News Archives - July 2006

Conditions To Favor Elevated Fire Danger Tuesday
7/31/2006
Southerly winds will be sustained in the 10 to 20 mph range with gusts around 25 through Tuesday afternoon. Hot afternoon temperatures near 100 degrees and relative humidity values of 20 to 25 percent will add to a high fire danger in Coleman County. Area residents are urged to restrict the use of open flames, do not throw cigarettes on the ground and do not drive your vehicle off the pavement into grassy areas. Several fires have been reported in recent days across West Central Texas. The Dudley fire in Comanche County has been hard to contain due to high winds and rough terrain. Twelve houses are under mandatory evacuations three miles west of Comanche. In Throckmorton County, mandatory evacuations of five residences were required and one outbuilding was destroyed just north of the Throckmorton/Shackelford County line. The fire, which is burning in brush and juniper, was the result of a vehicle that caught fire.

Veterans Can Borrow up to $325,000 for Home Purchases
7/31/2006
AUSTIN - Texas veterans may now borrow up to $325,000, at low interest rates, for the purchase of a home. "Our service men and women earned this benefit through their service to our country," said Jerry Patterson, Chairman of the Veterans Land Board. "This gives our veterans additional purchasing power to buy the home of their dreams," he said. The Texas Veterans Land Board voted unanimously recently to increase the cap on veterans loans from $240,000 to $325,000, a change that is expected to result in more veterans than ever taking advantage of this benefit, Patterson said. In addition, veterans may borrow as much as $60,000 from the Veterans Land Board to buy tracts of land as small as one acre. The Texas Veterans Land Board was created in 1946 to help veterans returning from World War II buy land to farm or ranch. For more information on Texas Veterans Land Board home, land and home improvement loans, Texas State Veterans Homes, or Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, call 1-800-252-VETS (1-800-252-8387), or visit the Veterans Land Board Web site at www.texasveterans.com.

Too Hot to Cook?
7/31/2006
Coleman County Fine Arts League member, Pat Slate, is exhibiting her work at the First Coleman National Bank. One of the favorites is "What’s Cookin?" The pastel painting is an old fashioned kitchen scene with ingredients and utensils. Go by the Bank lobby to see Pat’s other work. Note Cards of "What’s Cookin?" are available to order from Marian Johnson at mljdj@web-access.net or Virginia Bethke at fineartsleague@yahoo.com.

Special School Board Meeting Tuesday, August 1
7/29/2006
The Coleman School Board of Trustees will hold a special morning meeting at 7:45am Tuesday, August 1. The only item on their agenda is to consider hiring personnel.

Local Ambulance Service Has Name Change
7/31/2006
(Contributed by Sue Titsworth, CCMC)
The Coleman County Medical Center Board of Directors met in the hospital board room for their regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. last Thursday, with a long agenda to address. The CCMC Employee of the 3rd Quarter - Radiology Tech Vena Deray – was recognized, and Board Vice President Jackie Smith presented her with a certificate, a check for $100.00, and a day off with pay. CCMC Director of Nurses Melissa Gober gave the Medical Staff report as will as the QA report. Both were approved by the board. CEO/Administrator Douglas Langley presented the financial report, stating that these were the “dog days of summer” and people are vacationing or fishing instead of coming in for health care. There were low admissions for the month of June, which were also the lowest of the fiscal year. However, the Emergency Room continued at a regular pace. Financially, the hospital lost over $100,000 during the month of June; however the total for the fiscal year is still positive. Langley stated that it is expected that we will lose money in July, August, and September. The board also approved the purchase of a new Sterilizer in the hospital surgical area, and gave Langley the authority to sign a contract for the purchase. CFO Jim Roberson presented the board with a budget review for the upcoming fiscal year which begins October 1, 2006. CEO Langley stated that the proposed budget has a projected gain of over $100,000 for the year, and that the gain will be used to replace equipment, pay off debt and other capital needs. In other business, Langley stated that the hospital had received the Certified Tax Report and it shows a total property evaluation in Coleman County of $283,574,395. The board also authorized Langley to sign a contract with Tarrant County Hospital District in connection with the Physicians-in-Training Program. The board also approved a more stringent smoking policy on hospital premises. The board also approved a name change for the ambulance service. While the service will still be owned by Coleman County Medical Center, changing the name of the service, along with the recent change of location, will provide a better financial picture for the hospital through Critical Access. Once all the necessary paperwork is done, the new name will be Coleman County Ambulance.

The Celebration at the Cross Deemed a Success
7/31/2006 (Contributed)
The Celebration at the Cross, a 3-day event, brought 150 people to a cool breeze that came during Pastor Theodore Boone’s ministering on transformation using the object lesson of a beautiful butterfly that was just a transformed caterpillar. He also used the illustration of looking into a mirror to see the outside and the mirror of the Word to show what needs to be transformed on the inside. At right: Pastor Boone calls to the altar those that need a transformation in their lives.

County 4-Hers Compete at District Fashion Show
7/29/2006
SAN ANGELO -- Cool fashions were the order of the day here July 25 as 80 area youth modeled their fashion creations to a "Tropical Trends" theme during the annual Texas Cooperative Extension District 7 4-H Fashion Show. The show was held in the Southland Baptist Church facilities and hosted 4-H members from across the district’s 23 counties. AEP-Texas and Extension have sponsored the event for 51 years. Six 4-H members from Coleman County competed in the event and one teen leader assisted. Participants had to first win their division in their county show before they could compete on the district level. Cotton garment winners in the Construction Division won cash awards from the Rolling Plains Cotton Compress at Sweetwater. Cotton garment winners in the Buying Division won cash prizes from the Heartland Drilling of Abilene. Cotton Contest winners from Coleman County included Andrea Goodman, 1st place, and Shelby Greaves, 2nd place. The Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers’ Association Women’s Auxiliary offered cash prizes to 4-H’ers making wool and mohair garments. Winning entries from Coleman County were: Junior Construction - Nathan Taylor, first place, Single Garment; Shelby Greaves, second place, Specialty Division; Sarah Casselberry, third place, Sportswear/Casual Division; Intermediate-Construction, Andrea Goodman, 4th place, Single Garment Division. Intermediate - Buying Sarah Hailey, Pant Type Division; Winning 3rd place in the Non-Apparel Division, Tote Bags, was Sarah Casselberry. Also attending the District 7 Junior 4-H Fashion Show from Coleman County was Candace Beal, Extension Summer Intern.
Pictured above are the six Coleman county participants and Teen Leader. In the first row are Shelby Greaves and Nathan Taylor. In the second row are Andrea Goodman, Dakotah Nation, Sarah Cassleberry, Sarah Hailey and Teen Leader, ReShayla McCreary.

Tax-Free Shopping This Week, August 4-6
7/31/2006
(AUSTIN)— Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn has announced that Texas’ annual opportunity to shop tax-free for clothes and shoes is coming up August 4-6. Strayhorn predicted Texas families will save $49 million in sales taxes during the eighth annual Sales Tax Holiday. The estimated savings include $38.5 million in state sales tax and $10.5 million in local sales taxes. “This tax break is real and it is available to everyone,” Strayhorn said. “Families save about $8 for every $100 they spend on school clothes for the kids and new outfits for mom and dad.” During the Sales Tax Holiday, most clothing and footwear priced under $100 are tax-free. Examples of items that can be purchased tax-free August 4-6 include kids’ clothes and school uniforms, adults’ clothes and work uniforms, shoes - including tennis shoes, socks and underwear. Items that cannot be purchased tax-free include handbags and wallets, jewelry, accessories, athletic shoes, and safety gear. Backpacks and school supplies are not exempt from sales tax. More information about the Sales Tax Holiday, including a list of tax-exempt items, can be found on the Comptroller’s Web site at www.window.state.tx.us

The Day LBJ Dropped In
7/28/2006

This picture, taken by Roy Winstead, takes you back in time to 1946. For those of you around then, does it bring back any memories? Were you there that day? The helicopter belonged to Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson and it landed in downtown Coleman in front of what is now Ralph Terry Photography. Thanks to James Winstead for sharing this photo.

Teachers Hired By School Board
7/28/2006
In their meeting on July 24 the Coleman School Board hired four teachers for the upcoming school year. They include Thea Griffin, Robert Howington, Jeannie Hubbard and Joy Thompson. The Board also accepted a donation of land in the amount of 144.5 acres from the late Rupert Pridemore and wife, Patsy Pridemore. In other business:
* The Board accepted the low bid for fuel from Berry Marketing to provide fuel for school vehicles in the 2006-2007 school year.
* Dr. Mike Edington was appointed as Delegate, Sue Sloan as Alternate Delegate, to the Texas Association of School Boards Delegate Assembly at the annual school board convention in Houston in October.
* Royce Young, superintendent, gave an update on the gymnasium construction. The new gym is expected to be completed by the end of September.
* The board spent 30 minutes in closed session for the purpose of discussing the 2006-2007 school budget. A budget hearing will be held at 6:45pm on August 28.

Junior Rodeo Scholarship Recipients Announced
7/26/2006
Four members of the Coleman County Junior Rodeo Association were each given $2,000 scholarships during the Saturday night performance of the Coleman County Junior Rodeo. Pictured, left to right, are: Kenna Allen, Whitney McMillan and Becca Birdwell. The fourth winner, not pictured, was Yancy Otts. Proceeds from the rodeo are used to fund the scholarships.

Texas Now Leads Wind Energy Race
Coleman Plays a Major Role
7/25/2006
In a report issued Tuesday July 25 by the American Wind Energy Association, Texas has surpassed California as the top wind energy producing state. Texas's cumulative total now stands at 2,370 megawatts of capacity, enough to power over 600,000 average size American homes. Wind energy projects completed to date this year in Texas include the Horse Hollow expansion in Taylor County, west of Abilene, with 180 wind turbines while the Red Canyon project in Scurry, Borden and Garza counties near Snyder and Post account for 56 towers and turbines. Texas projects currently under construction include the Forest Creek site in Glasscock and Sterling counties near San Angelo and the JD Wind farm in the Panhandle. A Coleman manufacturer has been at the forefront of the wind energy growth for several years now. Wind Clean Corporation, located in the Industrial Park near the Coleman Municipal Airport, paints the towers being trucked to the various wind projects in Texas and other states. Trinity Structural Towers, a division of Trinity Industries, of Dallas, constructs the large tower sections which are then brought to Coleman for sandblasting and painting.  Above:  A large section of tower is shown sitting outside the Trinity Structural Towers building just northwest of the Coleman Airport.  Wind Clean Corporation occupies the building which formerly housed Stempel Manufacturing.

Former Coleman Doctor Arrested in Brownwood
7/25/2006
KTAB News reported Tuesday night that a Brownwood doctor was arrested Monday and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child. Donald Delmer Pope, 52, was reported to be free on $20,000 bond. The report said the charges stem from an alleged incident said to have occurred in an Arlington, Texas hotel room in August of 2000. Officials say the alleged sexual assault involved an eight year old girl who was on an outing with Pope and his daughter. The case will go to the Tarrant County District Attorney who will then present the case to a Grand Jury there.
 

Breckenridge Show Opening August 26, 2006
Local Artist Featured
7/24/2006
The 15th Annual Juried Art Competition & Sale at the Breckenridge Fine Arts Center will have the exhibit Opening Reception August 26. It is a national show with cash prizes of $5375 to be awarded, with Best of Show being $2000. The juried show had 250 entries with 100 pieces of art work being chosen to hang in the exhibit. Two paintings submitted by local artist, Theda Rhea, were accepted to hang in the show which concludes September 29 - a pastel painting, "Cinco de Mayo"(left), two children dressed in their folklorico costumes and "Heritage"(below), an oil, of a Navajo child and a shi ma (grandmother). Theda is a member of the Fine Arts League of Coleman County, Inc. The Juror of the Show, Scott A. Myers, a painter and sculptor, is best known for his depiction of Western Americana. His subject matter ranges from contemporary cowboy to the historical West as well as ranch children and their families. Myers received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A & M University. Equine practice allowed Scott to study horse anatomy and to develop a feel and sensitivity for horses that can only come from living and working around them. In 1994, Myers was elected as Professional Sculptor Member of the National Sculpture Society, America’s oldest organization of professional sculptors. His paintings and sculptures are displayed throughout North America and Europe. Scott is represented by Trailside Galleries, Scottsdale, Arizona and Jackson, Wyoming; Whistle Pik Galleries, Fredericksburg, Texas, and Fallbrook Fine Art, Fallbrook, California. Coleman’s Fiesta de la Paloma Art Show & Sale is planned for October 6-7, 2006. The Fine Arts League is in its 16th year and has 23 members currently. The League welcomes guests to their demonstrations and programs which will start with the regular meeting in September. Annual dues are $15 and membership is open to anyone interested in furthering the arts in Coleman County.

Living Legend Visits Valera
7/22/2006
Texas Governor Rick Perry calls him a Texas legend. The Western Writers of America have voted him the "Best Western Author of All Time". So it was no surprise that fans of Elmer Kelton gave him a big Coleman County welcome Saturday afternoon at Horne Ranch Company in Valera. The author of over 40 novels with familiar titles such as "The Time It Never Rained" and "The Good Old Boys", Kelton spent two hours signing his books for over 100 adoring fans. Kim and Lanham Horne carry many of Kelton's books in their store. Some would purchase the books upon arrival while others brought books with them. Each person seemed to have a story about their favorite Kelton novel. Doris Williams of Coleman, pictured below,  said "Honor at Daybreak" was the first Kelton book she bought, at a garage sale. Bob Tyson of Coleman, shown above with Kelton, said a friend gave him a Kelton novel about five years ago and he's been a fan ever since. Kelton's latest book, "The Raiders", was released this month. Kelton related to Colemannews.com that he recalls covering the Coleman County Livestock Show some 50 years ago when he was farm editor for the San Angelo Standard Times. He remembers having inspiration for a short story on his way to Coleman. He covered the stock show then checked in at the Harbord Motel on South Commercial Avenue. There he wrote the short story, the name of which he couldn't recall, on an old portable manual typewriter. Elmer Kelton, gracious to his fans, a true Texas legend. You can learn more about Mr. Kelton's books at www.elmerkelton.net.

Rodeo Fever
7/22/2006
The future stars of professional rodeo participated Friday and Saturday night at the annual Coleman County Junior Rodeo. A very dedicated group of young people from all over Central Texas flock to junior rodeos somewhere every weekend. With a supporting cast of parents and other family members, these youngsters will spend countless hours practicing and improving as they grow. Some will turn pro, most won't, but all enjoy being horseback. It isn't uncommon for the Coleman Junior Rodeo to start at 7:00pm and end at 3:00am the next morning as hundreds of contestants compete.

Above:  Two young ropers wait their turn in the Ribbon Roping competition.  At Left:  Miss Reagan Barr posts the colors during the National Anthem to begin the Saturday night performance.  Reagan is the 2006 Junior Rodeo Queen, daughter of Jody and Karen Barr of Coleman.  The Junior Rodeo Association also gives scholarships to members of the association, those were to be announced during the performance late Saturday night.

Coleman School Board to Meet Monday
7/22/2006
The Coleman School Board will meet at 6:30pm Monday, July 24, in the Administration Office, 300 West Pecan. Personnel matters are first on the agenda as the board considers resignations and hiring. The board will consider accepting a donation of land from Patsy Pridemore, consider fuel bids for the 2006-2007 school year, appoint a delegate and alternate to the state school board convention in October in Houston and consider approving local policy update #78. In other business the board will consider a date for a budget hearing and hear information regarding construction projects, a new teacher luncheon and staff luncheon.  The Board will also hold a budget workshop immediately following the regular meeting.

City Council Passes Motion to Study Proposed Faith-Based Prison
7/21/2006
The Coleman City Council heard a presentation Thursday about a faith-based prison and passed a motion to study the proposal further. Bill Robinson with Corrections Concepts, Inc. and attorney Jack Sheedy, of Dallas, made a 30 minute presentation concerning their desire to partner with the City of Coleman in a unique venture. Robinson proposes to build a $35 million dollar medium security prison that would house male inmates who are in the last 12 to 30 months of their prison term. Robinson's plan is to operate industries in the prison which would provide jobs and training for the inmates. They would be paid a wage and would send some of their earnings to their family and put money in a savings account to have upon their release. As a part of their incarceration, they would have to agree to attend church services. While the Council did not pass the resolution requested by Robinson, they did pass a motion which gives city management authority to pursue the possibility of entering into an agreement with CCI. "There will be a series of meetings with Corrections Concepts starting next week," said Larry Weise, City Manager. "I don't see this being a long, drawn-out affair, I think we will have something to bring back to the Council in a month or so," Weise said. If built, the prison would create 113 jobs. About 15 people attended the Council meeting Thursday.

Santa Anna Mountaineer Receives Scholarship
7/20/2006
(contributed by santaannanews.com)
Patrick Kerr of Santa Anna was the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship for his All-Star essay submission featuring his brother, Nate, and son, Luke. Kerr competed recently in the Texas Six-Man Coaches Association All-Star Game in Lubbock. He will compete at 7:30pm Saturday, July 22, in Garden City in the Six-Man Illustrated's All-America game. Kerr, left, is pictured with his brother, Nate, and Braxton Oliver of Throckmorton who was named Most Valuable Player during the All-Star game at Lubbock July 15.

Tax-Free Shopping August 4-6
7/20/2006
(AUSTIN)— Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn has announced that Texas’ annual opportunity to shop tax-free for clothes and shoes is coming up August 4-6. Strayhorn predicted Texas families will save $49 million in sales taxes during the eighth annual Sales Tax Holiday. The estimated savings include $38.5 million in state sales tax and $10.5 million in local sales taxes. “This tax break is real and it is available to everyone,” Strayhorn said. “Families save about $8 for every $100 they spend on school clothes for the kids and new outfits for mom and dad.” During the Sales Tax Holiday, most clothing and footwear priced under $100 are tax-free. Examples of items that can be purchased tax-free August 4-6 include kids’ clothes and school uniforms, adults’ clothes and work uniforms, shoes - including tennis shoes, socks and underwear. Items that cannot be purchased tax-free include handbags and wallets, jewelry, accessories, athletic shoes, and safety gear. Backpacks and school supplies are not exempt from sales tax. More information about the Sales Tax Holiday, including a list of tax-exempt items, can be found on the Comptroller’s Web site at www.window.state.tx.us

Summer Big Blue Band Camp
7/18/2006
Please wear tennis shoes, no boots or flip-flops. All summer band will be in the band hall.
July 31 - Freshmen Orientation 7-9 p.m.
ALL BAND MEMBERS (H.S. only)
August 1, 3            Tues & Thurs            7-9 p.m.
August 4                Friday                      4-6 p.m.
August 7, 8, 10       Mon, Tues &Thurs    7-9 p.m.
August 11              Friday                      4-6 p.m.
POOL/HAMBURGER PARTY
August 11              Friday                      6-8 pm (Look for possible time change)
FLAG CAMP
July 17-20  Mon-Thurs
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Lunch 12-1:15

High School Orientation, August 3
7/18/2006
Richard Holloway, principal of Coleman High School, will be having a student and parent orientation on August 3, 2006. The "Fish Camp" will be for entering freshmen only. The Drug Policy presentation will be for any student participating in any extracurricular activity for the coming school year. The late evening Parent Night will be for parents of all high school students who will be attending Coleman High School this year.         Click here to read or print the new Student Dress Code for CHS

Coleman County Junior Rodeo This Week
7/18/2006
The annual Coleman County Junior Rodeo will be held on two nights, Friday and Saturday, July 21 and 22. Events include Barrels, Poles, Goat Tying, Break-Away Roping, Ribbon Roping, Tie Down Roping and Team Roping. Books will open at 6:00pm nightly with the rodeo to follow at 7:00pm. The cost of admission is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for students. The rodeo is KJRA approved and jackpotted nightly. It is open to contestants 19 years of age and younger. All-around buckles will be given in each age division. The Junior Rodeo Queen this year is Reagan Barr, at right, daughter of Jody and Karen Barr of Coleman. She will be a freshman at Coleman High School this year. For more information call Kevin Allen at 325-357-4559 or Brent McMillan at 325-625-3623.

Faith-Based Prison Before City Council Thursday
7/17/2006
The Coleman City Council is scheduled to hear a presentation Thursday on a faith based prison project. The presentation will be made by Corrections Concepts, Incorporated. The plan is nothing new to city and county officials here. It was first proposed by Bill Robinson and Corrections Concepts in 1999. The proposal involves building an over 600 bed prison designed to help convicted criminals with one to two years left on their sentences become productive members of society through a faith-based initiative and job training program. Most recently in April, Tom Green County Commissioners could not reach an agreement with Corrections Concepts who proposed to locate the $35 million facility in San Angelo. Corrections Concepts has also tried to work in the past with Ellis County officials but to no avail. Coleman County Commissioners recently showed no interest in sponsoring the project. The Council will also consider the following agenda items:
* Receive sealed bids on the lease of 157 acres of land near the Coleman airport for agricultural purposes
* Consider a recommendation from Planning and Zoning to grant a variance for James Posey to build a carport at 209 North Trinity
* Consider passing an ordinance adopting and updating the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
* Consider accepting the Second Quarterly Occupancy Tax Report from the Coleman Chamber of Commerce
* Consider first reading of an ordinance granting a variance at 809 West Second for construction of a carport
The City Manager will give the following report:
* Update on signage at Peach and Gray Streets
* Support Our Troops banner at the pool house
* Solid Waste Grants approved by the Council of Governments
The Council will meet at 5:00pm Thursday, July 20, at Coleman City Hall, 200 West Live Oak Street.

Painting Brings Back Memories
7/17/2006
There is a painting on exhibit at Coleman County State Bank that will probably catch your attention if you attended school in Coleman "back in the day". You may be able to pick out your classroom and remember the teachers you had there.  Beverly Gee, a member of the Fine Arts League of Coleman County, has done a wonderful job on the old West Ward School (first High School). Beverly chose colored pencil to bring back the beauty of the old school house. The painting is also included in the "Art Cards 2006" which can be purchased from Marian Johnson or Virginia Bethke. Look for Beverly's painting as a part of Private Art in Public Places at Coleman County State Bank. While at First Coleman National Bank you will see a pastel painting entitled "What's Cookin?" by Pat Slate. We tip our hat to the talented members of the Fine Arts League of Coleman County.  The art will be on display at both banks during the months of July and August.  Does it bring back any memories for you?

One Vehicle Wreck Reported Saturday Morning
7/17/2006
Two teenagers were taken by ambulance to Coleman County Medical Center Saturday morning after the pickup they were in overturned. According to Pat Salas, D.P.S. Trooper, the wreck happened at 9:52am July 15 two and a half miles south of Coleman on FM 2131, commonly called the Shields Highway. The driver was a 16 year old boy with a Bangs address, the passenger a 15 year old boy with a Coleman address. According to the DPS report, the youth were going north in a 2000 model Dodge pickup when the driver failed to negotiate a curve, ran off the east side of the road, skidded back across the highway into the west ditch, went through a fence and overturned throwing the driver from the pickup. Their condition was not known as of report time.  The accident was investigated by Chris Delgado, D.P.S. Trooper.

CCMC FUNDRAISER SUCCESSFUL!
7/17/2006 (Contributed by Sue Titsworth)
Thank you Coleman and Coleman County! The fundraiser held by the CCMC Employees Activity Committee on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 was a big success, thanks to the participation of the citizens of Coleman and Coleman County. The fundraiser – which was a cook-out featuring barbecue sandwiches and hot dogs, chips, soft drinks, and cookies – was a popular place for lunch last Tuesday, not only for CCMC employees, but for the general population as well. Thanks to two separate serving stations, there were no long lines, the service was speedy and, best of all, the food was delicious! Funds raised were in excess of $1,000 and will go toward the purchase of equipment for the hospital and the Employees Christmas Party.

LOCAL ARTIST IN QUICK DRAW AT STAMFORD
7/16/2006
Local Professional Artist, Theda Rhea, recently participated in the Stamford Art Foundation Invitational Art Show held in conjunction with the Texas Cowboy Reunion which benefits the West Texas Rehabilitation Center. The "quick-draw" is a timed event with the paintings going up for auction at the end of a 1- hour period. Theda painted from a live model, Archie Jobe, who is the chuck-wagon master WTRC. Theda’s painting brought one of the highest in the auction. She also exhibited 6 paintings in the gallery showing connected with the Preview. Theda is a member and former officer of the Fine Arts League of Coleman County. For several years, she was Chair of the Fiesta Art Show during the Fiesta de la Paloma.

From the Family of Dr. Morris D. Mann
7/15/2006
We wish to take this opportunity to express the appreciation and gratitude of the Mann family for the calls, cards, and prayers that you have sent during the loss of our loved one. Our greatest joy has been the sweet memories of “Papa Doc” that you have shared with us. May God richly bless each of you for the love and kindness you have shown.

Swim Lessons Underway
7/14/2006
Coleman graduate Jennifer Hubbard teaches swim lessons to 120 students. Miss Hubbard has a "rise-n-shine" class beginning at 8:00 am and continues with classes thru 1:00 pm. The day does not end there either. From 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm she teaches three more classes including "Mom & Me" infants. All classes last two weeks. If you missed Session I, call 625-2234. Session II begins Tuesday, July 18 and continues thru July 28 at the City Pool.

 

Private Art in Public Places at Banks
7/14/2006
The Fine Arts League of Coleman County is presenting the Exhibits for July-August at Coleman County State Bank and First Coleman National Bank. Exhibitors at Coleman County State Bank are Beverly Gee, Charlotte Gardner, and Lois McCarty. This is a multi-talented group of members of the FALCC. Beverly’s colored pencil work is of the old West Ward School (first High School) which has been a favorite of those who attended "back when". The painting is also included in the "Art Cards" 2006, which can be purchased from Marian Johnson or Virginia Bethke. Lois McCarty, a quilter extraordinaire, also paints in watercolor and oil. Her painting is an oil of a little boy doing some serious fishing, "Secret Place". Charlotte Gardner, an oil painter exhibits a painting of her three oldest grandchildren. Charlotte paints because as an "empty nester" she needed fulfillment. Theda Rhea, local artist, got her back on the path to creativity and she is still traveling. Charlotte is a member and officer in the Fine Arts League of Coleman County. Pat Slate is exhibiting her work at the First Coleman National Bank. A favorite painting is "What’s Cookin?", a pastel. Pat has many years and many pieces of art work to her credit, some of which have garnered ribbons in the Fiesta Show. Visit the lobbies of both banks and see some of the talent of Coleman County. Top left, Charlotte Gardner, at right, Lois McCarty.

 

SCAM Targets Seniors
7/13/2006
The Better Business Bureau of Abilene is ALERTING senior citizens about an abusive telemarketing scheme aimed at Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The caller informs the seniors they are about to loose their Medicare benefits unless they pay a fee immediately. Telemarketers instruct the victims to disclose their bank account number to pay a check by phone. The scam is called the “$299 Ring”. The typical amount of money the Medicare beneficiaries are talked into with drawing from their checking accounts in order to “keep” their benefits or to pay for a non-existent prescription drug plan. The Bureau offers the following tips:

· Never release your personal banking information to anyone that calls YOU

· Legitimate Medicare drug plans never ask for payment by phone

· No one can come into your home uninvited

· No one can ask you for personal information during their marketing activities

· Always keep all personal information safe including Medicare numbers

· If you have concern about any activity regarding Medicare call 1-800-MEDICARE.

. If you have additional information including phone numbers and address of the company placing these calls please contact the Better Business Bureau in Abilene at 325-691-1533 and talk to Steve or Marlene.

$2.85 Everywhere
7/13/2006
The Colemannews.com gasoline price inspector thought it would be interesting to find the lowest priced gallon of gas in town. Who would sell for less?  As it turned out, nobody sold for less.  The inspector set out at 12:45pm Wednesday and visited eight local gas stops and every single one of them had the same price for regular, $2.85 per gallon. The prices we checked were at Allsups on the north and south side of town, Kelly's on North Neches, Buddy's Kwik Stop on North Neches, Skinny's on North Neches and Skinny's on Commercial Avenue, Conoco on East Walnut and Bishops on East Walnut. Go to texasgasprices.com and check other prices in other towns and you may even want to participate in their daily surveys. Prices Wednesday were as low as $2.61 per gallon in Harlingen to as high as $3.29 in the Big Bend National Park.
 

Santa Anna Woman Injured in Novice Wreck
7/12/2006
A Santa Anna woman survived a one vehicle rollover around 1:30pm Wednesday near Novice.  Elizabeth Mendoza (Beth) Worley, 59, was taken to Coleman County Medical Center by ambulance and treated for cuts.  She was expected to be treated and released although that wasn't confirmed late Wednesday.  According to Chris Delgado, Department of Public Safety Trooper, Mrs. Worley was traveling north on Highway 84 about a half mile north of the Novice roadside park.  She lost control of her Nissan Quest, went through a fence into a pasture where the vehicle overturned one and a quarter times, Delgado said, coming to rest on the driver's side as you see in the photo above.  Numerous motorists stopped and rendered aid until medical personnel arrived.

Coleman County 4-H Junior/Intermediate Fashion Show
Contributed by:  Debbie Hailey
7/11/2006
Talented 4-H members presented a showcase of garments on Friday, July 7, at the Bill Franklin Center. The garments were constructed and purchased during the recent 4-H Clothing Construction and Buying Workshop held in June. Each of the 4-Hers were busily preparing a garment to be presented for judging at the Coleman County 4-H Junior/Intermediate Fashion Show. It was the consensus of the judges that each of our local contestants are now eligible to advance to the District level competition as there was only one entry in each category in each division; therefore, all contestants received a 1st place. The District 7 4-H Junior/Intermediate Fashion Show will take place at the Southland Baptist Church in San Angelo on Tuesday, July 25, 2006. Results are as follows:

This annual event couldn't have been a success without the help of the office staff, including Nancy Baker, secretary, Candace Beal, summer intern, and Ella Moss, Experience Works Office Assistant.  We also had three teen leaders who helped to decorate, write scripts, narrate the show and other helpful tasks. Audrey Casselberry created the design for the set and decorations, Rebecca Baker and ReShayla McCreary decorated and helped in many ways. Others who helped to decorate were contestants Sarah Hailey, Sarah Casselberry, Sarah Jackson, Andrea Goodman, and also a former fashion show contestant, Brittany Burton . Congratulations to each of these 4-Hers on a job well done!

District 7 4-H Record Book Results
Contributed by: Candace Beal - Extension Intern, Coleman County
7/11/2006
The District 7 4-H Record Book Judging contest was held in Llano on July 6, 2006. There were over 100 entries from the twenty-three county district. 4-H Record Books contain project information, a project story, picture portfolio, and a report form that reflects all projects that the 4-Her has participated in. This year Coleman County sent six record books, their placings are: Sarah Hailey - 4th place Intermediate Clothing and Textiles; Casie Swening - 5th place Intermediate Goats;  Sarah Lofton - 3rd place Senior Horse;  Gary Heath - 2nd place Intermediate Shooting Sports;  Nathan Taylor - 1st place Junior Shooting Sports; Nicole Heath - 3rd place Senior Swine. Congratulations to our winners. For more information on the 4-H program, contact the Coleman County Extension Office at 325-625-4519.

TRAIN CAUSES MULTIPLE FIRES IN VALERA - CAUSE OF FIRE EAST OF SANTA ANNA UNKNOWN
7/11/2006
Up to three fires were started by a train Tuesday morning near Valera, burning an estimated 250 acres. According to Gary Payne, Coleman Fire Marshal, firemen were notified of the fires at 9:56 a.m. The Horne Ranch Company, 2 miles east of Valera on U.S. Highway 67, was being threatened as the fire approached from the south. A second fire started in Valera at the railroad crossing on Farm to Market Road 503. A third fire was along the railroad tracks on ranchland south of Highway 67 on Horne Hill. Two fire trucks from Coleman, one from Valera, two from Voss, three from Santa Anna, a dozer belonging to Robert Horne, a dozer from the U.S. Forestry Service and ranchers helped battle the fires. Coleman firemen returned to the fire station at 4:00pm. While the Valera fires were being fought, Santa Anna units had to leave to attend to another grass fire along Highway 67, about one mile west of the Coleman/Brown County line. They were joined by units from Bangs and Brownwood at land called the Puckett place where about 20 acres burned. The cause of the fire is unknown.
 

Major Construction Project at First Baptist Church
7/10/2006
A tract of land where once stood a used car business and a car repair garage is now the location for the First Baptist Church Family Life Center. The construction site is between East Elm and East Walnut with Colorado Street on the west side. Colemannews.com spoke Monday with Wayne Philpot, Project Manager, who said that the $1.2 million project will be 15,217 square feet. It will house a kitchen facility, community room for public gatherings, three education classrooms, a walking track and a gymnasium outfitted for basketball and volleyball. The gym will also have a sound system and can be used as a meeting room if needed. "This will be the first building in Texas to use masonry blocks called Pentstar," Philpot said. The work being done this week will hopefully include pouring the concrete for the gym. Next week Philpot hopes to finish pouring the foundation and after that a week to ten days will be needed for the concrete to cure. Several Coleman County contractors were awarded bids on the project and, depending on weather and work progress, the church hopes to be able to use the facilities by this Christmas. 

Report from County Commission Meeting
7/10/2006
Coleman County Commissioners met Monday morning. According to County Judge Jimmie Hobbs, commissioners heard from Joyce Smith who asked for a constitutional amendment tax freeze for disabled people and those over 65. The request died for lack of a motion by any commissioner. Other items covered during the meeting are as follows:
* The current contract for inmate telephone service at the County Jail ends July 31. Commissioners voted to use a new company, Total Telephone Concepts, which will save the county a little money each month.
* Commissioners tabled the County Road Map portion of the Texas Transportation Code as they check on certain county road names to make sure they are accurate.
* Commissioners passed the Hazard Mitigation Action Plan which puts Coleman County into the Colorado River and Lower Colorado River Authority flood plan for FEMA regulations.
* Commissioners heard a private discussion from the Sheriff regarding a personnel matter.
* The Mental Health Mental Retardation Board Report was read to Commissioners telling of their attendance of the state meeting in Dallas. It was noted that the Coleman and Brown County MHMR group received a safety award for not having an accident in an MHMR vehicle.

"Bubba" is the Best
7/9/2006
Spend just a few minutes with Jim Cloud of Abilene and you find out quickly that he loves cars, so much so that he names them. His three Camaros are Jenny, Joanie and Julie. Jim's three ladies didn't make the trip to Coleman over the weekend but Bubba did. Bubba is the name Jim has given his 1972 Super Cheyenne Chevrolet, complete with a big block 402 engine. It is a pickup he bought on a whim a couple of years ago. Two years of time and about $70,000 later, Jim has a winner on his hands. "Bubba" was named Best of Show Sunday afternoon at the David McGee Memorial Fun Run held at Coleman City Park. He pocketed the $500 prize which was donated by Saverance Body Shop. This is the third such award he has won with the truck, the first two coming in car shows in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Jim, a retired Southwestern Bell employee, says he intends to make Bubba a pro show truck. The Fun Run is an event which has been held for many summers in Coleman. The one difference this year was the absence of the driving force behind the Fun Run, David McGee, who passed away a couple of months ago. Each year he would go to the City Council to ask permission to use the park for the car show. He promoted it everywhere and he brought lots of car-loving people to Coleman in the process. Jim Cloud said Coleman is one of his three favorite shows to attend, Brownwood and San Angelo being the other two. The show participants were appreciative of David's efforts and made a donation to his family at the end of the show. Next year in July, be watching for more news about the next David McGee Memorial Fun Run.
 

Grass Fire Near Gouldbusk
7/8/2006
A grass fire Friday burned an estimated 75 to 80 acres about five miles south of Gouldbusk in southern Coleman County. Fire departments from Santa Anna, Voss and Coleman brought the fire under control in about 90 minutes. According to Gary Payne, Coleman Fire Marshal, the blaze started in a pasture along County Road 307. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Coleman City Council Report
7/7/2006
From citizen complaints to a tent revival, the Coleman City Council covered varied topics during their meeting Thursday, July 6. The following items were recorded in the minutes of the meeting by Sue Burleson, City Secretary.
* Lance Wright, who lives on Hudson Lane, said that beer bottles and other litter is being tossed out on the road and  that he was concerned about his children playing as speeders make it a high traffic area. The end result was for the Police Department to patrol the area more.
* Betty Kuykendall, who lives at 210 Hollywood, said her electric bill had doubled within the past year. Her three complaints were not having a choice of electric service, the power cost recovery fee was not printed on the bill and the actual day the meter is read is not on the bill either. After hearing the complaint the Council took no action.
* The Council approved use of the Coleman City Park by Evangelist Don Cothran for a tent revival July 12 through 16.
* A variance was granted to Michael Robinson at 809 West Second Street to build a carport.
* The city will advertise for sale by sealed bid a Pettibone Mull Rock Crusher. The crusher can be seen at the City Landfill off Highway 84 on the north side of town.
* The Council passed a consent agreement allowing American Electric Power (AEP) to transfer its contract to CSW Power Marketing. City Manager Larry Weise reported this does not affect the city's electric contract.
* A high bid from Erath Recycling of Stephenville was accepted for scrap electrical wire and scrap metal from the Light Distribution Department.
* City Manager Larry Weise gave an update on the faith-based prison proposed by Corrections Concept Inc. which is looking for a governmental partner. Bill Robinson, who originally presented the idea, is not a member of the Corrections Concepts board anymore, he is a consultant now. The proposed faith-based prison will be on the next council agenda on July 20.
* An ordinance was approved ordering the dismissal of Atmos Energy Corporation Mid-Tex Division's application for interim gas infrastructure adjustment.
* An ordinance was approved setting a 45 mph speed zone as recommended by the Texas Department of Transportation beginning at the junction of FM 568 and extending south for a half mile and a 55 mph buffer zone from there to the city limits.

Water Project is Underway
7/6/2006
If you have driven to Brownwood lately, you can't help but notice large blue sections of pipe stored on the side of the road. One stack is near the east side of Santa Anna with another one between Santa Anna and Bangs. A major water line project years in the making is underway which will bring treated water from Brown County and the Brookesmith water system westward to the City of Santa Anna and to rural customers of the Coleman County Special Utility District.  Both the City of Santa Anna and Coleman County Special Utility District are building pump stations and storage tanks next to one another on a tract of land about two miles east of Santa Anna. The contractor has been working for about two weeks and has 240 days in which to complete the project.

Update on New Coleman High School Gym
7/3/2006
The Coleman Bluecats will have a new gym to play basketball in this fall. According to Royce Young, school superintendent, the gymnasium project is scheduled for completion in late September or early October. "There is still a lot to do inside", Young said. Basic roofing (dry-in) will be completed by the end of this week. Gravel will not be added until later. In the photo, workers from Lydick-Hooks Roofing of Abilene were taking advantage of nice weather to keep the project moving along. The new gym will seat  950 people, about twice as much as the old gym. All seats are stadium type seating. This project, along with the concession stand/restroom facility at Hufford Field, will mark the end of what has been a major upgrade to school district facilities in the past year or so. Other improvements include refurbishing the track, renovating the old National Guard Armory into a top training facility, adding a press box at the softball field, adding two new tennis courts and adding top of the line theatrical lighting in the auditorium. Coleman ISD has also purchased property adjacent to the armory for practice fields and for safety issues.

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