News Archives - November 2006

Road Conditions Cause Three Wrecks Thursday
11/30/2006
Icy roads were blamed for three traffic accidents Thursday morning in Coleman County.
* The first wreck was reported at 9:42am east of Valera on Horne Hill. Two cars were involved, all passengers were from out of town, all wore seat belts and no injuries were noted.
* As soon as firemen returned to the station from the first wreck, another one was reported at 10:30 six miles north of Coleman on Highway 84. A van ran off the road, through a fence and hit a tree. No injuries were reported.
* Shortly after the second accident, emergency units were sent to near the Taylor County line on Highway 84 where a Circuit City truck overturned. No injuries were reported and a large wrecker from Abilene was called to upright the truck.
* Just before 4:00pm Coleman firemen were sent to 908 Comal to a possible fire. There was no fire, only smoke from a heat pump.
 

Thunderstorms Deliver Punch Wednesday Afternoon
11/30/2006
A line of thunderstorms developed over Coleman at mid-afternoon Wednesday and dropped some heavy downpours of rain and some small hail. It took less than an hour for the line to mature and move north/northeast. The Doppler radar from San Angelo estimates that 1 to 2 inches of rain fell from Coleman to Burkett to Cross Plains (heaviest rain in the Big Country), along and north of State Highway 206. Heavy rain was also noted from Coleman up the Baird Highway where 2 inches was reported at the Jim Gill ranch, four miles north of town.

*  Royce Young - North Coleman County - .50

*  Nan Markland - 8 miles north of Echo - 1.50 inches and 1 inch of snow this morning

Fun at the Pep Rally
11/30/2006
Since the Bluecat football team is scheduled to leave for Lubbock this afternoon (weather permitting) prior to their Regional Championship game Friday night, the weekly Pep Rally was held at noon Wednesday. It was an action packed 20 minutes. As shown at left, the Bluecat mascot (decked out in Camo), declared open season on Elks and bagged a Stratford Elk in the middle of the gym floor of all places.

Coach Howard Childress) imparted words of wisdom to the football team and fans alike during his Pep Talk, delivered only as Coach Childress can do it.

Then, who knew that the Bluecat football team had this much talent? Not only can they play great football, they are also barbers! It seems that Les Cogdill, Coleman Police Detective, let it slip that he would shave his head when the Bluecats beat Ozona last Friday night, and he would do it before everyone at the Pep Rally. With help from Bob Ray and Bluecat J.D. Crowder, the police detective was carried into the gym and placed in a chair at center court. Ray then gave various members of the football team some hair clippers and within about two or three minutes, Les didn't have any hair left.

We seem to have a hair fetish in Coleman. If we're not dying it blonde, we're shaving our heads! Don't you just love football season? Go Bluecats!

Gig 'Em Bevo
11/30/2006
A deal is a deal and Bob Tyson lived up to his end of the bargain Wednesday.

You may recall last week on colemannews.com we told you of a friendly wager between Henry Dodson (Aggie) at Coleman County State Bank and Bob Tyson (Longhorn) of Tyson Pharmacy. If Texas had won the big rivalry football game between the Horns and Aggies, Dodson would have worn a Longhorn cap. But that didn't happen. The Aggies surprised the Horns which meant Tyson had to grit his teeth and wear a Texas A & M cap all day long Wednesday at his pharmacy.

Not only was the cap maroon, Bob was nice enough to wear a maroon shirt to match, going the extra mile, just like he does for his pharmacy customers. No doubt Bob's son, David (an Aggie), is enjoying this immensely. Bob is shown posing in front of, you guessed it, mascot Bevo in the picture behind him.
 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
11/29/2006
It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Coleman. On Tuesday, Chamber of Commerce Manager Mary Griffis was spotted decorating the courthouse lawn with husband Mark, shown in the picture. Across the street at First Coleman National Bank, their front corner window is all decked out for the holidays.

Two County Youth Qualify in Shooting Competition
11/29/2006 (contributed)
Coleman County Shotgun Club had 2 of their shooters qualify for the 2006 Whiz Bang Championship at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Expo in Austin this last month. Hayden Wise represented Coleman County in the Intermediate division while Jansen Merrill won the Junior Division. Jansen brought home a Browning Gold Hunter 12 gauge automatic shotgun and a shiny Montana Silversmith buckle for his effort. Hayden won a Promatic Trap machine for the Coleman County Shotgun Club valued at $750. The club is hoping to one day have a county range to install this machine. Presently, the shotgun club travels 60 miles round trip to shoot at Hank Wise’ range for shotgun practice. Both Hayden and Jansen received shooting gear as well as ammunition from more than 30 sponsors throughout the shooting industry. Each qualified by having one of 5 top scores in the “State” in their respective divisions. Approximately 600 shotgun shooters follow the Whiz Bang circuit from February to July each year in hopes of having the opportunity Hayden and Jansen were awarded. This year was Hayden’s 2nd year to qualify for the championship. The Coleman County Shotgun Club is coached by Hank Wise. Texas Parks and Wildlife representative, Charlie Wilson, travels thousands of miles each year with The Sporting Clays Mobile Range which provides shooting opportunities for youth, women, gun clubs and ranges. The unit may be scheduled for public or private events by contacting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
 

Local Youth Competes for Hunt in Albany 
11/28/2006 (contributed)
Cassie Philpot, a freshman at Panther Creek High School, attended The Texas Buckskin Brigade in the summer of 2006 at Albany, Texas. She has competed since July with other students that attended the camp for a chance to go on a hunt in January on the Stasney’s Cook Ranch in Albany. Ten students were chosen out of the 30 camp attendees for the hunt. In order to have a chance to attend the hunt students are required to promote the Brigade Camps and submit an activity book of all the promotional activities that the students have done since they attended camp. The Brigade Camps build leadership skills that help the students to go out and educate the community about wildlife conservation. These camps would be a great experience for any student interested in wildlife.

 For more information about the camps, you can contact Cassie Philpot at (325) 348-8445 or go to http://www.texasbrigades.org/index.html  or contact Helen Holdsworth at h_holdsworth@texas-wildlife.org.

Bluecat Blonde Bombers Ready for Stratford
11/28/2006

Ralph Terry has updated his site which is really worth your time looking back through the years at http://freepages.school-alumni.rootsweb.com/~jrterry/sports/football/chs-football-records.html. 

By the way, Friday night will be football game number 887 in the history of Coleman High School. Also, the photo which accompanies this story was taken by Ralph last Friday. It will always recall the year 2006 when the Bluecats all dyed their hair blonde and raised the bar for future Bluecats to hurdle.

If you see Ralph Terry around town, tell him thanks for a great job of gathering this data.

Over 100 Fed Thanksgiving Meal at Matthew 25 Ministries
11/28/2006
Matthew 25 Ministries reports a blessed Thanksgiving Day at The Cross, feeding over 100 people. Many were take-outs for those that had to work on Thanksgiving Day.
Special thanks to all who helped make this a fun and enjoyable day. They include Connie Taylor, Michael, Brenda, Brandon and Wayne Worsham, Daymon and Sheilia Nicholas, Patrick and Billy Bennett, Wanell and Donna Mapson, Mr. Barnett and Bonnie, Mitzi and King Mays, Marlene and Maxine Cope, Roy Chesney and Carlie Shirk.
 

Take Time to Enjoy the Beauty of Fall
11/27/2006
From time to time on this web-site you'll see some pictures capturing the scenic beauty which can be found right here in our own backyard.

Such is the case with these pictures taken from the Stacey Bridge in southern Coleman County. The leaves are in all their glory on either side of the majestic Colorado River. We thank Jennifer Short for sharing these photos, we hope you enjoy them as much as we did publishing them.

300 Drug Tests, A Perfect Record
11/26/2006
Random drug testing was implemented at Coleman High School this year and, to date, the results speak very highly of the student body. "We have tested over 300 times and we have been clean all three hundred," said Richard Holloway, principal. Holloway said the success thus far has been due to the dedication and commitment set forth by the student body. "Our students are being successful in their extra-curricular endeavors, regardless of what others may say or think. I feel that the success with the drug testing proves that Coleman High School has given and will continue to give the community something positive to brag about, and our students are continuing to strive at reaching the bar of excellence," Holloway said.
 

Author of Dr Pepper Book Visits County
11/26/2006 by Randy Turner
The Road to Dr Pepper, Texas (The Story of Dublin Dr Pepper) is a book that I'm currently enjoying. I bought it Saturday at Horne Ranch Company, just east of Valera, and had it signed by the author, Karen Wright. It is a beautifully written historical recollection of the oldest Dr Pepper bottling plant in the world. Wright, who spent most of her life as a newspaper writer and publisher, uses turn of the century newspaper articles to tell the story of Sam Prim who originally started the plant. The book takes you every step of the way through the over 100 year tradition that is Dublin Dr Pepper. You can listen to my interview with Karen Wright by clicking here.

You can purchase the book at Horne Ranch Company, just east of Valera. I think you'll enjoy it. You can learn more about Dublin Dr Pepper at this web-site: www.dublindrpepper.com.  Pictured at right are Kim Horne and Karen Wright.

Ownership Change at Hords Creek General Store
11/26/2006
Hords Creek General Store has new ownership. Gerry and Marcy Pond of Glen Cove have purchased the store and washateria. The Pond's say they are open but are remodeling and restocking inventory. They invite you to stop by and see what they are doing.
 

Country Club News
11/23/2006
     With warm wishes, the Coleman Country Club would like to welcome Jake Farrow and David Strickland as new members to the Club. Membership in the Country Club include swimming pool privileges, unlimited golf, fishing and reduced rental rates for the Clubhouse; not to mention social activities year round. Anyone interested in joining the Country Club can call the golf course at 325-625-2922 for more information.
      The Country Club will be hosting a work day Saturday, Dec. 2nd beginning around 9 AM. All members are encouraged to attend. In preparation for the Christmas Party as well as other holiday festivities, improvements to the Clubhouse will be made.
     “It takes the dedication and hard work by all members to make this organization strong and successful. Work days provide opportunities for members to get involved and help make improvements at their Club. Please try to come out and help even if it is only for an hour or two,” says board member SuJo McKee. “Your time will be greatly appreciated and the efforts will be enjoyed by many.”
     In celebration of the holiday season, a Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 16th at 7 PM at the Clubhouse for all members. This party will include a white elephant Chinese gift game. For those wanting to participate in the gift exchange, please bring an unmarked, wrapped gift ($10 maximum). Attendees are also asked to bring a finger food dish and beverages of their choice.

Novice ISD Honor Rolls Announced
11/23/2006
The Novice ISD has released the names of students who made the Honor Roll for the 2nd Six-Weeks.

A Honor Roll - Eric Delgadillo, Cailey Perkins, Tracey Price, Jacey Sparks, Talon Stringer, Dakota Stringer, Lance Holmquest, Ashley Belk and Chelsey VanPelt.

A-B Honor Roll - Miky McKinzie, Tia Hunt, Michael Maloney, Jack Shapland, Courtney Strength, Sarah Holmquest, Scottie Tubbs, Amber Blackshear, Kirstin Hall, Garrett Strickland, Dakota Patterson, Amanda Scruggs, Billy Bennett, Lacye Briley, Megan Holmquest, Asenette Vasquez, Amanda Cisneros, Donovan Martinez, John McClung, Kassandra Moreno and Megan Sadler.

Small Fire at Holiday Hill Tuesday Evening
11/22/2006
A fire alarm company called the Coleman Fire Department to Holiday Hill Nursing Home at 6:02pm Tuesday. Firemen arrived to find smoke coming from the northeast corner of the building, the end of B hall. According to Gary Payne, Coleman Fire Marshal, the fire started in an 8-inch vent pipe in the laundry room. It burned a small area, some ceiling tile and even did minor damage to the roof decking. Payne said there were no patients in the immediate area but other patients further down the hall were moved elsewhere in the building. A full evacuation of the building was not needed and no injuries were reported. The cause was likely a combination of lint built up in the pipe, very dry air and static electricity, Payne said. He said with the very low humidity we have right now, static electricity is a danger. To avoid a fire in your home, it is a good idea to check the lint filter in your dryer and make sure it and the vent pipe are lint-free.

Coleman Co. 4-Hers Compete at District
11/22/2006
The Texas Cooperative Extension's District 7 4-H Food Show was held Saturday, November 18th, at the Taylor County Expo Center. The event attracted over 200 entries from across the 23-county district.
Winners were named in senior, intermediate and junior categories. The young nutritional experts were judged on their knowledge of nutrition, food preparation, principle and the quality of their food entries.
Coleman County participants in the District Food Show and their divisions included McKenzi Spake, Senior Main Dish, Courtney Brown, Intermediate Fruits & Vegetables, Sarah Casselberry: Intermediate Nutritious Snacks & Desserts, and Dakota Nation, Intermediate Breads and Cereals; Carlie Shirk, Junior Main dish, and Nathan Taylor, Junior Breads and Cereals.
Also assisting the District 7 4-H Council at the district Food Show was Sarah Hailey, Teen Leader, who sold cookbooks for the 4-H Council. These cookbooks contained recipes for all the dishes that were prepared for the Food Show.
Another show category was “Food Exhibits Competition.” Carlie Shirk, of Coleman won 6th place in the junior division of the Food Exhibits Competition. The District 7 Food Show is a culmination of the Foods and Nutrition Project taught annually in each of the district’s counties. Trained volunteer leaders conduct the projects for hundreds of 4-H’ers during the year.
Sponsors for this year’s show were Texas Cooperative Extension and AEP-Texas.
Coleman County 4-Hers taking part are, left to right: Sarah Cassel berry, Courtney Brown, McKenzi Spake, Carlie Shirk, Dakota Nation and Nathan Taylor. These 4-H’ers qualified for the District Food Show by winning first place in the Coleman County 4-H Food Show in October.

A Thank You
11/21/2006
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who voted for me and supported me during my campaign for County Commissioner. Even though I did not win the race, I am very humbled to have your friendship and support. Voter turnout was tremendous! Congratulations to Alan Davis on his re-election.
Mike Calk, Coleman, Texas

Large Money Seizure in Early
11/21/2006
The Early Police Department stopped a speeding vehicle at 5:00pm Saturday, November 18, which led to the discovery of just under $77,000. According to a news release from the Early Police Department, the vehicle was going 94 mph in a 55mph zone. Officer Johnny Brown and his canine officer Blazen received permission from the driver to search the vehicle. The canine indicated the possible presence of a narcotic substance in the driver's seat area and in a diaper bag in the back seat. A quantity of cash was found in the purse in the driver's seat and a larger amount of money was found in the diaper bag. The money in the diaper bag was bundled and wrapped in duct tape. More money was found in a hidden compartment in the vehicle.

Two adult females and two children were the occupants of the vehicle and were reportedly traveling from the Dallas / Ft. Worth area to Mexico.

The Brown County Sheriff’s office deputies and narcotics officers assisted Early P.D. in the investigation. The Drug Enforcement Administration is assisting with the follow-up investigation.

The Early Police Department will be working with the 35th District Attorney’s office in the seizure of the currency and the automobile. No arrests have been made at this time. The Early Police Department K-9 unit was funded through donations from area citizens and business and has been in operation since July 01, 2006.

Bluecats Claim Bi-District Championship in TRIPLE Overtime
11/18/2006
The Coleman Bluecats scratched and clawed their way to a Bi-District Championship trophy Friday night in Cisco by beating the previously undefeated Haskell Indians 48 to 42 in triple overtime. The Bluecats will now face OZONA Friday, November 24, at 7:00pm at San Angelo Stadium.   Check the sports page for the complete story on the game and pictures.

Mini Trees Now in Stores
11/18/2006 (by Marian Johnson)
The Annual Mini Tree Festival is in full swing. The "Trees" have been placed in merchants' places of business for your Christmas viewing and pleasure. This annual event is sponsored by the Fine Arts League of Coleman County, the Coleman Chamber of Commerce and the Merchants Association.
Coleman and Coleman County Residents (category I) created trees - each one truly "One of a Kind". From rope to glittering stones and back again to "shot-gun shells" and greenery covered with tiny presents - all fun and creative. The Fine Arts League members (Category 2) contributed their 'two-cents' worth in trees of every material one could think of (and some you wouldn't think of) for the formation of a Christmas Tree. Art League members do not participate in the money prizes.

The following businesses are hosting the trees this year: Grammers, First Coleman National Bank, Coleman Co. State Bank, J. E. Stevens Co., Owl Drug, Bowen Drug, Tyson Pharmacy, Coleman Public Library, Commercial Avenue Antique Mall, Petal Patch Floral, Bargain House Furniture.

Go in and visit the merchants and see what creative people live in Coleman County.

Food Drive A Big Success
Winter Clothing Drive Underway in Santa Anna
11/18/2006
Congratulations to Santa Anna and Panther Creek 4-H clubs for completing a very successful fall food drive. These two 4-H clubs hosted a contest at the annual Santa Anna / Panther Creek football game to see which club could bring the most canned goods. Santa Anna won the competition and a total of over 100 cans of food and over $20 was donated to the Loaves & Fishes food pantry.

Santa Anna 4-H Club is also hosting a Winter Clothing Drive. Clothing donations can be made by contacting Todd or Sherry McMillan in Santa Anna. Please be sure items are clean when you turn them in. Clothing drive ends on December 5th. You can bring your items to the 4-H meeting.

City Council Report
11/17/2006
The Coleman City Council met briefly Thursday, November 16 and took the following action:

* Mayor Nick Poldrack presented a plaque of appreciation to Alice Hemphill, President of Keep Coleman Beautiful, for her years of dedicated service to the organization

* Council voted 4-0 to approve an amendment to the City Code of Ordinances and to establish rules and fees for a Convenience Center near the landfill

* Council voted 4-0 to authorize the City Manager to sign a contract with ENPROTEC to revise the City's existing Storm Water Pollution Plan at a cost of $1,000

* Council voted 4-0 to approve the General Orders Manual for the City Police Department. Chief of Police Jay Moses explained it was consistent with other cities and important to have one in place

* City Manager Larry Weise recommended changing the December council meeting date to Tuesday the 5th to avoid conflict with the annual Christmas Parade on the 7th. Council agreed to this although a short meeting will be held on the 7th to receive bids.

* Weise reported the fence is finished at the landfill, stop signs are in place at West 1st and Columbus, and the Convenience Center is going well and had to shut down at noon last Saturday due to large volume received

Cold Libation for a Cold Blooded Crawler
11/17/2006
Here is something you don't see everyday. Your eyes don't deceive you. Rattlesnakes are in plentiful supply these days in Coleman County. A recent trip to the country for Kim and Lanham Horne and some friends turned interesting when a rattler was encountered. Not one rattler, but several. After placing one of the crawlers in a trash can for safe holding, one of them apparently got thirsty and found his way inside a beer can. The snake later crawled out on his own. Seriously, be careful while you are out and about because rattlesnakes continue to be on the move, especially on warmer days. 

Hook 'Em, Gig 'Em
11/17/2006
We are one week away from the annual Texas ritual known as the football game between the Texas Aggies and Texas Longhorns. In the business district of downtown Coleman, a friendly wager is being made between two local businessmen. In the maroon corner, wearing his Texas A & M cap, is Henry Dodson of Coleman County State Bank. In the burnt orange corner, wearing his National Champions Texas Longhorn cap, is Bob Tyson of Tyson Pharmacy.

If the Aggies beat Texas, Tyson (Longhorn) has agreed to wear an Aggie cap to work for a full day. If the Horns win, Dodson (Aggie) will wear a Longhorn cap to work for a full day. The two men can't wear it on a weekend, it must be a regular weekday, during business hours, for the world to see.

Both agreed it doesn't matter how the teams are ranked, the winner will be the team that wanted it more. It should be a good contest this year.

Recount Complete, Results Remain the Same
11/17/2006
A recount of votes cast in the Precinct 4 County Commissioner race was held in the Coleman County Courthouse Thursday. Mike Calk, Republican candidate for the position, requested the recount after losing to Alan Davis, incumbent, by two votes. Calk said he believed he owed that to those who voted for him and was encouraged to ask for the recount by his supporters.  After the recount, nothing changed, Davis was the winner by two.

Thanks, From Coleman County Child Welfare
11/16/2006 (contributed)
The Coleman County Child Welfare Board Raffle winners were Dorothy Watson and Mark Griffis. We appreciate your donations to this cause.

TAKS Pep Rallies at CJHS
11/16/2006   (Contributed by Amy Burkey)
Coleman Junior High School has implemented a new incentive program to encourage students to work hard throughout the whole year and to do well on the TAKS tests in February and April of 2007. A TAKS Incentive committee comprised of Amy Burkey, Jammie Jones, Bridget Wakefield, Denise Gayle, and Kristi Herrod began working on this task at the beginning of the year before students arrived at school. Their vision was to celebrate all successes, even if they were small, to help the students see that the work they do all year is just as important as the work they do on the day they take the TAKS test.
To accomplish this task, they began a bi-weekly TAKS Pep Rally. During this pep rally the students are given bits of information to think about when they are working during the week. The students also have a chance to win prizes that were donated by the teachers as rewards for exhibiting great behavior during the week. Throughout the week, students can earn "Caught Being Good" tickets that are used for the bi-weekly prize drawings at the TAKS Pep Rallies. Gary Strickland, 8th grade science teacher, also gives out awards for his science class. He calls them GEEK awards. GEEK stands for Great Examples of Exemplary Kids. The Reading Coach teacher, Bridget Wakefield, also gives out certificates for those students who have mastered all or portions of the Reading Coach program.
The morale of the TAKS Pep Rallies are always upbeat and positive. We end the pep rallies with one goal in mind and that is to be exemplary at the end of this year by having 90% or higher of our students passing their TAKS test. As the TAKS Incentive Committee got together, they decided to offer rewards based on certain goals. They are as follows:

         Incentive Levels
         6th Grade Acceptable: Pizza party at the Park
         6th Grade Recognized: Gatti’s and movie
         6th Grade Exemplary: Six Flags

         7th Grade Acceptable: Gatti’s and a movie
         7th Grade Recognized: Recreation Center in Abilene
         7th Grade Exemplary: Six Flags

         8th Grade Acceptable: Pool/Pizza
         8th Grade Recognized: The Rink in San Angelo
         8th Grade Exemplary: Six Flags

All students know what our goals and expectations are and know and believe that we have a great chance in making our goal of an Exemplary Campus a reality.

Winners of the "Caught Being Good" drawing at the TAKS Pep Rally on
Monday, November 13 were:
6th grade - Savannah Longley for using her planner
7th Grade - Kassidy Dean for scoring a 100 on her Benchmark Test
8th Grade - Erin Strickland for being prepared and ready for class

Coleman Planning and Zoning Commission Meets
11/15/2006
The City of Coleman Planning and Zoning Commission met Tuesday. Michael Taylor was appointed Chairman of the Commission and Mary Griffis was appointed Vice-Chairman. Paul Wheat will serve as Secretary.

The Commission heard and granted a request for a variance of Ordinance 402 from Quinton and Alice Rogers on their property at 419 West 11th. They requested a waiver of the street encroachment and variance of the set back line for that property.

CJHS Teachers in TIP Grant In-service
11/14/2006
Pictured below:  Denise Gayle, Diana Dobbins, John Mark Weatherred,
Gary Strickland, Sheila Ogden, Betty Watson, and Wanda Royce. 
Coleman Junior High School teachers attended technology professional development in the Jr. High Library, Monday and Tuesday, November 13 & 14, 2006. This training is to fulfill requirements of the TIP (Technology Immersion Pilot) Grant. CJH is one of approximately 40 schools in the state of Texas that received this grant. The grant provides funds for technology improvements to the campus including laptop computers for teachers and students, professional development, and software programs. One benefit of the grant is a new website for the campus that allows students and parents to view teacher lesson plans, assignments, and other school activities. Pictured are teachers working with Pearson Achievement Solutions Consultant, John Mark Weatherred. The new site will replace the current Coleman Junior High School site shortly. You will still be able to go to www.colemanisd.com to see all school websites.

Coleman FFA Competes at District
11/13/2006
Nineteen Coleman FFA students participated in the District FFA Leadership Contest held Monday in Cisco. Students competed against 18 other schools in the district for the chance to compete in the area round in Stephenville on Saturday, November 18. Those participating are kneeling: Nicole Heath, Drew Jackson, Amber Hunter, Meagan Ogden, Halie Cassaday, Paige Barnett, Chelsey Bouldin, Reagan Barr, Sarah Lofton and Jeff Lefevre. Standing are Spencer Fitzpatrick, Reece Halfmann, Zach Doyle, Taylor Davis, Lacey Bouldin, Casie Swening, Peyton Schumann, Cory Robison and Gary Heath. Those qualifying for Area competition are Reagan Barr, Casie Swening, Gary Heath and Zach Doyle in Jr. Quiz; Taylor Davis, Nicole Heath, Meagan Ogden, Reagan Barr and Paige Barnett in Ag Issues and Taylor Davis in Job Interview. All three of these teams placed first on Monday evening to qualify for this weekend's event.

Open House Held at New Coleman High School Gym
11/13/2006
The doors to the new Coleman High School Gym were opened to the public Monday evening and the response, as you might expect, was outstanding. "We are very excited about the new gym. For one thing, the project was within the budgeted amount. It's going to be comfortable and an inviting place to enjoy watching basketball games," said Royce Young, superintendent.

One longtime Coleman coach will have the opportunity to coach the first games on the floor Tuesday night. Barbara Cox said she wishes to thank the community for their support in bringing the gym to Coleman ISD. "I am very pleased and proud to be in this gym. The fans should be happy with the seating, there doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house," Cox said.

Coach Robert Howington said he's excited to break-in the new gym soon. "Coleman is a great town, has a great school and great kids," he added.

The first games will be girls JV and Varsity games against Winters at 5:00pm and 6:30pm Tuesday, November 14th.

Pictured above are local officials including County Judge Jimmie Hobbs and wife Linda (2nd and 3rd from left) and Mayor Nick Poldrack in the center of the photo.

Masonic Lodge Holds Breakfast to Honor Veterans
11/12/2006
The CHS student council had the privilege of assisting the Mason's with their annual Veterans breakfast.

Nicole Heath, Amanda Brewer, Navy Veteran - Ken Mulanax, Katie Nixon and Meagan Dunnam.

Students of the Month Named At Coleman Junior High
11/12/2006
Members of the Coleman Junior High School chapter of the National Junior Honor Society recently voted on students of the month for October.

Students of the month are: Sarah Wickson, 6th grade girl, Laiken Barnett, 7th grade girl, Victoria Cruz, 8th grade girl.  Brandon Bailey, 6th grade boy, Hunter Johnson, 7th grade boy, Tanner Stickland, 8th grade boy. 

To be a student of the month, a student must be nominated by his or her teachers. To be nominated, students must be hard workers, act respectfully to teachers and peers in the classroom and in the hallway, and exhibit good behavior when involved in extra-curricular activities. Members of the National Junior Honor Society vote on nominees from each grade level. The male and female students from each grade who receive the most votes are the students of the month.

Santa Anna Students Honor Veterans
11/11/2006
The Theatre 1 and 2 and Speech classes of Santa Anna High School gave a moving tribute Friday morning to veterans, in particular, those from Santa Anna. According to Kathy Walker, the teacher who organized the program, this is the third year for the event. "This started as a way to remember our veterans. We started with 25 names, the list has grown to 140 and the kids get to see the number of families in our own community affected by war or who have served," Walker said. Opening remarks were made by Jessica Bennett. Rudy Enriquez lead the Pledges of Allegiance to the U.S. and Texas Flags. Caylie Robinett, Olivia Jackson and Kayla Casey sang "The Star Spangled Banner", accompanied by Mrs. Guthrie. Kendra Cannon told how Veteran's Day came to be. Caylie Robinett and Kayla Casey reminded veterans their dreams come true because of them (veterans) in the song "From This Moment On". Speech and Theatre classes then presented songs and poems prior to hearing from Felton Martin, a World War II veteran. Nancy Wylie and Lois Ann Harper gave the roll call of the service men and women past and present. As names were called, relatives in the audience stood to honor that person. After 140 names were called, virtually the entire auditorium was standing, and not many dry eyes could be found. To close out the program, Molly Pritchard, Olivia Jackson, Maria Segura and Maria Benge sang "Because You Loved Me" and Jarod Jones played Taps. Great job Santa Anna!
The names of Santa Anna area veterans are on a flag at the entrance to Santa Anna High School.
Mr. Felton Martin, a member of the 8th Air Force in WWII, reminded students that veterans all the way back to the Revolutionary War laid the foundation for freedom we enjoy today.

Wreck Near Echo Reported Friday Evening
11/10/06
Traffic was backed-up Friday evening just before dusk on State Highway 206 near Echo after a pickup collided with farm equipment on the Jim Ned bridge. Details are still sketchy but early information from the scene is that a pickup had stopped on one side of the bridge to wait for farm equipment to cross the bridge. A second pickup going west didn't see the first pickup stopped and had to go around him and collided with a plow and drill being pulled by an area farmer. As you can see in the picture, the driver's side of the pickup was heavily damaged by the disks of the plow. The pickup had a man and woman in it, both were taken to the hospital via ambulance in unknown condition. The farm equipment belonged to Anthony Strawn who was not injured.  The wreck is still under investigation by the DPS.

Travis Rhoads Hired to Manage Water District
11/9/2006
The Board of Directors of the Coleman County Special Utility District (formerly Coleman County Water Supply) met Wednesday and selected Travis Rhoads as the new General Manager starting November 16th.
Rhoads has worked for the water district for 10 years and will replace Davey Thweatt whose resignation is effective November 15th. District operations manager, Kevin Allen, also resigned and his last day is on the 15th. Thweatt and Allen are going into business together as Cousins Construction installing water lines and pipe lines.

Local Auto Parts Store Moves to New Location
11/9/2006
You may call the business Clark's Parts which has been in Coleman since the 1930's. You may know it as Carquest Auto Parts. Now, the same business has a new name and new location.

Monroe Auto Parts is open for business at 400 South Concho Street in Coleman in the old Goodyear building, across the street from Elm Street Church of Christ. It is locally owned and operated by Earon Monroe. Earon told Colemannews.com that he will still carry Carquest brand auto parts and the same local employees will be behind the counter to serve you. Employees include Gene Dobbins who has worked there 35 years and Wayne Felty who has been there around 8 years. Monroe is in his 23rd year.

Store hours will be 7:30am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday. The new location will give the business much more room compared to their longtime location on East Pecan Street.

Gene, Earon and Wayne. They invite you to come in and check out the new location.

Local Youths Honored
11/9/2006
Coleman High School’s Sarah Lofton and Nicole Heath were among 31 area 4-H members honored November 6th during the annual District 7 4-H Gold Star Banquet in Abilene’s Briarstone Manor. Lofton is the daughter of Trish and Lester Lofton, and Heath is the daughter of Jan and William Heath. The Gold Star Award is Texas Cooperative Extension’s highest youth award given on the county level. The event is sponsored annually by American Electric Power (AEP) and Texas Cooperative Extension.                                                                         

Also attending the banquet were Sarah’s parents, Lester and Trish Lofton, Nicole’s parents William and Jan Heath, and County Extension Agent Debbie Hailey and her husband Joe. Debbie Hailey is extremely proud of the accomplishments of these two young ladies, and she looks forward to more great things from them in the future.
 

Coleman County Election Results - ALL INCUMBENTS WIN
11/07/06
Coleman County Tax Assessor-Collector
Jamie Trammell (Deputy TAC) - 1,204 - winner by 128 votes
Jerri Ann Chambers - 1,076
Precinct 2 County Commissioner
Billy Don McCrary (incumbent) - 355 - winner by 34 votes
Dwan Cozart - 321
Precinct 4 County Commissioner
Alan Davis (incumbent) - 341 - winner by 2 votes
Mike Calk - 339Coleman County Votes for Texas Governor
Perry (incumbent) - 939
Bell - 430
Friedman - 324
Strayhorn - 598
Werner - 15State Representative District 53
Hilderbran - 1,522
Holt - 280
Total # of Registered Voters in Coleman County - 6,219
Total Votes - 2,370  - 38.11% Turnout

Practice Begins in the New CHS Gym
11/7/2006
As mentioned in a news story below, Open House for the new Coleman High School Gym is Monday, November 13th. The first games are with Winters Tuesday, November 14th.
Coach Barbara Cox and her Katts started getting used to their new surroundings Monday as evident by this picture submitted by Randy Huggins, regional vice-president for the ABD Group, Inc. of San Antonio which built the facility.  Don't forget that the Coleman ISD will treat Bluecat fans to free admission next Tuesday as a small way of saying thanks for supporting CHS athletics.

Successful Opening Weekend of Deer Season
11/6/2006
The annual pilgrimage to Coleman County known as deer and turkey season is off to a good start. What is leisure and sport to some is an estimated $3.5 million boon to the locally economy each fall and winter. So how was opening weekend? We figured Steve Hall at Hall's Custom Processing would know. "It surprised me, it was very good," Hall said. "We've seen above average numbers and the deer are surprisingly in good shape," Hall added. Many had thought the dry and hot summer may have had an impact on conditioning. Hall said he processed over 200 deer on Saturday alone which was a big day for his business. In the photo, pickups were lining up Sunday morning at Hall's Custom Processing.

Coleman PD Report Released for October
11/5/2006
The following statistics were released by Jay Moses, Coleman Chief of Police, for the month of October, 2006:
Investigations
Assault 6
Thefts 5
Burglaries 8
Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle 2
Terroristic Threat 2
Criminal Mischief 4
Harassment 2
Attempted Suicide 1
Sexual Assault 2
Child Protective Cases 4

Arrests
Warrants 17
Disorderly Conduct 1
Assault 2
Public Intoxication 1
Driving While Intoxicated 1
Driving While License Invalid 2
Possession of Marihuana 1
Possession of Controlled Substance 1
Violate Protective Order 1

Accidents Investigated
2 with no injury
4 with injuries

Animal Control calls 150
Dogs picked up 20
Cats picked up 7

Code Enforcement Calls 90

Citations issued
Animal Control 3
CISD Resource Officer 4
Police Department 81
Code Enforcement 4

Warnings issued
Police Department 44
Code Enforcement 14

More Street Sign Changes in Coleman
11/4/2006
The City of Coleman Police and Street Departments need the public to be aware that changes have taken place in regard to stop signs at the intersection of West First Street and Columbus Street. Previously, West First had yielded to Columbus Street. However, that has changed. Now, West First must stop to Columbus.
 
There has also been a change at the intersection of County Road 157 and Airport Road. County Road 157 must now yield to Airport Road.

Please use extreme caution when approaching these intersections, as it may take some time for residents to become accustomed to the changes. Questions in regard to these changes may be directed to the Police Department at 625-4114 or City Hall at 625-5114.

City Council Report
11/3/2006
The Coleman City Council covered several agenda items in 45 minutes Thursday evening. All items were listed under new business, no public hearings, bid openings, consent agenda or old business was noted.
* The Council voted 4-0 to approve the annual Vendor Contract with the Area Agency on Aging allowing the Senior Center to be reimbursed for the hot meal program.

* Voted 4-0 to pass Ordinance 1068 which amends a code in the City Code of Ordinances to changed the language in the current ordinance to read "burning of vegetation only" which will comply with state regulations. The Fire Department will issue permits if requirements are met.

* Voted 4-0 to establish rules, regulations and fees for the new Convenience Center behind Hall's Processing on Highway 84 North. The center will be manned by city personnel on Saturdays.

* Voted 4-0 for the City to pay up to $1,400.00 on the expense of replacing a fence, depending on the City Manager's assessment of the fence on the city side. Aristeo Ponce told the Council he is replacing about 1/2 mile of fence on his property which joins the City Landfill property. He wanted the City to go 50/50 with him on the expenses. The total cost is estimated at $4,500. City Manager Larry Weise said this was not a budgeted item and did not recommend it at this time.

* Voted 4-0 to authorize the advertisement and request for proposals for liability and property insurance for the City of Coleman.

* Voted 4-0 to change the yield sign to a stop sign on West 1st Street and if further action is needed, have the Police Department patrol the area more. Jeff Dean told the Council that a two block portion of West 1st, east of the hill, is the area in need. Vehicles travel off the hill at a high rate of speed and it is difficult for elderly drivers to back out of their driveway and small children are also at risk. Believing speed bumps would not be the answer, the decision was made to install a stop sign. Jay Moses, Chief of Police, said in the last two years and 10 months, no accidents have been reported on that street. Councilman Plummer said it was the parent's responsibility to not allow their children to play in the streets.

* Voted 4-0 to approve the 3rd Quarter Occupancy Tax Report from Mary Griffis, Coleman Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

Local Meat Processor Offers Way to Donate Venison
06/21/2007
With hunting season beginning, many hunters will soon find their freezers packed with venison. The Hunters for the Hungry program offers a convenient way to donate extra venison to help feed people in need. Interested hunters can take legally harvested deer to a participating meat processor, who will process and package the meat for a nominal fee to cover basic costs. Meat processors make arrangements with local food assistance agencies to distribute the meat to people in the community who need food. In Coleman County, donate deer at Halls Custom Packing in Coleman.

Most families in Texas have an abundance of food available, but for one in six Texas households, food is not plentiful. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s report on household food security ranks Texas as the most food insecure state. Over 60 percent of surveyed food assistance agencies reported an increase in the number of people seeking food. Hunters can answer that call.

Last hunting season, hunters donated nearly 180,000 pounds of meat through the Hunters for the Hungry program through 86 participating meat processors in 65 counties. In Coleman County, donations totaled 10,000 pounds last season. Be part of the solution to hunger. For a complete list of participating meat processors, go to www.tacaa.org/hunters.htm on-line or call during business hours Monday – Friday at (800) 992-8767, extension 506.

This year, besides donations of game, Hunters for the Hungry needs financial contributions. The Texas Association of Community Action Agencies, Inc., (TACAA) has administered Hunters for the Hungry in Texas with federal Community Food and Nutrition Program funds for years. Congress zeroed out this funding stream, so Hunters for the Hungry must generate $100,000 this fall in order to continue operating through 2007. For more information on how to help, call (800) 992-9767, extension 506, or visit www.tacaa.org/hunters.htm.

Halloween Fun at First Coleman National Bank
11/1/2006
Bank employees, inspired by the season, brought creativity to a new level. The pumpkin contest was a voluntary project with six pumpkins getting special treatment from six bank employees.
Pumpkins in their natural state are nice - colors, shapes, used on harvest tables, made into Jack-o-lanterns, etc. But to make one really come to life, requires a pumpkin in human hands. Add inspiration and a little humor to make a natural object into one that has personality and charm. From left to right:

Janet Barker’s pumpkin was a delight. It was carved into a raccoon, bandit eyes and all whose ‘bottom’ was a carved jack-o-lantern with the traditional face.

Curtis Skelton, whose pumpkin was traditional jack-o-lantern face, but with that ‘special cowboy hat’ and ears of pine cones and a smile that was truly C.S.!

Chrissi Hail’s cheerleader pumpkin was complete with sparkly pony tail hair, earrings, eyelashes, rhinestones, and pom-poms with a Coleman Bluecat banner flying above. No doubt about her loyalties.

Bobby McGee did a rare pumpkin thing by turning it on its side, using the stalk as the nose. The creases in the pumpkin accentuated the scowling face with wrinkles. A Witch’s hat completed the truly Halloween look.

A creation by Wanda Dieterich was carved on two sides - traditional jack-o-lantern face with the exception that the pumpkin held a small pumpkin between its teeth! The reverse was surface-carved with bats, with the light glowing through the skin of the pumpkin. It rested in a spider web. AWARD WINNER, shown right.

Viki Hambright’s pumpkin was painted green (John Deere green?), with a small gourd for its nose complete with a wart! Halloween hat and hair completed the creation. Scary!

The creations of the 6 "Pumpkins with Personality" are shown with their "masters" and the pumpkins truly did "come to life".

Fine Arts League members, Theda Rhea and Marian Johnson, shown left, "Judged" the pumpkin contest. It was quite revealing how much talent one can find in a Bank Lobby!

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