break.

Winners of laptop computers for all semester perfect attendance at Novice High School
were Jarred Briley and Erikha Barnett.


Winners of I-pod Nanos for all semester perfect attendance at Novice Junior High
were Katie Lara and Derek Spikes.


Winners of Nintendo DS systems for all semester perfect attendance at
Novice Elementary were Preston Card and Cailey Perkins.

 

Judge Jimmie Hobbs swears in County Attorney Joe Lee Rose,
shown with his wife Sandra and daughters Hanna and Natalie.

Elected Officials Sworn In Monday Morning
1/5/2009
The County Commissioners meeting was held today at the courthouse. Order of business was the swearing-in of elected officials. Stacy Mendoza (left) was sworn in first, followed by Commissioners Johnny Mike Stephenson, and Mark Williams (below left) , Tax Assessor-Collector Jaime Trammel (below right), Constable Joe Watson (bottom picture) and County Attorney Joe Lee Rose (above).

The commissioners met for a brief meeting. In attendance were Johnny Mike Stephenson, Mark Williams, Allan Davis, Stacy Mendoza and Judge Hobbs.

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Icy Conditions Possible Sunday Night into Monday
1/4/2009
With temperatures near or just below freezing Sunday night, and with light rain possible, freezing rain could cause icy conditions in our area and the rest of the Big Country and Concho Valley Sunday night and Monday. Click on the links below for the watch/warning map and to read the special weather statements being issued by the San Angelo National Weather Service office.

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Grass Fires Reported Saturday Afternoon
1/4/2009
Santa Anna and Coleman fire departments battled a fire on the Bill Gilbreath place on Highway 67 around 4:00pm Saturday. According to information from the Coleman Fire Department, the grass fire threatened several out buildings and a tractor-trailer rig was lost in the fire. Novice and Lawn departments fought a grass fire around 5:30pm Saturday west of Goldsboro on County Road 498 but no further information is available as of this report.

Women of Distinction Deadline Approaching
Nominations for Girl Scout award close January 8
1/4/2009
Austin, Texas, January 2—Nominations for this spring’s Women of Distinction events in Austin and Brownwood will close on January 8. The coveted award honors women who have distinguished themselves as outstanding members of their community and who can serve as role models to all Girl Scouts, girls and adults alike.

“Women of Distinction events allow Girl Scouts to formally recognize women who illustrate the values of Girl Scouting: courage, confidence and character,” says Etta Moore, CEO for the Girl Scouts of Central Texas. “Their accomplishments motivate volunteers to remain committed to our girls’ futures and inspire girls to set and achieve ambitious goals. Together this is how we build strong communities.”

Central Texans are strongly encouraged to nominate women leaders from their community as Women of Distinction. Past honorees have excelled in the areas of business, education, government, communications, health care, sports, volunteer services, multicultural activities, and Girl Scouting.

Nomination forms can be completed online at www.gsctx.org or downloaded as a PDF from the Web site. Forms are also available in all Girl Scouts of Central Texas offices. To request forms by mail, call (800) 733-0011.

The Brownwood event serves Brown, Coleman, Comanche, Erath, Hamilton, Lampasas, McCulloch, Mills and San Saba Counties. Nominations should be sent to the Heart of Texas Program Center in Brownwood or emailed to JanC@gsctx.org.

For more information about Women of Distinction events, visit www.gsctx.org or call the Girl Scouts of Central Texas headquarters at (800) 733-0011.

Coleman Library Closed until January 13th
1/04/2009
Coleman Library has closed today December 17th, 2008 for extensive renovations to the library.  Date to re-open will be January 13th, 2009.  Patrons may return checked out items on the North Side of  the building in the book drop.  

Car Drives Through Wall of House
1/2/2009
On Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at approximately 2:45 A.M., the Coleman Police Dept. received a call from 116 Roselawn that a car had driven into their house. Officers Bonnie Lucero and Tia Beasley responded to the call. Upon investigating the accident scene, Officer Lucero arrested a 20 year-old of Coleman for Minor Driving While Intoxicated and Class B Misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

The vehicle was towed and damage the residence is unknown at this time. The subject was released from the City of Coleman Municipal jail later Wednesday after posting bonds for both offenses.
 

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County Judge Jimmie Hobbs is shown issuing the Oath of Office to new
Coleman County District Attorney Heath Hemphill.

Hemphill Takes Office as District Attorney
1/1/2009
New Year's Day, on the front steps of the Coleman County Courthouse, Heath Hemphill was sworn-in as the new Coleman County District Attorney. Hemphill, who has served as County Attorney for a number of years, took the Oath of Office which was read by Jimmie Hobbs, Coleman County Judge.

Hemphill was joined by his wife, Danyelle, their twins Hadley and Ethan and Heath's parents, Joe Pat and Alice Hemphill.

The other newly elected officials of Coleman County will take office on Monday, January 5th, during a special meeting of Coleman County Commissioners.

Pictured after the ceremony are Danyelle and Heath Hemphill with their children.

County Commissioners Hold Final Meeting of '08
1/1/2009
Coleman County Commissioners were in session Wednesday morning at the County Courthouse with all members present.

They approved the year-end report from John Pearce, Coleman County Emergency Management and Flood Plain Coordinator. Pearce went over various accomplishments of the past year such as using a grant from Homeland Security to rebuild the dispatch center and put nine communication radios in police cars and fire trucks. Plans for the new year include using another Homeland Security grant to purchase 25 mobile radios to be given to law enforcement and fire departments throughout the county. The grant, which can only be used for communications equipment, would help purchase a repeater to be placed on a tower on the Santa Anna mountain.

Commissioners denied closing County Road 430 in Precinct 4.

Commissioners approved a leave of absence for a Precinct 2 employee, without pay, effective January 16 and continuing for 90 days. The employee will pay out of pocket for health insurance during the leave which will be evaluated again in 90 days.

Several bids were received for used equipment from the precincts. They approved highest bids presented on the equipment.

 

Junior Art League Sells Cows !
Santa came to see the Junior Art League early this year. After painting the “cows” and enjoying them awhile, the JAL had an admirer who wanted to buy them for her yard.
Thanks, Joyce Smith !!

Thank You
1/1/2009
The family of Howard Stephenson would like to say thank you to those that sent food, made phone calls, came by, prayers, sent flowers and cards during our time of grief. We would especially like to thank James Posey and Rex Stephenson for the wonderful service and James Allen, Mike Stephenson, Jerry Don Stephenson, Larry Walden, Walter Tompkins and Buddy Slayton for serving as pallbearers. Each of you boys had a special place in Howard's heart and in ours. To Gene Christian for playing the fiddle - your playing always put a smile on his face.

Thank you to Dr. Reynolds, Dr. Atwood, David Longley and the nurses and aides at Coleman County Medical Center for the care you gave throughout the year and his final days. Last, but not least, Neely Felux, Tracy Dunaway, Shelly Robinett and Donna Cummings for the care you gave Howard at home. There will always be a special place in our hearts for you ladies.

Thank you is not enough to say for what you have done and gave to our family. May God Bless each of you and smile down on you for the love you have given this family.

Dorothy Stephenson
Marilyn and David Huggins
Shirley and Jay Rankin

Special Account Established for County Resident
1/1/2009
Friends have set up an account at CitiBank, Coleman, Texas for Olivia DeLosSantos to help defray expenses she has incurred due to recently having emergency, major medical surgery at Scott and White Hospital in Temple.  Olivia is self-employed and will not be able to work for six to eight weeks.
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
THANKS!!!
Friends of Olivia

Circle C Cattlewomen Thanks!
12/30/2008
The Circle C Cattle Women would like to thank these businesses who donated to our New Year's Eve Gala auction:
R.C. Custom Boots
Colemannews.com
Creative Memories
Block One Flea Market
Coleman County State Bank
Santa Anna Grocery
Cooper Supply
Gallery Warehouse of Brownwood
Grammer's
Fuzzy's Barber Shop
Bargain House
Hemphill Land and Cattle
Needham Surveyors
Commercial Ave. Antiques Mall
The Coleman Historical Commission
Leon Valley Inc.
Curves of Coleman
Petal Patch
Shapes
Merle Norman
Alley Cuts
Laura Sill
Pat and Melinda Cowan
That Santa Anna Store
Cook Creek Outfitters
T-Bone Ranch
Executive Outfitters
County General Store
Triplitt- Lazy T Ranch
Shoppin Baskit
First Coleman National Bank
Texas Land Bank
Santa Anna national Bank
and to all the Circle C Cattle Women members who have donated.
Thanks, again for all of your support.

 

January Meeting Schedule Changes for Coleman City Council
12/30/2008
The Coleman City Council normally meets on the first and third Thursday of each month; however, since the first Thursday falls on New Year’s Day, the Council will hold its regular meetings in January on the second and fourth Thursdays. They will meet at City Hall at 5:00 pm on the 8th and the 22nd of January. Starting in February, they will go back to their regular first and third Thursday meeting schedule.

Immunization Clinic
12/29/2008
Texas Department of State Health Services will hold an Immunization Clinic in Coleman on Tuesday, January 27th from 10-12 & 1:30-3:00pm. 
United Christian and Presbyterian Church
1609 Commercial
Please Bring Child's immunization Records. If child is on Medicaid or CHIP, please bring the card. For more information please call 325-754-4945

DeLeon, Agbor, Cole, Buzzard Named to All-West Texas 2A Football Team
12/27/2008
The sports staff at the San Angelo Standard-Times has poured over stats and relived the recently completed 2008 football season and felt that four Coleman Bluecats performed to a high standard and included them on the All-West Texas Team.

Three of the accolades came on defense and one on offense with the following being said:

Linebacker - Stanley Cole, Coleman - 5-10, 190, Sr.
"Cole had 144 tackles, caused two fumbles, blocked a punt and was a first team 8-2A all-district selection."

Lineman - Jamal Agbor, Coleman - 6-2, 260, Sr.
"Agbor had 72 total tackles, three sacks, two fumbles recovered, one blocked punt and one defensive touchdown. He was also a first-team all-district selection."

Defensive back - Colton Buzzard, Coleman - 5-9, 150, Sr.
"Buzzard was a first-team all-district defensive back but was one of the premier dual-threat quarterbacks in the area, passing for 1,636 yards and 19 touchdowns and also running for 527 yards and seven touchdowns."

Receiver - Dalton DeLeon, Coleman - 5-9, 145, Sr.
"DeLeon was an explosive weapon in the Bluecats offense, catching 64 passes for 1,061 yards and 12 touchdowns."

The newspaper named Brady coach Glen Jones its 2A Coach of the Year.

 

 

 

Gov. Perry Announces Texas Round-Up 2009 Fit Texan Competition
12/8/2008
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced Texas Round-Up’s statewide search for the 2009 Fit Texan, Fit Family and Fit Kid. The Fit Texan Challenge encourages adults and children who have overcome health and weight challenges through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, to submit their personal success stories. The 2009 Fit Texan winners will be recognized at the 6th annual Texas Round-Up race and fitness festival in April 24-25, 2009 in Austin.

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Fundraiser
11/24/2008
There is an account open at First Coleman National Bank in the name of Cutter Cody.  He has had surgery and will be in the hospital for another 6-8 weeks at Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth.  Cutter is the son of Richard and Dolly Cody.  Anyone interested in donating to the fund can do so at FCNB.  Thank you!

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