News Archives - March 2008

Bluekatt Softball Team is State-Ranked
3/31/2008
Kudos to the Bluekatt softball team for being ranked 24th in Texas in Class 2A girl's softball in the most recent Texas Girls Coaches Association poll. The Katts are 13 and 4 on the season, 7 and 2 in district in 2nd place behind Early. Early is 5th in the state poll. 

New Future for Old Coleman High School & Graves Gym
Church Purchases the Property (contributed)
3/31/2008
The old Coleman High School and Graves Gym has been purchased by Abundant Life Church in Brownwood. At the urging of a few local church members, the church’s leadership began to pray for wisdom and began the process of attempting to purchase the property. After several weeks of research and divine help the church was able to negotiate a contract with “The Trust Company of Louisiana.” The sale was finalized March 18th, according to Rick McClure, pastor of the church.

The church has received several inquiries concerning their intended use of the facilities. Pastor Rick McClure said, “It is our fullest intentions to use the facilities in a manner that will preserve their historical significance to the community and bring glory to God. We hope to work with local non-profit organizations to benefit the community. Our role as a church in the community will be adjusted. We have been holding normal Sunday morning services. Our Sunday services will be changed to a Bible study on a weeknight. We will look into adding a support group format for those facing various challenges to be held on another weeknight. We have also discussed the possibility of working closely with the Coleman County Youth Association. Concerning the facilities, our first priority will be to get the Graves Gym functioning as soon as possible. The gym’s roof is leaking severely and we want to make every effort to save the floor before more damage is done.”

When asked about the plans for the High School, Pastor McClure replied, “Once the roof is repaired and restrooms are functioning in the gym, we will begin looking at the bigger project of the High School. Restoration will definitely require a joint effort from the community. We will be studying the needs of the community to determine the possible uses for the facility. The old auditorium possibly could be converted into a beautiful community theater for productions, conferences and concerts. Another idea that has been discussed is providing administrative offices for many of the area’s social services as the need arises. Continuing education classes would also be a possibility. It will take time to determine what the best uses will be. There is enough room to meet several needs of the community. The building structure seems to be surprisingly in good shape. However, roofing and windows will need to be replaced. The plumbing, electrical and heating and cooling will all need to be brought up to current building codes, all of which will be expensive and time consuming. In a couple of months, after we gather more information, we hope to have a town hall meeting.”

The church has set up an account with Coleman County State Bank. This account will be used for the purposes of taking care of the facility renovations and programs in Coleman. Abundant Life Church is a nondenominational church that began 1995 in Brownwood. It is a State of Texas non-profit corporation and a IRS 501(c)3 corporation. Church members primarily reside in Brown, Coleman, Comanche and Mills counties. The church offices are located in Brownwood. Inquiries can be directed to P. O. Box 932 Brownwood, TX 76804, 325-643-4738.

Sesquicentennial Antique Tractor Show A HUGE Success
3/31/2008
Thanks to everyone who brought their tractors to the show at the Expo Center Saturday. The event drew lots of out-of-towners to Coleman County. Estimated attendance was 1,200.  Here is the list of exhibitors:

George Sears – Zephyr, TX – 4 Antique Engines:  International Harvester, Waterloo,
Monitor, Fuller- Johnson Economy

Edith Dodson – Santa Anna, TX – 1970 John Deere 4020

Freddie Dodson – Santa Anna, TX – 1937 John Deere Model D

Freddie Dodson – Santa Anna, TX - 1944 John Deere Model A

Ken Greaves – Coleman, TX 1942 Farmall Model A;  1955 John Deere Model 70

Clint Day – Santa Anna, TX – 1936 RC Case

Tad Cason – Winters, TX – 1958 John Deere 730

Janet Cason – Winters, TX 1949 Oliver Standard 88

Jack Smith – Stephenville, TX – 1936 John Deere Model B; Edward Bennett – Stephenville, TX – 1947 John Deere Model M;  Edward Bennett – Stephenville, TX – 1947 McCormick Farmall Cub

Alton Crockett – Stephenville, TX 1947 John Deere Model H

Jerry Henderson – Stephenville, TX – 1957 Farmall Cub

R. L. Hargrove – Melvin, TX 1946 Farmall Cub

Norman & Gail Smith – Keren, TX – 1952 John Deere Model M

Brian Smith – Terrell, TX – 1934 Allis Chalmer

Gary Smith – Krum, TX – 1936 Farmall F-12

Bill Garrett – Santa Anna, TX – 1937 John Deere Model D

Geneva Garrett – Santa Anna, TX – 1939 John Deere Model H

Ricky Johnson – Tuscola, TX – 1969 John Deere 4020

Martin West – Kennedale, TX – 1941 Farmall B

Amanda Coyle – Fairfield, TX – 1946 Moline U

Shelby Gifford, OUR YOUNGEST EXHIBITOR (8 YEARS OLD) –Brownwood, TX – 1948 Farmall B

Ken Buris – Bangs, TX – 1939 Cletrac General

Clarence Chambers – Brownwood, TX 1952 John Deere Model B

Brent Key – Cisco, TX – 1960 John Deere 630

Sam Simmons – Moran, TX 1940 Farmall B, 1939 Farmall M, 1955 Super W-D 9

Brenda Simmons – Moran, TX – 1936 Minn-Moline JT Twin City, 1956 Farmall Cub Lo-Boy

Frank Martin – Brownwood, TX 1947 Massey Harris 44

Camp Quality Update
3/31/2008 (by Amanda Straach)
Camp Quality is a camp for kids with cancer. Orientation for camp this year is in June and Camp dates are July 13th - 18th. You will need to be 17 in order to volunteer as a companion.
It takes about $1200 cash and $1000 in-kind donated materials to send a child to camp each year. This money pays for everything needed to support that child and their family all year. Camp Quality is 100 percent free for the cancer patient and their family. We operate with the donations and volunteer hours given to Camp Quality by our sponsoring communities, volunteer organizations, and individuals all over the state of Texas.
Thank you for your support in making Camp Quality Texas such a success for children. Our motto is--Letting Kids With Cancer Be Kids Again.

Here is a list of supplies needed for this years camp:

Water goggles
Youth size life jackets
4 roll double sided tape
4 pkgs. ticky tack
4 spools fishing line (any weight)
8 white pillow cases
16 rolls duct tape (various colors)
Wide tip permanent markers (various colors)
50 Hershey chocolate bars
8 bags of marsh mellows
4 boxes of graham crackers
4 containers of baby wipes
8 large containers of clorox wipes

Go to www.tx.campqualityusa.com to download an application and reference forms.

Amanda Straach
3005 Southpark Drive
Coleman, Tx. 76834
325-625-2825

Tractor Pull Competitor Inspires
3/31/2008
To the casual observer, George Toone of Abilene is much like the other tractor pull participants. His beautiful remodeled John Deere "G" tractor shines and is obviously well taken care of. He loves to mingle with the other owners, has a smile on his face and enjoys being around the big machines.

When it comes time for George to compete, he drives onto the track, backs up to the hitch, revs up the "G" and away he goes.

The only thing that separates George from the other competitors is the fact that his wife, Amy, sits next to him on the tractor seat. You might say she is his GPS system. That's because George has been blind since birth. But he hasn't let blindness slow him down. He has found his niche in competitive tractor pulling. You won't see Amy, a nurse practitioner,  touch any of the controls, George does it all. Driving, backing and parking.  And when it comes time to add weights for the next division, George climbs down off the tractor and does it all himself.

George is an inspiration, a man who obviously loves what he does and we were proud to get to know him Saturday at the Coleman County Sesquicentennial Antique Tractor Pull.

Coleman Tractor Pull Results
March 29, 2008

Class 3600 Div. 1 Roy Carrell, Godley
3600 Div. 2 Roy Carrell, Godley
3600 Div. 3 Raymond Whitney, Valley Mills
Ernest Rylie, Corsicana
Truman Parks, Proctor
3600 Div. 4 Ernest Rylie, Corsicana
Truman Parks, Proctor

Class 4100 Div.1 Hagen Black, Cisco
Clent Bryan, Winters
Donna Phillips, Coleman
4100 Div. 2 Keith Potter, Columbus
Herman Glueck, Cisco
Brent Bryan, Winters
4100 Div. 3 Ernest Rylie, Corsicana
Truman Parks, Proctor
4100 Div. 4 Charles Gunter, Valley Mills
Ernest Rylie, Corsicana
Truman Parks, Proctor
4100 Open Truman Parks, Proctor

Class 4600 Div. 1 Kelly Blackerby, Coleman; Donna Phillips, Coleman
4600 Div. 2 Hagen Black, Cisco; Keith Potter, Columbus
4600 Div. 3 Charles Gunter, Valley Mills; Dillon Hopkins, Seminole
4600 Div. 4 Raymond Whitney, Valley Mills

Class 5100 Div. 1 Virginia Dill, Ciscol Leslie Richardson, Godley
Donna Phillips, Coleman
5100 Div. 2 Don Whitney, Clifton; Amanda Coyle, Corsicana
David Winge, Cisco
5100 Div. 3 Dillon Hopkins, Seminole; Dan Osborne, Cleburne
5100 Div. 4 Raymond Whitney, Valley Mills

Class 5600 Div. 1 Virginia Dill, Cisco; Leslie Richardson, Godley; Ben Phillips, Coleman
5600 Div.2 Amanda Coyle, Corsicana; Don Whitney, Clifton; Doug Potter, Columbus
5600 Div. 3 Dillon Hopkins, Seminole; Dan Osborne, Cleburne

Class 6100 Div.1 Virginia Dill, Cisco
6100 Div. 2 Amanda Coyle, Corsicana; Doug Potter, Columbus
David Winge, Cisco
6100 Div. 3 Mack Wood, Seminole

Class 6600 Div. 1 Stephen Phillips, Coleman; Leslie Richardson, Godley
6600 Div. 2 Doug Potter, Columbus; Janet Cason, Winters
6600 Div. 3 Mack Wood, Seminole

Class 7100 Div. 1 Beatrice Phillips, Santa Anna; Stephen Phillips, Coleman
7100 Div. 2 George Toone, Abilene
7100 Div. 3 Mack Wood, Seminole; Tad Cason, Winters

Class 7600 Div. 1 Beatrice Phillips, Santa Anna; Stephen Phillips, Coleman
7600 Div. 2 George Toone, Abilene; James Schumann, Eastland
7600 Div. 3 Leldon Wood, Brownfield; James Schumann, Eastland
James Schumann, Eastland

Class 8100 Div. 1 Brent Key, Cisco
Beatrice Phillips, Santa Anna
8100 Div. 2 James Schumann, Eastland; George Toone, Abilene
Mark Phillips, Santa Anna
8100 Div. 3 Leldon Wood, Brownfield; Burt Miller, Odessa;
James Schumann, Eastland

Class 8600 Div. 1 Mike Johnson, Coleman
8600 Div. 2 James Schumann, Eastland; Mark Phillips, Santa Anna; George Toone, Abilene
8600 Div. 3 James Schumann, Eastland; Burt Miller, Odessa
Randy Turner, Coleman on Tad Cason’s tractor

Class 9600 Div. 2 Mark Phillips, Santa Anna
9600 Open Ricky Johnson, Tuscola

Lengthy Agenda for Co. Commissioners Monday
3/30/2008
Coleman County Commissioners will meet at 9:00am Monday in the Courthouse to address the following items:

* Discuss John Pearce concerning Letter of Appointment of Donations Coordinator for Emergency Management
* Discuss purchase of computer for Emergency Management
* Resignation of Joe Hailey from Coleman County Child Welfare Board
* Resignation of Debbie Hailey from her position as County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences effective April 11
* Discuss/approve Wanda Ragsdale Cockrell report from March 24th MHMR Board Meeting
* Sheriff Wade Turner concerning personnel issues
* Sheriff Wade Turner concerning Records Management System
* Discuss/approve resolution for County Government Week 2008
* Resolution for establishing county policy regarding A Section 504 Written Citizens Grievance Procedure in relation to the ORCA Grant
* Discuss/approve resolution for Citizen Participation Plan in relation to the ORCA Grant
* Discuss/approve resolution establishing rules and regulations regarding use of excessive force during non-violent civil rights demonstrations including physical barring entrances or exits of facilities or locations which are the subjects of such demonstrations in relation to the ORCA Grant
* Discuss/approve resolution designating persons authorized to request and sign for funds under the county's Texas Community Development Program Project
* Pay bills

Santa Anna / Zephyr Plays Advance
3/28/2008
Santa Anna's One-Act Play entitled “To See the Stars” and Zephyr's  “Do not go Gentle” advance to area competition Saturday, April 5, at Santa Anna High School Auditorium.

The county students receiving honors from Novice were Megan Holmquest Honorable Mention, and Tiffany Gibbons All Star Cast.  From Santa Anna Caylie Robinett, Dillan Whitley, Shawn Robertson, Jonathan Holland, Chris Tate as Honorable Mention and Becca Fellers and LeeAnda Bennett All Star Cast.

CHS Students Compete in UIL One-Act Play Competition
3/28/2008
Coleman High School competed, along with three other schools, in the "Zone One UIL One-Act Play Competition" on Wednesday, March 26th in Coleman.

Other schools included Bangs, San Saba and Early. The CHS cast and crew members represented Coleman very well and did an outstanding job. The play was directed by Shelly Taylor.

The play was titled "Good-bye to the Clown" which tells the story of a young girl having a hard time dealing with reality, but through the help of "the clown" she learns to deal with what she must.

Members of the cast and crew include (front to back): Corey Flannagan, Peyton Schumann, Cole Hubbard, Sara Smith, Rachelle McKinnon, Stephanie Campbell, Tulissa Sturges, Stormie Mackey, Kyle Mayo, Kaitlin Whatley and Jeremy Jameson. Not present for the photo were Trixy Flores and Chip Turner.

Several cast and crew members also received special recognition. Receiving "Honorable Mention" were Sara Smith and Kyle Mayo. Receiving "Allstar Cast" was Rachelle McKinnon. Receiving "Technical Award" was Jeremy Jameson.

Our congratulations go out to all these hard working students who took time out of their busy schedules to be part of the One Act Play. Great job!!

ONCE AGAIN, HOLIDAY HILL SAYS THANK YOU
3/28/2008 (contributed)
The residents and staff of Holiday Hill Nursing Home would like to thank each and everyone for their donations of stuffed animals. We are all so thankful to live in such a great community as Coleman.

The stuffed animals are used in a number of ways. If you come to Holiday Hill you will notice there is one or more in every room for each resident. We make sure that each resident has one to put on their bed or shelf. They are used for Activity prizes such as Bingo.

Two beautiful rabbits were donated for the Easter Egg Hunt and were for the Grand Prize. We have all seen how something as simple as a "TINY" stuffed animal puts a "BIG" smile on someone's face. When one of our residents is having a bad day and may seem a little sad, we pull out the stuffed animals and 99% of the time we see a smile and many times, "HAPPY TEARS." This is the goal of the staff of Holiday Hill. We want to see how many faces we can put a smile on and how many "Happy Tears" we can bring to our residents. We could not do this without the help of you. We "THANK YOU" for the donations we have received in the past and donations we will receive in the future.

Many people who donated told us that when our supply runs low, to let them now. Rather than calling each one (because there was many) they were told we would run it via newspaper/internet. Our supply is running low so if you would like to make a donation, call Holiday Hill at 325-625-4157 and ask for Norma or Davia or call Raylene at 325-636-7850. As always, someone will be glad to pick up your donation.

Thank You and God Bless
The Residents and Staff of Holiday Hill Nursing Home.

Girl Scouts Honor Central Texas Women
3/27/2008
Thursday the Girl Scouts of Central Texas recognized seven community leaders at the annual Women of Distinction Luncheon. The 2008 Women of Distinction are Margaret Carter, Brown County; Candace Cooksey Fulton, Brown County; Jane Ellen Mayes Jamar, Brown County; Patti Clements Jordan, Brown County; Carol Spratt, Brown County; Ada Turner, Brown County; Kim E. Horne, Coleman County.

The honorees were chosen for their contributions to the community, including philanthropic, civic and professional efforts, and their ability to be role models for the Girl Scout membership, girls and adults alike. The Brownwood area luncheon is one of four events across the council’s 46-county jurisdiction that recognizes outstanding women for their accomplishments.

Approximately 160 guests attended the luncheon to support the honorees and the Girl Scouts of Central Texas. Through the luncheon more than $6,000 was raised for local Girl Scout programming. Funds raised will support Girl Scout workshops, camps, volunteer trainings, scholarships and more. For information on how you can support or join the Girl Scouts of Central Texas, visit www.gsctx.org  or contact (800) 346-3215.

The Girl Scouts of Central Texas, recently formed by combining the Bluebonnet, El Camino, Heart of Texas and Lone Star Councils, serves nearly 20,000 girls, ages 5-17 years, and more than 12,000 adult volunteers in 46 Central Texas counties. Headquartered in Austin, Girl Scouts of Central Texas has program centers in Brownwood, Killeen, San Angelo and Waco.

Local Teens / Adults Attend Dallas Battle Cry
3/26/2008 (contributed)
Teens and adult leaders from Coleman joined over 10,000 other teens in Dallas at BattleCry Re-Create 2008.

The Cross and Matthew 25 Ministries in Coleman wishes to thank the investors who helped make this life changing trip possible.

Ten leaders from this community stepped up to the challenge of taking 10 teams of teens for 2 days of intense praise and worship, plus training. Ten leaders will continue throughout this year in their own intense training of the teens of this city. These teens not only have dedicated their lives to the Lord, but making a lasting change in their friends, family and their community.

BattleCry @ The Cross will meet at 5:00pm on Saturdays at The Cross at the west end of West Liveoak Street in Coleman. The Cross is dedicated to supporting these teens and leaders to reach their dreams. One of those dreams is to take 80 leaders and teens to next year’s BattleCry!

For Photos of The Cross @ BattleCry go to http://mt25.net/Gallery/BattleCry-Dallas-2008  page=9  or www.battlecry.com.

Coleman Co. Sheriff’s Department Activity Report
Week of March 20-26 (courtesy Sheriff Wade Turner)
In addition to ongoing investigations and countywide patrols, we had 24 calls for service as follows:

1 Provided Bailiff for District Court, 1 Investigate natural gas leak, 1 Investigate suspicious vehicle in Burkett area, 1 Service of arrest warrant, 1 Unclaimed call on cattle near Colorado river, 2 Cattle on highway, 7 Service of Civil Process, 2 Traffic contacts, 1 Civil Standby regarding child custody, 1 Terroristic threat, 1 Obstruction of Highway, 1 Fight call, 1 Disposal of High Explosives, 1 Investigation of abandoned children, 1 Abandoned motor vehicle / removed by wrecker, 1 Stolen property recovery / Ballinger PD.

We are currently holding 13 inmates in the Coleman County Jail:

1 charged with 2 counts of aggravated assault, 1 charged with Crim. Trespass, Possession of Controlled Substance and Blue Warrant, 1 charged with Burglary of a Building, 1 charged with Murder and Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon, 1 charged with Burglary of a Habitation, 1 Motion to Revoke Probation (Felony), 1 charged with 3 counts of Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon, 1 charged with Burglary of Habitation and Furnishing alcohol to a minor, 1 charged with Burglary of a Building, Burglary of Habitation and Blue Warrant, 1 charged with Theft by check, 3 counts of Burglary of a Building, 1 charged with Burglary of a Habitation and Violation of Probation, 1 charged with Injury to a Child, 1 charged with Aggravated Assault and Violation of Probation.

Heroes Sign Updated on Courthouse Lawn
3/25/2008
Herma Jean Johnson tells us the updated version of the Heroes sign is up on the courthouse lawn. We have pictured both signs which now stand in honor of the brave men and women from Coleman County who serve our country.  The one on the left was updated a couple months ago and joins the original sign which is on the right. 

Donors that made the signs possible include J.E. Stevens Company, Brett Autry - Chronicle and Democrat-Voice Newspaper, Doodie and Jack Knox, First Coleman National Bank, Tommy Connelly's welding class at Coleman High made the braces and mounted the sign. "A big thanks to all these for their help as it will be a tribute to our guys and gals that give for our safety," Johnson said.

March Madness - Shooting Sports Style
3/25/2008
The Coleman 4-H Shooting Sports Team went to the March Madness Match in Austin earlier this month. Team members that went to Travis County were:  Nathan Taylor, Megan Taylor,  Kaylee Needham, (not available at picture time were) Zayne Riggins, Mason Smith and Kenzie Smith. Awards won were:

Nathan Taylor
1st Place Intermediate Muzzleloading Rifle
3rd Place Intermediate Compound Archery
4th Place Intermediate Light Rifle

Megan Taylor
1st Place Junior Air Pistol Bullseye
2nd Place Smallbore Pistol Bullseye - Open Sight
2nd Place Junior Muzzleloading Rifle

Kaylee Needham
1st Place Junior Hunter Pistol Silhouette
2nd Place Junior Air Pistol Silhouette
3rd Place Smallbore Rifle Silhouette

Zayne Riggins
3rd Place Intermediate Hunter Pistol Silhouette

Mason Smith
3rd Place Junior Air Pistol Silhouette
4th Place Junior Air Pistol Bullseye

Kenzie Smith
4th Place Junior Smallbore Rifle Silhouette

Coleman School Board Holds Reg. Monthly Meeting
3/25/2008
The Coleman School Board met Monday evening and covered the following agenda items:

* Approved renewal of contracts for current personnel
* Accepted the resignation of Kathy Turner, a junior high math teacher
* Approved the '08-09 school calendar - Classes in Coleman will begin on August 25
* Approved budget amendments and check payments
* Listened to a report from Bonnie Brown and some of her FCCLA students
* Discussed a goal setting workshop and plan to hold it after the May election
* Royce Young, superintendent, presented information on the district awards for teacher excellence. These are teacher incentive grants from the State of Texas. All Coleman campuses plan to apply for the grants.
* Playoff and practice basketball games held at the new Coleman gym resulted in revenue of $1,593 after all expenses were paid.

Pre-K Playground Is Area-Wide Effort
3/25/2008 (submitted by Sarah Beal)
The Coleman Elementary School Pre-K and Special Education developmental playground is coming together. Equipment being put into place includes: a swing set with two swings and a handicap swing, a crawl tube, a balance beam, a sand box, playground drum, a spring rider and a satellite climber. Teachers, students, parents, the Coleman ISD and community have worked hard to secure funds to build this playground that is close to the school building where there are restroom facilities nearby and students do not have to cross the parking lot to get to the playground.

Funds have been made available from the Coleman ISD, Coleman, Winters, Ballinger Special Education Cooperative, Farmers Insurance, recycling and sale of aluminum cans and old cell phones, Jennifer Short’s CHS Junior English classes, Robert Balderas, Terry and Suzie Davis (in memory of Dan Edington), Colemannews.com and a bake sale sponsored by teachers and parents. David Barnett donated the sand for the sand box.

The CISD maintenance department has worked diligently to assemble and install the equipment. We are still collecting cans and old cell phones. These can be brought to the Elementary school. We plan to keep adding to the playground as money becomes available. Thanks to all that have donated, it is very much appreciated.

Curves Goes Cruising
3/24/2008
Curves of Coleman recently sponsored, through Curves Travel, a Caribbean Cruise, which departed out of Galveston, TX on Saturday, February 23 for Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico. Traveling with Linda Hyde, owner of the local Curves, were Paula Diaz, Veronica Aaron, Peggy Boatright, and Pamela Huddle from Coleman; Trisha Randklev from Grapevine; and Edward and Tammy Diaz from Lubbock.

Highlights from the trip included a city and shopping tour in Cozumel, a sightseeing excursion to the Mayan Ruins outside Progresso; nightly Las Vegas review-type entertainment on board, as well as some fun activities like Bingo, an art auction, and water games in and around the pool area. Linda stated, “In addition to the outstanding treatment we received from the crew and staff of the Carnival Ecstasy, we were royally treated to some fantastic food selections ranging from exotic fruits, to a smorgasbord of entrees, and a wide variety of enticing desserts.” The trip included two full days at sea, one day in each port, and concluded on Thursday, February 28.

Santa Anna Raises Water Rates by Small Amount
Increase Begins on April 1
3/19/2008
According to a news release from the City of Santa Anna, at the regular meeting of the Santa Anna City Council on Monday, March 10, the following ordinance was passed - City Ordinance 031008 -
an ordinance amending ordinance no. 011408-1, establishing the rates for water service for utility customers, providing a penalty for delinquent payment of accounts, providing for discontinuance of water services for charges not paid by the 10th day after account become delinquent, providing for notice of termination of service and appeals; providing for the assessment and collection of service fee for restoration of any service discontinued due to non-payment of such accounts.

The only portion of Ordinance No. 011408-01 which was changed was Section 2:

"On and after the effective date of this Ordinance, the rates for water service provided by the City to each water meter customer shall be as follows, to wit:

For the first 2,000 gallons as a minimum charge - $32.50 per month
For each additional 1,000 gallons used - $4.50 per 1000"

This is the first increase in water rates since December 2004. Prior to that time, rates were those set in July 2001. This increase has been necessitated by an increase from the Brookesmith Special Utility District of approximately $30,000.

The rate increase will take place on April 1 and will be reflected on April bills which are due by May 15.

REVOLUTION is Coming to Chamber Banquet
3/18/2008
On April 25, 2008, performing at the Annual Coleman County Chamber of Commerce Banquet is Revolution of Abilene.  Revolution is a troupe of 11 violinists, two violists, two guitarists, one bass player, and one keyboard player between the ages of 15-18 from Abilene High and Abilene Cooper.

Revolution combines jazz, Celtic, country and every style in between for an energetic and inspiring musical experience. Upheld by a strong classical music background, this dynamic approach to music making has appealed to audiences of all ages.

In December 2006, Revolution released their first CD.

You can hear selections from their CD at www.myspace.com/revolutionstrings.  

Plan on attending the Coleman County Chamber Banquet on April 25th.

Burn Ban Lifted
3/19/2008
Due to the heavy rains which fell in Coleman County last night and this morning, Coleman County Judge Jimmie Hobbs has lifted the Burn Ban, effective immediately.

Dear Coleman County Friends
3/18/2008 (contributed)

As you know, 2008 is our county Sesquicentennial year. We held many meetings to plan events to celebrate and commemorate the 150th birthday. We all know that Coleman County is a great place to live. We planned events to include local people and to get people from other places to come and participate with us. It is our goal to use these events to spark some economic activity and unify county people. We started off the year with a Founders Day Luncheon and the County Birthday party. We have a tractor pull and antique tractor show coming up next week. Many other events are planned throughout this year. We have run ads in the newspaper about the events and have purchased promotional banners to use at these events.

All these events cost money. We have received funds from the EDC, Chamber Occupancy Tax funds, Colemannews.com, Reta Mae Gaines, Ron Owens, Kenyon Saverance and the Hospitality Committee from advertising packets. We will get some funding from the Coleman Foundation. We put out a donation jar at the birthday party and received $71. Commemorative items with the Sesquicentennial Seal may be ordered from the Chamber. Items include tissue box holders, trivets, glasses, wall plaques and coasters. The committee with assistance from the Chamber will have a concession at the Tractor Show and Pull on March 29th. Come out and eat with us and support the Sesquicentennial.

We really need your contributions. Donations are tax deductible and may be made to the Coleman County Sesquicentennial Committee at Coleman County State Bank, c/o Paul Wheat, P.O. Box 940, Coleman, TX 76834. Thanks for your support.

Sincerely,
Sarah Beal -Coleman County Sesquicentennial Steering Committee Co-Chair

Peyton Saverance to Present Awards at Dragonfly Juried Art Show
3/18/2008 (by Marian Johnson, FALCC publicity chairman)
During the 2008 Dragonfly Journeys Juried Art Show the Texas Blue Bunny Coloring Contest Awards will be presented by Peyton Saverance, current reigning Miss Texas Teen American Queen.. Peyton was crowned with this title at the National American Queen Pageant held in Daytona Beach last August. The national platform for the American Queen system is D..A.S .H. which is the “Domestic Abuse Stops Here”. The program educates young people to recognize domestic violence and unhealthy relationships.

Peyton has volunteered for the program at the Women’s Shelter of Houston while attending the University of Houston. Currently, she is a freshman in Consumer Science and Merchandising.

While at the University, Peyton has been selected Vice President of Recruitment for her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. She also won a part in the variety show, “The French Quarter”, during the upcoming Frontier Fiesta at the U of H. She will compete for the Miss Texas USA title in Laredo in June, 2008.
Peyton is the daughter of Dewayne and Luana Saverance of Coleman.

Peyton attended and graciously helped with the Juried Art Show 2007 and it is a pleasure to have her do so in the 2008 Show.

Enter the BLUE BUNNY COLORING CONTEST
3/18/2008
“Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail” ----------nope, it’s the famous Texas Blue Bunny getting ready to enter the 2008 Blue Bunny Coloring Contest sponsored by the Fine Arts League of Coleman County during the 2008 Juried Art Show.

Instruction packets with the picture ready to be colored can be picked up at the Coleman Chamber of Commerce office. Deadline for entries is April 17, so “hop” on down and pick up your packet. (K – 6th grade).

Part of the fun event on Awards Day, May 11, at the Franklin Center, will be seeing the “Bunny Exhibit” with all the contest entries. You can be one of the lucky winners of a cash prize which will be presented along with your Blue Bunny Certificate by the reigning Miss Texas Teen American Queen, Peyton Saverance. You can have your picture taken of you, Peyton and the winning Bunny Entry. Save it for the 200th birthday (2058) celebration of Coleman County!!

FOCUS ON FITNESS
3/19/2008 (by Linda Hyde)
TIME…..Webster’s doesn’t even do the word justice! We all have it, but no one seems to have enough of it. I wish I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard someone say they don’t have the time to exercise. In fact, we actually don’t NOT have the time to devote just a few minutes of our day to giving ourselves the benefit of good circulation, efficient metabolism, effective digestion, cardiovascular health, optimum lung capacity, flexible joints, and firm muscle strength. We give away our precious time to eating, sleeping, work, school, church, and a number of obligations for family and friends, not recognizing that if our health fails, we will also fail to meet those obligations and more.

With that in mind, I’d like to suggest “Walk Across Texas” as a great opportunity to increase your physical activity for a few weeks and maybe create a new habit for your well-being. This is also an opportunity to participate in a community effort, make some new friends, and encourage your current friends to strive for a healthier future, too.

Curves will be participating with our club teams, and we would be happy to include anyone else who wants to join in the fun. There is no financial obligation, just a commitment to increase your physical activity for eight weeks beginning March 20.

For more information about our teams, call 325-625-4968; or you can contact the County Extension office at 325-625-4519

Rainfall Reports
3/18/2008
* Hords Creek Lake - 3.00
* Colemannews.com - 2.75
* Glen Cove - 2.62 at Linda and Wayne Wright's
* Santa Anna - 1.65 at Tex Wright's
* Santa Anna - 1.25 last night, courtesy Sherita Tabner

Johnson Implement Co. to Sponsor Antique Tractor Show March 29th
3/15/2008
In the spirit of the Sesquicentennial, Johnson Implement Company is sponsoring an Antique Tractor Show. The show is Saturday, March 29th beginning at 10 a.m. and will be held inside the new Expo Center. This show will include tractors of all makes and models. We invite everyone to come out and see the tremendous changes that have evolved in farm machinery through the years.

Anyone wishing to bring a restored tractor should call Margie or Gwen at 325-625-2126.

An antique tractor pull, sponsored by the Coleman County Sesquicentennial Committee, will also be going on at the Rodeo grounds that day.

For information on that event you may call Keith Phillips 325-625-2318, Tad or Janet Cason 325-754-5205 evenings or Janet’s cell 325-977-1113 during the day. 

Gouldbusk Homemakers Club Meets
3/15/2008 (submitted by Lynn Corbett)
The Gouldbusk Homemakers Club met March 13th at the home of Cecil and Pat Vance. Present were Lynn Corbett, Geneva Garrett, Geneva Harris, Wanda Jewell, Dean Lanier, Virginia Jamison, Danella McBrayer, Pat Pool, Sue Ragsdale, Vicki Stewart, Pat Vance, Mona Wilson, Deborah Yates, Debbie Hailey, county extension agent. Also present were two guests: Rheta Smith and Sarah Tisdale.

Jean Langford from the Good Neighbor Club was present to give us our program. As always our meeting opened with our creed, prayer and pledges to the flags. During roll call each person there either told an interesting fact or their favorite season. Following a short business meeting we had a program by Jean Langford entitled "After 72 hours - what?
Discussing what we should be prepared with for an emergency situation that extends past 72 hours. It was very interesting and a lot of good information was given out. Following the program we enjoyed some really wonderful refreshments provided by Pat.

It's always good to get together and socialize with people we see infrequently. We would love to have anyone who would like to join us come to our meetings. Next months meeting will be held at the home of Dean and O.G. Lanier and the program will be "Nip Clutter in the Bud". If that sounds good to you come on over, we'd love to have you!

Susan Mansell to Present Program
3/15/2008 (by Marian Johnson)
Theda Rhea, Program Chair, The Fine Arts League of Coleman, is pleased to announce that guest artist, Susan Mansell of Ballinger, will present the program for the March meeting at the Coleman County State Bank Club Room (due to remodeling at the FCNB) Thur. March 20, 6 pm.

Susan, a fourth generation Texan, studied art at Southwest Texas and Angelo State University and took up watercolor in the mid-90’s. Her main emphasis is on transparent watercolor.  Mansell’s work has been shown in numerous national and regional shows such as the National Watercolor Society, Transparent Watercolor Society of America, Watercolor West, Texas Watercolor Society, Southwestern Watercolor Society, Western Federation of Watercolor Societies and many more. From 2000-2008, she has won over 30 awards.   Her work is included in private collections, corporate offices, Splash 9, Watercolor Secrets, and in the upcoming Splash 10.

Refreshments will be served. Members and guests are encouraged to come see Susan do her “magic” with watercolor.

Consider Donating Blood In Memory of Someone You Love
3/14/2008 by Melissa Elaine Wisener-Farr

Last year, I experienced the worst wedding anniversary that I could possibly imagine. My husband and I spent the day with my family at the funeral home making preparations for my grandma’s funeral service, which was to be held the following day, St. Patrick’s Day. I knew that as a Christian this event was meant to celebrate her life and the short time we shared with her. I knew she was finally able to meet God face to face and join her parents, siblings, and friends as well as her beloved pets. I also knew she was happier than the rest of us. However, I am a very selfish and greedy human being and I could only think about the sorrow and pain I felt at the loss of the grandma I so dearly loved.

My heart felt heavy and it physically ached. I still cry each time I enter Coleman from San Angelo, as I am forced to drive by the Coleman Health Care Center on Commercial Avenue. I stare through blinding tears at the window of room 404 where the hummingbird feeder used to decorate and mark her residence. When I finally arrive at Grandma’s old house, it is full of memories and I see her face everywhere. I long to reach out and hug her.

Throughout the year, God has instructed me by providing many signs as to what He would like for me to do. At the time of Grandma’s death, I was lucky enough to be a part of the 24th Leadership San Angelo program. I had made a new friend, Linda Grace. Linda is a beautiful person both inside and out. I looked at Linda and saw a beautiful heart. Linda is the Donor Recruitment Supervisor for the local United Blood Services office. I know it is no coincidence that she was in my life at that time to educate our group about the importance of the blood supply and how it gives life. It is also no coincidence that the heart is defined as the vital or essential part of something…the life. Blood can also be defined much the same way. Grandma received a blood transfusion in January, which prolonged her life by three months. I saw the sign that God had placed before me.

On February 1, 2008 an article appeared in the San Angelo Standard-Times written by a former coworker and personal friend who is in Djibouti, Africa serving our country. Darcy provided the article as a plea to local citizens to consider donating blood in her place, as she will be unable to donate for one to three years as a result of the risk of Malaria and other diseases. “Okay, God,” I thought. I keep feeling this nudge to go donate blood.

Maybe it is because I have learned to keep Grandma’s memory alive and feel her presence by enjoying the lives of those she left behind. I see Grandma in my mom, sister, aunt, and even myself. Her blood is in my cousins, niece, and nephew. I can celebrate her life and keep her with me by cherishing every moment with my family. It is by isolation, pain, and sorrow that I sell myself short. In honor and memory of my most precious Grandma, I am going to give life to others on March 14th. Instead of drowning in my own self pity, I am going to remember how someone else’s blood prolonged her stay so we could be with her just a little longer.

I do not know why I think I am too busy or may not be healthy enough to perform this simple act of love. I have no answer as to why God placed very special people in my life to carry the signs I refused to act upon. Could it be because I am still a selfish and greedy human being? I believe God is working on me because I will be at the United Blood Services on the anniversary of Grandma’s death. In fact, I will be there not only for the first year, but each year after that. Maybe something good will come to someone else as a result of our loss and my change of heart. I certainly want to be a part of that!

Written by Mrs. Melissa E. Wisener-Farr of San Angelo, Texas, in memory of her grandma, Ruth Elaine Gillespie Brooks of Coleman, Texas.

Burleson Man Wins Hunting Raffle
3/13/2008
After three months of the CHS Junior parents offering chances to win a $2,000 hunting package and after 340 plus tickets were sold, the lucky winner was drawn on Friday evening. Mike Cunningham of Burleson, Texas won the CHS Junior Parents' spectacular "Hunting Package Raffle". While contacting Mike via phone, he and his wife told us that they never win anything. Mike also couldn't believe that he had won the entire $2,000 package. He loves to hunt!

To make this story even better, Mike has some very close ties to Coleman County. He is the son-in-law of Henry and Margie Dodson. Margie was the one who put Mike's name on the winning ticket after she had purchased five tickets from Beverly Casselberry, a junior parent. Also, it just happens that Mike has a birthday this month. We are now wondering how Margie is going to top this birthday gift for Mike next year? Congratulations, Mike!!

A very sincere "thank you" to all of the local merchants who donated to the package, to everyone who purchased a ticket, to Shoppin Baskit and J.E. Stevens for allowing the junior parents to sell tickets at your business and to all the junior parents who took time out of your busy schedules to sell your portion of the raffle tickets. Thank you to all of you!

Pictured in the photo is Beverly Casselberry (right), presenting the hunting package to Margie Dodson.

Walk Across Texas! Time Again
Kickoff is March 20th
By Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS
3/13/2008
It’s time to get out those walking shoes and get back into shape, again! Actually, I have already seen many of you out there walking and exercising. Spring is a wonderful time to stretch those muscles, tone up, and slim down. Walk Across Texas! will begin soon, as we have a big Kickoff on Thursday, March 20 at the courthouse at 6:00 p.m. Come and find out just what to do to walk your way across Texas. Then we will plan to walk around the courthouse parking area 5 times to make our first mile. If you can’t make it to the Kick Off, you can still be on a team. Walk Across Texas will actually begin on Sunday, March 23, but the mile walked at the Kick-off is a bonus mile.

Walk Across Texas! Is a fun and flexible way to exercise. Just get on a team with seven other people – friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family member- and start walking, or jogging or even biking. You can walk together or individually, outside or on a treadmill or stationery bicycle, any way that fits your schedule and lifestyle. You keep track of your miles, to see if you and your teammates can walk the 800 miles “across Texas” in 8 weeks.


Report your totals to your team captain and see how your team measures up! By the end of the 8-week Walk Across Texas! Program, you’ll have a healthy habit that will last a lifetime. Then we will celebrate with a picnic at the park.

Some of the benefits of Walk Across Texas! Include fitness, cardiovascular health, weight control, prevention of disease, stress reduction, quality time spent with friends and family, fun! And there is no charge for walking or participating in Walk Across Texas!

Last year, we had 17 teams and walked a grand total of 18,756 miles. That’s more than 23 times across Texas. Let’s see if we can beat that this year!

Many of you have already been walking for some time. You can still join a team and count the miles you walk, ride or jog. We have several teams already eager to compete.

For more information, call Debbie Hailey or Luther Dunlap at the County Extension Office at 325-625-4519, or look up Walk Across Texas! on the internet at www.walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu.  

Coleman ISD GT Program Accepting Nominations
3/13/2008
The gifted and talented program of Coleman ISD is accepting parent nominations. Parents of 1st through 11th grade students who think their child might benefit from such a program are invited to nominate him or her.

A student that qualifies for this program may possess a number of the following traits:

* Reads at an early age and has advanced understanding
* Reads widely and intensively in areas of special interest
* Is highly curious
* Displays creativeness and inventiveness
* Appears to have remarkable ability in an academic area

Identification for entrance into the program will be based on a number of criteria with the selection being made by a committee of educators. Nomination does not necessarily mean acceptance into the program; however, it will initiate the identification process.

This program will require extra time and work on the part of the student involved, but most often produces a positive result.

Children already in the program need not be nominated as they will automatically remain in the program until exited.

Forms for nomination may be obtained from the elementary, junior high or high school office. Nominations should be returned by Friday, March 28, 2008.

TWU Released Dean's List for Fall 2007
3/13/2008
Amy Simmons was placed on the dean's list for the fall semester of 2007 at Texas Woman's University of Denton, Texas. Undergraduate students who complete at least 12 graded credit hours and achieve the minimum grade point average as determined by their particular college or school are eligible for the dean's list. Amy is the daughter of Jerry and Brenda Simmons of Coleman.

Want to Volunteer for your Community?
3/12/2008
The Coleman County Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring the concession for the Tractor Pull and Antique Tractor Show on March 29, 2008. At this time the Chamber is seeking volunteers to help assist in the concession. We need four people in each shift. Contact the Chamber at 325-625-2163 for available times. We also need two people to help cook the hamburgers in shifts.

Coleman County Sheriff’s Department Report
Week of March 5 – March 12 (courtesy Sheriff Wade Turner)
In addition to routine countywide patrols and ongoing investigations, we had 30 calls for service.

1 Follow up investigation on mailbox theft; 1 Suspicious person; 2 Traffic Violations; 5 Assistance on Traffic Accidents ( ice conditions); 6 Service of Civil Citations and Process; 1 Intoxicated Driver; 1 Polygraph Examination on theft case; 6 Traffic Contacts; 1 Investigation of Civil complaint; 1 Dog killing livestock; 1 Criminal arrest; 2 Assist Department of Public Safety; 1 On Star assistance call; 1 Investigation of Burglar Alarm.

We are currently holding 13 inmates in the Coleman County Jail for the following:
1 Charged with 2 counts of aggravated assault; 1 Charged with Possession of Controlled substance and Blue Warrant; 1 Charged with Burglary of a Building; 1 Serving Misdemeanor Sentence; 1 Charged with Murder and Aggravated Assault with deadly weapon; 1 Charged with Burglary of Habitation; 1 Charged with Motion to Revoke Probation; 1 Charged with Aggravated Assault with deadly weapon, 2 counts; 1 Charged with Possession of Controlled substance; 1 Charged with Burglary of Building and Burglary of a Habitation; 1Charged with Theft by Check and Burglary of a Building; 1 Charged with Theft by Check and Brown County Warrant; 1 Serving sentence on Assault / Family Violence.

Santa Anna City Council Race Attracts Seven
3/11/2008
By the 5:00pm deadline Monday, March 10, seven people had filed for Santa Anna City Council. They are incumbents Nancy Wylie and John Morris along with Terry Lishka, Marie Silvis, Terrilyn Taylor, Richard Horner and Shannon Enriquez.

A drawing to determine the order in which the names of the candidates are to be printed on the ballot will be held at 10:00am Monday, March 17, at Santa Anna City Hall, 709 Wallis Avenue.

Coleman Co. Democrats Turn Out for Precinct Conventions
3/12/2008
It has been a week since the March Primary in Texas. Thanks to a hotly contested Democratic presidential primary, Coleman County Democrats turned out in large numbers to experience Precinct Conventions for the first time in over 15 years.

A total of 97 Democrats met at Ralph Terry Studio to convene in four separate Precinct Conventions. For the first time in a long time, the Texas primary mattered to the presidential nomination process.

For all but a handful of the 97 signing in, it was their first time to attend a precinct convention, part of what is called the "Texas Two-Step." First, these Democrats cast their vote in the primary, and then they came to their precinct convention to select delegates for the county convention, which will be held on March 29.

The Democrats snacked on chips and dips provided by Party stalwarts as they waited in line to sign in and declare their Presidential preference for Clinton or Obama. One of those stalwarts, Judia Terry, wandered around welcoming new faces. “I just can’t believe this turnout!” she kept saying, over and over.

Precinct 2 Convention Permanent Chair Judy Meister stated the economy and health care as her reasons for coming to stand up for Clinton, while Precinct 3 Temporary Chair Bruce Pittard cited Iraq as his reason for championing Obama.

Clinton backer Baker Rudolph shouted over the hubbub to the group, “I’ve got plenty of Hillary yard signs! You’re gonna want one of these tomorrow!” And from the results of the turnout, Rudolph may be right. While Clinton narrowly took Texas 51% to 48%, she fared much better at the Coleman County Precinct Conventions. Clinton took 73% of the Convention-goers in Coleman County to Obama’s 27%.

Each Primary Convention selected delegates to the County Convention to be held on March 29. Each also considered resolutions to be offered there to be sent to the State Democratic Convention in June. A united and invigorated group of Coleman County Democrats looked eagerly toward the November General Election.

CALL FOR CURRENT MILITARY AND MILITARY VETERANS
3/12/2008
The Day of Honor for Military is on 24th of May. This will be a special day, complete with a parade and afternoon gathering at the Bill Franklin Community Center.

Veterans of all military service -- if you participated in domestic or foreign stand-offs, stare-downs, conflicts, secret actions or were just “at the ready” during any decade of the past--THIS IS YOUR DAY of recognition. Do it for your fellow-citizens. We all need to take time to learn about our heritage—we can’t do it without you who participated in history, telling us first-hand about the commitment and sacrifice of you and your brothers and sisters in uniform!

Any current or former military personnel, or family members of these men and women, contact Herma Jean Johnson, 625-2340, Clyde Saverance, 625-4040, or call the Chamber of Commerce, Coleman, 625-2163 to find out what we plan to do and how you can be of help. Bring your experiences and any other memorabilia you care to share!

Two File for Place 1, North Ward Council Position
Now a Three Person Race
3/11/2008
Billy Griffin filed for Place 1 North Ward Council position Monday. Tracy Rankin, Program Technician for the FSA, also filed for Place 1, North Ward Council position.  Previously, Ike Ratliff filed for the position.  Monday was the final day to file.

Race for Place 2 on Coleman School Board
3/10/2008
Mark Martinez has filed for Place 2 of the Coleman School Board.  He will oppose Jesse Mills, Jr.

Race for Place 1 on Coleman School Board
3/10/2008
A race developed Monday morning for Place 1 on the Coleman School Board. Adel Hunter filed for Place 1, opposing incumbent Jody Payne.

Monday Morning Update on Santa Anna City Council Filings
3/10/2008
As of 10:00 Monday morning, the following have filed for Santa Anna City Council:

Terry Lishka, Marie Silvis, Terrilyn Taylor, Richard Horner and Shannon Enriquez.  Monday was the final day to file.

Coleman Fine Arts League Member in Regional Juried Exhibit
3/10/2008 (Marian Johnson, Falcc Publicity)
The work of Art League member, Sher Dunaway, was recently accepted into the AVAA (Arlington Visual Arts Association). The 32nd Regional Juried Exhibit is held at the Bob Duncan Center at Vandergriff Park in Arlington. Her entries which were accepted were “Mission Door” (Photography) and “La Santo Cruzes” (Mixed Media).

Sher’s photography, “Mission Door” and “ Oh Bull” were accepted into the 16th Annual Fall American Photography Exhibition 2007-2008 at the Hubbard Museum of the American West, Ruidoso Downs, NM.

New Filing for Hospital Board
3/10/2008
Colemannews.com has learned that Ernie Yates has filed for a place on the Coleman County Medical Center Board of Directors.

Short Agenda, Short Meeting
3/10/2008
Coleman County Commissioners had very little business on their agenda Monday morning. After approving minutes from their last meeting, they approved advertising for proposals for property insurance and paid bills.

Monday Was Last Day to File for Public Office
3/10/2008
If you want to run for a City Council, School Board or Hospital Board, today is the final day for you to file for office. Here are the names of those who have filed:

Coleman City Council
West Ward Council - Harold Skelton
South Ward Council - John Plummer (Incumbent), Scotty Olinger and Paul Kugle
North Ward Council - Ike Ratliff, Billy Griffin and Tracy Rankin

Coleman County Medical Center Board
Virginia Jamison, Gene Christian, Ken Gifford (all Incumbents) have filed. The other incumbent, Charlotte Johns, had not filed at last report.  Ernie Yates filed Monday morning.

Coleman School Board
Place 1 - Incumbent Jody Payne and Adel Hunter
Place 2 - Jesse Mills, Jr. and Mark Martinez
Place 3.- Incumbent John Casey

Santa Anna School Board -
Incumbents Janice Fellers and Roddy Dean have filed.

Santa Anna City Council
Terry Lishka and Marie Silvis have filed along with Terrilyn Taylor, Richard Horner and Shannon Enriquez.
Incumbents Tom Bell, Nancy Wiley and John Morris had not filed at last report.

County Students Honored by DAR
3/8/2008
The Captain William Buckner Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will honor students from each county school today (Saturday) with the Good Citizen awards. The event will be held at 2:00pm in the club room of Coleman County State Bank. Those honored include:

Cera Marie Suggs of Panther Creek, daughter of Rosie Suggs of Gouldbusk.

Cera has played basketball four years in high school, serving as Captain her junior and senior years. She has been an A honor roll student all four years, in yearbook all four years and participated in a host of other school academic and athletic events. She will attend Tarleton State University to earn a B.A. degree in elementary education.

Sierra Herrod of Santa Anna High, daughter of Wendy Herrod of Santa Anna.

She has been a member of the SAHS National Honor Society her junior and senior years, Miss SAHS her junior year, band, athletics, student council and UIL academic participant throughout high school.

Kyla Hall of Novice High School, daughter of Kathleen Tiner and Brian Tiner of Goldsboro.

Kyla has been involved in cheerleading, annual staff, tennis, track, one-act play and received the Who's Who in English award this year. She has also volunteered at the food bank and reading program for elementary students.

Kasondra Bouldin of Coleman High School, daughter of Sonny and Sandra Bouldin and Bill and Krisa Paul of Coleman.

She currently serves as National Honor Society president, was Rotary Girl for October, has been voted Most Likely to Succeed her senior year, has participated in UIL throughout high school and has been accepted to Texas Tech and will major in math.

Bluekatts Receive All-District Honorable Mention in Basketball
3/7/2008
The following members of the Bluekatt girls basketball team were named to the Honorable Mention team of District 6AA.
Sarah Lofton, Jessica Morales, Carissa Zarate, Jacy Payne, Nicole Heath.

City Council Has Lengthy Meeting
3/7/2008
It didn't take long, a little over 20 minutes, for the Coleman City Council to cover items of business on the agenda Thursday evening, yet the meeting lasted over 3 hours.

The Council spent three hours in closed session for the purpose of the annual evaluation of the City Manager's job performance. Upon returning to open session, the Council announced no action would be taken. In other business:

* Authorized the Mayor to sign a resolution allowing the City to temporarily close Highway 153 for the Rodeo Parade
* Authorized the City Secretary to request bids for the annual audit and a three month audit for July-September '08
* Authorized the City Secretary to request bids for the sale of scrap metal at Lake Coleman
* Authorized the Mayor to sign a resolution allowing city employees to participate in a Cafeteria Plan including a dependent care flexible spending account and health flexible spending account effective May 1, 2008
* Approved a lease purchase and buy-back options on a Cat motor grader

More to Llamas Than Guarding Goats
3/6/2008 (contributed)
Last weekend at the San Angelo Stock Show, the 11th Annual San Angelo Open Llama Show took place. With well over 100 llama entries, this was quite an event showcasing llamas from all around Texas and the neighboring state of Oklahoma. Margaret Schulze of Rockwood has been superintendent of this show since its inception in1997.

The youth classes in the show are always a special highlight – no wild and crazy llamas here! One youth exhibitor, Krystal Jackson (age 16) of Frost, TX, and a member of the Navarro County Show Team, had just come from the San Antonio Stock Show where she won a $6,000 scholarship showing her llama, Princess M&M. On the other end of the spectrum, one outstanding showman was four year old Peyton Stewart of Combine, TX, who showed Bardo, a 13 year-old intact male llama.  These youth are excellent examples of the partnership between animal and handler. Llamas are very intelligent animals and worthy of greater respect in the animal world! Opportunities are available for our youth to form special bonds with an animal that can last a lifetime! The major stock shows in Texas all provide llama shows and opportunities for our youth to be involved. At the show in San Angelo this year, a special award and scholarship was presented in memory of a llama which had “partnered” with a young man for a number of years, resulting in numerous scholarships which are helping this young man with his education (he is now a 3rd year student at Texas A&M with hopes to attend veterinary school).

A special “Coleman County” thank you to one of our own – Brittni McMillan is now the Livestock Director of the San Angelo Stock Show and she is doing a fantastic job! Thank you, Coleman County, for supporting the very important advantage of our young people working with and showing livestock!

Mark Your Calendar for the Coleman PRCA Rodeo
June 19-21 - 2008 Sesquicentennial Edition
3/6/2008
As Coleman County celebrates its 150th birthday this summer, the annual Coleman PRCA rodeo on June 19, 20 and 21st will be a major event.

This year will mark the return of announcer Mike Mathis (left) along with some of the PRCA’s finest personnel.

A professional announcer for twenty-six years Mike has had the opportunity to be heard at all of the PRCA’s top events. Most recently he announced the National Steer Roping Finals as well as celebrated his 17th year at the Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo.

Joining Mike will be entertainer Rudy Burns. No newcomer to rodeo, Burns has been entertaining crowds for thirty-six years. Rudy has served as the WNFR Barrelman as well as won Coors Man in-the-Can twice and has been runner-up twice. His “squirrel treeing” dog is always a crowd favorite.

Safety is a common concern for contestants and this year is no different, serving as their protectors will be bullfighters Clay Collins and Kenny Bergeron along with Pick-Up Men Jason Bottoms and Stace Smith. Clay, a ten year veteran of the PRCA, has most recently served as bullfighter at the 2007 WNFR as well as some of the largest PRCA rodeos including San Antonio, TX and Houston, TX. Kenny is an eight year veteran who began in the Southeastern Circuit and who has also been at some of the largest events including Ogden, UT.

Pick-up man Jason Bottoms, a Texas native, had the opportunity to work the 2005 & 2007 WNFR and continues to be one of the most sought after individuals. Most recently, he has been seen on the Outdoor Channel at rodeos such as Jackson, MS. Joining Jason is the four-time Stock Contractor of the Year, Stace Smith.

Rodeo action begins on Thursday, June 19th @ 8:00pm and continues into Friday, June 20th @ 8:00pm through Saturday June 21st @ 8:00pm. This is a rare opportunity to see some of the elite in the industry perform. You do not want to miss it.

MOVED TO APRIL!
3/6/2008
The announced Mar 28 PECAN STREET MARKET and JAMBOREE will be moved to April. We just didn’t feel comfortable about the weather prospects for this first-ever street market and music day! April may not be a better gamble, but we can now look at combining this with the Humane Society’s County-wide Garage Sale Weekend, April 11 and 12. More to come.
Tip of the Day: Write up your 150 calendars in pencil, keep your erasers handy!

THE FINE PRINT - WHAT THE 150 COMMITTEE LEARNED IN FEBRUARY
by Clyde Saverance

1) IT DOESN’T TAKE MANY COLEMAN COUNTY CITIZENS TO CREATE A GREAT EVENT AND A GREAT AMOUNT OF MEMORABLE FUN! It was work, but those who put forth their time, money, and energy to produce the February inaugural events are proud of the quality and thoroughness we achieved. Greatly appreciate the compliments of those who attended!

2) A 75% SUCCESS RATE CAN BE A GOOD THING! We did not achieve all we set out to, but we hit somewhere between 75-80% of all the things on our lists. Given the pressure we self-inflict to make the events of 2008 excellent, add the overwhelming positive response, that is not a bad result!

3) THIS HAS REALLY NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE. According to many folks who have been here all their lives, this “year-long” celebration idea is unprecedented.

Cool! Maybe that is why so many of us haven’t a clue what to do and how to do it! Leaders are needed! This isn’t a clique or club! THE COMMUNITY is our resource, COMMUNITY is our goal.

Come around, we'll show you what we’re learning! Thinking about ways to develop an active, thriving community? Call with your suggestions and your ideas for how you can help. (To get messages to the 150 Committee, call the Chamber of Commerce, Coleman, 625-2163) ...’Til Then!

Local Couple Fishes Bass Champs Tournament Trail
3/5/2008
Rob and Kari Schuppenhauer operate a residential appraisal business, Big Country Appraisals, based in Coleman. That's their day job. Their weekend fun often involves a lake and what lurks under the water, hopefully a very large bass.

Rob and Kari are fishing this season in the Bass Champs Texas Tournament Trail - North Division. The Bass Champs TV show now airs nationally on the Outdoor Channel and Rowdy HD.

The first tournament Rob and Kari fished this season was on Cedar Creek Lake near Corsicana. While they found several small fish, they needed larger ones to weigh in.  The next big tournament is coming up this Saturday, March 8th, as they fish Lake Tawakoni.

The Schuppenhauer's have several local sponsors including: Colemannews.com, Saverance Paint and Body, Countywide Insurance, Drew Hubbard Insurance, Texas Tree Whackers, Cooper Supply, O'Reilly's and Dairy Queen.

You can learn more about Bass Champs by checking our their website - www.basschamps.com/basschamps/.

Story on the Crosses at FUMC in Coleman
3/6/2008
Have you seen the three crosses set up at First United Methodist Church at 500 W. Liveoak in Coleman?

The Wednesday Night God Squad (WiNGS) elementary age children’s group from First United Methodist Church built the large cross standing in the middle.

Members of the group are Mark Loyd, Jessi Loyd, Kelly Loyd, Carl Bridenstine, Dusty Bridenstine and Colby Brown.

Each child drove a nail into the crossbar of the large cross under the supervision of Leslie Cross. Boards for the cross were provided by Don Bridenstine.

Since 1999, several of the crosses which have stood on the church lawn at Easter have been built by the children and youth of the church as part of the study of Jesus and his death and resurrection.

On Sunday, February 24th, members of the Youth Group and several adults helped to stand the crosses on the lawn of the church. Members of the Youth Group helping to stand the crosses were
JR Bruce, Kelly Loyd, Lane Watson, Jessi Loyd, Michael Watson, Mark Loyd.

Come by and see the crosses and watch them change over the weeks between now and Easter Sunday.

February Statistics Reported by Coleman Police
3/6/2008 (courtesy Jay Moses, Coleman Chief of Police)

Offenses
Theft-2, Burglaries-3, Death Inquest-1, Assault Family Violence-1, Aggravated Assault-1, Criminal Mischief-6, Driving While Intoxicated-1, Sexual Assault-1, Disorderly Conduct-1, Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle-1, Terroristic Threat-1, Forgeries-2, Violation of Protective Order-1.

Arrests
Warrants-31, Public Intoxication-2, Assault Family Violence-1, Disorderly Conduct-2, Possession of Marijuana-5, Driving Under the Influence-1, No Driver License-1, Making Alcohol Available to Minor-1.

Motor Vehicle Accidents
With Injuries-3, No Injuries-9.

Tickets Issued
Environmental/Code Enforcement: 5 tickets issued with 5 charges filed
School Resource Officer: 20 tickets issued with 20 charges filed
Police Department: 59 tickets issued with 73 charges filed

Animal Control
Calls for Service-93, Dogs Picked Up-26, Cats Picked Up-6, Other Animals Picked Up- 4 Skunks, Dead Animals Removed from Roadway or Residence-19.

Gouldbusk Homemakers Meet
3/6/2008 (submitted by Lynn Corbett)
The Gouldbusk Homemakers Club met at the home of David and Vicki Stewart on February 14th. Those present were: Lynn Corbett, Geneva Harris, Wanda Jewell, Dean Lanier, Virginia Jamison, Danella McBrayer, Berva Dawn Taylor, Mona Wilson, Deborah Yates, Vicki Stewart, Pat Vance and Debbie Hailey, our county extension agent.

We started with Virginia reading some quotations on love. Mona led us in our creed, prayer and pledges to the flags. During roll call everyone told the group what their favorite vegetable was. There was a wide variety of responses. Lynn Corbett gave a report on the cookbook committees progress and asked all the ladies present to chose which cover design they would prefer. A cover was duly chosen. Virginia gave the council report. Virginia asked all who were available to come and help with the set-up for the friends of the library book sale that would be taking place on February 29th through March 1st.

It was decided that our meetings will be changed to 1pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month. We broke for refreshments provided by Vicki. As you may have noticed, I am no longer putting a recipe at the end of the article, this is in part due to the fact we will be compiling a cookbook with all the fantastic recipes our great cooks are so good at and we are hoping many of you in the community will want to buy a copy. I hope you don't mind. After everyone had their refreshments Debbie Hailey gave us a program entitled "Think your Drink - Nutrient Density" showing just how much sugar is in some of the things we drink, as well as sodium and sometimes even healthy ingredients. The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 pm.

Our next meeting will be at 1:00pm on Thursday March 13th at the home of Pat Vance. If you would like to attend, we would love to have you hear a program given by Jean Langford entitled "After 72 hours - What?"

Eight Suspects in Local Theft Case
3/5/2008
On Monday, March 3, the Coleman Police Department received a report from a subject that their house had real estates signs placed in the front yard. The subject also stated that their house had been wrapped with toilet paper and that other things had been done to the house. Les Cogdill, police detective, said real estate companies also contacted the Coleman Police Department and reported that they had several signs missing from several homes that were on the market.

The Coleman Police Department was able to identify eight suspects in this case. All eight suspects will be filed on for theft.

According to Cogdill, the Coleman Police Department would like to remind you it is a crime to take real estate signs or any other items that do not belong to you. "If you are caught stealing anything, you will be filed on. The Coleman Police Department takes all crimes seriously and they work all cases, no matter who the victim is or who the suspects are," Cogdill stated.

City of Coleman Receives $5.9 Million Loan for Water System Improvements
3/5/2008
AUSTIN - The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has approved financial assistance to the City of Coleman in the amount of $5,910,000 consisting of a $5,025,000 loan and $885,000 in loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund -- Disadvantaged Communities Program, to finance water system improvements, utilizing the pre-design commitment option.

At this time, in order to address physical deficiencies pertaining to low pressure and water loss, the City will utilize the loan proceeds to construct a new 44,500 linear foot 16-inch diameter water supply line to replace the existing 60-year-old line which is highly deteriorated. This supply line will also require the construction of a new pump station and surge tower. In addition, 23,100 linear feet of 8 and 12-inch line will be constructed within the distribution system to replace the existing deteriorated lines that produce additional water losses and frequent pressure losses below 20 pounds per square inch.

The City currently serves more than 4,600 water connections, including the 2,015 connections for the Coleman County Special Utility District with a 2000 Census population of 5,127.

The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional planning and preparing the State Water Plan for the development of the state’s water resources, and administering cost-effective financial programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control and agricultural water conservation projects.

ELECTION RESULTS

Turner Wins Sheriff's Race
3/5/2008
Incumbent Coleman County Sheriff Wade Turner, running in the Republican Primary, defeated challenger Steve Vail 1,315 (72%) to 497 (27%).  Turner will not have a Democratic opponent in November.

Hemphill Wins D.A. Race
3/5/2008
The current Coleman County Attorney, Heath Hemphill, defeated incumbent District Attorney Joe Lee Rose in the Republican Primary. Hemphill won't have a Democratic opponent in November. Hemphill received 1,050 (58%) votes to 756 (41%) for Rose. 

Barker Beats Puckett, Will Face Stephenson in the Fall
3/5/2008
In the Republican Primary race for County Commissioner Precinct 3, incumbent Mike Barker beat John Puckett. Barker received 246 (59%) votes to Puckett's 171 (41%). Running alone in the Democratic Primary for Pct. 3 Commissioner was Mike Stephenson who received 129 votes. He and Barker will square off in November.

Williams / Allen Win in Precinct One Race
3/5/2008
Mark Williams and James Allen will face each other in the race for Precinct 1 County Commissioner in November.

In the Republican Primary on Tuesday, Williams received 254 (63%) votes to Don Allen's 150 (37%).
In the Democratic Primary, James Allen received 109 (63%) votes to 62 (36%) for Terry G. Fortune.

Mendoza / Phillips to Meet in November
3/5/2008
It was a foregone conclusion since neither candidate was opposed in the Primary that Stacey Mendoza on the Republican ticket and Priscilla Phillips on the Democratic ticket will run for the office of Coleman County Clerk in November. In the Primary Tuesday, Mendoza received 1,510 votes while Phillips received 493 votes.

Trammell / Watson Were Unopposed
3/5/2008
Jamie Trammell ran unopposed in the Democratic Primary for the job of Coleman County Tax Assessor-Collector, a position she currently holds. She received 589 votes.
Joe D. Watson was unopposed for County Constable and received 1,524 votes in the Republican Primary.

Coleman County Chose McCain and Clinton
3/5/2008
When it came to Presidential politics, Coleman County Republicans followed suit with the rest of the nation and gave John McCain approval, 956 (54%) of the total county. Mike Huckabee did well, too, with 645 (36%) of the votes. Even though they dropped out of the race earlier, Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney received 4% of the vote.

In the race for the White House in the Democratic Primary, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton received 503 (71%) of Coleman County votes while Senator Barack Obama received 164 (23%). Though out of the race, John Edwards, Bill Richardson, Joe Biden and Christopher Dodd also received votes totaling a little over 5%.

Coleman County Votes Cornyn / Noriega for U.S. Senate
3/5/2008
In the race for U.S. Senate, Coleman County went with Richard Noriega in the Democratic Primary and Senator John Cornyn in the Republican Primary. Noriega received 32% of the vote followed by Gene Kelly 27%, Ray McMurrey 21% and Rhett Smith 18%.

Incumbent John Cornyn received 1,220 (81%) votes to 270 (18%) for Larry Kilgore in the Republican Primary.

Other Races / Coleman County Results
3/5/2008
Railroad Commissioner
Mark Thompson 250 (48%)
Dale Henry 174 (34%)
Art Hall 87 (17%)

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7
Sam Houston 355 (73%)
Baltasar D. Cruz 131 (27%)

Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8
Susan Criss 363 (74%)
Linda Reyna Yanez 124 (25%)

Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4
Paul Womack 1,011 (81%)
Robert Francis 238 (19%)

Ballot Initiative # 1
Yes - 1,623 (97%)
No - 51 (3%)

Ballot Initiative #2
Yes - 1,525 (91%)
No - 146 (9%)

Ballot Initiative #3
Yes - 1,458 (90%)
No - 160 (10%)

Tyler Sparks Wins Mutton Bustin' at San Angelo Rodeo Saturday
3/5/2008
Tyler Sparks, son of Jason and Lori Sparks of Santa Anna, represented Panther Creek CISD in the Mutton Bustin' competition at the San Angelo Rodeo on Saturday, February 23, 2008. He took first place, winning a championship belt buckle and a pair of Justin boots.

Kugle Files for City Council
3/5/2008
Paul Kugle is a relative newcomer to Coleman, having moved here four years ago from Austin where he was employed by the City of Austin. Kugle is running for Place 4 South Ward on the Coleman City Council.

Bake Sale Fundraiser Planned for Loaves and Fishes
3/5/2008
Friends and volunteers of Loaves & Fishes Food Ministries are planning a bake sale fund raiser on Saturday, March 15th, in front of Shoppin’ Baskit beginning at 8:30 a.m. Baked items will be sold to help raise funds for replacing a water heater, and other repairs at their buildings.

You are invited to participate in this event - either by purchasing and/or donating baked goods, providing your service during the sale, or by your monetary support in lieu of the above. Those who are interested in donating baked goods for this event may bring them by that morning, or, if you need other arrangements, please contact 625-2060 (leave a message if no answer) prior to the sale. Come by and visit and join the fun!

Loaves & Fishes operates primarily from funds received during these events and from donations received during the year from their many supporters.

Other up-coming events will be the Annual Walk For Hunger to be held during May. More information will be supplied later this month.

Letter to the Editor:
3/4/2008
Text Messaging is really out of control in our Jr High. Ask a teacher. Ask the Principal! I did. Our kids are so good at it, they can type out a message with the phone in their pocket, thus they don't get caught. However, how can the students be listening to the teacher? Isn't it hard enough for the kids to learn? Isn't it hard enough for the teachers to teach without this distraction? What about cheating? It really would be an answer to prayer, if we would only allow our kids access to their cell phones AFTER school. If your child needs to call you, Ms. Ringo says the phone at the office is available. So is the phone at the Armory. I hope other Jr. High parents will join me in my decision. It sure would be easier if we all stand together as parents.
For the betterment of academics!
Barbara Hubbard

Panther Creek Students Compete in Math/Science Meet
3/4/2008
Monday, March 3, Mark Romine and Jerry Bodine took a group of Panther Creek students to participate in the Wall Math and Science competition. Students placed as follows:

11th grade mathematics
Kathy Zhou 1st

11th grade science
John Warren 3rd
Kathy Zhou 4th

Top Chemistry – Kathy Zhou

12th grade number sense
Jennifer Cavanaugh 5th

12th grade accounting
Jennifer Cavanaugh 7th

New Manager Hired for Coleman Co. Telephone Cooperative
3/4/2008
The Board of Directors of Coleman County Telephone Cooperative, Inc. in Santa Anna, Texas is proud to announce that Tim Humpert will soon be joining the cooperative as General Manager. His duties will officially begin on April 1, 2008.

Mr. Humpert graduated from Midwestern State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. He comes to Coleman County Telephone with 32 years of experience in the telephone industry. For the past 18 years he has served as general manager of Community Telephone Company in Windthorst, Texas.

Tim and his wife, Marilyn, have been married for 30 years and have a daughter, Hayley, who is presently attending Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.

Mr. Humpert will soon be relocating to Coleman County. His hobbies and other interests include golfing, ranching, and outdoor life.

“The Board of Directors and employees of Coleman County Telephone are excited and looking forward to working with Mr. Humpert. He brings years of knowledge and managerial experience that will serve him well in this position,” stated a representative for Coleman County Telephone Cooperative, Inc.

March Designated as Chamber
2008 Membership Drive Month
3/4/2008
Coleman County Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture & Tourist Bureau will devote the month of March to a Membership Drive.  Darla Wise and Michael Taylor are Chairpersons for the 2008 Membership Drive.

Chamber Directors will be making personal contacts during the month of March to enroll more individuals, business firms and organizations. Directors are: Dr. Darron Atwood, Sandra Barr, Dokie Bledsoe, Nina Childress, Danyelle Hemphill, Kim Horne, Rodney Ivy, Charlotte Johns, Kevin McMahon, Crystal Rae, Michael Taylor, Darla Wise, and Executive Director Mary Griffis.

The Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of citizens who invest their time and money in a community development program, working together to improve the economic, civic and cultural well being of the county.

Any citizen interested in helping develop Coleman and Coleman County is eligible to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce. The dues structure is designed to permit even the smallest business to be a member. Work of the Chamber of Commerce is financed by investments of members who support it on the basis of their ability and their interest in Coleman and Coleman County’s progress.

The Chamber is composed of committee workers, directors, and officers who serve without pay. One Chamber executive and one staff member who devote their full time to the Chamber are the only paid employees. Executive Director Mary Griffis encourages citizens in Coleman and Coleman County to participate in the Membership Drive. She states, “It is very important for the community to work together as a whole.

Work-in-Texas Orientation Coming to Coleman
3/04/2008
The City of Coleman and the Texas Workforce Center will sponsor a Work-in-Texas Orientation at 9:00am on Friday, March 7th, at the Coleman Junior High Computer Lab, 301 W. 15th Street in Coleman.

Public and private employers are invited. The workshop will last about 2 hours and will give an overview of the Work-in-Texas web-based site. This site is a statewide data base to be accessed by employers and potential employees. The system embraces a wide variety of occupations and job-based information that can be accessed by thousands of individuals looking for jobs and/or employees. The system has proven to be very successful in placement of individuals with employers when properly utilized.

Please RSVP by calling Coleman City Hall at 625-5114 or emailing karenl@web-access.net  before 5:00p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2008 as there is limited number of computers available for the training.

Coleman County Burn Ban Lifted - Temporarily
3/3/2008
Thanks to a good general rain Sunday night, Coleman County Judge Jimmie Hobbs has temporarily lifted the Burn Ban in Coleman County.
Judge Hobbs told us this will last only a few brief days, until the ground dries and the gusty wind puts us back into a situation conducive to grass fires.

Rainfall Reports
3/3/2008
Thunderstorms brought rain, small hail, gusty wind and even some sleet early Monday morning. We've received the following reports:

* Bill Garrett - 5 miles SW of Santa Anna - .55
* Tex Wright - in the home of the 101 year-old Santa Anna Library - .50
* Linda and Wayne Wright - Glen Cove - 1.01 with hail and very gusty winds, highest gust was 43mph.
* Colemannews.com office - Corner of Walnut and Concho - .75
* Henry and Margie Dodson - near Echo NE of Coleman - 1.00
*  B & Anita Phelps - east of Coleman .80
*  Mrs. J.P. Click in Merkel - 1.40 rain, pea-sized hail and sleet

Hospital Board Receives Audit Report
3/3/2008
The Coleman County Medical Center Board of Directors met in their regular meeting last Thursday night and addressed a lengthy agenda.

CPA Bill Parrish, with Parrish, Moody & Fikes, presented the audit report for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, stating that once again bad debts, uncollectible accounts, and the cost of treating the indigent cases far exceeded the amount of taxes collected by the Hospital District.

The increase in the net assets was $175,673. The audit did show that the Ambulance Service lost over $51,000, even after subsidies paid by the City and County. The accounting process was graded as an A+ for the facility.  2006 and 2007 were pretty much mirrored years – since they were finically similar years, with no drastic change from one year to the next.

Board President Mark Griffis recognized Veronica Flores at CCMC Employee of the 1st Quarter, presenting her with a certificate, a check, and a day off with pay.

In other business, the board approved the financials for January as presented by CEO Douglas Langley, and voted to accept the renewal of the Workers’ Compensation policy. The board approved the Quality Assurance report presented by Director of Nurses Melissa Gober, as well as the department manuals for GI, Surgery, Newborn Nursery, and Labor and Delivery, also presented by Gober.

The board also approved the renewal of the Charity Care (Indigent) policy for Coleman County Medical Center.

County Historical Commission to Meet Thursday, March 6
3/3/2008 (by Tex Wright, Historical Commission)
It will be a hard task to better, or at least come close, to the program of the February County Historical Meeting. The folks from Rockwood gave a wonderful program on the history of their community, the speakers kept the audience listening for more. BUT, the ladies from the Santa Anna Library are going to try. Founded in March of 1907 (Yes, they are 101 years old this year- the Library, not the ladies) in a few shelves in a Doctors office, they are continually striving to provide good reading educational and instructional literature for the area.

It looks like there will be another good Historical Conference in Corpus Christi this year. There will be several programs on preservation and marketing of historic areas.  Some of the officers of the local historic commission will be going. If you want to take part, talk to the local commission, call 512-463-6255, or go internet to www.thc.state.tx.us  for information.

Anyone who would like to promote your rural community in Coleman County is invited to call Tex Wright at 325-636-3545. We would like to hear the history of any Coleman County community or even the people where communities were. Niwot? Eureka? Ned? White Chapel? We need to bring these places to the attention of the county.

We look forward to seeing YOU at the Coleman County Historical Commission Meeting at 7:00pm on March 6th or come a little early for cookies and coffee. We will meet at the 1st Coleman National Bank Club Room.  Refreshments should start about 6:30.  A few items of business must take place before the program so hopefully we will see you there.

Coleman Student's Film "Horsebite" Selected for
South by Southwest Film Festival
3/2/2008
Jack Reynolds, (left with camera) a Coleman High School Senior, was recently notified that his film "Horsebite" was selected as a finalist in the South by Southwest Film and Music Festival in Austin, Texas. The film is entered in the High School Short Division. The film must be no longer than 5 minutes and directed by 9th-12th grade students.  There were over 120 entries from young filmmakers from across the nation, with 14 films making the finals. The films will be screened in Austin this month.

South by Southwest Film Festival began in 1994 as a showcase for independent filmmakers. It has since grown into a worldwide venue for film and music artists with trade shows, panel discussions, mentor sessions and competitions. Many major actors, including Billy Bob Thornton and Helen Hunt, are scheduled to participate this year.

Lead actors of the movie are Dalton DeLeon and Jaylon Welch. Other actors include Bronson Buzzard, Colton Buzzard, Rynne Norris, Jack and Paul Reynolds. Screenplay was written by Chyrsten McNiel. Film crew included Kassondra Bouldin, Taylor Norris and John Wilkerson.
 

Bassmasters Champion Has Close Coleman Ties
3/1/2008
Alton Jones of Waco, Texas may not be a household name but if you follow professional tournament bass fishing, Alton Jones is on top of the world right now. He recently won the coveted Bassmasters Classic World Championship, the Super Bowl of bass fishing.

Since then, he's been on a whirlwind tour of national television including ESPN, talked on the phone with President Bush and accepted an invitation to tour the White House, but that barely scratches the surface.

Throw in the countless endorsements and TV commercials and life is pretty good right now for Alton and his family.

Speaking of family - also on top of the world right now are James and Sue Brusenhan of Coleman because Alton is their son-in-law, married to Jimmye Sue.   "We're just thrilled to death, he's been in our family a long time" said Sue.  "We have attended all the Classics, except this one, " she said.  That didn't keep the Brusenhan's from rushing home from church last Sunday to watch the results on the computer.  A replay of the show was carried Saturday morning on ESPN2.  James said he talked to Alton Friday.

Alton and his family have been coming to Coleman for many years to visit the family and we are thrilled to know that next time he visits, he will do so as the Bassmasters Classic World Champion 2008. Looking at his schedule, that next visit to Coleman may not happen too soon. 

Read Alton's ESPN blog HERE.

Check Alton's personal website HERE.

Tax Freeze for Seniors/Disabled on November Ballot
3/1/2008
Coleman County Commissioners were presented a valid petition last month by Joyce Smith requesting a property tax freeze for disabled homeowners and those 65 and over.

Commissioners decided to let the voters of the county decide on the matter. In action Friday morning, Commissioners decided to put the request on the ballot this coming November during the general election.  

Ratliff Files for City Council
3/1/2008
Ike Ratliff, a service tech with Atmos Energy, filed Friday afternoon for Place 1, North Ward, Coleman City Council.

Early Voting Totals
3/1/2008
Stacey Mendoza, Coleman County Clerk, reports that early voting totals for Coleman County as of 5:00pm Friday, February 29th were as follows:

1005 Republican votes
276 Democrat Votes
Total Votes for Early Voting - 1281

County Agent Says Goodbye
3/1/2008
Debbie Hailey, Coleman County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, appeared before Coleman County Commissioners Friday morning and told them of her plans to move to Anson. "It is with regret that I tell you I will be leaving you. I have enjoyed so much my time in Coleman County," Hailey said.

Debbie begins her duties in Jones County on April 14. Her last official day in Coleman will be April 11. Her husband, Joe Hailey, pastor of Elm Street Church of Christ in Coleman, has accepted a position with Anson Church of Christ. "You will truly be missed," said Jimmie Hobbs, County Judge.

Hailey said someone is "waiting in the wings" to fill her position in Coleman but her replacement hasn't officially been named as of yet.

Matthew 25 Ministries in Need of Investors
3/01/2008 (contributed)
1. To invest in adult leadership
2. To invest in teen training
3. To make a change in our community.

Matthew 25 Ministries (The Cross) has committed to send 50 adults and teens (from various churches) to a two-day teen training conference "BattleCry ReCreate" in Dallas March 14th and 15. This will begin a 7-week training involving prayer, study and teaching these teens to reach out to other teens. A total of 38 local teens will attend.

These teens will be trained to reach out to the unsaved, the un-churched, the unloved and the un-parented, to evangelize and train these teens to become life-long true followers of Christ.

It’s time to ReCreate your life, your culture, your world! BattleCry ReCreate is a weekend event for students, leaders and parents that will challenge all to let their voice be heard, to make a difference in their homes, their churches, at work and at school, as well as make decisions based upon Godly principles and not what is popular in society.

This event develops strong commitment to the Lord and discipleship through powerful times of praise, worship, and the Word of God illuminated by messages and a full-scale drama all intricately woven together to capture the young person’s attention and inspire leaders in winning a generation back! For more information go to www.battlecry.com.

For more information on Matthew 25 Ministries (The Cross) go to www.mt25.net  or call 325-625-1002 M-W 10-4PM or visit The Cross located at the end of W. Liveoak.