News Archives - January 2008

Petition Presented to County Commissioners
Seeks Tax Freeze for County Seniors / Disabled
1/31/2008
In their meeting Thursday morning, Coleman County Commissioners were presented a petition by Joyce Smith, a petition signed by 348 residents of Coleman County.

Smith presented a handout to each Commissioner which stated that Article VIII, Section 1-B11of the Texas Constitution states property taxes paid by disabled homeowners and those at least 65 years old can be frozen... meaning the amount of taxes paid each year cannot increase, even if the tax rate or home's appraised value increases.

Smith's handout goes on to say a property tax freeze can take place when 1) City Council or Commissioners Court vote to immediately freeze the taxes of seniors and disabled residents or 2) The Council or Commissioners can call for an election to let voters decide whether to freeze taxes. OR 5 percent of registered voters can sign a petition to force an election. One does not need to be a property owner to sign the petition, only a registered voter, according to Smith.

Smith handed the petition to Commissioners who will give it to Jamie Trammell, County Tax Assessor-Collector. It is her job to check with the State of Texas to verify that each signature on the petition is indeed a registered voter in Coleman County. She plans to start the verification process today. After that process, if the petition is found valid, then the request can be placed on a ballot for voters to decide.

"Please understand you can still pass this without an election," Smith said. Her request has been denied in the past by Commissioners.

Noon Lions Club Presents Gift to Youth Activity Center
1/31/2008
The Noon Lions Club met for their weekly meeting on Wednesday, January 30, 2008. Henry Dodson, Sarah Beal, and Sherman Smith were invited as guests representing the Coleman County Youth Activity Center.

The club presented them with a check for $1,000.00 in memory of Thomas Walker. Thomas was a devoted member of the Noon Lions Club for many years and was very proud to be a faithful worker for the Lions. Earlier the club had voted to give the proceeds of the Pancake Supper and Breakfast to the Expo Center.

Pictured from left to right are Ike Ratliff, Club President, Sarah Beal, Henry Dodson, Tom Walker, presenting the check, and Sherman Smith.

Protect Your Property from Wildfire
1/31/2008 (by John Pearce, Coleman Co. Emergency Management Coordinator)
It is not enough to mow around the house and keep hoses handy for yourself and the firefighters, you have to consider other hazards around the house and barns as well. I was at a house during the fire at Novice and was pleased with the way the house was protected by mowing but there was no water available and the propane tanks had large amounts of vegetation up to them. I call on every one to clean around the barns and the propane tanks to make them less vulnerable to wildfires. An exploding propane tank not only puts both the house and barns in danger it also puts the firefighters in danger. So I plead with anyone that has propane tanks or that fills propane tanks for a living that when they see a hazard such as this that they respond accordingly. Propane distributors should at least put a warning notice with the bill that the owner should clear an area of safety around the tanks and make them less vulnerable to fire.

I want to praise our local firefighters for the job they have done in protecting our homes and outbuildings during the wildfires we have had in the past weeks. I would also like to thank Randy Turner for the service he provides with his weather station. It gives the firefighters timely weather information for use locally. Keep up the good works.

Our firefighters do this as their civic duty and not for pay. Because of the high cost of fuel, each fire department is faced with rising cost. If you, as citizens of Coleman County and the Cities of Novice, Coleman and Santa Anna and all of the small communities in the county, can send in a contribution to your local fire department it would help them greatly to pay for fuel and other expenses they have incurred during the last few weeks. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Thanks for Making Helping Hands a Success
$3,861.83 Raised
1/31/2008 (contributed)
The Coleman County Child Welfare Board would like to thank everyone who had a part in making our Christmas Project, “Helping Hands” a success and for helping make a better Christmas for our foster children. This year proved to be the best year the board has ever had in trying to raise funds for the Coleman children in foster care. Thank you to all those who donated.

Monetary donations include the following:
Men’s Downtown Sunday School Class, Bonnie Brown’s Individual and Family Living Class, Jeannie Hubbard’s Algebra I Class, Diana Patton’s GT/Honors English 4 Class, Doug Patton’s Government Class, Cindy Docktor’s Animal Science Class, Robert Howington’s World Geography Class, Ral Dees’s Geometry Class, Bill Habiger’s Chemistry Class, Margery Hester’s Credit Recovery Class, Xochilt Palomarez’s Spanish II Class, Brock John’s Algerbra II Class, Patrick Adams’s Life Skills Class, Elisabeth Johnson’s GT/Honors English II Class, Mickey Holloway’s Distance Learning Spanish I Class, Mike Nunez’s GT/Honors English II Class, Weldon Thompson’s BCIS I Class, Jennifer Short’s GT/Honors English III Class, Steve Roberts’s IPC Class, Fr. Santiago Udayas, Hidalgo’s Café, Loadcraft Industries, Kay Harris, Coleman Good Neighbor Club, Coleman Vet Clinic, Sarah Boyle, Holli Boyle, First Baptist Church, Kiwanis, Coleman Livestock Auction and Wind Clean Corp.

In Memory of:
Virgil Adams
Zack Morris by B.P. and Beverly Casselberry
Earle and Jennie Smith by Mike and Sandra Stith
My Dad by Country Roberts
Maurice Gassiot by Glenda Gassiot
Tully Grimes by Nancy Grimes
Donald and Margaret Saunders by Tommy and Kathy Saunders
Cynthia Philpot by Polly Holubec
Lee Ray Huggin by Brock, Brent and Blaine Bouldin
Sno McCall by Pat and Jim Pool

In Honor of:
Mildred Hale of Mansfield, Texas
Jonathan Wright by Jon Bopp
John Casey by Jon Bopp
John Stanislaw by Annie Williams
Amy Hinds by Annie Williams
Jerry Simmons by Annie Williams
First Baptist Church Jacob’s Class by Annie Williams

Special City Council Meeting Agenda Posted
1/31/2008
This is a little different, but necessary. A special called meeting of the Coleman City Council will be held at 2pm Saturday, February 2nd, at the Bill Franklin Center. The Mayor and Council plan to participate in the Coleman County Sesquicentennial Birthday Party from 2:00pm until 5:00pm.

New Business Coming to Coleman
1/30/2008
Wise X-Press will soon be making its debut in Coleman. It will be a state-of-the-art facility for dry cleaning. "In by 9, Out by 5" will be their motto. More information will be available soon. Check back here on Colemannews.com for further details.

Coleman County Sheriff’s Office Report for weeks of 1-16-08 thru 1-29-08
1/30/2008
The Sheriff’s Office had 54 calls for service in addition to on going investigations and routine patrol in the last two weeks. They are as follows:

Arrests – 4; Illegal Burning – 1; Thefts – 2; Burglary – 1; Forgery – 1; Fires – 3; Welfare Check – 1; Assist DPS with Accident – 2; Assist Coleman PD with Accident – 1; Service of Civil Process – 21; Child Custody Dispute – 1; Possible Shots Fired – 1; Domestic Disturbance in Coleman – 1; Domestic Disturbance in Novice – 1; Security Alarm Going Off – 1; Telephone Harassment – 2; Trespassers on BNSF Bridge – 1; Stranded Motorist – 1; Livestock on Roadway – 1; Obstruction on Roadway – 1; Wounded Deer on Roadway – 1; Provide Bailiff for District Court - 1; Transport Prisoner to TDCJ Middleton Unit in Abilene – 1; Transport Prisoner from Runnels County to District Court – 1; MHMR Transport to Shannon Behavioral in San Angelo – 2.

We are currently housing 12 male prisoners in the Coleman County Jail at this time.

1 – Sentenced out of District Court to 5 years TDCJ and 9 months State Jail for Theft of a Firearm and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
1 – Serving a 90day sentence out of County Court for DWI.
1 – Charged with 2 counts of Aggravated Assault awaiting District Court Dispositions.
1 – Charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance awaiting District Court Disposition and subject also has a Blue Warrant from TDCJ.
1 – Charged with Burglary of a Building awaiting District Court Disposition.
1 – Charged with Murder and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon awaiting District Court Dispositions.
1 – Being held on a Blue Warrant from TDCJ awaiting TDCJ Disposition.
1 – Charged with Burglary of a Habitation awaiting District Court Disposition.
1 – Charged with Possession of Marijuana and Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance awaiting District Court Dispositions.
1 – Charged with a Felony Motion to Revoke Probation awaiting District Court Disposition.
1 – Charged with Violation of Probation on 2 Counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon awaiting District Court Dispositions.
1 – Charged with Assault and Family Violence awaiting County Court Disposition.

Coleman Students Compete in UIL Meet at Brownwood
1/30/2008
The following Coleman High students placed at the Academic Meet in Brownwood last Saturday:
Computer Applications - Kyle Mayo-2nd, Stephanie Campbell-4th

News Writing - Taylor Norris-1st, Cheyenne Turner-6th

Science - Reece Halfmann-4th

Headline Writing - Taylor Norris - 2nd, Kelby McCorkle - 3rd

Grass Fire Near Novice
1/30/2008
We salute the hard work of our firefighters for their effort Tuesday afternoon in stopping the spread of a grass fire southwest of Novice.  According to the Coleman Fire Department, an estimated 150 acres burned.  Units from several area communities battled the blaze.  Another fire was reported near Lake Coleman at approximately the same time, officials say, but the number of acres involved was not known.

Brothers of the Brush Contest Rescheduled
1/29/2008
Shoot! The Brothers of the Brush contest must be rescheduled to the week of February 18! An over-abundance of activities in the BFCC has made it difficult to fit the activities of the contest in with the day. To do it right, we just gotta wait!

RULES AND REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON FEBRUARY 2 AT THE SESQUICENTENNIAL INFORMATION BOOTH.

Be sure to sign in on the registration sheet at the booth to guarantee you receive the latest news on the contest.

CHS Students Travel to San Antonio
1/29/2008
Coleman Family, Career and Community Leaders of America from Coleman High School went to the Alamo and attended the Spurs FCCLA Night at the San Antonio Spurs game on Saturday, January 26. FCCLA members and state officers were recognized during the evening. At the end of the game the group attended the Post-Game “Chalk Talk” with Robert Horry, 7-time NBA Champion, and Sean Elliott. Horry stated in the talk that some qualities in a leader are to be levelheaded and focus on what is going on around you so you can do your best.

Those attending were Carina Landaverde, Cala Norris, Krystal Dunn, Rene Salas, Tabitha Terrell, Shaina Thompson, Ranee Cupps, Andrea Meador, Brittany Burton, Michelle Walters, Kylie Bledsoe, Wonda Sullens, Shelby Scott, Kayla Barnett, Kelsey Puckett, Nikki Rush, Stormie Mackey, Sadie Mackey, Kalie Diaz, Mohini Bhakta, Nancy Cruz, Ruth Cruz, Samantha Yebra, Zoe Paul, Lorena Vasquez, Rachelle McKinnon, Vicky Frausto, Tanner Brooks, Greg Brannon, Jay Delgadillo, Marcus Diaz, Scotty Johnson, and sponsors Kim Cupps, Mickey Holloway, Richard Holloway, and Bonnie Brown, FCCLA advisor.

Thank You from Zach Doyle
1/28//2008
We would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their contributions to the Sweetheart Basket for Zach Doyle. Coleman is certainly a community who truly supports our youth. We have had such an outpouring of generosity toward our project that words of thanks just don’t seem to be enough. We sincerely hope each of you know how grateful we truly are to live in such a great community. Thank you, Todd, Jenny, & Zach.  (See the Community Calendar page for Raffle Info.)

Businesses
$30 towards an oil change, Jet Lube
$25 certificate for gas, Buddy’s Quick Stop
$25 certificate for gas, Bishop’s Grocery
$25 grocery certificate, Shoppin’ Baskit
$10 video rental, Coleman Video
$25 certificate, Petal Patch
Two car washes Williams Tire Store
Hair product, Penny Schumann – Vintage Salon
Hair product, Lisa Watson – Vintage Salon
Hair product, Danita Hinds – Vintage Salon
Pedicure, Kendra Barnett – Vintage Salon
Monetary donation, Coleman County State Bank
Monetary donation, First Coleman National Bank
Monetary donation, Earle Smith Jewelers
Tyler candles, Owl Drug & Gifts
Sterling candle, Tracy’s Place
Make-up/perfume set, Tracy’s Place
Bath Accessories, Alco
Wind chime, Leather & Lace
$20 gift card, Rhinestone Ranch
2 Entrees, Abuelo’s Restaurant
 
Individuals
Circle E candle, Debbie Scott
Necklace & Earring set, Kay Lynn Evans
Monetary donation, Steve Hall
Monetary donation, Jeff & Darla Tibbetts
Monetary donation, Coby & Tera Robison
Monetary donation, Nicky & Sandra Knox
Monetary donation, David Strickland
$40 Chili Bucks, Leigh Ann Qualia
Bottle of Wine, Donna Watson

2008 Coleman County Stock Show Awards and Donors
1/28/2008 (Submitted by Sarah Beal)

Buckles
Layken DeLeon - Champion Steer buckle sponsored by Jay & Willene Davis
James Stephenson - Champion Lamb buckle sponsored by Santa Anna National Bank
Kinsey Holland - Champion Barrow buckle sponsored by Bledsoe Ford
Courtney Moore - Champion Meat Goat buckle sponsored by Coleman County Special Utility District
Courtney Brown - Champion Rabbit buckle sponsored by James & Jody Barr
Jansen Merrill - Jr. Steer Showmanship buckle (Carrie Morris Memorial) sponsored by Heath & Danielle Hemphill
Harley Anderson - Sr. Steer Showmanship buckle sponsored by Bowen Drug Store
Jamie Pruitt - Sr. Lamb Showmanship buckle sponsored by First Coleman National Bank
James Short - Jr. Lamb Showmanship buckle sponsored by Hall’s Processing
Harley Anderson - Sr. Barrow Showmanship buckle sponsored by Coleman County State Bank
Draven Dela Garza - Jr. Barrow Showmanship buckle sponsored by Sherman & Tammy Smith
Casie Swening - Sr. Meat Goat Showmanship buckle (Willard Allen Memorial) sponsored by Jo Ann Allen
Courtney Moore - Jr. Meat Goat Showmanship buckle sponsored by Sandy & Barbara Neal

Trophies
MacKenzie Spake - Reserve Champion Steer trophy sponsored by Jack & Carole Horne-C.M. & Becky Huckabee Memorial
James Short - Reserve Champion Lamb trophy sponsored by Kirby Vanover
Amber Hunter - Reserve Champion Barrow trophy sponsored by Coleman County Farm Bureau
Casie Swening - Reserve Champion Meatgoat trophy sponsored by Chris & Cindy Jamison $35
Sierra Herrod - Reserve Champion Rabbit trophy sponsored by Sarah Beal
Darrian Hunter - Champion American Steer trophy sponsored by Williams Tire Store
Jansen Merrill - Champion English Steer trophy sponsored by Horne Ranch Co.
Layken DeLeon - Champion European Steer trophy sponsored by Henry & Margie Dodson
Mercedes Taylor - Reserve Champion American Steer trophy sponsored by Lazy T Ranch-Ted Triplitt Memorial
Layken DeLeon - Reserve Champion English Steer trophy sponsored by Jack & Carole Horne
MacKenzie Spake - Reserve Champion European Steer trophy sponsored by Henderson Funeral Home
Jake Short - Champion Finewool Lamb trophy sponsored by Davis Farm & Ranch Supply
Kylie Bledsoe - Champion Medium Wool Lamb trophy (Dr. Wesley Wise Memorial) sponsored by Santa Anna National Bank
James Stephenson - Champion Crossbred Lamb trophy sponsored by Johnson Feed Barn
Courtney Moore - Champion Southdown Lamb trophy sponsored by Collier Watson
Chanie Barker - Champion Hamp Barrow trophy sponsored by J. E. Stevens Co.
Ashlyn Dela Garza - Champion Duroc Barrow trophy sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Bill Merryman
Kelby McCorkle - Champion WOPB Barrow trophy sponsored by Harold & Caroline Skelton
Kindsey Holland - Champion Crossbred Barrow trophy sponsored by Simmons Feed & Seed
Christian Washington - Champion BOPB Barrow trophy sponsored by Coleman County Electric Cooperative
Courtney Moore - Champion Meatgoat blanket sponsored by Nathan Wise (Joe Ed Wise Memorial)
J. D. Crowder - Top Hand Buckle sponsored by Alderman Cave Feeds
Coleman County 4-H - Herdsman Award sponsored by Rodney Ivy/Williams Tire Store-$100
Ron & Sandi Carroll - Top Buyer Award- sponsored by Coleman County Livestock Show Association

County Swine Show Results Reported
1/28/2008
The following is the list of results from the Coleman County swine show.

Grand Champion: Kindsey Holland
Reserve Champion: Amber Hunter

Jr. Showmanship: Draven DelaGarza
Sr. Showmanship: Harlie Anderson

Light Weight Hamp
Sarah Pelton , Colton Bledsoe, Kindsey Holland, Stephanie Bledsoe, Chanie Barker, Terry Taylor, Heather McMillan, Courtlyn Barker, J.D. Crowder, Andrew Stovall.

Light Middle Weight Hamp
Kelby McCorkle, Matthew Wickson, Jonathan Dean, Garrett Mendoza, Reagan Barr, Kenneth McMillan, Janai Dillard, Talon King, Kolton Titsworth, Chris McMillan.

Heavy Middle Weight Hamp
Chanie Barker, Benjamin Roberts, Kynedi Bradley, Harley Anderson, J. D. Crowder, Colton Enriquez, Jacey Pannell, Kelby McCorkle, Lance Holmquest, Shayla Huddle, Meagan Ogden.

Heavy Weight Hamp
Reagan Barr, Brent Ogden, Paige Barnett, Laiken Barnett, Trent Smith, Trevor Smith, Allen Pricer, Fred Blackwell, David Cupps, Ginny Pannell.

Champion Hamp: Chanie Barker
Reserve Hamp: Benjamin Roberts

Light Weight Duroc
Kenneth McMillan, Christian Washington, Jordan Washington, Shaylee Strickland, Rebecca Melton, Aspen King, Heather McMillan, Caitlyn Murry, Kindsey Holland, Gary Heath, Lacey Briley, Colton Bledsoe, Laci Donham.

Middle Weight Duroc
Ashlyn Dela Garza, Garrett Strickland, Tanner Strickland, Kolton Titsworth, Kelby McCorkle, Jacey Pannell, Trent Smith, Kelsi Willis, Stephanie Bledsoe, Cayden Steffey, Chase Huddle, Jessica Laws, Tanner Brooks.

Heavy Weight Duroc
J.D. Crowder, Christian Washington, Kylee Willis, Kolton Titsworth, Ranee Cupps, Stephanie Bledsoe, Jonathan Dean, Kelsey Puckett, Ginny Pannell, Laci Donham.

Champion Duroc: Ashlynn Dela Garza
Reserve Duroc: J. D. Crowder

Light Weight White OPB
Draven Dela Garza, Jordan Jewell, Chris McMillan, Harlie Anderson, Dakota Enriquez, Draven Dela Garza, Ranee Cupps, Janai Dillard, Seara Rambo, Shawn Robertson, Ashlyn Dela Garza, Jessica Robertson.

Middle Weight White OPB
Sarah Pelton, Garrett Strickland, Sarah Pelton, Kelby McCorkle, Jordan Washington, Trevor Smith, Sierra Guerrero, Draven Dela Garza.

Heavy Weight White OPB
Kelby McCorkle, Jordan Washington, Sarah Casselberry, Christian Washington, Deven Densman, Ashlyn Dela Garza, Audry Casselberry, Taylor Guerrero, Jordan Smith, Colton Smith, Sierra Guerrero.

Champion White OPB: Kelby McCorkle
Reserve White OPB: Draven Dela Garza

Light Weight Black OPB
Christian Washington, Rebecca Melton, Chase Huddle, Gary Heath, Chris McMillan, Dakota Enriquez, Shawn Robertson, Terry Taylor, Shelbie Murray, Caitlyn Murray.

Heavy Weight Black OPB
Kolton Titsworth, Kensey Holland, Jordan Washington, Heather McMillan, Kenneth McMillan, Jacey Pannell, Luis Olguin, Luis Olguin, Nicole Heath.

Champion Black OPB: Christian Washington
Reserve Champion Black OPB: Kolton Titsworth

Light Weight Cross
Jared Briley, Corbin Brooks, Kenneth McMillan, Sarah Pelton, Hailey Cassaday, Paige Guerrero, James Garza, Shelby Scott, Chip Turner.

Middle Weight Cross
Jordan Jewell, Sarah Wickson, Matthew Wickson, J. D. Crowder, Chad Robison, Sarah Pelton, Ashlyn Dela Garza, Colton Enriquez, Seara Rambo, Draven Dela Garza, Jordan Jewell, David Cupps, Brent Ogden.

Heavy Weight Cross
Kindsey Holland, Amber Hunter, Draven Dela Garza, Draven Dela Garza, Kelby McCorkle, Trevor Smith, Allen Pricer, Trent Smith, Meagan Ogden, Cayden Steffey, Sarah Wickson.

Champion Cross: Kindsey Holland
Reserve Cross: Amber Hunter

Have a Kid Going to College Soon?
1/28/2008
A Financial Aid Workshop will be held at 6:30pm on Monday, February 4,  in the new band hall at Coleman High School.
The presenter will be Jim Glossbrenner, representative of Panhandle Plains Student Loan Center. All parents or guardians of seniors are urged to attend. The information presented will be generic, and will be useful for students planning to attend college or technical school. A drawing will be held for a door prize of a $200 scholarship presented by the Panhandle Plains Student Loan Center. If more than 25 seniors are represented, two drawings will be held. Please call Lorene Halfmann, counselor, 625-2156 if you have further questions.

Thanks, From Holiday Hill
1/28/2008
Recently, Holiday Hill Nursing Home asked for donations of stuffed animals and costume jewelry. The response was overwhelming. Providing good health care services to our residents is our main concern, but it does not stop there. Giving them our undivided attention and trying to fulfill ALL of their needs is also a very big part of our job and a goal we all try to fulfill. We have seen that happiness plays a big roll in having a healthy resident. Our residents are our number one priority and it is very important to us to see them smile. Seeing how many faces we can put a smile on is a team effort and you are a part of our team. Your generosity has put a smile on MANY FACES at Holiday Hill. The gratitude we feel can never be voiced. It is so good being part of such a great community.

Donations were delivered to different people so therefore it was hard to keep up with all the names, but you know who you are. Give yourself a pat on the back, for us, and remember that God also knows who you are.

A special thanks goes to Hospice of the Big Country, out of Abilene, for the stuffed animals and to Elaine Black from Brownwood for her generous donation of the beautiful costume jewelry.

We will continue accepting donations and as always, we will be glad to pick them up. You can call Holiday Hill @ 325-625-4157 and ask for Norma, Davia or Charlotte or call Raylene @ 325-636-7850. May God Bless You and Yours and Forever Hold You Safely in the Palm of HIS GREAT HAND!!!

THANK YOU!!
The Staff Of Holiday Hill Nursing Home

Bluecat Band Selling Band Bucks
1/28/2008
The Big Blue Band Bucks Card Sale is now underway and will continue through, Feb. 11th. See any member of the band to purchase your card or you may stop by the Band Hall in the afternoon on school days. The price remains $10.00.

We would like to thank the following business’ for their participation this year: Subway, Mr. Gatti’s, Tiffany’s, Academy Lanes, McDonald’s, Long John Silver’s, Taco Bell, Movie Gallery, Dairy Queen, Brooke’s Homestyle Laundry, Domino’s Pizza, Kwik Kar, Coleman Video, Hidalgo’s Café and Mel’s Flowers and Crafts.

The next Band Booster Meeting is scheduled for Feb 4th at 6:30 pm.

Car Damages 7-11 Store
1/27/2008
At a few minutes before 1:00am Sunday, the clerk at the 7-11 convenience store at Commercial and Walnut in Coleman felt the store shake. That's because a small black car ran into the northwest side of the building, backed up and drove off. The clerk was not hurt. According to sources, the car was later located, abandoned in someone's back yard. Coleman Police are investigating.
Meanwhile, damage to the building is substantial. A fracture runs the entire length of the north wall which means that wall will likely have to be replaced as will some of the front awning area.

Wreck Sends Houston Man to Hospital
1/27/2008
Coleman County DPS Trooper Pat Salas investigated a wreck reported Friday night at 9:03pm a few miles west of Santa Anna on Highway 67.

According to Salas, the driver and lone occupant of a Toyota 4-Runner was Matthew Phelps, 21, of Houston. He was traveling east, attempted to pass a vehicle and met an oncoming vehicle. To avoid collission, Phelps swerved into the north ditch, then overcorrected back on to the road and overturned. He was taken by ambulance to Coleman County Medical Center. Injuries were such that he could have been treated and released, Salas said.

Assisting at the scene were the Santa Anna Police and Fire Departments, Coleman County Sheriff's Department and a DPS Trooper from Ballinger.

Jenna Winstead Accepted into UT Creative Program
1/26/2008
Jenna Winstead has been accepted into the Texas Creative program at the University of Texas in Austin. Admission into the Texas Creative program is by application only, and the process is highly selective. Only 40 students from 225 applications were accepted.

Texas Creative is an intensive advertising portfolio development program in which students first cultivate conceptual idea generation and teamsmanship skills and then specialize in art direction or copywriting. Students work together to find critical strategic insights that lead to brave, smart, and rewarding communication.

Texas Creative is one of the leading creative advertising education programs in the U.S. Texas Creative students are exposed to all sides of the business, including media planning, account planning, digital media, public relations, research method, ethics, account management, and campaign development.

Part of Jenna's application process was to answer "What is the Question?" in an conceptual art display that was put into the "Glass Case" along with only 5 other students at the Communications Center at UT. Jenna is classified as a Junior. Her proud parents are James and Jody Winstead.

Coleman County Sesquicentennial Redbud Registry
1/26/2008
It is our Sesquicentennial year in Coleman County (as you probably know by now). One of the very first projects was sponsored by the Town and Country Garden Club .. a Redbud Trail through our county. Over the next few days, we will list the names of individuals and organizations that purchased a redbud tree.

In an ongoing effort to increase the number of redbud trees planted along “The Coleman County Redbud Trail”, the Garden Club hopes to be able to continue this project. One of the determining factors is being able to locate an adequate supply of trees, as well as public interest. In the event it appears to be a possibility, the Club has already started a waiting list of persons wishing to purchase trees. If you would like to add your name to this waiting list, call 325-624-5503 or 325-625-5572.

Keep Coleman Beautiful, five trees on College Avenue.

Dorothy Allen Kellogg, two trees in honor of Doris Allen and two trees in memory of Clyde (Tommy) Allen, all at the Coleman United Christian Presbyterian Church.

Kiwanis Club, four trees at Coleman City Park.

Ward Lane, ten trees at the Lane Ranch.

Janie Popnoe, one tree in memory of Joe Morris Hemphill at the Mrs. J.A.B. Miller Building on the Courthouse Square.

Masonic Lodge, five trees at 412 W. Live Oak.

Danella McBrayer, one tree in memory of Charles Lobstein and one tree in memory of A. Noble Lobstein, both at 6282 CR 300, Gouldbusk.

Kevin McMahon, five trees at 7552 Hwy. 283.

Billie Mercer, one tree in memory of David Mercer at 1016 S. Colorado.

Don and Eileen Morris, one tree in memory of Rose M. Lambert at Holiday Hill Nursing Home, one tree in memory of Bill Franklin on the Courthouse Square, one tree in honor of Janie Popnoe at Coleman ISD, and two trees on CR 140, Coleman.

Nan Moses and Treva Watson, one tree in memory of Mr. And Mrs. Arthur Poldrack, at Coleman City Park.

Nan Moses, one tree in memory of Danita Batla at 1510 W. Walnut.

Central Texas Farm Credit Bank, two trees in memory of Cynthia Philpott at 215 W. Elm.

Opal Reed, two trees, one tree in memory of Jack Cosby at Elm Street Church of Christ.

Ann Watson, one tree in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Jim D. Watson on College Avenue.

We'll have more over the next few days. 

FM 1770 Closure in Novice
Railroad Crews Doing Construction
1/25/2008
We received the following news release Friday afternoon from the Texas Department of Transportation.

Due to unforeseen problems, FM 1170 in Novice will be re-opened for the weekend as well as for Monday the 28th, however, will be closed on Tuesday, the 29th, through Friday, February 1st.

The Railroad crews were expected to be finished with construction this week, but, due to some mechanical problems with equipment, they will not be able to resume construction until Tuesday the 29th. We apologize for any problems and/or inconveniences, but want to make the traveling public aware of this situation.

Coleman School Board Extends Supt. Contract
Hears Annual Audit Report
1/25/2008
The Coleman ISD Board met in a regular meeting Thursday night.

Before the meeting Royce Young recognized Board members John Casey, Jody Payne, Mike Edington, Viki Hambright, Brent McMillan, Sue Sloan and Cody Norris for their service to the school district and community by presenting them plaques. Also, the Junior High faculty and staff provided snacks for the board in appreciation of their service to Coleman ISD, as the month of January is Board Recognition Month across the state.

In business, the 2006-2007 Audit Report was presented to the board. The firm of Reed, McKee and Co. from San Angelo reported a clean audit with good internal controls. The report was presented to the board by Business Manager Karen Huff and Superintendent Royce Young, as representatives from the firm could not be at the meeting due to inclement weather. The firm plans to meet with the board in February to answer any questions the board might have after reading the complete report.

May is election time for the school board.  Terms will expire for Jody Payne, Cody Norris, and John Casey. Election was called for on Saturday, May 10, 2008.

An Inter-local Agreement with the Texas Association of School Boards with First Financial Group serving as the provider for employee supplemental benefits was passed.

A motion was made and passed to move $400,000 to a designated fund from the school’s fund balance to continue to achieve a superior rating on annual performance report from The Financial Rating System of Texas. Young explained that this was simply moving money from one fund to the other and will not reduce the school’s total reserve funds. The school district is advised to keep at least a three month operating fund in the fund balance at all times.

The last item of business was to evaluate the superintendent and act on his contract. The board voted to extend Young’s contract by one year. As part of his evaluation, the board and Young reviewed goals set last year and discussed priorities for the coming year. The district will continue to focus on academic achievement as well as other areas.

In other non-action items, continuing education requirements for the board were reviewed. Any members who are deficient in hours have until May of 2008 to complete training.

The property owned by the school now occupied by Loaves and Fishes was discussed. The superintendent had been approached by representatives of Loaves and Fishes to sell the property so that the organization would have a better chance of applying for and receiving funds for upkeep and maintenance of the building. Young explained that, under state law, the district could only sell the property through a sealed bid process and the district does have the right to reject or accept bids received. There was also some discussion about creating a long term lease with the present organization but board members were more in favor of selling the property if possible.

Several board members plan to attend the TASB Grassroots Meeting February 21 in Abilene. This meeting will focus on legislative issues as they apply to school districts across the state.

Lorrie Payne, Curriculum Director, gave a very informative report based on the District’s Academic Excellence Indicators which showed the campuses improving in most all areas. Other information was also in the report showing that the average years of experience for district teachers was 14.3 years as compared to 11.3 for the state. Average years teachers have been in the Coleman School District is 7.8 years as compared top 7.5 years statewide. Beginning teachers in Coleman average a salary of $27,903 as compared to the state average of $38,095. Young indicated this was a major area of concern for him as the district needed to be able to compete better with area and state schools for acquire and maintain quality staff.

Local Hospital Board Meets
Advertising for Registered Nurses
1/25/2008
The Coleman County Medical Center Board of Directors met in their regular meeting at 5 PM on Thursday, January 24, with six of seven board members present.

CEO/Administrator Douglas Langley presented the financial reports for November and December to the board, stating that finances were normal for this time of year, and there had been no unusual expenses.

In other business, board members reviewed and approved the Summary of Grievance Resolutions for 2007, and received a brief preliminary report from Langley concerning Indigent Guidelines. The new guidelines will be presented to the board at the February board meeting for the board’s approval.

Langley also advised the board of a Capital Improvement Grant that is available to the hospital this year, stating that the grant proposal will request funds for replacement of boiler(s) and/or air handlers. Langley advised the board that the current boilers are in excess of forty years old.

Langley informed the board that the doctors have requested that a joint meeting be held with the board. After some discussion, it was determined that a joint meeting would be held at a date to be decided by the doctors and the administrator.

Langley reported that the hospital is in need of more Registered Nurses, and that ads are currently being run in various newspapers offering incentives for qualified applicants.

The next regular meeting of the Coleman County Medical Center Board of Directors is scheduled at 5 PM on Thursday, February 28, 2008.

New Yield Signs
1/23/2008
The Coleman City Street Department has installed yield signs on each intersection on Needham Street. These include S. Pecos St., S. Frio St., S. Neches St., S. Nueces St., Magnolia St. and Clow St. 

Lindsay Ivy Receives Degree from Texas A&M University
1/23/2008
Lindsay Ann Ivy graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station Summa Cum Laude on December 15, 2007 with a Bachelors of Arts degree, Major in English, Minor in Business. While at A&M, Lindsay was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, Delta Omega Honor Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society, National Scholars Honor Society, and Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

Lindsay plans to continue her education at Abilene Christian University. Lindsay graduated from Coleman High School in 2004 and is the daughter of Rodney and Debbie Ivy and the granddaughter of Donald and Mary Williams.

Lofton to Cheer in All-Star Classic
1/23/2008
Coleman High School Head Cheerleader Sarah Lofton has been invited to cheer in the 9th annual Myrle Greathouse Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star Football Classic in Abilene in June.

FCA officials plan to introduce the cheerleaders and All-Star football players during a February 2nd news conference at Beltway Park Baptist Church in Abilene.

Sarah is a senior at CHS, daughter of Lester and Trish Lofton. She is also active in sports and many other school organizations.  Congratulations!

NHS Induction Ceremony Tuesday Morning at CHS
1/22/2008
The Coleman High School Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted new members in a ceremony Tuesday morning in the CHS Auditorium.   Juniors and Seniors inducted were:  Lacey Bouldin, Bronson Buzzard, Colton Buzzard, Audrey Casselberry, Kenna Cornelius, Marcus Diaz, Krystal Dunn, Reece Halfmann, Nicole Heath, Cole Hubbard, Carina Landeverde, Meagan Ogden, Dallas Patton, Cheyenne Turner, and Adria Vasquez. 

CHS Student Council Attends Rehab Telethon
1/22/200
CHS senior student council members attended the West Texas Rehab's Annual Telethon Saturday night and presented the Rehab with a check for $2068.20 on behalf of the citizens of Coleman. The money had been collected during the annual Trick or Treat for Rehab back in October.

Seniors making the presentation were: Krystal Dunn, Carina Landaverde, Oscar Villeda, Tye Barnett, Sarah Lofton and Taylor Norris.
 

Two Accidents in Coleman Tuesday Morning
1/22/2008
One two-vehicle accident involving a student and another driver occurred Tuesday morning on Commercial Ave. in front of the high school. There were no injuries reported. A second accident occurred around 8:40am at the intersection of Colorado and the Hwy 84 Bypass. Two vehicles were traveling in opposite directions and collided as one vehicle attempted a turn off the Bypass. The driver of one vehicle was Adrian Benavidez of Abilene and a passenger in his car was taken to the hospital by private vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle was W. B. Phelps. One person from this accident was transported to the hospital by ambulance.

2008 Coleman County Steer Show Results
1/21/2008
The County Steer Show is in the history books. Judged by Brad Bevels of Stamford, it was held Monday morning at the new Expo Center.  Here are the results:

Grand Champion Steer - Layken DeLeon
Reserve Champion Steer - McKenzie Spake

Sr. Showmanship - Harlie Anderson
Jr. Showmanship - Jansen Merrill

Light Weight English - Layken DeLeon, Anthony Beltran, Chase Huddle

Heavy Weight English - Jansen Merrill, Shelbie Greaves, Shelbie Greaves, Kade Greaves, Kade Greaves

Champion English - Jansen Merrill
Reserve English - Layken DeLeon

American - Darrian Hunter, Mercedes Taylor

Champion - Darrian Hunter
Reserve -Mercedes Taylor

Light Weight European - Harlie Anderson, Sierra Guerrero, Harlie Anderson

Heavy Weight European - Layken DeLeon, McKenzi Spake, Shay Huddle

Champion European - Layken DeLeon
Reserve European - McKenzi Spake

Little Britches Division Has Big Turnout
1/21/2008 (Submitted by Sarah Beal)
The Little Britches division of the Coleman County Livestock show had 25 participants. The Little Britches division is for youngsters that are too young to participate in the livestock show. It is a fun event to allow the little guys to get a taste of being in the show ring. Everyone is a winner and receives a blue ribbon. This year, the Little Britches show had 3 divisions: pigs, lambs and goats and a steer.

Participants are as follows:  (See our "Faces in the Crowd" page for pictures.)

Pig exhibitors: Emily Roberts, Callie Strickland, Alexis Yarborough, Hailey Triplitt, Connor Steffey, Keaton Beets, Braxton Barker, Alexa Deleon, Dylan Deleon.

Goat and Lamb exhibitors: Neely Bradley, Jared Nall, Makayla Wise, Sabrina Lawrence, Rance Railsback, Jamicah Jefferson, Emily Hoelscher, Charlie Bigham, Alexyss Bigham, Averi Ransberger, Mark Loyd, Ethan Straach, Shelby Stephenson, Ryan Hohmann, Cloie Montague.

Steer exhibitor: Blake Greaves

2008 Coleman County Rabbit Show Results
1/21/2008 (courtesy Sarah Beal)
The rabbit show was held Sunday afternoon at the Expo Center with the following results.

Grand Champion Rabbit- Courtney Brown-Coleman 4-H
Reserve Champion Rabbit-Sierra Herrod-Santa Anna FFA

1. Courtney Brown-Coleman 4-H
2. Sierra Herrod-Santa Anna FFA
3. Measha Escobar-Novice FFA
4. Sarah Holmquest-Novice FFA
5. Daniella Escobar-Novice FFA
6. Kirstie Jamison-Coleman 4-H
7. Magen Rutledge-Panther Creek FFA
8. Micah Jewell-Coleman Co. 4-H
9. Rebecca Baker-Coleman 4-H
10.Sarah Herrod-Santa Anna FFA
11.Sarah Hailey-Coleman 4-H

The rabbits were judged by Roy Richey, Ag teacher from Cross Plains.

Burglary Reported at Coleman Livestock Auction
1/19/2008
Recently, Coleman Livestock Auction upgraded their facility by installing two large 50" flat screen TV's to benefit their buyers and sellers.

Friday morning around 7:30am, the owners of the auction discovered someone had taken the TV's along with a DVD player and another monitor used to display cattle weights.

The Coleman County Sheriff's Department was called and, by the end of the day Friday, Deputy Ken Brixey had two men arrested and in custody.

Charged with Burglary of a Building were Steven Benson, 18, and Timothy Neith, 20, both of Coleman. One was in Coleman County Jail late Friday while the other was taken to the Runnels County Jail. Both had worked at the cattle sale on Wednesday. The Sheriff's Department recovered all but one of the big flat screens. They were assisted by the Coleman Police Department.  The investigation continues.

City Council Appoints Two to EDC Board
May Have New Water Customer in the Future
1/18/2008
The Coleman City Council appointed two members Thursday to the Coleman Economic Development Board, but not before considerable discussion over the process of appointments to the board. The Council voted 4-0 to approve Collier Watson and Drew Hubbard to serve on the EDC. Watson will be new to the board while Hubbard was re-appointed.

Councilman Bill Casselberry spoke of his concern about the process of appointing members to the EDC . "It's not really right the way we're doing it. I wish we had come up with a different method to put people on this board," he said. He favored allowing people interested in serving on the board to be allowed to put their name up for consideration. The appointments submitted were recommendations voted on by the EDC Board.  Billie Mercer, who served on the EDC since 1999, had submitted her name directly to the Council for consideration but withdrew her name during the meeting. The City Council has the ultimate final say in actions taken by the EDC.

The EDC uses money, raised through taxes paid locally, to attempt to attract business to the community.  EDC board members are appointed by the Council.

In other business, the Council heard a report from Larry Weise, City Manager, about the possibility of the City selling treated water to the Millersview-Doole Water Distribution System. Weise asked the Council to allow he and Steve Autry, City Attorney, to engage in discussions with the water group and report back to the Council as talks progress. "I think it's a win-win situation. We need to look at it because we're helping our neighbors and, if we choose to do this, we could become a regional water supplier," Weise said. The Council approved Weise's request on a 4-0 vote. The Millersview system, in northern McCulloch county, has about 2,400 water taps in their system.

The Council also approved the quarterly occupancy tax report, submitted by the Chamber of Commerce and authorized the City Secretary to advertise for bids for employee health insurance as done each year at this time.

Police Chief Gives Racial Profiling Report
1/18/2008
Jay Moses, Coleman Chief of Police, submitted the 2007 Racial Profiling Report to the City Council on Thursday night. The report is required by law and is to be submitted by March 1st of each year. Moses told the Council that the Police Department is required to keep records of every traffic stop officers make. Each stop is also video and audio taped and kept on file. Moses reported that last year a total of 1,209 cases were filed by officers through Municipal Court. Of those, 81% involved Caucasians, 15% Hispanic and 3% African-American. Police officers stopped males 65% of the time and females 35% of the time. The report is on file with the City of Coleman and was approved by the Council.

Coleman County Sheriff’s Office Activity Report
1/18/2008 (courtesy of Co. Sheriff Wade Turner)
The following report details the calls received by the Coleman County Sheriff's Office from January 9 through January 16. In addition to routine patrol and ongoing investigations, the Sheriff’s Office received 37 calls for service, including:

Civil Dispute – 2; Service of Civil Process – 12; Assist D.P.S. with Arrest – 2; Arrest – 1; House Fire – 1; Fires – 3; Suspected Arson – 1; Arson Report – 1; Illegal Trash Burning – 1; Child Custody Dispute – 1; Check Fraud – 1; Accident – 1; Livestock Out on Roadway – 1; Transport Prisoner to Coleman Medical Associates – 2; Transport Prisoner to E.R. – 2; Provide Security at Coleman County Medical Center for Prisoner – 2; Transport Prisoner from Tom Green County to Coleman County Jail – 1; Transport Prisoner to T.D.C.J. Byrd Unit in Huntsville – 2.

We are currently housing 11 male prisoners in the Coleman County Jail at this time, as follows:

1 – Sentenced out of District Court to 5 years TDCJ on Aggravated Assault and Burglary of a Habitation and 12 months State Jail on Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.; 1 – Sentenced out of County Court to 90 days in County Jail on a Misdemeanor DWI; 1 – Charged with 2 counts of Aggravated Assault awaiting District Court Disposition; 1 – Charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance awaiting District Court Disposition and also has a Blue Warrant from TDCJ; 1 – Charged with Burglary of a Building awaiting District Court Disposition; 1 – Charged with Murder and Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon awaiting District Court Disposition; 1 – With a Blue Warrant from TDCJ awaiting TDCJ disposition; 1 – Charged with Burglary of a Habitation awaiting District Court Disposition; 1 – Charged with Assault and Family Violence awaiting County Court Disposition. Subject also has Theft of a Firearm and Felon in Possession of a Firearm charges pending out of District Court from an arrest in August of ’07; 1 – Charged with Possession of Marijuana and Manufacture and Delivery of Controlled Substance awaiting District Court Disposition; 1 – Charged with Motion to Revoke Probation for Leaving the Scene of an Accident awaiting County Court Disposition.

We are housing one male prisoner in Runnels County Jail awaiting District Court sentencing on Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Guilty Verdict in Drug Case in Lubbock
1/17/2008
A jury found Larry Ray Moon, Jr. guilty on four counts in a drug trial which started Monday in Lubbock Federal Court.

Moon was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine; Distribution and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises. Sentencing is expected in the next 45 days.

Testimony Monday revealed that the drug deals in Coleman County happened in the spring of 2005 through the summer of 2006, mainly east of Santa Anna on County Road 122. The investigation involved informants and aerial surveillance, testimony revealed. In addition to Coleman witnesses, testimony also came from an agent with the West Central Texas Inter-Local Crime Task Force and Arlington and Dallas area law enforcement.

Testimony continued Tuesday with a man and woman testifying that Moon had provided them with methamphetamine for distribution in Coleman County. Numerous ATF, Drug Task Force and Department of Public Safety officers testified regarding their surveillance of the Coleman County property and undercover operations there.

Update on Sesquicentennial Redbud Tree Registry
1/17/2008 (submitted by Eileen Morris)
Town & Country Garden Club again wishes to thank everyone who participated in the Coleman County Redbud Trail Sesquicentennial project.

The Redbud Registry is now permanently located at the Chamber of Commerce office for viewing. The Registry lists the names of individuals that purchased a redbud tree, it identifies memorials and honorariums, and it also lists the location of where each tree has been planted. If the location of your tree has not been provided, and if you would like to do so, please contact Amy Hinds at the Chamber office, or any Garden Club member, and we will see that your information is added to the Registry. In the days and weeks ahead, the Registry information will also be printed here on Colemannews.com, as space permits, until all names have been printed.

In an ongoing effort to increase the number of redbud trees planted along “The Coleman County Redbud Trail”, the Garden Club hopes to be able to continue this project. One of the determining factors is being able to locate an adequate supply of trees, as well as public interest. In the event it appears to be a possibility, the Club has already started a waiting list of persons wishing to purchase trees. If you would like to add your name to this waiting list, call 325-624-5503 or 325-625-5572.

Congratulations to all of you who will have enriched our County with beautiful blooms for years to come. Over the next few days, we'll run the entire registry list so that you will know where to find the redbuds in bloom across our county.

“THANK YOU” FROM THE HUMANE SOCIETY
Contributed by Jo Ann Eddleman, President, Humane Society of Coleman County
1/16/2008
Hope you are off and running to a Happy New Year! The Humane Society board will be electing officers for 2008 at its annual meeting on January 28, and deciding where our 2008 emphasis will be. It’s probably not going to be a hard decision!

The final preparations and relocation to our permanent thrift store location at 108 E. Pecan will most likely be at the top of our to-do list. It is anticipated the thrift store will be our main source of income to expand and fund our spay/neuter program and, hopefully, new programs to benefit the homeless domesticated animals in our county.

A little history may be in order to bring everyone up to date. Your humane society is embarking on its fifth year. We incorporated in December 2003 and became a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in May 2004. Although the organization has members (and we so appreciate your support), management of the organization is vested in the board of directors. The Articles and Bylaws direct that the board will have a minimum of three and a maximum of five directors, with the board being responsible for nominating and electing directors as needed. The directors serve 2-year terms for a maximum of three consecutive terms. Once a director serves for three terms (six years), he/she must then step aside for at least one year before being nominated to serve again. Our current board is made up of Nelda Copley, Jo Ann Eddleman, Sue Frizzell, Linda Laws and Louanne McAnally. Anyone interested in serving on our board as vacancies arise should contact us for an application.

Our primary mission is to provide discounted spay/neuter vouchers for low-income families in our county. In 2007 we processed 112 vouchers, including 49 free Pet Call vouchers, for a total cost of $5,596. We also spend a great deal of time and effort in the rescue, fostering and adoption of dogs. We rescued and adopted 67 dogs in 2007, and moved 17 dogs to no-kill rescues in the DFW area. Most of these dogs were saved from the City shelter. The cost for our adoption program runs around $6,000 and most of this expense is recouped in the fee we charge for adopted dogs. The majority of our rescued dogs are adopted to families out of this area through Petfinder.com. 
The directors stay busy, but what we manage to do we do with a lot of help from our friends! We want to thank our volunteers and others who helped us have a successful 2007! It is hard to list everyone because we might miss someone, but we want to especially thank those who have gone the extra mile for us in 2007:
ADDIE AND MELINDA VASQUEZ - Addie and Melinda have taken on the responsibility of seeing to the dogs we keep at our Santa Anna Avenue holding yard. Addie, who is a senior at CHS, stops by the yard every afternoon after school and also comes in on weekends and when school is not in session. She not only feeds and waters the dogs, she plays with them, brushes them, and generally socializes these babies to get them ready for adoption. Before Addie got her driver’s license, her mother, Melinda, drove Addie to the yard from their home in the county and helped out with the dogs too. In addition, Melinda always has baked goods ready for all our bake sales and special events. We do not know what we would do without them! Woof!
ANITA CALK - Although Anita is plagued with illness and serious allergies, she nevertheless helps us with telephoning and lining up volunteers anytime she is called upon. In addition, she is a valuable (and vocal!) participant in our parade entries. We offer our condolences once again on the loss of her sweet Buddy dog, who, like the gentleman he was, always sat quietly next to Anita in the back of the pickup at parade time.
KATE SHIELD - Kate drives from Santa Anna whenever the need arises. She always has outstanding goodies to contribute to our bake sales and is in faithful attendance at membership meetings and events. Kate has also volunteered to look into what the possibilities are for us to become more involved with the feral cat situation in the county. Maybe 2008 will see some baby steps taken toward making some inroads into this problem!
JUSTIN BAIN - Some might say, “Wait a minute! Justin is being paid to do work for the Humane Society. He is not a volunteer.” Yes, we are fortunate to have a skilled all-round craftsman like Justin to do our hired work that we would be paying big bucks for others to do (if we could find any “others” to do it). However, what some may not recognize is that Justin does a lot of work without pay to help the Humane Society, especially at the flea market and at the thrift store. Justin helps with the heavy stuff that we puny women cannot possibly take care of, and he is always on the run to pick up donated items from people who cannot deliver to us. Our thanks to God for sending us Justin, who moved to Coleman just when we needed him!
ERIC AND KAY JOFFRION - A very big thank you to Eric and Kay for being so cooperative in helping with our effort. They donate the space we use at the flea market, and Eric is always johnny-on the-spot when we get in a pinch of one kind or another, even if it’s just to help us try to get our Christmas tree to stand up straight!
MONA WATTS- Mona, our City of Coleman Animal Control Officer, has been so very helpful in identifying adoptable dogs who have landed at the City Shelter. Many dogs have been saved because Mona takes the time to notify us and make sure we have a chance to rescue and move an adoptable dog into our foster program. Everyone should be aware that Mona spends much of her personal time helping us rescue our lost and abused furry friends.
FLEA MARKET VOLUNTEERS -We want to give a special thank you to Sue McFarlane, Frances Barkemeyer, Linda Miller, Jewel Brown, Betty Bain and Richard Pearce who do so much to assist Sue Frizzell as she works with our donated goods at the flea market. Richard and Linda, in particular, know how to use the elbow grease and have been instrumental in helping at the CarQuest location as we begin that cleanup project.
COLEMAN COUNTY STATE BANK - Thank you so much to Henry Dodson and his staff at Coleman County State Bank for helping us with the CarQuest transaction. And even more thanks for letting us use the building at 109 West Pecan to get our thrift store started in light of the delays we encountered working with the donation of the CarQuest building.
THRIFT STORE VOLUNTEERS - We will thank in advance all those who have already volunteered some of your time to help at the thrift store. We will be calling you soon!

And it goes without saying that all those who have donated items to our store are at the top of our angel list! We are overwhelmed by your kindness in thinking of us. Please know that no usable items are discarded. If we do not display items at the Thrift Store, we move them to the flea market or to a mission ministry. Visit us soon at our temporary location at 109 West Pecan across from Coleman County State Bank to see for yourself what great items are donated!

Lubbock Drug Trial Continues
with Coleman County Ties
1/16/2008
Testimony continued Tuesday in Federal Court in Lubbock in the drug trafficking trial of Larry Ray Moon, Jr. Moon is accused of selling moderate to large amounts of methamphetamine in Coleman County and is also accused of operating a drug ring that extended to the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Testimony Monday revealed that the drug deals in Coleman County happened in the spring of 2005 through the summer of 2006, mainly east of Santa Anna on County Road 122. The investigation involved informants and aerial surveillance, testimony revealed. In addition to Coleman witnesses, testimony also came from an agent with the West Central Texas Inter-Local Crime Task Force and Arlington and Dallas area law enforcement.

Testimony continued Tuesday with a man and woman testifying that Moon had provided them with methamphetamine for distribution in Coleman County. Numerous ATF, Drug Task Force and Department of Public Safety officers testified regarding their surveillance of the Coleman County property and undercover operations there.

In the afternoon, Moon took the stand in his own defense. He claimed to have no knowledge of the drug trade and maintained that each officer and co-defendant is fabricating the allegations and that there were no drugs on the Coleman County property to his knowledge.

Testimony continues today with closing arguments possible during the afternoon. The case is being presented by federal prosecutor Jeff Haag.

Eula Cox Norwood - Queen of Coleman County Centennial Celebration
1/15/2008 (submitted by Terrye Williams Nanny)
The following information came to our attention after we ran a picture of the Centennial queen recently in conjunction with a story about a beard growing contest. Thanks to Terrye Nanny for submitting this. We think you'll find it interesting.

"When I saw the picture of Mrs. Norwood during the Coleman County Centennial, it brought back so many memories of "Miss Eula". I had lived within 200 yards of her for most of my ten years and had never known her name was Norwood until she received the honor of being named Queen of the Centennial celebration. She was so proud and humbled by this distinction. I remember her telling my mother how excited she was. She made all of her dresses for the events. Being past middle-aged myself (unless you think I might live to be 120!) I had to do a little research to jog the memory. Miss Eula was part of a very influential pioneer family in the south part of the county.  Shown left receiving a peck on the cheek from D.J. Banta, winner of the beard growing contest.

John Wesley Cox and Lucy Catherine Harrison were married in Lavaca Co. in 1881. They came to Coleman County in 1885 where John was foreman of the Starkweather Ranch. In the early 1890s he bought, on credit, a large portion of the Busk Ranch on the Colorado River. Eula was the third of their four children, being born in 1890. In 1910, she married Clay (Spot) Norwood. They lived most of their lives in the Gouldbusk area. They were the parents of two daughters, Vela and Vivian. Vela married Tom Hunt and they lived in Gouldbusk many years before moving to Coleman. They had one son, Tom Clay Hunt.

Results for the 59th Annual Novice Livestock Show
1/15/2008

Rabbits:
1.Daniella Escobar
2. Sarah Holmquest
3. Measha Escobar

Grand Champion: Daniella Escobar
Reserve Champion: Sarah Holmquest
Showmanship: Sarah Holmquest

Meat Goats:
Class 1
1. Rowdy Escobar
2. Rowdy Escobar

Class 2
1.Jarred Briley
2. Jarred Briley
3. Jarred Briley

Class 3
1. Dillan Strickland
2.Garrett Strickland
3. Rowdy Escobar

Grand Champion: Dillan Strickland
Reserve Champion: Jarred Briley
Showmanship: Jarred Briley

Lambs:
1. Lacye Briley
2. Lacye Briley

Grand and Reserve Champion and Showmanship: Lacye Briley

Swine:
Class 1
1.Lacye Briley
2. Garrett Strickland
3. Jarred Briley

Class 2
1.Jarred Briley
2. James Garza


Class 3
1.Lacye Briley
2. Shaylee Strickland
3. Garrett Strickland

Class 4
1.Lance Holmquest
2.Garrett Strickland
3. Garrett Strickland

Grand Champion: Jarred Briley
Reserve Champion: Lacye Briley
Showmanship: Garrett Strickland

Pittard Overall Showmanship: Garrett Strickland

Chamber of Commerce Officers Elected
Committee Chairmen Named
1/15/2008
The Board of Directors of the Coleman County Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Tourist Bureau met Monday, January 14, 2008 at 5:30 P.M. in the Chamber of Commerce Boardroom.

Directors present were Dr. Darron Atwood, Sandra Barr, Dokie Bledsoe, Nina Childress, Danyelle Hemphill, Kim Horne, Rodney Ivy, Charlotte Johns, Michael Taylor, Darla Wise, Secretary Amy Hinds, and Executive Director, Mary Griffis. Unable to be present were Crystal Rae and Kevin McMahon.

President Michael Taylor introduced the New Board of Directors. Those included Kim Horne and returning Directors, Dr. Darron Atwood, Sandra Barr, Dokie Bledsoe, Charlotte Johns, and Michael Taylor.

Mary Griffis gave a short review of the responsibilities of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for the benefit of the new Director. She included in her report that the Chamber works closely with the Coleman Business People’s Association, Keep Coleman Beautiful, Coleman Development Company, Inc., Coleman EDC, Coleman County Livestock Association and the Coleman Rodeo Association. The Chamber is a Visitors’ and Tourist Bureau. The Chamber also works closely with volunteer organizations to advance their goals, assist school districts in educational programs for the community, participates in ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings and welcome packages. The Chamber does the bookings for the Bill Franklin Center and keeps the community informed with all of the Calendar of Events in the community. In this year of 2008, the Chamber will be assisting with the activities of the Sesquicentennial Celebration. The Chamber is a distributor of 15% of Occupancy Tax funds from the City sales tax. The Chamber also assists landowners in leasing property for hunting, also supports and assists with Wildlife Committee Hunters’ BBQ and Hunters’ Extravaganza in Fort Worth. The Chamber supports the mentoring program through Coleman Independent School District. In addition to these activities, the Chamber sponsors several events throughout the year.

Officers for 2008 were elected and included Sandra Barr, President; Dr. Darron Atwood, 1st Vice President; and Michael Taylor, 2nd Vice President.

The following persons were selected as chairpersons for the following calendar year: Membership Drive – Month of March – Darla Wise and Michael Taylor; Chamber Banquet – Tentative date of April 25th - Dokie Bledsoe and Nina Childress; Chamber Fundraiser – Dr. Darron Atwood and Michael Taylor; Fiesta de la Paloma – October 4th – All Directors; Christmas Activities – Month of December – Coleman Business People’s Association; Budget Committee – Sandra Barr, Dr. Darron Atwood, and Michael Taylor; By-Laws Committee – Sandra Barr, Dr. Darron Atwood, Michael Taylor, and Nina Childress.

Many other items were also discussed concerning the new year. Dates and times will be announced at a later date concerning the events scheduled throughout the year.

The Chamber of Commerce’s top priority is to attract new people to this community as well as putting forth the necessary effort to keep those we already have.

The Chamber of Commerce meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Chamber of Commerce Boardroom. The Chamber office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Coleman County Drug Trafficking Case Being Tried in Lubbock
1/15/2008
Several Coleman County residents testified Monday in Lubbock federal court in the federal drug trafficking trial of Larry Ray Moon, Jr. Moon is accused of selling moderate to large amounts of methamphetamine in Coleman County and is also accused of operating a drug ring that extended to the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Testimony Monday revealed that the drug deals in Coleman County happened in the spring of 2005 through the summer of 2006, mainly east of Santa Anna on County Road 122.  The investigation involved informants and aerial surveillance, testimony revealed.  In addition to Coleman witnesses, testimony also came from an agent with the West Central Texas Inter-Local Crime Task Force and Arlington and Dallas area law enforcement. 

The case is being presented by federal prosecutor Jeff Haag.  The trial moves into day number two today.

Commissioners Donate Funds to SAFD
1/14/2008
Coleman County Commissioners voted Monday morning to give $2,500 to the Santa Anna Volunteer Fire Department to help pay for their Jaws of Life equipment. "We appreciate it very much and we'll keep trying to do a good job," said Clint Day, representing the fire department.

In other business, commissioners designated their meeting places, as required each January, being the County Courthouse and, with seven days posted notice, the County Annex at 101 Commercial. The County is refurbishing the Commercial Avenue location and hopes to have it available later in the year.

Commissioners also approved a contract with Tim Glendenning who is a consultant who helps the County obtain grants through FEMA after disasters. Commissioners also approved bills for payment and the quarterly statement of accounts.

Notice from the Coleman Senior Center
1/14/2008
The following information was received from Linda at the Coleman Senior Center:

If you are not a regular participant at the Coleman Senior Center, we are asking that you please call ahead and let us know if you will be eating with us, preferably the day before. Due to rising food costs and lack of funding, we must do this in order to serve those that support us on a daily basis. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For additional information please call 325-625-4779.
Thank you and God Bless.

Coleman Business Owner Passes Away
1/13/2008
It is with sadness we report the death of James Honea, owner of City Cleaners in Coleman. James passed away Saturday morning. Funeral services are pending with Stevens Funeral Home. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Brenda, and their family.

Panther Creek Honor Rolls Announced
1/13/2008
The honor rolls have been released for the 3rd Six Weeks at Panther Creek CISD.

High School "A" Honor Roll - Lexie Ewing, Elizabeth Tapia, Jennifer Cavanaugh, Dustin DeLeon, Cheyenne Elkin, Nancy Meyer.
High School "A/B" Honor Roll - Cojo Bowman, Shayna Keeney, Trent Smith, Charley Bowman, Cassie Philpot, Benton Warren, Julie Hafner, Danee' Machuta, Jake Stewart, Kaley Craig, Wade Halfmann.

Junior High "A" Honor Roll - Kirsten Moore, Mary Ann Tapia, Stephanie Bledsoe, Nikki Ewing, Courtney Moore, Kelton Powell.
Junior High "A/B" Honor Roll - Lauren Allen, Matthew Lowry, Paula Mata, Jessica Laws, Austin Lewis, Scarlett Pyburn, Jared Romine, Betty Torres.

Elementary "A" Honor Roll - Rankin Kiker, Zadie Williamson, Colton Moore, Zane McMahon.
Elementary "A/B" Honor Roll - Jordyn Caine, Tyler Sparks, Alexander Torres, Nancy Cody, Trotter Harris, Emily Hoelscher, Mark Loyd, Nathan McMahon, Rylie Philpot, Allen Pricer, Jacob Springer, Jessi Loyd, Macie Mills, Cade Nanny, Zane Jamison, Nicolas Parra.

Coleman High Students Honored
1/13/2008
The honor rolls and perfect attendance for the 3rd Six Weeks have been released by Coleman High School, honoring the following students:

All "A" Honor Roll - (9th Grade) Jackie Birdwell, Vicky Cruz, Lisa Dees, Amanda Gober, Ross Jackson, Kelby McCorkle, Erin Strickland. (10th Grade) Reagan Barr, Sarah Hailey, Gary Heath, Emilie Jimenez, Angelina Jones, Jeff Lefevre, Garret Mendoza, Lisha Merkley, Jessica Morales, Rynn Norris, Kelsey Puckett, Slade Stevenson, Casie Swening, Michelle Walters, Hayden Wise. (11th Grade) Kenna Cornelius, Nancy Cruz, Reece Halfmann, Nicole Heath, Cole Hubbard, Nicky Kwak, Meagan Ogden, Dallas Patton, Cheyenne Turner, Kathy Zhou. (12th Grade) Ndifone Agbor, Chelsey Bouldin, Kasondra Bouldin,Trixy Flores, Shaunita Gibson, Matthew Hurtado, Scotty Johnson, Jerry Langley, Krista Moore, Taylor Norris, Jack Reynolds, Sara Smith, Addie Vasquez, Nicole Welch, Katlin Whatley.

"A/B" Honor Roll (9th Grade) - Nicholas Allen, Taylor Armstrong, Edgar Barrios, Britt Bartell, Shi Brudney, Dylan Buzzard, Kalie Diaz, Marcus Garza, Chase Huddle, A.J. Hurtado, Colt Jamison, Manny Jimenez, Angelina Marks, Colton McConathy, Katelynn McKinnon, Drey Richards, Kyle Russell, Jonathan Sanchez, Morgan Schumann, Tanner Strickland, Mercedes Taylor, Brody Tibbetts, Matt Wickson. (10th Grade) - Kayla Barnett, Anthony Beltran, Tanner Brooks, Brittany Burton, Trey Casey, Ranee Cupps, Zach Doyle, Denny Fulbright, Cassandra Horn, Dallas Horton, Morgan Hurtado, Andrew Isom, Beau Mayo, Andrea Meador, Jacy Payne, Destiny Rader, Adrianna Resendez, Chad Robison, Peyton Schumann, Jordan Smith, McKenzi Spake, Angel Sullens, Shaina Thompson, Daniel Vasquez, Miguel Vazquez, Michael Watson, Samantha Yebra, Carissa Zarate. (11th Grade) Jamal Agbor, Tiffani Baker, Carlos Barrios, Mohini Bhakta, Lacey Bouldin, Colton Buzzard, Stephanie Campbell, Audrey Casselberry, Jessica Cleland, Sonya Cruz, Dalton DeLeon, Shelbie
DeLeon, Deven Densman, Eden Duquette, Jake Duquette, Glen Edington, Kristina Martin, Rene Salas, Wonda Sullens, Tabitha Terrell. (12th Grade) Rebecca Baker, Paige Barnett, Tye Barnett, Kylie Bledsoe, Corbin Brooks, Nolan Buford, Bronson Buzzard, Shelton Cogdill, J.D. Crowder, Krystal Dunn, Kyle Hart, Drew Jackson, Casey Lofton, Luke Lofton, Sarah Lofton, Stormie Mackey, Edgar Mata, Kyle Mayo, David Merkley, Creston Olinger, Bobby Olson, Kyle Peffley, Martin Quinonez, Jordan Robinson, Jacob Rosales, Katie Salinaz, Matt Strickland, Kolton Titsworth, Chip Turner, Pedro Valdez, Oscar Villeda, Keshia Walters, Joshua Wiley, John Wilkinson, Annaette Williams, Brandon Worsham.

Perfect Attendance - (9th Grade) - Marcos Aaron, Taylor Armstrong, Edgar Barrios, Britt Bartell, Travis Brixey, Dylan Buzzard, Manuel Cruz, Vicky Cruz, Marcelino Felipe, Vicky Frausto, Manny Jimenez, Tye Johnson, Patrick Martin, Kelby McCorkle, Joseph Ortiz, Drey Richards, Morgan Schumann, Paul Scott, Candace Smith, Erin Strickland, Brody Tibbetts, Patrick Warrick, Matt Wickson. (10th Grade) Joshua Barrett, Brittany Burton, Sarah Hailey, Trent Hambright, Aretha Holloway, Dallas Horton, Emilie Jimenez, Shaedin Johnson, Angelina Jones, Robert Lewallan, Jacy Payne, Zach Polk, Chad Robison, Nathan Rodgers, Peyton Schumann, Shelby Scott, Jordan Smith, Tulissa Sturges, Casey Swening, Robert Thomas, Tori Valdez, Lorena Vasquez, Miguel Vazquez, Michelle Walters. (11th Grade) Jamal Agbor, Arturo Avila, Tiffani Baker, Carlos Barrios, Mohini Bhakta, Lacey Bouldin, Greg Brannon, Ashley Bremiller, Audrey Casselberry, Amanda Chandler, Kenna Cornelius, Nancy Cruz, Sonya Cruz, Dalton DeLeon, Deven Densman, Glen Edington, Jesse Estrada, Angel Faries, Shirley Haechten, Austen Henson, Cole Hubbard, Jeremy Jameson, Bobby Lumpkin, Kristina Martin, Alexandra Martinez, Dallas Patton, Ray Rodriguez, Rene Salas, Tabitha Terrell, Cheyenne Turner, Justin Wiley. (12th Grade) Ndifone Agbor, Tye Barnett, Kasondra Bouldin, Michael Bowers, Shelton Cogdill, Marcus Diaz, Krystal Dunn, Trixy Flores, Shaunita Gibson, Jeremy Gober, Scotty Johnson, Carina Landaverde, Sarah Lofton, Stormie Mackey, Bobby Olson, Matt Strickland, Kolton Titsworth, Pedro Valdez, Addie Vasquez, Esmeralda Vazquez, Keshia Walters, Ashley Watts, Joshua Wiley, Brandon Worsham.

Results from Panther Creek UIL Meet
1/12/2008 (courtesy Mark Romine)
On December 13, 2007, students from Panther Creek Junior High School participated in the UIL Academic Meet at Eden. They competed against students from Santa Anna, Paint Rock, Lohn, Novice, Olfen, Eden, and Veribest. Results are as follows:

Art 6—Lauren Allen—5th; 3rd place team—Mary Ann Tapia, Lauren Allen, Paula Mata
Dictionary Skills 6—Mary Ann Tapia—6th
Maps, Graphs, Charts 6—Mary Ann Tapia—6th (tie)
Social Studies 6—Dylan Ingram—5th; Kirsten Moore—6th (tie); 3rd place team—Dylan Ingram, Kirsten Moore, Alicia Cody
Spelling 6—Mary Ann Tapia—3rd
Oral Reading 6—Paula Mata—1st; Lauren Allen—4th
Listening 6—Matthew Lowry—6th (tie); Lauren Allen—6th (tie)
Mathematics 6—Kirsten Moore—2nd (tie); 2nd place team—Kirsten Moore, Mary Ann Tapia, Alicia Cody
Number Sense 6—Kirsten Moore—1st; Mary Ann Tapia—2nd; 1st place team—Kirsten Moore, Mary Ann Tapia, Matthew Lowry

Art 7—3rd place team—Jessica Laws, Scotty Olinger, Deanna Hudson
Ready Writing 7—Deanna Hudson—3rd
Editorial Writing 7—Deanna Hudson—5th
Maps, Graphs, Charts 7—Scarlett Pyburn—6th; 2nd place team—Austin Lewis, Scarlett Pyburn, Jessica Laws
Listening 7—Jessica Laws—4th; 3rd place team—Jessica Laws, Scarlett Pyburn, Deanna Hudson
Number Sense 7—Staci Olinger—1st
Dictionary Skills 7—Deanna Hudson—5th
Oral Reading 7—Deanna Hudson—2nd
Impromptu Speaking 7—Deanna Hudson—3rd; Scotty Olinger—5th
Mathematics 7—Staci Olinger—4th; 1st place team—Staci Olinger, Austin Lewis, Scarlett Pyburn
Science I—3rd place team—Jessica Laws, Staci Olinger, Scarlett Pyburn

Art 8—Stephannie Bledsoe—2nd; Nikki Ewing—3rd; Ivan Olivares—5th; 1st place team—Stephannie Bledsoe, Nikki Ewing, Ivan Olivares, Hailea Smith, Kelton Powell
Spelling 8—Ivan Olivares—3rd
Ready Writing 8—Courtney Moore—1st
Editorial Writing 8—Courtney Moore—1st; Katie Straach—3rd; Chelsey Day—5th
Listening 8—Stephannie Bledsoe—1st; Courtney Moore—3rd; Devin Griffin—5th; 1st place team—Stephannie Bledsoe, Courtney Moore, Devin Griffin
Maps, Graphs, Charts 8—Courtney Moore—1st; Jared Romine—2nd; Kelton Powell—4th; 1st place team—Courtney Moore, Jared Romine, Kelton Powell
Calculator Applications 8—Jared Romine—4th; 3rd place team—Jared Romine, Betty Torres, Stephannie Bledsoe
Mathematics 8—Jared Romine—3rd; 3rd place team—Jared Romine, Stephannie Bledsoe, Nikki Ewing
Number Sense 8—Courtney Moore—3rd
Dictionary Skills 8—Stephannie Bledsoe—1st; Betty Torres—6th; 1st place team—Stephannie Bledsoe, Betty Torres, Katie Straach
Oral Reading 8—Courtney Moore—1st; Betty Torres—6th
Modern Oratory 8—Stephannie Bledsoe—2nd
Impromptu Speaking 8—Courtney Moore—1st
Social Studies 8—Kelton Powell—1st; Jared Romine—4th; 1st place team—Kelton Powell, Jared Romine, Ivan Olivares
Science II—Courtney Moore—3rd; Kelton Powell—4th; 1st place team—Courtney Moore, Kelton Powell, Katie Straach

Weekly Report Released from Sheriff's Office
1/11/2008 (courtesy of County Sheriff Wade Turner)
The Sheriff's Office received 22 calls for service in addition to routine patrol and investigations for the week of January 2 - January 9. They are as follows:

Accidents – 2; Child Custody – 1; Possible Missing Person – 1; Civil Standby – 1; Civil Dispute – 1; Abandoned Vehicle – 1; Trespasser – 1; Service of Civil Process – 5; Warrant Service – 2; Lost or Stolen Gun – 1; Provide Traffic Control – 2; People Racing Dirt Bikes on County Road – 1; Transport Prisoners to C.C.M.C.- 2; Provide Bailiff for County Court – 1.

We are currently housing 12 male inmates in the Coleman County Jail.

1 – Sentenced out of District Court to TDCJ for 6 years on 2 counts of burglary of a habitation and sentenced to State Jail for 12 months on Forgery.; 1 – Sentenced out of District Court to 5 years TDCJ on Aggravated Assault and Burglary of a Habitation and 12 months State Jail on Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle; 1 – Sentenced out of District Court to 2 years TDCJ on a Felony DWI; 1 – Sentenced out of County Court to 90 days in County Jail on a Misdemeanor DWI; 1 – Charged with 2 counts of Aggravated Assault awaiting District Court dispositions; 1 – Charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance awaiting District Court disposition and also has a Blue Warrant from TDCJ; 1 – Charged with Burglary of a Building awaiting District Court disposition; 1 – Charged with Murder and Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon awaiting District Court disposition; 1 – With a Blue Warrant from TDCJ awaiting TDCJ disposition; 1 – Charged with Burglary of a Habitation awaiting District Court disposition; 1 – Charged with Assault and Family Violence awaiting County Court dispositions. Subject also has Theft of a Firearm and Felon in Possession of a Firearm charges pending out of District Court from arrest in August of ’07; 1 – Charged with Possession of Marijuana and Manufacture and Delivery of Controlled Substance awaiting District Court Disposition.

We are currently housing 1 male prisoner in Runnels County Jail awaiting District Court Sentencing on Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon.

Last Call for Heroes Names
1/11/2008 (by Herma Jean Johnson)
This is the last call for names of Coleman County service persons to be added to the sign on the Courthouse lawn. I will be turning in names, ranks and branches of service on January 21. Some of the information I have received is incomplete, so please contact me if you sent any information to guarantee it being correct.

There are 17 new names and not enough room on the existing sign, so I have received permission from Judge Hobbs to put another sign on the other side of the front sidewalk. What I need now are donations for the cost of the new sign. If you would like to be a part of this effort, please let me know. Herma Jean Johnson, 849 FM 2131, Coleman, Texas 76834. 325-625-2340 or tupy@web-access.net.

District Court Cases Reported
1/11/2008 (submitted by DA's Office)
District Attorney Joe Lee Rose presented the following case to the Honorable John Weeks, 42nd District Judge, on Thursday, August 23, 2007, at 2:00 P.M.:

Cause No. 2009 – Charles Henry Hull, Possession of Controlled Substance. Hull pled guilty and was sentenced to ten months confinement a State Jail Facility and was ordered to pay court costs and court-appointed attorney fees.

The following cases were presented on Thursday, September 6, 2007, at 2:00 P.M.:

Cause No. 1743 – Matthew Wayne Parks, Motion to Revoke Community Supervision. Parks entered a plea of true to violation of his probation and was sentenced to three years confinement in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Cause No. 2015 – Joseph Gus Mays, Evading Arrest. Mays pled guilty and was sentenced to two years deferred adjudication and was ordered to pay a $500.00 fine, court costs, community supervision fees, and 120 hours community service. As a condition of his community supervision, he was ordered to enter a court residential treatment center for a period of six months to two years. Mays will remain incarcerated in the Coleman County Jail awaiting transport.

Cause No. 1978 – John Todd Bolds, Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon. Bolds pled guilty in an open plea to the Court after an agreed sentence could not be reached with the District Attorney. A Pre-sentence Investigation was ordered, and sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.

Cause No. 1966 – Robert G. Mills, Forgery. Mills pled guilty and was sentenced to three years deferred adjudication and was ordered to pay a $600.00 fine, court costs, community supervision fees, restitution totaling $406.56 to the victim, and was ordered to serve 120 hours community service.

January is School Board Recognition Month
1/11/2008
Governor Rick Perry has proclaimed January as School Board Recognition Month, and Coleman ISD is joining other districts across the state to thank these community volunteers for their commitment and contributions to our public schools.

“School board members serve countless hours working to make public education the best it can be for every child,” said Royce Young, Superintendent. In a climate of change and challenge, they develop policies and make tough decisions on complex educational and social issues that affect the entire community and the lives of individual students. They bear responsibility and oversight in Coleman ISD for an annual budget of $9.6 million; 990 students in grades PK to 12; more than 175 employees; and three campuses.

Preparing today’s students to be productive citizens and the leaders of tomorrow is a tremendous task. As elected officials, school board members are the voice of their communities, serving first and foremost in the best interest of our schoolchildren,” said Young.

Retamay Gaines Named Honorary Chairman of Sesquicentennial
1/10/2008
Her grandparents were pioneers of Coleman County, dating back to the late 1800's. Another set of grandparents came at the turn of the century. Retamay Gaines knows a thing or two about Coleman County. She was announced as the Honorary Chairman of the Coleman County Sesquicentennial Celebration during a planning meeting Monday night.  "I am honored and thank you so much," Gaines said. She said she doesn't know what she did to get the honor but "I'll take it." Having turned 90, Retamay will be a great ambassador for the county she loves.

Nettles Recounts Last Beard Growing Contest
1/9/2008
Archie Nettles of Coleman stopped by our office recently with a picture which you see at left. It was taken in 1957 back when he worked for M.L. Marrs Furniture. Just as the 2008 Coleman County Sesquicentennial is going to have a "Brothers of the Brush" beard growing contest, Coleman had one in the last big celebration 50 years ago. And, yes, that is Archie in the picture along with his wife, Lela. Archie says he remembers growing the beard to help represent the store he worked for. He recalls the contest finals being held in the City Park and, if memory serves him correctly, a man named Barnett from Novice may have won the event. He said the man had a long white beard, was the obvious winner and drove to the competition in a covered wagon pulled by oxen. Archie doesn't remember whether he placed or not.

Students of the Month Recognized at Coleman Junior High
1/9/2008
Members of the Coleman Junior High School chapter of the National Junior Honor Society recently voted on students of the month for November.

Students of the month are:

Vallari Escobar - 6th grade girl
Jansen Merrill - 6th grade boy
Miranda Brooks - 7th grade girl
Charlie Thomas - 7th grade boy
Kassidy Dean - 8th grade girl
Erik Villeda - 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.

Santa Anna Chapter Stock Show is Saturday
1/9/2008
The Santa Anna Chapter Stock Show is Saturday, January 12. The schedule is as follows:

Swine Weigh-In: Friday, January 11, by 7:00 p.m. Pigs can be put in show barn anytime on Friday. All pigs should be in show barn by 5:30 p.m.
Lambs & Goats arrive at barn for weighing at 7:30 a.m., January 12th Rabbit Show: Will start at 9:00 a.m. Rabbits should arrive at 8:15 - 8:30 a.m. ( NO LATER ) Goat Show - 9:30 a.m.
Lamb Show - Following Goat Show
Steer Show - Following Lamb Show
Swine Show - Following Steer Show
BBQ Lunch Break (12 Noon - 1 PM)
Approx. 1:15 p.m. - Complete Swine Show
BAKED GOODS must be in the Elementary Cafeteria by 8:30 a.m. on January 12th

Novice Livestock Show is Saturday
1/8/2008
The Novice Jr. Livestock show will be held Saturday, January 12. The show will be held in the Shelby Show Barn located at the Novice School and will begin at 10:00am. Exhibits included in this year's show are rabbits, goats, lambs, and pigs. A concession stand will be offered with proceeds going to the Novice Livestock Association.

Tickets are also being sold for a propane fish fryer. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Everyone is invited out to the show barn for the show.

City Council Hears Report on Grant Funds
1/8/2008
In session last Thursday, the Coleman City Council received a report from John Pearce, Coleman County Emergency Management Coordinator. His report explained Homeland Security Grant Funds available for use in the county. A grant for $58,252 will be received in February to purchase a dispatch console for the police department and four mobile radios. Three of the mobiles will go to the police department, one to the fire department. The Council thanked Pearce for his work.

Aviation Ramp Program Gets OK from City Council
1/8/2008
The Coleman City Council has voted unanimously to authorize the Mayor and City Attorney to sign documents for the City of Coleman to participate in the Aviation Ramp Program. The Ramp program is through the Texas Department of Transportation and has been in existence for many years, according to Larry Weise, City Manger. The program provides state funds on a 50/50 share basis with local entities. The City is not required to use any portion of the funds but is required to request that the funds be reserved for potential projects at Coleman Municipal Airport.

Coleman PD Statistics Given for December '07
1/8/2008 (submitted by Jay Moses, Chief of Police)
The following is a list of activity conducted by Coleman Police during the month of December:

Investigations - Assault-2; Burglary-1; Theft-9; Criminal Mischief-14; Robbery-1; Death Inquest-1; Child Custody-1; Child Protective Cases-2; Forgery-1; Murder-1; Aggraved Assault-1.

Arrests - Public Intoxication-3; Warrants-12; Possession Drug Paraphernalia-1; Minor in Possession of Alcohol-3; No Driver License-1; Driving While Intoxicated-2; Disorderly Conduct-1; Injury to Child-1.

Accidents - No Injury-3; With Injuries-4.

Citations - Environmental Officer-3 citations with 3 charges filed; School Resource Officer-10 citations with 11 charges filed; Police Department-98 citations with 115 charges filed.

Warnings - Animal Control-1; Environmental Officer-1; Police Department-27.

Animal Control - Calls for Service-57; Dogs Picked Up-26; Cats Picked Up-6; Other Animals Picked Up-3 (2 goats & 1 skunk); Dead Animals Removed from Roadway or Residence-8.

Stock Show Memorabilia is Coming In - More Needed
1/7/2008
If you have participated in any Coleman County Livestock Show over the many years it has been held, and have some ribbons, trophies, halters, pictures, banners or any other item you could loan for a few days, Sarah Beal would appreciate a call or e-mail.  She's already hearing from lots of folks but more are needed.

This is the Sesquicentennial edition of the County Stock Show. A display of show history is being planned. If you have something to put in this display, the sooner you contact Sarah, the better, for organization purposes. Call 325-785-4291 or ssbeal@web-access.net.

Coleman County Sheriff’s Office Activity Report
Week of 12-26-07 thru 1-1-08
1/7/2008 (submitted by County Sheriff Wade Turner)
In addition to routine patrols and investigations we had 19 calls for service this past week and they are as follows: Wrecks – 3; Suspicious Person – 1; Disturbance – 1; Missing Livestock – 1; Assist Coleman Police Department – 1; Grass Fire – 2; Motorist Assist – 1; Theft – 1; Prisoner Transport to C.C.M.C. – 3; Provide Security for prisoner admitted into C.C.M.C. – 5

We are currently housing 9 male inmates in the Coleman County Jail including 4 – Awaiting District Court Dispositions; 1 – Awaiting County Court Disposition; 1 – Serving Sentence out of County Court; 3 – Sentenced to TDCJ awaiting transport conformation. We are housing one male inmate in Runnels County Jail awaiting District Court Disposition.

From Inmate to New Courthouse Custodian
1/5/2008
Thursday, January 2, was a very happy day in the life of Chuck Watson and a happy day in the Coleman County Courthouse. Watson, 38, became the new custodian of the courthouse, a job he's been doing, but the circumstances are now much different than before.

Until about 2:00pm Thursday, Watson was an inmate in the Coleman County Jail, under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He was originally sent to prison on an aggravated assault conviction handed down in Coleman County 42nd District Court. On July 22, 2002, he was returned to Coleman County on the TDCJ Work Program. "When we brought him back, he became a trustee of the jail. Since then, he has done repair work at the courthouse, plumbing, painting, built cabinets and has done an excellent job," said County Sheriff Wade Turner. Watson opened the courthouse each morning, swept and mopped, put up Christmas lights and perhaps more importantly, developed friendships and the admiration of everyone working in the courthouse.

When Thursday came, parole representatives from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice brought Sheriff Turner the discharge papers. Watson, however, still has some fulfillments to the state for the next 60 days, such as attending meetings, wearing an ankle monitor and going from home to work and back and that's about it.

Watson was treated to a party, complete with snacks and a money tree, compliments of the employees in the courthouse, and given his official county shirt. This Tuesday, Watson becomes a full-time paid employee of Coleman County. We wish him the best.

Electric Co-op Employees Honored
1/5/2008 (submitted)
On December 21, 2007, Coleman County Electric Cooperative had an employee meeting recognizing some staff members for their years of service.

Those recognized were  Lineman Mark Garrett, 10 years; Line Supervisor Johnny Burkey, 35 years; Office Manager Patricia Berry, 25 years; and District Lineman Mark Kaczyk, 15 years.

Your cooperative would not be what it is today without the dedicati