News Archives - May 2009

Update Given on Courthouse Restoration Project
5/29/2009
Coleman County won't likely receive funding for a courthouse restoration project during the state's current budget cycle. But the County plans to forge ahead and get everything in order for the state's next budget cycle in two years.

Coleman County Commissioners heard an update Friday morning on the Courthouse Restoration Project.

According to County Judge Jimmie Hobbs, he is going to ask a representative of a San Antonio financial firm to attend a Commission meeting in the near future to explain the process of selling certificates of obligation to fund the county's portion of the project.

Since our last report, Hobbs and other county representatives have attended meetings with the Texas Historical Commission. The Commission receives funding from the Texas Legislature every two years, money which funds courthouse restoration projects statewide. While the exact amount of money to fund restorations is not known, the Historical Commission believes it will be around $20 million in this cycle, well short of the $40 million they had hoped for.

What that means for the Coleman County project is there are several others counties, such as Rusk, LaSalle, Hamilton and Comal, which already have projects underway who will receive first funding.

Coleman County can proceed with its plans and specifications to get ready for the next round of funding. Judge Hobbs wants to put together a timetable to finalize the county's plan by this Fall to have it presented to the state for consideration for funding in the next budget cycle in two years. "Coleman County will be ready, primed and sitting on the step," said Hobbs in reference to proceeding with the project.

It has been previously reported from earlier meetings that if the courthouse is renovated, some of the county offices would permanently move out of the courthouse. When asked Friday which offices would move, Judge Hobbs said the County Clerk, Tax Assessor-Collector and one other office, still undecided, would relocate. Hobbs said the costs to relocate the offices to other buildings is included in the $979,000 previously reported as the county's part of the project.

Below, find a reprint of the story we ran on April 1, 2009, concerning the cost of the project.

To Restore or Not
Either Way, County Courthouse Needs Costly Repairs
4/1/2009
The County Commissioners' meeting on Tuesday morning began with a presentation from Larry Irsik from ArchiTexas, Inc. This is the firm the commissioners hired to do the Master Plan required by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) for the process of looking into the possible restoration of the Coleman County Courthouse. Mr. Irsik went into detail on how the THC receives and distributes funding for the restoration of courthouses, and discussed the legislative connection to the funding approval. He then shared a bit of the history of the construction in 1884 and rebuilding of the courthouse in the 1950's. His presentation then moved to the existing site conditions, which was a long list of problems the courthouse presently has, including:
Exterior: Lack of curb ramps, sidewalks in disrepair, exterior cracking of the building, exposed conduit, windows needing rehabilitation or replacement, sealants failing, mortar missing, roof flashing issues, and low slope of roof leading to deterioration.
Interior: Cracks in walls, plaster deteriorating, and probably asbestos in flooring and piping.
Building Code: Exit signs must be illuminated, fire alarm detection, change in handrails, sprinkler system, stair wells need to be enclosed, and the steps outside are uneven.
Accessibility: Americans with Disabilities Act regulations - restrooms, drinking fountains, ramps, and handrails.

In looking at the costs of the restoration versus getting the problems fixed (and many others not mentioned above), it was amazing to see the difference in what the county would be responsible for paying. The cost for the County for the restoration would be almost 1/2 of the amount the county would have to pay in repairing and upgrading the present courthouse as is.
Restoration:
$5,066,527
+ 200,000 (4th floor renovation and addition)
$5,266,527

The THC would cover 85% of this total cost = $4,476,548
Coleman County would cover 15% of this - $ 979,979

Maintenance and upgrading the present courthouse as is: $1,866,985
Coleman County would be responsible for 100% of this amount.

Mr. Irsik mentioned that included in the estimate above is a 3% increase for inflation and changes that may be made to the plan. He also mentioned several of the updates and restoration pieces that would be included: courtroom re-floored with reconditioned pine from some other old building, a pressed metal ceiling, period lighting (but with dimming capabilities for presentations), an audio-visual system with many new technological capabilities. He also discussed the importance of contracting local craftsmen and construction companies to help stimulate Coleman's growth.

Wreck Wednesday Night
5/29/2009
There was a two car accident Wednesday evening around 8:30pm. The driver of the white pickup was headed west on West 2nd and failed to yield, hitting a black SUV causing it to roll over. There were no serious injuries reported at the time of the accident. The driver of the white pickup was was arrested and received a DWI.

Panther Creek Science Fair Results
5/29/2009
On May 8th, 2009,  Panther Creek CISD held a science fair for grades 3 through seven.  A total of 61 projects were reviewed by judges from the Region XV Education Service Center.  Projects were judged based on knowledge gained, the scientific process, verbal presentation, and neatness and organization of the presentation board.  The top six places were awarded a place ribbon, and the grade level overall winners and best of fair winner were awarded a ribbon rosette. CLICK HERE for a complete list of winners.

Mark Williams Appointed to Ambulance Task Force
5/29/2009
An item before County Commissioners Friday morning was the appointment of a Commissioner to the Coleman County Ambulance Task Force to replace Mike Barker. Precinct One Commissioner Mark Williams will take Barker's place as a county representative on the task force.

Sheriff's Dept. to Apply for Equipment Grant
5/29/2009
County Commissioners passed a resolution Friday morning to allow Sheriff Wade Turner to apply for a grant for equipment. If received, the grant will pay for new cameras and bullet-proof vests for the sheriff's department. If approved, the grant requires no local matching funds.

Coleman Swimming Pool
Open Saturday May 30th
5/29/2009
The City offices have announced that the swimming pool in the park on the north side of Coleman will be opening on Saturday, May 30th for the 2009 summer season. Meagan Ogden will be the Manager for the pool this year. The hours will be Tuesday through Saturday 1:00 to 6:00pm and Sundays 2:00 to 6:00pm. The pool will be CLOSED each Monday. The final day of the summer swimming will be August 15th, when the pool will close.

There are new rates for swimming - 12 and under $2.00 per person and 13 and over $4.00 per person. For more information on the rates for parties, Adult Night and Family Night click on the link below. There also will be a link on the Calendar page all summer for access at any time.

County Bridge System Gets Good Report
5/29/2009
Coleman County Commissioners received a good report Friday morning concerning the county's off-system bridge inspections.

Kathy Griffin with the Texas Department of Transportation gave each commissioner a copy of the report which is done every two years. Griffin said nothing has drastically changed since the last report. The only issue was that two signs were missing from a bridge on County Road 108 in Precinct Two which has already been addressed.

Commissioners Appoint Two New Members to Child Welfare Board
5/29/2009
Coleman County Commissioners Friday morning appointed Adam Comeaux and Mike Kerzee to serve on the Coleman County Child Welfare Board.

Both relatively new residents of Coleman, Comeaux serves as minister of Elm Street Church of Christ while Kerzee is minister of First United Methodist Church.

McMurry 25th Annual Hall of Honor Induction Held
Coleman County Pittard Family Included
5/29/2009
Louis and Eugenia Pittard, Wiley Wise, Clayton Brooks, and the 1924 McMurry Indian baseball team make up the 2009 McMurry Athletic Hall of Honor Class.

Former football great Wiley Wise (class of ’59), basketball great Clayton Brooks (class of ’65), generous McMurry athletic supporters Louis and Eugenia Pittard, and the 1924 Indian baseball team were  inducted on May 16th.

The following is biographical information regarding the 2009 McMurry Hall of Honor Class:

Louis & Eugenia Pittard (Recipients of the Bob and Clara Brown Indian Award)
Louis & Eugenia Pittard’s generosity has impacted McMurry’s athletics program tremendously. Thanks to the Pittard's, McMurry is one of a handful of schools in NCAA Division III to have a state-of-the-art JumboTron where instant replays, videos and music enhance the crowds’ enjoyment at football games. The JumboTron not only enhances football game productions for fans at Wilford Moore Stadium, but it is also serves as a wonderful recruiting mechanism for prospective student-athletes who are considering attending McMurry. Additionally, the JumboTron will be used in the future for events such as student-wide movie nights at Wilford Moore Stadium, and the home track & field meets will utilize the giant screen to display meet results.

The Pittard's never attended a class at McMurry but they have a vested interest in the success of the University’s athletic programs as three of their four children were student-athletes at McMurry. Gary was a four-year letter winner on the Indian football team from 1964-68, serving as co-captain of the 1968 team. He was also Chief McMurry in 1968. Nancy was a three-year letter-winner on the women’s basketball team from 1976-78, earning Most Valuable Player accolades on the 1976 and 1978 Lady Indian squads. The former Reservation Princess (1978 recipient) now works at McMurry as the Executive Director of University and External Relations. Robert was a three-year letter-winner on the Indian football team from 1977-79, earning all-conference accolades two years and a spot on the 1979 NAIA all-American honorable mention team. Louis and Eugenia’s eldest son, Knox, played football and graduated from Baylor University, another institution the Pittard's hold dear to their hearts as they have been generously supportive of Baylor, as well.

Louis, a farmer and rancher for over 60 years, resides in Voss, Texas. Eugenia, who died in 2007, was a retired high school teacher who taught for 30 years. The Pittard's have eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Clayton Brooks (football)
Clayton Brooks was a four-year letter-winner and two-year starter at point guard for legendary McMurry basketball coach Hershel Kimbrell from 1960-1964. He excelled on and off the court at McMurry as co-captain of the Indians’ 1964 basketball team and as senior class president.  Brooks and his wife, Deborah, live in Abilene.

Wiley Wise (basketball)
Wiley Wise graduated from McMurry in 1959 and was a standout football player for the Indians. Wise was one of the most respected tight ends as well as defensive ends in the Lone Star Conference, garnering all-LSC accolades in 1957. He was also a two-time all-Texas College selection, as well as a two-time all-City selection. Over the course of his four-year playing career with the Indians, Wise helped McMurry to three (1955, 1957, 1958) LSC titles, all while being a member of the Army National Guard.

Wise and his wife, Martha, have been married for 50 years and have two adult children: Jeffrey, who resides in Abilene and Jay, who resides in Tuscola. The Wise’s also have four grandchildren.

1924 Indian Baseball Team (recipients of the Team Award)
In the spring of 1924 – just the second year of McMurry’s existence – a group of 13 young men with names like “Red,” Razzberries,” “Cisco” and “Shorty” made McMurry history, fielding the school’s first baseball team. While that team played only five games – winning four – they were the start of a proud, albeit sporadic, McMurry athletic tradition.

After a 47-year absence, McMurry brought back baseball in 1996 and has enjoyed tremendous success since then as a perennial Division III power. Since the University brought back baseball in 1996, McMurry has won four American Southwest Conference Championships and has made four NCAA Regional Tournament Appearances.

Coleman County Well Represented in Texas Steak Cook-off
5/29/2009    by Kim E. Horne
The 6th annual Texas Steak Cook-off was held May 16th in Hico, Texas. Thousands of Steak eaters invaded downtown Hico, Texas to attend the largest Steak cook-off in the Southwestern US. Live music, hors d’oeuvres, and wine tasting were enjoyed by the crowd. Five teams from Coleman entered. They were: The Fast and the Furious (Jeff Tibbits and family), The Sons of the Motherless Goat (Mark Martinez and crew), Coleman County Cookers (Dwayne Saverance), The Elite Cooks of Coleman County (Mike Barker) and Pica Pideras (Wes Gentry).

When I talked to Jeff Tibbetts about his experience at the cook-off he was very impressed with the set up and liked that the event was held downtown. It reminded him of when Coleman’s Fiesta was held downtown and he misses that. He said that on Friday they picked up 2 steaks at the cook meeting and served the one he liked the best on Saturday. He prepared the steaks the same way he prepares then at home for his friends and family. There were 82 teams entered from all over the United States. The Food Network and Everyday with Rachael will be featuring the cook-off on their television shows in 2010. Jeff said, “I thought we’d be lucky to make it in the top 25.” So I guess he was surprised when he won 3rd! Mark Martinez placed 7th. Dwayne Saverance also made it into the top 25.

Coleman is lucky to have such a wonderful group of people to represent our County. It is not often you have one, much less three, people who place at a cooking event as big as this one was in Hico. I am hoping they will invite me out some night so I can judge for myself. Good Job Guys!

Bluecat Basketball Camp
5/28/2009
June 15-18
Coleman Jr. High Gym
General Information:
Boys from Kindergarten-9th grade can attend this camp. (2009-2010 school year)
Each camp participant will receive a t-shirt.
Discounts will be given to families with more than 1 camper. 
CLICK HERE to print registration form and to get more information.

Rainfall Reports
***3/4 in of rain 2.7 miles south of Burkett...Margret Matthews
***The Laws ranch NW of Glen Cove got 2.2" of rain and about 10" of wind and thunder.
No hail, but rain was blowing sideways -- hard!
***Rainfall at Sammie and Imogene Powers farm near the Brown-Coleman line Tuesday night-----1 inch and .2.  No wind or hail, just rain.

Food Protection Management Training Class Available to
Food Service Establishments
5/27/2009   Contributed by: Christin Burris, CEA-FCS / Coleman Co.
A two-day Food Protection Management training for food service managersin the Big County area will be held July 13 & 20, 2009  from 8:00 am 5:00 pm at the Taylor County Extension Office in Abilene.

The training will allow food establishments permitted by Texas Department of Health to meet their certification requirements if they pass the state exam.  Food service establishments permitted by
Environmental Health Section of the City of Abilene are also invited to attend.  The class covers twelve food safety concepts related to personal hygiene, cross contamination, time and temperature, sanitation, pest management, food borne illness and related areas.  The course is sponsored by Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Taylor, Nolan and Jones Counties, the Environmental Section of the City of Abilene and Texas Department of Health.

Cost for the class is $110, which includes the exam and book.  The cost for the exam only is $60.   Registration deadline is June 23, 2009.
 
A registration brochure is available  at the Coleman County Extension Office, 2nd floor, County Courthouse, or,  for further information, you may contact the Taylor County Extension Office at 325-672-6048, the Jones County Extension Office at 325-823-2432 or the Nolan County Extension Office at 325-235-3184. 

The next classes will be held Oct. 19 & 26, 2009. 

Coleman's Got Talent!
5/27/2009      by Kim E. Horne
I started doing this story on a band that my friend Doug Burks is a member of and ended up realizing there is a lot of wonderful talent in our sleepy little county.. I got the opportunity to get to know two very good bands from our county - BARBWIRE and FOUR BARREL.

It began on a Wednesday night near Santa Anna, Texas at the home of Bill and Tanna Gilbreath. I thought to myself, "This band has been together a few months, knowing Doug as a song writer; they'll sound "All right." I could have never been so wrong; they were better than "All right," they flat out ROCKED! The band is composed of Doug Burks-guitar and vocals (above left), Willie Gilbreath-bass guitar and background vocals, Bill Gilbreath-lead guitar, and Charlie Croft (below left) on drums. They started out "jamming" for me and I immediately knew they were something special. Named by Doug's wife Ginger, BARBWIRE is a talented group of guys. They sang a few cover songs and I was impressed at how they put their own unique sound to some of my classic favorites. Then they played a band original written by Doug Burks, who has been writing songs since he was a child. A song called "Run Indian." It was excellent! Bill Gilbreath (in blue shirt above right) was extraordinary - I could have listened to him all day. The rocker background shined in the songs he played. He and his son, Willie (right), complimented each other as they played. Father and son are truly talented and can read each other like a book. I was impressed. I was equally impressed with Charlie Croft's ability to play the drums. Charlie told me that after seeing friends play in the school band, he wanted to learn to play. About 15 years ago he started taking lessons. As I listened to them practice, and later when I journeyed out to the Owl's Roost in Concho County to hear them play for a crowd, I could hear each member's individual influences come out in the songs they played.

The next day I was sitting in my office and was told there was another band I needed to hear, a group of up-and-coming guys. Their name is FOUR BARREL. My thought was, "Sounds great but I really just wanted to do a story on BARBWIRE." Then I heard that Willie Gilbreath...bass and background vocals for Barbwire...was also a member of Four Barrel along with his brother David Strickland. After being so impressed with Willie and Bill Gilbreath, I had to hear what brother David sounded like! So, off I go to Santa Anna for rehearsal. I took a friend along and as we sat on the couch we both loved our own personal concert.

The lead singer of Four Barrel is Wes Wilson (right) of Santa Anna. He is a skinny welder who "packs a punch" with his bold voice! Holden Hronek, (left) drummer for the band, grew up in Sweeney Texas and has lived in Coleman for seven years now. Quiet, and a little shy, he let his drums be his voice. The guys cover older rock and Texas Country, but their passion is to sing their originals. The guys collaborate together on their music and write their songs about life lessons they've experienced. My favorite original was "Another 12 Pack." Their songs were unique and unpredictable. I was in awe of this young group. They closed out the private concert with their version of "Johnny B. Good." Lead guitar, David Strickland (below right), was amazing and like when I watched his dad, I could not keep my eyes off his guitar. My friend and I loved our little concert and I wondered if writers for Rolling Stone magazine got the royal treatment like we did!

On a Saturday night I made my way to the Owl's Roost at Lake Ivie to hear the bands play. Barbwire opened the show doing one set then was followed by Four Barrel. There was a large following that showed up to hear the bands play. Everyone listened and sang along. We were all wearing our Band t-shirts. Neither band seems to get nervous before a large crowd. I was taken by Bill Gilbreath because he is such a natural at the lead guitar. I had to leave early but had a great time at the show. Music is each band member's passion and all would love to play full time; but, these guys work hard during the day, enjoy their precious families and manage to squeeze in rehearsals when their busy lives allow them to. Both Barbwire and Four Barrel will be playing on the courthouse lawn following the Rodeo parade on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Come out and listen for yourself. You will become a loyal fan, too!

C.H.S. Class of 2009 who have enlisted in to the military...
Auturo Avila (Marines), Caleb Walker (U.S. Army), Jeremy Jameson (U.S. Army), Justin Wiley (Marines), Austin Henson (Marines), Kenny Chavalier (Marines) and Paul Garrett (Navy).

Coloring Contest Winners
5/28/2009
The Coleman County Child Welfare Board sponsored a coloring sheet/poster contest during April for Prevent Child Abuse Month. There were many colorful sheets and posters from the county schools. Theda Rhea and Sherrill Hazelwood were the judges for this event.  The students received a certificate and $5.00 Sonic gift card.

The Hazelwood’s made the following statement: “Helping to judge the Prevent Child Abuse coloring sheets and posters was a pleasure for us and “not too easy”. The students made a wonderful effort of emphasizing the prevention of Child Abuse and many of the posters and coloring sheets were so outstanding that the selection of the winner was difficult.”

SAHS Class of 2009 Honored
5/28/2009
The Class of 2009 of Santa Anna High School was honored Thursday, May 21, 2009, with a special senior recognition assembly, The Order of the Rose. Senior students were recognized for their achievements during the past year. Those honored included Layken DeLeon and James Ellerbe-- Class Favorites; Layken DeLeon and Lance Vasquez--Most Beautiful and Most Handsome;Kendra Coleman and Fausto Maldonado—Runners Up Most Beautiful and Most Handsome; Adelaida Dean and Lance Vasquez.—Most Likely to SucceedMaria Segura and Kolby Moon—Runners-Up Most Likely to Succeed ;Kendra Coleman and Frank Moreno.—Most Friendly;Marina Benge and Brandon Tate –Runners-Up Most Friendly; Molly Pritchard and Lance Vasquez—Miss and Mr. S.A.H.S.
--National Honor Society members recognized were Marina Benge, Adelaida Dean, Molly Pritchard, Caylie Robinett, Maria Segura, and Lance Vasquez.
--The honor graduates are Valedictorian Adelaida Dean and Salutatorian Maria Segura. In addition, Adelaida received the English and Science Department Awards, while Maria received the Social Studies and Math Department Awards.
--Individual class awards went to Kolby Moon and Dustin Ruth:--Ag Mechanics; Layken DeLeon-- Government/Economics; James Ellerbe--English IV-R; Kendra Coleman—Envivonmental Science and Spring Communication Applications; Maria Benge—Most Improved Speech and Pre-Calculus; Maria Segura—Pre-Calculus; Joanie Dean—Most Improved in Speech; Caylie Robinett—Fall Speech Award.
--Kendra Coleman was recognized as DAR representative.
--Student Council members recognized were Adelaida Dean, President; Lance Vasquez, vice-President; Caylie Robinett, Secretary; Frank Moreno, Treasurer; Layken DeLeon and Jimmie Ellerbe, Class Representatives.
--Receiving awards as class officers were Jessica Reece, President; Kendra Coleman, Vice-President; and Maria Segura, Secretary.
--Perfect Attendance Awards went to Kendra Coleman, Joanie Dean, Caylie Robinett, and Lance Vasquez.
--UIL Awards went to
· Marina Benge: Mathematics, Number Sense, Calculator Applications, where she was 5th in district.
· Kendra Coleman: One Act Play
· Adelaida Dean: Readywriting, Science, CX Debate and OAP. Adelaida was a member of the 2nd place speech team.
· James Ellerbe: Mathematics, Number Sense, Calculator Applications
· Frank Moreno: Mathematics, Number Sense, Calculator Applications
· Caylie Robinett: CX Debate and One Act Play. Caylie was also a member of the second place speech team.
· Molly Pritchard: Prose and OAP. Molly was a member of the second place speech team, 3nd in district in poetry, and at regional competition was the alternate to State.
· Maria Segura Mathematics, Number Sense, Calculator Applications
· Derek Tabner: Literary Criticism . Derek placed 6th at the district meet.
--All A-B Honor Roll recognition was given to Adelaida Dean, James Ellerbe, Caylie Robinett, Dustin Ruth, and.Maria Segura.
--After the senior video played, each senior received two roses. One rose represented the senior’s place in the Class of 2009; the second rose was given to a junior signifying the change from being a junior to a senior.
--After the senior recessional, the classes of 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 each moved into the position in the auditorium that they will occupy for the 2009-2010 school year.
--Following the assembly, the seniors were honored at a luncheon held at the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall

CISD Kindergarten Class of 2009 graduated Thursday morning.
Around 85 students received their diploma and other awards.
Below is Hannah Rose and Bailey Kimmel - Top 2 Accelerated Readers

CJHS Student Council Officers Elected
5/28/2009
2008-2009 CJHS Student Council Officers congratulated and passed their jobs onto the newly elected 2009-2010 CJHS Student Council officers. Current officers are pictured from left: President Ethan Morris, Vice-President Angel Stewart, Secretary Brandon McPherson, Treasurer Victoria Garcia, Historian PJ Hammonds, Newly-elected officers President Adam Rodriquez, Vice-President Tiana Thomas, Secretary Brady Jones, Treasurer Skyler Builta, Historian-Justin Coleman. PJ Hammonds was appointed Events Coordinator for 2009-2010. The newly elected officers understand that they have big shoes to fill. Current officers worked very hard this past school year to make CJHS a fun place. Along with bring fun to CJHS, they brought students together to make a difference in their community, their state, and their nation. The big issues for the 2008-2009 Student Council were helping Cade Needham raise money for the JDF Walk in Austin and Pennies for Patients that raised money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. President Morris and the other officers also took over the TAKS pep rally duties and made the activities exciting, entertaining and informative.

"Texas Treasures with a Twist"
5/27/2009 
Jane Padgitt and Nan Markland were exhibitors at the recent NGC, Inc. national convention held in Houston, May 14-18, 2009. 800 members from the U.S., Mexico and South America enjoyed nine floor designs, one from each district in Texas Garden Clubs on exhibition in the lobby of the Hilton Greenspoint Hotel.

The 8.5 foot tall design, titled "Texas Treasurres with a Twist," represented District VIII with most of the materials, antlers and horns from Coleman County. Cedar Elm weathered wood from Padgitt Ranch took center stage on the Santa Anna purchased bottle tree. Rambouillet rams horns, white-tail deer antlers and bovine skull were all South Coleman Co. products. Fallow deer antlers and elk antlers were from North Coleman County. The century plant pods held approximately five dozen dried yellow roses. Accents were purple liatris and monarch feather butterflies to remind viewers that District VIII is in the migratory path of the monarchs.

Nan Markland, President of the District VIII Judges Council, was chosen to represent the thirteen area clubs. She is a Master Flower Show Judge and has done many programs within the district. She will lead Town and Country Garden Club of Coleman's fabulous designers in a table program for the district convention to be held in Coleman in October. Her design style has always incorporated natural materials from her north Coleman County ranch. Weathered wood, found objects, antlers and horns with an unusual twist characterize her designs. The Montana state president commented that the design was truly representative of Texas and he planned on using it to inspire his clubs that were bored with traditional design styles and plant materials.

Teammate Jane Padgitt is a frequent co-designer with Ms. Markland. Known for her lovely Padgitt Ranch Pottery, Jane supplies many additional materials for the design, as well as engineering expertise for stability and soundness. The team has been asked to do another program with Jane making and building the containers and Nan finishing the designs for Ozona, Texas, April 2010.

Scholarships Awarded
5/27/2009
---The George Family Endowed Scholarship was established by Walter and Sarah George in order to benefit a Coleman County graduate planning on attending Tarleton State University to pursue a degree in education. The scholarship is in the amount of $1750 to be divided equally between the first two semesters.

This year's recipient is Garey Guthrie (pictured right, courtesy of Mark Romine). Garey is a senior at Panther Creek CISD and is the son of Rodney Guthrie and Heather Kerr. Garey plans to continue his education in order to become a math teacher and coach.

---The Drucilla Eberhart Memorial Scholarship was established in order to benefit a Coleman County graduate planning on attending Tarleton State University. The scholarship is in the amount of $1000 to be divided equally between the first two semesters. This year's recipient is Tara Brixey (pictured left). Tara is a senior at Coleman ISD and the daughter of Kenneth and Jennifer Brixey. Tara plans to continue her education at Tarleton in order to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She ultimately hopes to receive a master's degree as a nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner specializing in neo-natal pediatrics.

---Each year the Coleman County Retired Teacher's Association gives a scholarship to some deserving senior attending one of the schools in Coleman County. The scholarship is in the amount of $1000, given $500 each semester. This year's recipient is Sonya Cruz (pictured right). Sonya is a senior at Coleman ISD and the daughter of Manuel and Cecilia Cruz. Sonya plans to attend Angelo State University where she will pursue a degree in nursing. She ultimately plans to become a nurse anesthetist.

---The Coleman County Retired Teacher's Association is an organization composed of retired educators from Coleman County. One of the functions of the organization is to help further the education of our local youth. One of the ways to accomplish that goal is to fund a scholarship for a graduate of one of our county schools. As costs of higher education continue to increase, scholarship money is more and more in demand. The local organization began many years ago to find ways to fund the scholarship. Members of the Association donate funds; we hold a silent auction each year; and we receive memorials from family and friends of deceased members. We would like to encourage members of the community to remember this organization in the event of a death of a family member or any other person whom you would like to honor with a memorial to this organization. There can be no better way to honor someone than to help continue support their concern for the education of today's young people. Any contributions to the scholarship fund may be sent to Carole Burroughs, 1310 Hwy 283 N, Coleman, Tx 76834.

4-H Clothing Project Meeting
5/27/2009
A 4-H Clothing Project Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of the United Christian and Presbyterian Church in Coleman, in preparation for the upcoming project workshop and county and district fashion shows. 

If you have any sewing projects that you have already made, please bring these for show and tell. 

All 4-H members who are interested in the 4-H Clothing Project (Construction or Buying) are welcome to attend.  We will review some of the basic skills required for sewing and talk about County and District Fashion Show details. 

The Sewing Clinic/Workshop dates are: June 3rd, 4th, and 5th and June 11th and 12th  from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the UCPC Fellowship Hall. Participants are asked to bring a sack lunch & drink.

If you are interested in participating in the 4-H Clothing Project, please come to this meeting - Thursday, May 28th at 4:00 p.m. or contact the Coleman County Extension Office, 2nd floor County Courthouse ( 325-625-4519).

Novice Senior Class 2009
Valedictorian: Billy Bennett 95.5873
Salutatorian: Lacye Briley 91.8929
Kasi Lewis: 88.7770       James Garza: 86.9153
Caleb Pringle: 85.5179
Rebecca Henson: 84.9138   Samantha Arispe: 84.7931
Tracey Pond: 82.4630     Justin Medina: 82.4000
Virgil Horton: 82.3393
Michael Blackshear: graduated in December
Ben Powell:Junior student graduating early – all coursework completed

Coleman Bluecat Football Camp
5/27/2009
Coleman Bluecat Football Camp will be held this summer from Monday, July 20 to Thursday, July 23. It will be held at the Bluecat Armory and will be run by the Bluecat Football Staff. Eligible to attend are any boys that will be in grades 4 through 9 next year. Registration is to be turned in to the Administration office on Pecan St. by Wednesday, July 15th.  

On Tuesday elementary and Jr. high classes were educated by TXDot on the importance of wearing seat belts. TXDot (Texas Department of Transportation) of Brownwood brought their Rollover Simulator to the school and demonstrated to the students exactly what happens in a rollover accident when you do not wear your seatbelt. TXDot wants to stress the importance of wearing their seat belts. This is part of their "Click it OR Ticket" campaign.

Quilt Exhibit at Heritage Hall Closes Saturday!
5/27/2009
The exhibit "Quilts, Then & Now" at Heritage Hall will close this Saturday, May 30th at 4:00 pm. If you have not taken the opportunity to visit the exhibit, please do so on Friday or Saturday. The hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. There are many beautiful and unique quilts exhibited, including a civil war quilt from Santa Anna, and two quilts from the Museum collection, one made in the 1800's and the other early 1900's. There are some new quilts, such as the family reunion quilt, friendship quilts, and of course the children's quilts.

The directors of Heritage Hall/Coleman Museum wish to thank everyone who brought their quilts to be included in this wonderful exhibit. Without the community's support and involvement, we could not provide the wonderful exhibits that we have had and will have in the future. (Pictured right: One of the many beautiful and unique quilts exhibited at Heritage Hall)
Quilts may be picked up on Monday at Heritage Hall from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Tuesday through Friday at Kay's Garden, 114 E. Pecan. You may contact Kay Mitchell at 625-1140 if you need to make other arrangements to pick up your quilt

Get ready for the Brownwood Area Farmers Market season...
5/27/2009
New times and days: 9 am to 2pm on Wednesday and Saturdays. At Avenues A and Brady under the Austin Avenue Overpass.
Market GRAND opening Saturday June 6th.
First 25 buyers will receive a reusable shopping bag!
Shop locally and meet your local producers.
We are always looking for new vendors!
For more information visit www.keepbrownwoodbeautiful.org  or call Cary at 641-0533.

VBS in Valera
5/26/2009
VBS at Valera Baptist Church
June 1 - 5, 2009,
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Kids welcome - age 4 through finishing 6th grade.

Vacation Bible School in Santa Anna
5/26/2009
Join an archaeological expedition through the Egyptian desert and experience a great adventure with Santa Anna First Baptist Church Club VBS: Truth Trek. Santa Anna First Baptist Church invites all children age 4 through grade 6 for our annual Club VBS. The trekkers (kids, that is) will participate in a journey filled with exciting Bible stores, cool crafts and snacks. We are happy to offer this fun-filled adventure to the children in our community and surrounding areas. We have a fine team of trek guides (teachers, that is) for this incredible experience Club VBS Santa Anna First Baptist Church
June 1 to June 5
We begin each day at 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Van Service is available in Santa Anna Call Church Office 325-348-3725

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Held Tuesday
5/26/2009
Tuesday morning a ribbon cutting ceremony was held by the Chamber of Commerce at the Robey House at 202 W. 5th Ave. in Coleman.  Monte and Carolyn Merriman own the Bed & Breakfast and are Coleman's newest Chamber members.  In attendance were Amy Hinds and Mary Griffis from the Chamber office.  Dog Mayor-Rocky, and owner Terry Purifoy, Nina Childress, Carolyn Merriman, Mayor Nick Poldrack, Chamber Board member Dokie Bledsoe, and several other guests.

Novice School Schedule for the Week
5/26/2009
*The Awards Ceremony for Novice Elementary school will be held on Thursday, May 28 at 9:30am  All parents and family of students in grades PK – 5 are welcome. Please plan to attend the awards for Novice Elementary….and bring your camera!

*Novice ISD will release early on Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29. School will release at 12 noon and the busses will run at that time.

*The drawings for Perfect Attendance rewards at Novice ISD will be held on Friday, May 29, at 10:30 a.m. Prizes to be awarded are:
-High school boy and girl with all semester perfect attendance: laptop computers
-Junior High school boy and girl with all semester perfect attendance: MP5 Players
-Elementary boy and girl with all semester perfect attendance: Nintendo DS systems

Several community, staff, and faculty members have contributed so these items could be purchased. The plan to increase attendance rate in Novice Schools has been successful, as Novice students have consistently attended at a rate no lower than 95.3% and up to 98% attendance rates. All students and teachers are to be commended for this improvement!

*Graduation ceremony for Novice ISD seniors, 8th grade, and kindergarten will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 8:00 p.m. on Hornet Field (weather permitting).
In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move into the gymnasium. There are 12 students graduating from high school, as well as the eighth grade students and kindergarten graduating students. All family, friends, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to attend.

New Immunization Requirements for 2009-2010 School Year
5/26/2009
Students entering into 7th grade must have the following immunizations or they will not be able to enroll.
Meningococcal
Varicella booster
Tdap
The Winters Health Department will have a clinic at Coleman Elementary School, in the nurse’s office Monday, June 1, 2009 from 10:00am-1:00pm to administer these required immunizations. Please bring students immunization record and Insurance cards. Parents or Guardian must accompany student to sign consent form for immunizations. If a parent cannot be present the school nurse can sign consent form for you, just fill out attached form and send with immunization record.

Please feel free to call me if you have any questions.
Debbie Rosales LVN
School Nurse

Courtyard Band Concert…The residents and employees of Holiday Hill were treated to a band concert recently by the complete Coleman High School Band. Pictured here are directors Jerry Everett and Elizabeth Braquet as they introduce the music pieces to an overflow crowd in the courtyard at the nursing home.  Photo courtesy of Greg Whitten, H.H. Administrator

Central Colorado SWCD Spring Fish Sale
5/26/2009
The Central Colorado Soil & Water Conservation District is selling Fish for stocking ponds. Fish available are Bluegill, Hybrid Bream, Red Ear, Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie (Limited Supply) & Minnows. Grass Carp is available with Texas Parks & Wildlife Permit. This permit takes approximately 30 days to receive.

The sale will run April 27, 2009 thru May 22, 2009. Delivery will be May 27, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. in the Coleman City Park. For more information please call The Natural Resources Conservation Service at 325-625-4197 #3 or come by the office in the Horne Ag Building West of the Coleman County Courthouse, 119 West Street Coleman, Texas.

Local Artist is Featured in Ft. Worth Gallery
5/26/2009
Local artist, THEDA RHEA, enjoyed a “gallery day” in Fort Worth on Saturday, May 23. Theda and her art work were presented at a reception held at Adobe Western Art Gallery, 2324 N. Main. Visitors looked on as Theda painted a pastel sketch of gallery director, Joy Sequoia. This gallery has represented Theda Rhea for several years. www.fineartsleaguecolemantx.com

Theda is a charter member of the Fine Arts League of Coleman County. (husband Sherrell, is Art League President and creator of the Texas Blue Bunny).

RAIN REPORTS
***Helen & Ken Smith-Valera   -  Sat & Sun 3.5
***at the foot of the Beautiful Santa Anna Mountains:
Saturday and Saturday night - 1.70 AND Sunday - 0.10
for 1.80 Total and hoping for more.

Annual Pizza Party for CHS Seniors Held at FUMC
5/25/2009
On Wednesday, May 19th the United Methodist Women of Coleman treated the 2009 Senior Class with a Pizza Party held at the First United Methodist Church. The Fellowship hall was decorated with Blue-Cat blue and the Graduation Theme filled the room. This is the sixth year that we have honored our Seniors even if we do not have a Senior in our Church. We want to show our young people how much we love and appreciate them and wish them well in the future.

Pizza, homemade sweets and drinks was served that day to around 60 class members, five sponsors and the ladies of the church joined in the fun. We look forward to doing this again next year and for many years to come.

Coleman County 4-H Shotgun Club Competes
5/25/2009
On May 16 & 17, 2009 Coleman County 4-H Shotgun Club members Jansen Merrill, Brent Ogden, and Kelby McCorkle (Pictured below from L to R) competed at the 10th annual Johnson County Fandago. On Saturday the shooters shot at the Ft. Worth Trap and Skeet Club where they shot Trap, Skeet, and 5-Stand. Jansen Merrill placed 3rd in Intermediate Skeet and Kelby McCorkle placed 4th in Senior 1 Skeet. On Sunday, the shooters shot 100 rounds of walk-through sporting clays at the Alpine Shooting Range in Arlington. Jansen Merrill placed 3rd in the Intermediate division. The Club’s next competition will be the Taylor County Shoot on June 13, 2009.

Fine Arts League “Creates” in Fabric
5/25/2009
14 members, (1 new) and 1 guest participated in the final meeting for this term for the Fine Arts League. The potluck dinner was enjoyed as well as those “May bonnets” by Dollie Sparkman, Theda Rhea, Sherrell Hazlewood, Virginia and Monroe Bethke, Bill and Sue Shields, Jane Fullerton (new member), Linda Wright, Yolanda Weston (guest), Ted and Martha Shelton, Sher Dunaway, Lois McCarty, and Marian Johnson.

Fabrics of various colors and designs in all shapes were given to each one. Then each artist cut and designed the block with the fabric pieces which were then ironed onto a muslin square. Quite a show when all put together – you’ll be seeing the completed project when the “Quilt Master”, (Lois McCarty) has it all put together.

Discussions during the meeting were a report on the fund-raiser “Texas Blue Bunny Book” – first edition by Sherrell Hazlewood – some books still available. Contact Lois McCarty 325-625-2352, Sherrell or Theda Rhea 325-625-4687 for your collectible copy.

The First Membership Show, chaired by Bill & Sue Shields, is beginning to take shape with entry dates for paintings July 17 -18 at the Library with show taking place July 21-25. Contact Bill if you have trouble scheduling your entry with the dates/hours. 325-723-2056 or ssheil4@aol.com

The Ballinger Art Group is sponsoring a 1-day workshop June 6 with Jack Moss of Llano. Watercolor. Contact Jean Hensley for supply list and registration. Chens8262@aol.com

Another workshop has been scheduled at Heritage Hall (Kathy Andrews, Kay Mitchell) by Clifton artist, Jo Beck. July 29 -30-31. Fee is $ 75 with registration and $75 due on July 29th. This is also a watercolor workshop. Contact for information: Kathy at suzie56w@wildblue.net or Kay Mitchell at CBKM@web-access.net. 325-625-1140 Kay’s Garden or Kathy at 325-624-5544.

The Fiesta Juried Show is full-steam ahead for October 2-3. Digital images on CD are due August 3. Send to Marian Johnson, 1212 Commercial Ave., Coleman, Tx. 76834. Contact info: Sherrell Hazlewood, Theda Rhea 325-625-4687, or Marian Johnson 325-214-7036 mljdj@web-access.net.

Community Service Challenge
5/25/2009
The State Clothing and Textiles board has issued a challenge to each District to participate in a community service project called, "Sew Much Comfort".  This group is a nonprofit organization that sews and alters clothing for injured military personnel who find it difficult to fit in normal clothing due to injuries.  These medical conditions may require large fixators, prosthetics and casts that are too bulky to fit under ordinary clothing or underwear.  SMC donates clothes to every major military hospital in the USA and a hospital in Germany.  They are donate to Army Surgical Hospitals in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.  The need for adaptive clothing continues to grow as the number of American military members injured serving our country grow.  SMC is the only organization providing adaptive clothing in large volumes to attempt to meet those special needs.  You can visit the their website at:  http://sewmuchcomfort.org.

Each county is being asked to collect t-shirts that are newly purchased and heavy weight cotton.  No undershirt type because they are not sturdy enough.  Dark colors like olive, black, navy, grey, are preferred.  Please no purple, pink or white.  Shirts with sports logos and outdoor themes are also acceptable.  Large and X-large sizes are preferred.

Please bring all donations to the Extension Office on the second floor of the courthouse.  If you have any questions please contact Christin Burris, CEA-FCS at 325-625-4519

8-AA All District Baseball Honors Announced
5/24/2009
Two CHS baseball players were named 1st Team All-District:
Infield - Colton Buzzard, Senior
Catcher - Glen Edington, Senior

Coleman Public Library Announces 2009 Summer Reading Program for Coleman County Children
5/22/2009
The Coleman Public Library will be presenting their 2009 Summer Reading Program with the theme “Libraries: Deep in the Heart of Texas!” This free program, co-sponsored by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Friends of the Coleman Public Library, provides opportunities for children to enjoy reading. Programs are being developed for Toddlers through 5th grades including weekly reading activities and special events. Registration begins on June 3rd 2:00 – 4:00 in the Tillman Community Room at the Coleman Public Library. Children will receive a book bag with their reading logs, rules and calendar of events for their age level. Last day to register for Story Hour will be June 17th.

Registration Day will be a whirlwind of activities including local artist Sherrell Hazlewood, writer and illustrator for his book “The Texas Blue Bunny,” who will give an art demonstration beginning at 2:30. In addition, Mr. Hazelwood will have copies of his book for sale for $20.00. Proceeds of the book benefit the Coleman Fine Art League of Coleman. From 3:00 to 3:30, Truitt Mitchell, Santa Anna Band Director and 1st Methodist Church Choir Director, will be playing the guitar. Children can participate in a “sing-a-long” of children songs. Friends of the Coleman Public Library and the Summer Reading Program Committee will offer other crafts and activities and serve refreshments.

A repeat of a favorite activity will be the coloring and guessing game contest, which begins at registration on June 3 with winners announced June 17th during the reading programs. This year all elementary registered readers can sign up and compete in the “Stickhorse Rodeo” scheduled for Thursday, June 18th. More information will be available June 3rd. A prize will be awarded to contest winners.

The theme of the 2009 Coleman Public Library Story Hour invites children to explore the marvelous cultural heritage, history, geography, legends, plants, animals and Texas symbols of our state. The purpose is to encourage the children and families of our county to read for pleasure, to help children maintain and improve their reading skills, to encourage them to become lifelong readers and library users, and to establish reading as a foundation for academic success.

Programs will begin June 10 and continue on the 17th, 24th, and July 1st. Awards will be held on July 8th. Information about the 2009 Coleman Public Library Story Hour is available by calling 325-625-3043 and on the library’s web site www.colemanlibrary.com .

The Coleman Public Library is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am – 6pm, and Wednesday and Fridays 12 noon till 6pm, and Saturdays 9am till 12 noon.

We look forward to seeing you there!

2009 Texas Teens Read!
5/22/2009
If you are between the ages of 13 and 18 or going into grades 6th – 12th, you don’t want to miss the 2nd Annual Coleman Public Library Teen Reading Program come-and-go registration on June 3rd, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.! After receiving your registration bag, you can “Build Your Own Brownie Sundaes”. Reading programs will be every Tuesday, starting June 16th and continuing through the 23rd and the 30th. The Texas Teen Reading “Time Twisting” programs will begin at 2:00 pm and include participation in a fantasy festival, role-playing games, creating altered books, and more. Weekly door prizes are included this year.

Call 325 – 625 – 3043 or visit www.colemanlibrary.com  for more information.  Hope to see you there!

WE NEED YOU!
5/22/2009
THE SANTA ANNA CEMETERY ASSOCIATION AND RESTORATION COMMITTEE HAVE COMBINED EFFORTS TO MAKE NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS. The Cemetery Association and Restoration Committee need you to come and be a part of the Community Workday:
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Santa Anna Cemetery
8:30 A.M. till ????
We ask you bring any of the following yard tools if you have them, if not come anyway. Shovels, Rakes, Weed Eaters, Loppers, Machetes Chain Saws, Hand Saws and any other lawn equipment you might have EXCEPT Mowers. There is no electricity available at the cemetery, so tools must be gas powered or battery powered.

CHS Baccalaureate Sunday, May 24th
5/22/2009
Coleman High School baccalaureate will be Sunday May 24, 2009 at 7:00 pm at Community Baptist Church on Lackland St. Rev. John Stanislaw of First Baptist Church will bring the message with senior students participating in the service. All family and friends and interested citizens are invited for the service. For any further information please contact Christina Henderson 625-2121.

CLOSING CEREMONIES at the Little League Complex for CYA Baseball
 5/21/2009
 CLOSING CEREMONIES CORRECTION
 Thursday May 28th will be the closing ceremony/ dugout party!
 Closing Ceremony - Field 1 @ 6:30 to 7:30
 Dugout Party - T-ball Field @ 7:30 to 9:00

Central Colorado SWCD Spring Fish Sale
5/21/2009
The Central Colorado Soil & Water Conservation District is selling Fish for stocking ponds. Fish available are Bluegill, Hybrid Bream, Red Ear, Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie (Limited Supply) & Minnows. Grass Carp is available with Texas Parks & Wildlife Permit. This permit takes approximately 30 days to receive.

The sale will run April 27, 2009 thru May 22, 2009. Delivery will be May 27, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. in the Coleman City Park. For more information please call The Natural Resources Conservation Service at 325-625-4197 #3 or come by the office in the Horne Ag Building West of the Coleman County Courthouse, 119 West Street Coleman, Texas.

Programs and services of the SWCD are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regards for race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, marital status or handicap.

CHS Senior Recognition Assembly Held Thursday Morning
5/21/2009
The annual Senior Recognition Assembly was held in the auditorium Thursday morning at Coleman High School.  Awards were given out, a slideshow was presented with current and "days gone by" photos, a "Rite of Passage" brought the Seniors to the stage, and the Juniors "Made a Move" to the Senior seating of the auditorium.

Recognition included: Valedictorian (Reece Halfmann), Salutatorian (Cheyenne Turner), Senior voted Awards, Cheerleaders, Student Council, Senior yearbook Members, Supportive Peers (Supportive Peer of the Year - Stephanie Campbell), National Honor Society, Rotary Girls and Boys of the Month, UIL Scholar Awards (Reece Halfmann, Cheyenne Turner, Nicole Heath, Kenna Cornelius, Cole Hubbard, Meagan Ogden, and Sonya Cruz), Who's Who Awards for each discipline, DAR Award (Reece Halfmann), Eagle Scout Award (Duston Crawford), CHS Alumni Scholarship ($2,000 to Meagan Ogden and Reece Halfmann), Jerome Brown Scholarship (Tara Brixey - $200), C.H. Hale Foundation Scholarship (Rachelle McKinnon - $500), CISD Foundation Scholarship ($1,000 - Rachelle McKinnon, Cheyenne Turner, Meagan Ogden), Zach Moore Memorial Scholarship (Cole Hubbard), State Farm Scholar Athlete ($1,000 - Nicole Heath), and an Educator of Distinction Award to Principal Richard Holloway. 

Thanks from Class of 2010
5/21/2009
The Coleman High School Junior Class Parents would like to thank the businesses, organizations, and individuals who supported us in our fundraising efforts and/or sent donations in support of the 2009 After-Prom Party.

The After-Prom Party is an event that is held annually and is very similar to other High Schools’ Project Graduation Parties. It is hosted by the current year Junior Class parents (Class of 2010 this year) and requires months of fundraising and planning. This year’s party was held immediately following the CHS Junior-Senior Prom on Saturday, May 9th, and ended at 5:30 am the following morning. It is an adult-supervised lock-in with fun games, activities and door prizes. As you can imagine, planning and carrying out such an event takes a lot of manpower, support, and money. Every CHS Junior and Senior who attended received a gift.

Much of the funding is obtained through fundraising activities by the parents such as the concession stands for CHS Basketball and Little League Baseball and other smaller endeavors. But another HUGE part of the funding is obtained through donations of cash and prizes. Despite the “economic crisis” that is the forefront of news these days, the generosity and the support of the folks in this area proved unwavering. We feel so fortunate to live in a community that is so invested in our Youth.

Please allow us to publicly acknowledge and thank the individuals, organizations and businesses listed below. (If anyone is omitted, please accept our sincere apology).

AA Lock Shop, Alco, Allen & Allen Insurance, Bargain House, Best Fried Chicken, Bowen Drug, Buddy’s Kwik Stop, Larry & Julia Weise, Central Texas Land Bank, Citibank Texas, Coleman County State Bank, Coleman County Elec. Coop, TomKat Grain Coleman Co., Spec. Utility Dist. Coleman Livestock Auction, Coleman Medical Assoc., Coleman NoonDay Lions’ Club, Rotary Club of Coleman, Coleman Video Cooper Supply, Inc. The Corral, Curves, DB Land Improvement, Earle Smith’s Jeweler, El Taquito, Elm Street Church of Christ, First Baptist Church, Grammer’s, First Coleman National Bank, First United Methodist Church, Hall’s Custom Processing, Heath Hemphill Law Office, Hubbard Insurance Agency, Johnson Implement Co., Kiwanis Club of Coleman, Needham Surveyors, Owl Drug Store, Petal Patch, Charles Sanchez-A Unique Massage, Shoppin’ Baskit, Harold Skelton, State Farm Insurance, Tiffany’s Restaurant, Vintage Salon, Wind Clean Corporation, Wise X Press, Ranch Realty of Coleman, Big O’s, Shapes/Merle Norman, Coleman Co. Telephone Coop, Academy Lanes Bowling, Academy Sports, Bruner Auto Group, Heartland Mall Movie Theaters, Schlotzsky’s (Brownwood), Fiesta Texas, Six Flags Over Texas, Dr. Kyle Kirkland, Dr. John Oliver, Dr. Hal Woodward, Chicken Express (Early), Coleman Vet. Clinic.
Thank you,
Parents of the CHS Class of 2010

Thank you!!!
5/21/2009
Shoppin Baskit - for the many sacks they provided
Fire Department and Police Department - for the send offs
Bob Ray and the Water Department - for the blue lights
Mr. Young, Coach Cox, Mr. & Mrs. Holloway - for the support and for driving the Loud Crowd Bus to C. City and the many fans that came out to wave or came to the games to yell.
Carlos Sanchez - for working with the girls
Gary Strickland - for the pictures
Coach Roberts & Coach Watson - for putting up with the girls
FROM
Rynn Norris   # 4
Jessica Morales  # 8
Carissa Zarate  # 11
Erin Strickland  # 7
Eden Duquette  # 12
Cheyenne Turner  # 10
Ashley Grissom  # 16
Sarah Slayton  # 15
Laiken Barnett  # 5
Lura Rylant   # 9
Melanie Soder  #14

CBC Pathfinder's Hold Cookout
5/21/2009  (Contributed)
Pathfinder's Sunday School Class at Central Baptist had a hamburger and hotdog cookout, hosted by Richard Matthews last Thursday evening.  Tootie Hernandez did the cooking and the guest's did the eating.  Everyone stuffed themselves, then a majority of them went to Brownwood to play or watch softball.  Those attending the cookout were Tootie, Mandy and Aiden Hernandez,  Rex and Debbie Jamison,  Justin Coleman, Raul and JoAnne Hurtado,  Jerry and Jimmie Hubbard,  Johnnie and Flossie French,  Rita Pope,  Ovin, Sheri, Isabelle and Elliott Feliciano.  Everyone had a great time of fellowship.

Coleman County Aggie Moms Award Scholarships
5/21/2009
Three scholarships were recently awarded to students at Texas A&M University.

Cameron Faubion -2011- is a sophomore Construction Science major. He is a member of the Associated General Contractors and the National Association of Home Builders. He recently participated in the Big Event with NAHB and his peers assisting the elderly with yard work and other needed repairs. Cameron is the son of Cliff and Melissa Faubion of Ballinger and the grandson of Allen and Nan Turner of Voss, and Aubrey and Patsy Faubion of Ballinger. His sister is Courtney Faubion '09 and brother, Cody Faubion '08.

Cameron, Cody and Courtney are members of an elite group. They are fourth generation Aggies. Their great-grandfather Erman Miller, class of 1928, grandfather Allen Turner, ‘55, aunts Janelle Turner ‘84, Raenese Turner Byrom ‘91, uncles Lanny Turner ‘83 and Randy Byrom ‘92 are all former students of Texas A&M University.

Jennifer Hubbard is a senior Communications major scheduled to graduate in December 2009, having completed her undergraduate requirements in 3 1/2 years. Jennifer currently serves as Community Chair of Aggie Access, and assisted by 12 mentors, she is responsible for 65 students who make up her “community”. Jennifer is responsible for weekly meetings, facilitating a lab for 50 Freshmen every Wednesday, preparing her mentors for labs and scheduling meetings. She is also co-chair for W.H.O.O.P. (Women Helping Out Other People). The 200 members of W.H.O.O.P. spend each weekend during the school year involved in community service projects in the Brazos Valley. Jennifer and her co-chair plan projects, socials and fund-raisers. Following her graduation Jennifer plans to attend graduate school to become a Speech Pathologist and work with children. Jennifer is the daughter of Drew and Barbara Hubbard and granddaughter of Jerry and Jimmie Ruth Hubbard all of Coleman and Earnest Newton of Kempner, Texas. She will be joined at A&M in the fall by her brother Cole, class of 2013.

Whitney McMillan is a senior Animal Science major scheduled for graduation in December 2009 completing her under grad studies in 3 1/2 years. She is a member of Saddle & Sirloin Club, the largest student organization on campus. As a member, Whitney has co-chaired the senior reception, Halloween Bash and annual Christmas Formal. This year she and her peers helped host the 89th Annual Block and Bridle Convention in San Antonio. Whitney is also a member of Aggie REPS (Aggies Recruiting Exceptional Prospective Students). This group speaks at new student conferences, gives campus tours and distributes information about all departments at Texas A&M. Whitney is employed in the Animal Science Department office of Dr. Shaun Ramsey as a teaching assistant for 350 students and coordinates a summer lamb and goat camp for 400 attendees. Whitney is the daughter of Brent and Renea McMillan of Coleman, granddaughter of Richard and Ellen Jo Johnson of Novice and Tony and Gail McMillan of Abilene. Her sister is Brittni McMillan ‘06 of San Angelo.

FFA Awards from Monday's FFA Feed
5/21/2009
Proficiency award winners at the 2009 Coleman FFA Hamburger Feed are as follows: Agricultural Communications – Kelby McCorkle, Agricultural Education – Meagan Ogden, Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication – Brody Tibbetts, Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Jeff Lefevre, Agricultural Sales – Amber Hunter, Agricultural Services – Jordan Smith, Beef Production – Mercedes Taylor, Dairy Production – Jackie Birdwell, Diversified Livestock Production – Tanner Strickland, Diversified Livestock Production (Placement) - Drey Richards, Emerging Agricultural Technology – Lisa Dees, Environmental Science and Natural Resources Mgmt. – Hayden Wise, Equine Science – Gary Heath, Equine Science (Placement) – Peyton Schumann, Food Science and Technology – Chanie Barker, Home and/or Community Development – Nicole Heath, Outdoor Recreation – Chad Robison, Poultry Production – Laiken Barnett, Specialty Animal Production and Care – Casie Swening, Swine Production – Reagan Barr, Wildlife Production and Management – Zach Doyle

The big winners at the Coleman FFA Year-End Hamburger Feed are as follows: Laiken Barnett-Star Greenhand, Casie Swening-Star Lone Star, Reagan Barr-Star Lone Star, Gary Heath-Star Lone Star and Kelby McCorkle-Star Chapter Farmer.

Incoming Coleman FFA Officers for the 2009-2010 school year are: Chanie Barker-Sentinel, Casie Swening-President, Kelby McCorkle-Treasurer, Gary Heath-Secretary, Reagan Barr- Vice President, and Lisa Dees-Parliamentarian. Not pictured is Jackie Birdwell-Reporter.

Honorary members inducted into the Coleman FFA Chapter this year were Mark Swening and Billy McCorkle. They were given their plaque by outgoing president Nicole Heath.

Activities planned for Coleman High and
Junior High School on Memorial Day
5/21/2009
9:00 -9:30 Opening Session for Junior High and High School with Shilo Harris
9:45 -10:15 Breakout session #1
10:30 -11:00 Breakout session #2
11:15-11:45 Breakout session #3
12:00-12:30 Breakout session#4
Breakout sessions include:
Revolutionary War
Glory – Civil War
World War II Veterans
Korean War veterans
Shilo Harris

1:00 – 2:00
Big Blue Band and Coleman Community Choir
Keynote Speaker
Recognition of Local Veterans
Recognition of Coleman seniors 2009 currently enlisted in the Service

Extras:
War memorabilia at Heritage Hall
Honoring Graves of our Veterans – Cemetery

All are welcome to attend any activity.

Training Fire on CR 155
5/20/2009
If you noticed some smoke around 7:00 Wednesday evening east of Coleman out on Hwy 206, you're not alone! The fire department is doing a "training burn" on a 100 acre field out on CR 155 just south of Hwy 206. They have trucks and personnel on location burning off a field and practicing grass fire techniques. Photos taken by Colemannews.com show them in action.

Pence Sentenced
5/20/2009
Patrick Eugene Pence faced Judge John Weeks today at the Coleman County Courthouse for sentencing in his murder trial.  He plead guilty to aggravated assault on May 9th of this year.  District Attorney Heath Hemphill brought three witnesses to the stand to testify to the victim Joshua Todd Weaver's character.  The defense also called three witnesses to testify to Pence's character.  Hemphill asked for the maximum (20 years) and the defense requested the least (deferred adjudication).

After both sides rested, Judge Weeks immediately gave Pence 10 years deferred adjudication. He also will be required to perform community service and pay court fees and fines.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM CITY OF COLEMAN
5-20-09
The break in the main water supply line has been repaired and customers may resume normal water usage. The City of Coleman appreciates the assistance of the public during this time of repairs.

Pence Sentencing Today
5/20/2009
The sentencing phase of the murder trial of Patrick Pence was originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2009.  Judge Weeks postponed it to Wednesday, May 20, 2009 (TODAY) at 1:30pm.   

Pence was tried for the murder of Joshua Todd Weaver earlier this year.  The trial began on May 6th and a plea agreement was reached on May 9th.  Pence pled guilty to a lesser offense of Aggravated Assault by causing bodily injury. According to Judge John Weeks, this represents a 2nd degree felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison. However, Pence did apply for probation and is eligible for probation, Weeks said. Pence waived the right for a jury to sentence him so sentencing will be done by Judge Weeks in approximately 30 days. Pence will remain free until sentencing.

Focus on Fitness
The Secret to Weight Loss
5/20/2009    By Linda Hyde
I can only imagine how many readers out there are seeking the ever-elusive answer to unwanted weight gain. Very few of us are where we want to be on the weight scales. The weight-loss and weight-management industry is thriving because our society has evolved to the highest percentage of overweight people since statisticians began keeping track. Obesity is becoming an epidemic, especially among our young people. Among other issues, this is a direct result of preservatives and processing in our food preparation and handling. “Fresh” has become a delicacy. Time, or the lack of it, drives us to eat on the run, and in a hurry without pre-planning, so that we hardly experience the taste, much less recognize that digestion has occurred.

TV commercials, newspaper ads, and magazine articles tout solutions and promises of ‘quick’ and ‘easy’. The fine print, however, cautions that results “vary” and also suggest additional nutrition, as well as exercise. Oooops…….nutrition and exercise??? Yes, both are necessary requirements for the human body to maintain an acceptable, and manageable, weight.

At every hour of the day and in every medium, I see promotions for diets, pills, prepackaged foods, and “gimmick” methods promising something that is unattainable for more than a few weeks at best simply because our bodies are not designed to function without ALL the nutritional requirements of the Food Pyramid.

The familiar, and all-too-frequently-run, TV ad for losing 40 lbs via pre-packaged food also mentions (ever-so-slightly in written verbage rather than audio) that fresh products from the grocery store need to be added for proper success. Those fresh products include dairy items, like milk, cheese, and eggs, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, most of these false pledges are prohibitively expensive, especially in the long-term.

My point: the secret to weight loss is that there is no secret. There is no silver bullet, no magic pill, no depravation diet, and no toxic cleanser that will provide long-term success. Good, healthy food with a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber are for the body like gasoline, oil, and water are for your car. You wouldn’t think of driving your car deplete of those elements without experiencing some severe consequences. Would you overfill your gas tank, the oil reservoir, or the water level for the benefit of the car’s performance? Likewise, the consequence of poor nutrition, along with out-of-control portions, is this now-recognized malady of obesity. The good news is it’s never too late to change a few habits and realize the benefits on the scales. Einstein said “insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results”. Success starts with a mindset: You can if you think you can!

Retired Teachers to Meet Thursday
5/20/2009
The Coleman County Retired Teachers will meet on Thursday, May 21 at 11:30am. The meeting will be at Hidalgo's #2 and will be the last meeting of the 2008-2009 year. Scholarships will be awarded and new officers for the 2009-2010 year will be installed.

If you are a new officer, please be present for the installation. Officers for the new year will be: President - Sue Ragsdale, 1st Vice President - Carole Burroughs, 2nd Vice President - Herma Jean Johnson, Treasurer - Bennett Ragsdale, Secretary - Mona Wilson, and Parliamentarian - Joyce Smith.

Committee chairmen include: Legislative - Herma Jean Johnson, Membership - Vickie Cardenas, Informative/Protective Services - Raye King, Community Volunteer Services (includes Meals on Wheels) - Carla Billings, Retirement Education - Mona Wilson, Health Care - Diann Dillingham, Member Benefits - John Dillingham, and Library Window - Virginia Jameson.

Every member of retired teachers is invited to attend and to be involved this coming year as our organization grows. Any retiree who is not a member is urged to join as we have had lots of work and interaction with the state legislature on your behalf this year; and, we all need to continue with our interaction with the various state officers. We can use more man-power in this area. Join and speak up for yourself!

Rex Mayes shot a Hole In One on Sunday, May 17th during the Four-Person Golf Scramble on Hole #17 at the Coleman Country Club. Witnessing this spectacular moment was his teammates: wife Marci Mayes, and good friends Alan Grider and Dewey Grider, as well as the team of Gerald Bean, David Fritsch, Sammy Branch and Dale Greaves. Rex won the Closest to the Hole award that day with his Hole In One shot!

COLEMAN CAREER CENTER SCHEDULE REMINDER
5/20/2009
The Coleman Career Center will be closed in observance of the CISD calendar. CCC classes will resume at the beginning of the school year in August. The WorkKeys skills assessment and KeyTrain skills training programs will continue to be offered in the fall, along with ESL, GED, Welding and CNA classes. Detailed scheduling information will be provided in August.

Meagan Ogden earns Coleman Farm Bureau Scholarship
5/20/2009
Meagan Ogden was recently awarded the $500 Coleman County Farm Bureau Scholarship. Coleman County Farm Bureau awards the scholarship annually to a deserving graduating senior from Coleman County.

Meagan is a senior at Coleman High School and the daughter of Scott and Sheila Ogden of Coleman. Her high school activities and awards have included Honor Roll, National Honor Society, Student Council, FFA, Tennis, Cheerleading, and Class Officer. Ms. Ogden will be attending Texas A&M University. Texas Farm Bureau invests large amounts of money and time in developing youth leadership. Annually, scholarships totaling almost $80,000 are awarded to students who participate in our youth contests, various youth leadership organizations or apply for several other scholarships that are made available. Please visit www.txfb.org  to find more youth leadership opportunities. The following is part of the essay she submitted with her application:
Agriculture. What does is mean? The dictionary definition of agriculture is the science, art, or occupation concerned with cultivating land, raising crops, and feeding, breeding, and raising livestock ( www.dictionary.com ); However in reality is so much more than that. Civilization began with agriculture, and the success of future generations depends on it. Although the time and technology are rapidly changing, reliance on agriculture (to maintain every aspect of daily life) is not. Agriculture interacts with every single human being’s everyday life, whether he or she realizes it or not. Not only does agriculture provide food for our nation, but it also correlates with almost every American industry, either directly or indirectly.

PC Booster Club to Meet
5/20/2009
The Panther Creek Booster Club will be meeting on Wednesday, May 20th at 6:00pm in the Panther Creek cafeteria. We will be electing officers for the upcoming 2009-2010 school year. All those interested in attending, please come, and we will see you there.

2009 SUMMER BASEBALL INSTRUCTIONAL LEAGUE
5/19/2009
The Summer Instructional League will have NO FEES.  We do ask that the ballplayer participate and sell 10 Raffle Tickets. 2 Prizes are:($100.00 Therapeutic Massage and 4 Texas Ranger Tickets and $50.00 gas money). Other prizes include dinner for 4 at Tiffany's, The Corral. Worsham Portrait. and more..... DRAWING ON THE JULY 4TH…
PLAYER TO RECEIVE:
--COLLEGE AND PRO LEVEL INSTRUCTION
--THE IMPORTANCE OF DISCIPLINE ON THE FIELD AND PRACTICE
--PROS AND CONS ABOUT SCOUTING
--INSTRUCT PLAYERS TO BE GOOD LISTENERS AND TO BE COACHABLE

INSTRUCTION WILL BE PROVIDED BY:
--SAM JANCA…………….AT THE PRESENT TIME ANGELO STATE PITCHER…PRO PROSPECT FOR MLB.
--ROBBIE HARRIS………………AT THE PRESENT TIME HEAD COACH AT RANGER JUNIOR COLLEGE AND DIVISION I BASEBALL PLAYER.
--CARLOS SANCHEZ……………AT THE PRESENT MAJOR LEAGUE MASSAGE THERAPIST EX DIVISION I BASEBALL PLAYER AND IN NARANJERA MINOR LEAGUE IN MONTERREY MEXICO.
Other teams in the league………..Winters, Brady, Ballinger, Mason etc..
To sign up for the summer league, call 325-668-4144
or email auniquemassage@hotmail.com

TICKETS CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED AT THE VINTAGE SALON AND THE CORRAL.

Service Interruptions for
Coleman County Telephone Customers
5/19/2009
On Tuesday, May 19th and Wednesday, May 20th, Coleman County Telephone Cooperative, Inc. will be performing some equipment upgrades in the Mozelle (357) exchange. Customers in this exchange could experience interruptions in their telephone service during these two days.

The areas that will be specifically affected are Elm Creek and Concho Park. Customers in these areas will experience periodic interruptions of service, which could last up to 4 hours. When the upgrades are complete the service should return to normal.

If you have any questions, or your service is out for longer than 4 hours, please contact Coleman County Telephone at 348-3124.

Customers in the other exchanges serviced by CCTC should not experience any outages due to these upgrades.

FCCLA Mystery Trip
5/19/2009     (Contributed by Bonnie Brown)
Coleman High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America took a Mystery Trip on Wednesday, May 13. To go on the trip the FCCLA members had to earn 500 points by participating in FCCLA activities throughout the year.
The FCCLA members left early Wednesday not knowing where they were headed. The trip took them to Austin. They visited the State Capitol and visited with Senator Troy Fraser and Representative Harvey Hilderband. After taking pictures with them they went to the visitors gallery in the House of Representatives and watched the session and voting taking place on different bills.
The next stop was at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Some of the FCCLA members saw the Spirit of Texas video. All enjoyed the three stories of Texas history and the interactive displays.
At the end of the trip the students visited Channel 8 TV News station with anchor Paul Brown. Mr. Brown gave a tour of the news station and some of the students were able to see what they would look like on camera.
Attending from Coleman were Collene Baker, Kayla Barnett, Latisha Berniard, Cheyenne Casey, Jessica Cleland, Kassidy Dean, Amy Fowler, Adrianna Resendez, Rene Salas, Shaina Thompson, Tulissa Sturges, Jerry Everett, bus driver, and Bonnie Brown, advisor.

Coleman FFA attended the Area IV FFA Convention which was held in Mineral Wells on May 15 and 16. Members attending the event were Nicole Heath, Casie Swening, Reagan Barr and Jackie Birdwell. Nicole interviewed for a Texas FFA Scholarship and advanced through the area on to the next level. Casie has been voted the Big Country District FFA President for the upcoming 2009-2010 school year and registered voting delegates for the convention. Reagan and Jackie were voting delegates electing the new Area President, State officer, and Talent team which will represent Area IV at the State FFA Convention in July.

Coleman Elementary Field Day May 25th, 2009
5/19/2009
We are planning our annual Coleman Elementary Field Day for Monday May 25th, 2009. Each child in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades will be participating. We will be at the track all day, so you may want to send your child with a water bottle, sunscreen, mosquito spray, something to sit on and a cap or umbrella for shade. Please make sure your child is dressed for the day and wear tennis shoes and socks.

We will eat lunch at the track, so you will need to send a sack lunch or send money because we will be selling meals at the concession stand. Burger Meal $4.00 – burger chips, and drink. Hot dog meal $3.00 – hot dog, chips and drink. Other prices for concession stand Burger $2.50, Hot dog 2.00, Chips $ .75, Drinks $1.00, Candy and Pickles $ .75. All pre ordered lunch forms are due Thursday in the Elementary office.

As always we will need help in events and keeping classes. If you are able to help, please call the school at 625-3546 and leave a message for Coach Edington. All volunteers will need to be at the track by 8:15 a.m.

Tentative schedule
8:30 Memorial Day Services

9:05 5th only – 400 meter

9:15 5th Girls High Jump
2nd, 3rd, 4th Girls Standing Long Jump
All Boys Running Long Jump

10:15 5th Boys High Jump
2nd, 3rd, 4th Boys Standing Long Jump
All Girls Running Long Jump

11:15 Softball Throw
2nd, 3rd Boys and Girls North end of field
4th, 5th Boys and Girls South end of field

Running Events
Times may change if necessary.
12:15 – 12:55 Lunch
1:00 – 1:30 Relays 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
1:30 – 2:00 100 yd. Dash 2:00 – 2:30 50 yd. Dash
2:30 Return to School

TEXAS YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE (TYFL)
5/19/2009
We are again assembling a team from Coleman County to play in the TYFL Brownwood League for the 2009 Football Season. This team will made up of 5th and 6th graders and some 4th graders. If you are entering these grades and are within age/UIL requirements, you are eligible to play.

We have assembled a team for the last two years and have had positive results. This league plays against other small towns including Comanche, Early, Bangs, Brady, Mason, Llano, San Saba, and Johnson City. Games are usually played in Brownwood. This league also has a weight rule for running backs.

The League will provide all the equipment necessary except for cleats and socks.

For more information please contact Raul Hurtado @ 325-625-9216 or 325-220-1252.

Early 7th Grader Headed to Wrangler Junior High Rodeo Finals
5/19/2009
Ryann Jameson of Early will be competing in the Texas High School Rodeo Association Junior Wrangler Division State Finals in Gonzales, Texas on May 31 - June 6th. She will be competing in Breakaway Roping. Ryann is the daughter of Archie and April Jameson and the granddaughter of Wayne Spearman and the late Judy Spearman of Early and max and Ann Jameson of Voss.

A special thanks goes out to local sponsors Guitar Veterinary Services and Trans Texas Tire.

LOST !!!!!!  DO YOU KNOW WHERE THESE PEOPLE LIVE ??????
5/21/2009
The Class of '54 has mailed out announcements for our big reunion on June 13, but the following members have moved since our last communication. IF ANYONE knows where we can contact these members, please call Doris McCulloch-625-2869, Herma Jean Johnson - 625-2340, or Peggy Burdick - 625-2037. Addresses or emails would be welcome. If you get no answer when you call, please leave message.
Missing are:
NORMA WILKINSON TRUELL, COY COCHRAN, MAURICE WILLIAMS, PAT BLACKWELL

Class of 1999 Reunion Planned
5/21/2009
The Coleman High School Class of 1999 is planning a class reunion during the weekend of the Coleman Rodeo June 19th and 20th.  We have a partial list of addresses but to make certain you receive the invitation/information, contact Kelly Garrett Cox at 325-625-1260 or Jacque Aldridge Rosales at jacquerosales4@aol.com.  Hope to see everyone there!!

FBC Baird Youth Volleyball Tournament
5/19/2009
When: Saturday, June 6
Why: To help raise money to help for a mission trip to FBC High Island, TX to help teach Vacation Bible School and help the church with some maintenance from the hurricane.
DEADLINE TO SIGN-UP: Tuesday, June 2
Where: Baird City Park
The cost is $10/person. If a person plays on more than one team, they must pay for each team they play on.
There is a 16 team Maximum, so sign-up now before it is too late!
To sign-up, call Matthew Broyles, the youth minister at FBC Baird, at (325) 261-2610.
Please be ready to give your contact information so we will be able to contact you and let you know what time you play on Saturday.
Concessions will be provided.
T-shirts to winners.

School Board Hires Three, Discusses Tax Ratification Election
5/19/2009
The CISD School Board hired three individuals Monday night on the recommendation of principals Paula Ringo, Becky Jackson, and Richard Holloway. High school will have a new coach and teacher from McMurry University. Beau Shahan will join Buzzard's coaching staff this summer. At the Jr High, Coleman Ex Josh Smith will be teaching 8th Grade English next year. On the Elementary campus Diana Burris will join the Kindergarten staff. She comes from the San Antonio school system.

Joining the school board Monday was Sherri Merrill and three students that recently attended the Texas Capitol Schoolhouse in Austin. Sarah Wickson, Eric Villeda and Gabby Roberts spoke to the board and showed a slide show of photos from their trip. They thanked the board for helping them experience the Capitol and all it's grandeur.

Other action items from the meeting were as follows:
1. Certified School Trustee candidates as elected.
2. Election of Board Officers - President, Mike Edington - Vice President, Sue Sloan - Secretary, Viki Hambright.
3. Resignation from Cindy Dockter was accepted.
4. Maintenance bids were approved.
5. Student Insurance for 2009-2010 was chosen - Texas Kids First Lone Star Advantage Plan
6. Extended Depository Contract for funds with Coleman County State Bank.
7. Amended the budget as recommended.

Items of discussion included a possible Tax Ratification Election. Superintendent Royce Young reminded the board that to keep from having to release personnel, they had adopted a deficit budget this year (-$350,000), and will probably have to do it again next year. If a Tax Ratification passed, the $700,000 gained would help keep the school from having to cut teachers from the staff. The 1-cent increase through an election would be necessary, or the board faces tough decisions on releasing some teachers next spring. Mr. Young also informed the board that the Stimulus Funds the school is possibly receiving cannot be used for salaries, but will be used to supplement programs already in place (as required by the government).

Unusual May Class: Navajoland
5/18/2009
Native American Class Fascinates Student with Choctaw, Cherokee, and Irish Heritage
By Janlyn Echols Thaxton
“My great-great-great grandmother was Choctaw and part of the Trail of Tears,”
says Krystal Kight (pictured right), a Hardin-Simmons University student. “But she never made it to Oklahoma,” adds Krystal. Oklahoma was the end of the trail for the Choctaw and other native tribes who lived in the eastern and southern part of the country in 1831. The senior from Coleman, with strawberry-blond hair and a hint of freckles, says she just needed a few more classes to have enough hours to graduate in December with a degree in criminal justice.

For her minor in sociology, she needed three more credit hours, so she signed up for the Maymester class enticingly labeled “Navajoland.”  Arriving early to the 9 a.m. class, Krystal observes a “Study Overseas” flyer tacked on a bulletin board in the Skiles Building with a photo of a group of students. She points to the photo saying, “That’s me -- that’s when we studied in England, Ireland, and Scotland.”  “I love the whole cultural experience,” says Krystal. She and 12 other students will most certainly be immersed in the cultural experience as they travel this week to Fort Defiance, Arizona, a former powder keg of bad blood between soldiers and Navajos during the late 1850s and the early 1860s.

Dr. Joanne Roberts, head of the HSU Sociology Department, and Melissa Milliorn, assistant professor of social work, are guiding the students on the trip. Says Milliorn, “You will have the need to understand other customs and beliefs as you encounter people in your career field.”  Roberts explains to the class that they will witness religious ceremonies that are off-limits to people not in one of four Navajo clans. “Part of the ceremony includes the use of peyote, a hallucinogen,” she muses. “It has been used for thousands of years by some native tribes who believe that it is God-given and planted in this world for people to use as a cure.”   “We may also get to witness ceremonies that could include the customs of stargazing, hand trembling, sand painting, and other herbal medicines.”

Roberts and Milliorn want the students to understand and respect customs and beliefs that may seem strange to them. Roberts tells the students the Navajo version of the creation story, which is quite different than the version in Genesis. Roberts asks, “Can we use our creation story as a frame of reference? Can you see the any similarities; any parallels?” Krystal taps her pencil as she ponders that question. “Christianity: are we that far away from the Navajo?”

Roberts continues to build the picture for the students, “There is a great deal of mistrust of Christianity. Little wonder,” she continues, “considering their first encounters with Spanish missionaries in the 1700s.” Roberts plays an educational clip posted on You Tube on the classroom’s Smart Board. A Native American woman quotes her father, ”They taught us to pray by closing our eyes and bowing our heads. When we looked up, they had taken our lands, our language and our traditions,” says the woman in the video.

Krystal and the other students left for Ft. Defiance this past Sunday. They will also study the Navajo language, which itself has a very interesting history. Athabaskan, as it is called, is part of a family of languages that has been mostly lost. The Navajo did not have an alphabet. The language is mostly tonal and was not written until 1939, explains Roberts.

Oh, by the way, if you are wondering what happened to Krystal’s great-great-great grandmother…why she never made it to Oklahoma? “The Trail of Tears for her stopped in Conway, Arkansas. She was one of two children traded for food,” says Krystal.

Krystal’s family has quite a line of genealogy. Explaining her reddish hair and freckles, “My family is kind of a mixture. We’re like mutts, I guess. My family had a castle in Ireland called Beeston that’s now in ruins…and we can trace our family heritage back to William the Conqueror. But both sides of my family claim Indian tribes. My mother’s side comes from at least four different tribes.”
Krystal says she hopes with this experience, and a June internship in child advocacy through the Abilene Police Department, she will one day be prepared to work for Interpol, the international police organization, which she says is her dream job.  Chances are the other 12 students taking this enticingly labeled course will not be disappointed either.

AGENDA - COLEMAN CITY COUNCIL
5/18/2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009, 5:00pm, Coleman City Hall, 200 W. Liveoak, Coleman, Texas
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Council will consider the recommendation of the Board of Directors for Coleman EDC, Inc. to appoint Councilman Harold Skelton to fill the position on the EDC Board recently vacated by former Councilman Cole.
2. Council will consider appointing a Mayor Pro Tem for 2009.
3. Council will consider authorizing the Mayor to sign Resolution # 09-04 allowing the Coleman Police Department to place an application with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the purpose of purchasing digital recording equipment.
4. Council will consider options related to the downtown traffic lights.
5. Council will receive a mini audit report on the Interim Budget of July 1 through September 30, 2009.
6. Council will consider recommended revisions to the Code of Ordinance Section 8.03 Junked and Abandoned Vehicles and Section 8.06 Nuisances.
7. Council will tour the Coleman Fire Department and facilities

POND MANAGEMENT SEMINAR -RSVP by Tuesday at 5:00pm
5/18/2009
By: David L. Dunlap, CEA-Ag/NR, Coleman County
Thursday, May 21, 2009 - Coleman City Park - 3 CEU’s Offered
The Annual Pond Management Seminar will be held on Thursday, May 21st at the City Park in Coleman. Registration will be at 8:30 a.m. and the program begins at 9:00 a.m. A noon fish fry for participants will conclude the program. Three (3) hours of Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) will be awarded to private applicator license holders with 1 hour being in Integrated Pest Management, 1 hour in Laws & Regulations, and 1 hour in General.

Luther Dunlap, with Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Coleman County will begin the program with welcome and announcements. Presenters for the program include: Michael Masser Extension Fisheries Specialist, Pond Ecology Why We Don’t Want Plants to Take Over Our Ponds, Harrell Arms with Arms Fish Farm, Stocking Rates, Managing for Big Bass, and Pond Clean out, Cheryl Howerton with Texas Department of Agriculture, Laws and Regulations, and Curtis Garrett County Executive Director with Farm Service Agency, Farm Bill Update and FSA Programs
This year’s seminar could not be possible without the cooperation and sponsorship of area businesses and organizations. Sponsors include: Johnson’s Feed Barn, Purina, Central Texas Farm Credit, First Coleman National Bank, Santa Anna National Bank, Coleman County State Bank, Central Colorado Soil and Water Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Davis Farm and Ranch, Coleman Grain, Dubar Seed and Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Please R.S.V.P. to the Coleman County Extension Office at (325-625-4519) by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 19th so an accurate head count can be made for the meal.

Immunization Clinic TOMORROW
5/18/2009
Texas Department of State Health Services will hold an Immunization Clinic in Coleman on Tuesday, May 19th from 10-12 & 1:30-3:00pm. 
United Christian and Presbyterian Church
1609 Commercial
Please Bring Child's immunization Records. If child is on Medicaid or CHIP, please bring the card.  For more information please call 325-754-4945

Coleman FFA Hamburger Feed TONIGHT
5/18/2009
The Coleman FFA Hamburger Feed will be Monday, May 18, 2009, in the Coleman City Park. They will start serving hamburgers at 6:30 pm. Awards will then be given out, honorary members will be announced and the 2009-2010 officers will be named for the upcoming year. All friends and relatives of the Coleman FFA are invited to attend.

Academic Awards Assembly Held at CHS
5/18/2009
The academic awards were handed out to the students at Coleman High School Monday morning.  "C" Awards for each course, Honor Rolls (A and A-B), Perfect Attendance, UIL Academics, FCCLA, and Student Council were given.  Also Lone Star Farmer awards were given to Reagan Barr, Casie Swening, and Gary Heath.  The "I Dare You Award" winners are Casie Swening and Trey Casey.  Below are photos of the High Point Boys and Girls from each class.  
Cheyenne Turner and Reece Halfmann - Senior High Point
Slade Stevenson and Casie Swening - Junior High Point
Erin Strickland and Ross Jackson - Sophomore High Point
Kassidy Dean and Landon Brown - Freshmen High Point

CYA Football League Deadline - May 28th
5/18/2009
Coleman Youth Association Football League is gearing up for the upcoming 2009 Football Season. CYFL members met Wednesday to begin plans and elect Board Members. Cody Norris, Michael Taylor, Jason Steffey and Jeff Hammonds will be serving on the Board during the 2009 Season. It was determined that CYFL will remain in the West Texas Rural Youth Football League as it offers the best opportunity to play against similar size towns/schools including Clyde, Merkel, Jim Ned, Hawley, Anson, Hamlin and Eula. It also offers the advantage of playing part of the scheduled games (at least 3 or 4) in Coleman on our home field.

Divisions include:
Flag Football – Pre k and Kindergarten Flag football
Mighty Mites – 1st and 2nd graders Pads
Junior Pee-Wee – 3rd and 4th graders Pads
Pee Wee – 5th and 6th graders. Pads

The League will provide helmet, pads, game jersey and game pants and practice pants – all which will be turned back into the league at the end of the season. Each child will be responsible for his own socks, cleats, and mouthpiece. Birth certificates will be required for players who have not previously played for CYFL.

Sign up Fee is $50 for pads and $30 for flag divisions. Applications/signup can be obtained at Screen Art Graphics at 214 S. Colorado in Coleman, across from 1st Baptist Church. Deadline for signup is May 28th. Signups will also take place at little league baseball games from 6 pm until 8 pm May 14th, 18th, 19th, 21st, 26th and at closing ceremonies for baseball on May 28th.

The board has set the fees at the lowest possible cost to cover the basics including referees, insurance, field maintenance, and minor equipment purchases. In case of heavy numbers during signups additional purchases of equipment may require donations or increased fees to cover actual purchase cost of equipment.

Coaches will attend training from the Coleman High School football staff and basic offense and basic defense will be Coach Buzzard’s System.

Matthew Allen Receives Scholarship
5/18/2009
Matthew Monsey Allen, a senior at Panther Creek High School, received the TEEA Gouldbusk Homemakers Club scholarship. Matthew will be attending Clarendon College and studying Ranch and Feed Lot Operations. Matthew is the son of Donny and Gloria Allen of Voss. His grandparents are Jerry and Diane Allen of Gouldbusk and Lorenza and the late Emilio Seballos of Coleman. The Gouldbusk Homemakers Club was able to give this scholarship from their cookbook sales.  Thanks to everyone who bought a cookbook.

Memorial Day at Coleman ISD
5/18/2009
Believing that Memorial Day should be a day to learn about and remember our war heroes as well as realize the importance of the freedoms we enjoy, Coleman ISD has planned a full day of activities for Monday, May 25. The community is invited to be a part of the day.

One of the activities will be an all day exhibit of war memorabilia at Heritage Hall. We invite anyone interested to drop by to view the items and learn more about our nation’s past through the exhibit.

Coleman Elementary will be having their annual Field Day. The Opening Ceremony will begin at 8:30 with a Presentation of Flags. Following the presentation a fifth grade student will explain Memorial Day. All veterans present will be recognized, and the Opening Ceremony will conclude with the fifth grade singing “I’m Proud to Be an American”.

Coleman Junior High is planning many art activities connected with the day and will be attending many of the programs given at the high school. Coleman High School will have programs throughout the day given by local and area veterans and active duty service men. A listing of times and specific programs will be posted by the end of the week.

Please join us as we try to make the day a true memorial to those who gave of themselves for our country.

15th Annual World Championship Bison Cookoff is on the Books
5/18/2009
And it was one for the record books! Santa Anna’s 15th Annual World Championship Bison Cookoff saw forty teams throw down their best efforts on Saturday, May 16. They came from west of Odessa and east of Waco, from Sonora, Granbury and from south of San Antonio, making the air heavy with the smell of mesquite smoke as they grilled everything from chicken to buffalo. And, as one of the cookers from Stamford said, “The wolves are here.” The friendly competition was fierce until the camaraderie of the awards ceremony wrapped up the World Championship Bison Cook-off under threatening skies late Saturday afternoon.

For all their efforts, the forty teams split $4500 in prize money. $500 First Place money for Bison Brisket went to Sonora’s Kirk Joy, edging out Gene Pruett of Granbury, who also boasted second place beef brisket and third place chicken. Sonora’s Joy also cooked the second place pork spare ribs.

Local wood-burners Doug Tucker, Ross Bradley, and Tim Perry all took home placing ribbons, with “Boss Hog”, David Huggins, taking local bragging rights for Best Beef Brisket in Coleman County. The Circle C Cattlewomen of Coleman County sponsored the 3-foot tall trophy and the $200 prize money for best county beef brisket.

Coming in from Midland, Joe Crawford won the beef brisket category and placed third in ribs, garnering enough points to edge out Granbury’s Pruett and seize the Overall Points Championship and an extra $200. In addition, since the event is an official State Championship, Joe is eligible for an invitation to the American Royal Invitational in Kansas City and the Jack Daniel’s Invitational in Tennessee.

Several other familiar faces made the walk to the winner’s table. Dickie Cooper from Stamford made the trip in all four categories, taking third-place in brisket and sixth place beef brisket. Gary Shook of Lamesa came forward twice, as did Don Campbell of Rule and Robert Bredemeyer’s team from Sweetwater, “We Don’t Cook Sheep.” Robert Webb of Sonora was bested by his father Wayne for fifth and fourth place chicken.

The large crowd, estimated at over 4000, benefited from the efforts of some of the best cookers in the Southwest, passing through a serving line at lunch set up under the Armory oaks. Visitors were dished up plate lunches of buffalo brisket and all the trimmings, while all around, Gary James Memorial Park played host to everything from arts and crafts vendors to horseshoe pitching and softball.

Winners are listed below:
++++++++++++++++++++
May 16, 2009 World Championship Bison Cookoff, Santa Anna, TX
Head Judge: Bill Carol of Odessa 40 teams

BRISKET
1. $400 Joe Crawford, Midland
2. $250 Gene Pruett, Granbury
3. $150 Dickie Cooper, Stamford
4. $100 Trini Banda, Sonora
5. $50 Gary Shook, Lamesa
CHICKEN
1. $400 John Naumann, Bruceville
2. $250 Richard Lett, Abilene
3. $150 Gene Pruett, Granbury
4. $100 Wayne Webb, Sonora
5. $50 Robert Webb, Sonora
RIBS
1. $400 Don Campbell, Rule
2. $250 Kirk Joy, Sonora
3. $150 Joe Crawford, Midland
4. $100 Tim Perry, Santa Anna
5. $50 Kemper Croft, Brownwood
BISON
1. $500 Kirk Joy, Sonora
2. $300 Gene Pruett, Granbury
3. $150 Don Campbell, Rule
4. $100 Robert Bredemeyer, Sweetwater
5. $50 Gary Maske, Somerset

$200 Overall Points Champion: Joe Crawford, Midland

Howard Payne University: A Family Tradition
5/17/2009   (Contributed)
John Averitt Tapley graduated from Howard Payne University with a Bachelor of Music degree on May 9, graduating thirty years after his dad and sixty years after his grandmother. John is the son of Gary and Nita Tapley of Valera, who earned their degrees from HPU in ’79 and ’82, and the grandson of Darrell and the late Fredalene Sparks Tapley, who received their degrees in ’50 and ’49. Shown in the picture above are (l to r) John, Ruth, Darrell, Nita, and John Tapley.

John was joined at HPU this past year by his cousin, Malinda Whitworth McKinnon, and his sister, Ruth Tapley. The three are shown on the right with proud grandpa Darrell Tapley.

Other family members who have attended HPU include his aunt, Kathryn Price, a great-aunt, Helen Smith, and a great-great uncle, the late Ray Sparks. John is named after his ancestor, John Crumpler Averitt, who was the founding pastor of First Baptist Church of Coleman and First Baptist Church of Santa Anna. Averitt moderated the meeting of Pecan Valley Baptist Association in which they voted to found the university, and was on the first Board of Trustees of Howard Payne College.

Students from Novice’s Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grades traveled to Austin recently, accompanied by Ms. McMillan, Mrs. Rutherford, and Mr. Tapley, as well as several parents. They toured the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum, where they viewed artifacts, exhibits, and videos, from Native Americans to the Space Age. The also enjoyed the Star of Texas in the multi-media Texas Spirit Theatre, and The Story of Texas in the IMAX theatre.

After a visit to the gift shop, the group walked up the street to the state capitol building. At the capitol, the students saw legislators going about their business as the class toured the building.

Adults and children alike experienced the echo effect of talking while standing on the star in the middle of the rotunda. The day was long, but the students had a good time and learned more about our great state. Mr. Tapley and Ms. McMillan wish to express their appreciation to parents who helped with the bake sales which raised money for the trip.

Abilene Quilt Show in June
5/17/2009
The Abilene Quilters Guild is proud to sponsor its 15th annual “Stars Over Abilene Regional Quilt Show” on June 13th and 14th at the Abilene Civic Center main hall at North 6th and Pine. Quiltmakers from many areas of Texas will display their quilts and other quilted items. In addition, a variety of special displays, classes, vendors, and a snack bar will be at the show.
The special displays offer a wide variety of quilts. For the fourth year the Hoffman Quilt Challenge quilts will be displayed. This display is sponsored by Hoffman Fabrics. Quilters from all over the world use this year’s Hoffman challenge fabric in a small wall quilt. The quilts are judged, and the best are displayed at various quilt shows, including the International Quilt Festival in Houston. The Members’ Challenge quilts will also be on display. Guild members will display their challenge wall quilts, which are based upon a design on a gift bag.
One of the highlights of the show is the opportunity to shop at the eighteen vendor booths at the show. Vendors from Texas and Oklahoma will offer quilting related items such as kits, fat quarters, fabric on the bolt, notions, books, and patterns. There will also be vendors offering other items that appeal to quilters. Vendors will also donate door prizes to be awarded throughout the show.
Quilters will also be able to learn about new tools and quilting techniques. There will be hourly demonstrations both Saturday and Sunday. The demonstration schedule will be posted at the quilt show entrance.
Abilene Quilters Guild makes a large bed quilt each year for the quilt show to benefit various community charities. This year the net proceeds will benefit the Abilene Food Bank. The State of Texas quilt was pieced by Carolyn Davis and Patti Jackson, and it was quilted by Marjory Lake. The winner of the quilt will be announced at 4pm Sunday afternoon.
This year the show will feature the work of a local quilter and past guild president, Alice Griggs. A collection of her quilts and apparel will be displayed. Also, a class will be offered in making a magical mystery bag by fabric artisan Shelly Grappe of San Angelo.
The quilt show will be open from 10am until 6pm Saturday, June 13th. The guild will have a snack bar featuring its famous chicken salad sandwiches or pimiento cheese sandwiches, chips, drinks and brownies or cookies. On Sunday the show opens at noon and closes at 5pm. Admission to the show is $5 per day or $4 for seniors 65 and over or $8 for both days. Admission is free for children 12 and under. For additional information about the show, please see the guild website, www.abilenequiltersguild.com , or call 325/518-5335.

Alzheimer Unit Construction Underway
5/17/2009  (Contributed)
Work is under way to laying the basic utility services for the new Alzheimer unit at Holiday Hill. The photos show a Vermeer trenching machine at work digging ditch for sewer main. The use of the trenching machine was necessary due to the depth of the project and the presence of a dome of extremely hard lime stone. This is a cooperative effort between Holiday Hill, who leased the machine, and the City of Coleman Public Works Division, who is furnishing operators, support personnel, equipment, and fuel to lay sewer and electric service to the site. This cooperative effort takes us a step closer to bringing this excellent facility to serve the citizens of Coleman and the surrounding area

Student of the Month - CJHS
5/17/2009
Members of the Coleman Junior High School chapter of the National Junior Honor Society recently voted on students of the month for April.
Students of the month are:
  Jacey Pannell - 6th grade girl
  John Langley - 6th grade boy
  Kirstie Jamison - 7th grade girl
  Brady Jones - 7th grade boy
  Megan Dority - 8th grade girl
  Tyler Doil - 8th grade boy
To be a student of the month, a student must be nominated by his or her teachers. To be nominated, students must be hard workers, act respectfully to teachers and peers in the classroom and in the hallway, and exhibit good behavior when involved in extra-curricular activities.  Members of the National Junior Honor Society vote on nominees from each grade level.  The male and female students from each grade who receive the most votes are the students of the month.

BLUEKATTS - AREA SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS
Coleman Beats Bowie 3-2 to Claim Title in Ballinger
Regional Quarterfinals is Next
Coleman vs. Coahoma - 7:30pm this Tuesday - in Colorado CityFreshmen Power Lifts Katts to Victory
5/16/2009
It was a scoreless ballgame until Coleman freshman Laiken Barnett doubled to left center field to start a rally in the bottom of the 6th inning. Then it was freshman Ashley Grissom who doubled to right field in the bottom of the 7th to seal the win, 3-2, to give the Bluekatts the Area Championship Title.

The Katts will now play either Coahoma or Clyde at 7:30pm this coming Tuesday night in Colorado City in a one game playoff to see who continues in the state playoffs.

Until the Katt's bats came alive in the bottom of the 6th, it was a defensive game all the way. Good pitching and excellent fielding by both Coleman and Bowie kept the score knotted at 0-0 through the top of the sixth. Rynn Norris pitched for the Katts and recorded four strikeouts on the day but got excellent support from her infield and outfield throughout the game.

The fast moving game was only 40 minutes old when the 5th inning started. Along the way, neither team managed many runners. Bowie left one stranded in the 1st inning, two left on in the 2nd, none in the 3rd, one in the 4th, none in the 5th or 6th. The Katts left one runner on base in the 4th and one in the 5th.

Coleman's 6th
After Sara Slayton grounded out to 3rd base, Coleman's right fielder, Laiken Barnett, who bats ninth in the order, connected on the biggest hit of her young career doubling to left center to start the rally. She was followed by Rynn Norris who layed down a nice bunt single. With Jessica Morales at the plate, a Bowie pitch got past the catcher, allowing Barnett to get to 3rd and Norris to 2nd. Morales then connected for an RBI single to drive in Barnett and move Norris to 3rd. Yet another past ball at the plate by Bowie gave Norris the room she needed to score. Bowie retired the next two Katt batters to end the inning. 

Bowie's 7th
Down 2-0, the Lady Jackrabbits wasted no time getting runners in scoring position with a lead-off double followed by a single to put runners on the corners. A Bluekatt fielding error allowed a run to score then two batters later, a sacrifice hit scored another run, tying the game at 2-2.

Coleman's 7th
With the game tied 2-2, Eden Duquette started the next Bluekatt rally with a double to right field. Cheyenne Turner drew a base on balls when Ashley Grissom came to the plate and smacked an RBI double to outfield which scored Duquette and ended the game with Coleman claiming the victory 3-2.
Regional Quarterfinals is Next - vs. Coahoma - Tuesday @ 7:30pm in Colorado City

Bluekatts Take Game One from Bowie
5/15/2009
The Coleman Bluekatt softball team came from behind and used a four run top of the 7th inning to beat the Bowie Lady Jackrabbits 10 to 7 Friday night in Eastland.

The Katts take a 1-0 advantage in the best of three series. Game two is scheduled for 2:00pm Saturday in Eastland.

The huge 7th inning went as follows. Laiken Barnett led off and drew a base on balls. Rynn Norris hit the ball and reached first, thanks to an error on a Bowie infielder, Barnett moved to 2nd. Jessica Morales walked to load the bases. Bowie then changed pitchers just in time for Carissa Zarate to face new heat. Zarate popped out to right field, keeping the bases loaded.
Up to the plate came Erin Strickland who connected for a two RBI double, scoring Barnett and Norris, leaving Morales at third base. Eden Duquette then walked, followed by Cheyenne Turner who also drew a base on balls, loading the bases again. Morales then walked home.  Ashley Grissom then had her best hit of the night, a two run single, scoring Strickland and Duquette. Sara Slayton's sacrifice moved Turner to third and Grissom to second but Barnett grounded out to end the inning, but what an inning it was with five runs crossing the plate. Bowie added one run in the bottom of the 7th but no more.

The first inning ended scoreless. Bluekatt throwing errors allowed Bowie one run in the bottom of the 2nd inning.

In the top of the 3rd inning Sara Slayton singled to center field to lead off the inning. A Laiken Barnett sacrifice bunt moved Slayton to second. A Rynn Norris bunt single moved Slayton to third. Carissa Zarate would drive in Slayton and Norris with some help from Bowie throwing errors. Coleman led 3 to 1 in the top of the third.

Bowie's biggest inning was the bottom of the 3rd. Using stolen bases, a Bluekatt error and sacrifice singles, Bowie managed to load the bases much of the inning and ended up scoring five runs to take the lead 6 to 3.

The Katts couldn't score in the top of the 4th inning but did manage one run in the top of the 5th thanks to an Erin Strickland RBI single, scoring Morales.

The Katts then added another run in the top of the 6th, making the score 6-5, thanks to a Sara Slayton sacrifice hit which scored Eden Duquette.

The big 7th inning is mentioned above which propelled the Katts to a game one victory in the Area Round of the State 2A Softball Championship

Coleman Woman Dies in Abilene Wreck
5/15/2009
Amie Marie Rambo, 31, of Coleman, was killed at 5:40pm Friday, May 15, in a one vehicle crash .2 miles south of Iberis Road on U.S. Highway 83/84 in Taylor County.

According to the Department of Public Safety, Rambo was driving a 1993 Chevrolet four door car and was going south when the car drifted into the center median. Rambo overcorrected, causing the car to travel back across the south bound lanes of traffic. The out of control vehicle continued into the fence line of the west side of the right of way.

The report goes on to state that earlier in the day, the same vehicle ran a stop sign in Abilene and was involved in a hit and run crash involving a retired Taylor County sheriff's deputy. The retired deputy is in Hendrick Medical Center with a ruptured spleen, broken ribs and a broken arm. Abilene Police officers got the vehicle stopped at a local residence where the male driver was arrested on various charges and is in Taylor County Jail. The owner of the vehicle, Amie Rambo, was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the earlier crash, according to the DPS report.

District Court Held Thursday in Coleman
5/15/2009
District Court was held May 14, 2009 in the Coleman County Court house. Judge Charles Chapman presided. District Attorney Heath Hemphill presented the following cases:

Casey Don Niedecken was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance. He was arrested Sunday April 26 by The West Central Texas Inter-Local Task Force and Coleman Police Department. He was in possession of Methamphetamines. He pled guilty and received two (2) years deferred adjudication, $750 fine, and 150 hours community service.

Rodney Dale Eschenbacher pled guilty to a December 7, 2007 driving while intoxicated charge. Eschenbacher received three (3) years in Texas Department of Criminal Justice probated for five (5) years, 10 days in the Coleman County Jail, a $750 fine as well as 150 hours of community service.

PRAYZE
5/15//2009
Looking for a non-traditional, non-denominational praise service?  PRAYZE @ The Cross is open to the public Sundays 7pm. We would like to especially open our doors to the Pastors and Youth Ministers in our community out of appreciation of all you do.                              
Also if you know a teen that would like to join a community wide teen ministry, BattleCry @ The Cross is Saturdays 5pm.
We are not looking for Church members; we are looking at changing a community.
Freedom in the Spirit to sing, dance, lift your hands in praise! Freedom to PRAYZE GOD for all He has done for you! If you need prayer, healing, peace, joy or love, come join us in faith.
Attire: comfortable

Featuring: The band ADOPTED (shown above) - Adopted plays every Sunday and will be featured at Celebration July 16-18, from 7:00pm to 7:30pm.

"Siblings Faith Nelson (vocals, guitar), Grace Nelson (piano, programming) and Mitchell Nelson (guitar) founded Adopted in early 2008 as a worship band. Joined more recently by Barry Wilson (bass guitar) and Rhett Aldrich (drums, percussion) the group has developed a unique blend of contemporary worship and Christian rock.

"The members of Adopted have written multiple original songs, but also cover an eclectic mix, including songs by Charlie Hall, Skillet, Chris Tomlin, the David Crowder Band, Unhindered and Flyleaf."
Playing for teen ministry BattleCry @ The Cross Sat. 5pm
Playing for adult ministry PRAYZE @ The Cross Sun. 7pm
Playing Wednesday @ The Center 7pm
Opening each night (7pm) for The Celebration July 16-17-18 2009 @ The Cross
Praise the LORD.
Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens.     
Praise Him for His acts of power;
       praise Him for His surpassing greatness.                                                                              
Praise God with the sounding of the trumpet,
       praise Him with the harp and lyre,
       praise Him with tambourine and dancing,
       praise Him with the strings and flute,
       praise Him with the clash of cymbals,
       praise Him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
The Cross directions: Make a left at the Courthouse and go to the end of West Liveoak.
www.mt25.net
 
The Cross
PO Box 1003
Coleman TX 76834
 (325-625-1002 (Call m-w; 10-4pm)

Jameson Receives Scholarship
5/15/2009
Ashley Jameson, a 2005 Coleman High School graduate and a junior nursing major at the University of Texas at Arlington has been selected as the 2009 recipient of the JR and Winnie Lane Scholarship. An outstanding student, Ashley plans to become a travel nurse after graduation.

The Santa Anna ISD Board of Trustees will be hosting a reception honoring Roger Walker for his service to Santa Anna ISD. Mr. Walker served as superintendent for Santa Anna ISD from 2001 to 2008. The reception will be from 3:30 to 5:30pm, Monday, May 18, 2009 in the Library of the Santa Anna Independent School District Administration Building located at 701 Bowie, Santa Anna Texas. The public is cordially invited to attend.

Rotary Banquet Being Held Tonight
5/14/2009
The Coleman Rotary Club will be holding a Rotary Banquet for the Rotary students of the month and their guest on Thursday, May 14th at 6:00pm in the First Baptist Church Family Life Center. The guest speaker will be Bob Turner. They will be serving a meal and giving out the college scholarships.

Funtier Day Schedule of Events - This Saturday
5/14/2009
9 A.M.
--- AGES 13-15 GIRLS’ SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
10 A.M.
---SIGN IN VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
---SIGN IN HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT
--- BALLET FOLKLORICO OF SAN ANGELO (AT THE ENTERTAINMENT PAVILION)
11 A.M
--- TURN IN BISON BRISKET (WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BISON COOKOFF)
---ICE CREAM FREEZE OFF--BACK OF ARMORY (NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED)
--- JUDGING OF JR DIVISION CAKE BAKE OFF (ENTRIES DUE IN BY10:30 A.M.)
---JUDGING OF PIE CONTEST --OPEN TO ALL AGES. (ENTRIES DUE AT 10:30)
---TEXAS TORNADOES LINE DANCERS (AT THE ENTERTAINMENT PAVILION)
12:00 NOON
---BUFFALO MEAL $5 PER PLATE, DESSERT EXTRA
---DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IN HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT
---TURN IN BEEF BRISKET (WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BISON COOKOFF)
--- MARIACHI BAND (AT THE ENTERTAINMENT PAVILION)
1:00 P.M.
---TURN IN PORK SPARE RIBS (WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BISON COOKOFF)
2:00 P.M.
---TURN IN ½ JOINTED CHICKEN (WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BISON COOKOFF)
3:00 P.M.
---WATER POLO CONTEST (OPEN TO THE WORLD)
4:00 P.M.
---AWARDS CEREMONY FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BISON COOKOFF
(AT THE ENTERTAINMENT PAVILION)
6:00 P.M.
---RANCH RODEO (AT THE RODEO ARENA WEST OF TOWN)

Alzheimer’s Support Group to Meet Tonight
5/14/2009
The Alzheimer’s Support Group of Coleman County monthly meeting to be at the Santa Anna Volunteer Fire Department (N. Second Street, turn North at the SA Bank) on Thursday, May 14th, at 6pm. Everyone is invited to hear about equipment and safety in the home presented by Marlo Justice. Jill will provide Pizza. If you have questions, please call Family Health Clinic @ 325 348 3566.

Santa Anna Funtier Day Dance
5/14/2009
There will be a dance on Saturday, May 16th during the Santa Anna Funtier Day featuring "Four Barrel." Fred Trevino of Austin, who plays old country favorites, will open the show.  It will be located at the armory from 8:00pm to 12 midnight. $5 a person and a $10 cooler charge. NO ONE UNDER 18 without a parent will be allowed in. Must be 21 to consume alcohol. All proceeds will be donated to Santa Anna Youth Sports.

CISD School Board Agenda
5/14/2009
DATE: Monday, May 18, 2009
TIME: 7:00 P.M.
PLACE: Coleman I.S.D. Administration Office, 300 West Pecan
AGENDA:
1. Invocation
2. Call to Order
3. Reading of the Minutes
4. Public Forum
5. Campus Report – Texas Capitol Schoolhouse Presentation
THE BOARD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT, TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.001 et seq., AND FOR THE REASONS STATED IN THE CODE.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Certify School Trustee Candidates as Duly Elected
2. Swear in Board Members
3. Election of Board Officers
4. Personnel – Accept Resignations of Personnel
5. Personnel – Consider Hiring Personnel
6. Consider Approving Maintenance Bids
7. Consider Proposal for Student Insurance for 2009-2010
8. Consider Approving Resolution to Extend Depository Contract for Funds with Coleman County State Bank
9. Amend the Budget
BOARD REPORT:
1. TASB/ESC Region 14 Spring Workshop Report
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. 2009 Summer Leadership Institute
2. Tax Ratification Election
INFORMATION ITEMS:
1. Staff Appreciation Breakfast
2. Hallmarks of Excellence – Assessing Educational Leaders
3. Stimulus Funds – IDEA and Title I
4. Check Payments
5. Financial Statement

Rodeo Grounds Workday Saturday
5/14/2009
There will be a rodeo workday for Rodeo Association members at the rodeo grounds this Saturday, May 16th.  All rodeo association members are encouraged to be there. 

Panther Creek Baccalaureate This Sunday
5/14/2009
Panther Creek High School will have baccalaureate services for the Class of 2009 Sunday, May 17, at 7:00pm in the Activity Building. Zack Ailshie, pastor at Glen Cove Baptist Church, will be the guest speaker. All family and friends are invited to come. Refreshments will be served after the program in the cafeteria.

CISD Students and Teachers Participate in Texas Capitol Schoolhouse
5/14/2009
Coleman ISD was one of 14 school districts in the state of Texas invited to participate in the Texas Capitol Schoolhouse Event in Austin, Tx. This event was originally scheduled for January but due to bad weather conditions, the trip was rescheduled for May 11, 2009. Junior High Principal Paula Ringo, Technology Director Paul Martin, and teachers Gary Strickland and Sherri Merrill accompanied 4 students on the trip. Anthony Thomas and Sarah Wickson from Coleman Junior High and Erik Villeda and Gabby Roberts from Coleman High School were chosen to represent CISD. The students did an outstanding job showcasing how technology is used at CISD. On Sunday evening the students and sponsors were treated to dinner at Serrano’s by Bob and Ann Turner, owners of Rural Issues Consultants. Isaac Albarado, Representative Harvey Hildebran’s assistant also joined the group for dinner. On Monday morning, it was off to the school house. The day began with the ringing of a school bell as the students and teachers were marched into the basement of the Capitol Rotunda. Several Dignitaries such as Florence Shapiro, the Texas Senate Education Committee Chair and Robert Scott, the Texas Commissioner of Education welcomed the group to the Capitol. The San Antonio School of Excellence in Education Choir, directed by James McCrary then sang the National Anthem and Texas, Our Texas. For the remainder of the day, the students worked on technology lessons as other students, Senators and Representatives came by to visit with them. A highlight of the trip was Gabby Roberts being one of 5 students chosen to be introduced on the Senate Floor to represent the Texas Schoolhouse. The day ended with the students meeting and having their picture made with Representative Harvey Hildebran. Our students did a wonderful job representing CISD, we are proud of their hard work during this event. Other schools invited to participate in the event were: Bryan ISD, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Childress ISD, Floydada ISD, Hallsville ISD, Houston ISD, Klein ISD, Manor ISD, Midland ISD, Northside ISD, Texas Virtual School Network, Ysleta ISD, and the Texas School for the Deaf.

Santa Anna High School Seniors to be Honored
5/14/2009
The Class of 2009 of Santa Anna High School will be honored Thursday, May 21, 2009, at 10:30am with the annual senior assembly, The Order of the Rose. Senior students will be recognized for their achievements during the past year. The public is invited to attend.

Law Enforcement to Monitor Travel Memorial Day Weekend
5/14/2009
It's time once again for holiday and summer travel.

Officers of the Coleman Police Department in conjunction with the Texas Department of Transportation will be joining law enforcement Officers all over Texas working overtime to slow down drivers on the State's highways, enforcing the seatbelt and child restraint laws, and looking to remove drunk drivers from the highways.

If you travel this Memorial Day holiday weekend, you'll be see Policemen, Deputies, & Troopers all over the State out in force to provide motorist an enjoyable holiday weekend.

So remember, Buckle Up Texas or you will be reminded of Click or Ticket, slow down, and always have designed driver. Don't Drink and Drive !

We wish everyone a Safe and Happy a Safe Holiday Weekend.
Coleman Police Dept.

Summer Art Activities at Tuscola
5/14/2009
This summer, Pamela Gilbreth Watkins is offering art workshops and lessons in a variety of formats. All the activities will be held in Tuscola. A professional studio artist and certified art teacher, Pamela will facilitate the regularly-scheduled “Art After Hours” gatherings on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. These meetings are for adults with any level of expertise – from beginners to professionals. Participants can enjoy the buffet supper, bring art projects to work on, or join in the group projects, video presentations, and discussions. An opportunity for social networking and self expression, the “Art After Hours” group is for anyone who wants to experience camaraderie and creativity in a comfortable, friendly setting. Guests can relax on these warm pleasant evenings with good food, good friends and good conversation. Bring a group of family and friends for a unique outing or special occasion.

Area residents are encouraged to call with requests for specialized arts and crafts workshops and lessons on specific topics. Pam is happy to design customized lessons suited to your particular interests. Gather a group of like-minded friends and schedule your visit. Design your own event such as “College Night” or “Ladies Only” for you and your friends to enjoy. Our art professionals stand ready to lead workshops in a variety of artistic formats. And feel free to ask about summer lessons for kids. If your little ones need inspiration to while away the long summer hours, art activities can be just the solution.

In mid-July, there will be credentialed art workshops for school teachers needing to earn CPE credits. These sessions will demonstrate ways that classroom teachers can incorporate artistic projects into their lessons on social studies, science, and language arts. Interested educators can register on the Region 14 website (www.esc14.net) under “Workshop Catalog.” These trainings will be held at the Tuscola location, not at Region 14 Education Service Center.

Our location is also available for rental by any clubs, organizations and other groups needing a meeting place in the beautiful Jim Ned Valley. Such meetings need not be art-related in nature. Call Pamela Gilbreth Watkins at 325-572-3478 or 325-725-8729 for all the details.

Class of 1954 Planning Reunion
5/14/2009
Coleman High School's Class of 1954 will soon celebrate a 55th year reunion. "A Blast from the Past" will be held on June 13 at Heritage Hall, the old Presbyterian Church, at 400 W. College here in Coleman. The day will begin with a light brunch at 9:30am, then a time of visiting and a catered lunch by Big O's at 12:00. This will be followed by dinner at 6:00pm of sandwiches and trimmings.

The afternoon will reorganize class members present, and a memorial service for those who have left our ranks in the last five years since our last class reunion will be held. A time of sharing and a fun time of "who is it" will follow. All class members attending, and any of those who can't attend and would like to participate in this, are asked to bring or send a baby picture or one of them at a young age... We'll see just how much time has changed us! Get your update on yourself ready as we will have share-time of your life over these 55 years.

We will have a group picture made and orders will be taken at the reunion, and a short business meeting will be held. Lots of memories will be shared and we encourage any teacher or class member to come and share good times. The Class of '54 has always been a close class, and we want everyone of the 80+ exes to be sure to come and reply asap. If you are unable, but want to send a note to class address them to one of the following:
Doris McCulloch - 1501 Hillcrest, Peggy Burdick - 501 Burkett Hwy, or Herma Jean Johnson - 639 FM 2131 (tupy@web-access.net).

Mother's Day Brunch at CBC
5/14/2009
On Saturday, May 9th, Central Baptist Church hosted a "Mother's Day Brunch" to honor the mothers in our church. The brunch was catered by Sarah's Neighborhood and was a great success. There were approx. 50 woman in attendance with a few little girls as well. The mothers were treated to a menu of Italian Wedding Soup, breakfast casserole, sandwiches and salad. The delicious meal was enjoyed by the very special mothers, while being served to them by the special men of CBC.

Awards were given to: The Oldest Mother (we'll keep that a secret) and The Mother With The Most Children. A prize was also given to the person who could make the most words out of "Happy Mother's Day"....one of our very smart mothers created over 200 words. Some of our mothers were lucky enough to have sat in the lucky chairs. Those mothers were given potted flowers.

Following the meal and the awards, a very inspirational video of the well known women's speaker, Beth Moore, was enjoyed.

Special thanks is extended to Sarah's Neighborhood for the catering service. A special thank you is also extended to the wonderful men of Central Baptist for their servant's hearts. A final "thank you" is extended to Sheri Feliciano for all of her hard work that she did for all the special mothers in our church.

Strong Wind Causes Some Damage in Coleman
5/13/2009
Strong winds from a decaying thunderstorm swept through Coleman Tuesday night, causing damage. While the storm traveled south of the county, its wind traveled a greater distance.

There was damage to a garage on the north side of town at the Highway 206/283 intersection. The wind ripped a portion of the tin roof off.

There was also a power outage associated with the high winds. We've heard a report of trees damaged on Elm Street and numerous reports of small limbs down around town.

There was also a billboard sign blown down on Highway 206 about 2 miles northeast of Coleman.

Storms carry lots of energy, and although they may not pass directly over your area, they can still spread their wind power over a large area

Coleman Business People Hear about Economic Impact
5/13/2009
Zac Allen and Judge Jimmie Hobbs went to the Coleman Business People's Association meeting Tuesday night to answer questions in regard to the economic impact renovation of the courthouse might contribute to their businesses.  Fifteen business owners and interested parties came to the Chamber to get more information about the renovation project. There is information shared below as written by Greg Martin, present at the meeting.  The most surprising piece of information shared by Zac Allen and Judge Hobbs is the NEW information about the cost per person for this project.  $7-10 per person per year for 10-15 years is the projected cost for the County's share of the renovation of the courthouse. 

The way this reporter sees is, some county somewhere is going to get the $4.1million state's share of a courthouse renovation, it might as well be Coleman County!  Be sure to let your commissioner know where your stand on the topic! 

Open Letter to the Taxpayers of Coleman County:
5/13/2009  ( from Greg Martin )
The Coleman County Courthouse Restoration Project is something I’ve been hearing about in various conversations since moving back to Coleman about a year ago. Like anyone else, I’m often guilty of spending most of my time talking only to people that think like I think. Because of this, I guess, it’s only been very recently brought to my attention that there is a segment of our population that is against this project. Since learning of this opposition, I have been curious as to what concerns or reservations the opponents might have. Are the concerns valid, or are they based on incomplete or inaccurate information? The only way to alleviate or minimize the concerns is to understand what those concerns are. Only then will those in favor of the project be in a position to provide the necessary information to bring everyone together as a united community. Disagreements aren’t always something to be avoided. If both sides come at the issue with a desire to understand each other and a commitment to find the best solution, the points of disagreement are, more often than not, resolved through clarification or modification.

The attached is a little long, but please bear with me. There is quite a bit of information to be considered and, at the end, a call to action for those on both sides of this important issue.
CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE LETTER CONTRIBUTED BY GREG MARTIN

We’ve made it!   Well almost…….
5/13/2009
The countdown is here. Our precious junior high students are high school bound and we’re celebrating with a luau. The 8th grade graduation luau will be held Thursday, may 28th, 6p-9p at the First Baptist Church family center. The luau will consist of hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, desserts, drinks, door prizes every thirty minutes, photo opportunities, TONS of fun and games.

In a previous letter it was requested for $30 to help cover the cost of food expenses as well as a class t-shirt. In lieu of $30 please feel free to donate canned soda’s, bottled water and/or desserts. (These items can be dropped off at Encompass Home Health Care on Commercial Ave). Each graduating 8th grader is welcome and encouraged to attend and will receive a class t-shirt. Please have your child wear his or her t-shirt to the luau.

We are still in need of volunteers to chaperons, cook, serve, man games, decorate, and clean up. If one of these opportunities seems appealing to you please contact one of the parents from the list below. We can never have enough parents helping out! If you would like to volunteer in future activities or have ideas on fundraisers please contact a parent below. We have a lot of money to raise in the next three years and it will take each and everyone one of us to do it. We can and we will because WE are the PARENTS of CLASS 2013!!!!!

We look forward to your support, participation and most of all sharing this memorable time with our children.

Casselberry Receives Scholarship
5/13/2009
The TEEA scholarship winner, Audrey Casselberry, was honored at a luncheon of the County Cultural Arts Contest Day, Wednesday, May 13 in the Coleman County State Bank clubroom.   Audrey, daughter of B. P. and Beverly Casselberry, will be attending Texas Tech University in the Fall.  Audrey is also the granddaughter of Bill and Betty Casselberry of Coleman, and John and Imogene Pearson of Levelland.  Imogene was once a member of the organization.
Pictured were Beverly Casselberry, Deborah Yates, Audrey, B.P. Casselberry, and Bill Casselberry 
Pictured were with Audrey are Pat Pool, Mary Frances Smith, and Deborah Yates- scholarship committee members.

Walk for a Cure - Success!
The Annual Walk for a Cure, started by Barbara Brown, was held last Saturday
in downtown Coleman. The walk is dedicated in honor of Mrs. Ann Turner, pictured above.  There was also special guest "Team Connie" that returned again this year.

CHS Yearbook on Sale
5/13/2009
The 2009 CHS yearbooks are on sale now.   They are $25, order forms can be picked up in the high school office (or click on the link below to print), orders and money must be turned in by May 22^nd.  The books will be delivered after the start of school next year.

Legacy Outfitters, Monday
5/13/2009
Legacy Outfitters monthly meeting will be held at the Early Lions Club building @ 6:30 on Monday, May 18th. Featured speaker will be Harold Arms of Arms Bait and Fish Company in Proctor. He has been in the fish business for over 40 years helping fishermen catch fish and lake/pond owners grow bigger fish (Black Bass up to 17 lbs). Our cook team will have another great meal.

Agenda for Special Called City Council Meeting
5/13/2009
200 WEST LIVEOAK, 5:00pm, THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009
NEW BUSINESS:
Council will consider recommendations from Coleman EDC, INC. regarding business prospects the EDC Board seeks to have locate, stay or expand in the area; with which the EDC is conducting economic development negotiations. Council may conduct a closed executive session pursuant to Section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code and return to open session to for action.

Good Neighbor TEEA Club to Meet Friday
5/12/2009
The Good Neighbor TEEA Club met Friday morning, May 1, in the Coleman County State Bank clubroom. President Mary Frances Smith called the meeting to order. Carmen Rendon led the pledge of allegiance to the US flag and to the Texas flag. Doris McCulloch led the creed and prayer. Thought for the day: "You must plow with such oxen as you have." Members answered roll call with "Do you sew or do any handwork?" Peggy Willetts gave the treasurer's report.

Anna Jenkins and Peggy Willetts were elected as nominees for delegates to the state convention at San Angelo in September. These nominees will be voted on at the next association meeting.

The county 4-H Scholarship winner, Audrey Casselberry, will be honored at the luncheon of the County Cultural Arts Contest Day, Wednesday, May 13 in the clubroom. Her parents and grandparents will also be recognized.

Plans were finalized for the fun day county historical trip May 7th. For the Show and Tell program, members enjoyed a fun time sharing things and experiences.

Attending were Ola Jean Alderson, Nina Childress, Lena Clevenger, Helen Cross, Kay Dyer, Retamay Gaines, Betty Griffin, Anna Jenkins, Jean Langford, Dorothy McDonald, Dora Newman, Carmen Rendon, Mary Frances Smith, Peggy Willetts. Betty Griffin was hostess.

The next meeting will be Friday morning, May 15th at 9:00am in the CCSB clubroom. "Hints by Heloise" will be presented by Lynn Corbett. You are invited to attend. We would love to have you!

Pence Sentencing Postponed
5/12/2009
The sentencing phase of the murder trial of Patrick Pence was originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2009.  Judge Weeks has postponed the sentencing hearing to next Wednesday, May 20, 2009. 

Pence was tried for the murder of Joshua Todd Weaver earlier this year.  The trial began on May 6th and a plea agreement was reached on May 9th.  Pence pled guilty to a lesser offense of Aggravated Assault by causing bodily injury. According to Judge John Weeks, this represents a 2nd degree felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison. However, Pence did apply for probation and is eligible for probation, Weeks said. Pence waived the right for a jury to sentence him so sentencing will be done by Judge Weeks in approximately 30 days. Pence will remain free until sentencing.

Friday, May 15th - Deadline to Place Angel Food Orders
5/12/2009
Remember ANYONE can order and receive Angel Food items. Included on the menu are a Senior Box, an Allergen-Free Box, and May specials. The Angel Food Ministries' food orders will take orders until this Friday, May 15th. Go to Loaves & Fishes on the corner of Pecan and Nueces today, Thursday, or Friday from 9:00am - 1:00pm to place your orders. Telephone orders may be placed by calling 325-625-2060, leave a message if no answer, or 325-636-3733.

CBP to Meet Tuesday, May 12th
5/12/2009
There will be a very important meeting of the Coleman Business People's Association on Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30pm in the Chamber of Commerce Board Room. Zac Allen will address everyone about the Economic Impact of the proposed Courthouse Renovation. He will be there to answer any questions that you might have. This impact will effect us all, so we do hope that all interested persons will attend. Notice the time is 6:30pm in order for those that stay open later to join the meeting.

Panther Creek Sports Banquet May 12th
5/12/2009
The Panther Creek Sports Banquet has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 and will be held in the school cafeteria. We will be having a chicken fried steak dinner with baked potatoes, green beans, toss salad, homemade rolls, dessert and tea. The cost of the meal will be $7.00 per person with all athletes eating at no charge. There will be door prizes given and a slide show playing throughout the banquet. We have a special guest who will speak and share their thoughts and achievements with us. Please dress in you Sunday clothes and come enjoy a good home-cooked meal and support the athletes who will be recognized for their participation and accomplishments.

The meal starts at 6:30pm with the program starting at 7:00pm and we would like to get a head count as much as possible, so if please RSVP to Teresa Smith -325-636-4345 or email:  marte3kids@web-access.net 

Coleman 4-H to Meet Tuesday, May 12
5/12/2009
Coleman 4-H will have their monthly meeting at the Bill Franklin Center on Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00. Refreshments will be at 5:30.

Last Book Fair for This Year - 1/2 off everything !!
5/12/2009  
Coleman Elementary-Jr. High Library will be hosting a Scholastic book fair Mon.-Wed., May 11-13 from 8:00 – 3:00 (closing for lunch between 12:30-1:00).

This is the last book fair of the year and everything in stock will be half-off of the marked price. This is a good time to stock up for summer reading, birthday gifts, etc.

Parents are encouraged to come assist their children in the selection of reading materials. Also, the public is invited to shop at the book fair during the posted hours.

Terry Langley, newly elected East Ward Councilman, Harold Skelton, West Ward Councilman re-elected, Jay Moses, re-elected Chief of Police, and re-elected Mayor of Coleman, Nick Poldrack.  These four men were sworn into office at a Special Called Meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, May 12, 2009. 

Wal-Mart Gift Card Winner Announced
5/12/2009  (Contributed)
Students headed to Washington D.C. next month announce that Raeann Mills is the winner of the $100.00 Wal-Mart Gift Card. The drawing was held Monday, May 11 at the Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations Raeann and thank you to all who have donated to help us get to go to Washington D.C.!

Local Woman National Finalist for Bike
5/12/2009
Local woman is a finalist for a bike and you can help her win it with your votes.  Barbara Hubbard has sent her plea to our readers to help her win a new $5,000 bike.  Check out her video and VOTE to help Barbara win her bike! 
From Barbara:  
"I am trying to win a bike (which is really important to me since it's a $5,000 bike) and I need your vote! I'm a national finalist. Go to www.bicycling.com/winanybike09  I am the first video, so voting should be easy! You have to create a "sign in" first - then cast your vote! As many times as possible....would be great!"

Update - SUBJECT CAUGHT
5/12/2009
The Coleman Police Dept. apprehended Casey James Kimble, age 22, of Midland, Texas on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at approximately 11:42 A.M. Kimble was the object of an extensive man-hunt by Officers & Deputies of the Coleman Police Dept. and Coleman County Sheriff's Office over the past two days.

Kimble has outstanding arrest warrants from Ector and Midland Counties as well as a Parole Violation warrant issued by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

PREVIOUS STORY - Subject WANTED on Warrants
5/12/2009
Casey James Kimble is a 22 year-old white male from Midland, Texas and is wanted on warrants from Ector and Midland counties.  He is also wanted on a parole violation from TDJC.  If you see or have seen this subject please call the Coleman Police Dept. at 625-4114 or the Sheriff's office at 625-3506.

Donut Shop Burglarized
5/12/2009
An unknown person or persons broke into the Donut Shop, 110 E. Walnut, through the drive-in window. Subjects stole both cash registers from the business and approximately $100 in cash was taken. Coleman Police are investigating this offense. Anyone with information please call Coleman Police Dept. at 625-4114 or Crime-Stoppers at 636-7777.  Remember Crime-Stoppers just needs the information, not your name.    

CHS Sports Banquet Held Monday
5/12/2009
Coleman Booster Club held the annual All-Sports Banquet last night in the CISD cafeteria. All high school athletes were recognized by their coaches and awards were given as follows: 
MVP Girl Award - Nancy Cruz
MVP Boy Award - Glen Edington
Rodney Taylor "Fighting Heart" Award (given by Rodney Taylor's daughter Mercedes-
Glen Edington
Martha Allen Award - Shelbie DeLeon
Century Club Scholarships - Nancy Cruz and Glen Edington 

Auctioned during the banquet were an autographed Football jersey, football, girls' basketball, boys' basketball, softball, baseball bat, stadium seat, track relay baton, golf umbrella, giant tennis ball, and a powerlifting belt.  This auction brought about $1100 to help defray the costs of the banquet and future projects.  The Booster Club want to thank those that participated in the auction!  

The 25th Annul Western Heritage Classics was held last weekend. As tradition the Coleman Rodeo Association and The Coleman County Cowgirls were in attendance in the parade. The parade was held downtown Abilene. It was on Thursday May 7th. The Coleman Rodeo Association and the Coleman County Cowgirls are getting ready for The Coleman Rodeo June 18- 20.

Girl Scout Camp Registration Open to All Girls
5/12/2009
Summer Camp Open to Girls Entering Grades 1-12
Brownwood, Texas—Girl Scouts of Central Texas is currently registering girls who are entering grades 1-12 for summer camp. Girls do not need to be currently registered members of Girl Scouts.

Summer camps in Brown County begin June 14 and continue through July 24 at Camp Wood Lake on Lake Brownwood. Camp sessions are overnight and range in length from two nights to five nights. Most camp sessions begin Sunday and end on Friday.

Girls who attend Girl Scout camp have the opportunity to explore nature and discover the amazing experience of summer camp. Activities available at Girl Scout camp include canoeing, rock climbing, swimming, dance and more.

At Girl Scout camp, girls can explore their interests, make new friends and develop independence in the safe setting of Girl Scouts. Qualified staff members help girls learn and grow while having fun by embracing and encouraging the principals of the Girl Scout Promise: honesty, fairness, consideration for others, caring, courage, strength, personal responsibility, respect, resourcefulness, service and friendship.

“For many girls, Girl Scout camp is the best week of their summer,” says Jan Cate, VP of Community Partnerships and Facilities for Girl Scouts of Central Texas. “And for parents, it’s a safe, reliable experience that teaches their daughters life lessons and keeps the family budget balanced.”

Camp fees include all activities, food, housing and supervision. Girl Scout summer camp sessions at Camp Wood Lake begin at $150 for a two night camp and $220 for a five night camp. Non-Girl Scouts who register for Girl Scout summer camp will become registered Girl Scouts and a $10 registration fee will be added to camp fees.

Exact descriptions of camp sessions at Camp Wood Lake, including dates and fees, can be found online at www.gsctx.org . Registration is currently open and parents are encouraged to register their daughter for camp as soon as possible.

For more information regarding the Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Girl Scout membership, camps or volunteer opportunities, visit www.gsctx.org  or call (800) 733-0011.

CISD on Lockdown Monday Afternoon
5/11/2009 
At the request of the Coleman police department, Coleman ISD instituted a district wide lockdown at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon. The police department advised the school district that a suspected felon under warrant was in a neighborhood north of the school. As a precaution, the district locked down all campuses and limited access until about 3:00 p.m. when the authorities indicated it was safe to do so. There was no incident of intruder on the school grounds but as a further precaution school district officials followed protocol to ensure the safety of all students and faculty. 

Amy Simmons Says, "Thank you!"
5/11/2009
I just want to say thank you so much to all of Coleman county and those of you in the extended community who have pitched in to make my trip to Costa Rica possible. Thanks to you, we have raised all the money to cover my stem cell treatment!!! Anything raised from here on out will go toward the expenses I will have while I am there. I am so thankful for all of you and your continued support of me over the years. I feel so loved by this community and am honored to be a part of it no matter where in the world I may be.
I also wanted to let everyone know that I have set up a website
( www.caringbridge.org/visit/amysimmons  ) where you all can go to keep up with what I am doing in Costa Rica. I will try to update it as much as I am able, and you can even click the option to get email notifications when I do update it. I would love to hear from you all while I am there. You can leave me messages by signing the guestbook that is also available on the website. I read each and every one of them. I really appreciate your continued prayers and encouragement. Thank you again.
I love you all!!!
Amy Simmons

“Youth to Senior” or “Senior to Youth?”
5/11/2009    Marian Johnson, FALCC
Either way you look at it, it pays great dividends. The youth interested in the arts are a delight to behold. Their enthusiasm and creativity give the seniors a chance to become ‘child-like’ again which is the state one has to be in to be uninhibited in creativity and originality. Seniors ‘give back’ by giving of their time and talent in instruction, from their own experience and skill.  

Coleman County is fortunate to have people in both the categories –
Youth who are ready to learn and a teacher ready to teach, Danna Dawson, member of the Fine Arts League.
Seniors – ready to contribute their time and talent to the youth wishing to learn from them- Ted & Martha Shelton (photos) are 2 of such individuals who are members of the Fine Arts League of Coleman County, teaching painting wildflowers. Sherrell Hazlewood, a Cinco de Mayo officionado, helped with that celebration for the art classes. Recently, Bill and Sue Shields judged an art exhibit at Novice School. Other members have contributed their talents to the school art classes throughout the year.

Dear Future Band Parent,
(Parents of 5th grade students)
5/11/2009
This semester your 5th grader has been learning a few basics about being in band. We have learned how to count rhythms, play recorders, and also learned the history behind most of the band instruments. In order to prepare adequately for next year, we are holding a “Band Zoo” on Thursday, May 14th from 5:00-8:00pm. This will be a “come and go” atmosphere (so you don’t miss baseball practice!) and should take about 30-45 minutes to complete. During the “Zoo” your child will go to stations at which they will try out each band instrument. They will be given a rating based on how well they are able to play the instrument. Several factors will decide which instrument is best suited for your Son/Daughter. They include finger length; arm length, jaw and teeth structure just to name a few. After they have been to all the stations, we will sit down with them and discuss which instrument they will have the most success in playing.

We understand that the beginning of the school year is a hectic and financially straining time. In order to help you prepare ahead of time, a music company will be here on May 14th to rent out instruments. The first month’s rent will be paid at this time so that when school begins your student will receive their instrument but rent will not be due until the second month of school. Please note that students will not be allowed to take instruments home on May 14th. They will receive them when we return for the fall semester. We hope that this will help you in planning for a new school year.

We do have a few instruments to loan (baritone, tuba, and French horn), however, please be aware that we have a larger than usual class this year and we may not be able to accommodate everyone with their first choice of instrument. We do advise that you not buy an instrument from a non-music company. They do not carry quality band instruments. If you already own a band instrument please bring it with you on the 14th so that we can recommend repairs in order to make it playable for your student.

We are very excited about this coming 6th grade class. Please encourage your child to take band in 6th grade. We have had numerous 7th graders coming to us wanting to be in band but it is very hard to catch them up after they have missed a whole year. 6th graders are the future of the Band Program and they need a solid foundation in order to be successful! We look forward to seeing you on the 14th.

Please feel free to call the High School Band Hall (625-2156 ext. 206) if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Jerry Everett Liz Braquet
Band Director Assistant Band Director

Town and Country Garden Club Have Final Meeting for Spring
5/11/2009  (Contributed)
Town and Country Garden Club met at the Miller building on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. Nan Markland was hostess for the evening. Pedestal Exhibits included Pat Pool’s unique potted “hoya” plant and Sue Brusenhan’s artistic design using cuttings from a smoke tree plant and a candalia in a lovely crystal container.

The following officers were installed for 2009-2011: President, Sue Shields; Vice-president for yearbook, Caroline Skelton; representing the program committee, Alice Hemphill; Secretary, Myrtie Beaver; Assistant Secretary, Danella McBrayer; and Treasurer, Eileen Morris. Janie Popnoe, installing officer, used the theme “It’s in the Bag” and each officer received a “symbol” of her office.

Outgoing President Eileen Morris thanked each of outgoing officers for their two years of service with a gift of a potted begonia. And in turn, she was given a beautiful orchid, presented by Nan Markland. A special gift was given to Nancy Baker recognizing her for more than twenty years of managing rentals of the Miller Building and serving as custodian of the key. On behalf of all the Club’s members, Nan Markland expressed sincere appreciation for Nancy’s dedication and willingness to serve these many years.

A special program was given by Nan Markland demonstrating how to dry flowers using silica sand/gel. She used this technique to dry several dozen yellow roses that are to be used as part of an eight-foot floor design that she and Jane Padgitt will exhibit at the National Garden Club Convention in Houston later this month.

During the Texas Garden Clubs, Inc., spring convention held recently in Midland, Town and Country Garden Club received a number of awards including a second place for the Flower Show Schedule by Nan Markland and Jane Padgitt, as well as a rating of “Gold” for the Club’s accomplishments during the calendar year 2008. In addition, a special Presidential Citation was awarded for “restoration, preservation, maintenance, repairs and landscaping of the historic Miller Building, site of Garden Club meetings, flower shows and community functions”.

The next meeting will be September 8 when plans will be finalized for the Fall District VIII Convention that is to be held in Coleman on October 30-31.

Coleman High School Sports Banquet - May 11th - TONIGHT!
5/11/2009
- Monday, May 11, 6:00pm
Hey all you Bluecat Fans! Time to get together and honor all our High School athletes and their accomplishments! The Banquet will be brisket with all the fixins starting at 6:00pm at the CISD cafeteria. Tickets at the door are $10/adults and $5/children under ten. We will have door prizes and, of course, several auction items will be available including an autographed VARSITY football jersey! So bring your checkbooks....your grandparents.....and your camera!

Election Results for Coleman County
5/9/2009
SANTA ANNA
Mayor
(I) Russel Fisher - 46
John Morris - 75
Nancy Wylie - 78 **

School Board
(I) Denise Montgomery - 144 **
(I) Mike Pritchard - 119**
William Loyd  -  92

NOVICE SCHOOL BOARD
Two Unexpired At Large 2-yr. Terms
Ernie  Chapman  -  17
Amy J. Holmquest  -  49 **
Linda Smith  -  64  **

Two Unexpired At Large 1-yr. Terms
Jeffery Price  -  69 **
Bobby Green  -  28
Kerri Barnett  -  73 **

CITY OF COLEMAN
Mayor
(I) Nick Poldrack - 470 ** (unopposed)

Coleman City Council
West Ward
(I) Harold Skelton - 266 **
Mike Gray -   247

East Ward
(I) Rodney Cole - 206
Terry Langley - 297 **

Chief of Police
(I) Jay Moses - 398 **
Steve Vail - 135

Two Wrecks Early Saturday in County
5/9/2009
Two wrecks within one hour of each other kept Coleman County emergency personnel busy Saturday morning.

At 5:13am, a vehicle rollover accident was reported approximately three miles south of Highway 67 on FM 1026, commonly called the Fisk Highway. According to police reports, the man driving the vehicle hit a cow, causing the rollover. He did not require medical treatment.

At 5:54am, approximately six miles north of Coleman on U.S. Highway 283 (Baird Highway), another rollover accident was reported. As emergency personnel arrived, one woman was out of the vehicle. She was taken to Coleman County Medical Center for treatment.

Names of those involved weren't immediately available. DPS Troopers from Runnels County investigated the accidents.

Katts Win ! Katts Win !! Katts Win !!!
Claim Bi-District Championship over Jim Ned !!
Bowie is Next, In Eastland !!
5/9/2009
The Coleman Bluekatts beat the Jim Ned Lady Indians 7-4 Saturday morning in Coleman to win the gold glove trophy and the Bi-District Championship.

The Katts now move on to the Area round of competition against the Bowie Lady Jackrabbits this coming Friday night at 7:00pm in Eastland. Game two will be at 2:00pm Saturday in Eastland, followed by game three, if needed.

In typical Coleman/Jim Ned fashion, it was a good, close back and forth game. The Katts started out with hot bats and quickly put up three runs in the 1st inning, forcing Jim Ned to make an early pitching change. Eden Duquette's ground ball single to center field scored Erin Strickland and Carissa Zarate to highlight the inning. Rynn Norris, who singled to left field to begin the game, also scored.

In the top of the 2nd Jim Ned battled back, with a little help from a couple of Bluekatt throwing errors, scoring two runs, making the score Coleman 3 Jim Ned 2. That's where the score would stay until the bottom of the 3rd.

In the Katts bat in the bottom of the 3rd, Carissa Zarate uncorked a home run over the left field fence to give the Katts a 4-2 advantage.

The score remained 4-2 until the top of the 5th when Jim Ned tied the game with a bloop double to center field scoring two runs, 4-4.

Still tied going into the bottom of the 6th, the Katt bats came alive again. Eden Duquette singled to right, Cheyenne Turner singled to left and Ashley Grissom's bunt single was about a perfect as you can do it to load the bases. Sara Slayton's single to center field drove in Duquette. Rynn Norris's RBI single drove in Turner. Jessica Morales's RBI double scored Slayton, giving the Katts a 7-4 lead.

In Jim Ned's final at bat, the Katts gave up a double to deep left field but that was it, to claim the Bi-District crown.

Defense
There were numerous nice individual efforts during the course of the game and the series. The Katt's freshman catcher, Grissom, threw out two Lady Indians attempting to steal 2nd base. Rynn Norris pitched consistently through five innings. Eden Duquette came in to close out the last two innings in relief. For the second day in a row, Sara Slayton made an impressive running catch in center field. Laiken Barnett made a play on a ball in right field and almost threw out the batter at first; it was very close.  Carissa Zarate hit yet another home run, which really seemed to lift the team at the midway point in the game. The infielders had a good series, keeping balls in front of them for the most part with lots of outs at first.

Brownwood Damaged by Supercell Thunderstorm
Coleman Fire Department Sends Crew to Help
5/9/2009
A cold front, combined with 100 degree temperatures Friday afternoon to produce a large supercell thunderstorm which spelled disaster across Brown County, just east of Coleman. The storm developed in Eastland County, the very storm which rained out the Coleman / Jim Ned girl's softball game. Players in their dugouts watched rain and hail fall as they waited, then afterwards moved to Tuscola to play. (See story below)

The storm grew in size and strength and lashed the southern Eastland County community of Rising Star with large hail, then on south to Brownwood where high wind, large hail and flooding was reported. The storm continued to produce golf ball size hail near midnight down in the Brady area.

According to Brownwood city officials, electricity was out to approximately 12,000 Brown County residents Friday night into Saturday morning. Electrical crews worked round the clock to bring the power back. As of 9:00am Saturday, an estimated 1,200 were still waiting for the lights to come on, but rapid progress was being made. A truck and crew from the Coleman Fire Department traveled to Brownwood Friday night as a part of mutual aid from surrounding communities.

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma reports numerous hail events in Central Texas, hail ranging from golf ball to baseball over portions of Brown, Stephens and Eastland counties. Large hail was reported at Lake Brownwood, May, Rising Star and in Brownwood. The report also includes mention of a tornado in Early, seen by a spotter, on the ground for one minute, then lifted.

What a Wild Friday - Katts Beat Jim Ned Friday Night
Next Game at 10:00am This Morning (Saturday) IN COLEMAN
5/9/2009
The best of three softball playoff series between Coleman and Jim Ned has taken several strange twists - and that was before the first pitch was ever thrown. But the long wait was worth it for Bluekatt fans who celebrated a 4 to 2 victory Friday night in Tuscola.

The Lady Indians held a 2-0 lead over the Katts at the end of the 4th inning, getting runs in the 2nd and the 3rd innings.

The Katts struggled in the run department until the 5th inning when they scored two runs to tie the game 2-2.

Fast forward to the 5th inning, Jim Ned at bat, and threatening with a deep hit to center field but Sara Slayton made a beautiful catch to end the Lady Indian threat.

Neither team could score in the 6th inning which meant it was all going to happen in the 7th, one way or the other.

In Coleman's top of the 7th, Jessica Morales reached first on a throwing error by Jim Ned, a ball which rolled to the fence in foul territory in right field, allowing Morales to scamper to 3rd. Carissa Zarate followed with a base hit to get on base. Erin Strickland connected for an RBI, scoring Morales to make the score 3-2. Thanks to another Jim Ned throwing error at 3rd, Zarate ran home to make the score 4-2.

In the last at bat for the Lady Indians, nice Bluekatt defense, which was good all night long, took out Jim Ned three up, three down to end the game and give the Katts the win.

Game two of the series will be played at 10:00am Saturday morning IN COLEMAN with game three to follow, if needed.

BUT I THOUGHT THEY WERE GOING TO PLAY IN EASTLAND !!

Both teams arrived in Eastland, completed their warm ups, the umpires were ready, and the thunder rolled. Fans took shelter in their autos. Players remained in their safe cinder block dugouts and watched the rain get heavier, and the hailstones grow from pea size to quarter size. After the severe thunderstorm had blown over, a quick inspection of the field rendered it too wet to play. Coaches and umpires met and decided the game would be moved to Jim Ned, a field with lights.

I-20 WRECKS HALT THE COLEMAN AND JIM NED CARAVAN !!

Teams and fans loaded up at 7:00pm and a long line of cars and pickups hit I-20 West, bound for Tuscola. About two miles west of Eastland, the brake lights came on as horrified fans watched a major traffic accident unfold in front of their eyes. Four, possibly five vehicles, crashed in the east bound lane of I-20 sending car parts and tires across both lanes of traffic, halting traffic in both directions. Coleman and Jim Ned fans, along with the umpires for the game, stopped and rendered aid. 911 was called and Eastland fire and ambulance units responded. For such a horrific looking accident, those involved seemed to have mainly minor injuries, a true blessing indeed. Another blessing that no fans were involved, as far as we know. The traffic backup, however, delayed travel westward for about 15 minutes, longer for east bound traffic.

With medical personnel and DPS on the scene, the Bluekatt/Indian caravan continued westward toward Abilene. But less than three miles down the road, yet another wreck in the west bound lane. This time, it appeared minor and traffic continued without delay as emergency crews were already on the scene.

PLAY BALL !!

With everyone safely to Jim Ned, the softball series finally got underway around 8:30pm. By 10:15pm, the Bluekatts had won game one.

HOW WE FINALLY GOT HERE !!
This series was originally delayed for a week because of the swine flu scare when all UIL activities were halted. Originally scheduled to be played in Colorado City, the games were then moved to ACU. A conflict moved the series again to Eastland. Mother Nature then forced a quick change of plans and moved game one to Jim Ned. Game two (and three if needed) will be played at 10:00am today (Sat.) in Coleman at the high school complex, so come on out. You never know what might happen !!

THANK YOU !!
5/8/2009
The Board of Directors and Staff of the Coleman County Chamber of Commerce Agriculture and Tourist Bureau would like to thank you, the citizens of Coleman and Coleman County, and all the volunteers for your contributions to the Coleman Chamber of Commerce Banquet. All of you are appreciated more than could possibly be expressed. People like you make accomplishing the impossible easy, fun, and successful. Also, a special thanks to all the merchants and individuals who donated items to the Banquet for the Silent and Live Auction. Without your kindness and understanding our Banquet would not have been possible. 
Sandra Barr, President; Dr. Darron Atwood, Executive Vice-President; Nina Childress, Executive Vice-President; Dokie Bledsoe, Banquet Chairperson; Nina Childress, Banquet Chairperson; and members Danyelle Hemphill, Cathy Allen, Crystal Rae, Darla Wise, Kim Horne, Kathy Turner, Charlotte Johns, Kevin McMahon, Mary Griffis, Chamber Executive Director, Amy Hinds, Chamber Secretary.

Local Woman Killed in Coleman County Wreck
5/8/2009
A Coleman woman died early Friday morning in a one vehicle rollover accident.

According to the Department of Public Safety, Geneva Lynn Perez, 20, of Coleman, was pronounced dead at 2:25am Friday at Coleman County Medical Center. Her body was taken to Henderson Funeral Home in Coleman.

Perez was a passenger in a 2003 Ford F-150 pickup driven by Randall Lee Nix, Jr., 19, of Coleman. Nix was taken to Coleman County Medical Center and was reported in good condition by the DPS. Neither Nix nor Perez were wearing seat belts, according to the report.

The wreck happened at approximately 12:30am Friday, May 8, on Farm to Market Road 2633, 17 miles south of Santa Anna.

The accident report, prepared by Runnels County Trooper Michael Gray, indicates the pickup was going south on FM 2633 when it entered a curve and went off the right side of the road.  The driver overcorrected the pickup to the left, drove back across the road, began to side skid, went into the left ditch and rolled several times, coming to rest upright.

The crash is still under investigation, according to the DPS.

Discussion on Traffic Lights Tabled
5/8/2009
A unique part of downtown Coleman has long been the traffic lights. They are unique in the fact they stand on the ground, at intersections along Commercial Avenue.

In recent weeks, the lights haven't been operational. In their place are red stop signs on the east/west cross streets while drivers on Commercial Avenue have the right of way.

The matter of repairing the street lights was discussed at the Coleman City Council meeting Thursday night. Several local citizens spoke in favor of keeping the lights as they add a unique and historic feel to the downtown area. The city's concern is liability if the lights don't meet state specifications and cause an accident.

The final action was to table the matter for now, giving city management time to study the issue more and perhaps find a way to bring the lights back to life. The matter will be addressed at a future Council meeting.

Funtier Day Schedule of Events (Tentative)
Saturday, May 16th
5/8/2009
9 A.M.
---AGES 13-15 GIRLS’ SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
10 A.M.
---SIGN IN VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
---SIGN IN HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT
---BALLET FOLKLORICO OF SAN ANGELO (AT THE ENTERTAINMENT PAVILION)
11 A.M
---TURN IN BISON BRISKET (WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BISON COOKOFF)
---ICE CREAM FREEZE OFF--BACK OF ARMORY (NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED)
---JUDGING OF JR DIVISION CAKE BAKE OFF (ENTRIES DUE IN BY10:30 A.M.)
---JUDGING OF PIE CONTEST --OPEN TO ALL AGES. (ENTRIES DUE AT 10:30)
---TEXAS TORNADOES LINE DANCERS (AT THE ENTERTAINMENT PAVILION)
12:00 NOON
---BUFFALO MEAL $5 PER PLATE, DESSERT EXTRA
---DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IN HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT
---TURN IN BEEF BRISKET (WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BISON COOKOFF)
---MARIACHI BAND (AT THE ENTERTAINMENT PAVILION)
1:00 P.M.
---TURN IN PORK SPARE RIBS (WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BISON COOKOFF)
2:00 P.M.
---TURN IN ½ JOINTED CHICKEN (WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BISON COOKOFF)
3:00 P.M.
---WATER POLO CONTEST (OPEN TO THE WORLD)
4:00 P.M.
---AWARDS CEREMONY FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BISON COOKOFF
(AT THE ENTERTAINMENT PAVILION)
6:00 P.M.
---RANCH RODEO (AT THE RODEO ARENA WEST OF TOWN)

Month of the Military Child
Has deeper meaning for wounded warrior families
5/8/2009    (From The US Army Official Website)
NOTE:  Staff Sergeant Shilo Harris is an Army Soldier recovering at war injuries at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. He and his wife, Kathreyn Harris, both graduated from Coleman High School. His mother is Teresa Bentley of Coleman and his dad is Allen Harris of McCamey. Kathreyn’s parents are Darrell Phillips of Coleman and the late Vicky Phillips.    Her grandparents are Harold and Katie Phillips of Coleman.

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - The road to recovery for a wounded Soldier can be long and difficult, but with the help of Army medicine and the love of military spouses and children, that road can be shorter and smoother.

For some Soldiers who use the Warrior Family Support Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, their sons and daughters have played an instrumental role in their recovery as wounded Army veterans.

The Warrior Family Support Center is a facility for Soldiers and their families to use as they receive care at Brooke Army Medical Center at no cost to them. Through peer and community support, and recreational activities, the center provides a high-quality setting for the whole family as they return to normal life.

Critical to the recovery of many Soldiers is the opportunity to reestablish family responsibilities. More than 1.7 million American children under the age of 18 have at least one parent serving in the military with an estimated nine hundred thousand of those children with parents who have deployed multiple times overseas.

On April 29, Army Secretary Pete Geren expressed his personal appreciation to a group of children of wounded warriors at the center.

"The Army is asking a lot of you all and I hope that we are doing everything we can to help you and your parents," said Geren.

Abby Smith, 10, the daughter of Spc. Jourdan Smith, an infantryman who served with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wa., knows first-hand the hardships family members can face supporting their wounded warriors.

"When I first got injured, she didn't want to look at me, and I used to have to make fun of my injuries to try to cheer her up," said Smith, recalling how he told his daughter the wounds on his leg looked like train tracks. "She had a hard time dealing with my situation at first, but now she helps me more than I can believe.

"It was like she went from 8 to 18 in just two years."

Abby was 8 years old, and her baby brother was 10 months old, when her father was injured by gunfire while serving in Iraq. She felt sorry for her father as well as for her mother who stepped up to take care of the whole family. So Abby contributed by helping her dad exercise his knee and by bringing him blankets on cold days and ice on warm days.

The crucial role spouses and children play in the recovery of injured Soldiers is not lost on the Smith family, who also remember the days before the injury when Smith could play a more active role in the life of his daughter.

"Before I could run and play with her, but now I have to sit and watch," Jourdan said. "She has done incredible though and will help me tie my shoes or clear the table for me."

But the sacrifices Abby has made to help her father are larger than just helping around the house. Abby was forced to miss a lot of school after her father's injury, and eventually had to be taken out of public school in favor of home schooling.

"There are so many times I feel like I can't do anything, and there Abby is to help me out with whatever I need," Smith said. "She is my life, and I feel like I owe my life to her."

Their story is not uncommon. Staff Sgt. Shilo Harris, a Soldier recovering at BAMC, suffered burns on 35% of his body, and credits his daughter as the inspiration for his hugely successful recovery. His youngest child, Elizabeth, was four years old at the time, and when Harris was discharged on an outpatient status, Elizabeth assisted her mother with his daily care.

Since 1986, the Department of Defense has recognized the sacrifices and applauded the courage of military children by designating April as the Month of the Military Child.  Click below to see the article on the Army website.

Mrs. Wakefield’s class recently read Josh Hamilton’s autobiography, “Beyond Belief”. Hamilton plays centerfield for the Texas Rangers. Mr. Hamilton gained national attention last year after his outstanding performance at the All Star Homerun Derby. He has been outspoken about his drug addiction, his suspension from baseball, his battle to recover and his faith. After completing the book and studying letter writing, each student wrote Mr. Hamilton a letter that told him how much they enjoyed the book. Today, the kids got a package from Mr. Hamilton and the Texas Rangers. Mr. Hamilton sent the kids a video, “Josh Hamilton: his story and His message”! The class is very excited about the gift from Mr. Hamilton, his personal message, and his kindness. Mr. Hamilton and the Texas Rangers are very happy the kids are excited about reading!

AGENDA - SPECIAL CALLED MEETING - CITY COUNCIL
5/8/2009
COUNCIL ROOM.     5:00 P.M.    TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2009
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Council will canvas the votes from the Saturday, May 9, 2009 Election and declare the winners and swear them into office.

Coleman County Commissioners’ Court Agenda
5/8/2009
2nd Floor Coleman County Courthouse, City of Coleman
Monday, May 11, 2009 at 9:00 am
Notice of Assistance at Public Meeting: Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need special assistance or services are requested to contact Jimmie Hobbs at (325)625-4218 at least two (2) days prior to the meeting.  Notice is hereby given that a Regular Meeting of the above named Commissioners’ Court will be held, at which time the following items will be discussed, considered, passed, or adopted to-wit:
AGENDA
1.  Call the Meeting to Order
2.  Approve minutes from prior meeting(s)
3.  Conduct any necessary old business
4.  Receive any visitors not on the Agenda
5.  Approve contracting with Eagle Construction for Emergency Haz-Mat Cleanup
6.  Discussion and Approval of Jo Chapman, District Clerk Records
7.  Approve Sub-Station for AEP (Firerock Substation) @ CR 201 and Hwy 67
8.  Approve Site location for In-kind work project necessary for Waldrip Bridge Matching
9.  Approve Organizational Luncheon expenses for Census 2010 Committee on May 19, 2009
10. Approve Redistricting Matching orders from Allison, Bass & Associates
11. Approve Further information on Courthouse Restoration financing
12. Approve current bills for payment and authorize transfer of funds if necessary
13. Adjourn the meeting

General Election Day is Saturday
5/8/2009
Total early voting by personal appearance for Coleman was 383.  Be sure you get to the polls Saturday, General Election Day is Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 7:00am to 7:00pm at 200 W. Live Oak St., in the Council Chambers.

2008 Bluecat Football Highlights Will be Shown Thursday
5/7/2009
There will be a showing of the 2008 Coleman Bluecat football highlights. The showing is open to the public and will be held this Thursday night, May 7th, at 7:00pm in the Armory. If you plan on attending, please bring a lawn chair or something to sit in.   Copies of the DVD will also be available for purchase ($10).

USDA SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR
HOUSEHOLD WATER WELL GRANTS
5/7/2009
Program Provides Access to Clean, Safe Drinking Water
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2009 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of funding for applications from non-profit organizations for funds to help rural homeowners construct or upgrade household water well systems.

The funding is provided through USDA Rural Development’s Household Water Well System grant program. USDA plans to award up to four grants to non-profit groups that will use the funds to establish loan program for homeowners. Loans may not exceed $11,000 and will carry a term up to 20 years at a one percent annual interest rate.

“Because many rural residents do not live in areas where a centralized water system is feasible, it is essential that their wells are safe and working properly,” said Vilsack.

The Household Water Well Grant program complements President Obama’s environmental initiatives and provides support for rural residents.

USDA Rural Development plans to award up to $993,000 in grants. Non-profit groups must contribute at least 10 percent of the grant request. Individuals are not eligible for grants but may be eligible for loans if their annual household income does not exceed 100 percent of their state or territory’s median non-metropolitan income. Loans may not be provided for home sewer or septic system projects.

The grants to be awarded under this notice are part of USDA Rural Development’s annual budget and are not funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

This Notice follows the November 20, 2008, release of a Notice of Solicitation of Applications that opened the application filing window. Applications are due by the close of business May 31. The application guide for this grant program can be found at http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/HWWSP.htm . Also see the April 29, 2009, Federal Register, page 19503.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Where's Mozelle, Texas?
5/7/2009     (Contributed by Tex Wright)
Come to Heritage Hall on Thursday night, May 7th, and hear Virginia Jamison and others from the Mozelle Community tell about the origin and history of the Community.  As most of you know Mrs. Jamison has been in that area for many years (I won't give numbers because I might get in trouble).   We will offer snacks and conversation starting at about 6:30pm.  The program will start about 7:00pm.

We invite all Coleman County residents, their friends and neighbors to come enjoy this program. Remember - 6:30pm - Heritage Hall - 400 College Ave - Coleman Texas - May 7, 2009

UIL Interscholastic Competitions to Resume
5/6/2009     (From the UIL website... http://www.uil.utexas.edu/)
UIL interscholastic competitions may resume on Thursday May 7, the UIL announced Wednesday. Based on Texas Education Agency and Department of State Health Services recommendations that all schools across the state of Texas reopen, the UIL has relaxed its suspension of all interscholastic competitions, which were originally slated to resume May 11.

“The UIL has made every attempt at rescheduling all events to promote the best possible scenario for competition,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt. “By allowing interscholastic competitions to resume on May 7, it will provide those student-athletes an opportunity to compete in a more comparable manner to the original schedule.”

Because of the magnitude and scope of the regional track meets and the academic state meet, there is no change to the tentative schedules of those events released last week.

The modified softball and baseball playoff schedules follow. 
Softball
Bi-District Deadline: May 12 (1 game or 2 out of 3)
Area Deadline: May 16 (1 game or 2 out of 3)
Regional Quarterfinal Deadline: May 19 (1 game only)
Regional Semifinal Deadline: May 23 (1 game or 2 out of 3)
Regional Final Deadline: May 30 (1 game or 2 out of 3)
State Tournament: June 4-6

Leaday Cemetery Association 50th Annual Meeting - Saturday
5/6/2009  (Contributed)
The Leaday Cemetery Association will meet for their 50th annual meeting on Saturday, May 9th, 2009.  They will meet at the cemetery around 10:30am.  They will leave the cemetery around 11 or 11:30 to go to the Leaday Baptist Church for a short business meeting and lunch.  Please bring your favorite dish and/or desert and come join in the fellowship and good food! 

Since donations help pay for the upkeep of the cemetery, any help you can give is greatly appreciated.  Please make checks payable to the Leaday Cemetery Fund and send to:
Leaday Cemetery Association
c/o Shirley Stephenson Rankin
615 W. Third St.
Coleman, Texas  76834

We are looking forward to seeing you there.  Thanks again for your donations and hope you are able to attend and meet with us at Leaday.

School Board Special Election - Novice ISD - Saturday
5/6/2009
Early voting has ended at Novice ISD for the School Board election. Voting for the special election will be held this Saturday, May 9, at Novice City Hall from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Board of Trustees cancelled the general election due to no opposition for the two 3-year terms. Angela Whittington and Bruce Pittard retain those positions.

The special election is for: two 1-year terms; candidates Jeffrey Thomas Price, Bobby G. Green, and Kerri Barnett; and two 2-year terms; candidates Ernie Chapman, Amy J. Holmquest, and Linda Smith.   Declared write-in candidate is Stormie Price.

Once again, voting for the Novice ISD School Board of Trustees Special Election is Saturday, May 9, 2009 at Novice City Hall.

Santa Anna Funtier Day Info!
5/6/2009
FUNTIER DAY ICE CREAM FREEZE OFF
SATURDAY - MAY 16
MINIMUM ONE GALLON FREEZER. TURN IN ICE CREAM AT 11 A.M.
BACK SIDE OF ARMORY (NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED)
1ST PRIZE $250.00
2NDPRIZE $150.00
3RD PRIZE $100.00
Must be present to serve Ice Cream to win.  Proceeds of sale of ice cream benefit the park and armory renovation projects.

JR DIVISION CAKE BAKE OFF
SANTA ANNA FUNTIER DAY
SATURDAY MAY 16
AGES 8 TO 12 YEARS. PRIZE MONEY.
ENTRIES MUST BE AT ARMORY BY10:30 A.M.  JUDGING AT 11:00.
All baked goods must be homemade.  Cakes and cookies will be donated to the park and armory committee for sale to benefit the restoration of playground equipment at the park.

PIE CONTEST
FOR ALL AGES.  ENTRIES DUE AT10:30.  JUDGING AT11:00

National Day of Prayer, May 7
5/6/2009    (Contributed by John Walthal)
The Captain William Buckner Chapter, National Society of The Daughters of the American Revolution, is reminding you that May 7th has been proclaimed our National Day of Prayer. President Truman and Congress signed a joint resolution in 1952, naming May 12, as national prayer day. President Reagan amended the resolution in 1988, designating the first Thursday of every May as the National Day of Prayer.

During the landing on the beaches of Normandy, in 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt called for our nation to unite in prayer. He offered the following prayer: "Let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be. And, O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee."  Eighteen months after "D-Day", June 6, 1944, World War II was over.

President Abraham Lincoln was also a praying man. He said, "It is the duty of nations as well as men, to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God." 

I'm sure that we all feel the need of prayer in our troubled nation. Our brave service people should always be remembered, our leaders in Washington certainly need the leadership of God, our young people face daily decisions, school personnel, police officials, leaders in local government, parents, church leaders all need the prayers of the citizens in our great nation. Pray that we may remain "One Nation, Under God."

Glen Cove VFD Meet Saturday, May 9
5/6/2009
The Glen Cove VFD will hold their monthly meeting on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at the Glen Cove Baptist Church. All interested persons are urged to attend. There will be a pot luck meal at 5:00pm and meeting will begin at 6pm. Please bring a dish for the meal. Final plans will be discussed for the upcoming fund raiser in June. 

Novice Schools Early Release Friday
5/6/2009
NOVICE ISD WILL BE RELEASING AT NOON ON FRIDAY, MAY 8TH, AS INDICATED ON THE DISTRICT CALENDAR. HAVE A GREAT MOTHER’S DAY WEEK-END!!! SCHOOL WILL RESUME AT REGULAR TIME ON MONDAY MAY 11TH.

Mayor Nick Poldrack presented a 15 year service pin to Frank Rosalez and a 20 year pin to Ricky Allcorn last night at the Council meeting.

Coleman ISD Spring Concert Held Tuesday
5/6/2009
Three bands performed Tuesday night in the CHS auditorium.   The 6th grade band, the 7th/8th grade band, and the CHS band each played four songs.  During the program Jerry Everett, Director, and Liz Braquet, Assistant Director, gave awards to Jerry and Liz Campbell for being a part of the Band Boosters for 12 years, including an Honorary Band Member plaque.  They are stepping down since their youngest daughter, Stephanie, is graduating.

Two Sentenced to Prison in District Court
5/6/2009
District Court was held Thursday, April 30, 2009, Judge John Weeks presided.  District Attorney Heath Hemphill brought two cases before the court:

Mark Wardlow was sentenced to the TDCJ State Division for 365 days on a revocation of probation for a previous theft charge.  The TDCJ State Division is spent "day for day" with no "good time" credit.  His case will run concurrently with a sentence out of Tom Green County.

Joseph DelaRosa plead guilty to Aggravated Robbery and was sentenced to eight years in TDCJ.  This case arose from an instance where he attempted to hold up the Best Western with an Airsoft gun.

SAHS Students Perform Play Thursday, May 7
5/6/2009
The Santa Anna High School 2009 One-Act Play, Reviving Ophelia by Cherie Bennett, will be performed for the community this Thursday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Santa Anna High School Auditorium.

The play is a coming-of-age story that follows the lives of four young women through childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood. The young ladies learn to cope with serious issues such as abuse, death of loved ones, body issues, and racism throughout this story which is at times funny, at times sad, and at times heartwarming. The script is based on a popular book of the early 1990’s written by Dr. Mary Pipher.

Reviving Ophelia has been quite successful and well-received this season. The show advanced through 3 levels of competition and boasted multiple actors with award-wins at every level. At the regional contest on April 24th, actresses Heather McMillan and Kianna Albritton both received Honorable Mention medals. Actor Shawn Robertson claimed a prestigious All-Star Cast award.

The doors open at 6:15 on Thursday. As an additional treat, U.I.L. regional qualifier E.J. Ramsey and state alternate Molly Pritchard will perform their award-winning poetry and prose selections prior to the show. A suggested donation of $3 for adults and $1 for students will be accepted, and desserts and snacks will be available for purchase following the performance.

Statistics for Coleman Police Department in April 2009
5/5/2009   (From Police Chief Jay Moses)
Investigations: Theft-3, Burglary-2, Assault Family Violence-3, Identification Theft-1, Criminal Mischief-6, Failure to Identify-1, Child Protective Service Cases-2, Sexual Assault-1, Unattended Death-1, Runaway-1.
Arrests: Warrants-11, Public Intoxication-7, Assault Family Violence-2, Possession of Controlled Substance-1, Possession of Marihuana-1, Duty Upon Striking a Vehicle-1.
Motor Vehicle Crashes: No Injury-2.
Tickets Issued: Animal Control-1 ticket issued with 2 charges filed, School Resource Officer-23 tickets issued with 24 charges filed, Police Department-28 tickets issued with 34 charges filed.
Warnings Issued: Code Enforcement-7, Police Department-12.
Animal Control: Calls for Service-61, Dogs Picked Up-28, Cats Picked Up-4, Other Animals Picked Up-9, Dead Animals Removed from Roadway or Residence-11.

Coleman County Farm Bureau Sponsors Ag Field Day
5/5/2009
The Coleman County Farm Bureau held an Ag Field Day for the 3rd graders of all Coleman County Schools on Friday, May 1st. The program consisted of a series of educational exhibits relating to the importance of Agriculture in the Coleman County area. The event was held at the newly named Goree Expo Center.

Speaking to the groups of students were: Tony Williams - Coleman County Electric Coop about powerline safety; Randy Turner - weather as it relates to agriculture and weather safety procedures; Dick and Virginia Jamison - sheep industry; Circle C Cattlewomen - beef production and industry; Randall Brown - Game Warden spoke about importance of wildlife in Coleman County; Ben Phillips - safety with farm machinery; Mike Calk - explained about and showed samples of wheat, oats, and maize; Wayne McClure and Rafter L Horses - discussed grooming, tack and uses of the ranch horse; Luther Dunlap - discussed 4-H activities and programs available to Coleman County youth.

Coleman Bike Club, 12 members strong, complete the Mayfest ride in Bangs Texas as follows: back row-Drew Hubbard (65 miles), Mike Curry (65 miles), Brandon Bowden (65 miles), Gary Strickland (65 miles) front row-Barbara Hubbard (65 miles), Jane Samons (65 miles), Berry Phillips (65 miles), Yvonne Curry (65 miles), Michelle Allcorn (62 miles), Sam Bowden (65 miles), Marvin Hale (16 miles), and Cathy Hale (16 miles). Even a little cold rain didn't persuade these enthusiasts to take the short cut!

Coleman Elementary 5th grade students Heaven Bedell and Jude John take time to pose with Miss Texas 2008, Rebecca Robinson. The youngsters greeted and
introduced Miss Texas before her presentation to the Coleman Elementary 4th and 5th grades.

Miss Texas, Rebecca Robinson, had lunch at Owl Drug Store with some CHS Student Council members Tuesday.  Pictured are Miss Robinson, Nicole Heath, Mohini Bhakta, and Kenna CorneliusBelow is Miss Robinson standing by the "Miss Texas" wall in the Owl Drug Fountain area.

Miss Texas spoke to the Jr. High and to some Elementary studentsthis morning, and to the high school this afternoon.

Ranch Rodeo Coming Back to Santa Anna, May 16th
5/5/2009
Santa Anna hosted a first class ranch rodeo for years, but has not had a ranch rodeo there for three years. Working with the coordinators of the Funtier Days and with the local Saddle Club, Cowgirl Productions is excited to bring ranch rodeo action back to this community!

As part of the Funtier Days celebration, the Santa Anna Ranch Rodeo will kick off on May 16 at 6pm in the Santa Anna arena. A flag presentation will be presented by the Cadillac Cowgirls Mounted Drill Team. Teams from across the state will compete in five events – wild cow milking, branding, mugging, sorting, and ranch bronc riding. The community is invited to join us for an evening of ranch rodeo action. The Santa Anna Saddle Club will have a full concession stand open – snacks, drinks, and bar-b-q. Gates will open at 4PM. General admission is $5 with children six and under free. Bring lawn chairs as limited seating is available.

Shoppin' Baskit Circular Change
5/5/2009
Shoppin' Baskit would like to inform everyone that the circular distributed on Tuesday was next week's advertisement.  It will be correct for May 12-18th.  The correct flyer for this week will be distributed with your Thursday Chronicle and Democrat Voice.  You can also pick up the correct circular inside Shoppin' Baskit and can see some of the specials on www.shoppinbaskit.com

DELIVERY DATE CHANGE
5/5/2009
Due to delay in truck delivery, Loaves & Fishes will be unable to deliver food boxes as scheduled on Monday, May 11th. This delivery will be held on Monday, May 18th. For further information call 325/625-2060 (leave message and call will be returned) or in emergency call 325/636-3733.

"Buckle Up Bluecats"
5/5/2009
A new sign is up on the CHS campus thanks to the efforts of student council secretary Kenna Cornelius. Rotary girls of the month took a moment to pause with the new sign before attending their luncheon on Monday.

"Walk for a Cure" Cancer Walk - Saturday
5/5/2009  (from Barbara Brown)
The annual "Walk for a Cure" Cancer walk will take place this Saturday, May 9th.  Registration will begin at 8:00am.  The walk will begin at 9:00am.  There will be the special guest "Team Connie" returning again this year.  The walk is dedicated in honor of Mrs. Ann Turner.  Please join us there at the courthouse, downtown Coleman.

LOAVES & FISHES TO BENEFIT FROM
NATIONAL LETTER CARRIERS FOOD DRIVE
5/5/2009
The Annual Food Drive of the National Association of Letter Carriers will be held on Saturday, May 9th. This is the nation’s largest one-day effort to "Stamp Out Hunger". Food items collected on this drive will go to the benefit of the Loaves & Fishes Food Ministries in Coleman.

Food items will be collected in the community by the local branch of the Letter Carriers, along with rural carriers and other volunteers. Donations will be delivered to Loaves & Fishes which serves the Coleman County area. Residents are requested to leave non-perishable donations - such as canned meat and fish, canned fruits, soup, cereals, pasta, rice, etc. - in a bag near your mailbox on Saturday, May 9th before the arrival of your letter carrier. It is suggested that you place this as early as possible (approximately 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.). It will be collected, taken to the local post office and then delivered to Loaves and Fishes.

Some items most needed by Loaves & Fishes are: Canned Meats; Canned Fruits (preferably the average sized cans); Sugar (preferably the 2-lb. or 4-lb. sizes); Flour (preferably the 2-lb. or 5-lb sizes - bulk items will be accepted for re-bagging); Vegetables of all types - such as green beans, corn, sweet peas, carrots, mixed vegetables, greens (all types); Ranch Style beans; etc.

The National Association of Letter Carriers and Loaves & Fishes Food Ministries encourage you to participate in this much-needed food drive. If you will not be available on Saturday morning, you will find drop-boxes at Shoppin’ Baskit, Loaves & Fishes (corner of Pecan and Nueces Streets), and at the Post Office.

If you desire more information, you may call 325-625-2060 (leave a message and your call will be returned) or 325-636-3733 (for immediate contact). Also information may be obtained at your local post office.

NOTE:  Early Release Days at CISD
5/5/2009
Coleman ISD will release early on the next three Fridays (May 8, May 15, and May 22). Coleman High School and Coleman Jr. High School will be on pep rally schedule and will release at 3:00p.m. Coleman Elementary will release students at 2:55p.m. Afternoon bus routes will run approximately 30 minutes earlier on these dates.

Fine Arts League announces “Membership Show”
5/5/2009
The members of the FALCC (32) have many talents and are excited about exhibiting in the League’s FIRST MEMBERSHIP SHOW. (July 21-25, 2009). Work will be by members ONLY. The show will be open to the public at the Coleman Library Annex 402 Commercial Ave. There will be no judging and no prizes; however, members may sell their work. An artist from San Antonio recently became a member of the Fine Arts League in order to participate in the 2009 “Membership Show”. You can, too.

If you have art work and would like to exhibit it, the Membership Show is the opportunity for you to possibly sell some of your work. All types of art are acceptable including all painting media (oils, pastels/graphics, watercolor, acrylics, mixed), sculpture, glass, fabric art (quilting, hand-work, painted), floral design, photography, pottery, metal sculpture, wood carving, hand-made jewelry, china painted items, ceramics, clay, etc. Each artist is limited to 3 exhibit items and is responsible for the equipment needed to exhibit their work. (easel, table, sculpture podium, etc.)

Membership in the Fine Arts League is $15. The membership gives the artists the opportunity to be involved with others who are creative and “like to make things” and “make things happen” – including exhibiting in the 2009 FALCC Membership Show.

For more information on entering the show, contact show chair Bill Shields at 325-723-2056 or Sherrell Hazlewood, FALCC President 325-625-4687 slh@Texasbluebunny.us or the Fine Arts League of Coleman, PO Box 376, Coleman, Tx 76834. 
Web-site: www.fineartsleaguecolemantx.com 

Early Voting Ends TODAY, May 5th
5/5/2009
At 5p.m. Friday, May 1, 223 voters have personally appeared at City Hall for Early Voting.  It continues thru May 5, 2009 at 200 W. Live Oak St., in City Hall Council Chambers.  On May 5 there are extended hours for voting. The polls will be open from 7am to 7pm on both days.

Jason Baccus, of Abilene, caught this large mouth bass at Lake Coleman on May 3rd. It weighed 13.70 lbs, whereas the previous bass record was 12.92 lbs.

NARO-Texas Convention at Horseshoe Bay Marriott Resort
May 4, 2009
Bob Malone, former Chairman and President of BP America, will speak at the NARO- Texas convention being held on May 27-29, 2009 at Horseshoe Bay Marriott Resort.
NARO-TEXAS- National Association of Royalty Owners-Texas is pleased to announce Bob Malone, former Chairman and President of BP America, is a keynote speaker at the 2009 convention. He will be discussing the current condition and possible future position of the domestic oil and gas industry and its direct relation to our nation’s economic growth. Mineral and royalty owners from across the state and around the country will be attending the NARO-TX convention designed for its excellent networking opportunities and educational offerings.

During Bob Malone’s time as President of BP America he was also BP’s chief representative in the United States and his office was based in Houston, Texas. The company's owns over $40 billion in fixed assets and employs approximately 37,000 people. BP is the nation’s largest producer of oil and natural gas and the second largest gasoline retailer. Throughout his 34 year career, Malone developed a strong reputation for building teams, driving change, improving operations and changing cultures. He was raised in Daingerfield a Northeast Texas town. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Texas in El Paso. He received a Master of Science in Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2003, Bob Malone was selected as Distinguished Alumni of the year by UT in El Paso.

Until earlier this year Malone served on Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the American Petroleum Institute (API), the Executive Committee and Directors of the Greater Houston Partnership and as a member of the Business Roundtable. He is currently a Director of the First National Bank of Sonora and has been nominated as an Independent Director of Halliburton Company. Malone has been married to his wife Diane for thirty-five years and they have two sons. His work has allowed him to travel the globe and live in many places around the country, but his permanent home for the past eleven years has been their Lost Lake Ranch in Sonora, Texas. His presentation at the convention will definitely not want to be missed. For more information or to register to attend the 2009 NARO-TX convention, please visit the NARO-Texas website at www.naro-tx.org . NARO-TX, the National Association of Royalty Owners, is a non-profit organization all convention fees go to covering the cost of the convention and educational programs offered by the association. 

National Teacher Appreciation Week
5/4/2009    (From US Representative Randy Neugebauer)
During the first week of May, we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week. This is a time when we can honor our teachers for their hard-work and recognize the contributions they have made to our lives.

This week, I remind all students and parents of the 19th Congressional District to take a moment and thank their teachers for their leadership, guidance, and sacrifice. I cannot think of a nobler calling than the education of our youth. While we formally recognize teachers for one week out of the year, we should remember to express our gratitude year-round for the job they do in preparing all of our students for life.

I hope that teachers this week receive the recognition they deserve. No matter the difficulties, I believe teachers across West Texas and the Big Country are doing a wonderful job.

Coleman High School Meeting for Parents/Guardians of
Incoming 9th Grade Students
5/4/2009
There will be an informational meeting concerning the incoming 9th graders on May 7th at 6:30 p.m. in the CHS Auditorium. Some of the topics of discussion will be pre-registration, laptop computers, dress code, fish camp, and activities which occur prior to the beginning of school. Please mark your calendar and plan on attending this meeting involving your child’s transition from Junior High to High School.

Coleman City Council Agenda for Thursday
5/4/2009
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2009
5:00 P.M.
Coleman City Hall, 200 W. Liveoak, Coleman, Texas
RECOGNITION OF STAFF:
Council will recognize the following staff :
Ricky Allcorn-20years of service
Sammy Cortez-20years of service
Frank Rosalez-15 years of service

NEW BUSINESS:
1. Council will receive comments from Eric Joffrion concerning the flow of traffic on Commercial Ave., College and Pecan Streets.
2. Council will consider options related to traffic lights and control on Commercial Ave.
3. Council will consider a request from Chief Moses for the Police Department to accept a tobacco grant from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts if approved.
4. Council will consider authorizing the City Secretary to advertise and receive bids for the McGregor lease for a five year period.
5. Council will receive the audit report on the 3 month Interim Budget of July 1 through September 30, 2008.
6. Council will conduct an annual Performance Evaluation of the City Manager. Council may go into executive session under Texas Government Code, Section 551.074.

CBC Men's Softball Team Joins Brownwood Men's Softball League
5/4/2009
The Central Baptist Men's Softball Team is looking forward to a very aggressive softball schedule against various Brownwood church teams. Our very own Central Baptist Church Men's Softball Team has officially become a member of the "Men's Softball League of Brownwood, Texas". The CBC team consists of various ages beginning with the youngest 15 yr. old to the oldest of 50. They will compete in numerous games throughout the upcoming season. The CBC Men's Softball Team has been practicing for a little over a month and have already competed in some "warm-up" scrimmages. So far, the team appears very strong with some very strong hitters.

The first game of the season will be Thursday, May 7th at 7:00 in Brownwood at the Cen-Tex Sports Complex. Come out and support Coleman's very own men's softball team!!

Sponsors of the Central Baptist Men's Softball Team are El Taquito, Hubbard Insurance, Cooper Supply, Monroe Auto Parts, Security Finance and Screen Art Graphics. A huge "thank you" is extended to the sponsors of Coleman. Your support is appreciated!!

30 year law enforcement veteran Gary Don Berry was sworn in as a local City of Coleman Police Officer this morning.  He begins his duties with the local police department today May 4, 2009.  Shown in the picture is Berry and Chief of Police Jay Moses welcoming him back to the law enforcement community.

Goree Family Honored
5/4/2009
The Coleman Expo Center is now the Goree Expo Center. Travis and Millie Goree were honored Sunday afternoon with a reception in the building that now bears their name.

Family and friends gathered and heard presentations by Henry Dodson and Dr. Joe Pat Hemphill who told the story of how the Bill Franklin Center and Goree Expo Center came to be. Through both phases, especially during the planning and construction of the Expo Center, Travis Goree was there, Hemphill said.

In brief remarks to the crowd, Goree introduced his family said they love Coleman County and the people of Coleman County.

The Franklin Center and Goree Expo Center replaced much older facilities and are paid for in full.

Memorial Service for Millie Martin
5/3/2009     (Contributed by Marion Johnson)
The Fine Arts League of Coleman County has lost one of its most “colorful” members. Millie Martin served in several offices and as President of the League 2 different terms. During her turns "at bat," Millie pushed the League to accomplish things that most would not think possible. She was tough when it came to support and commitment to the arts. With her perseverance, a mural was painted by some of the members under the guidance of Kathy Andrews. The mural now hangs in the Coleman Public Library. Millie initiated many new programs for the members of the Art League to be involved with the community ie. “the mini Christmas Tree Festival,” “Kidz Art Day at CTO,” a lover of gourmet food, she promoted the “Tasting Tea” for a fund raiser for the Art League, as well as the “Opportunity Sale” (garage sale) the Fiesta Art Show was her ‘love’- she didn’t start it, but she might as well have, since she chaired it with guts and skill to bring it up to be one of the finest Open Shows in the area.

The “special color theme for the Mini Category of the Fiesta Art Show” was strictly her invention. Paintings had to have the chosen color as its predominate color. First year was red, second blue, third green and this year PURPLE!   It has been fun to see the ideas that came from that creative standpoint. The Fiesta Art Show, an annual event sponsored by the Art League for 18 years, was a favorite for Millie and she spent many, many hours planning and seeing that the plans were developed. The 2008 Juried Fine Arts Show was dedicated to Millie in recognition of her devotion and efforts for the arts. We shall miss her.

Memorial Service for Millie Martin will be Friday, May 8, 2009, 10 am at the Stevens Funeral Home. Since 2009 would have been Millie’s “purple year”, art league members are asked to bring a predominately purple mini painting 8x10 or Smaller for the service. You may take the paintings by the funeral home for the memorial service before Friday or by 9:30 am Friday. All of Millie’s friends are invited to attend.

"Property of the Month" Winners Announced
5/3/2009     (By Liz Hughes)
Keep Coleman Beautiful's Property of the Month program kicked off in April and the citizens whose properties were chosen to receive the POM designation were very excited and surprised! Citizens are now nominating properties for the designation and some have volunteered to serve on the Selection Committee. Those who have served in selecting the properties for the past two months have all said that they enjoyed the experience.

The properties that have been selected for Property of the Month for May 2009 are the properties of Wayne and Carol Pennington at 1801 Commercial Avenue (South Ward), Barney and Janie Popnoe at 812 High Road (West Ward), Nita Wood at 916 Peach Street (North Ward) and Randy and Pam Baker at 216 East 5th Street (East Ward). Congratulations go out to these citizens for their part in "Keeping Coleman Beautiful!" Drive by and see these properties and if you can take the time, stop and tell them that they are doing a great job and they are appreciated for their efforts!

The selection committees for the month of May were Linda Hyde, Janette Shipman and Sharon Mayo selecting for the West and North Wards, and for the East and South Wards the committee members were B. P. Casselberry, Don Hughes and Lisa Watson. Many thanks are in order for the time they spent in making their selections. There are many beautiful properties in the City of Coleman and making the selections for the POM designation is a tough job.

Please call or email your nomination for this designation or volunteer to serve on the Selection Committee. The program is all about our city...the place we call home. We all need to work together to make it a cleaner, safer and more beautiful place to live. Email chamber@colemantexas.org or call Liz Hughes at 625-2975 (evenings are best).

Town and Country Garden Club in Fort Worth
5/1/2009
For their annual Pilgrimage, several members from Town and Country Garden Club went to the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens to see the Garden Club Council of Fort Worth's presentation of "Flowercade 2009 - An Advanced Standard Flower Show." The show, whose theme was "A Step in Time," featured entries from Sher Dunaway who is a member of both Coleman and Fort Worth Garden Clubs. Sher entered in three categories, winning the Designer's Choice Award and First Place for her "Life on Mars" design, Second Place for her "The Old West" design, and Third Place for her "Imperial Dynasty" design. Town and Country Garden Club is very proud of Sher and fortunate to have the opportunity of learning from her extraordinary talents. In addition to the flower show, the group toured the Botanic Gardens, managed to spend some time and $$$ in the gift shop, ate a delicious lunch, and succumbed to further temptation by stopping at a nursery to see what irresistible items might be found. Thanks to Alice Hemphill, Pilgrimage Chairman, for arranging such an enjoyable outing.

PANTHER CREEK
PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP!
5/1/2009
Where: The classrooms of Mrs. Pricer (Pre-K) and Mrs. Jamison (Kindergarten)
When: Wednesday, May 6, 2009     8:30 – 11:3alm
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Roundup
Any child who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2009 is eligible to attend the district’s full-day Kindergarten. Any child who will be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2009 is eligible to attend the district’s full day Pre-Kindergarten. Panther Creek CISD is currently accepting transfer students, so children not residing in the school district are welcome as well. Parents/guardians are encouraged to bring their child to Mrs. Jamison’s classroom at 8:30 and to sit in on some sample activities. Visiting students and their parents are invited to eat lunch in the cafeteria.
When registering, please bring:
* Birth certificate * Social Security card * Immunization record
PC Pre-K Curriculum includes:
Theme-based, integrated curriculum that incorporates math, science, and reading, and concentrates on early skills necessary for building strong learners.
PC Kindergarten Curriculum includes:
• A balanced, research-based math program that challenges learners
• A phonics program proven to ensure reading success
• Multisensory science and social studies programs that provide a hands-on approach to learning
• A reading program that strives to enrich vocabulary and focuses on critical skills.
• Activities that promote character building and school spirit
• Small class size enables students to receive more individualized attention
We look forward to seeing you there!

Dockter Named Teacher of the Year
5/1/2009
At the Chamber of Commerce Banquet last Friday night, Cindy Dockter was named "Teacher of the Year" for Coleman County.  One problem - she was at an FFA event out of town.  Her husband, Doc, accepted the award on her behalf, and Tammy Davis, while presenting the award, spoke to Cindy on the phone after reading her accomplishments.  Above is a photo of Cindy with one of her Ag classes planting flowers on one of the CISD campuses. 

CISD Art Show Thursday Night
5/1/2009
An Art Show for Coleman ISD students was held Thursday night at the Heritage Hall Museum.  There was a wide variety of art, including water color, graphite drawings, paper maché, and works made from clay.  All pieces were created by Coleman art students.  Mrs. Danna Dawson is the art teacher for the Coleman schools and everyone at the show agreed that she has done a great job with the students.  This is the first year for art to be taught in several years, so she basically had to "start from scratch," except for a few students that have taken art classes from local artists. 

Attention Bluecat Band Parents
5/1/2009
We will be having our last meeting for this school year on Monday May 4th at 5:30 pm in the band hall. We will be talking about the end of the year trips and also have our election of new officers for the 2009-2010 school year.

Silver Valley Homecoming - This Sunday
5/1/2009
Pictured is the Silver Valley Hotel and Bank about 1912. See this photo and others of Silver Valley at the annual Silver Valley Homecoming this Sunday, May 3, 2009. Cemetery decoration begins at 9:45 a.m., followed by registration at the community center 10:15 a.m., business meeting and program 11:15 a.m., covered dish luncheon 12: 00 noon. Come and help celebrate Silver Valley and it's 100th anniversary.

Rodeo Association's Fish Fry - TONIGHT
5/1/2009
The Rodeo Association's Annual Fish Fry will be held Friday, May 1 at 7:00 pm at the Bill Franklin Center. A work day is scheduled the following day, Saturday, May 2 at the Rodeo Grounds. All members are encourage to attend both.

Coleman Grad Selected to Receive Treatment
Must Raise Necessary Funds  - LEAVES THIS MONTH!
5/1/2009     (Reminder to help...)
Amy Simmons, daughter of Jerry and Brenda Simmons and sister of Jayce Simmons of Coleman, was injured in a vehicle accident during her Senior year at CHS.  She received spinal cord injuries that left her paralyzed from the waist down.  In spite of her "setback," she has been very active at Texas Woman's University and with her wheelchair basketball team.  Please read the following statement from Amy with an open heart!

-from Amy Simmons-  Since my Semester at Sea experience and moving back to Texas from playing basketball in Arizona, many have asked what my next great adventure will be. I have laid low for a while finishing my Bachelor’s Degree in Family Science and starting work on my Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, but as most of you know, I just can’t seem to quit coming up with new escapades. So here it is!!!!

I have been selected as a candidate to receive umbilical cord stem cell injection therapy at the Institute for Cellular Medicine (ICM) in Costa Rica. This is a procedure that has had some success in several countries around the world in helping restore damaged nervous systems. The only reason this treatment is not done in America is because they are still in the data gathering stage and the FDA will not approve it until there is solid, printed evidence. And not to worry, I will not be receiving any type of embryonic stem cells. These stem cells are derived from umbilical cord blood and they will use my own cells to make sure the umbilical cells are compatible before I receive any injections. While there is absolutely no guarantee that this treatment will work for me, ICM has had some success with other spinal cord injured patients regaining varying degrees of function, movement, and/or sensation. They have also had success in treating other issues like multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, ALS, and Parkinson’s, among many others. (For more information go to www.cellmedicine.com) They way I see it, there really doesn’t seem to be a reason not to try it. I am confident that this is a safe, clean, and legitimate procedure. If it works even just a little, it will be amazing, but if it doesn’t, I am perfectly fine with that as well.

As with all great opportunities, there is a great cost. I need to raise money to go. This is not something insurance will pay for and it’s not cheap ($30,000). I will leave May 16th for Costa Rica and will be there for one month receiving periodic spinal injections as well as IV injections along with intensive physical therapy. I am working with a foundation so those who would like to support me in this endeavor can make a tax deductible donation. Even if you cannot make a donation, I would greatly appreciate your prayers and support. Thank you for being such a great community.
Please make checks payable to:
Angels of Care (AOC) Foundation
Mail to:  AOC Foundation
             c/o Amy Simmons
             1011 N. Austin St. Apt. #1
             Denton, TX 76201

Account Set Up at FCNB for the Sikes Family...
5/1/2009   (Contributed)
Friends of Jan and Rick Sikes would like to express their appreciation for the ongoing support of the community, and have set up a fund for Jan at First Coleman National Bank where contributions can be made in lieu of food, flowers, etc. that Jan can distribute as necessary.

Glen Cove Cemetery Workday May 2nd
5/1/2009
The annual Glen Cove Cemetery Workday will be held Saturday, May 2. Everyone is certainly invited to come out and enjoy this historical old cemetery with a few hours of cleaning, visiting, and eating. A short business meeting will be held at 12:45 with a pot-luck lunch to follow. So, bring a hoe, rake, plenty to eat, and join this traditional event. Any questions or anyone wishing to make a contribution to the cemetery association may do so by contacting Scott or Myrtie Beaver at 325-636-4356, 578 CR 446, Talpa, TX 76882.