News Archives - August 2008

County Commissioners Convene
Approve Online Birth Certificate Access Agreement
8/30/2008
Coleman County Commissioners were all present Friday morning for their end of the month meeting. County Judge Jimmie Hobbs presided over the meeting in which the following actions were taken.

* John Pearce, County Emergency Management Coordinator, gave Commissioners a request form from the State of Texas asking for a list of all equipment the Commissioners have in their precincts and its availability should it be needed during an emergency situation.

* Commissioners passed an agreement and the County will sign a two-year contract with the Department of State Health Services leading the way to online birth certificate access.

* Commissioners approved the basic wording which will be on the November ballot during the special election for Coleman County to permanently freeze ad valorem taxes on homestead property for persons 65 and the disabled. The basic language will be "For or Against - The County of Coleman establishing a limitation on the amount of ad valorem taxes imposed on the residential homestead of a person who is disabled or is 65 years of age or older and receives a residential homestead exemption, as authorized by Article VIII, Section 1-b(h) of the Texas Constitution formerly known as Proposition 13, now codified in Texas Tax Code Section 11.261." The final wording may vary slightly, as this version has to be sent to the Secretary of State's office for approval.

* Commissioners held a Public Hearing for the proposed tax rate for Coleman County's 2008-2009 fiscal year budget but no one attended to speak at the Public Hearing. The county tax rate is scheduled to be approved at 8:00am on September 17th.

Child Care Learning
8/22/2008
"Don't be in the dark about Child Care" is a campaign being promoted by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. They want you to remember to choose child care carefully, your child's life may depend on it. For more information you may contact Allison Martinez at the Local Child Care Licensing office 325-625-4183 Ext. 36. 

Joe Lee Rose Files for County Attorney
8/29/2008
Joe Lee Rose has filed as a write-in candidate for the office of Coleman County Attorney. Rose, current Coleman County District Attorney, was defeated in the March Republican primary election by Heath Hemphill, current County Attorney.
"I wanted to continue to serve my county and stay in Coleman, I'm excited about it," said Rose. No other candidate will be on the ballot for County Attorney meaning Rose needs a single vote to win the election.  He would take office January 1st.

Meet the Hornets at Novice Field
8/28/2008
Novice ISD will be holding “Meet the Hornets” on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at 5:30pm on Hornet Field in Novice, Texas. Everyone involved in Novice football will be recognized and refreshments will be served.   Immediately following Meet the Hornets, there will be “Meet the Teacher” which will be held on the school campuses. All parents and family members are invited to come meet your students’ teacher during this time. Door prizes will be drawn for during the Meet the Teacher night.
All community members, parents/guardians, and family members are invited to all the events next Tuesday in Novice, Come see all the wonderful work that has been done in the rooms and on the grounds over the summer months. Also, be sure to meet our student athletes, cheerleaders, sponsors, and wonderful faculty and staff at Novice ISD. We hope to see you there.

Agenda for the Coleman City Council Meeting
8/30/2008
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2008, 5:00 P.M., Coleman City Hall, 200 W. Liveoak, Coleman, Texas
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Council will conduct a Public Hearing relating to Ordinance # 1098 establishing a budget for Fiscal Year 2008-2009.
2. Council will conduct a second Public Hearing related to Ordinance # 1097 levying a tax rate for the City of Coleman for the tax year 2008.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1.  Council will consider on the second and final reading of Ordinance 1097 establishing a tax rate for 2008.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Council will consider a request from Matthew 25 Ministries to use the City Park for a praise concert on Saturday, September 27, 2008.
2. Council will consult with the City Attorney related to the Hords Creek supply line project. Council may go into closed secession under the Attorney Consultation Clause, Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code.
3. Council will consider on the first reading Ordinance # 1098 establishing an operational budget for Fiscal Year October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009.
4. Council will consider electing TML Board of Trustee members for the TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool Board.
5. Council will consider setting a fee for the Temporary Use Permit as mandated by Article 4.04 Circuses, Carnivals and other Amusement Shows in the codification of ordinances.

GED CLASSES Enrollment on September 2nd
8/30/2008
WHEN: Enrollment for new Fall Classes is Tues. Sept. 2nd, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Classes will meet Tues. (2nd) and Thurs. (4th) of that first week. After that, classes will meet Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00-8:00. You may attend all three days and stay for the full 4 hours or whatever meets your particular schedule. The more time you invest, the quicker you will be prepared to take the GED tests.
WHERE: Coleman High School Annex, A-4 (between the Jr. High and High School)
WHAT TO BRING: Picture ID (Driver’s License, Military ID, etc.) and Social Security Card (original, a copy will not be accepted)
COST FOR CLASSES: NOTHING, EXCEPT YOUR TIME AND DEDICATION!
If you have any questions, please call Michelle Sexton at Coleman High School, 325-2156.

Benefit Auction for Coleman Museum in September
Contributed by Kathy Andrews
8/27/2008
A benefit auction for the Coleman Museum/Heritage Hall will be held on Sunday, September 14th at 1:30 pm, in the dining room of Heritage Hall. Granville Burrow will be the auctioneer.

This promises to be an outstanding auction with lots of items to bid on. Some of the items included in this auction are, an antique chiffarobe, a new china hutch, an antique baby bed, several antique tables, new bathroom fixtures, a new glass and wood interior door, lots of glassware, air compressor, nails for a nail gun, can light fixtures, and many other items, some new and some old. If you have items of value to donate to this auction please call the Museum at 625-2000 and leave a message, we will call you back and arrange for a pickup or delivery. Please no clothing. A preview will be held on Saturday, September 13th, 10:00 - 4:00.

All proceeds from the auction will support the maintenance, repairs and daily operating expenses of the Museum and Heritage Hall. Make plans to be at the auction on Sunday afternoon, September 14th at 1:30

Oil Rig Snarls Highway Traffic for Several Hours
8/28/2008
Traffic coming into Coleman or leaving Coleman on U.S. Highway 84 had to detour Wednesday night after an oil rig high-centered near the city limits.

The 165,000 pound rig, 127 feet long, was being transported by truck from Canada to Mexico when the driver had difficulty moving the large rig through Coleman. In an attempt to turn around, he pulled into the parking lot of Hall's Processing and when pulling back onto Highway 84, the trailer holding the drilling rig high-centered and came to a stop, blocking all four lanes of traffic, even the ditches.

With no way for traffic to get around the rig, units of the Coleman Police and Fire Departments were placed at the "Y", across from KSTA, and diverted traffic onto other highways. The Department of Public Safety stopped traffic, headed toward Coleman from Abilene, at the Novice turnoff, sent the traffic through Novice on Highway 1770 to Runnels County, on FM 382 to Crews, then to Highway 153 back into Coleman.

The highway was blocked from about 10:30pm to 3:30am. Three large wreckers from Abilene arrived at the scene around 12:30am to begin the process of moving the drilling rig off the highway.

FUMC Christmas Cantata Rehearsals Start Wednesday
8/27/2008
At Coleman First United Methodist Church it's cantata time again! Rehearsals for the Christmas cantata will begin next week with a kick off party at 6:00pm Wednesday, August 27 in the choir room at the church.

Choir director is Truett Mitchell who will be leading the Christmas musical "Unspeakable Joy" by Lari Goss. Singers from the community are invited to join us in this presentation. You don't have to be a member - just come on and help us sing!

Wind Clean Contributes to Youth Football League
8/27/2008
When Coleman's 7-12 year-olds play football this fall, they'll do so in new, safer helmets, thanks to the Wind Clean Corporation.

Tuesday morning, at the Chamber of Commerce office, Tim Manley of Wind Clean Corporation presented a check for $1,500 to Michael Taylor of the Coleman Youth Football League. Also on hand to accept the check were five of the 60 players who compete in the program.

The Bluecats compete in three age divisions: 7 and 8 year-old Mighty Mites, coached by Taylor; 9 and 10 year-old Jr. Pee Wee, coached by Jeff Hammonds, and 11 and 12 year-old Pee Wee, coached by Cody Norris. The Bluecats are competing this year in the Merkel League which consists of Merkel, Coleman, Hawley, Eula, Sweetwater, Clyde and Anson. Their season starts on Saturday, September 6th with the playoffs scheduled for November. About half the games will be played in Coleman at the Youth Football League field, just northeast of the Armory. The first home game for the local teams will be September 20th.

Ambulance Task Force Meets
8/27/2008
The group of county residents assigned to find a solution to funding the county ambulance service met Tuesday afternoon at Coleman County Medical Center.

The group heard from Glenn Pratt of Comanche, an emergency medical service consultant. Pratt's bottom line findings was the Coleman ambulance service is already doing most of the things he would recommend.

Pratt encouraged the replacement of the old 1996 and 1998 model ambulances. He indicated that combining the ambulance service with the fire department was possible, but, the ambulance staying part of the hospital was probably better, in his opinion. The general consensus was to leave the ambulance service associated with the hospital.

Hospital CEO, Doug Langley, presented the task force with information he had gathered from the McCulloch County EMS in Brady.

The task force agreed that a sub-committee, working on finance, would develop a long-term budget for three years that would be part of a proposed intergovernmental agreement between the City of Coleman, Coleman County and Coleman County Medical Center.

The task force plans to meet again in September, but a firm date has not been set. They hope to have a representative attend from a Houston company which presently does the billing for the ambulance service.

Coleman County Telephone Donates School Supplies
8/27/2008
Coleman County Telephone Cooperative recently made a donation of school supplies to two schools in the Cooperative’s service area. These supplies were delivered to the Santa Anna and Panther Creek schools.
The donated items consisted of backpacks, folders, school boxes, tissues, scissors, crayons, glue, map colors, pencils, etc. It is the desire of the Cooperative to assist those students who may need help acquiring school supplies for the new year.
Coleman County Telephone Cooperative has always been, and will continue to be, a dedicated supporter of the schools and the young people in this area.

Pictured here is Tim Humpert, General Manager of Coleman County Telephone Cooperative, along with some of the donated school supplies.

Local FFA Chapter Receives National Ranking
8/26/2008
The National FFA Organization recently selected from a pool of more than 600 candidates nationwide the Coleman HS FFA Chapter of Coleman, Texas, as a 2-star winner in the National FFA Chapter Award program. The chapter members have been invited to attend the 81st National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., October 22-25, 2008, where they will be recognized for this honor.

The award program is sponsored by Toyota as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The National FFA Chapter Award program recognizes FFA chapters for developing and conducting a detailed Program of Activities (POA). Each activity provides opportunities for members to excel in one of three areas: student, chapter, or community development. Every year, chapters are recognized as having earned a one-, two- or three-star rating on their application. The three-star rating is the highest level of accomplishment a chapter may achieve. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 500,823 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of the 7,358 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by development their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org  for more information.

CHS Class of 1963 To Reunite
8/25/2008
The CHS Class of ' 63 will hold their 45th reunion October 4th in Coleman. If you were a member of the Class of 1963, even if you didn't graduate with the class, please contact Joyce Wilson Anderson at 325-669-2508 or Carole Stiles Horne at 325-636-3017 or Elizabeth Ray Rush at 325-214-4188.

Coleman ISD Enrollment
August 25, 2008

2007-2008 (Last year)
1st Day Enrollment = 957
Last Day Enrollment = 987

Coleman Fiesta de la Paloma in New Location
8/25/2008
Coleman's annual Fiesta de la Paloma moves from downtown Coleman to the Coleman Rodeo Grounds/Expo Center/Bill Franklin Center on Saturday, October 4th.

Anyone interested in having a booth at the event can contact the Coleman County Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Tourist Bureau at 325-625-2163 or email chamber@colemantexas.org.

City Council Approves Tax Rate
8/25/2008
In session last Thursday, the Coleman City Council held a Public Hearing on levying a tax rate for the City of Coleman for the 2008 tax year. In a 4-0 vote, the Council approved, on first reading, the adjusted roll back tax rate of .3114. That is broken down into .1950 for maintenance and operation and .1164 for interest and sinking. The rate is slightly higher than the .2951 from last year.

* Passed Ordinance 1096 establishing rules and regulations for underground utility lines within the City of Coleman.
* Granted City and Rural Rides request to temporarily close a portion of Concho Street Saturday, September 27, from 7:30am to 5:00pm for the Transportation Roadeo.
* Chief of Police Jay Moses reported the Coleman Animal Control Shelter received a glowing report from the Texas Department of State Health/Zoonosis Control Division which conducted an inspection. They commented that the shelter was one of the best small town shelters in the state.
* Council conducted a Budget Workshop - at this time, no increase in rates are anticipated but a few fees will have some changes which will be presented at the next meeting on September 4th.

RAINFALL REPORTS 8/28/2008
 Gary & Carolyn Payne -
1.25 Monday afternoon. Since it started raining in August, 3.80 at 209 W 4th St. 
Henry and Margie Dodson - Hwy 206 6 mi. NE of Coleman - 1.10"
Sherman Smith - Airport Rd. in Coleman - 2.00"

CISD School Board Adopts Budget for 2008-2009
8/26/2008
The Budget Hearing at 6:45pm Monday night was short with no citizens in attendance. The following School Board meeting was capped off with the adoption of the budget presented by Karen Huff, Business Manager for Coleman ISD. The budget approved is close to $8.5 million for this coming school year. Also adopted was the Tax Rate for 2008, which was left the same as last year's at $1.24 per $100 valuation.

Enrollment figures, as previously reported by Colemannews.com, show an increase of 14 students from last year's opening day of school. Becky Jackson, elementary principal, reported that her Kindergarten and Pre-K classes are all full with 22 students in each class. Lorrie Payne gave the school board members copies of the Campus and District Ratings Reports from the state. The district is rated as Academically Acceptable. The Jr. high is rated as a Recognized Campus, and the elementary and high schools are both rated Academically Acceptable. Other action items were the re-hiring of Debbie Scott as an elementary teacher and a review of the Investment Policy.

Meagan Ogden gave a speech to the school board over "Free Enterprise in our Innovation Nation."  Meagan represented the Coleman County Farm Bureau at a camp this summer.  Kelsey Puckett and Bonnie Brown  spoke on the upcoming activities the FCCLA will be participating in this school year. Kelsey is a member of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America organization for Coleman High School.

Hospital Board to Meet Thursday
8/25/2008
The Board of Directors of Coleman County Medical Center will meet at 5:00pm Thursday, August 28, to address the following agenda:

* Comments from the public
* Medical Staff report
* Quality Assurance report
* Financial report from Doug Langley, CEO
* Bank note renewal
* Consider purchase or lease of capital equipment
* Administrator's Report
* Compliance Report
* Personnel Issues
* General information

It's Back to School Time
8/25/2008
It's back to school time for county schools. We at Colemannews.com want to take this opportunity to wish each teacher and student a very successful year of excellence in education!

Coleman Blood Drive is Tuesday
8/25/2008
Roll up your sleeves, give some blood and receive freebies on Tuesday at the Coleman Blood Drive.

The Bloodmobile will be parked at the Coleman Senior Center, 916 S. Concho, from 3:30pm to 7:00pm. All donors receive free snack size Julios corn chips and free Gandy's ice cream, while supplies last. All donors will also be entered in a monthly drawing for a chance to win a $300 Wal-Mart gift card.

Coleman School Board Budget Hearing Tonight
8/25/2008
Monday, August 25, 2008, 6:45 P.M., Coleman I.S.D. Administration Office, 300 West Pecan
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Budget Hearing

Garbage Disposal Concerns for Fisk, Gouldbusk and Mozelle
8/25/2008
Based on a letter dated August 7, 2008, Duncan Disposal will no longer be providing trash pickup for Fisk, Gouldbusk, and Mozelle after September 1st.

Patricia Cathey and Donna Simonton organized a meeting in Fisk, Saturday August 23rd, and had a Duncan Disposal representative from Brownwood present to answer questions. There were approximately 15 people present from the Fisk and Mozelle area, and a few from the Rockwood area.
The bottom line that came out of the meeting was that Duncan Disposal is still going to serve the Monday route…..Lake Ivie to Voss to Panther Creek School.

The Thursday route, FM-1026 - FM 2131 and the county roads off of these highways would not be serviced after September 1st. They will begin removing these trash containers on September 1st and have them all removed by September 5th.

The Duncan Disposal representative did agree that they could come north on FM 1026 from the intersection of FM-1026 and CR-306 for centralized pickup points having a minimum of 4 large dumpsters. According to those in attendance, these four dumpsters have to be set at the same location, on private property and paid through one bill.

The Fisk residents agreed to set four dumpsters at the Fisk Community Center, and are looking for additional families to share in that monthly costs. There is interest in setting four dumpsters in Mozelle if enough interested parties can be found to share in that expense. Currently the rate for 4 dumpsters is 82.95 X 4 = $ 331.80/month.

If anyone is interested in sharing this expense and having a place to dispose of their trash, please contact Charles Yarbrough at Mozelle, Patricia Cathey or Donna Simonton at Fisk. The more people that join in this effort will drive the price down for each participant.
If there are enough participants in either of these areas, additional dumpsters may have to be added to handle the trash. Any additional dumpsters will be at the same 82.95/month rate.

Patricia Cathey Ph # 357-4407
Donna Simonton Ph # 357-4547
Charles Yarbrough Ph # 357-4542

The group will try to have another meeting, either Wednesday or Thursday, August 27th or 28th, to finalize some issues and determine if there is enough interest to have two centralized sites or just one and determine an estimated price per household (depending on number of participants) and any other topics that might come up. Please respond ASAP if there is any interest in this service.

Coleman School Board in Session Tonight
8/25/2008
The Coleman ISD Board of Trustees will hold their regular monthly meeting at 7:00pm tonight (Monday) in the Coleman I.S.D. Administration Office, 300 West Pecan.  Business items include:
AGENDA:
1. Invocation
2. Call to Order
3. Reading of the Minutes
4. Public Forum
5. Campus Report
- Farm Bureau Speech by Meagan Ogden
- FCCLA Report
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Approve Final Budget Amendments for 2007-2008 School Year
2. Adopt the Budget for the 2008-2009 School Year
3. Adopt Tax Rate for 2008
4. Consider Hiring Personnel
5. Adopt Timetable for Annually Reviewing and Revising the Investment Policy
6. Review Investment Policy
BOARD REPORT:
1. Campus and District Ratings Report
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. TASB/TASA Joint Annual Convention
INFORMATION ITEMS:
1. Check Payments
2. First Day Enrollment

Coleman County's Shilo Harris Receives Purple Heart
8/22/2008
On August 19, 2008, Shilo Harris received his Purple Heart medal.  The ceremony took place at the Marriot on the River Walk in San Antonio. There were approximately 250 people in attendance including the Bentley, Harris, Idell, Phillips, and Mixon families.  Diane Cleveland flew in from Alaska.  Her son, Adare, was Shilo's gunner and was killed when they were hit. 

Hartman's Get Together in Bangs
8/22/2008
The descendents of I.E. and Reba Hartman held their annual reunion on Saturday, July 19th at the First Baptist Church Annex in Bangs, Texas. Thirty-three were in attendance.  Registration began at 10:00am with visiting and games taking up most of the morning. After a "bring your own" lunch, there was a short business meeting. It was decided to donate $200.00 to the Santa Anna Cemetery Association. Next year's reunion location was also discussed. A "white elephant" auction was held with the proceeds going toward reunion expenses. Auctioneer Dale Reeves, with Brenna Hartman, Randell Blanscett, and Rusty Blanscett assisting, kept the bidding lively. Almost $700.00 was raised.
The ever-popular M&M guessing contest was back again this year. There were two divisions: 18 and under and 19 and over. Winners of the M&M contest were: 18 and under - Randell Blanscett, Midland; 19 and over - Stanley Hartman, Santa Anna. Prizes were also awarded as follows: Oldest in attendance - Ruby Hartman, Santa Anna; Youngest in attendance - Brenna Hartman, Snyder; Traveled the farthest - Randy Blanscett, Midland.  The "box game" was back again also this year. There were 13 participants with Rusty Blanscett winning the $65.00. We expect a lot more participants next year as this game continues to grow in popularity.  Grandpa's Catering (AKA Ronnie Hartman, Stanley Hartman, and Jordan Mach) prepared the meat for the evening meal, which consisted of grilled pork tenderloin, sausage and chicken tenders with all the trimmings. Cherry cobbler topped off the evening meal.

Those in attendance were: MIDLOTHIAN-Robin, Brittany and Jordan Mach; BURKETT-Cindy and Daryl Boyle; BANGS-Sandra and Harry Walker; SNYDER-Mike, Travis and Brenna Hartman; AUSTIN-Dale and Carol Reeves, Fred Reeves; EULESS-Taylor Boyle; NEW BRAUNFELS-Debra Hough; BROWNWOOD-Ronnie and Beth Hartman, Eddie and Mary Ann Hartman- SANTA ANNA- Edd and Ruby Hartman, Stanley and Judy Hartman, James and Stephanie Edwards, Hannah Hartman; MIDLAND-Winnie Blanscett, Tonya Spain, Rusty Blanscett, Randy Blanscett, Randell Blanscett, Guest - Bryan; FORT WORTH-Shannon Boyle.

Sonora Ram Test Starts Sept. 8-9
8/19/2008
Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Dan Waldron, 325-653-4576, d-waldron@tamu.edu
SONORA – The annual ram performance test conducted at the Texas AgriLife Research Station at Sonora will begin Sept. 8-9 with delivery of rams entering the test.  The station is located on State Highway 55 between Sonora and Rocksprings.   An annual field day and sale highlighting the end of the test will take place on March 13, 2009.  Dr. Dan Waldron, San Angelo-based AgriLife Research geneticist and the program’s coordinator, said Rambouillet sheep breeders have long used the performance test to improve their flocks.  “From its start in 1948, the Sonora Ram Performance Test’s main goal has been to identify and document superior rams,” Waldron said.   “Every year we evaluate and publish information on several key traits so producers can retain their own rams or buy from other breeders to improve their flocks.”  Test animals may be registered or non-registered. Only registered rams born between Oct. 1, 2007 and April 30, 2008 will be eligible for the American Rambouillet Sheep Breeders’ Association Registry of Merit program.  Cooperators wishing to enter more than 20 animals are asked to give Waldron advance notice.  The test is open to ram lambs regardless of initial weight. But fall-born lambs weighing less than 135 pounds and spring-born lambs weighing less than 100 pounds on the initial weigh day will not be eligible for certification.   Complete animal information – including sire, type of birth, age of dam and birth date – is required by the first weigh day. Animals without this information will be considered commercial rams.  Rams also should be individually identified by ear tag or tattoo, and tagged with the mandated scrapie tag.   Waldron recommends test animals be taught to eat from a feed trough before delivery. The rams will be treated against internal parasites and vaccinated against enterotoxemia immediately after arrival.

Rams should have at least one-half inch of wool at delivery.   A deposit of $400 per ram is due upon arrival. Any unused funds will be returned when the test is over.  Rams will be shorn before going on the test on Sept. 23. The initial weigh-day is set for Sept. 24. Other weigh-days are Nov.12 and Jan. 7, 2009 with the final weigh-day on Feb.11, 2009. The final shearing is set for Feb. 12, 2009.  Waldron also encourages breeders to participate in an “on-the-ranch” performance test so more information can be gathered from more rams. 

For more information on the Sonora ram test or the on-the-ranch test, contact Waldron, Dr. Frank Craddock or Dr. Chris Lupton at 325-653-4576, or call Dr. Charles “Butch” Taylor at 325-387-3168. The test program’s Web site is: http://sanangelo.tamu.edu/genetics/ramtest.htm.

COLEMAN MUSEUM PHOTO EXHIBIT WINNER
8/20/2008
Sandi Hipsher Parrish was the winner of the "People's Choice Award" at the photography exhibit held recently at the Coleman Museum, with her photo "Dove in Easter Snow". Sandi's special award medallion was made of fused glass by glass artist Kay Mitchell of Coleman. Sandi is a Coleman County native and a Santa Anna High School alumni, class of "78. She is the daughter of Edwin and Janice Hipsher, she attended Angelo State University and Howard Payne University before marrying and moving to Midland to raise her family and work as a legal secretary. Earlier this year, Sandi and her family moved to Santa Anna when her husband Randy went to work for Brownwood TSTC as a computer instructor and police officer. The family has now moved to Brownwood where she works as a real estate assistant for her sister Sheri Wells. Sandi is the mother of three, two sons, Austin and Steven, are currently serving in the U.S. Navy and are stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, and their 12 year old daughter Shannon who is also a camera buff. Sandi's favorite pastimes are amateur photography and of course activities with her family.

Girls Begin Leadership Journey
8/19/2008     (Contributed)
Girl Scout registration provides leadership opportunities to all girls.
Austin, Texas, August 18—Less than 1 percent of the Fortune 500 CEOs and only 7.3 percent of our federal elected officials are female. Though there is a great need for more female leadership in our country, only 21 percent of girls believe that they currently have most of the qualities required to be a good leader, according to the Girl Scout Research Institute.

Girl Scouts is addressing the need for female leadership by providing leadership development experiences for all girls in grades K-12. Through Girl Scouts, girls have the opportunity to discover their own potential, connect with their community and take action to make the world a better place.

“To be a strong leader you must know yourself, be aware of the world around you and have the courage to stand up for what you believe in,” explains Etta Moore, CEO for the Girl Scouts of Central Texas. “The Girl Scout Leadership Experience emphasizes all three steps with the discover, connect and take action model. Diverse, age-appropriate activities provide the best outcomes-based leadership experience for all Girl Scouts.”

Girl Scout Junior, Annie (pictured right), progressed through each step; discover, connect and take action; to become a leader in her troop and beyond. She discovered the impact of her actions through community service when donating gifts to children at a maternity home with her troop. She connected with the young mothers and their children while better understanding the importance of the mother-child bond.   Then Annie learned about Troop 1500, a Girl Scout troop for girls whose mothers are incarcerated. From her previous experience, Annie felt it was important for these girls to have a strong relationship with their mothers and wanted to help Girl Scouts make that possible. After paying to attend a Girl Scout summer camp, Annie donated her remaining funds from her cookie sales to Troop 1500. Through Girl Scouting, Annie identified how she could help people, determined a cause she felt strongly about, and took action to make the world better for others.

All girls can participate in the leadership development experiences available through Girl Scouting. Whether it’s planning a Girl Scout trip to the Galapagos Islands, building robots, learning to water ski at summer camp, or participating with other girls in a troop or special interest group, there is a Girl Scout experience for every girl.

Although registration is open year round, the Girl Scout program year coincides with the academic calendar making August and September the ideal time for girls to begin their Girl Scout leadership journey. To register a girl you care about for Girl Scouts, or to learn how you can help Central Texas girls become leaders, visit www.gsctx.org  or call (800) 733-0011.

Quail Research Ranch Sets Inaugural Field Day Sept. 12
8/18/2008
Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576,      s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Dale Rollins, 325-653-4576,      d-rollins@tamu.edu
ROBY - A nationally recognized quail expert invites all *students of quail* to the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch's inaugural field day set from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sept. 12.   The ranch is located 12 miles west of Roby on U.S. Hwy 180.   “Our inaugural field day will be the first of what I hope are many significant events towards the proliferation of quail in West Texas," said Dr. Dale Rollins, Texas AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist and the ranch's director.   Two Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be available for those with a private applicator’s license.

An innovative approach to fire and grazing will be a featured talk during the day, according to Rollins.
"I'm really intrigued by the concept of patch-burn-grazing as it relates to quail habitat management," Rollins said. *We initiated this project last March as a way to develop a quail-friendly approach to prickly pear management.   "We only burn parts of pastures, then follow with a light stocking rate of cattle,” he said. “The cows graze the burned area, resulting in more weeds beneficial to quail. But by not burning the whole pasture, we are leaving adjacent areas that provide excellent nesting and escape cover."

Rollins said the field day will also highlight several studies done cooperatively with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Kingsville. One study involved counting quail from a helicopter and monitoring fall-winter survival using radio telemetry. The other evaluated quail abundance using GPS-equipped bird dogs to find the quail.

Other topics will include:
--Food Plots for Quail.
--Nesting Ecology.
--Renovating Bermuda grass and Conservation Reserve Program Fields for Quail.
--Brush Sculpting for Quail.
--Roadrunners, Rattlesnakes and Quail.
The field day will be conducted by the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch, Texas AgriLife Research, AgriLife Extension and Quail Unlimited.   The Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch was established in 2007 with the goal of sustaining Texas' wild quail hunting heritage through the 21st century.  

Individual pre-registration by Sept. 5 is $10 and $15 thereafter. The fee includes lunch. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Roby Community Center.  

RSVP to Rollins at 325-653-4576 by September 8th or email:  d-rollins@tamu.edu
See http://teamquail.tamu.edu  for program updates.

"WEDDINGS THEN & NOW "EXHIBIT AT COLEMAN MUSEUM
8/18/2008  (contributed)
The wonderful exhibit of wedding dresses at the Coleman Museum continues through August 30th, during regular museum hours of Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The photo is the oldest wedding dress included in the exhibit. The dress was worn by Francis Elliott McDavid at her wedding, August 31, 1882, in Rusk County, Texas, to Augustus Benjamin Cerisco Coursey, son of Coleman County pioneer, Charles Coursey. Four children were born to them at their home on Hords Creek. The house and their place is now under water in Hords Creek Lake. Their children were Gussie Coursey Savage, Agnes Coursey Keese, Ernest C. Coursey, and Sybil Coursey Miller. Currently great-granddaughters, Anna May Beaver Kennedy and Billie Marie Beaver Wardlow reside in Coleman County. Other great-grandchildren include Donna Coursey Morgan, Douglas (Bud) Coursey, the late Marty Coursey Powell, John Bert Wallace, David Paul Wallace, June Wallace Shippard, Charles Koberg, LuAnne Koberg Nolen and Allen Kenley.

If you have not taken the time to visit this wonderful exhibit of wedding dress history, please do so. You will be enchanted by all the different styles from "Then & Now". Admission to the exhibit is free but donations are greatly appreciated. The museum is supported by your donations when you visit special exhibits such as this, when visiting the museum or as a tax deductible donation supporting the Coleman Heritage, Arts & Preservation Society.

Former Bluekatt Softball Pitcher Now College Softball Coach
8/18/2008
Sena Horne, former Bluekatt softball pitcher, has been hired as the Head Softball Coach for Northwood University. Northwood is a NAIA Business school in Cedar Hill TX, just south of Dallas. They won Conference last year and have five all-conference players returning. Northwood is in the Red River Athletic Conference.

Sena has been involved in softball since she graduated from Coleman in 2001. She attended Texarkana College for one year, was injured, and transferred to Ranger College and says she "had a good season pitching." Sena won the “Coaches Award” for 2002-2003. In the spring of 2004 Sena went to Division II Henderson State in Arkadelphia, AR. She had a .412 Batting Average, was 12 for 13 as a Pinch Hitter in the 2004 Season, and was the 2005 Team MVP. Sena states that she was a part of the first two winning teams in the school's history. "We were the national Division II homerun champions both years and the Coach I had there is Richie Bruister, who is now the head coach for Texas Women’s University."

After Sena's senior season, she was hired as the Assistant Coach for Texarkana College. In 2006 Texarkana won their conference and in 2007 won conference and regional’s, making it to the National Championships in Florida. They finished the year 10th in the nation.

This past year Sena returned to Henderson State to be the Graduate Assistant for Coach Bruister and work on her masters' degree. (Masters in Sports Administration) Henderson State placed second in conference by half a game and had a Region Player of the Year, a 1st Team All-region player, and 5 of their players received All-Conference Awards.

Jayton VanPelt Receives Kingsbery Scholarship
8/18/2008  (contributed)
Jayton VanPelt has been named as the 2008 recipient of the Tom Kingsbery Memorial Scholarship. Mr. VanPelt was presented with this scholarship at the annual meeting of Coleman County Telephone Cooperative, Inc. which was held Friday, August 15 at the Civic Center in Santa Anna, Texas. Roddy Dean, a director of the Cooperative and a member of the scholarship committee, made the presentation.
This scholarship was established by Coleman County Telephone Cooperative, Inc. in 1999 in memory of Tom Kingsbery who served on the Cooperative board of directors for more than 35 years.
The Cooperative has set aside $3,000 a year for this scholarship fund, which is normally awarded in the form of three $1,000 scholarships to three college students. However, this year the Scholarship Committee received only one application; that application coming from Jayton VanPelt. The committee decided to award the full amount of $3,000 to Mr. VanPelt.
Jayton is the son of Frank and Kim VanPelt, and is a Biology major at Angelo State University. The Cooperative would like to extend best wishes to Mr. VanPelt as he continues to pursue his education.

New Teacher Changes PC Pre-K
8/20/2008   (Contributed by PC staff)
The Panther Creek Elementary Pre-K program is looking forward to a bright, new beginning! Jeanene Pricer, long-term community member and graduate of Texas A&M University has joined the staff at Panther Creek. Mrs. Pricer has 14 years of teaching experience with the Bangs school district, with nine years of those years teaching Pre-Kindergarten. Having taught an additional 5 years of Kindergarten, she has the knowledge to offer a challenging curriculum that prepares children for success in Kindergarten. The full-day Pre-K program offered at Panther Creek, with a low student-teacher ratio, promotes a higher quality education. Mrs. Pricer plans to enhance the Pre-Kindergarten program with a literature-based curriculum consisting of thematic units and hands-on, age-appropriate activities. Mrs. Pricer is highly qualified to teach Pre-Kindergarten, with certifications in Pre-K to 6th grade, ESL, and special education EC – 12.

When asked about joining the PC team, Mrs. Pricer said, “Honestly, the atmosphere at Panther Creek is very welcoming, and the staff is very supportive.”

Jeanene Pricer also has long-standing ties to the community. Her son, Allen, will be a 4th grader this year, and has attended Panther Creek since his Kindergarten year. She and her family have lived in the community for years.

“We are happy to welcome such an experienced teacher with a vested interest in the community,” said superintendant Dwin Nanny, “I expect the Pre-K program to strengthen under her leadership.”

Panther Creek Pre-K is open to those who will turn 3 or 4 years of age by September 1, 2008. To register, please call Vicky in the Panther Creek office at 357-4449.

“I am looking forward to working at Panther Creek with many long-time friends,” said Mrs. Pricer, “It feels like coming home.”

Quartet Performing Saturday
8/20/2008   (contributed)
The Gospelaires Quartet of Cleburne, Texas will present a program of gospel and sacred songs on August 23, 2008 at 7:00pm at the ELM STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST in COLEMAN, TEXAS.

The Gospelaires Quartet was organized in 1974 and has sung in over 20 states, including television programs and national radio. The Quartet began with two preachers and two song directors who were members of the Central Church of Christ in Cleburne, Texas. Through the years, various moves changed the voices of the quartet. After about eighteen years the group has returned to the original four voices. Singing First Tenor is Gaylord Sturgess of Arlington, Texas. He is a partner in the Merit Court Reporting Firm in Fort Worth. He and his wife, Sharon, worship with the Creekside Church of Christ in Waxahachie. David Wallace, Ph.D. sings baritone and is on the faculty in the Bible Department at Abilene Christian University. He preaches for the Church of Christ in Burkett, Texas. He and his wife, Linda, live in Abilene and worship with the Southern Hills Church of Christ. Cliff Holden sings Lead. He is in the Administration of the Burleson Independent School District as Director of Construction Management. He and his wife, Beverly, live in Cleburne and worship with the Westhill Church of Christ where he serves as a deacon of worship. B.B. Stevens is the Bass singer. He and his wife, Jerry, enjoy living on their ranch just outside of Cleburne.  He preaches for the Church of Christ, Rio Vista, Texas. The combined talents of these men total over a century of singing with various organizations.

The program presented by The Gospelaires will be inspirational and educational. They are firmly committed to the Ministry of the Word through Gospel singing. Our prayer is for God to be glorified and you, our audience, to be edified.

MEET THE BLUECATS ~ Saturday, August 23rd, 7pm - TOMORROW
8/22/2008
The Bluecat Booster Club is excited to once again host the annual "Meet the Bluecats" this Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 7:00pm. This is your chance to hear each boy and girl High School athlete tell about their sport or sports for 2008-2009. You will also be introduced to High School Coaches & Cheerleaders. The evening begins with a hamburger meal at $5 each (FREE to High School athletes & coaches) in the Coleman City Park. Bluecat t-shirts & caps will be available as well as Bluecat Booster Memberships. Bring your lawn chair and camera and we'll see you there!

Bluecat Band Practice Underway - Tonight
8/22/2008
The Bluecat Band is preparing for the upcoming marching season with practice tonight, Friday, August 22, 08—7pm-9pm.

FREE Back to School Immunization Outreach
8/22/2008
Give your kids a SHOT at life, Vaccinate before they graduate.
FREE Back to School Immunization Outreach Clinic for Children 0 – 18 years of age offered by Big County Immunization Coalition.

WHAT: FREE Immunization outreach clinic for children 0 to 18 years of age.
WHERE: Cross Plains High School, 700 N. Main, Cross Plains, Texas 76443
WHEN: Saturday, August 23, 2008 from 10 AM – 2 PM, between large and small gyms.
WHO: Big County Immunization Coalition

Please bring child’s immunization. Child must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
Click on these links for more information about vaccinations!

Back to School Bash
8/20/2008
Holiday Hill will host its annual "Back to School Bash" at the nursing home grounds Friday, August 22nd from 2:00 pm until 4:30 pm. We will have an air castle, free hot dogs, pop corn and sodas. We are located at 245 Hwy 153 on the Winters Highway. All ages of school kids are welcome.

Coleman Elementary Students to Meet Their Teachers Tonight
8/21/2008
Coleman Elementary Students may come and meet their new teachers for the 2008-2009 school year on Thursday, August 21st from 5:30-6:30.

Class rosters for grades Pre K, Kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade will be posted in the front windows of the school after 4:00 on that afternoon. Students in grades 3, 4, & 5 may pick their schedules up that evening at 5:30. All new students to Coleman Elementary should come into the office to register prior to Thursday night to insure a schedule for the first day of school. All Pre-K and Kindergarten students must register for the 2008-2009 school year. Office hours for registration are 8:30-11:30 and 1:00-2:30. The required paperwork takes about 30 minutes to complete and may be picked up and brought back at a later date if desired. Please contact the school office if you have questions at 625-3546.

Curves in Coleman Holds Open House ~ August 19, 20
8/18/2008        (contributed)
(Local residents can get health advice, nutritional information)
Coleman, Texas (Grassroots Newswire) 08/18/2008 -- If you’ve been curious about Curves in Coleman or just want to know what they have to offer, then stop in on August 19th or 20th. Curves will have an Open House so you can take a peek.   Curves in Coleman, located at 211 W. Pecan St. is owned and operated by Linda Hyde. According to Hyde, the open house will be held from 8am to 12:30pm and 3:30pm to 7pm on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Features will include free figure analyses, as well as blood pressure and body fat readings at no obligation. Each attendee will receive a complimentary raffle ticket, and periodic random drawings will be held throughout both days for gift prizes . Winners need not be present at the time of each drawing to receive their gift.

"This is a chance for everyone to come in and meet our staff, try the equipment we have, and learn more about our successful program," said Hyde.

Curves provides an exercise and weight control program designed specifically for women. "Whether you’re interested in getting more exercise for health and general condition, or want to lose weight or tone your muscles, we can help you establish a regimen to meet your fitness goals," Hyde said.  Curves of Coleman offers various programs to help motivate and assist women in obtaining a healthy lifestyle, including www.CurvesComplete.com , an online weight-loss subscription service that provides subscribers with diet and fitness information. For more information, contact Linda Hyde at 325-625-4968.

Coleman City Council Agenda
8/18/2008
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2008, 5:00 P.M.
Coleman City Hall, 200 W. Liveoak, Coleman, Texas
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Council will conduct a Public Hearing relating to Ordinance No.1097 levying a tax rate for the City of Coleman for the Tax Year 2008.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Council will consider on second reading Ordinance No.1096 establishing rules and regulations for underground utility lines within the City of Coleman. 
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Council will consider, on the first reading, Ordinance No.1097 levying a tax rate for the City of Coleman for the Tax Year 2008.
NEW BUSINESS:
1.  Council will consider a request from City and Rural Rides (CARR) to temporarily close a portion of Concho Street on Saturday, September 27, 2008, from 7:30am to 5:00 pm. This request is in support of a planned “Transportation Roadeo”, which will provide training opportunity for the agency’s drivers.
2.  Council will receive a report from the Coleman Police Department regarding animal control operations and facilities.
3.  Council will conduct a Budget Workshop considering matters related to Ordinance No.1098, establishing the operational budget for Fiscal Year October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009. 

Directors Elected at Annual Meeting of
Coleman County Telephone Cooperative, Inc.
8/18/2008         (contributed)
The 55th annual meeting of Coleman County Telephone Cooperative, Inc. was held on Friday, August 15, 2008 at the Santa Anna Civic Center. The event was attended by approximately 400 people, 244 of those being registered members and eligible to vote in the election.
Stanley Hartman, president of the Cooperative’s board of Directors, called the meeting to order and led the crowd in the pledge of allegiance. The invocation was delivered by Rev. Paul Stephen, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Santa Anna. Mr. Hartman presented the welcome address and expressed his appreciation to those in attendance.
Other items on the agenda included a financial report by accountant, Janice Fellers and a report by general manager, Tim Humpert. Mr. Humpert was recently hired as the new general manager of the Cooperative and stated that he looks forward to working with the employees and finding ways to better serve the members of Coleman County Telephone. Among the special guests in attendance was former general manager of the Cooperative, Danny Kellar and his wife Jean. Mr. Kellar is currently serving as general manager of Etex Telephone Cooperative in Gilmer, Texas. Also present was state representative, Harvey Hilderbran, who briefly addressed the crowd. Mr. Hilderbran has been present at the annual meeting of the Cooperative for the past five years.
Director Roddy Dean, representing the scholarship committee, presented a certificate to Jayton VanPelt, this year’s recipient of the Tom Kingsbery memorial scholarship. Jayton is a student at Angelo State University and is the son of Frank and Kim VanPelt.
The members of the Cooperative elected two directors, each to serve a three-year term. Those elected were, from the Santa Anna area, Stanley Hartman (incumbent), and from the Santa Anna Rural - North area, Roddy Dean (incumbent).
The meeting concluded with a drawing for prizes for children and adults.

An Update from the Humane Society
8/18/2008    (Contributed by Jo Ann Eddleman)
Have you called the Humane Society this year? We get calls every day. Maybe you are one of those who have called wanting us to take your dog or your dog’s puppies. Or pick up cats and kittens that don’t have a home. We are the humane society. Surely we will take care of the problem for you. You certainly don’t want them to go to the pound where they will be put down.
How we wish it were true that we, as the humane society, could take in every animal that needs a new home. That we could somehow wave a magic wand and find new families for all those dogs, cats, puppies and kittens.
Maybe it would help you imagine our problem if you put yourself in our shoes.
Our Humane Society does not have a shelter. We have five foster homes, plus a yard where we hold dogs when we do not have a foster home available. It is especially used for the larger dogs we have. At best, we have room for maybe ten to twelve dogs if we double up at the foster homes and place dogs at the yard.
We then see to it that the dogs are cleaned up, given flea and tick treatments, given their shots and then spayed or neutered. Each foster home feeds and cares for the dogs in their care. Vet costs are absorbed by the Humane Society.
So, we have comfortable room, let’s say, for ten dogs. Before we can take in another dog, we have to place one of the dogs we have. This placement is done primarily through the Internet. It is through Petfinder.com and 1-800-Save-a-Pet.com that we find homes for most of our dogs. Only a small percent are placed locally and that is usually through word of mouth. A few are adopted almost immediately. Others may be with us for weeks and sometimes months for the larger dogs.
The limitations of our foster care program make it necessary for us to be very selective not only in the number of dogs we rescue into the foster program but in the type of dogs we rescue. We have to be thick-skinned about it, knowing that every dog regardless of his or her size or looks, is potentially the best pet in the world with the right family. But reality bites. We know we can adopt the small dogs, and it helps when they take a really cute picture too.
We are always trying to find a way to save more of the large dogs, but at this point we have no solutions. Our City of Coleman Animal Control Officer Mona Watts knows all too well the problem with the large dogs. On a recent visit to the City shelter, Mona told us that in the last couple of weeks she had picked up over fifty-dogs and forty-two had to be put down, most of them labs, lab mixes, pits and pit mixes. It is a rare day when someone claims their dog at the Shelter.
If the Humane Society did not have the cooperation of our Police Department and Animal Control, we would not be able to save as many of the dogs that end up at the shelter as we do. Please realize the limitations of animal control in small towns with their small budgets as well. If you don’t think you could do what we do at the Humane Society by fostering and then letting a wonderful dog go to a loving new home, just imagine how you would handle Mona’s job.
Please continue to support the Humane Society through membership and your patronage at the thrift store and the furniture outlet. Our primary mission is to reduce the number of the pets that need to be rescued by offering a heavily discounted spay/neuter voucher to families who find it hard to budget for this procedure for their pets.
Our next free voucher event will be in September. Details will be announced soon. Thanks to a grant from the Coleman County Foundation we will be able to increase the number of free vouchers offered for both cats and dogs. Please take advantage of the vouchers. They save lives in ways you cannot see. Pick one up at the thrift store or call us at 625-4724.

Wreck In Coleman Late Sunday Evening
8/17/2008
A two car accident took place Sunday in Coleman. A silver Hyundai was traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 84 at about 7pm on Sunday, August 17th. The driver of the silver Hyundai pulled to the shoulder of the road to attempt a u-turn. When pulling back onto the highway the Hyundai collided with a white SUV also headed north. The SUV appeared to have rolled twice and came to a rest facing south while the Hyundai skidded and stopped facing north.

The passenger's of the SUV were transferred to Coleman County Medical Center by ambulance and their condition is unknown. The occupants of the Hyundai declined treatment at the scene.

Officer Ken Brixey of the Coleman Sherriff's Department was first on the scene. The accident was worked by Officer Kelly Barkley of the Coleman Police Department. He was assisted by EMS, First Responders, Coleman Fire Department, and other members of the Sherriff's Department.  

RAINFALL REPORTS
1.40 at the foot of the Beautiful Santa Anna Mountains
1 inch and 6/10ths as of 9am Saturday in Silver Valley
1.75 inches 8 miles out Hwy 206

50 Years As A Family
8/16/2008     (Reprinted with permission from Tara Bozick)
Adopted quintuplets remember how life changed thanks to new home, parents.
BY TARA BOZICK - TBOZICK@VICAD.COM, Victoria Advocate
August 09, 2008 - 10:12 p.m.
WOODSBORO – The five brothers and sisters didn’t expect their vacation to last this long. Fifty years ago today – Steve, Sherri, Bonnie, David and Judi – left the Buckner Children’s Home, a Baptist orphanage in Dallas, with Bill and Tomiko Kennedy. The children were told they would go on vacation with a family for three days.  “It’s been a vacation ever since,” Judi Kennedy, from Corpus Christi, said on Saturday while celebrating her dad’s 83rd birthday at the Woodsboro Dairy Queen with her mom and sister.  She looks back on how they stayed together, even though she hears stories of people who never knew their siblings.  “Thank you, God,” the 53-year-old store manager said.  Judi and the entire Kennedy Klan celebrated the 50-years-of-adoption milestone at the Refugio Lions Club Park on July 27, where the younger generations heard about the story and the siblings’ memories.
Bill and Tomiko Kennedy spent seven years trying to have children. After vacationing in Colorado in 1958, they stopped by the children’s home, thinking they would adopt a baby and heard about the five siblings. The home didn’t want to break them up.  “We didn’t faint,” Bill said. “Maybe gasped a little bit.”  He remembers driving through the gate and telling his wife that although they didn’t know “how to rear a cat,” they would not take those kids back to the orphanage.  All of them went back to a crowded home in Woodsboro, where the three girls shared one room. Bonnie Brown, now a 56-year-old from Coleman, recalls thinking, “Bless their hearts.” At age 6, she knew her new mom would have trouble keeping her wood floors pristine.  “They were so easy to rear,” Bill said. “The easiest quintet I’ve ever seen.”   Sherri Davis, now a 58-year-old teacher from Corpus Christi, created a Kennedy bingo game for the reunion with words related to all the family’s crazy or funny memories.  The word “pomegranates” made Bonnie laugh. Mom Tomiko, now 87, would always teach the kids how to eat healthy and try new foods. She brought pomegranates home one time. She left the room while the kids ate, but they figured out how to squirt juice from the fruit, which erupted into a pomegranate fight.
“It took a few coats of paint to cover it up,” Bonnie, now a family and consumer science teacher, said.
Judi and Sherri remember mom, who taught school for 45 years, would always try to give them a lesson. She taught them hard work by asking a farmer to let the kids pick cotton from the fields for a week.

That instilled in us the need to get an education so we didn’t end up with that line of work, Judi said. Although raised on modest means, the Kennedy kids never went without, Bonnie said. The couple even added the “birth child” Kevyn, now 47, and adopted Michael, now 33, to form a family of nine.  “I really do think God had this all planned,” Bonnie, who remembers experiencing abuse before entering the orphanage, said. “It has molded us. We’re a very loving family.”  David, who changed his last name back to Patton, found his birth mother and family and realized the kids were better off with the Kennedys. His situation and the Kennedys love inspired David to co-lead the Helping Hands Ministry in Portland. The ministry helps single moms, widows and Navy wives whose husbands are away. The son thinks all the kids ended up helping others in some way or another. Steve, now 59, serves as a Justice of the Peace in Goliad County.  Sherri adopted five children, four of who are siblings, and gave birth to a daughter.  “It’s like history repeated itself,” she said.  Bill Kennedy looks back on his life and smiles. The one thing he loves boasting about is how he has 27 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. The adoption of those five kids set in motion the ability to shape the future generations, he said.  “We love children,” he said. “How God blessed us.”
Local info :
Ronald and Bonnie Brown
Ronald – works at the Coleman County Tax Appraisal Office
Bonnie – teaches at Coleman High School – Family and Consumer Sciences Children
Mark Brown – works at Red River Arena/LVI in Coleman
Elizabeth Brown – works for Homes4Good (a foster care and adoption agency) in Austin
Grandson – Branson Koepp-Cox lives in Brownwood (7 years old)
They all attended the reunion.
Pictured below are:    Front row – left to right – Bonnie Brown of Coleman, Tomiko Kennedy of Woodsboro Back rown – left to right – Steven Kennedy of Goliad, Sherri Davis of Corpus Christi, Kevyn Kennedy of Taiwan (birth child), Bill Kennedy of Woodsboro, Judi Kennedy of Corpus Christi, and David Patton of Portland.

Coleman Jr. High Schedules Ready Monday, Aug. 18
Jr. High Registration Continues for New Students at CJHS
8/16/2008
Registration for all new students in grades 6-8 to Coleman Independent School District may be made anytime between 9 A.M. - 12 P.M. and 1 P.M. – 3 P.M. at the Coleman Junior High School office. This is for students who were NOT enrolled at the end of last year in Coleman schools.

Please bring a copy of the student’s birth certificate, social security card, shot immunization records and the student’s last year’s report card and any current test scores.

All students currently enrolled in grades 6-8 may pick up a copy of their class schedules at the Coleman Junior High School office between 9 A.M. - 12 P.M. and 1 P.M. – 3 P.M. starting on Monday, August 18th through Friday, August 22nd.

Early Registration Underway for Coleman ISD Pre-K and Kindergarten
8/16//2008
Coleman Elementary School will hold early registration for students entering Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten in August 2008.

To be eligible for Kindergarten, a child must be 5 years of age by September 1, 2008. To be eligible for Pre-Kindergarten, a child must be 4 years of age by September 1, 2008, and qualify for the free or reduced lunch program or qualify as a Limited English Proficiency student. The person registering the child must have a valid driver’s license. Parents must bring the child’s immunization record, social security card, and birth certificate. Birth certificates are available at the Coleman County Courthouse regardless of the county the child was born in. The certificate issued at the hospital with the child’s footprints is not a birth certificate and will not be accepted. A child will not be registered without all of the required documents.

Early registration will run thru Friday, August 22nd, from 8:30-11:30 and 1:00-3:00 each day in the Elementary School Office.  

Bus Registration in Coleman ISD
Need to Register by This Wednesday
8/16/2008
Coleman I.S.D. is registering students for bus transportation to and from school for the 2008-2009 school year. To qualify to ride the bus at no charge, students must reside 2 miles or more from the school campus or in the area located east of Commercial Avenue.

Students residing in the area located west of Commercial Avenue or within 2 miles of the campus do not qualify for free transportation but may ride for a fee. The fee is $15 for the first child in a family and $10 for each additional child in a family per month.

All students (including previous riders) intending to ride the bus need to register by Wednesday, August 20, to ensure transportation the first day of school. Students may register at the Superintendent's Office located at 300 West Pecan Street or call 625-3575.

Needham Received Medals
8/15/2008    (contributed)
Kaylee Needham (pictured below), along with several others on the shooting team from Coleman County, recently participated in the 2008 Texas 4-H Shooting Sports Games held July 21st through 26th in San Antonio. Kaylee came home with several medals in the Junior Division: First Place Class "A" Small Bore Hunter Pistol (any sight), Third Place Class "A" Air Pistol Silhouette (metallic sight), Third Place Class "A" BB Gun, and 8th Place Class "A" Air Pistol Target. Kaylee is 11 years old and in the sixth grade, is the daughter of Dr. Johnny Needham, and is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Needham.

Shooting Thursday Evening in Coleman County
8/15/2008
In a statement released by the Coleman County Sheriff's Department, Preston Kincaid was reported to have been shot Thursday evening while at Mike Tuckers residence west of Novice on FM 1770. Kincaid was at the Tucker residence when an argument erupted which resulted in Mike Tucker shooting Kincaid in the chest area with a small caliber rifle. Kincaid was transported to Abilene where he was to have surgery on the wound.

Later, another altercation at the same residence resulted in Mike Tucker being severely assaulted, wherein he was transported to Coleman County Medical Center.  He was then transferred to Shannon Hospital in San Angelo with severe head trauma. Both incidents are currently under investigation by the Sheriff's Dept, and numerous statements have been obtained.  There has been no word on the medical condition of either party.  

Panther Creek Can Pick-Up Class Schedules Monday
8/15/2008
Panther Creek Junior High and High School students, beginning Monday, August 18th through Thursday, August 21st from 8am to 3pm, can come by the administrative office and pick up your class schedule.

Two-Vehicle Wreck Thursday
8/14/2008
Around 2:00pm Thursday afternoon, a two-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of West Pecan and Neches St.  A vehicle, with one occupant, traveling east on West Pecan apparently collided with a vehicle traveling south on Neches with 4 occupants, including a small boy in his car seat. No injuries were reported at the time of the accident.  The second vehicle traveled over the west curb of Neches St. and into an empty lot, barely missing two trees. 

Tracy Rankin Attends Meeting in Austin
8/14/2008
Tracy Rankin, City Councilwoman for the North Ward, was in Austin, August 8 and 9 to attend the Newly Elected City Officials’ Orientation. The meeting was to learn about city government and leadership skills. The orientation also allowed her to visit with elected officials from across Texas. Sessions such as open government, financial responsibilities, council/staff relations, ethical government, and media relations were offered. This meeting was sponsored by the Texas Municipal League and the Association of Mayors, Council Members, and Commissioners.

NEW PASTOR FROM NEW YORK CITY
8/14/2008  (Contributed)
Central Baptist Church (at the corner of Mesquite & Concho) is happy to welcome their new pastor and family! Orvin Felicino with wife, Sheri, and children, Isabelle and Elliott are all adjusting well to the laid-back pace of Coleman Texas as compared to New York City. Isabelle will be a 3rd grader while Elliott will be a Kindergartner at Coleman Elementary. They are still getting "use to" phrases such as "Paper or Plastic?" (thank you Shoppin Basket) to which Orvin was sure they needed cash or a credit card! They have also learned "tank" is not the big water-holding thing with the Bluecat painted on top and a ride in a "mule" is not the four-legged one. Prankster, Drew Hubbard, is shown displaying the Ranger Flag behind avid Yankee fan, Orvin Feliciano. Orvin brings with him a Masters of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary but more importantly, a love for God's people and a desire for Coleman to come to a saving knowledge of our Lord. We would like to invite you to visit our web-site for exciting things coming up ( www.afamilyofhope.com ) and pray you'll join us this Sunday as we continue to grow closer to the Lord!

Local Farm Bureau Has Active Year
8/14/2008
Coleman County Farm Bureau has worked hard this year to invest money and time in developing youth leadership. This year giving a local scholarship, hosting AgDay, sponsoring local youths to area leadership conferences, and donations to local livestock committees. The following is a quick review what your local Coleman County Farm Bureau has been up to.

Meagan Ogden wins District 7 Miss Texas Farm Bureau Contest.

Local Coleman High School senior, Meagan Ogden  was named District 7 Miss Texas Farm Bureau. The contest took place in Brownwood, August 12th. Ms. Ogden is the daughter of Scott and Sheila Ogden. She was awarded a $1,000 college scholarship and will represent the district at the state contest in Corpus Christi in December. Miss Texas Farm Bureau represents the organization at various functions during the course of the year. During these functions, she will promote Texas Farm Bureau, Texas agricultural commodities and Texas Farm Bureau youth activities. To be eligible for this contest the contestant must be part of a Texas Farm Bureau member family.

Leadership Conference
Attending the Texas Farm Bureau's 45th Annual Youth Leadership Conference held at Angelo State University June 23-27, 2008 was Reece Halfmann. Reece  was sponsored by the Coleman County Farm Bureau. They joined more than 300 high school juniors and seniors from over 150 counties across the state. The purpose of the conference is to provide the students with a better understanding of their American heritage and the capitalistic free enterprise system.

The students were welcomed to Angelo State University by a university representative. Afterward, Chad Hymas of Utah, a motivational speaker, spoke about " Setting and Achieving your Goals ." Students were captivated on Tuesday morning as Hymas shared his personal message of " Overcoming Adversity ." During the weeklong event, students discuss topics such as the Free Enterprise System, Constitutional Government, Americanism, leadership and goal setting. Students are encouraged to meet with school and civic groups upon their return home to share the knowledge they have received. In addition, the students participated in a program called "Congressional Insight," which allowed them to simulate a Congressional office and election.

Colt Jamison Attends Wildlife Camp
June 15-21st Colt Jamison attended a weeklong Wildlife Conservation Camp at the Nature Conservancy's Davis Mountain Preserve in Fort Davis. The camp is designed to introduce young people to wildlife conservation and management by providing the campers with hands on activities. He saw plants, wildlife and habitats that he normally does not see in the Coleman county area.

2008 Scholarship
Congratulations to Kasondra Bouldin. This year's recipient of the $500 Coleman County Farm Bureau Scholarship. Kasondra will be attending Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

Hendrick Children's Hospital Fundraiser Brings Country Music Stars
8/14/2008
Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton will perform to raise funds for Hendrick Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network.

Country music sensations Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton will be performing an acoustic set in an intimate setting at the Legends Country Concert Sunday, September 14 in Abilene, Texas. Lambert and Shelton will be performing to help raise funds for Hendrick Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network in Abilene.

The performance, which is presented by the National Rifle Association Foundation, begins at 8 PM at Frontier Texas! in downtown Abilene. Because of the generosity of Lambert and Shelton, 100 percent of the proceeds from ticket sales go to benefit the sick and injured children served through Hendrick Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network.

“We are very fortunate these two award-winning artists have stepped up to help our cause,” said Melinda Blay, Children’s Miracle Network coordinator at Hendrick Medical Center. “Both artists regularly sell out concerts with thousands of tickets, so it is a unique honor to have them in Abilene to help raise funds and awareness for the kids served by Hendrick Children’s Hospital.”

Every dollar raised for Children’s Miracle Network is used to purchase vital medical equipment, fund important health education programs and allows Hendrick Children’s Hospital to treat every child without regard to the way they pay.

For more information about the concert or for ticket information, visit www.legendsdovehunt.com  or contact Children’s Miracle Network at Hendrick at 325-670-6557.

CONSUMER ALERT:
NEW IDENTITY THEFT SCAM TARGETS TEXAS DEBIT CARD USERS
8/14/2008
Parents who use the Texas Debit Card to access their child support payments should beware of a new identity theft scam that targets EPPICard users. The Texas Attorney General’s Office and government agencies in 14 other states use EPPICards, which are known locally as the Texas Debit Card, to disburse child support payments.

According to the Internet Complaint Center, EPPICard users have reported receiving e-mail, voice and text messages falsely indicating problems with their accounts. Card users are directed to update their accounts or correct a problem by clicking on a Web link. The link directs the individuals to a fraudulent Web site where their personal information, such as account number and PIN, is compromised; or recipients are directed to call a phone number.

EPPICard users have also reported receiving an e-mail message offering payments to those who complete an online survey. At the end of the survey, users are asked for their EPPICard account information so that funds can be credited to the account. By providing the requested information, users put their financial information at risk. EPPICard providers indicate they do not solicit personal information via e-mail or text messages.

Texas Debit Card users should be vigilant and avoid this new twist on old e-mail scheme. You should never open unsolicited e-mails or click on Web links that appear in an unsolicited e-mail. Doing so could activate hidden viruses or other malicious software or direct users to a decoy Web site that allows identity thieves to collect the information they need to empty the users’ bank accounts and ruin their credit.

Texas Debit Card users who have questions about their account should call the program’s toll-free hotline at (866) 729-6159. Parents who receive fraudulent e-mails regarding account information or survey requests should notify the Internet Complaint Center by filing an online complaint at www.ic3.gov.

ATPE Officers Announced
8/14/2008
New local, state and region officers for Association of Texas Professional Educators for the 2008-2009 terms. Cindy Jamison of Coleman Elementary will serve as Coleman County local unit President, Cheryl Buchannan of Ballinger Jr. High will serve as State ATPE Treasurer and Sarah Beal of Coleman Elementary will serve as Region XV ATPE Director. The three teachers attended the state ATPE convention held in April. Sarah Beal and Cindy Jamison assisted with Cheryl Buchannan's campaign at the state convention. Beal served on the state teller committee and counted votes. She was recognized during the convention for serving as Region XV President during the past year.

Immanuel Baptist Church of Talpa 100th Birthday
8/13/2008 (contributed)
Join members of Immanuel Baptist Church in Talpa on Sunday, August 17th in celebrating 100 years in serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Registration and Visitation begins at 10:00am followed by Worship Service at 11:00am. Jamie Rouse will conduct the music service. Special Music will be presented by Charles Pitcox, Pat Sikes Hudgins and/or Shirley Allcorn. The message will be delivered by Rev. Mike Riley.

A catered meal will be served at noon. The afternoon Service will begin at 2:00pm. Rev. Loyd Hopper will deliver the Welcome and later give the Recognition of former Pastors and their families and recognize the families of Charter Members. Special music will be presented by Janna, Jamie, and Barbara Rouse. Don Smith (member since 1939) will share memories of Talpa and the church, Nora Fletcher will present the memorials. A DVD of the church history will be shown by Jim Tapley.

This is a special invitation to all who would like to help celebrate this event and get to visit with friends from the past as well as the present to come to Talpa Sunday, August 17th. For more information, call Debbie Priddy at 325-365-3431 or Edwina Hopper at 325-636-4370.

Another Tough Budget Year for Coleman ISD
By Royce A.Young, Superintendent, Coleman ISD
8/13/2008
They say that death and taxes are the only constant and inevitable circumstances in life but I can add one more to the list. Schools have been and continue to be under funded while they are held to higher and higher accountability standards. Most of these standards are passed down to you the taxpayers in the form of unfunded mandates.

Funding for schools in Texas comes from three main sources: local sources, state funding formulas, and federal funds. The availability and amount of funds depend on local property values, enrollment and school attendance, and number of free and reduced lunch children. Most of the funding for Coleman ISD comes from the state legislature on appropriations bills passed when they are in session. Their legislative appropriations bill is based on their best guess. If the guess is too high, money is taken from the next year’s fund and if the guess is too low money is added the next year. This is why school districts are required to have a fund balance or reserve fund on hand that would be the equivalent of 3 months or 25% of the total operating budget. For Coleman, that means the district needs to keep around $2,000,000 in reserves and currently the district has around $2,700,000 in the total reserve fund budget. You can thank your Coleman ISD administration, teaching staff, and school board for the good management of school resources in order to have that kind of reserve considering the difficult times.

That’s the good news. The bad news is that by necessity the district will adopt around a $400,000 deficit budget this month to address the dramatic increases in school operation costs for the coming school year. We hope that we are overestimating expenses and underestimating revenues but school finance and the operation of schools is not an exact science. We are subject to a variety of uncertainties every year including the factors of fuel, student attendance, unexpected building maintenance needs, etc. That means that if expenditures and revenues play out in the 08-09 school year as expected, the fund balance could shrink by as much as $400,000. Obviously, the district cannot take money from the fund balance for operational costs very often without suffering financial difficulties. To give you an idea of where our costs have dramatically risen I submit the following: In mandated state teacher pay raises the budget will increase $153,000. To also put this in terms of equitability in funding, schools in the metroplex area, San Antonio area and in general everywhere except rural Texas pay their beginning teachers several thousand dollars more above base than teachers who begin here make. It used to be that there was a trade off because indeed it was cheaper to live in less populated areas than urban areas. However, it is hard to convince a young teacher who has college loans to repay that working in Coleman America is better if it means that they must begin working for $20,000 less than they could make in some of the outlying areas of the more populated sections of the state. Keep in mind that Coleman ISD pays nothing above base. Plant maintenance which includes utilities is projected to increase $97,000. This is not just electricity, gas, and water but also includes the spiraling costs of the parts and products that the district must purchase in order to maintain buildings and grounds of the District. Transportation which does include the purchase and replacement of two school busses is projected to increase $162,000. Technology which includes the support and maintenance of all the districts computers etc. is projected to increase by $121,000. This is due in part to the planned addition of 350 laptop computers to the high school as a result of a $500,000 grant that the district will receive from the state. Grants are great and needed in this instance to meet the mandates of the state in technology skill acquisition but they usually come with added costs to the district. So what you see is about $500,000 in added costs to the district and we think we will receive maybe $150,000 more from the state. That brings us to our $400,000 deficit.

As previously discussed, 80% of the operational costs to the district are in personnel. If you will remember we cut 6 personnel positions last year and can’t cut anymore without cutting some programs. Not a good solution for a district that serves a population that is 70% low income. Are you beginning to see that your elected school board and administration is faced with some tough decisions that will need to be made within the next school year?

In the last legislative session, your Texas legislature limited the local districts ability to raise revenue without calling for a rollback election. This takes months to accomplish as well as limiting the local boards ability to represent the people that placed them in office. The legislature compressed the tax rate to around a dollar. Coleman ISD today has an M&O rate of $1.04 and in 2004 it sat at $1.46. They said each district would receive revenue equal to the higher rate and most did but no means were placed in the formula for inflation and other factors that the district faces. In fact, Coleman ISD receives less funding then in 2004 because we never seemed to recapture the $300,000 lost when “Robin Hood” went away. (This was the equalization method the state used to acquire money from the rich schools and give to the poor ones.)

Is Coleman ISD facing anything that the other 1,000 school districts in the state are not? No. Is Coleman ISD facing a financial crisis? Not yet. But believe me when I say that within the next two years Coleman ISD as well as most other districts in the state will be in a world of hurt if something is not done to bring in additional revenue to adjust for the cost of inflation. My feeling and the feeling of most others is that the legislature will not deal with this problem for at least two more years. That means we are probably on our own to come up with some short term solutions. Each morning I get an update from the Texas Association of School Administrators. It appears large schools, small ones, rich ones, and poor ones are all in the same shape. We are all being asked to do more and more with less or even in the best scenario the same resources. Equitable, efficient, and sufficient funding has been debated for years and it looks like just as death and taxes are inevitable so is the dilemma of adequate and realistic funding for our public schools.

Labor Day Traffic Enforcement
8/13/2008
The Coleman Police Department will be out in force over the Labor Day holiday period. The Police Department in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation will be concentrating on speed violators, those not conforming to the State's seat belt and child restraint laws, and operators whose reflexes are impaired by alcohol or narcotics. Increased enforcement dates will be from August 15 - September 1, 2008.
Emphasis is on Safety. This is the last major holiday of the summer and families will be looking for one more trip before school gets back in full swing. Coleman Police Officers want everyone to have a safe and fun holiday.
REMEMBER : DON'T DRINK and DRIVE, SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES, SLOW DOWN - the LIFE YOU SAVE, MAY BE YOUR LOVE ONE !

Coleman County Youth Activity Center News
8/13/2008 (Submitted by Sarah Beal)
Donations: Coleman Veterinary Clinic
Memorials:
In memory of Salty Jones by Dan & Berva Dawn Taylor
In memory of Arthur Doose by Dan & Berva Dawn Taylor
In memory of Lynn Dobbis by Dan & Berva Dawn Taylor
In memory of Duane Carnes by Steve & Sarah Beal
In memory of Florence Harmes Ray by Dr. & Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham
In memory of Jack Shahan by Dr. & Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham
In memory of Mrs. Jerry Wilson by Dr. & Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham
In memory of Lucy Whittington by Dr. & Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham
In memory of Ann Wilson Ray by Dr. & Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham
In memory of Debbie Gates by Dr. & Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham, Coleman County Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Tourist Bureau
In memory of Ainslee Dela Rosa by Dr. & Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham
In memory of Don Pritchard by Dr. & Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham
In memory of Leonard Johnson by Dr. & Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham, Brett & Barbara Autry, Joe Pat & Alice Hemphill, Bill & Elaine Moore, Ben & Debbie Scott, Mike & Tanya Barker
In memory of Elizabeth Brooke by Dr. & Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham
In memory of Luther McCrary by Dr. & Mrs. R. M. Edington, Dr. & Mrs. Mark Swening, Dr. Sharilyn & James Nall, Dr. Johnny Needham
In memory of Don Starnes by Coleman Rodeo Association, Patty Eubank, Lynn & Trisha Owens, First Coleman National Bank, Kermit & Sue Sorrells, Barbara Dennis, Charles & Faye Kennedy, Coleman County Medical Center Auxiliary, Jean & Bill Coulter, John & Nell Walthall
In memory of Weldon Whitaker by Coleman County Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Tourist Bureau
In memory of Dan Edington by Coleman County Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Tourist Bureau
In memory of Hettie Scarbrough by Coleman County Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Tourist Bureau
In memory of Randy Smith by Bill & Bonnie Hennig
In memory of Mary Bolton by Mike & Tanya Barker
In memory of Emma Lou Brink Pennell by John & Nell Walthall
In memory of Jerri Meador by John & Nell Walthall
In memory of Winnie Jones by john & Nell Walthall
In memory of Richard Vaughn by John & Nell Walthall

Coleman County Youth Activity Center is a non-profit organization that depends on the rental fees of the facilities and donations. Funds are needed to pay off the “Expo Center” note and for utilities, insurance and maintenance. A “Donor Wall” for those donating $1000 and more will be put in place inside the front door of the Expo Center very soon. Donations and memorials can be sent to Coleman County Youth Activity Center, P O Box 766 or to Patricia Owens at First Coleman National Bank, P O Box 552, Coleman, TX 76834. Donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated.

Coleman Livestock Sale from Wednesday, August 20th
8/14/2008
Cattle receipts totaled 572 at the August 20th sale at the Coleman Livestock Auction.  That compares to 2,069 a week ago, and 1,379 a year ago.

Compared to last week, feeder steers were steady on light test due to wet conditions.  Feeder heifers were 1.00-2.00 lower on light test.  Slaughter cows and bulls were steady.  Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were steady to firm on light test due to wet weather. Trade was light.  Demand was moderate.  Click on the Coleman Livestock Auction banner below for a full market report.

Coleman Livestock Sale from Wednesday, August 13th
8/14/2008
Cattle receipts totaled 2,069 at the August 13th sale at the Coleman Livestock Auction.  That compares to 1,520 a week ago, and 1,098 a year ago.

Compared to last week, feeder steers under 500lbs were steady to 2.00 higher, over 500lbs were steady to firm.  Feeder heifers under 500lbs were 1.00-2.00 higher, over 500lbs were 1.00-3.00 lower.  Slaughter cows and bulls were steady.  Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were steady to firm.  Trade was good.  Demand was good.

Coleman Livestock Sale from Wednesday, August 6th
8/12/2008
Cattle receipts totaled 1,520 at the August 6th sale at the Coleman Livestock Auction.  That compares to 1,627 a week ago, and 1,669 a year ago.

Compared to last week, feeder steers under 500lbs were 2.00-4.00 lower, over 500lbs were steady to 1.00 higher.  Feeder heifers under 500lbs steady to firm, over 500lbs 2.00-3.00 higher.  Slaughter cows and bulls were steady.  Replacement cows and cow/calf pairs were steady.  Trade was good.  Demand was good. 

Joy Station Tuesday School Applications
8/13/2008
Joy Station Tuesday School is taking applications for the year beginning on September 2. Register now for a place.  Register with Beverly Gee at 526-5117 or 625-5107 or call the church office at 625-4171 before noon.

"Breaking Free" Study
8/12/2008
If you are interested in being a part of a Beth Moore Study called Breaking Free, please contact me at 352-1449. All you will need to start is the $14.95 workbook. You can purchase your book at the LIFEWAY Book Store in Abilene.  We will start the study Thursday August 21, 2008 at 10:00 am.

College Class Enrollment - WEDNESDAY, August 13th
8/12/2008
Cisco Junior College will be offering college classes through Coleman High School for CHS students beginning on August 25, 2008. Some classes may be taken in a variety of ways including on-line, via ITV, or with a teacher present in the classroom at Coleman High School. If students are interested in enrolling in any of these classes, the students and their parents must attend a mandatory meeting at the high school auditorium on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 5:00p.m. More information about the classes offered, instructions for enrolling, cost of the classes, procedure for meeting the Texas Success Initiative requirements, and scheduling will be discussed at this time. Students must be at least a junior at Coleman High School to be eligible for college classes.

Alzheimer's Disease, what can I do?  
8/12/2008
Do you ever worry when you lose the keys, can’t remember names…is it Alzheimer's disease? It is a growing concern as our population ages. Alzheimer's becomes more common as we age. There is no cure though there are ways to slow down the insidious process of the illness. There is a way to improve the ability to do the things you use to do, what we call ADL’s or activities of daily living. These ADL’s are bathing, combing your hair, dressing and eating which are activities that we take for granted each day. The progression of Alzheimer’s takes away our ability to care for ourselves. The burden of this disease ultimately falls on family members and friends as caretakers. There are treatments available to slow this progression though not to stop it.

Marge Dean, a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, will be speaking at in Santa Anna, at the Santa Anna Volunteer Dept Hospitality Room on Thursday, August 14th at 6pm. Marge is an instructor of nursing at West Texas A&M in Canyon and has done research on the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s that are recognized by caregivers and the primary care provider. She also performs mental evaluations on homebound patients for Adult Protective Services. This event is sponsored by Forest Pharmaceuticals

Attendees will receive a FREE “Family Care Kit” Includes: The Alzheimer’s activities guide, AD Awareness Pack, “The 36-Hour Day”, Day to Day Planner. Dinner will also be served. Please RSVP so we can assure adequate dinner arrangements. RSVP to Family Health Clinic, 325 348 3566

Novice ISD Dates
8/11/2008
Novice ISD is providing early registration for students entering Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten during the 2008-2009 school year. To be eligible for Kindergarten, a child must be 5 years of age by September 1, 2008, and to be eligible for Pre-K, a child must be 4 years of age by September 1, 2008. Novice is offering open enrollment for Pre-K so there is no family income limit for the child to be eligible to attend. Parents will be required to fill out the paperwork regarding income information, but acceptance into the program will be by the child’s age. Transfer students will be eligible also.

The person registering the child must have a valid driver’s license. To register a child, please bring the child’s immunization record, social security card, and birth certificate. A child will not be registered without all of the required documents.

Early registration will begin on Monday, August 11th and continue through August 22nd. The office is located in the main building and is open from 8:30 until 11:45 each morning, and 1:00 – 3:00 each afternoon, Monday – Friday. If you have questions, you may call the school office at (325) 625-4500.

CHS Dates
8/11/2008
There are several activities planned at Coleman High School to prepare students and parents for the new 2008-2009 school year. Please make note of the following dates and times.

A Fish Camp will be held at CHS on August 12, 2008 from 2:00-4:00pm. All incoming freshmen are strongly encouraged to attend. A Freshman Parent Orientation meeting will be held on August 12, 2008 from 5:30-6:45pm in the high school auditorium. Immediately following, at 6:45-7:15pm, a parent orientation on the drug testing program will be held in the auditorium. All parents of students involved in extracurricular activities at high school are encouraged to attend. Then from 7:15-8:15pm, parents of upper class members at CHS will attend an orientation session.

All high school students new to the district will need to register at the high school on August 14, 2008 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Please bring a social security card, birth certificate and health records. Any information from the school previously attended such as the end of year report card will also be helpful.

All other high school students will be picking up schedules and textbooks on August 20 and 21. A time schedule will be posted at a later date. Please call the high school at 625-2156 if you have any questions.

Illegal Dumpsite Cleanup Underway
8/6/2008
Cleanup is underway once again on the illegal tire dumpsite on the north side of Coleman.  City and County community service workers, as well as employees from the City of Coleman, are working diligently to remove the thousands of tires left behind from an individual that was operating an illegal dumpsite.  As of yesterday, it is estimated that 4-5 tractor/trailers will be used in the final cleanup of the site with each trailer holding an approximate 1500 full size tires, excluding semi and tractor tires, and will be hauled to the Stamford area for recycling.  This cleanup would not have been possible without the support and funding from the Keep Coleman Beautiful Organization, the City of Coleman and the individual monetary donations from citizens throughout the community.  Thank you for all of your support!
Doug Burks
Environmental Official

NEWS RELEASE - CITY OF COLEMAN
8/11/2008
Tracy Rankin , City Councilwoman for the North Ward, was in Austin, August 8-9, 2008 to attend the Newly Elected City Officials’ Orientation. The meeting provided an opportunity for newly elected city officials to voluntarily enhance their knowledge of city government and sharpen their leadership skills. In addition, the orientation offered an opportunity to visit with elected officials from across Texas to learn how other cities are coping with similar challenges.

During this event, attendees were offered sessions on topics such as open government, financial responsibilities, council/staff relations, ethical government, and media relations. A special presentation on “The Importance of Building a Sense of Community” was provided by TML Past President Dr. Gary McCaleb, Vice President of the University and Executive Director of the Center for Building Community, Abilene Christian University.

Elected officials from all over the state attended the Newly Elected City Officials’ Orientation, which was sponsored by the Texas Municipal League and the Association of Mayors, Council members and Commissioners, an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League. The League is a voluntary association of more than 1100 Texas cities. The City of Coleman is a member of the Texas Municipal League.

TEAM X-TREME 2.0 HAS ACCOMPLISHED THEIR FETE!!!!
8/11/2008
They left Victorville Friday morning at 4:30am and arrived in Laguna Beach at 3:30pm California time. The last day's ride was by far NOT the easiest, they encountered their steepest climb on that day. It was a 20 mile climb, with 5 miles quite excrutiating!!!!   Aaaahhh, but they made it!!!!!! Now they plan to kick back and enjoy the sights. A little surfing, a little ski diving, a little sightseeing and a little bit of swimming in the Pacific Ocean. The stayed Friday night in Laguna Beach and will stay 3 nights in Los Angeles before they head home. They will spend one night somewhere between California and Texas on their way home.
Once again, and we can't say it often enough, thank you for all your prayers and support in helping get these boys to their destination. This was a HUGE challenge and it took great dedication and great prayerful support.  David Merkley and Kyle Hart flew to California to help Team X-Treme celebrate their accomplishment. 

Young Men Stop Fire on 9th Street
8/7/2008
Around 11:30 Thursday morning, several youngsters were riding their bikes west on East 9th Street. They noticed a fire burning in the yard of a house on the corner of 9th and Brazos. Thomas Hurtado sent Colton Little (both 10 years old) home several blocks away to call 911 first. Thomas then went to the front door and knocked and knocked to try to get the owners out. No one was home. While he was doing this, several kids went down the street to check on other fires that had begun in several yards. Thomas and his brother Lucas proceeded to try to put out the fire they were watching. When Thomas and Eric were trying to turn on water hoses (one in the front yard, and one in the back yard) Thomas realized the water supply was cut off at the street. He ran to find the main valve and turned the water on! Colton returned to help Thomas and Lucas put out the fire that eventually got within about 5 feet of the southwest corner of the house.

Gary Payne of the Coleman Fire Department states they believe a pickup going west on East 9th was dragging a chain that was swinging onto the curb.  This sparked around 10 spot fires in yards from the 400 block to the 800 block of East 9th.  Several of these fires down East 9th were stopped by other citizens.  Plumber George Jones and his assistant stopped a fire from reaching a xeroscape landscape next to a house.  Steve Gray and Andrew Woodcock, city cemetery employees, also put out a fire. 

The three young men above and their friends, and the other Coleman citizens are heroes in the hearts of Colemannews.com and certainly the home owners on 9th Street.  The fire department congratulates everyone for the good decisions they made in a circumstance that could have turned disastrous.   

Three Vehicles Involved in Wreck
8/6/2008
At around 5:35pm Wednesday, a wreck involving 3 vehicles occurred on Commercial Avenue near the 6th Street intersection.  One male was transported to the emergency room by ambulance, and one male was transported by private vehicle. The 3 other individuals involved showed no injuries. Sandy Parsons, with the Coleman Police Dept., stated they believe all vehicles were traveling northbound on Commercial when the accident occurred. Traffic was rerouted off Commercial for about 30-45 minutes until the accident scene was cleared.

Coleman County Rural Rail District Board Meets
8/6/2008
The CCRRD met in the Chamber of Commerce board room on Wednesday morning. The agenda was to elect officers, discuss/approve by-laws, and to discuss studies regarding rural rail lines. John Helsley of the Texas Alliance of Rail Districts opened the meeting. CCRRD Board members Judge Jimmie Hobbs, Harold Skelton, Roger Nelson, Raymond Cupps, Bill Worley, and John Hensley were all in attendance. Tim Manley was unable to attend. After minutes of the previous meeting were approved, Helsley opened the floor for nominations for President of the Board. Elections for officers went as follows: President, Jimmie Hobbs; Vice-President, Roger Nelson; Secretary, Mary Griffis (non-board member); and Treasurer, Harold Skelton. Following this, a draft of the by-laws was discussed. Skelton and Nelson suggested some grammatical corrections and additions, then the by-laws were approved by the board.

John Helsley then reported on his attendance of the TxDOT "Sunset Hearings" in Austin. While there, he and Bob Turner testified, along with many others, on the South Orient Rail Line, owned by the State of Texas. The Sunset Commission was not aware that the rail line was owned by the state, and therefore had many questions. John Helsley and Bob Turner met with the commissions' staff on a later date to answer many of those questions. (To read more on TxDOT's October 2005 Rail Line Plan, click HERE.)

The Coleman County Rural Rail District, which will be on the state books as an official non-profit agency soon, were given copies of the report given to the Sunset Commission for future reference. The board had a lengthy discussion of these hearings, the state's role in the South Orient Rail Line, and Texas Pacifico's present interests in the care of the rail line from Fort Stockton to the Coleman Junction. Future applications for possible grants through the USDA were mentioned, along with other methods of obtaining funds for the CCRRD. Before the meeting was closed, the next meeting date of September 3rd was set. For more information on the accomplishments and goals of the Texas Alliance of Rail Districts, go to: www.gotrail.org

Team X-Treme Update
8/6/2008
Wednesday, Team X-Treme are on their way to Essex, CALIFORNIA.   They might cross the Nevada state line just to cross another state line - sounds like something Team X-Treme 2.0 would not pass up on.  Their ride went well on Tuesday - mostly downhill and cool weather.  Jack and Brent each had a flat tire. They stayed mainly on Interstate 40, something they had decided to do after talking to a DPS Trooper in Flagstaff who assured them that it wasn't too busy to travel on. They did venture off onto Route 66 and ate a hamburger and fries at a good old diner. At one point they met up with another cyclist who was part of a group of 30  riding from Boston to California. Also, sometime during the day, Adam and Tye were driving the pickup and met a man who was WALKING from New York to California. He has been walking for five months and 20 days. The guys think they would rather go by bike any old day.  Their spirits are still up and are beginning to taste the finish line. THREE MORE DAYS!!!

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 The theme of the program is "Castles & Crowns", so people dressed in medieval costumes can be seen throughout the evening. The children's activities include arts and crafts, theater, games, story time, singing and a snack. Prizes are awarded nightly in a drawing.
According to Pastor Jerry Chastain, "The program has been wonderful, with many children attending. We are enjoying seeing the kids have such a fun time while learning about Christ." The program is being held every evening this week, Monday through Friday, from 6:45 till 9:00, at the Seventh Day Adventist Church located at 142 CR 106 in Santa Anna. This Saturday morning from 11:00 till 12:00 a special program will be given involving the children that attended during the week. Also at that time two bicycles will be given away at a drawing. It is not too late for any child age 5 - 12 to begin attending. Registration is still open. For more information call Pastor Jerry Chastain at (325) 348-6025.

Homemade Canned Goods Benefitting Santa Anna Food Bank Ministry
8/5/2008
Kay Gray, longtime citizen of Coleman County, spends countless hours canning in her kitchen. Below is a list of items that she sells. All proceeds benefit the Santa Anna Food Bank Ministry. You can also purchase these wonderful items at Travelers Treasures, 301 Wallis Avenue, Santa Anna, Texas 76878. You may call John Morris at 325-642-1874 or Jenny Wagner at 325-348-3416 for more information. Due to the economy, the Santa Anna Food Bank is now helping over 100 families monthly from all over Coleman County. The Food Bank is in need of your monetary donations or help by purchasing some of the following items. I am in Coleman on Monday Mornings and will not mind bringing an order and meeting you somewhere.
LIME SWEETS PICKLES                 $4.00
BREAD & BUTTER PICKLES           $3.00
POLISH DILLS SPEARS                  $3.00
PICKLED OKRA                              $3.00
BANANA PEPPER CHOW-CHOW   $3.00
PINT CHOWCHOW                         $4.00
SALSA                                           $2.00
RED PLUM JAM                             $2.50
BLACKBERRY JELLY                     $2.50
PEAR PRESERVES                       $2.50
PEACH PRESERVES                     $3.00
PINT SPICED PEACHES                 $4.00
PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT IN HELPING THE SANTA ANNA FOOD BANK .

Team X-Treme 2.0 Update
8/5/2008 (contributed)
The young men traveling to California on bicycles have stopped in Arizona for a two-night visit.  They didn't sleep in and lay around the house all day...much to their host family's surprise... they were up and at 'em around 7:30am - off to the Grand Canyon. They spent the whole day there taking in the magnificent sight - the awesomeness!!! Jack took his video camera and did some filming for his documentary that he has been working on. They returned to the home they were staying at and crashed? No, they went outside and played football with Michael, 15, and Daniel, 11, while the hosts cooked hamburgers out on the grill. They really had a great day!!  Today, it's back on the bikes. It will be a long 149 miles, but hopefully the majority of it will be downhill with cooler temperatures (for awhile). Their destination is Kingman, AZ.

Kick off the School Year with a Bang!
8/5/2008
Come enjoy a coloring contest, cake/pastry contest and auction, swimming, face painting, water balloon volleyball and fun family games while learning about Girl Scouts.

Everyone is invited to the Coleman City Park on August 8th from 6-8pm to enjoy these activities.

For more information contact Kristi Slocum at 325-646-1516 or by email at KristiS@gsctx.org

Statistics for Coleman Police Department in July 2008
8/5/2008
Investigations: Criminal Trespass-1, Forgery-1, Theft-11, Burglaries-11, Assault-1, Aggravated Assault-1, Criminal Mischief-6, Contempt of Court-1.
Arrests: Public Intoxication-3, Driving While Intoxicated-2, Driving While License Invalid-1, Burglary of Habitation-1, Criminal Trespass-1, Minor in Possession of Alcohol-1, Warrants-15.
Accidents: No Injury-5.
Tickets Issued: Animal Control-1 ticket issued with 1 charge filed, Code Enforcement-7 tickets issued with 7 charges filed, Police Department-83 tickets issued with 97 charges filed.
Warning Issued: Animal Control-2, Code Enforcement-1, Police Department-33.
Animal Control: Calls for Service-110, Dogs Picked Up-54, Cats Picked Up-25, Other Animals Picked Up-5 (1 Raccoon, 3 Skunks, and 1 Opossum), Dead Animals Removed from Roadway or Residence-5.

Texas Ag Commissioner to Keynote Big Country Wheat Conference Aug. 19
8/4/2008 (Contributed)
Todd Staples, Texas Agriculture Commissioner, is the scheduled keynote speaker at the Big Country Wheat Conference, to be held August 19. This biennial conference starts with registration at 7 a.m. in the Big Country Hall which is located on the grounds of the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene. This event is the largest and most comprehensive educational wheat program in Texas, with speakers and participants from across Texas and Oklahoma. This conference is scheduled just before planting so growers will have time to apply what they learn to this year’s crop.
Topics will include the political climate of bio-fuels, a wheat-related farm bill update, 2009 Price outlook, marketing to your advantage, weed control, variety selection and grazing data, and a stocker cattle decision tool. Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units (two general and one integrated pest management) will be available for private pesticide applicator license-holders.
The conference will be conducted by the Extension offices in Callahan, Fisher, Jones, Nolan, Runnels, Shackelford and Taylor counties. Individual registration is free if you pre-register to one of the sponsoring counties by August 15, and $20 thereafter.
For more information contact the Taylor County Extension office at 325-672-6048, or any of the sponsoring Extension offices.

And the Winner is...Lorena Cullins
8/4/2008
The winner of the Coleman County Child Welfare Board raffle for the $450 Wal-mart gift card is...Lorena Cullins. Welfare Board members Nina Childress, Bonnie Brown, and Mary Griffis gave Lorena her gift card Monday morning.  The Board wishes to thank everyone for participating in the raffle, and remind you that all the money received goes towards helping foster kids in Coleman County. 

Burkett - On the Banks Of Pecan Bayou
8/4/2008
First of all – directions to get you to the Community Center,
Coming from Coleman – Hwy 206 to Burkett, Come into town across the old bridge (remember its one lane traffic) into town to Post Office turn right between the Burkett Fire Dept. and the Burkett Post Office. Community Center is on the left second place down. Just look for a lot of cars. (It’s the old Methodist Church)  Sue told me that refreshments would be ready about 6:30PM and the program would start about 7:00 PM, Burkett time.  Linda Brady will give a short history of the community of Burkett. Then “Dad” Bloodworth and Grady Harris, both ‘old timers’ in the area will give a rundown on events and happenings of Burkett Past. Roy Dean Young, another of the ‘old timers’ will tell some of the area history. He was a student in the Live Oak school near Webville. He will probably mention the old wooden bridge that had to be crossed to get to Webb’s Store.  Remember – all this takes place on Thursday, Aug. 7th, starting about 6:30PM.  All members of the media are welcomed (probably be given a special seat) to come, enjoy the program and get a chance to visit Burkett in person.

CITY OF COLEMAN IS AWARDED A PUBLIC PROTECTION
CLASS 3 BY THE INSURANCE
8/4/2008
Following a recent audit by the Insurance Services office, Inc. (ISO), the City of Coleman was granted a Public Protection Class (PPC) rating of 3. The previous rating for the city was 6. ISO is an independent organization that serves insurance companies, fire departments, insurance regulators, and others by providing information concerning the ability of a municipality or agency to respond to emergency situations. The PPC rating is used in setting base charges for property insurance rates within a given city. Virtually all U.S. insurers of homes and business property use the ISO Public Protection Classification in calculating insurance premiums. In general, the price of property insurance in a community with a good PPC is substantially lower than in a community with a poor PPC, assuming all other factors are equal.

In addition to the potential for positive impact to insurance rates, the improved PPC rating reflects significant improvement in emergency response capabilities within our community. The ISO’s PPC program evaluates communities according to a uniform set of criteria, incorporating nationally recognized standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association and the American Water Works Association. The PPC ratings range from 1 to 10, with 1 representing exemplary public protection and 10 being unacceptable. The program provides objective standards for fire departments and agencies in identifying needs and planning for improved performance. 10% of the PPC is determined on fire alarm and communication systems, including telephone (911), staffing and dispatching systems. 50% of the rating is based on the Fire Department, including equipment, staffing, training, fire code and inspections. The remaining 40% is set on the water supply system, including condition and maintenance of fire hydrants, available water volume and flow pressures.

The bottom line is that communities with good PPC ratings have lower fire losses than communities with poor ratings. The improved rating for the City of Coleman came as the result of a determine effort by the Coleman Fire Department and the City’s Public Works Division, working together to make the improvements needed to meet the criteria for the PPC rating. The City of Coleman now stands in the top 30% of Texas Cities in PPC ratings. Ratings of other cities in our area include: Ballinger, Winters, Cisco, and Eastland all rated at 7. Early, Breckenridge and Brady are rated at 6. Brownwood is rated 5 and Abilene is at 3.

The Coleman Fire Department and the City of Coleman Public Works Division are to be commended for their hard work and success with this endeavor.

Coleman Cyclists Now in Arizona
8/4/2008
Team Extreme 2.0 continues their journey to sunny California. This is the latest update from the road:

Words cannot express the appreciation for the support that everybody has given these five young men. Every time one of the parents talks to them on the phone they are told about how everybody asks how they are doing, comments on what a fantastic journey they are going on and encourages them to complete this challenge they have undertaken. The team is in awe and are very humbled by this. They in turn want everyone to know that they are holding the course, but that the course is pretty tough. They usually start at the crack of dawn each morning and finish anywhere from 4:30 to 6:30 each day.

They unload the truck, take a shower, go eat, sometimes take a dip in the pool and go to bed. "Then in the morning we do it all over again" says Brent. They want everyone to know that they truly and deeply appreciate all the encouragement and support that is relayed to them through their parents.

Friday and Saturday were quite a test as the terrain began to get steeper. At the end of Friday they had reached the halfway mark. They had ridden through an Indian Reservation and there had been some children out playing, two of the boys were riding their horses bareback and rode along with team for awhile. On Saturday, when they rode through the town of Zuni people were waving at them and honking the horns in their cars - it really boosted their spirits. It was soon after that they crossed the border or to Arizona.

Sunday was by far the most strenuous day of riding. They started their ride at 8:00am Arizona time and rode 90 miles with about 40 of those miles in high winds and majority of the ride uphill. They finished their course, in Flagstaff, AZ around 8:00pm their time. They are staying at the home of Paul and Beth Langston. Beth is the sister of Diane Smith. Today is a much needed DAY OFF with a planned trip to the Grand Canyon.

TEAM EXTREME 2.0 consists of Adam Dobbins, Brent Sloan, Ndifon Agbor, Tye Barnett, and Jack Reynolds.  They are riding their bikes from Coleman to Laguna Beach, California (1039 miles).

Accountability Ratings for Schools in Coleman County
8/1/2008
The state has released 2008 Accountability Ratings for schools in Texas. Ratings by school district are listed below. You may go to this link for detailed information about our schools or other schools in the state.   http://www.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/account/2008/index.html
DISTRICT NAME: COLEMAN ISD
ACCOUNTABILITY RATING: Academically Acceptable
COLEMAN H S Academically Acceptable
COLEMAN J H Recognized
COLEMAN EL Academically Acceptable
_________________________________________
DISTRICT NAME: SANTA ANNA ISD
ACCOUNTABILITY RATING: Academically Acceptable
SANTA ANNA SECONDARY Academically Acceptable
SANTA ANNA EL Recognized
_________________________________________
DISTRICT NAME: PANTHER CREEK CISD
ACCOUNTABILITY RATING: Recognized
PANTHER CREEK H S Recognized
PANTHER CREEK EL Recognized
_________________________________________
DISTRICT NAME: NOVICE ISD
ACCOUNTABILITY RATING: Academically Unacceptable
NOVICE SCHOOL Academically Unacceptable

Team X-Treme 2.0 - Day 5
8/1/2008
Day #5 - July 31, 2008 - Santa Rosa to Albuquerque 118 miles.
Team X-Treme 2.0 left Santa Rosa at 5:30am (TX time) and arrived in Albuquerque at 4:30pm (TX time). It was a long day, but with slightly cooler temperatures. "The first 50 miles was pretty slow going, but after that it went really well" according to Jack. Brent said that it was really neat to look ahead and see the mountains in the horizon  They had a good ride with no mechanical problems, no flat tires. They did need to get to Albuquerque early enough to get to a bike shop to replenish their tire and intertube supply as it dwindled quite a bit on day #3. After that stop they were able to unpack, go eat, relax and get to bed early. Tye said "we loaded up on some great Chinese food". He also said that he, Ndifon and Brent had stopped in Vaughn, while riding, to get something to drink and met a man whose name is Wayne Martin who said he was from Coleman County. Unfortunately they didn't have a camera on them, or their bikes, at that time.
Tomorrow's ride will be their HALF-WAY mark. lt will take them to Thoreau, NM. Alternate routes have been figured to get them off of the interstate, but keep them at the same destinations and the same amount of mileage. (It also eases the parents minds a bit.)  All in all, at the end of the day they were all in good spirits, pretty tired, but still very much enthused about the challenge ahead. Once again, they thank everyone for their continued encouragement and prayers.

Coleman County Sheriff’s Dept. Activity Report
July 9th-July 29th 2008
8/1/2008
In addition to ongoing investigations and countywide patrols, the Sheriff’s Dept. responded to 72 calls for service or activities that are listed as follows: 8 Traffic Contacts, 1 Call to assist with grass fire, 1 Investigation of Violation of a Protective Order, 27 Calls for cattle on highway or roadway, 2 Calls for investigation of traffic accidents, 1 Transport of Mental Patient to Wichita Falls State Hospital, 3 Suspicious person calls, 1 Call to Coleman County Medical Center ER for possible Assault investigation, 1 Call to investigate property line dispute, 1 Call to search for missing juvenile (subsequently located), 1 Criminal arrest for Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct, 1 Bailiff for District Court, 8 Service of Civil Process, 1 Provide guard for inmate admitted to Hospital, 1 Response to Security Alarm, 1 Call regarding 4-wheelers on public roadway, 3 Calls to assist Coleman PD, 1 Call to assist Brownwood with Criminal Warrant, 2 Welfare checks, 1 Call to assist stranded motorist, 2 Calls to assist DPS, 1 Investigation of Telephone Harassment, 1 Assault investigation, 1 Transport of inmate to Hospital, 1 Transport of inmate to Runnels County Jail.

We are currently holding 10 inmates in the Coleman County Jail charged with or convicted of the following charges: 1 charged with (2) counts of aggravated assault, 1 charged with Poss. of Controlled Substance, Criminal Trespass, and Blue Warrant, 1 charged with evading arrest, FTA, Aggravated Assault, and Class A Assault, 1 charged with Manufacturing or Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Blue Warrant, 1 charged with Aggravated Assault, 1 charged with MTR on Possession of Marijuana, 1 charged with possession of a controlled substance MTR, 1 charged with Burglary of a Building, 1 charged with Aggravated Robbery, 1 charged with MTR / Theft.

We are currently holding 6 inmates in the Runnels County jail due to overpopulation of the Coleman County jail: 1 charged with Terroristic Threat, Violation of Protective order and Blue Warrant, 1 charged with Manufacturing or Delivery of a Controlled Substance, 1 charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Marijuana, 1 charged with Motion to Revoke - Retaliation, 1 charged with Criminal Mischief, 1 serving sentence for Assault Family Violence.

And the Winner is!
8/1/2008
The winner of the Coleman County Child Welfare Board raffle for the $450 Wal-mart gift card is...Lorena Cullins. Shari Craig, Welfare Board member made the call to Lorena after Amy Hinds drew her name from the bucket of tickets held by Bonnie Brown, also a Welfare Board member. Board member Nina Childress was also in attendance at the drawing. The Board wishes to thank everyone for participating in the raffle, and remind you that all the money received goes towards helping foster kids in Coleman County.