News Archives - June 2007

Sheriff Turner Announces Intention to Seek Re-Election
6/29/2007
Wade Turner has informed Colemannews.com that he will be seeking re-election as Coleman County Sheriff. Turner said he will be a candidate in the March '08 primary. Filing for office won't take place until later this year. Turner said he considers it an honor to have served the citizens of Coleman County and hopes to continue in the future.

Water Continues to Rise at O.H. Ivie Reservoir
Now 58% Full
6/29/2007
A new report issued Friday afternoon by the Colorado River Municipal Water District in Big Spring shows Lake Ivie continues to catch lots of water.

Ivie has risen 4.59 feet this week, has gained 57,000 acre feet in the last four days and is now 58% full. The lake was 47.87% full on Monday so a hefty 10% increase can be attributed to the heavy rain this week.

New Board of Adjustments Elects Officers
6/29/2007
The newly appointed Board of Adjustments for the City of Coleman met for the first time Friday morning and elected officers as follows: Chairman - Paul Kugle; Vice-Chairman - James Tisdale; Secretary - Weldon Brown.

The committee will meet the third Tuesday of each month.

Coleman County Ranches Honored by Family Land Heritage Program
6/29/2007
The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Family Land Heritage Program recently honored owners of 126 farms and ranches from 76 counties for maintaining their property in continuous agricultural production within the same family for 100 years or more. Since the Family Land Heritage Program began in 1974, the Texas Department of Agriculture has honored more than 4,200 farms and ranches from 232 Texas counties.

Letter to Editor Salutes Area Businesses
6/29/2007
Dear Editor

I would like to say I am extremely pleased in the businesses’ of Coleman. The youth at Central Baptist Church needed a significant amount of money in order to get them safely to church camp in the hills of Oklahoma with about a week and a half left before departure time. With only one fundraiser left, I was beginning to become a little skeptical of God’s power. So I began going around to the businesses of Coleman collecting gift certificates from each one that was willing. After all the gift certificates were collected, we would begin selling raffle tickets for a winner take all grand prize.

I was not surprised in the amount of tickets that were sold by the teenagers, however, I was extremely impressed by the fact that not one single business I approached told me no. Some said they couldn’t act within the time frame I gave them, but not one single business owner within our town said no to the idea. Instead they gave with a charitable heart when they found out what their donation would accomplish.

With that said, the teens of C.B.C. ministries would like to publicly give a heart felt thank you to the following businesses: Shoppin' Baskit, Monroe Auto Parts, Grammer's, Earle Smith Jewelers, Coopers Supply, J. E. Stevens Co., Tracy’s Place, Best Fried Chicken, Tiffany’s Café, Dobbins Service Station, The Petal Patch, El Taquito, Coleman Video, Dairy Queen, The Corral, Hidalgo’s Restaurant, Vintage Salon, and Movie Gallery.

Your contributions helped change the lives of 24 people from our community in a way that we can’t explain due to a limitation by the English language. It is this kind of kindness that compels me to stick my chest a little further out when I am stating the town I call home amongst aliens to the great community of Coleman.

Sincerely,
the youth pastor at C.B.C. Ministries

P.S. If you like shopping at any of these businesses, hit up James Nall, he was the name drawn from the bucket of tickets by 3-year-old Sam Nelson.

Yes, We Do Like to Brag !
6/29/2007
You may know Justin and Tricia Kimmel, they operate Leon Valley Incorporated here in Coleman. Tricia shared the following story with us Thursday.

Last year, Justin and Tricia took their daughter, Bailey, (then 3) out to Possum Kingdom. They bought Bailey a ski to learn on and snapped a few pictures of her. Overton's, the catalog where they bought the ski, has a brag page on their website so they put Bailey's picture on there.

Thursday, while cleaning off her desk, Tricia decided to look through the Overton catalog before she chunked it in the trash. Good thing she did, there on page 30 was Bailey's picture! Talk about exciting!

Tammy Diaz Receives Master's Degree
6/29/2007
Tammy Diaz graduated May 5th from Lubbock Christian University with a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree. Tammy maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout the program and was also inducted into Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society. She is currently working at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in the center of Fertility and Reproductive Surgery.

They celebrated with a backyard party which included other recent graduates in the family, her niece Jessica Diaz (graduated Texas Tech) and soon to be daughter-in-law, Jessica Estrada (graduated South Plains College). Her son Joel proposed to Jessica on this very special occasion.

She is married to Edward Diaz, her children are Marla Diaz, Nikki Diaz and Joel Diaz. Grandchildren are Jonathan Diaz and Nevaeh Eldred. Parents are Marsha Barry of Flagler Beach, FL and Lewis Holmes of Burkburnett, TX.

She is the daughter in-law of Balentin and Lucy Diaz and the granddaughter of Fay Jones of Coleman.

Peyton Saverance Has Swimsuit Interview at Miss Texas USA Pageant
6/28/2007
Miss Coleman County, Peyton Saverance, is competing in the Miss Texas USA pageant this Sunday in Laredo. It will be broadcast at 8:00pm Sunday night on KIDZ Fox Abilene.

Peyton's mother, Luana, gave us an update Thursday afternoon on some of the many things which took place Thursday.

* Peyton had a swimsuit preview Thursday morning, the first opportunity for the judges to see the girls
* Following swimsuit, Peyton had her interview with the judges
* Had a relaxed afternoon prior to leaving for the Coyote Grill
* Friday starts with early breakfast at 6:15am followed by rehearsals and pre-taping

The featured performers at the pageant will be the Texas A & M Singing Cadets. Among the judges are Christine MacDonald, Miss Texas USA 1994 and Toni Rodriguez, master dance instructor and professional choreographer.

The MC's are Jason Feinberg and Kandace Kreuger Matthews, Miss Texas USA 2001 and Miss USA 2001 along with Magen Ellis, Miss Texas USA 2007.

Thursday Afternoon Rainfall Updates
6/28/2007
Folks keep wading out to their rain gauge (us included). Here are some updates from Thursday afternoon:

* Dewey & Veta Wilson - 2 mi. SE of Fisk near Harmony Baptist Church - 4.50 Wednesday AM, 3.00 Thursday
* Colemannews.com Office - Concho and Walnut - Thursday total of 2.10 as of 4:00pm
* Cecil and Herma Jean Johnson - FM 2131 just south of Coleman - 2.00 Thursday - Total of 9.00 since Sunday
* Tex Wright in Santa Anna - Had another .30 Thursday morning - 3.20 for the day - 9.05 for the week

Lake Coleman is More Than Full but Well Below Spillway
6/28/2007
Coleman City Manager Larry Weise said Lake Coleman is full but still four feet below the spillway.

At elevation 1717.50, Lake Coleman is considered full. According to a USGS reading early Thursday afternoon, the lake stood at approximately 1719.30 or 1.8 feet above full. Lake Coleman does not have flood gates so the water that is released out of the lake is what naturally drains out through what is called the Morning Glory draw down tube. 

As of Thursday afternoon, water was nearing the back yards of some residences at the lake.  (see pictures below)

Former Coleman Co. Resident Saves Suicidal Girl
6/28/2007
Dustin Speckles, a graduate of Panther Creek CISD and now a police officer with the San Angelo Police Department, is credited with saving the life of a teenager last Sunday afternoon. You can read more about the store at the San Angelo Standard Times website, www.gosanangelo.com  and by clicking HERE.

Hords Creek Lake is Full
6/28/2007
We got a message at 8 o'clock Thursday morning from Penny Foster at the Hords Creek Lake Corps of Engineers office saying that the lake elevation is now 1899.80 which makes the lake full.  The lake recorded 1.12 inches last night.

Looking back through the records, Penny found that Hords Creek reached elevation 1907.67 on June 23, 1997.  The lake reached 1900.51 on February 28, 2005.

Thursday Morning Rainfall Reports
6/28/2007
A new day, a new group of rainfall reports are being accepted at mail@colemannews.com.

* B & Anita Phelps - East of Coleman - 1.30 so far today
* Mark Phillips - 1mi. North of Santa Anna Mountain - 9.00 since Monday
* Bill Garrett - 5 mi. SW of Santa Anna - 3.35 as of 8:40am Thursday and still raining
* Sonny Bowers - Thrifty (western Brown Co.) - 2.60 this morning
* Colemannews.com office - Concho and Walnut - 1.50 between midnight and 7:00am Thursday
* Mike and Anita Calk - Silver Valley - 2.50 Monday, .10 Tuesday, 3.20 Tuesday Night
* Roy Goodgion - Comanche, Texas - 3.00 combined Tuesday and Wednesday
* Linda and Wayne Wright - Glen Cove - .82 overnight through 7:30am Thursday
* Hords Creek Lake Office - 1.12 Wednesday night/Thursday morning
* Tex Wright - Santa Anna - 2.90 measured Thursday morning - 8.75 for the week so far

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New Business
Grand Opening This Saturday
6/28/2007
Vintage Salon plans a Grand Opening in Coleman from 1:00pm to 4:00pm Saturday, June 30. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to stop by and have a look around.

Vintage Salon is located at 408 West Liveoak (former Cottage Restaurant). Penny Schumann is the owner. Danita Hinds and Lisa Watson are on the staff and Kendra Barnett will join them around August 1st.

Several members of the Coleman County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors joined Penny and her staff for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Dovie Garrett Honored at Myers Family Reunion
6/28/2007
On June 2nd, the James and Dollie Myers family held their annual reunion at Brownwood State Park.

James and Dollie were originally from the Gouldbusk area and had 14 children. Four out of the six remaining siblings were in attendance - Glynn Myers, Helen Smith, Dovie Garrett and Doris Lafferty. Blanche Alford and James Myers were unable to attend. The attendance this year totaled around 80.

 Food, Fun and fellowship were enjoyed by all. They raised money by having an auction of family heirlooms and things bought or made by family members to continue the support of the reunion.

County Commissioners to Meet Friday
6/28/2007
Coleman County Commissioners will meet at 9:00am Friday, June 29, to consider the following agenda items:
* Jamie Trammell appointment to Senior Center Board of Directors
* Approve plat to Rodeo Acres for recording
* Annual review of Coleman County Investment Policy
* Pay Bills

Lake Ivie Making Significant Gains
6/27/2007
Heavy rain in Coleman and Runnels counties has helped increase the lake level at O.H. Ivie Reservoir. According to a spokesman from the Colorado River Municipal Water District in Big Spring, as of Wednesday morning, Ivie had risen 2.04 feet or gained 24,500 acre feet of water which puts Ivie at 52% full as of Wednesday morning with more water flowing in.

As of Monday, June 25, Ivie was 47.87% full, now it is 52% full in just two days time.

Hords Creek Lake Surpasses Its Annual Rainfall IN JUNE
6/27/2007
The average annual rainfall at Hords Creek Lake is 25.30 inches. With the rain which fell early this morning, Hords Creek Lake has now recorded 25.55 in 2007, reaching the average annual rainfall with six months left in the year, wow! Thanks to Penny Foster at Hords Creek Lake Headquarters for providing this information. The lake is two feet from being full as of this morning.

Jr. Rodeo is Cancelled Due to Rain
6/27/2007
We received word this morning that the Coleman County Junior Rodeo has been cancelled this Friday and Saturday as there is no way trailers can park in the parking lot without getting stuck. Plans are to re-schedule the event as soon as possible.

Wednesday Rainfall Reports
6/27/2007
Send your rainfall reports to mail@colemannews.com.

* Ranch Realty (Gary and Pati Barton) - between Valera and Talpa - 4.00 from 4am to 5am

* Henry and Margie Dodson - Hwy 206 near Echo - 1.70 overnight

* Lance McWhorter - 1 mi. NE of downtown Centennial - 5.70 since Sunday night

* Sherita Tabner - So. of Santa Anna - 1.00 Wednesday morning - yard, driveway, outbuildings flooded

* Danny Armstrong - south Coleman - 2.00 overnight

* Nelda Copley - Glen Cove - 2.00 early this morning

* Connelly's at Echo - 1.80 as of 6:45am

* Hords Creek Lake Office - 2.35 early Wednesday - Lake is now 2.26 ft. below conservation pool

* Bill Garrett - 5 mi. SW of Santa Anna - 3.90

* Ken and Helen Smith - Valera - 3.10 as of 6:30am

* Tex Wright - base of the Santa Anna Mountain - 1.10 this morning - total of 5.85 for the week so far

* Cecil and Herma Jean Johnson - FM 2131 south of Coleman - 4.00 last night/early this morning

* Colemannews.com office - .90 between 4am and 7am - building an ark, animals lining up two by two

(Seriously, we are in a dangerous flash flood situation now, don't drive into water that covers the roadway, Turn Around, Don't Drown - report flash flooding to the nearest law enforcement office, avoid known flood prone areas)

* Linda and Wayne Wright - Glen Cove - 2.34 as of 6:45am - wind blew hard too, lots of loud thunder

Coleman's Peyton Saverance in Miss Texas USA Pageant This Weekend
6/26/2007
LAREDO - Peyton Saverance, Miss Coleman County, has her sights set on a much higher crown, that of 2008 Miss Texas USA.

The pageant will be broadcast live from Laredo across Texas Sunday night, July 1. In our area, you can watch it on KIDZ-TV (Fox Abilene) from 8:00pm to 10:00pm.

Peyton is in rehearsals at this time and, according to her mother Luana, she is having a good week in Laredo. Here are a few words from Luana on what's taking place:

"Peyton is having a good week here in Laredo. We arrived on Saturday, she attended orientation on Sunday and a Fiesta themed welcome event hosted by the City of Laredo.

Yesterday were rehearsals all day and then the girls attended a disco event hosted by Hal's Landing in Laredo and had a blast.

Today (Tues) and tomorrow are more rehearsals with actual competition beginning on Thursday with the swimsuit preview and interview competition. Friday night will be the evening wear and swimsuit preliminary competitions at the Laredo Entertainment Center and Saturday is dress rehearsal and an autograph party. Sunday night is the Finale which will be televised. There are 124 contestants from all over the state, lots and lots of pretty girls."

The official website of the pageant is www.misstexasusa.com.  Click on contestants to see Peyton and the others in competition Sunday night for the title of Miss Texas USA.

Tuesday Morning Rainfall Reports
6/26/2007
* Hords Creek Lake Office - 4.58 since Sunday night - lake has risen from 1894.12 to 1896.54
making it 3.5 feet low.
* Colemannews.com office - .20 between 5:00pm Monday and 5:00am Monday
* Jess Jackson - Silver Valley - .32
* Lee Moore - Willis Street in Santa Anna - 4.55 as of 11:45pm Monday night
* Henry and Margie Dodson - Hwy 206 Near Echo - .50 Monday afternoon
* Tex Wright - Santa Anna - 3.20 Monday evening - Total of 4.75 in Santa Anna Monday

Sesquicentennial Planning Meeting Held Monday Night
6/26/2007
Coleman County will turn 150 years old February 1, 2008 so a year long party is in order.

Around 30 people attended a meeting Monday evening at the Chamber of Commerce, all interested in helping plan for Coleman County's Sesquicentennial Celebration next year.

Ron Owens presided and said the purpose of the meeting was to encourage each group represented to start planning events for 2008 with a Sesquicentennial theme. Owens stressed it will be a countywide celebration and will take the cooperative effort of everyone to succeed.

Notes and ideas from the Meeting

* Our western heritage can be a focus, especially around rodeo time in June, with a Sesquicentennial theme.

* The Coleman County Historical Commission is trying to identify descendants of early pioneers to recognize them at an event next year.

* Include early modes of transportation in the rodeo parade.

* Do Demonstrations of early day arts and crafts around Fiesta de la Paloma de la Sesquicentennial in 2008.

* Keep Coleman Beautiful already has some ideas in progress within their organization

* A local quilting club may want to make a Sesquicentennial Quilt.

* Local service clubs, school clubs and organizations need to plan on possible fundraising activities surrounding the various events which will take place through the year.

* Work is being done to get a special stamp cancellation through the U.S. Postal Service to commemorate our 150th year. 

A date for the next meeting has not been announced as of yet but put your thinking caps on and get ready to help make 2008 a year of celebration in Coleman County.

Still No Official Cause Known for Train Derailment
6/25/2007
Colemannews.com talked late Monday afternoon with a spokesman for Burlington Northern Santa Fe who said the official cause of last week's train derailment in Coleman is still under investigation at this time.

Rainfall Reports from Monday
6/25/2007
Heavy rain fell early this morning in Coleman. If you have a rainfall report, drop us a report to mail@colemannews.com.
 
* Colemannews.com office - Concho and Walnut - 1.10 inches
* Nan Markland - Echo - 2.20 inches as of 7:15am Monday
* Ken and Helen Smith - Valera - 1.50 inches
* Linda and Wayne Wright - Glen Cove - 1.60 inches* Santa Anna - 1.50 inches
* Tex Wright in Santa Anna - 1.55 inches through mid afternoon Monday
* Sherita Tabner - South Santa Anna - 1.20 inches
* Cecil Johnson - FM 2131 just south of Coleman - 1.50 inches
* JJM 1 mile south of Silver Valley - 5.0 inches
* B and Anita Phelps - east of Coleman - 3.50 inches
* Jamie Trammell - Echo - 2.50 inches
* Bill Garrett - 5 mi. South of Santa Anna - 1.35 inches
* Gary and Pati Barton - 3 mi. West of Valera on US 67 - 1.00 inch
* Henry and Margie Dodson - near Echo NE of Coleman - 2.25 inches
* Jess Jackson - Silver Valley - 2.62 Monday morning
* Lee Moore - Willis Street Santa Anna - 4.55 as of 11:45 Monday night

They Won State!
6/25/2007 (story by Jay Gober)
Three Coleman softball players helped win a State Championship over the weekend in Nacogdoches! Carissa Zarate and Rynn Norris (back) and Amanda Gober (with trophy) are members of the Reckless girls softball team from Central Texas. They won the ASA 14 and under B State Championship. They defeated the Centex Xplosion from Rogers Sunday morning by the score of 2-0 to advance to the championship game. Centex then beat Woodville to advance to the championship game. It was no contest as Reckless needed only 4 1/2 innings to win 15-1.

Reckless plans on playing in the Nationals in Alabama the first week of August. See a team picture on our sports page.

Summer Fun at TCU Baseball Camp
6/25/2007
Walt Arnold and David Wakefield recently attended the TCU Baseball Camp. There was a group of 73 seven and eight year-olds who competed in a fielding competition and Walt won it. On another day there was a pop-fly competition which David won. So, two Coleman boys won two out of four competitions held that week.

The boys attended the TCU Camp because Walt's cousin, Clint Arnold (nephew of Brent Arnold of Coleman), plays centerfield for TCU. Clint was one of the coaches for the camp. Clint is a career .307 hitter with 4 home runs and 43 RBI. The boys learned a lot and had a great time.

Pictured left to right: David Wakefield, Clint Arnold and Walt Arnold.

Want to Protest Your Property Appraisal?
6/23/2007
The Appraisal Review Board of Coleman County Tax Appraisal District will meet at 8:00am on June 26, 27 and 28 each day to hear protests on real and personal property.

At 9:00am on June 29, the board will hear protests on mineral and mineral-related properties at the Appraisal Office, 105 Commercial Avenue.  For more information, call 325-625-4155.

City Council Approves Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Budget
6/22/2007
The Coleman City Council held a Public Hearing Thursday night and approved on second and final reading a budget just under $10 million, roughly $100,000 less than last year. A tax rate has not been set as of yet.

As reflected in the minutes from the meeting, Councilman Bill Casselberry stated he would like to see the administrative department salaries be in a separate department for budgeting and not split between lights, water, sewer and garbage as it has been done in the past.

City Manager Larry Weise reported that the second reading of the budget included the changes requested which included budgeting $2,000 for the Coleman Heritage Arts and Preservation Society, $4,000 for the Student Work Program and a reduction from $37,500 to $34,000 for the ambulance subsidy.

After comments from each councilman, Ordinance 1076 was passed on a vote of 4-0 to establish the budget which begins July 1.

Council Approves Resolution for Deer Fence Around Airport
6/22/2007
The Coleman City Council Thursday passed a resolution allowing the City of Coleman to enter into a funded project with the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation division for the purpose of constructing a deer proof fence around the airport.

The estimated cost of the project is $200,000 but it is a 90/10 split with TxDOT paying for 90% of the project and the City of Coleman spending about $20,000.  City Manager Larry Weise told the Council the resolution does not obligate the City but makes state aviation officials aware of the local interest.

The project probably will not be in this fiscal year but TxDOT needed the resolution to begin planning the fence which would encompass the entire airport. It is believe the fence would encourage more flights into Coleman, especially at night. As it is now, some pilots are apprehensive about landing at night due to the threat of deer being on or near the runway.

City Council Appoints New Board of Adjustments
6/22/2007
In session Thursday, the Coleman City Council passed a motion to appoint a new five member committee known as the Board of Adjustments. The role of the Board is mainly to hear requests for variances to property, such as the addition of a carport. It is part of the new Zoning Ordinance which mandated that a five member board be appointed.

The five volunteer board members are Paul Kugle, John Holtz, Weldon Brown, Richard Andrade and James Tisdale. They will serve for a period of two years.   

City Council Approves EDC Budget
6/22/2007
The Coleman City Council voted 4-0 Thursday evening to accept the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget of just over $170,000 for Coleman Economic Development Inc.

EDC Director Roger Nelson explained the budget to the Council and pointed out an increase in capital outlay which included welding school and career center classes. Revenue also showed an increase as Cedar Furniture and More has indicated they will pay off their note this fiscal year.

Man Assaults Police Officer, Arrested on Numerous Charges
6/22/2007
Coleman Police have in custody Ricardo Martinez, 31, a Coleman man wanted on five warrants from Ector County but who now faces a lot more trouble in Coleman County.

According to Phil Chamber of the Coleman Police Department, officer Michelle Sheedy had originally stopped Martinez for speeding in the early morning hours of Friday. The stop ended outside his house. Martinez allegedly gave a false name during the traffic stop, struck officer Sheedy in the face as she attempted to arrest him, then fled on foot.

Officers found and removed an assault rifle from the suspect's pickup, then pursued a foot chase. The chase went through the neighborhood of Concho, Pecos, 5th and 6th streets. According to Chambers, Martinez managed to hide from officers for around 20 minutes until he was located in a drainage ditch. He fled again to his house at Concho and 5th where officers took him into custody without further incident, Chambers said.

Martinez faces charges of assault on a peace officer, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, failure to ID as a fugitive, resisting arrest and escape while arrested and possession of a prohibited weapon. Officer Sheedy was not injured, Chambers said.

BNSF Working to Remove Derailed Trains
6/22/2007
A portion of a Burlington-Northern Santa Fe train derailed Thursday night near Coleman. The derailment was reported to Coleman Police at 9:56pm near the intersection of Highway 84 and FM 568 (Grosevenor Rd) or the east end of Santa Anna Avenue on the outskirts of Coleman.

As dawn broke Friday morning, an army of railroad workers and equipment had descended on the scene to remove the wrecked cars and rebuild the track.

According to BNSF spokesman Joe Faust, the derailed cars carried fuel oil. The only spill was a ruptured fuel tank on the lead locomotive. There were no injuries.  Faust said the cause of the derailment is still under investigation.

A total of eight trains derailed on their side, Faust said. The train was in route from the Houston Shipyard to Belen, New Mexico.   

P & Z Approves LVI Request
6/22/2007
The Coleman Planning and Zoning Commission has given its blessing to a request from Leon Valley Inc. to change zoning from residential to commercial at Gray and Plum streets on the northwest side of town. The recommendation now goes to the City Council in July. LVI plans to use the area for a storage yard for their overflow inventory.

LVI is also expanding and intends to construct a large new building in the near future just east of their main building. It will give them 10,000 square feet of additional production room and 20,000 square feet of under-roof shipping to load trucks no matter what the weather is.

Volunteers Needed to Help Crime Victims in Crisis
6/20/2007
Regional Crime Victim Crisis Center will conduct a new victim assistance volunteer training class beginning August 7th. Victim assistance volunteers accepted into the program receive intensive training in crisis intervention, including how to provide important information and support to victims of violent crimes and their families. Volunteers answer the 24-hour crisis hotline and respond to assist victims at the Trauma Center and at crime scenes when requested by law enforcement.

Information and applications are available on the RCVCC website www.regionalcrime.org  or by calling 677-7895. A criminal background check is required of all new volunteers. Deadline for applying for the August training is Aug. 1, 2007. The next scheduled training is in February 2008.

This year RCVCC is recognizing 30 years of service to victims of violent crime in the Abilene region. The agency is an independent 501c(3) non-profit organization providing crisis intervention, counseling, information and other direct services to victims of violent crime in Taylor, Callahan, Coleman, Haskell, Jones, Shackelford Counties. Funding comes from state and local governments, foundation grants, corporate contributions and private donations.   

Rainfall Reports
6/20/2007
* Linda and Wayne Wright - Glen Cove - .77
* Tex Wright - Santa Anna - .35
* Bill Jones - Coleman - 1.00
* Henry and Margie Dodson - Near Echo NE of Coleman - 1.00
* Bill Garrett - 5 mi. SW of Santa Anna - .25
* Hords Creek Lake - Hwy 153 W of Coleman - .27
* Donna Goodgion - Comanche, Texas - 1.00

Elm Street Church of Christ  Family Series on Wednesday Nights
 6/20/2007
The Elm Street Church of Christ is devoting Wednesday nights this summer to Building Stronger Families. Jerry D. Leslie, with 25 years of counseling experience in Central Texas, will speak on "How to Have Good Marriages and Healthy Families."   The seminar is designed to be helpful to a broad range of ages, individuals, couples and families of all kinds. Jerry uses both visual and interactive approaches to the lessons.  It is a casual and relaxed atmosphere with lively discussions. The seminar will continue on Wednesday nights through August 22nd at Elm Street Church of Christ, 216 W. Elm.  The public is invited to attend.

Resignations Accepted / New Teachers Hired by Coleman School Board
6/19/2007
The Coleman School Board met Monday night, accepted three resignations and hired four teachers.

Resignations were from Bob Ray, high school industrial arts instructor, Kristi Herrod, 7th grade reading teacher and Wanda Royce, 6th grade science teacher. Although an official resignation was not received from Beth Proctor, she has informed administrators of her intention to work in Abilene ISD in the coming year. She taught at the junior high and coached softball. Herrod leaves Coleman for Santa Anna where she will teach and coach.  Bob Ray recently accepted the Public Works Director job with the City of Coleman.

The board approved recommendations by building principals to hire the following:

Steve and Debbie Roberts (husband and wife) - Debbie will replace Beth Proctor and teach 6th grade English and coach 7th grade girls basketball. Steve will teach IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry) and Health at high school and serve as the new girl's softball coach. He has coached softball since 1994 and has a background in football too.

Laura Dees from Winters will replace Kristi Herrod at the Junior High campus and will teach reading.

Weldon Thompson is the husband of current junior high teacher Joy Thompson. He has been a graduate assistant at McMurry University in Abilene and will teach two classes of BCIS and a new 8th grade Career Investigation class while coaching junior high sports.

New Bleachers Purchased for Coleman Junior High Gym
6/19/2007
The Coleman School Board on Monday night approved the purchase of new bleachers for Coleman Junior High. The board accepted the low bid of $37, 209 from Irwin Telescopics of Illinois. The molded plastic bleachers will be similar to those in the old high school gym. The new bleachers are expected to be installed prior to the coming basketball season.  The old bleachers were used prior to that in the old South Ward gym.

Moran ISD Purchases Coleman ISD Portable Building
6/19/2007
The Coleman School Board on Monday night approved the sale of one of two portable buildings. The Moran ISD bid of $21,000 will help pay for the new bleachers at the junior high. The school district is in hopes it can sell the other portable building and has another area district interested in it.

New Auditor Selected by Coleman School Board
6/19/2007
The Coleman School Board on Monday night voted to use Reed McKee and Company of San Angelo to conduct the school district audit. They currently provide the audits for a number of school districts in the area including Ballinger and Winters.

Coleman County Junior Rodeo June 29-30
6/19/2007
With the Coleman PRCA Rodeo behind us, it is now time to concentrate on the County Junior Rodeo June 29-30. There will be a nightly jackpot and All-Around buckles given to high point boy and girl in each age division. Books open at 6:00pm, the rodeo begins at 7:00pm nightly. Admission will be $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for students.  Jordan Jewell will serve as the Junior Rodeo Queen.  Events are in the following divisions:

Cowgirl's 11 & Under  
Barrels
Poles
Break-Away
Goat Tying

Cowboy's 11 & Under
Barrels
Poles
Goat Tying
Break-Away
Calf Riding

Cowgirl's 12-15
Barrels
Poles
Goat Tying
Break-Away

Cowboy's 12-15
Tie Down
Ribbon Roping
Break-Away
Steer Riding

Cowgirl's 16-19
Barrels
Poles
Goat Tying
Break-Away

Cowboy's 16-19
Tie Down
Ribbon Roping
Break-Away
Bull Riding

Team Roping - Open to all ages through 19.

For more information contact: David Barnett at 325-625-1879, Mitch Birdwell at 325-625-1121, Brent McMillan at 325-625-3623 or Michael Jewell at 325-636-3283.

After Parade Activities Prove Successful
6/18/2007(by Shana Everett)
Several businesses and/or individuals helped to make this event possible, and their contributions are sincerely appreciated. The musical entertainment provided by Billy Jack Dawson, David Henderson, Danny Lane, and Joe Turner at the gazebo, as well as Gene Christian and his band “Rough Country” at the courthouse, provided a great atmosphere for all the activities. Tracy’s Place, Steve Autry, the Chamber of Commerce, Don Johnson, Ross Jones, Ingram Enterprises, Cooper Supply, Walker Funeral Home, and Stevens Funeral Home also provided the site, their time, and various supplies for the event. Thanks to Coleman County and Judge Jimmie Hobbs for allowing use of the courthouse lawn. 

DA's Office Releases Info on Cases Heard Earlier this Year
6/18/2007
The following case was presented by District Attorney Joe Lee Rose to the Honorable John Weeks, 42nd District Judge, on Tuesday, January 23, 2007.

* Justin Sartain, Motion to Revoke Community Supervision. Sartain pled true to violation of his community supervision and was sentenced to six months confinement in a State Jail Facility and was ordered to pay court costs and court-appointed attorney fees.

The following cases were presented on Thursday, January 25, 2007, at 2:00 P.M.:

* Willie Lee Thomas, Possession of Controlled Substance. Thomas pled guilty and was sentenced to two years confinement in a State Jail Facility, probated for five years, payment of a $500.00 fine, court costs, community supervision fees, lab fees, and 120 hours community service.

* Rodney Shane Howard, Forgery. Howard pled guilty and was sentenced to six months confinement in a State Jail Facility and was ordered to pay court costs and court-appointed attorney fees.

* Rodney Shane Howard, Forgery. Howard pled guilty and was sentenced to six months confinement in a State Jail Facility and was ordered to pay court costs and court-appointed attorney fees.

* Rodney Shane Howard, Forgery. Howard pled guilty and was sentenced to six months confinement in a State Jail Facility and was ordered to pay court costs and court-appointed attorney fees.

* Tyrell Harding, Burglary of a Habitation. Alex Eyssen was appointed as defense counsel for Harding.

* John Lewis Flores, Felony D.W.I. Arraignment was rescheduled for February 8, 2007, at 2:00 P.M.

* Samuel Bert Dixon, Felony D.W.I. Marian Overstreet was appointed as defense counsel for Dixon.

* Tambra Rene Liles, D.W.I. with Child Passenger. Arraignment was rescheduled for February 8, 2007, at 2:00 P.M.

* Jeffrey J. Easterling, Felony D.W.I. Arraignment was rescheduled for February 8, 2007, at 2:00 P.M.

* Eddie Wayne York, Prohibited Weapon. Patrick Howard was appointed as defense counsel for York.

* Jonathan Weldon Womack, Felony D.W.I. Womack failed to appear, and his bond was forfeited.

* Jonathan Weldon Womack, Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon. Womack failed to appear, and his bond was forfeited.

* Robert G. Mills, Forgery. Todd Steele was retained as defense counsel, and arraignment was waived.

* Steven Dela Rosa, Motion to Revoke Community Supervision. Dela Rosa was sentenced to six months confinement in a State Jail Facility and was taken into custody.

* Steven Dela Rosa, Motion to Revoke Community Supervision. Dela Rosa was sentenced to six months confinement in a State Jail Facility.

* Steven Dela Rosa, Evading Arrest. Dela Rosa was sentenced to six months confinement in a State Jail Facility.

CCMC Has Successful Fundraiser
6/18/2007 (by Sue Titsworth)
First of all, let me say a great big “THANK YOU!” to all of those who came and ate with us last Tuesday at our CCMC Employees Hospital Fundraiser. We appreciate your support of our hospital very much. The fundraiser was successful, and raised over $1,000.00!

You will notice that I left out the word “Committee” when I mentioned the name of the fundraiser in the above paragraph. That’s because it wasn’t just the Employees Committee who worked on this fundraiser – the CCMC employees all helped with it, helping serve, cooking, putting up and taking down tents, tables, chairs, etc., cleaning up the lot after the fundraiser, furnishing coolers for the soft drinks and water, and, last but certainly not least by any stretch of the imagination, supporting the hospital by buying their lunch, thereby contributing to the fundraiser’s success.

Those of you who were not able to come to the CCMC Fundraiser this year missed some wonderful food and a great time, and we invite you to come next year and join us in this worthwhile endeavor to help our hometown hospital.

Pictured above, l to r: Doug Langley, hospital CEO, Janet Horton, longtime employee and Melissa Gober, Director of Nurses.

Coleman PRCA Rodeo Pays Contestants $74,949.50
Rich Skelton Named All-Around Cowboy in Coleman
6/17/2007
The final results are in and the 70th Coleman PRCA Rodeo is history. It will go down as one of the muddiest rodeos we've had in a while but one which attracted a never ending supply of highly rated professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls.

Rich Skelton was named the All-Around Cowboy for the rodeo. Brent Arnold of Coleman won the Steer Wrestling. Ashley Ryan of Talpa shared first place in Ladies Breakaway Roping while Ashlee Miller of Coleman was third.

* Bareback Riding
1. Jason Jeter of Mansfield, Texas - 87 point ride on Python - $912.38.
2. Evan Jayne of Marseille, FR - 85 point ride on R.D. Mercer - $684.28

* Saddle Bronc Riding
1. Billy Herbert of Marble Falls, Texas - 83 point ride on Bad River - $1,178.00
2. Justin Browning of Dublin, Texas - 79 point ride on Crow Web - $736.48

* Bull Riding
1. Travis Campbell of New Braunfels, Texas - 89 point ride on Buckeye - $2,018.37
2. Shawn Hogg of Odessa, Texas - 88 point ride on Barbed Wire - $1,547.42

* Team Roping (Total on 2 head)
1. David Motes of Tolar, Texas and Matt Kasner of Alvord, Texas - 10.8 - $1,065.36 each
2. David Key of Caldwell, Texas and Kory Koontz of Sudan, Texas - 11.3 - $881.67 each

* Steer Wrestling (Total on 2 head winners)
1. Brent Arnold of Coleman, Texas - 10.9 - $557.46
2. Mickey Gee of Wichita Falls, Texas - 11.2 - $418.09

* Tie-Down Calf Roping (Total on 2 head winners)
1. Rusty Sewalt of Del Rio, Texas - 21.3 - $1,051.46
2. Seth Childers of Cameron, Texas - 21.4 - $788.59

* Steer Roping - (Total on 3 head winners)
1. Trevor Brazile of Decatur, Texas - 31.3 - $2,029.61
2. Mike Chase of McAlester, Oklahoma - 34.1 - $1,679.68

* PWBR Barrel Race
1. Kim Ulbricht of Hockley, Texas - 16.95 - $1,012.66
2. Benette Barrington of Lubbock, Texas - 17.13 - $867.99

* Ladies Breakaway Roping
1. Ashley Ryan of Talpa, Texas - 2.9 (tied with Jill Crowder of Stephenville) $571.52
3. Ashlee Miller of Coleman, Texas - 3.0 - $413.44

Coleman Rodeo PARADE Results
6/17/2007
There were over 70 entries in the Coleman PRCA Rodeo Parade Saturday morning. The results are as follows:

* Out of Town Floats - 1. Miss Ballinger; 2. Santa Anna Cheerleaders

* In Town Floats - 1. Holiday Hill (Shown Below); 2. Coleman Red Hat Society (Shown Below)

* Local Decorated Vehicles / Antiques - 1. Hall's Processing; 2. Bluecat Bug

* Out of town Decorated Vehicles / Antiques - 1. Old International tractor; 2. Panther Creek Cheerleaders

* Decorated Bicycles / Go Carts - 1. Staff Sgt. Shilo Harris (Shown Below); 2. Linda Laws - Rafter L

* Walkers/ Marching Groups - 1. Leonard

* Riding Clubs - 1. Lone Star; 2. Nolan County

* Individual Riders - 1. Arena Turner (Shown Below); 2. Colton Titsworth

Area Rainfall Totals are Impressive
6/17/2007
At noon Sunday, the clouds dumped another heavy downpour on the City of Coleman but nothing compared to what our friends just to the east have received in Brownwood and Comanche.

* Colemannews.com office - .70 between noon Saturday and noon Sunday

* Bill Garrett - 5 mi. SW of Santa Anna - .60 early Sunday morning

* Carl & Patricia Lehman - 4th Street in Brownwood - Nearly 4 inches Saturday, by 9:21am Sunday 5 1/2 inches

* Donna Goodgion - Comanche - 2.50 inches as of 4:32am Sunday

* Sydney - 3.90 inches as of early Sunday morning

* Henry Dodson - 6 mi. NE of Coleman on 206 - 1.70 Friday and Friday night

Rainfall Reports
6/16/2007
Rain returned Friday and Friday night across Coleman County.

* Bill Garrett - 5 mi. SW of Santa Anna - 1.50 Friday - 2.30 Friday Night - Total of 3.80 in 24 hours

* Colemannews.com office in Coleman - 1.00 Friday and Friday night

* Tex Wright - at the foot of the Santa Anna Mountain - 1.20 Friday, two day total of 2.05   

Coleman Library's Reading Program Enjoys Pet Day
6/14/2007
The Coleman Library's reading program was treated to tricks performed by Gus, a 2 year old Blue Heeler, owned by Drew & Barbara Hubbard.

The kids were reminded of pet care (including feeding, watering, and regular veterinary check-ups), pet safety (importance of dog leashes and how to approach other people's dogs), and pet tricks (how to teach dogs commands).

 
Then Gus did a variety of tricks including sit, stay, and beg. Gus even fell to the ground and rolled over at the command of "Bang" and climbed a ladder for a dog treat. The Hubbards also brought their 5 month old Seal Point Siamese kitten for the kids to enjoy.
 
The program ended with a reminder that puppies & kittens are not FREE; they are adopted into each family with the obligation to take care of them for the next 15 years (hopefully).

Rainfall Returns to County
6/14/2007
While the City of Coleman had a minor trace of rain Wednesday night, Santa Anna had a little more.

*  Tex Wright reported .30 of an inch at his house at the base of the mountain in Santa Anna.

*  Carol Herring reports 2.40 inches Wednesday night just north of Trickham.

The San Angelo Doppler estimated rainfall for Coleman County shows some isolated half-inch amounts south of Highway 67. The heaviest rain in the county was in a small spot along Highway 67 between Santa Anna and Bangs with over two inches indicated by the radar. The radar estimated a half-inch to one inch either side of the Colorado River in southern Coleman County.

Proclamation by Mayor of Coleman
6/13/2007
Mayor Nick Poldrack has proclaimed June 14-21 of 2007 as Certified Nurses Aides Week. He encourages all citizens of Coleman to express your appreciation for the service performed by these caregivers. Click on the link below to read the entire proclamation signed on June 5th by the mayor.

Thank You - From the Boatright Families
6/13/2007
The Families of Charley (Chucky) Sr. and Charley Jr. would like to express their deepest Thanks to everyone that visited, called, sent flowers, plants and cards and gave donations and prayers during our time of sorrow.

No one ever expects a loss like ours and you all helped us see just how much our two heroes were loved.

Thank You,

The Boatright Families

New Tops Club Holds First Meeting
Next Meeting Thursday, June 14
6/13/2007 (contributed)
The new weight-loss support group (TOPS) met for its organizational meeting on June 7 in the meeting room of Shapes for Women. Linda Eskew, area captain of TOPS, gave an uplifting talk about the mission of a TOPS group. It was decided by acclamation that Martha Richter be elected as leader of the local chapter with the remainder of the officers to be elected at the next meeting.  Nine people came and were charter members of the new TOPS chapter.

The next meeting will be held at 5:30pm Thursday, June 14, at Shapes for Women in downtown Coleman on Commercial Avenue. Weigh-in begins at 4:30pm.

If you need more information, call Martha Richter at 625-5428 or Anne Williams at 625-2730.

Thanks
6/13/2007
A huge thank-you to all our wonderful friends in Coleman for all the cards and gifts presented to us on our anniversary. The party was so well attended and we want to thank all of you who came and honored us and our family with your presence. Our children and both of our families were overwhelmed at the number of friends we have who came and so were Kermit and I. We thank God that we live in Coleman and that you all are such wonderful people.

Thank you again,

Kermit and Sue Sorrells

Scholarships Awarded by Retired Teachers
6/13/2007
The Coleman County Retired Teachers organization awarded two scholarships recently to Delesa Monroe and Jarret O'shields.

Delesa received the Coleman County Teacher Scholarship. She will attend Texas Tech.

Jarret was presented the Drucilla Ebarhart George Memorial endowed scholarship, given to a student who plans to further their education at Tarleton State.

The Retired Teachers want to wish these fine young people the best of luck in their pursuit of a higher education.

Local Student to Attend Writing Program in London
6/12/2007 (contributed)
The granddaughter of David and Liz Rush, an incoming senior at Coleman High school, Chrysten McNiel, has been accepted to join Teen Ink Magazine’s Summer Writing program for girls.

To join this program, students were asked to send an essay about why they wanted to attend, four writing samples and two teacher recommendations. This is an exclusive two week program in London, England that consists of writing classes, writing free time, and a daily exploration of the beautiful European city. Only 28 girls from the United States were honored with acceptance.

While in London, Chrysten will get to experience everything from attending plays, meeting editors, visiting museums, and even meeting the ambassador. Upon returning, she will write an article describing her trip and experiences.

Slight Sewer Rate Increase in New City Budget
Budget Slightly Smaller than Last Year
6/12/2007
The Coleman City Council has approved, on first reading, the 2007-2008 City Budget. The second and final reading of the budget will be held on June 21st. The city's new budget will begin July 1. We talked with Larry Weise, City Manager, about the budget. "We needed to get reorganized. It's a systematic reorganization to allow us to focus our resources more efficiently," Weise said. Here are the highlights:

* A slight increase is proposed on sewer rates. Weise said the most anyone will pay extra is $3.00 per month IF a customer uses more than 4,000 gallons of water per month. The 8,000 gallon cap remains as is.

* No rate increase is proposed for water.

* No rate increase is planned on electricity through the rest of 2007. However, City of Coleman customers can expect a 7% increase in electric rates starting January 1, 2008. You may recall the City of Coleman reached a long-term agreement a few months ago with AEP to stabilize electric rates over the long term. Part of the agreement is a higher rate charged to the City starting January 1, 2008 so the city is passing the increase along to its customers. It amounts to 1/2 cent per kilowatt hour, Weise said.

* Concerning garbage rates - The current contract for garbage collection ends this October so garbage rates could be affected in the next contract later this year.

* The 2007-2008 City Budget is $ 9, 929, 629, a little over 100,000 smaller than last year

* The 2006-2007 City Budget was $ 10,033,278

Major Projects for 2007-2008
* The clarifier at the City Sewer Farm has been a major budget item for many years. Larry Weise, City Manager, says the city is on the second year funding list to receive a $250,000 state grant to fund a new clarifier. The City has already set aside over $200,000 to match the state grant. Getting the clarifier project paid for will allow the city to concentrate on other major projects.

* Weise has set aside $300,000 in the 2007-2008 budget to work on water and sewer infrastructure projects inside the city limits this year, exactly where is still undetermined.

Coleman Police to Enforce Fireworks Ordinance
6/12/2007
The following news release has been received from Jay Moses, Coleman Chief of Police:

During the upcoming Independence Day, which is fast approaching, the citizens in Coleman need to be reminded that it is illegal within the city limits of Coleman to discharge or use fireworks.

It is a Class C misdemeanor to discharge fireworks within the city of Coleman. A person convicted of a Class C misdemeanor for discharging fireworks within the city limits of Coleman, can be fined up to $500.00.

The Coleman Police Department will be out in force during the Independence Day holiday period and will be enforcing this ordinance.

New City Council Member Appointed
6/12/2007
Clyde Saverance is the new representative on the Coleman City Council. He was appointed to serve as the North Ward councilman and takes the place of Bob Ray. Ray resigned from the Council after being named the new Public Works Director for the city, a job which he will start on July 1st.

Locals Still Enjoy Old Time Country/Western Music
6/11/2007 (courtesy Evyonne Curry)
The free Country Western Musical at the Senior Center was once again a huge success Friday night with another large crowd, good music, fun and fellowship. Gene Christian, shown left, puts a lot of hard work and time into organizing the event, but don't let him fool you! He can tear up a fiddle with the best of them. He is a very talented musician that puts a lot of time into lining up the musicians for this monthly event.

If you would like to be on the program or have any questions about the musical, give Gene a call.
There was a large crowd on hand with lots of regulars and some newcomers as well. They enjoyed a meal of brisket, beans, potato salad and lots of good homemade desserts as well from the snack bar hosted by the Coleman County First Responders Organization.

If you haven't had a chance to go to one of the musicals and share the fun with your friends, come join us next time! The musical is held the second Friday of each month. Snack bar begins serving at 5:00 and the musicians usually start warming up about 5:30 and play till around 10:00 or a little later. Bring a friend, donate a cake for the cake raffle, if you would like, and if all else fails, just come and tap your toes along to the music.

Mike Mathis - The Voice of the Coleman PRCA Rodeo
6/10/2007
A Lufkin, Texas banker turned rodeo announcer, Mike Mathis works rodeo's 45 weekends a year.

Whether he is behind the microphone at a rodeo event or speaking to a civic group, Mike can tell a story or convince a crowd of the importance of the thrilling match up between a great bull and the bull rider. Mike also has the uncanny ability to remember names, colorful stories about contestants and of course all the necessary statistics that make rodeo announcing entertaining, informative and colorful.

Today, Mike’s unique style, voice and talents are renowned in the rodeo business and of course in big demand. With rodeo experience that spans the entire arena as a competitor, Committee Chairman and as a in-arena showman, Mike’s insight into rodeos’ sporting/entertainment world give him the unique ability to excite and entertain the most seasoned rodeo veteran or the first time rodeo attendee.  See and hear Mike this week at the Coleman PRCA Rodeo, June 14-16.

Kidz Art Day at Library
6/8/2007
The Fine Arts League of Coleman Co., sponsored “Color Experience” at the Library for Kinder through 5th grade children, Robin Black chair.  Tammy Jo Turner introduced the group to the primary colors and how to mix other colors from them. The ‘students’ painted multi-colored horses and folded paper to make origami horse heads. Other art league members assisting with the class were: Charlotte Gardner, Millie Martin and Marian Johnson.

7th Annual Holiday Hill Senior Olympics
6/8/2007
Holiday Hill held the 7th annual Holiday Hill senior Olympics today on the grounds of Holiday Hill Nursing Home.  This event draws nursing homes from across the area and has become a tradition for Coleman County.  There were events such as the ever popular wheelchair race, walker race, discus throw, shot put, parking lot bowling, and a spelling bee.   Student helpers included the Coleman High School Student Council and the Panther Creek cheerleaders.  Pictured below are the residents waiting for the activities to begin, and the first heat of the Wheel Chair Race.

Allicyn Ivy Graduates from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law
6/7/2007
Allicyn Ivy has completed her Law Degree at Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in Fort Worth. Commencement was held May 11, 2007 at Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium.

Allicyn is a member of the Moot Court Honor Society, Phi Delta Phi International Legal Fraternity, the Aggie Law Society and is a Founding member of the Texas Wesleyan Innocence Project. Allicyn is employed with the Price Law Firm of Fort Worth, Texas. She is the daughter of Rodney and Debbie Ivy and the granddaughter of Donald and Mary Williams and Randall Ivy. Allicyn graduated from Coleman High School in 1999 and Texas A&M at College Station in 2003.

Road Warrior Bicycle Club Hosts Riders
6/7/2007
The Coleman Bluecat Road Warrior Bicycle Club were host this past Sunday to the Texas 4000 bicycle riders. The group is in their 4th year and this was their 4th stop in Coleman. The Texas 4000 is a cancer awareness group that travels by bicycle from Austin to Anchorage, Alaska. The group left Austin 2 days ago and should arrive in Alaska in August. The riders traveled to Coleman from Lampasas, cycling 120 miles. The group arrived in Coleman about 7pm and were fed and housed at the junior high gym. An extremely grateful and rested group were sent off the next morning to Sweetwater. Special thanks to Johnna and Barry Phillips, and Eyvonne Curry for their cooking, washing, and organizational skills. More info on the Texas 4000 Cancer awareness group can be seen at www.texas4000.org .

Coleman Police Department Statistics
6/7/2007
The following are statistics for the Coleman Police Department for the month of May 2007.
Investigations
Theft-13
Burglary-7
Assault-2
Aggravated Kidnapping-1
Possession of Controlled Substance-1
Violation of Protective Order-2
Criminal Mischief-6
Disorderly Conduct-2
Child Protective Cases-4
Arrests
Warrants-15
Possession of Controlled Substance-1
Public Intoxication-2
Driving While License Invalid-7
Assault-3
Disorderly Conduct-1
Driving While Intoxicated-1
Endangering a Child-1
Possession of Marihuana-2
Accidents
No Injuries-1
With Injuries-2
Citations Filed
Code Enforcement-1 citation with 2 charges filed
School Resource Officer-4 citations with 4 charges filed
Police Department-122 citations with 153 charges filed
Warnings Issued
Animal Control-3
School Resource Officer-2
Police Department-24
Animal Control
Calls for Service-139
Dogs picked up-29
Cats picked up-23
Other Animals picked up-9 (1 raccoon, 5 opossums, 1 snake, 1 horse, and 1 goat)
Dead Animals removed from roadway or property-21
Lost Dogs-13
Lost Cat-1
Chief Jay Moses
Coleman Police Department

Air Evac Lifeteam and CCMC EMS Work Together to Save Lives
6/6/2007
The Air Evac Lifeteam, from Brownwood, recently visited Coleman County Medical Center EMS to conduct a Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) class for approximately 8 employees.

“The PHTLS training course helps individuals develop skills needed to assess, package and treat trauma patients in the pre-hospital environment,” said Air Evac Flight Paramedic and course instructor Ron Meador. “Conducting this type of class helps ensure every responder at the scene of a traumatic emergency has the tools he or she needs to provide the best care possible for patients.”

Air Evac Lifeteam proudly offers outreach education classes to hospitals and emergency service agencies in the areas in which they serve.

"This is just one example of the way Air Evac Lifeteam partners with other health care agencies in the community to work together to provide quality medical care for our patients," Ron added. "It's also an opportunity for us to give back to those agencies that have been supportive of our service. Coleman County EMS has continually supported us and we are proud to serve them and the citizens of Coleman County,” adds flight nurse Mark Dent.

Air Evac Lifeteam, an air ambulance service that provides emergency health care and rapid medical transport to rural communities throughout the central United States, routinely provides training for emergency service agencies in the areas they serve. The company currently operates 70 air ambulance bases in 11 states.

For more information about Air Evac Lifeteam services, contact Bobby Brinson, Program Director in Brownwood at 417-274-2267. For our corporate offices, please call 1-800-793-0010 or visit www.lifeteam.net.

PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year Returns to Coleman
6/6/2007
Stace Smith produces more PRCA rodeos than any other stock contractor in the PRCA. In 2004, 2005 and 2006, Stace was named Stock Contractor of the Year in the PRCA and he returns to produce the Coleman PRCA Rodeo June 14, 15 and 16.

Other awards for Stace since last year's rodeo are Bareback Horse of the Year in the Texas Circuit, Bull of the Year in the Southeastern Circuit, Saddle Bronc of the Year in the Texas Circuit and Bareback Horse of the Year in the Southeastern Circuit.  Stace sent 15 horses and 5 bulls to the National Finals in 2005.
Learn more about Stace Smith and his rodeo company HERE.

Wild Cow Milking Returns to Coleman PRCA Rodeo
6/6/2007
Tell one roper on horseback and three individuals to catch and milk a wild cow and what follows is unpredictable.

 The Coleman PRCA Rodeo will hold the 4th Wild Cow Milking Contest during the nightly rodeo June 14, 15 and 16. Four man teams can enter for $200. There will be four cows and four teams each night with a 75% jackpot payback to the winner. The Rodeo Association will fill the Saturday night event first, then Friday, then Thursday.

Send entries with names to: Heath Hemphill, P.O. Box 855, Coleman, Texas 76834. Or call 325-625-1316. Casa Grande Game Ranch is the sponsor for the Wild Cow Milking.

The Coleman County Centennial - 1958
6/6/2007
It is always interesting to look back in time at your town. With the Coleman County Historical Commission discussing a Sesquicentennial Celebration, Commission Chairman Eric Joffrion shared some information from Coleman's Centennial event back in 1958. The following information was taken from July 1958 issues of the Coleman Democrat-Voice:

To mark its 100th year, Coleman County held a nine day celebration, beginning July 4th with an old settler's reunion and ending July 12th, after the final performance of a four night rodeo. There was a beard judging contest, a centennial queen, fiddlers contest, recognition of the oldest county residents and much more.

Many stores had antique and old-time displays and many people dressed in old-fashioned clothes. A street dance was held with 2,500 attending. An estimated 10,000 spectators attended a Thursday afternoon rodeo parade, the largest in the rodeo's history. Hundreds of horses, three bands and four divisions of floats were in the two mile long parade. Leading the parade was Texas Governor Price Daniel.

Santa Anna Students Get Visit From Air-Evac
6/5/2007
The Santa Anna 7th grade Health class of Bunny Keeney had a visit from the Air-Evac out of Brownwood. The students learned how patients are transported from accidents and asked many questions.

Bunny would like to thank Tara Bradley from Air-Evac Life Team for making this possible for her students.

Chelsey Slayton Receives Degree From Texas Tech
6/5/2007
Chelsey Marie Slayton, a 2003 graduate of Coleman High School, graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - School of Nursing on May 19, 2007. Chelsey received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing on May 19, 2007.

While in nursing school she was a member of the Texas Nursing Students Association, Student Government Association - Vice President of Operations, and Double T Health Service Corps - Vice President.

Chelsey is employed by Abilene Regional Medical Center in Abilene, Texas where she will be working in the Labor and Delivery Department.

Chelsey is the daughter of Kemp and Becky Slayton, sister of Keagan Slayton, all of Coleman. Grandparents are Ricky and Mary Rodriquez of Hobbs, New Mexico and Jim and Jeannette Miller of Eunice, New Mexico.

We are very proud of you,
Love Mom and Dad

Grace Baptist Church Welcomes New Pastor
6/5/2007 (contributed)
Audey Shepard was called to Pastor Grace Baptist Church in Coleman on May 23.

Audey was born in Grand Junction, Colorado in October 1958. He served three years in the military at Heilbronn, Germany, where he met his wife of 27 years, Cornelia. They have two children, Jennifer and Timothy.

He was converted by the grace of God in 1982. He was pastor of the Freie Baptisten Gemeinde Heilbronn, Germany for over 16 years. After returning to the states, he joined the fellowship of Community Baptist Church, Elmendorf, Texas in Jan 2007.

There will be special meetings held in July to officially welcome him as Pastor.

Greater Vision is a Sellout
6/4/2007
We talked with Anne Smith at the Christian Book Store and she says that the Greater Vision concert in Coleman June 15th is a sellout, no more tickets are available. Greater Vision for many years has been one of the most awarded groups in Southern Gospel music. They are making their third trip to Coleman Community Baptist Church in as many years.

1997 Class Reunion
6/4/2007
On Friday, June 15th a meet 'n greet at the Coleman Rodeo Dance. On Saturday, June 16th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. a bring your own lunch at the City Park. Also on Saturday, June 16th from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. a BBQ dinner / Class Picture / Social at home of Margie (Diaz) Salas. BYOB in cans and childcare provided! Please mail $20 per person or $35 per couple by Thursday, June 7th to:
Lauren (Stith) Cecil
12215 Stable Knoll
San Antonio, TX 78249

Garage Sale Planned to Help DASH
6/8/2007
Miss Teen Texas American Queen 2007, Peyton Saverance, will be holding a garage sale on Saturday, June 9th to benefit the D.A.S.H. Foundation (Domestic Abuse Stops Here).
The objective of the DASH program is to educate families and children about Domestic Abuse in order to stop the cycle of abuse. The program is designed to teach junior and senior high school students about the warning signs of an abusive relationship and how to take action if they are involved in an abusive relationship.

Summer Reading Program Begins Wednesday
6/5/2007
The first day of the reading program is Wednesday, June 6, at the Coleman Public Library. "Sail Away with Books" is this year's theme. The schedule is as follows:

* 10:00am to 11:00am - Toddler, pre-school & kindergarten age - each child must attend 3 out of 4 programs and list 20 titles to receive reading certificate and local sponsor coupons.

* 2:00pm to 3:00pm - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th grades - each child must attend 3 out of 4 programs to receive reading certificate and local sponsor coupons. Top five readers in each grade will be recognized. Top reader receives special prize. Read books at your age level and all books should be checked out from the Coleman Public Library.

* Any questions call the circulation desk at 325-625-3043.

Keep Coleman Beautiful Schedules Annual Clean-Up
You are invited to join in! (contributed)
6/4/2007
Keep Coleman Beautiful (KCB) is sponsoring the annual clean-up effort for downtown Coleman and other well-traveled areas this Saturday, June 9. This is a golden opportunity for everyone who has ever expressed concern about how our community looks to join in the effort to spruce things up.
Join KCB volunteers this Saturday at the Courthouse at 8:30 a.m. Trash bags will be available, as well as water and doughnuts for the early birds. Bring your own gloves, shovels, hoes, or whatever you feel will help you do a good job!
The annual clean-up is scheduled prior to the PRCA rodeo each year so Coleman can put its best foot forward for the many visitors who come to town for the event.
This effort is not only for our visitors though. KCB wants everyone to take pride in our community, and this annual event is the time to step up and be counted as someone who cares about how our town looks to others, as well as to ourselves.
Church groups and youth groups and businesses are encouraged to set a good example by getting a band of volunteers together to help KEEP COLEMAN BEAUTIFUL!
The clean-up effort will focus on the Courthouse area and well traveled streets such as Commercial Avenue, Colorado and Concho and the intersecting streets. However, other strategic areas can be reached if enough volunteers show up.
If you have a group that would like to be assigned a particular area, you can call Amy at the Chamber of Commerce at 625-2163. Amy will make sure KCB’s new president, Nan Moses, gets the word.
Don’t just complain about it! Do something! Join Keep Coleman Beautiful this Saturday, June 9, at 8:30 a.m. at the Courthouse!  See you there!

American History Quilt
6/4/2007
The Panther Creek 5th grade social studies class ended the year by creating an American History quilt. Each student researched an event in American history and then designed a square to symbolize the important facts about the event.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)
6/4/2007
A new weight loss support group for women will begin meeting at Shapes on 306 Commercial on Thursdays. Weigh-in will be from 4:15 to 5:15pm and group time will be from 5:15 to 6:00pm. The first meeting is on June 7th. For more information contact Anne at 625-2730 or Martha at 625-5428.

Shilo Harris Update
6/4/2007
Friday, June 1st there was a ceremony for Shilo Harris’s promotion. He is now SSGT (Staff Sargent), this took place in the cafeteria at Brookes Medical Hospital. We had sandwiches, fruit salad, and punch. They also made a cake with the SSGT stripe on it. In attendance were lots of Shilo’s family members and medical and military personnel. Standing with him while receiving his promotion was nurse CPT Flores from 4 East at Brookes and his wife Katheryn. SGT Matthew Killian is stationed in Ft. Drum, N.Y. he served in Iraq with Shilo on their first tour. He missed the ceremony but arrived shortly after it was over. Shilo was so glad to see him as they are good friends. Adam Devine was with Shilo when they were injured, and was also at the ceremony.

Coleman Father and Son Killed in Car Crash
Other Driver Faces Intoxication Manslaughter Charges
6/3/2007
A head-on collision at 2:30am Sunday claimed the life of a Coleman man and his son. Charley Wayne Boatright Sr., 42, and Charley Wayne Boatright Jr., 16, were killed in a two pickup crash four-tenths of a mile north of Goldsboro on U.S. Highway 84 in northern Coleman County. Funeral services for the Boatright's will be graveside at the Coleman Cemetery Pavilion at 4:00pm Tuesday. 

According to Chris Delgado, Coleman County DPS Trooper, the Boatright's were going south in a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado pickup. For an unknown reason, still being investigated, a 2006 Dodge Ram pickup, driven by Trey Barton Scott, 26, of Clyde, crossed from the northbound lane into the southbound lane and collided head-on with the Boatright pickup, Delgado said. Scott refused medical treatment at the scene but was later taken by Trooper Delgado to Coleman County Medical Center. According to Delgado, Scott was arrested and charged with Intoxication Manslaughter, a 2nd degree felony. Scott was booked into Coleman County Jail but later released after making bond.

The Boatright's were both pronounced dead at the scene by Nance Campbell, Coleman County Justice of the Peace.   Trooper Pat Salas is assisting in the investigation.  The DPS was assisted at the scene by the Coleman County Sheriff's Department.

Halfmann Retires from Corps of Engineers
6/1/2007
Tommy Halfmann came to Hords Creek Lake as a Park Ranger in 1975. At midnight Friday night, he retires as Lake Manager of Hords Creek, O.C. Fisher and Lake Proctor, ending a 36 year career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
He began work for the Corps in June 1971 in southeast Texas. After coming to Coleman in 1975, Tommy says one thing has been a constant, and that is change. He has watched people go from camping in tents, to pop-up campers, to bumper-pull trailers, to fifth wheels and now, motor coaches. Tommy said the lake has tried to accommodate the wants and demands of their visitors which has meant numerous changes during his tenure.
Tommy saw Hords Creek welcome over 1,100,000 visitors in the mid to late 1980's. He said the number now is between 350,000 and 400,000 per year, but those who come, stay longer than they use to. "It has been a great 36 years, I've met a lot of good folks," Halfmann said. His retirement plans include staying very busy, enjoying his family, wife Lorene and sons Ryan, Russell, Randall and Reese and spending more time with his parents. "I also hope to serve as a communications link between the Corps of Engineers and Congress," Halfmann said. He will also do some part-time work for FEMA when called upon and do more salt water fishing.
With Halfmann retiring, the Corps of Engineers will send a 119 day site manager to Lake Proctor, near Comanche, while Brady Dempsey will serve as a 119 day site manager for Hords Creek and O.C. Fisher.

Hords Creek Facts
* The lake was built in 1946 and 1947 and, according to Halfmann, filled up in 1948. It is the smallest, oldest Corps of Engineers lake in the Fort Worth District, "and best," Halfmann said.

* The lake has two camping areas, Flatrock and Lakeside Parks, and one day use area which is Friendship Park.

* One Park Ranger oversees Hords Creek and O.C. Fisher. One maintenance person and one administrative person also handles duties for both lakes.

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