News Archives - March 2007

Youth Art Month Celebrated at Coleman County State Bank
3/21/2007 (by Marian Johnson, Publicity Chairman, Fine Arts League)
Fine Arts League PAPP (Private Art in Public Places) chair, Pat Slate, has placed the exhibit for Youth Art Month at Coleman County State Bank.

Several pieces of art by Coleman County Youth including Bailey Stokes and Emma Dyer are displayed in the bank’s lobby. Bailey’s work is a wonderful youthful effort of "Tiger", "Deer", and "Bobcat".
Emma’s paintings bring forth questions which is what meaningful art is supposed to do. The "Hear, See, and Speak" painting has to be inspected closely to see the meaning and how the artist wished to express it. Her other work includes, "The Veil" and "Thinking Aside". Thanks to these young artists for their efforts and allowing their work to be enjoyed by all.

Say Hello to the Santa Anna Foundation!!
Two Organizations Unite
3/20/2007 (contributed)
The Santa Anna Ex-Students Association and the Santa Anna Foundation have joined forces for the benefit of Santa Anna and the surrounding area. While the Ex-Students Association has long served Mountaineers and former Mountaineers alike, sponsoring one of Texas’ longest running annual Homecomings since 1953, it only began giving scholarships to SAHS graduates about ten years ago. Similarly, the Santa Anna Foundation has made charitable grants to community projects—most notably our civic center and city park-- as well as giving scholarships to graduates from Panther Creek, Santa Anna, and CAP High schools for about the same amount of time. It was a natural fit for the two groups to unite in their efforts to support the growth and prosperity of our community.

The coming together of these two organizations necessitated some reworking of the by-laws of the Foundation to enhance the scope of its scholarship giving. The by-laws now state that the purposes of the Santa Anna Foundation are:
• to support the Santa Anna Historical Development Organization in preserving local history,
• to assist the Santa Anna Ex-Students Association in their scholarship program and other educational programs,
• to promote economic and community development in the town of Santa Anna,
• other special projects as needed.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, the foundation is an independent public charity. All donations qualify for the maximum deduction for charitable contributions under IRS Regulations. Foundations like The Santa Anna Foundation enable donors to set up a charitable fund that supports specific causes they care about. A cash gift by check is the usual method for making a charitable contribution. For gifts of $250 and more, givers must have written confirmation from the Foundation because canceled checks are no longer proof of a deductible gift. Cancelled checks are acceptable for gifts of less than $250.

If you want to make a gift as a memorial in the name of a deceased Mountaineer, or if your class wants to make a special scholarship, if you want to set up a family endowment, or if you are thinking about having the work you have done here go on after you are gone, you may take your contributions at Santa Anna National Bank and deposit them into the Santa Anna Foundation account. Together we will make Santa Anna better.

Coleman School Board Considers Personnel
Accepts Several Resignations
3/20/2007
In session Monday night, the Coleman School Board unanimously approved hiring teachers at each school campus as recommended by the principals.
The board also accepted the resignations of Scott Bishop, Darrin Hogue, Jim Epley, Daryl Krug, R. Dale Pectol and Annette Shely, all effective at the end of the school year. The resignation of Mike Royce was previously accepted, effective March 2nd.
In other business, the board heard a presentation from Lorene Halfmann, high school counselor, and two CHS students on the recent Career Day held in Early and sponsored by Coleman, Santa Anna, Panther Creek, Novice, Early and Bangs school district.
The board will consider cancelling the May election during the April meeting. There are no contested races for school board this year.
Royce Young, superintendent, brought the board information on football uniforms and possible costs involved but no action was taken as of this time. He also briefly touched on summer projects which include bidding several roofing projects and doing some work on the high school parking lot.

Wreck Injures Three Coleman Teens, One Seriously
3/19/2007 (courtesy Sergeant Les Cogdill, Coleman PD)
At 6:01pm Saturday, March 17, the Coleman Police Department received a 911 call in reference to a major accident in the 100 Block of Santa Anna Avenue (FM 568) in south Coleman.

A red Dodge pickup, driven by Jake Hargett, 17, of Coleman, was traveling eastbound on Santa Anna Avenue. A red Chevrolet pickup, driven by Robert Curtis Yates III, 18, of Coleman, was traveling westbound on Santa Anna Avenue. Also in the vehicle with Yates was Colby Chambers, 19, of Coleman. Chambers was trapped in the vehicle until freed by the Coleman Fire Department and Coleman County Medical Center EMS. Chambers was transported to Coleman County Medical Center and later flown by helicopter to Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo where he remained Sunday night. Yates and Hargett were taken to Coleman County Medical Center by family members and later released from the hospital.

This accident is still under investigation by the Coleman Police Department. Assisting at the scene were the Coleman County Sheriff's Office, Coleman Fire Department, Coleman County Medical Center EMS, and Department of Public Safety troopers from Coleman and Runnels counties.

Update on Shilo Harris
3/19/2007
A family member of Shilo Harris passed along an update on his condition. The update says the prayers are working, Shilo had a good weekend, he was awake and could shake his head yes or no in answer to questions. His wife, Kathreyn, and mother, Teresa, put their hand on his cheek and he hugged it with his shoulder. Skin graphs on his face are doing well, the ventilator has been turned off for now, his kidneys are improving, all in all some good news from the weekend and family members are feeling better about the situation. He is still in ICU at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.  He was injured when an IED exploded in Iraq.

Don't forget there is a way to communicate with the Harris family through the following website for Shilo:

http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=sgtshiloharris.

Dog Mayor Endorsement Announced
3/19/2007
Thor and Freyja Hagen heartily endorse Kaiser Vasquez for Dog Mayor 2007. Thor Hagen says "As a fellow German Shepherd, I know that Kaiser has the hard-work ethic and loyalty to his community that are necessary in a great Dog Mayor". Freyja states that "Kaiser has an inspirational bark for less fortunate canines and is a superb role model to puppies everywhere. We wag our tails for Kaiser!".

Ben, please forward this message to Kaiser's Campaign Manager for her use.

Thank you,

Lars Hagen
Press Secretary for Thor & Freyja Hagen

Wreck at Valera
Investigation Continues in Coleman Wreck
Coleman Woman Injured in Wreck Near Lawn
3/18/2007
Saturday was a bad day for wrecks involving Coleman County people.

A two-vehicle crash in Valera Saturday night sent two Coleman County residents to area hospitals. According to Chris Delgado, Coleman County DPS Trooper, he was notified of the wreck around 8:45 pm. The wreck occurred at the intersection of US Hwy 67 and FM 503, the caution light at Big O's BBQ.

The driver of the car was Marsha Gayle Turney, 51, of Santa Anna. Eyewitnesses at the scene told Colemannews.com she was driving West on 67 attempting to turn left onto FM 503. Turney's car was struck from behind by a pickup driven by Keith Wayne Copley, 46, of Talpa.

Turney was transported by ambulance to Coleman County Medical Center and later flown by helicopter to an area hospital. Copley was taken by private vehicle to Coleman County Medical Center.

A report on an accident on Santa Anna Avenue is found at the top of the news page.

A third wreck Saturday also involved a Coleman woman. Crystal Jennings, sister of Doris McCullough of Coleman, was involved in an accident with a pickup just south of Lawn and was taken to an Abilene hospital for treatment.  We were notified at 10:30am Sunday that she returned home from the hospital around midnight Saturday night, sore, but otherwise okay.  The family in the other vehicle wasn't hurt.

March of Dimes Money Drive Concludes at Panther Creek
3/17/2007 (contributed)
A money drive campaign was held for two weeks at Panther Creek CISD with all classes, Pre-k to 12, participating for March of Dimes. The competition ended on March 15 with the total amount collected $322.47 The winning class was the sophomores who received a pizza party. They raised $145.11, an awesome job for the March of Dimes.

The class consists of John Warren, Liz Tapia, Danee Machuta, Tracey Pond, Paulina Badillo, Chelsea Penny, Mallory Felty, Julia Hefner, Griffin Otts
Clayton Wilson, Sheldon Lowe, Travis Suggs, Will Copley, Mrs. Baker-sponsor, Coach Avants - sponsor

City Council Hears Request from CHAPS
Discovers Discrepancy in City Ordinance in the Process
3/16/2007 (by Randy Turner)
A request from the Coleman Heritage, Arts and Preservation Society (CHAPS) for one-third of the funds generated by the hotel/motel occupancy tax uncovered a discrepancy in a city ordinance.

Doodie Taylor-Knox made the presentation on behalf of CHAPS citing City of Coleman Ordinance, Article 11.02, which states that "1/3 of the hotel/motel occupancy tax collected shall be allocated for the county museum and transmitted to said entity by the city secretary". CHAPS now operates the Coleman Museum and has transferred the artifacts from the old museum location at City Park to Heritage Hall, the former First Presbyterian Church. CHAPS is in the process of getting museum pieces ready for public viewing.

In preparing for this agenda item, City Manager Larry Weise discovered a problem. On July 1, 1997 the City Council passed an ordinance which gave 100% of the hotel/motel tax to the Coleman County Chamber of Commerce for them to administer. "We do have a current discrepancy, we do need to clarify this policy," Weise told the Council.

It is believed a consultant, hired in 2005 to codify the city's ordinances to bring them into current law, somehow missed the Council action from 1997 which didn't transfer to what the current ordinance says.

The amount of money generated by the hotel/motel tax so far this fiscal year amounts to about $37,000, Weise said. The tax was first established as a 2% tax in June 1977. By April 1986 the amount of the tax had increased to 7%.

The Council's action was to take no action at this time. There seemed to be a spirit of cooperation between the entities involved and a willingness to work together. With budget time approaching for the City, it was suggested that possible support for CHAPS be considered in the budget cycle while it is determined how the ordinance discrepancy should be fixed.

It was noted that both organizations work diligently to promote Coleman County.

More City Council Notes and Actions
3/16/2007
The Coleman City Council, in session Thursday, March 15th, acted on the following items:

* Passed on first reading Ordinance 1072 by a 4-0 vote. The ordinance provides for the regulation of land uses within the City; providing standards for the size, height, set back and occupancy of structures; establishing zoning districts within the city; providing for regulations within such districts; providing for existence of non-conforming uses and their abandonment; imposing criminal penalties for non-compliance; providing a severability clause and providing for the publication of the caption and penalty.

* Council received an update from Doodie Taylor-Knox on the progress of renovations and grants at the City Library. She told the Council the library is waiting to see if they are awarded a grant on March 19th from the Tocker Foundation to help complete Phase 2. The library is also ready to begin Phase 3 which is the Tillman building, adjacent to the library, where the historic LaFrance fire truck is stored. In addition to finding a new home for the fire truck for the expansion to proceed, the library requested the city help provide labor for electrical work and venting as a part of the grant application process. The city provided labor for Phase 2 of the library improvements as time and work schedules allowed.

* Council awarded a janitorial contract to Gayle Johnson of Gouldbusk to provide cleaning services at City Hall. She had the low bid of $374 per month.

Panther Creek Students "Jump Rope for Heart"
3/16/2007 (by Mark Romine)
In an award's ceremony Panther Creek Elementary students were honored for their participation in Jump Rope for Heart. The students raised $400. This money went to the American Heart Association.

Helping were Alicia Cody, Jacob Springer, Zane Jamison, Trotter Harris, Allen Pricer, Nico Parra, Nathan McMahon, Caleb Grant, James McMillan, Rylie Philpot.

CHS Students are Playing "The Stock Market Game"
Doing a Great Job in the Process
3/15/2007
Two teams of students from Coleman High are participating in The Stock Market Game. They started in February and will trade for about another month. Starting with a virtual cash account of $100,000, students strive to create the best-performing portfolio using a live trading simulation.

In building a portfolio, students research and evaluate stocks and make decisions based on what they have learned. To determine why certain stocks perform the way they do, or why the broader market has moved up or down, they need to understand how the economy works. And to calculate their returns, they need to do the math.

The Coleman teams are in the West Central Texas stock market game with approximately 275 other teams.

As of Thursday, March 15th, one of the Coleman teams is in 2nd place, the other in 35th place out of 275 teams. Clarendon High School is currently in first place. The headquarters for the project is in Waco.

The students in the class are Kendra Boatright, Michael Bowers, Estaban Cervantes, Cassie Cisneroz, Steven Conway, Matt Dillard, Kimberly Lawhon, Kara Maner, Jesse Mata, Ben Phillips, Kelsey Valencia, and Christian Young. Darlene Webb is the Math Models project instructor.

The program is made possible by the support of more than 600 securities firms, combined with essential grassroots support in schools and communities. It is the only stock market simulation supported by the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market.

The Stock Market Game™ is a trademark of the Foundation for Investor Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and providing learning resources for investors of all ages, raising the level of investor awareness in the U.S., supporting research programs, and advocating the advancement of investor education.

CHS Student / Faculty Member Receive Awards
3/15/2007
Coleman High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America attended the Region II Leadership Meeting in San Angelo on March 2-3, 2007. The youth developed theme “Tune In To FCCLA” was carried out through tracks and general sessions.

STAR Events (Students Taking Action with Recognition) are competitive events in which members participated in during the state meeting. These events allowed members to showcase their life skills in different areas of competition. Also, the new officer team for 2007-2008 was elected to lead the region to greater heights.

Winning fourth place was Vanessa Clark in Chapter Service Project. Vanessa did a No Bullying Week project for the elementary school. She will compete at state competition in April at Dallas.  Coleman FCCLA members were actively involved during the meeting in helping conduct the STAR Event competition and serving as voting delegate for the House of Delegates meeting.

Sharon Watson received honorary membership in the Region II FCCLA for her support of the local chapter. Honorary Membership is awarded to persons who are not active members of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. Honorary membership is the highest award given by the association. Individuals receiving this award have rendered outstanding services in helping to advance the Family and Consumer Sciences Program.

Attending from Coleman were Vanessa Clark, Morgan Hurtado, Zoe Paul, Krystal Dunn, Cala Norris, Carina Landaverde, Greg Brannon, Jay Delgadillo, and Bonnie Brown, advisor.

Eastern Star Honors Coleman Teachers
3/15/2007 (courtesy Eastern Star)
Cakes, cookies, chips and dips, fruits and more goodies were delivered to the lounges of the Elementary, Junior High and High School teachers on Tuesday, March 13th, by members of Chapter #360, Order of the Eastern Star.

This is another project of the chapter to show their appreciation to the people who help rear and educate the children of Coleman. Our teachers deserve to be treated with such appreciation and this is only one small way to show how very much we care. We all say a big "Thank You" for all you do.

Members of the Eastern Star.

Duke, for Dog Mayor of Coleman
3/15/2007 (submitted)
Hi, my name is Duke and I am seeking your vote for Coleman's Dog Mayor. If elected, my master, Bruce Ransberger, and I plan to attend all the functions that are included as Dog Mayor of Coleman. I was the first big dog to run for Mayor but I am a gentle and loving dog. Bruce and I will be coming to see you if we can or you can vote at Block One Flea Market or Commercial Avenue Antiques Mall. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Duke Ransberger

Ginger Test, Demonstrator for Juried Art Show
3/15/2007 (by Marian Johnson, Co-Chair, Juried Show)
Ginger Test, artist, will be one of the thirteen demonstrators for the Juried Art Show in April. Ginger is an avid photographer and gathers her inspiration from nature. She has photographed scenes from Hawaii to Washington, D.C. and from Maryland to the Texas Gulf Coast. Her love of art dates back as far as her memory when her aunt encouraged her by giving her a set of oil paints.

Ginger has taught art since 1982 and instructs in transparent watercolor only. Her paintings reflect her love of color and design. Ginger’s favorite subjects to capture in paint include flowers, landscapes, animals, churches and western scenes. She loves to share her skill with her students and makes an annual pilgrimage to South Fork, Co., where she conducts the 5-day Colorado Gold Watercolor Workshop . For information about her classes and workshops, call Ginger at 325-723-2035.

The Fine Arts League of Coleman County is pleased to welcome the public to the demonstrations Sunday afternoon April 29 from 2-6 pm; Monday April 30 10-4; Tuesday May 1, 10-4.

A.C.U. Students of Madagascar Featured at Coleman Chamber Banquet
3/14/2007 (contributed)
Singing for the Coleman Chamber of Commerce banquet on March 30th will be Abilene Christian University students from Madagascar. These students have been selected by their country to attend the university on a presidential scholarship. Now juniors, they have successfully completed courses for degrees in different areas of study. Today, you would find it difficult to pick these students out as being different than any other university student. They are young men and women growing and maturing in their subjects and lives. The difference is that they have definite goals to return to their country to share what they have learned here in America. In the meantime, they have adjusted to America and blessed the lives of those around them with their dedication to their studies and respect for those around them. These students come from all over the isle of Madagascar and together share beautiful music in a way that thrills ones’ heart. It is a rare blessing to hear them perform as they are shy about doing what comes so natural to them.”

Another Santa Anna City Employee Resigns
3/14/2007
Colemannews.com learned Tuesday that Wanda Campbell, part-time office worker and accountant at Santa Anna City Hall, resigned after the city council meeting Monday night. We were unable to reach Campbell for comment.

Santa Anna Jump Rope for Heart Raises over $3,500
3/14/2007
Santa Anna Elementary held its "Jump Rope for Heart" event, benefiting the American Heart Association, on Friday, March 9th. Approximately 130 students from kindergarten through 6th grade participated.

Various individual rope-jumping skills were performed by the students, from kindergarten through 3rd grade with ribbons and medals awarded to the winners. Students from the 4th, 5th and 6th grade were divided into teams and competed against each other for team trophies and individual trophies.

Outstanding Individual winners: Zach Diaz and Hannah Hartman

Kindergarten winners were: Ivan Olguin, Brock Beal, Kamri Yancy and Kaylie Shields.

First grade winners were: Hayden Anderson, Lohn Worthington, Madilyn Kuykendall and Mia Whaley.

Second grade winners were: Noah Garza, Blane Beal, Breanna Michon and Delaynee Absher.

Third grade winners were: Jacob Gibson, Fabian Suarez, Maddison Sturgeon and Taylor Libby.

Fourth grade winners were: Kolby Bland, Lucas Diaz, Kristen Yancy and Taylor Hogue.

Fifth grade winners were: Caitlyn Murray, Heather Wetsel, Ryan Sellers and Anthony Lopez.

Sixth grade winners were: Fernando Lopez, Charity Holland, Hannah Hartman and Dylan Bland.

After the team competition, the following parents competed in a jump-off, representing their child's class.

K-Chanda Rice, 1-Pam Worthington, 2-Dennis Absher, 3-Tara Bradley, 4-Terese Isbell, 5-Shannon Robertson, and 6-Linda Rice. The winning parent was Pam Worthington representing first grade.

Over $3,500 was collected with all proceeds going to the American Heart Association.

Attention Coleman County Youth Artists !
3/14/2007 (courtesy Fine Arts League of Coleman Co.)

March is “National Youth Art Recognition Month.” The Fine Arts League of Coleman County would like to do an exhibit of Coleman County Youth artists.

Youth from sixth (6th) grade level to twelfth (12th) grade level are eligible to display their work. There is no charge for this activity.

These paintings will be displayed Monday, March 19th through Thursday April 5th at the First Coleman National Bank, the Coleman County State Bank and the Library. Should there not be enough entries for the three places those they have will be displayed at the two banks. The paintings may be picked up on Friday April 6, 3:00 at the Art Building.

Bring your paintings and show everyone that Coleman County may have some professional artists in the making.

Thunderstorms Bring Rain/ Wrecks/ Fire
3/13/2007
Coleman County emergency units were busy during the noon hour today at two wrecks and a fire.

Lightning apparently struck a tank battery on County Road 154 northwest of Echo. Firemen were at the scene, smoke could be seen from Coleman.

Just before noon, two single vehicle wrecks happened within a tenth of a mile of each other on Highway 84 just southeast of town. One of the wrecks was on the overpass bridge (above) involving a red pickup truck. One person was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Terry's Towing is seen loading the pickup onto the wrecker.

The other accident was on the Santa Anna side of the overpass bridge where a pickup ran through a fence but no injuries were reported.

Santa Anna City Council Meeting Attracts Large Crowd
City Secretary / Director of Public Works Keep Their Jobs
3/13/2007 by Randy Turner
Around 40 people attended the Santa Anna City Council meeting Monday night. Most were there for the evaluation of Lori Beal, City Secretary, and Sam Oswood, Director of Public Works. There was plenty of tension in the air but three Santa Anna police officers stationed around the meeting area kept the peace throughout the evening.

The Council went into closed session at 6:10pm to evaluate the Public Works Director and other city employees. At 6:48pm, Wanda Campbell was called into the closed session but came out at 6:57pm. At 7:02pm, the Council returned to open session at which point they voted to continue the employment of Oswood as Director of Public Works but his performance will be re-evaluated in 90 days.

When it came time for the Council to evaluate the job performance of the City Secretary, Beal requested that her evaluation be done in open session, which it was. Beal had a large number of family and friends there to support her. During the course of the evaluation, Beal's job performance was questioned, primarily by Curtis Fellers, Mayor Pro-Tem, and John Morris, Councilman. "That job is the most critical job in the city.  That's why I made my recommendation we replace Mrs. Beal," Fellers said.

Beal has held the position since late last year, taking over a job held by Cindy Pelton for over nine years. The job is multi-faceted, from handling paperwork for Municipal Court to water and utility payments. Oswood responded to questions from the Council saying Beal has improved in her performance tremendously and is very dedicated to what she is doing.

Angie Gomez of Brownwood, representing the League of United Latin American Citizens, urged the Council to give Beal another opportunity. Gomez questioned whether the Council had given Beal verbal or written warnings pertaining to her job performance, whether she was given a job description and whether she received any training for the position.

At 7:29pm, the Council went back into closed session to consult with their attorney. At 7:52pm, they returned to open session where the Council voted 3-2 to retain Beal for a 90 day period. Council members Bell, Spillman and Wylie voted for the motion, Morris and Fellers voted against. As a part of the motion, the Council directed all future complaints from city personnel and from citizens be given, in writing, to Oswood for consideration by the Council. Oswood was instructed to give a monthly report on Beal's job performance along with reports on other applicable employees.

Burn Ban Lifted For Time Being
3/13/2007
County Judge Jimmie Hobbs didn't waste any time Monday in lifting the burn ban in Coleman County. Thanks to rain Sunday and Monday, the ban is no longer in effect but Hobbs reserves the right to reinstate the ban as conditions warrant.

Coleman School Board Approves Program Change
Looking to Cut Personnel Expense
3/13/2007
Due to Program Changes, the Coleman Independent School District Board of Trustees, with the recommendation of Superintendent Royce Young, approved a program change to eliminate a position in special education.

The board also approved a program change to eliminate one professional certified position from the District Alternative Education Program. The board followed this action by making a motion that Junior High and High School Special Education as the employment areas affected by this reduction in force. Also, the board determined SAC and DAEP programs as the employment areas affected by this reduction in force.

Superintendent Young will follow these actions by using board adopted policy to apply written criteria to eliminate specific personnel positions in these areas. Program changes are necessary due to new special education laws that promote students be mainstreamed into regular education classrooms. Discipline programs are also being streamlined with less need for personnel in the district alternative education program.

Young noted that the biggest costs in a school district are in personnel and "we are at a point where every dollar counts as we simply do not get as much funding from the state as in the past. Also, the district is down about 30 students over last year that equates to about $4200 per student."

In addition to identifying areas that are overstaffed, there will be some positions not replaced as teachers leave the district or retire. "Our goal is to cut around $200,000 in personnel from the 2007-2008 budget," Young added.

Santa Anna City Council Approves 2007-2008 City Budget
3/13/2007
The city budget was approved Monday night by the Santa Anna City Council. Revenues are budgeted to total $858,297. Expenditures are budgeted at $856,210.

During a Public Hearing on the budget, a few citizens asked brief questions and copies of the budget were made available to those who wished to have a copy.

Sam Oswood, Director of Public Works, recommended the Council do a quarterly review of the budget as the fiscal year progresses.

Seven Candidates Seek Election in Santa Anna
3/13/2007
There will be three candidates for Mayor and four candidates for City Council on the ballot in May in Santa Anna.

Candidates for Mayor - Ross Bradley, John Pearce, Russell Fisher

Candidates for City Council - Cindy Pelton, Harold Fahrlender, Curtis Fellers (incumbent), Jim Spillman (incumbent).

Coleman City Council Positions Contested
No School Board Race
3/13/2007
Monday at 5:00pm was the deadline for prospective candidates to file for city council and school board positions.

No new names entered the city election. For West Ward Council, C.E. (Bill) Casselberry, incumbent, will be opposed by Harold Skelton. For East Ward Council, Rodney Cole, incumbent, will be opposed by Billie Mercer. Mayor Nick Poldrack is unopposed.

For Coleman School Board, there is no contested race. Dr. Mike Edington, current board president, filed for re-election Monday to Place 6 on the board. Viki Hambright, incumbent, filed previously for Place 7.

Local Youth Place at Houston Livestock Show
3/13/2007 (contributed)
Coleman County meat goats were represented at the Houston Livestock Junior Meat Goat Sale by Nancy Meyers, a Junior at Panther Creek High School, and Casie Swening, a Freshman at Coleman High School.

Nancy placed 1st in Class 1 light-weight and Casie placed 2nd in Class 4 medium-weight market goats. Both are members of the Coleman County 4H Club.

How Do You Spell Success?
3/13/2007 (by Marian Johnson, Publicity Chairman, Fine Arts League)
The success of any new venture can often be gauged by the number of people of various talents and skills who are involved. If this be true, then the Fine Arts League of Coleman County, "Flight of the Dragonflies" Juried Art Show 2007, is already a success.

After sixteen years in the open "Fiesta Art Show", the members of the Art League, families, friends, business people, the citizens of the county, organizations, and people from all walks of life have become involved (in one way or another) in creating the environment for success of this coming event at The Bill Franklin Center.

Many have expressed it in different ways, all of which are most welcome and appreciated. From "How can I help?", "I want to come see", to donation of items for the silent auction, docent volunteers, as well as $ donations to help get the project underway. With this type of attitude from all involved and from those who will attend, how can it not be a success? You are invited to attend any or all the events during the week of April 24 - May 2. Free and entertaining!

Donations to date: Bill & Bonnie Hennig, Kaye Franklin, Bob & Ann Turner, Don Johnson, attorney, Steve Autry, attorney, Marian Overstreet, attorney, Friends of the Foundation (grant), Joe & Janet Johnson - J. E. Stevens Co. , Bob & Jo Tyson - Tyson Pharmacy, Jim Stokes - Bowen Drug, Jim & Linda Caldwell - Owl Drug, Bucky & Judy Duvall, Lois & Rodney McCarty, Marjorie Cloud, Abilene West Texas Rehab auction coordinator, Lynn & Trisha Owen - Big O’s - Valera, Mary Jo Dozier - ‘honoring the Fun Bunch’ & CCMC Aux., Charles Chesshir - Liveoak Real Estate - "in memory of Billie Marie Miller", Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, James & Jo Ellen Barr, Dennis & Mary Ann Stroebel - Shoppin’ Basket - food items.

Also, our thanks and appreciation to: Democrat Voice - for publishing our news articles; First Coleman National Bank - For use of Club Room for monthly meetings; Coleman County State Bank - For use of their building for Annual Fiesta Show; Randy Turner - Colemannews.com for news coverage & advertising banner; Billie Mercer - Colemanindependent.net for news coverage and docent/Volunteers.

Local Artist Has Work in International Juried Art Exhibition
3/13/2007 (by Marian Johnson, Fine Arts League Publicity Chairman)
Fine Arts League member, Sher Dunaway, has had artwork entitled, "Tuxedo" and "And Not a Drop to Drink" (photography) accepted in the Red River Valley Exhibition held at the Red River Valley Museum in Vernon, Texas. This is the fifth exhibition to be held at the Museum.

The awards Judge for this year’s show is Tony Saladino, who is an award winning artist, author and judge from Hurst, Texas. His work is included in many private and public collections Mr. Saladino has taught at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the Kennedy Center for the Arts and the Oxbow Summer School of Art, Saugatuck, MI. He is listed in Who’s Whos in the South and Southwest and Who’s Who in American Art. Galleries representing Mr. Saladino are located in Kentucky, Texas, and Arkansas.

The opening of the current exhibition will be May 4, 2007 and will continue through June 29, 2007. The Red River Valley Museum promotes and supports excellence and diversity in arts education. The museum is open free to the public, Tuesdays through Sundays 1-5 pm.

The sixth annual exhibit will be held in May and June of 2008 with entry slides due February 5, 2008. Any artist interested in entering the show should send an SASE to: Red River Valley National Juried Art Exhibition, Red River Valley Museum, 4600 College Drive, PO Box 2004, Vernon, Texas. 76385.

Congratulations to Sher and her award- winning photography. Pictured is Tuxedo.

Camp Quality News
3/13/2007
I wish send a thank you to Tommie Roberts and the rest of the members of Tops Club #332 for allowing me to come to their meeting and talking about Camp Quality. This is a fine group of ladies that are well respected throughout the community and I was truly blessed with meeting those of you I did not already know. Thank you, too, for your donations to Camp Quality. You have helped make a difference in the life of a special child and their family. God bless you each and everyone.

Amanda Straach
3005 Southpark Drive
Coleman, Texas 76834
325-625-2825
ajsminis@verizon.net

Letter to the Editor
To Coleman County Citizens
3/12/2007
Eminent Domain bills are currently being considered in the Texas Legislature.

Imagine all you’ve worked for simply disappearing one day. The land your family has worked for generations, sold for pittance, simply because the law favors that entity that had the power to take that land at your expense.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly how eminent domain can and is being used all across this state. And your land could be next.

While condemnation does have a purpose in true public projects, too often it is yielded as a club. Instead of a last resort when offers fail, it is used to force families to sell out or face costly court battle.

That is simply unacceptable.

Our state legislature should write laws ensuring highest and best use appraisals in condemnation matters. Condemning entities should be forced to consider land replacement costs rather than some randomly assessed market value. And the numbers of condemning entities in this state—which currently number in the thousands—should be curbed. When it comes to eminent domain proceedings, private property owners are playing against a stacked deck. Laws need to be passed to ensure a level playing field.

Please call your Texas State legislator and tell them you support - House Bill 2006 by Rep. Beverly Woolley.

Board of Directors
Coleman County Farm Bureau

Coleman School Board President Files for Re-election
3/12/2007
Dr. Mike Edington has filed for Place 6 on the Coleman School Board.

Rainfall Reports Welcomed
3/12/2007
If you have a rainfall report you would like to brag about, send it to us at mail@colemannews.com.
 
*  Helen & Harold Bragg- 1.50 in Glen Cove

*  Carl and Patricia Lehman - 1.90 in Brownwood

*  Linda and Wayne Wright - 1.57 in Glen Cove

* Tex Wright in Santa Anna - .48

* Roy Goodgion in Comanche, Tx - 1.00

*  Bill Garrett - 5 miles SW of Santa Anna - .50

*  Thomas Rutherford - Whon - 1.70

Look at the current Doppler radar HERE.

Coleman Police Blotter March 9th and 10th
3/10/2007 (courtesy Coleman PD)
In a report from the Coleman Police Department, officers were called to a possible altercation between individuals in north Coleman on Post Street. Upon officers arrival, no subjects were found, however, officers could hear a loud noise coming from the Shiloh Apartments located behind the Best Western Hotel. Officers proceeded to check out the loud noise which was found to be loud music. When Sgt. Brian Tompkins and Officer Jeromy Watson made contact with individuals at the apartment, one subject began to flee on foot and was subdued by Officer Watson. After the suspect was detained, it was found that the 26 year-old white male subject was in possession of marijuana. This subject was placed under arrest and charged with Possession of Marijuana Under Two Ounces and Resisting Arrest.

After identifying numerous other persons at the residence, it was found that two other people were wanted by the Coleman Police Department. Sgt. Tompkins and Officer Watson arrested Zachary Jimmy Brooks, 21 year old white male of Coleman, for a Capias Pro Fine warrant.

Also placed under arrest was Jose Cervantes, 20 year old white male of Coleman, for a Capias Pro Fine warrant in reference to Disorderly Conduct. All three subjects are being held in the Coleman City Jail.

Throughout the course of the evening, police responded to domestic violence, burglary, and nuisance violation calls. To report any suspicious activity please call the Coleman Police Department at 325.625.4114.

Thanks
3/9/2007
Stormie Bingham and family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and help with her illness. She is home from Cook Children's Hospital and doing wonderfully. She will continue to make frequent trips to her doctor's. Please continue to pray for her, she has a long road ahead of her.  Thank you again,
The Family of Stormie Bingham

Tibbett's Address Given
3/9/2007
As we reported earlier, Jeff and Darla Tibbetts have returned home from the hospital and have a long recovery period in front of them. If you care to send them a card, the address is 901 County Road 194, Coleman, Tx 76834.

Students of the Month Named at Novice
3/9/2007
Students of the month have been chosen at Novice Elementary, Junior High and High School.

The elementary student of the month is Lance Holmquest, a 5th grader.

He is the son of Terry and Amy Holmquest of Novice.

The junior high student of the month is Josh Arispe, an 8th grader.

He is the son of Jerry and Teresa Arispe of Winters.

The high school student of the month is Ashley Belk, a senior.

She is from Winters, daughter of Sonya Belk.

CHS Spanish Club Has Annual Spring Trip
3/9/2007 (by Sherrell Hazlewood)
The Coleman High School Spanish Club traveled to San Antonio on Sat., March 3 for their annual Spring trip. Sixteen members of the Club accompanied by nine adults visited the Whitte Museum, downtown San Antonio and El Mercado. The visit to Whitte Museum included a special Vaquero Exhibit which was appropriate for the Spanish Club visitors. The group also took advantage of the historical re-enactments being held at the Alamo throughout the day.

The group spent the night at Hawthorne Suites in San Antonio after a very busy day. They returned to Coleman on Sunday March 4. Adults assisting with the Spanish Club trip were Mr. and Mrs. Pedro Flores, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Martinez, Coach and Mrs. Mike Nunez, driver, Rick Brinson, Spanish Club sponsor Sherrell Hazlewood and wife, Theda. The Coleman High School Spanish Club represented Coleman High School in a very positive way. The well organized event was enjoyed by both students and adults.

Photo: Left to right:

Front row: Coach Mike Nunez, Arturo Avila, Tanner Brooks, Spanish Club President, Rosa Avila, Club Sponsor, Sherrell Hazlewood, Theda Rhea, Luis Lugo.

Back row: Simon Martinez, Pedro Flores, Jeremy Jamison, J. R. Bruce, Devon Densman, Monica Jimenez, Kimberly Lawhon, Emilie Jimenez, Patricia Galvan, Club Secretary, Kandys Mills, Amy Fowler, Stephanie Whier, Michael Mayo, Stephanie Cambell, Rosa Martinez, Marilou Nunez, Adela Flores (not pictured).

Daisy Duke Wants Your Vote for Dog Mayor
3/9/2007
Hi, there. My name is Daisy Duke and I am the lucky dog living with Nancy Grimes. Though I don't have a particular pedigree, it is pretty evident I have an immediate Jack Russell relative and there is a wire-hair terrier very close by.

My previous humans didn't keep me in a safe place, so the nice Animal Control lady picked me up off a busy street and took me to the City Pound. I was glad to be in a place with good food and clean water. However, I did not know about the reservation limitation at this Doggy Hotel. My time had expired more than once, but I was just so friendly and so cute, they just could not send me over the Rainbow Bridge to Doggy Heaven.

My picture appeared in the newspaper as a featured pound stray and caught Nancy's eye. At that time my name was Happy and I grinned all the time at anyone who came to see me and my doggy friends in hopes someone would give me a good Forever Home. As soon as our eyes met, Nancy knew I was for her and she took me home that very day about two years ago and re-named me Daisy Duke.

To be a responsible pet owner, we visited the vet for me to be spayed, only to find out I was "in a family way", SURPRISE! About three weeks later, I became a "mom" to four beautiful puppies and raised them until Nancy found them all good homes.

Now, however, life is sooooooooo good. I have a great fenced yard and cat buddies to play with. Those squirrels can really run fast, but I keep trying to catch one. Maybe one day I am allowed to "run the neighborhood" every day for a while and am a welcomed visitor to many homes on Rio Grande Street.

I love all people and would be honored to represent Coleman as its official Dog Mayor. But best of all, your $1.00 votes will go to the Coleman County Humane Society to pay for more spay and neutering expenses of local pet owners.  Nancy and I are planning a walking campaign to meet as many of you as we can. However, should we miss seeing you, please go to the Flea Market on East Pecan Street and vote for me.. The Friendliest Dog in the Friendliest Town in Texas.

Thanks a lot,
Daisy Duke (and Nancy too)

Slate of Candidates for Dog Mayor Grows
3/9/2007 (contributed)
Two new candidates have announced for Dog Mayor this week. Both bring something special to the race.

Ruffles Frizzell (left), managed by Sue Frizzell, hopes you will see beyond her physical disability. She plans on representing the physically challenged dogs that have a much harder time finding a new home in this dog eat dog world. Ruffles survived an unfortunate encounter with a car and although it was feared she might have brain damage in addition to the loss of an eye, she has rebounded and is in top form. “Ruffles—a tough little lady for a tough job!”

Misty Dawn Watts (right), a 6-year old Boston Terrier, brings her pedigree to the contest. She is not high-minded about it however. In a statement furnished by her campaign manager, Amanda Watts, Misty states: “I, Misty, promise to do my best as your dog mayor to provide you with as many loving and caring kisses as you need. I will do my best to help all my little or big furry friends of any color, shape, or size to get the attention they deserve. This is why I think I should be your dog mayor 2007.”

A Meet the Candidates rally is planned for Saturday, March 24, from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Block One Flea Market, 301 E. Pecan in Coleman. Refreshments and doggie treats will be available, and each candidate will be putting forth their best paw to impress the voters. Bring your pet to help you size up the candidates!
It is never too late to sign up to be a candidate. Call the Humane Society at 625-4724 and leave a message, or drop by the flea market to pick up your filing statement.

Please visit the Humane Society web site www.HumaneSocietyCC.com  to meet the slate of eight candidates to date. The election results will be announced during the Garage Sale weekend on April 14.     

Learn to Control Your Blood Sugar
3/8/2007 (by Debbie Hailey)
Are you interested in learning more about diabetes and how to be in control of your blood sugar? Texas Cooperative Extension, in collaboration with Coleman Medical Associates and Hensley Family Health Clinic, is hosting a diabetes education series entitled "Do Well Be Well with Diabetes", to help provide people living with diabetes with quality information on self care and eating delicious, nutritious foods! You, too, can learn how to do well and be well with diabetes. There are three Saturday classes left.

Join us this Saturday morning, March 10, from 10:00 till noon, at the Santa Anna Fire Station Community Room, for lessons on Nutrition Labels and Eating Out. There will be a minimal $10.00 fee, to pay for instructional materials (one charge per family). For more information, call Debbie Hailey at the County Extension Office, at 625-4519.

Jeff and Darla are Home
3/8/2007
Jeff and Darla Tibbetts were released from the hospital Thursday and arrived home in the early afternoon. They are both doing as well as can be expected following injuries in a wreck last Friday night near Glen Cove.  It will be a long recovery for them both. "Neither of them will be able to do much of anything for a while but we thank the Good Lord for watching over all of them. Thank you again to everyone for all the thoughts, prayers and help," said Eileen Tibbetts, Jeff's mom.

Emergency Issues
3/8/2007 (By John Pearce, Emergency Management Coordinator for Coleman County)
This is Storm Awareness Week all over the state. The forecast I am seeing shows no storms for us this week but