News Archives - November 2007

District Court Cases from May Reported
11/30/2007 (submitted by DA's Office)
District Attorney Joe Lee Rose presented the following cases to the Honorable John Weeks, 42nd District Court Judge, on Thursday, May 17, 2007, at 2:00 P.M.:

1. Cause No. 1786 – Robert Dale Martinez, Criminal Nonsupport. Martinez pled guilty and was sentenced to five years deferred adjudication and payment of court costs, community supervision fees, and restitution. He was also ordered to serve 120 hours community service.

2. Cause No. 1844 – Arthur Michon, Indecency with a Child. Michon pled guilty and was sentenced to five years deferred adjudication, and payment of a $500.00 fine, court costs, community supervision fees, and 160 hours community service.

3. Cause No. 1919 – Joe Louis Rosales, Jr., Aggravated Assault. Rosales pled guilty and was sentenced to five years confinement in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and was ordered to pay court costs and court-appointed attorney fees.

4. Cause No. 1524 – Joe Louis Rosales, Jr., Motion to Revoke Community Supervision. Rosales pled guilty and was sentenced to five years confinement in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and was ordered to pay court costs and court-appointed attorney fees.

5. Cause No. 1649 – Joe Louis Rosales, Jr., Motion to Revoke Community Supervision. Rosales pled guilty and was sentenced to five years confinement in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and was ordered to pay court costs and court-appointed attorney fees.

District Court Cases from June Reported
11/30/2007 (submitted by the DA's Office)
District Attorney Joe Lee Rose presented the following cases to the Honorable John Weeks, 42nd District Judge, on Thursday, June 14, 2007, at 2:00 P.M.:

1. Cause No. 1944 – Josie Martinez, Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver. Martinez pled guilty and was sentenced to seven years confinement in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and was ordered to pay court costs and court-appointed attorney fees.

2. Cause No. 1856 – Josie Martinez, Motion to Revoke Community Supervision. Martinez pled true to violation of her community supervision and was sentenced to one year confinement in a State Jail Facility and was ordered to pay court costs and court-appointed attorney fees.

3. Cause No. 1673 – Aaron Ray Perez, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. Perez pled guilty and was sentenced under Sec. 12.44(b), TPC, to two years deferred adjudication and was ordered to pay a $250.00 fine, court costs, court-appointed attorney fees, community supervision fees, restitution of $300.00 to the victim in this case, and was ordered to serve 80 hours community service.

4. Cause No. 1995 – Billy Jack Shaw, Jr., Possession of Controlled Substance. Shaw pled guilty and was sentenced to two years confinement in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and was ordered to pay court costs.

5. Cause No. 1453 – Billy Jack Shaw, Jr., Motion to Revoke Community Supervision. Shaw pled true to violation of his community supervision and was sentenced to six months confinement in a State Jail Facility, and payment of court costs.

6. Cause No. 1888 – Douglas Wayne Reed, Possession of Controlled Substance. Reed pled guilty and was sentenced to four years deferred adjudication, and was ordered to pay a $1,000.00 fine, court costs, court-appointed attorney fees, community supervision fees, lab fees of $140.00, and was ordered to serve 120 hours community service.

7. Cause No. 1885 – Freddie Eugene Stubbs, Jr., Evading Arrest. Stubbs failed to appear, and his bond was forfeited.

8. Cause No. 1887 – Freddie Eugene Stubbs, Jr., Possession of Controlled Substance. Stubbs failed to appear, and his bond was forfeited.

County Court Jury Finds Man Guilty
11/28/2007
A six member jury, made up of four men and two women, found Clifton Douglas Byrd, 36, of Coleman, guilty of Driving While Intoxicated in Coleman County Court on Tuesday, November 27. The one day trial started with jury selection in the morning, evidence presented in the afternoon and a verdict by 6:00pm. The jury deliberated about 20 minutes before reaching the guilty verdict.

Byrd was charged with DWI after a routine traffic stop at 5:30pm September 7, 2006 on U.S. Highway 84 between Coleman and Santa Anna. The stop was made by Coleman County DPS Trooper Chris Delgado. Evidence in the case showed that Byrd had open containers in his vehicle, failed two field sobriety tests and refused to submit to a breath test.

According to Coleman County Attorney Heath Hemphill, the testimony of Trooper Delgado, along with an in-car video tape, were enough to show that Byrd lacked the capacity to safely operate the vehicle. The trial, presided over by County Judge Jimmie Hobbs, resulted in Byrd being assessed a fine of $400, court costs and 90 days confinement in Coleman County Jail.

This marked the first County Court trial in Coleman County in many, many years.  

Coleman Sheriff’s Office Report for Week of 11-21 thru 11-27
11/28/2007 (by Wade Turner, Coleman County Sheriff)
The Sheriff’s Office made two arrests in connection with a local burglary. Several items have been recovered along with some firearms. This investigation is still ongoing at this time and more arrests are anticipated.

The Thanksgiving Holiday slowed down calls for service during this past week, as there were only 17 as follows:

Prisoner Transport to C.C.M.C. – 4; Provide Deputy Security for prisoner admitted to hospital. – 1; Identity Theft – 1; Assist D.P.S. for accident – 1; Suspicious Fire – 1; Disturbance – 1; Theft – 2; Security Alarm - 1; Warrant Service – 1; Provide Bailiff for Trial in County Court – 1; Recovery of Stolen Property – 3.

We are currently housing 9 prisoners in the Coleman County Jail, 8 males and 1 female.
1 – Work Program; 3 – Sentenced to T.D.C.J. awaiting Transport Conformation; 5 – Awaiting District Court Dispositions.


We are housing 1 male prisoner in Runnels County Jail at this time. He is awaiting District Court Disposition.

11/28/2007
Dear Editor,
I am writing this letter to comment on what wonderful kids we have in this community. Every time I turn around, I see another example of this. A few weeks ago, I needed help with the junior high pep rally. I asked Stanley Cole to get some high school boys to come give the pep talk and to hand out roses to the 8th grade cheerleaders. Stanley showed up and brought Glen Edington, Brandan Worsham, and Tye Barnett. These boys SKIPPED their lunch to come help me out. But most importantly, they did it because they felt a responsibility to the younger football players. They told me that they understand the boys look up to them and they wanted to be there for them. Wow! The kids stunned me again when several of the football players showed up at the Mighty Mites Superbowl game. JD Crowder, Tye Barnett, Zach Doyle, Ross Jackson, Trent Hambright and others came to the game. This just made some of those little boys days to know that the big boys came to watch them. Stephanie Moore said that her son, Colton, was as excited about them being there as he was about playing in the Superbowl! I could just keep going on and on about these acts of kindness, but I think you can get the picture. I'm proud of them and want everyone else to be also! What a great place we live in. I wouldn't want to raise my son anywhere else.

Thanks,
Bridget Wakefield

Thank You!
11/28/2007
To all who sent prayers, phone calls, cards, balloons and candy baskets - Thanks a Million! A very special thank you to "Doc" Nall for coming and observing during surgery and for all the treatment afterwards. A very big Thank You to J.D. Crowder and Brandon Worsham for coming ASAP to help cheer up the "Ol Man" (Corbin). Little Bro and Sis, thanks for helping with your big brother, too! We are blessed to have such wonderful people and friends in our community.
Sincerely,
The Brooks Bunch

And Then There Were Three..
11/28/2007
Only three spots remain open for the upcoming EMT course being offered by the Coleman Fire Department. The class will last three to four months, depending on scheduling. It will be presented in conjunction with the Texas Engineering Extension Service.

The class is open to anyone, the number of students has to meet a state minimum of at least 10. For more information, call the fire station at 325-625-2510 or just come by.

Volunteers Needed to Help Decorate The Cross
11/28/2007
Matthew 25 Ministries asks for your help decorating The Cross (inside) Mon.-Wed. 10 AM-5 PM Nov. 26-30th, also through December until CHRISTmas. (The Coleman County 4-H will be doing the outside decorating.) Help make this a very special CHRISTmas @ The Cross for the children.

Each child attending will receive a gift. Need donations of $1 gifts and help wrapping! For more info call 625-1002, mt25@verizon.net or donate to: The Cross, P.O. Box 1003, Coleman, TX 76834 or visit www.mt25.net.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner a Great Success
submitted by Lynn Corbett
11/28/2007
The Gouldbusk Homemakers Club hosted a community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Gouldbusk Community Center on Sunday November 18th. The ladies provided turkeys, ham and trimmings while members of the community brought side dishes and desserts. Over 80 people attended, from long time residents to the young and the new. A good time was had by all as people renewed old acquaintances as well as new. Everyone enjoyed checking out the improvements made to the facilities since last thanksgiving.

We would like to thank everyone who attended as well as those who helped make this community event a success. The monies that were donated will be used to buy a hot water heater as well as to maintain and improve the building. We would like to thank Dave and Vicky Stewart for their generous contribution of a new refrigerator and Danella McBrayer and Mona Wilson for their attention to the day to day maintenance of the building. Thanks also to Danella, Pat Pool, Mona and Virginia Jamison for the lovely decorations, which helped make the Community Center look truly festive.

We hope that many within the community will use the Center during the upcoming year. Thank you too to all those who helped throughout the year whose names I haven't mentioned, you know who you are and how much you are appreciated. We at the Gouldbusk Homemakers Club look forward to helping make our community a happy and healthy place to live.

Gouldbusk Club Meets
11/28/2007 (courtesy Lynn Corbett)
The Gouldbusk Homemakers Club met at the home of Mike and Lynn Corbett on November 8th at 1:30pm. Members attending were Pat Vance, Dean Lanier, Geneva Garrett, Geneva Harris, Mona Wilson, Wanda Jewell, Danella McBrayer, Virginia Jamison, Vicki Stewart, Pat Pool, Deborah Yates and Lynn Corbett. We also had one visitor, Kay West, a friend of Geneva Garrett's and our county extension agent Debbie Hailey.

Deborah Yates opened the meeting and we recited the club creed, prayer and pledges to the flags. During roll call each person present told what their favorite holiday dish was. it was amazing the variety of dishes chosen. We discussed the upcoming community Thanksgiving Dinner to be held on the 18th of this month and determined who would be responsible for the various necessities of the feast. as usual there was no problem getting volunteers to provide things. We talked about improvements in the community center and the donation of a refrigerator by Vicky and David Stewart.
We are truly blessed. Members were asked to get their recipes to Lynn Corbett as soon as possible so she can start compiling the recipe book we will be selling next year. We discussed who would be hostess for each of the next years meetings. The final plans were set in motion for the annual luncheon we host for the "County officers' Luncheon" which will be held at the Masonic Lodge on December 10th.

Debbie Hailey gave a program on Osteoporosis and the role played by diet, exercise and lifestyle in prevention of injuries. After the program everyone enjoyed refreshments provided by Lynn. After we finished with refreshments Deborah helped us make "cookie in a jar" recipes for gift giving. Our next meeting will be at the home of Berva Dawn Taylor. We will be having a Christmas celebration, starting at 11:30 with lunch followed by games and gift exchange. We would love to have anyone interested join us, you can contact any club member for information.

Humane Society Drawing Offers Three
Beautiful Christmas Gifts
11/27/2007 (contributed)
The Humane Society has been donated the beautiful watercolor at the far left by Cathy McAnally Lubke. Cathy is the sister-in-law of board member Louanne McAnally and sister of Jim McAnally. Cathy lives and paints in San Angelo. Watercolor is her favorite medium and this cactus rendition will speak to you. Please come by to see it in person and buy your tickets to have a chance for this beautiful original watercolor. Picture it in your waiting room, your office, or over the mantle in your home.

Our own talented Marian Johnson donated the print in the center. Blue Checks and Granny Smiths is one of Marian’s most honored watercolors. It is also one of Marian’s personal favorites. It features a ceramic bowl made by her mother. Can’t you see this beauty on a wall in your dining room or breakfast nook? It will look spectacular with the Wedgwood!

Humane Society board member Sue Frizzell loves to work with ceramics. She has donated the charming lighted bluebird ceramic Christmas tree at the far right. This little tree will make a lovely addition to your Christmas imagery for years to come.

Tickets for the drawing are available from any Humane Society board member and at the Humane Society Thrift Store, 109 West Pecan. Hours for the store are Thursday and Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $1.00 each and six for $5.00.
The store will remain open on Thursdays to 8 p.m. through the holidays. Take advantage of this extra two hours of shopping between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to BAG A BUCK! Fill a bag with clothes for only $1.00!

And don’t forget the Thrift Store Grand Opening on Friday, December 7, noon to 6 p.m.

Bake Sale a Huge Success
Our Sincere Thanks!
11/27/2007
I must say, leave it to Coleman! We were overwhelmed with all the support that the citizens of Coleman showed for Zach (Doyle) this past Wednesday.
Not only the people of Coleman but families from out of town as well as the hunters that were in for the holidays came out and donated. I can't forget the wonderful people with whom I work, the Coleman ISD staff, who baked the largest portion of the goodies for the sale.  Just to say thank you, doesn't seem enough.
As each of you may remember, last week, we had two days of spring like weather and then on Wednesday, it turned bitterly cold. As I stood there over the baked goods, shivering, a kind man drove up and offered his coat to me. After continued insistence, I gave in and took the jacket. Within 20 minutes, I experienced another act of kindness. A young lady who had been at the grocery store earlier, pulled up and gave a hot cup of coffee to me.
These acts of kindness not only made my day but are still making me smile today! Isn't that what the holiday spirit is all about? Showing love, compassion, patience and goodness to each other. That is what my son & I experienced this past Wednesday. Thank you to each of you. May the joy of the season be with you.

Sincerely,
Jenny & Zach

Wreck Sends Abilene Man to CCMC
11/27/2007
A wreck around 4:00pm Monday sent an Abilene man to Coleman County Medical Center. The wreck happened approximately five miles north of Talpa on FM 2132.

Charles Eugene Bearden, 63, of Abilene, told investigating troopers he swerved to miss a raccoon in the road. The Dodge pickup then began fishtailing back and forth on the highway before going into the west ditch, rolling over through a fence and coming to rest in a pasture.

According to the investigating DPS Trooper from Runnels County, Bearden's injuries did not appear to be serious but he was transported to Coleman County Medical Center by ambulance for further evaluation.

Assisting at the scene were the Coleman County Sheriff's Department, Coleman Fire Department and Runnels County DPS.

Burn Ban Lifted in Coleman County
11/26/2007
Thanks to the rain and snow over the weekend, Coleman County Judge Jimmy Hobbs has lifted the Burn Ban in Coleman County, effective immediately.

Free Thanksgiving Feast at Matthew 25 Draws Large Crowd
11/26/2007
Matthew 25 Ministries, located at The Cross (the former West Ward School in Coleman), has an annual tradition of serving a free Thanksgiving meal. The feast included 25 turkeys, seven large pans of dressing, one roaster of giblet gravy, two roasters of mashed potatoes, one roaster of green bean casserole and two pans of candied yams which served 160 guests. Matthew 25 would like to says thanks to the following people for making it possible.

Brenda Worshum, Shelia Nichols, Connie Taylor, Roy Chesney, Mike Dela Rosa, Carlie Shirk, Patrick & Billy Bennett, Pete & Maxine Cope, Marlene Cope, Viki Allen, Mitzi & King Mayes, Paul & Cindy Couglin, Pat Garrison, BillieVotaw, Grace Crum, Betty Cathey, Juanelle Stiles, Madgr Patton, Linda Laws, Sandra Lacey, Michael, Tammy Driskill, Jodie Thebe, Pat Bishop, Martha Eason, Jim Stokes, Concho Baptist Church loaned tables and chairs, FBC donations of food for LVI Ministry, John Gregg, Santa Anna Community Churches of food for LVI Ministry, Lavelle Walters, Dollar General for decorations, Coleman County 4-H for decorations, Beverly Casselberry, Audrey Casselberry, Kaylee Needham, Girl Scout Troup #71 for decorations, Keith Phillips, Johnna Phillips, Blair Phillips, Meagan, Stephanie Bledsoe, Kensi Bledsoe, Shiean Phillips.

Rainfall/Snowfall Bring Moisture to County
11/26/2007
The ground is moist again thanks to rain and snow across Coleman County. Here at Colemannews.com, our rain gauge measured 1.50, mainly from rain on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Snow fell between 1:00pm and 4:00pm Sunday before the sun peeked through the clouds just before dusk. Bill Garrett, five miles southwest of Santa Anna, received 1.50 inches of rain. Tex Wright reported 1.90 of rain, sleet and snow at the base of Santa Anna Mountain as of late Sunday. Larry Guthrie in northeast Coleman County received 2.30 of moisture. Snow accumulations amounted to a dusting in most areas but leftover moisture on roadways did leave some slick spots to start the day Monday. Temperatures should drop back down to freezing Monday night.

Bluecat Playoff Information
11/24/2007
Canadian beat Childress Saturday afternoon 43-28.

The Coleman Bluecats will now play the Canadian Wildcats at 3:00pm Saturday, December 1, in Wolfforth, Texas at Frenship ISD Stadium. (Wolfforth is located in southwest Lubbock County, sharing a boundary at Alcove Street with the City of Lubbock).

Ticket prices will be $5 for adults and $3 for students. Coleman is the HOME Team. Senior citizen passes will be honored.

CLICK HERE to see the Canadian Wildcat season record.

Wrecks Keep Local Emergency Personnel Busy
11/24/2007
It was a regular smash up derby around Coleman County Saturday morning and afternoon. No less than four fender benders were reported in Coleman on rain slick streets while another four calls were received in town and out concerning vehicles which left the road. One of the accidents was a a one vehicle rollover on the Highway 84 Bypass on the east side of town. Coleman Police Dispatch reports no injuries or transports to the hospital in any of the accidents.

Bluecats Defeat Crane for Area Title
11/24/2007
The Coleman Bluecats set the tempo of the game with a long opening drive which ended in a touchdown, played tenacious defense and scored on big plays to romp over the Crane Golden Cranes 33-22.
The next stop on the Bluecat journey through the playoffs is the Regional Championship game with either Canadian or Childress who play at 2:00pm Saturday in Canyon. We should know where and when the next Bluecat game will be by Saturday evening and will post the information here on the website.

Outdoor TV Show Shoots Segment on Local Ranch
Country Music Singer Also Here
11/23/2007
Brian Doty has a pretty good life. He loves to hunt and fish and makes a living at it through his own television show, Brian Doty's Extreme Outdoor Adventures, seen nationally on The Sportsman Channel.

Doty spent the early part of this week in Coleman County at Opperman Trophy Whitetails ranch, north of Coleman on the Baird Highway. Doty and his camera operator went in search of whitetail deer for a segment which will air around middle February. Doty films 26 episodes per year and while whitetails are his favorite game to hunt (predators are 2nd), this was his first trip to Coleman County. "I like it out here," he said of the Opperman operation. "They are very nice, it's well run, good food and good people."

Doty, 29, said he tries to keep his TV show as real as he can. He prefers using bow and arrow but says he uses a gun an equal amount of time. He tries to make his show family friendly and sometimes includes his wife, Misty, and son, Hunter. Doty says he'll be back in the area in February to host an Extreme Predator Calling Contest in Abilene. You can learn more about the contest on his website, www.briandotyoutdoors.com and click on contest. When Doty isn't producing TV shows, he is producing DVD's which are sold in major outdoor stores (such as Cabela's) and speaks at outdoor expo's and banquets.

Along with Doty for the hunt was Jerrod Medulla, a 26 year-old songwriter and singer, originally from Tuscola. Medulla is currently promoting his second CD produced by Walt Wilkins, known as a prolific songwriter and producer of Pat Green.

Medulla told us he wants to bring country back to country music with fiddle, steel and dobro featured in many of his songs.

Jerrod said you can learn more about him and hear his music on his MYSPACE page which is http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=158825903.

You can learn more about Opperman Trophy Whitetails on their website which is www.oppermantrophywhitetails.com.

Sheriff Office Calls for Service Week of 11-14-07 thru 11-20-07
11/23/2007 (by Sheriff Wade Turner)
In addition to routine patrol and investigations there were 30 calls for service this week. They are as follows:

Trespassers – 1; Motorists Assist – 1; Disturbance Loud Party – 1; Road Hunting – 2; Harassment – 1; Livestock out on roadway – 4; Welfare Check – 1; Domestic Disturbance – 1; Fight – 1; Motor vehicle accident – 1; Drunk Driver – 1; Service of Civil Process – 3; Theft of Livestock – 1; Suspicious Aircraft – 1; Burglary Report – 1; Assist Child Protective Service – 1; Warrant Service – 3; Transport Prisoner to C.C.M.C. – 1; Transport Prisoners from Runnels County to Coleman County – 3; Provide Bailiff for District Court – 1.

We are currently housing 10 inmates in the Coleman County Jail, 9 males and 1 female as follows: Work Program – 1; Awaiting District Court Dispositions – 6; Awaiting County Court Dispositions – 2; Awaiting Transport Conformation to T.D.C.J. – 1.

We are housing 1 male inmate in Runnels County Jail at this time. He is awaiting District Court Disposition.

Winners Announced in Domino Tournament
11/23/2007
The Huddle Arcade held a Domino Tournament recently. Emma Webb was the winner and Anita Woods and Willie Pearl Baker tied for 2nd place.

The Huddle Arcade was closed Wednesday and Thursday for Thanksgiving but will be open Friday at 12 noon until 10pm. If your parents are going to work and you're bored at home, come on down.

County Sheriff's Dept. is Key in Collecting Child Support
11/21/2007
You may not be aware of this, but the Coleman County Sheriff's Department assists families affected by non-payment of child support. The number is rather staggering.

In a letter to County Sheriff Wade Turner from the office of Attorney General Greg Abbott, it points out that, in the past year, a total of $909,922.49 was collected in child support payments on cases with Coleman County court orders. "Without you and the assistance of the Coleman courts, this would not have been possible," said the letter signed by Oscar Montes and Derek Hampton of the Child Support Division of the Texas Attorney General.

LVI Expansion Nears Completion
11/20/2007
A Coleman industry began a major expansion over the summer which is almost complete.

Leon Valley, Inc. needed covered storage and more room to produce their cattle pens and rodeo arenas. They embarked on a 20,000 sq. ft. addition of which 10,000 sq. ft. is a new welding area.

They plan to move into the welding area in the next week or two and will employee more welders. LVI produces pens, panels and cattle equipment which will be stored under the new, large covered area. It improves shipping and handling.

LVI builds rodeo bucking chutes which are the design of legendary cowboy Ty Murray. These, along with roping and squeeze chutes, are shipped nationwide. Some orders have even gone overseas. LVI recently built and supplied all the horse stalls, roping chutes and bucking chutes for a big arena in Andrews. LVI employees around 55 and continues to grow. 

School Board Meeting Held Monday Night
11/20/2007
The Coleman School Board accepted the resignation of CHS Spanish teacher Sherrell Hazlewood who is retiring at the Christmas break. Existing personnel will finish out Mr. Hazlewood's Spanish classes.

The school board hired Elizabeth Wilmeth, a Howard Payne graduate, as assistant band director from January through May 2008.

The Coleman ISD followed suit with other taxing entities and held a Public Hearing on Bill 621, exemptions of Goods in Transit, then approved the measure later in the meeting.

The board also approved a contract with Coleman County Tax Appraisal District to collect school taxes for another year. They also cast 1,010 votes for board member Viki Hambright and 200 votes for Coleman City Secretary, Sue Burleson, to serve on the Tax Appraisal Board.

Also approved were the district improvement plan and increases in employee reimbursement rates for meals and mileage. Royce Young, superintendent, told the board school employees are encouraged to drive school vehicles on trips when possible, but if not possible, take their own vehicle. Mileage reimbursement will go from 40.5 cents to 48.5, closer to the amount recommended by the Comptroller. Meal rates increase from $30 to $36.00 per day. The new rates are effective December 1.

A resolution to authorize sale of real property was tabled until the December meeting, pending more information from the school attorney.

Several Coleman ISD teachers and administrators will travel to San Antonio this coming Monday to attend a workshop concerning teacher incentive pay. Coleman ISD has shown interest in the program which may provide grants to the district. Local administrators want to attend the workshop to learn more about the program and be able to make a more informed decision. 

Coleman Native Has Role in NASCAR Ceremony
11/20/2007
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has traded his #8 car for the new #88 National Guard car and there to witness the unveiling of the 88 was Coleman native Scott Tibbetts.

Tibbetts works in the State Headquarters of the National Guard and is the Sergeant Major of the Logistics Director for the state of Texas. SGM Tibbetts said he was just lucky to have the right connections to get invited to the press conference which unveiled the new #88. The invitation was extended by LTC Ron McLaurin, Commander for Recruiting and Retention in the state for the National Guard.

Also attending was Tibbetts fiance, 1LT Aimie DeJesus. Aimie also participated in the uncovering of the car.

As far as he knows, Tibbetts will not be involved in any further functions with the new Earnhardt Jr. team, but he did get to meet Darrel Waltrip (left) and to that we say "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity".

Winners of Fall Decorating Contest Announced
11/20/2007
The Coleman Business People's Association has announced the winners of the Fall Decorating Contest held for the first time this year.

First place in the home decorating contest was Sue Burleson. First place in the business decorating contest was Scissorhands.

Red Fellers Ordained as Deacon
11/20/2007
On Sunday, November 18, S.D. (Red) Fellers was ordained as Deacon for the Trickham Union Church in southern Coleman County.

All of SD's siblings were in attendance as well as many other family and friends (below).

Sarah Lofton Receives Cutting Horse Scholarship
11/19/2007
Bob Kilmer, President of the Ranch Cutting Horse Association (RCHA) recently presented Sarah Lofton of Coleman with a scholarship.Sarah was the recipient of the 2007 RCHA Scholarship. The award was presented at the RCHA Finals in Fort Worth during the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering October 27. Sarah has been a member of the RCHA for three years riding Jacks Last Jet (aka Nellie) owned by Hemphill Land and Cattle Co., of Coleman. zMs. Lofton's season was ended early due to an injury to her horse, but still finished 29th out of 79 in the limited division. Sarah is currently a senior at Coleman High School and plans on attending West Texas A&M University in August 2008. She hopes to continue cutting in her spare time.
RCHA sanctioned events are open to any working ranch's family or employees riding true ranch horses which are used for day to day activities on the ranch. At present RCHA members hail from over 60 different working ranches from 3 states.   You can find more information online at www.ranchcutters.com.

Condolences to the Poldrack Family
11/19/2007
We wish to send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Coleman Mayor Nick Poldrack, his wife Ruth and members of their family. Their daughter, Danita, passed away in Garland Friday, November 16, at the age of 45.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00am Friday, November 23, at Restland Funeral Home, 9220 Restland Road, in Dallas.

Family visitation will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm Thursday night at the funeral home.

Congratulations!
11/19/2007
To all the boys that poured their heart and souls into a great season of Mighty Mite football. Also to Jeff Hammonds for a wonderful job on coaching and building these young men.  We are proud of you all !!!

Dear Editor
11/19/2007
I am so proud of our football team, so much hard work has finally paid off for our athletic department. I would though like to ask that while we are decorating our homes with blue lights to celebrate this joyous Christmas season and our football team that we show some consideration toward our environment and the impact that using power for these lights involves. Perhaps we should burn these lights only on game nights. I realize that the choice to spend money purchasing and burning these lights is a personal one; however the impact on the environment when this electricity must be replaced involves all of us. In a time of global warming with its effects including the increased power of hurricanes, such as Katrina, still a part of our memory these displays of conspicuous consumption are, I feel, inappropriate.
Sandra Lacy
Coleman, Texas

Letter to Editor
If we follow all rules concerning the trash pick-up, and our trash is still not picked up, what are we supposed to do? My trash was out by 6am Friday, not overflowing, but full. The poly cart will not hold another weeks worth of trash.
Karen Griffin
1113 Vale St.

REMINDER FOR TRASH SERVICE
11/17/2007 (by Larry Weise, City Manager)
As a reminder to the citizens of Coleman that on October 8, 2007 the City of Coleman converted to the automated side load trash system and you have been provided a blue poly cart for your garbage collection.

In previous media releases information has been given that the poly cart must be placed at the curb on the street which reflects the customers address. It is important that this requirement be met because the city is holding the contractor responsible for daily reporting concerning completion of route service and conditions regarding pick-up. Failure to have the carts on the address side of the residence results in confusion, especially if there are substitute drivers on the routes. Please remember the poly cart may not be overfilled with garbage where the lid will not shut completely or have trash stacked on top of or around the poly cart.


Effective immediately the poly cart will not be emptied unless the above criteria is met.

City Council Considers Airport Advisory Board
11/16/2007
The Coleman City Council on Thursday approved an Ordinance to create an Airport Advisory Board but delayed approving the members recommended to serve on the board until Ordinance 1088 becomes official.  Readings to approve the Airport Board ordinance will be held in upcoming Council meetings.

City Manager Larry Weise told the Council that the board would serve in an advisory capacity to the Council and city management but that final decisions made about the airport would remain with the City Council.

Weise said the need for the Airport Board is timely due to "complexity of airport operations, airport security, more sophisticated aircraft using Coleman Municipal Airport and more strict requirements for grants made available by the Texas Department of Transportation.

Weise proposed the following people serve on the board - for a one year term - Ross Jones, Cecil Day and Randy Turner. For a two year term - John Vance and James Wright. The Council voted to hold off on approving the proposed board members until the Ordinance to create the Airport Board is finally approved..

AEP Presents Check for Coleman Tire Clean-up
11/16/2007
American Electric Power representative Lanny Aldridge recently presented an appreciation plaque to Coleman Mayor Pro Temp John Plummer and City Manager Larry Weise.

 Mr. Aldridge also presented a check from AEP for $1,000 to be used in support of the Tire Clean-up Project in the City of Coleman. The City of Coleman, working in cooperation with the County, Keep Coleman Beautiful and other volunteers, has remover over 5,000 old tires from two primary dump sites. The $1,000 donation will be used in the continued effort to totally clean-up these sites.

Coleman Band Students Help Loaves & Fishes
Donates 900 lbs of Cookie Dough
11/16/2007
Upon receipt of their recent cookie dough fundraiser, Coleman Band leaders and students were amazed to find a large error in shipment. They had received a full pallet of cookie dough orders for a school in another state! After talking with the shippers, they were told they could not return the items since the dough might ruin before they could pick it up and re-deliver and that the band could dispose of it however they deemed correct. They called Loaves and Fishes Food Ministries and asked if they had storage for a large amount of cookie dough and if they could use it.

Arrangements were made for picking up the order so Coleman Band members donated approximately 900 pounds of cookie dough which will equal approximately 14,000 cookies and a retail street value of approximately $4,380. With the holiday season already here, Leta Gaither expressed her appreciation to the leaders and members stating that this will help them greatly through the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Once again, the wonderful spirit of Coleman and Coleman County was expressed by helping others.

Answering the Challenge
11/16/2007
We thank everyone for the nice comments on our blue lights here at Colemannews.com. We are supporting the Bluecats into the playoffs and accepted the challenge from the coaches Patton and Walkers up on Mississippi Street who decorated in blue to support the teams.

Others getting into the "spirit of blue" include the Coleman ISD Administration Office. Bridget at 1401 Austin is decked out in blue. Kemp, Becky, Chelsey and Keagan at 1415 Brazos are now blue, too. If you decorate in blue and want us to mention it, let us know by dropping us an e-mail at mail@colemannews.com. 

Also, the suggestion has been made that while you are buying Christmas lights this year, stock up on blue lights for next year and we'll decorate the town in blue when the season begins. But it's still not too late this year to support the Bluecats so join the fun!

The Bluecats play the Haskell Indians in Cisco at 7:00pm Saturday, November 17 for the Bi-District Championship.  Coleman is the home team.

How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey
11/16/2007 (by Ms. Edington's Kindergarten Class)
Most of you probably know the proper way to prepare your Thanksgiving turkey. With the holiday just one week away, those of you who need assistance in preparing your turkey may want to use the recipe below, courtesy of Ms. Edington's Kindergarten Class at Coleman Elementary School. Enjoy.

"Go to the woods and get a turkey. Shoot him, gut him and then get the feathers and skin off. Put him on a pan, add 3 cups of salt, 1 cup of pepper, 1scoop of butter and turn the temperature to 11 minutes Fahrenfeit. Cook for 3 minutes, take him out, cut him and put him on a plate and eat him. Invite other people and drink something you have and have a Happy Thanksgiving."

How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey
11/16/2007 (by Mrs. Swening's Kindergarten Class at Coleman Elementary)
Buy a turkey at the store. You have to wash the turkey. You need a big pan. Put the turkey in the pan. Put sugar, sale and pepper on the turker.
Turn the oven on 30 degrees. Put turkey in the overn. Cook the turkey for 20 hours. Put on gloves and take the turkey out. Fix on a plate and cut it into little tiny pieces. Eat it!

Coleman County Sheriff’s Office Activity Report
for the week of November 8-13
11/15/2007 (courtesy Wade Turner, Coleman County Sheriff)
There were 20 calls for service in addition to routine patrol and ongoing investigations currently being conducted by the Sheriff’s Dept.

Criminal Mischief - 1; Accident – 1; Livestock on Roadway – 1; Road Hunters – 2; Serving Civil Process – 2; Suspicious Vehicle on private property – 1; Vehicle Pursuit – 1; Fight call – 1; Motorist Assist – 2; Harassing Phone Calls – 3; Illegal Dumping on County Roads – 1; Recovered Stolen Firearms – 1; Warrant Service – 1; Transport Prisoner to CCMC – 1; Transport Prisoner to State Jail - 1.

As reported on Tuesday, the 117 year old, Coleman County Jail passed inspection again this year. The Jail Inspector, Jackie Semmler stated that, for the age of the jail, it was clean and in good condition. The jail met all required standards. This was Semmler’s first year to inspect our jail. Semmler said that she looked forward to seeing us again next year.

The jail is currently housing 7 inmates as follows: Work Program – 1; Awaiting District Court Dispositions – 5; Awaiting County Court Dispositions – 1

We are currently housing 2 in Runnels County Jail. Both inmates are awaiting District Court Dispositions.

Citywide Toy Drive is Gearing Up
11/14/2007 (by Colette Tabor)
Many residents of Coleman County have filled shoeboxes with gifts to give to needy children internationally. Now, the opportunity is before us to spread happiness to children right here in our own "backyard"!

The Citywide Toy Drive, which has grown over the years to become countywide, is getting underway. Volunteers have already started collecting new and used toys for distribution in December. With all of the toy recalls in recent months, extra care has been taken to check the serial numbers of the existing toys to be sure they are safe. None of the toys have been on any recall lists!

Many groups and individuals donate toys to the Toy Drive as community service projects. Toy Drive organizers are encouraging everyone to look for "Made in the U.S.A." labels when possible.

The Toy Drive is always thankful for donations of toys and money to purchase toys and books. The First United Methodist Church took an offering for the Toy Drive at its Vacation Bible School this past summer. The children collected $149.05. Carla Billings, retired teacher, has blessed the Toy Drive with donations of children's reading books from her own collection and from shopping sprees at bookstores in Austin.

There is an account for the Toy Drive at Coleman County State Bank that welcomes donations year round.

Dollar General in Coleman has collection boxes at the registers for donations of money. On Friday of each week, the employees will take the money collected and go shopping in the store for toys, puzzles, books and all sorts of fun things for the Citywide Toy Drive.

The Drive is in need of good, clean, gently used toys to supplement the new toys given. If you have toys that need a new home, they may be dropped off at Shapes for Women, Coleman Co. Chamber of Commerce or Coleman County Electric Co-op.

More information will be forthcoming regarding the dates the Toy Drive applicatons will be available and the times and locations.

Local 4-Hers do Well in Shooting Event
11/14/2007
Some Coleman 4-Hers went to a N.R.A. shoot this past weekend and did very well.

Nathan Taylor
2nd in .22 Pistol Silhouette, 2nd in .22 Rifle Silhouette, 2nd in Cowboy Action Rifle Silhouette, 5 in a row Turkey Pin

Magen Rutledge
2nd in .22 Rifle Silhouette, 3rd in .22 Rifle Silhouette

Megan Taylor
1st in .22 Rifle Silhouette, 4th in .22 Rifle Silhouette

Lachelle Rutledge
1st in .22 Pistol Silhouette, 1st in .22 Rifle Silhouette, 1st in .22 Rifle Silhouette, 1st in Cowboy Action Rifle Silhouette, 2 - 5 in a Row Pig Pins, 1 - 5 in a Row Ram Pin.

A Garden Club "Thank You"
11/13/2007
Town & Country Garden Club wishes to thank everyone who participated in the Coleman County Redbud Trail Sesquicentennial project last Saturday. Over 175 redbud trees were purchased! A "Redbud Registry" will be maintained at the Chamber of Commerce office. The Registry will indicate the name of the purchaser of the tree, the location in which it is planted, as well as the honorarium or memorial. Congratulations to all of you who have enriched our County with beautiful blooms for years to come.

TOPS Club Meets
11/14/2007
Texas TOPS #1876 met Thursday, November 8, with nine members weighing in and a total of 5 3/4 pounds lost.

Two great contests are coming up which will both end at the Christmas party in December.
A very interesting program concerning the amount of sugar we get in all foods was demonstrated. None of us could believe the amount of hidden sugar in the food we eat daily.
Next week, we will learn about the affects of water on weight loss and health.

On November 21, we will have our meeting for that week (note that it is a Wednesday). We will have a special guest at the meeting, a TOPS Area Captain from Missouri. Please make plans to attend the meeting.
If you are interested in losing weight and having fun while you are doing it, join us every Thursday at 5:30pm at Shapes/Merle Norman downtown Coleman.

Stacey Mendoza Appointed County Clerk
11/13/2007
Meeting Tuesday morning, Coleman County Commissioners unanimously appointed Stacey Mendoza to serve as Coleman County Clerk, effective January 1, 2008.

Mendoza will take the place of Jo Ann Hale who resigned last month. Mendoza ran for the office and lost against Hale last year.

Mendoza has been working at Santa Anna National Bank since 1992 where she serves at Vice-President. She has also been active in working with youth sports in Coleman County.

Historic County Jail Passes Inspection Again
11/13/2007
Coleman County Commissioners were notified Tuesday morning by County Sheriff Wade Turner that the 117 year-old County Jail passed inspection Friday, November 9.

Jackie Semmler with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards did the inspection and certified the jail for another year. "I am very proud of the County Jail staff, for all the hours of work and preparation to keep the jail at the required standards," said Turner. "Additionally, the County Commissioners Court has proved to be invaluable in meeting certification standards and working with me in any way to accomplish this," Turner said.

The Coleman County Jail has been certified every year since the Texas Commission on Jail Standards began the inspection process in the late 1970's.

Now Is The Time To Start Sending Our Troops Mail For The Holidays
11/12/2007 (by Congressman Randy Neugebauer)

The U.S. Postal Service is reminding folks that if they want packages to reach loved ones in the military during the holidays, they should consider sending them out now. Pentagon spokesman Lt. Bashon Mann spoke of the importance of mail to our men and women overseas stating, “Mail Call can be the best part of the day for our deployed military service members, especially around the holidays. With more of our young men and women serving overseas, making sure their mail arrives on time is important to all of us.”

Here is a report directly from the USPS:

Tuesday, Nov. 13 is the first recommended date for sending holiday packages to troops stationed overseas. All packages and mail must be addressed to individual service members, as required by U.S. Department of Defense regulations. All military units are assigned an APO or FPO ZIP code and, in many cases, that ZIP code travels with the unit. The Postal Service places APO/FPO mail on special charter flights, commercial airlines and military aircraft to reach armed services members overseas as quickly as possible.

The Postal Service has created a special mailing and shipping kit designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas. Each of these CARE KITs contains two Priority Mail boxes, six Priority Mail flat rate boxes, eight Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and eight customs forms with envelopes. Flat rate boxes are a special value. Customers pay only $8.95, regardless of the weight or destination of the package. Call 1-800-610-8734 and ask for the CARE KIT.

To help ensure delivery of holiday cards and packages by Dec. 25 to military APO/FPO addresses overseas and to international addresses please visit the following links for additional and detailed information: http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2007/pr07_081.htm  or http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2007/pr07_083a.htm .

Listed below are a few options to send packages overseas:

*EMMS: Express Mail Military Service is available to selected military post offices. Check with your local Post Office to determine if this service is available to your APO/FPO address.

*PAL: Parcel Airlift Mail, or PAL, is a service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space-available basis. It is available for Parcel Post items not exceeding 30 pounds in weight or 60 inches in length and girth combined. The applicable PAL fee must be paid in addition to the regular surface rate of postage for each addressed piece sent by PAL service.

*SAM: Space Available Mail, or SAM, parcels are paid at the Parcel Post rate of postage, with maximum weight and size limits of 15 pounds and 60 inches in length and girth combined. SAM parcels are first transported domestically by surface and then to overseas destinations by air on a space-available basis.

Students of the Month Named at Panther Creek
11/13/2007
The Panther Creek Students of the Month for October are Ty Stewardson and Kirsten Moore.

Ty, a senior, is the son of Judd Stewardson and Toni Stewardson.

Kirsten, a sixth grader, is the daughter of Doug and Stephanie Moore.

Close Call Monday for Local Man
11/13/2007
At 6:59am Monday, Coleman Police received a 911 call concerning a wreck at the intersection of West 5th Street and South Commercial Avenue.

According to investigating officer Les Cogdill, a 2003 white Peterbilt truck, pulling a trailer, was headed north on Commercial Avenue. The truck was driven by 43 year-old Terry Watson of Coleman.

A 1991 red Lincoln Town Car, driven by Brandon Ray Owen, 22, of Coleman,  was traveling east on West 5th Street.

The vehicle driven by Owen failed to yield right of way (stop sign) at the intersection of West 5th Street and Commercial Avenue, according to Cogdill.  As Owen entered into the intersection of Fifth Street and Commercial the 2003 Peterbilt truck driven by Watson attempted to avoid the crash by going to the side of the road at which time the rear of the trailer ran over the hood of the Lincoln Town Car. After impact the vehicle driven by Owen came to rest facing north on Commercial Avenue.

Owen was later transported to Coleman County Medical Center by private vehicle.

The Coleman Police Department was assisted on scene by the Coleman Fire Department, Coleman County EMS, and Terry's Towing.

“We’re About More Than That”
11/12/2007
By Royce A. Young, Superintendent
This past Friday, many Coleman fans traveled to Tuscola to watch a very important 6-AA football game that would decide the third and final play-off representative. Most all would agree that Coleman played about as good a third quarter as I have ever seen them play and, to be perfectly honest, I would describe it as just plain awesome. Coleman fans were as vocal and supportive (in a positive way) as I have seen them in a long time. There is no doubt that the athletes on the playing field noticed it and responded by playing even better.

One incident left me a little disheartened though and I will try to explain why I feel that way. When the Jim Ned high school and middle school bands took longer than usual, and the Bluecats returned to the field at the usual time, our fans reacted by booing the Jim Ned Band on the field. Now first, let me tell you that the entire situation could have been avoided if someone from Jim Ned had simply communicated to Coach Buzzard that the halftime would be a little longer than usual. He, in turn, would not have brought the team on the field and I believe that you, as fans, would not have reacted the same way. What saddens me about this is that the junior high and high school band kids on the field took your booing personally. You and I both know that while they were the objects of the boos, you were showing your displeasure with the situation and not them. Folks, you have to remember that this whole thing we call athletics is about kids and not about you. Do I think Jim Ned shares some in the blame by not communicating a departure in routine? Yes! Do I think you were wrong in the manner that you showed your disapproval? Again, I would have to say yes!

I kept asking myself all weekend how you would have felt if that had been one of your band kids out there. You are the adults in the situation and kids learn by example. Is this truly the example you want to show to the youngsters in this community? I have spent my morning writing apology letters to the band directors and administrators in the Jim Ned CISD. Again, while good communication would have avoided this incident, I cannot and will not condone Coleman fans behavior regarding boos in any situation. Nothing good ever comes from this type behavior and it has been proven over and over. As we get ready to go into the play-offs just be positive in your support. You can be vocal and positive at the same time. Let’s enjoy this ride and not stoop to negative behavior. “We’re about more than that.”

Coleman Has Two 4-H Gold Star Winners
11/12/2007
Rebecca Baker and Casie Swening, from Coleman, were among 28 area 4-H members honored Nov. 5 during the District 7 Annual 4-H Gold Star Banquet in Abilene’s Briarstone Manor. Rebecca is the daughter of Chuck and Nancy Baker and Casie is the daughter of Dr. Mark and Tammy Swening. The Gold Star Award is Texas Cooperative Extension’s highest youth award given on the county level. The event is sponsored annually by AEP-Texas and Texas Cooperative Extension.  

Pictured above are Rebecca Baker (left) and Casie Swening (right) with Greg Blair from AEP. (Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Billy Warrick).

David Prichard Completes Army Basic Training
11/12/2007
SPC 4, David Blaine Prichard, graduated Army Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina on Friday, November 2nd. President George W. Bush gave the commencement address and handed out awards to the troops.

This was the second time President Bush gave a commencement address to one of David's graduating classes. In 1997, David graduated from Texas Tech University and the Governor George W. Bush gave the commencement address.

Prichard is currently stationed at Ft. Huachuca, Thunder Mountain, Arizona where he will receive his Army Special Intelligence training after 26 weeks.

David is a 1993 graduate of Coleman High School and is the son of Ray Prichard of Coleman, Nessa Jordan of Red River, New Mexico, and the brother of Ashley Garrett and Alyssa Prichard, both originally of Coleman. Family and friends of David are immensely proud of him for his achievements in the Army thus far, and for being involved in something of great importance to our country.

C.T.O. in Coleman Receives Grant for $1.29 Million
11/9/2007
Congressman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) announced today that Central Texas Opportunities, Inc. in Coleman will receive a grant of $1.29 million on behalf of the Head Start Projects Program administered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The grant will fund Coleman’s Head Start Center-Based program for children.

“I am more than pleased that Central Texas Opportunities, Inc. received this grant for its Head Start Program,” said Conaway. “The health and happiness of our children is essential to the future of our nation. Head Start programs provide invaluable developmental and educational services to disadvantaged children and families and help promote school readiness and future academic success. The funding for these programs benefits the families involved and the community as a whole and contributes to a brighter future for our nation’s children.”

The Head Start Center-Based program concentrates the development of enrolled children on group experiences and parental involvement. Children are provided with an individualized-educational program, a comprehensive health-care program, and an opportunity to improve their emotional and social development. Parents are involved in the planning and structuring of the activities as well as the classroom operations.

For more information about Head Start Programs, please visit their website at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/. 

Justo Lamas Has Fun at Coleman High School
11/9/2007
The Coleman High School auditorium was filled to its 766 seat capacity at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 5, with students from CHS and 17 area high schools. Internationally known entertainer, Justo Lamas, delivered his usual captivating performance to the young people as he occasionally included them in the program with dances as well as practice of the Spanish language. The theme of Justo’s presentation was “Suenos” (Dreams), in which he encouraged students to pursue their dreams in a positive manner as they progress in life.

The Coleman High School Spanish Club has hosted the Justo Lamas concert for the past three years. He called on some local students for their help during his concert, as seen above. High schools in attendance were: Wylie, Robert Lee, Hawley, Ballinger, Christoval, Eastland, Cisco, Anson, Crowell, Baird, Mullin, Sonora, De Leon, Bangs, Panther Creek, Gorman, Trent and Coleman.

Weekly Report from Coleman County SO
11/9/2007 (courtesy County Sheriff Wade Turner)
The Sheriff’s Department received 28 calls for service in addition to routine patrol and investigations for the period October 30 through November 7. They are as follows:

Warrant Service – 1; Trespassing – 1; Grass Fire – 1; Vehicle Fire – 1; Controlled Burn – 1; Criminal Mischief – 2; Theft – 1; Burglary of a Building – 1; Recovered Stolen Property – 1; Civil Dispute – 1; Domestic Disturbance – 1; Welfare Check – 1; Civil Standby – 1; Accident – 1; Livestock out on Roadway – 3; Service of Civil Process – 2; Unattended Death – 1; M.H.M.R. transport to San Angelo – 2; Prisoner transport to Doctor – 1; Prisoner transport from Runnels County to District Court – 2; Prisoner Transport to Drug Rehabilitation in Uvalde Texas – 1; Prisoner Transport to the State Jail Havens Unit in Brownwood – 1.

It Pays to be Present
11/9/2007
The winner of the “It Pays to be Present” drawing held this past week at Coleman Junior High was seventh grader Megan Dority. A drawing for $25.00 is held each six weeks period. To be eligible for the drawing, a student must not miss a single day of school during the period. The $25.00 is provided by the student council at Coleman Junior High School.

A grand prize drawing for $100.00 is held at the end of the school year. This amount is also provided by the student council.

Presenting the check to Megan is Sydni Stevenson, Student Council Treasurer.

Santa Anna Native Killed in Northeast Texas Vehicle Accident
11/8/2007
Melinda Carol Horner, 54 of Honey Grove, Texas, passed away Tuesday, November 6 at Paris Regional Medical Center from injuries received in a late Tuesday afternoon accident 15 miles east of Honey Grove on U.S. Highway 82.

She was a junior high English teacher in the Honey Grove ISD where her husband, David Horner, 52, is an assistant coach. According to a Paris, Texas newspaper,  the couple’s 2004 Ford Windstar was traveling east on U.S. 82 when the husband noticed a dark colored horse running west bound in the east bound lane, according to Texas Department of Public Safety records. 

“He did not have time to brake before hitting the horse,” DPS communication’s operator Samantha Powers of the Sherman DPS office advised.  David was treated and released from Paris Regional Medical Center.

Classes at all Honey Grove schools were dismissed Wednesday due to the tragedy but were scheduled to re-open today.

Funeral services will be held in Honey Grove at 10:00am Friday.  Services will then be held at the Santa Anna First Baptist Church at 2:00pm Saturday.  

Ashley Jameson Inducted Into Alpha Chi at UT Arlington
11/8/2007
Ashley Jameson, daughter of Rex and Debbie Jameson of Coleman, was inducted into Alpha Chi at UT Arlington recently. Alpha Chi is a national college honor society for the top 10% of juniors and seniors in all academic fields in their university. Alpha Chi has the distinct honor of belonging to the well-known National Association of College Honor Societies.
The organization is a co-educational society whose purpose is to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction.Ashley, along with 97 other students, was inducted into Alpha Chi on Saturday, the 3rd of November during a ceremony held at The University of Texas at Arlington. All honorees received personal recognition, a recognition pin and a membership certificate. The induction ceremony was followed by a banquet. This honor will allow Ashley to be considered for Alpha Chi scholarships and fellowships given annually by the national organization. Members may also receive special recognition at graduation, such as wearing honor cords or stoles and having the gold Alpha Chi seal affixed to their diploma.
Ashley has maintained a 3.5 GPA or better while attending college since graduation from Coleman High School in 2005. She is classified as a junior at this time while pursuing a degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Ashley will apply for the nursing program at UTA in January of 2008.
Attending the induction ceremony at UTA were her parents Rex and Debbie Jameson and her brother, Jeremy Jameson. Ashley is the granddaughter of Wilbert & Jerry Dobbins of Coleman, and Max & Ann Jameson of Voss.

Shilo Harris Family Guests of the Dallas Cowboys
11/7/2007
Shilo, Kathreyn and Elizabeth Harris were guests of Dallas Cowboy owner Jerry Jones at the October 21st game between the Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings at Texas Stadium in Irving. They took part in a ceremony on the field where Miller Brewing Company teamed up with Operation Homefront Texas to launch the "Miller Thanks Vets" program. Miller donated $50,000 in four areas of need: Emergency Assistance, Wounded Warriors, Care Packages for Troops and Education/Employment. Shilo helped accept the check from Miller. You can read more about the Operation Homefront Program, a non-profit organization that gives assistance to military families, HERE.

Library Advisory Board Meets
Friends of Library Needs Old School Pictures for Sesquicentennial Display
11/7/2007
The Coleman Public Library Advisory Board met recently. Friends of the Library President, Virginia Jamison, gave a report on the plans for the Sesquicentennial. The Coleman County Retired Teachers will join the Library for a large window display of a pioneer school classroom. If you have a picture of a Coleman County school, the Friends would like to make a copy to use in the display.

The Steering Committee met in October to approve structural plans on the rooms to be added to the Library. The fire truck has been moved so that the room can be cleaned and painted. The Board feels great things are happening at the Coleman Public Library thanks to Librarian Sue Dossey and staff.

Bluecat Supporters
11/7/2007
First of all I would like to say "Thank You" to Lori Needham about the letter to our fans. I agree with her 100%. Most of our fans just don't know how to cheer at a game. As many fans that come to the games, we should be able to "Rock the stands"! If you are going to be a true Bluecat supporter, that means you should support our Bluecats and their coaching staff all of the time, not some of the time.

To all of you so called "fans" that are bad-mouthing our Bluecats and coaching staff, it needs to stop. Sure the last two games were heart-breakers for all of us, especially the Bluecat team.  It is bad enough to lose two games, especially where we stood two weeks ago, but to have to listen to the bad-talk makes it twice as bad. Our coaching staff and our Bluecat Team work hard every day to try and give all they have come Friday night. I sure hope none of you have forgotten that NO-ONE is perfect and mistakes are going to be made. Remember when they take off the jersey and pads they are just kids doing the best job they can.

I have heard the past several weeks so many people talk about how our football players have respect, dignity and play with their hearts when they step out on the field on Friday nights and I agree with them completely. So, I have to ask, where is your RESPECT, DIGNITY and HEART when it comes to supporting our players and coaching staff? Some of you, I think, have none of the above. So, to the ones that think that they could play better or coach better, leave your thoughts at home and support our BLUECAT TEAM and COACHES. I have been a Bluecat for most of my life and my husband has been one all of his life. We have two sons that were Bluecats and we have a future Bluecat. I also have players playing that are family.

I want to always be proud to say that I am from Bluecat country. I will always be a true Bluecat supporter no matter what our record is. So all of you TRUE BLUECAT FANS be ready for some great football Friday night and lets be the backbone of our Bluecat Team and Coaches. GO CATS!

Raeann Mills
620 Airport Rd
Coleman, Tx 76834 

Statement from City of Coleman on
Trash Cans, Alleys and the Convenience Center
11/6/2007 (Doug Burks, Code Enforcement Officer)
With the start of the new garbage contract in the City of Coleman, please be advised that only the blue poly carts are to be placed near the roadway. The poly carts will help our community look more attractive and will help eliminate the need to purchase, move and handle so many garbage cans. Remember, Allied Waste will only pick up what is in the poly cart. If one poly cart is not sufficient, customers may call City Hall for additional options.

Keep in mind that garbage that falls out of the poly cart or that is placed around the poly cart is in violation of City Ordinance 1084. It is also illegal to place garbage or waste in a container assigned to another person or, to set out waste for collection, at another person’s service location. This includes the metal commercial bins.

One problem area for the City of Coleman is the alleyways. In accordance with City Ordinance 1084, citizens who have alleys behind their homes are responsible for the maintenance of those areas, including keeping them free of debris and overgrowth.

Beginning January 2, 2008, the City of Coleman will be enforcing this ordinance in an attempt to clean the alleys and help making Coleman a more attractive community for its citizens and visitors alike.

Citizens of Coleman have the opportunity to make one free trip a month to the Convenience Center. Remember to bring your current paid utility bill to the Convenience Center to receive your free trip. Also, the attendant may ask for a photo ID for verification. Take this opportunity for the months of November and December and receive your two free trips before January 2, 2008.

WE have been given a strong mandate to work toward a cleaner and more attractive community. While we believe this effort will reflect in enhanced economic development opportunities for our city, it is perhaps more important as a “Quality of Life” issue. Cleaner communities most often are healthier communities. We have had excellent cooperation from our citizens with this effort which is greatly appreciated.

With a continued unified effort, we can set a new standard for small communities.

Holiday Season Events Planned in Coleman
11/7/2007
Coleman promises to be a festive town this holiday season. The following activities are already planned and details on each event will be printed in the days ahead:
November 16 - Deadline to enter the Fall Decorating Contest - contest is for homes and businesses - enter at the Chamber of Commerce
November 20 - Decorating winners will be announced
November 22 - Thanksgiving Feast at The Cross - Noon - (take outs too)
November 26 - Businesses around town will "Wrap" their windows
December 1 - Coleman will "Unwrap" the town - Santa will visit - Carolers will sing - A fun-filled day is planned
December 6 - Lighted Christmas Parade (downtown Coleman) at 6:00pm - (stores will be open until 8:00pm)
December 7 - Home Decorating Contest
December 8 - Lions Club Pancake Fiesta - 111 West Street - Downtown Coleman
December 8 - Circle C Cattlewomen's Ball - Bill Franklin Center - 6:30pm
December 9 - Tour of Homes
December 13 - Local retail stores open until 8:00pm
December 14 - Home decorating contest
December 20 - Local retail stores open until 8:00pm
December 21 - Home decorating contest
December 23 - Christmas at The Cross for kids 12 years and under

Several Coleman businesses are displaying new signs (above) on their sidewalks to let the public know they are open for business.
The signs can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce or at Sara's Neighborhood (formerly Dressing Up). They are $15 and are sponsored by the Coleman Business People's Association.

Coleman Co. Election Results
11/6/2007
Only 8.83% of registered Coleman County voters went to the polls Tuesday to vote on the 16 proposed constitutional amendments. Of the 6,081 registered voters in the county, 537 took the time to cast a ballot. Propositions 4 and 12 failed to carry support in Coleman County.

Proposition 1 - "The constitutional amendment providing for the continuation of the constitutional appropriation for facilities and other capital items at Angelo State University on a change in the governance of the university."
For 361 - Against 150

Proposition 2 - "The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of $500 million in general obligation bonds to finance educational loans to students and authorizing bond enhancement agreements with respect to general obligation bonds issued for that purpose."
For 291 - Against 221

Proposition 3 - "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide that the maximum appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem taxation is limited to the lesser of the most recent market value of the residence homestead as determined by the appraisal entity or 110 percent, or a greater percentage, of the appraised value of the residence homestead for the preceding tax year."
For 326 - Against 187

Proposition 4 - "The constitutional amendment authorizing the issuance of up to $1 billion in bonds payable from the general revenues of the state for maintenance, improvement, repair, and construction projects and for the purchase of needed equipment."
Against 298 - For 215

Proposition 5 - "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit the voters of a municipality having a population of less than 10,000 to authorize the governing body of the municipality to enter into an agreement with an owner of real property in or adjacent to an area in the municipality that has been approved for funding under certain programs administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture under which the parties agree that all ad valorem taxes imposed on the owner's property may not be increased for the first five tax years after the tax year in which the agreement is entered into."
For 314 - Against 194

Proposition 6 - "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation one motor vehicle owned by an individual and used in the course of the owner's occupation or profession and also for personal activities of the owner."
For 407 - Against 114

Proposition 7 - "The constitutional amendment to allow governmental entities to sell property acquired through eminent domain back to the previous owners at the price the entities paid to acquire the property."
For 398 - Against 116

Proposition 8 - "The constitutional amendment to clarify certain provisions relating to the making of a home equity loan and use of home equity loan proceeds."
For 329 - Against 169

Proposition 9 - "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt all or part of the residence homesteads of certain totally disabled veterans from ad valorem taxation and authorizing a change in the manner of determining the amount of the existing exemption from ad valorem taxation to which a disabled veteran is entitled."
For 414 - Against 97

Proposition 10 - "The constitutional amendment to abolish the constitutional authority for the office of inspector of hides and animals."
For 371 - Against 137

Proposition 11 - "The constitutional amendment to require that a record vote be taken by a house of the legislature on final passage of any bill, other than certain local bills, of a resolution proposing or ratifying a constitutional amendment, or of any other non-ceremonial resolution, and to provide for public access on the Internet to those record votes."
For 401 - Against 108

Proposition 12 - "The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds by the Texas Transportation Commission in an amount not to exceed $5 billion to provide funding for highway improvement projects."
Against 265 - For 244

Proposition 13 - "The constitutional amendment authorizing the denial of bail to a person who violates certain court orders or conditions of release in a felony or family violence case."
For 429 - Against 83

Proposition 14 - "The constitutional amendment permitting a justice or judge who reaches the mandatory retirement age while in office to serve the remainder of the justice's or judge's current term."
For 375 - Against 133

Proposition 15 - "The constitutional amendment requiring the creation of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and authorizing the issuance of up to $3 billion in bonds payable from the general revenues of the state for research in Texas to find the causes of and cures for cancer."
For 275 - Against 245

Proposition 16 - "The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $250 million to provide assistance to economically distressed areas."
For 286 - Against 224

Santa Anna Getting Road Repair
11/6/2007 (story and pictures courtesy Tex Wright)
After figuring the cost of materials, experienced help and equipment, the Mayor and City Council recently decided it would be in the best interest of the City of Santa Anna and its citizens to contract out paving a few streets at a time. The employees would fill in the pot holes, then a contract paver, with the proper equipment, would be brought in to re-top the streets as funds would allow.
The 200 block of North 3rd St (above), in the downtown area, was recently completed by Walker Asphalt at the cost of $7,500. The same contractor has started work on the South end of South Houston Street (below) and will complete this street from Pine to Bowie at a cost of $20,500 according to Mayor Russell Fisher.
Many of Santa Anna’s streets are in need of repair but this method will allow the Council to get the work done with out over-spending the budget or increasing property taxes.

Stuffed Animals Needed for Holiday Hill
11/6/2007
Do you have good stuffed animals laying around your home that your child shows no interest in anymore? The staff of Holiday Hill has seen the smile that one little bear can put on a resident's face. If you would like to put a smile on someone's face; we would like to talk to you. Call 325-636-7850 or 325-625-4157 and ask for Raylene. You can also call 325-625-4157 and ask for Norma or Charlotte. We will be glad to pick them up.

Coleman County Residents Arrested on Federal Charges
11/5/2007
The West Central Texas Interlocal Crime Task Force arrested five Coleman County Residents on Federal Charges that stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

A Federal Grand Jury of the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas in Lubbock, Texas handed down indictments on the five suspects.

On October 15, 2007, Larry Moon Jr., 34 years of age was arrested in Hugo, Oklahoma by the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Unit at the request of the Task Force. Larry Moon Jr. is charged with COUNT ONE: Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, COUNT TWO: Possession With Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, COUNT THREE: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, COUNT FOUR: Distribution and Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and COUNT FIVE: Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises. Larry Moon Jr. is also facing state charges of Sexual Assault of a Child in both Coleman County and Dallas County that stemmed from this investigation.

James York, 23 years of age was arrested in Hamilton County by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department at the request of the Task Force. Timothy Anderson, 36 years of age was arrested in Menard County by the Task Force. Melissa Jackson, 31 years of age and Terese Isbell, 27 years of age were arrested by the Task Force in Coleman, Texas. These arrests were all made on October 22, 2007.

James York, Timothy Anderson, Melissa Jackson, and Terese Isbell are charged with COUNT ONE: Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.

These arrests stemmed from a year-long investigation by the West Central Texas Interlocal Crime Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Additional arrests are expected in the near future.

To all Coleman Bluecat Fans
11/5/2007
I have a question for you. Did you notice at the Early game, how loud their fans were? What about at the Ballinger game? Their fans, who numbered less than ours, were loud and rowdy.
It's crunch time now. If I understand correctly, we need a win to make the playoffs this Friday against Jim Ned. Coleman consistently will carry more fans to an out of town game than the home team. We have no reason not to be loud enough to blow them out of town! I've never played football myself, but I really think that if the fans from the opposing teams are loud enough for us to hear them on the complete opposite side of the field, that the football players on the field can hear them, too. Don't you think it would fire them up to hear their own Coleman Bluecat fans making that kind of noise? We're not fair weather friends, we're with our Bluecats win or lose. Sure, we've had a rough couple of weeks, and we've gotten pretty banged up. But with enough support, can't we accomplish anything we set our minds to? Isn't that what we teach our children from the time they're old enough to think for themselves? How about we, as Bluecat fans, set our minds to the fact that we're going to be so loud, the radio guys have to scream at their listening audience to be heard over all the noise. How about we be so loud that Jim Ned has to call a time out because they can't hear their quarterback. How about when the cheerleaders yell, “Stand up and yell with us!”, we do it and blow them away with the decibel level. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that fan support makes a difference in the game. Let's start at the first quarter and let them hear our support until the final buzzer. WE are the Bluecats, and let's let everybody know how proud we are of our team. GO BLUECATS!

Lori Needham
510 Dallas
Coleman, TX 76834

Coleman Police Department Statistics for October
11/5/2007 (submitted by Jay Moses, Chief of Police)
The Coleman Police Department responded to the following calls during the month of October:

Investigations
Theft-4; Burglaries-12; Assault-7; Aggravated Assault-3; Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle-1; Criminal Mischief-15; Child Protective Services Investigations-2; Terroristic Threat-1; Death Inquest-1; Forgery-1; Sexual Assault-1.

Arrests
Warrants-14; Assault-1; Public Intoxication-1; Theft-1; Aggravated Assault-1; Driving While Intoxicated-2; Theft by Check-1; No Driver License-2; Evading Arrest-1.

Accidents
6 with no injuries and 5 with injuries.

Citations
School Resource Officer-2 citations with 2 charges filed
Police Department-48 citations with 57 charges filed

Warnings
Animal Control-2 and Police Department-17

Animal Control
Calls for service-95; Dogs picked up-15; Cats picked up-9; Other animals picked up-3 (1 opossum, 1 skunk and 1 horse); Dead animals removed from roadway or residence-24.

Humane Society Thrift Store Open for Business
11/5/2007
The Humane Society will open its thrift store at 109 West Pecan this Thursday, November 8. The hours for the thrift store through the end of this year are Noon to 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

The store will be located at this temporary address on West Pecan until the building at 108 East Pecan (formerly the Carquest address) can be readied for occupancy.

In the meantime, the Humane Society is pleased to offer a pleasant and bargain-filled shopping experience at the 109 West Pecan location.

We are still in the process of unpacking donations that we have received from our supporters over the past few months, and pricing and displaying the merchandise will be an ongoing project for us. You will always find something “new” at the store every time you visit! We will also normally have a couple of our foster dogs or cats on hand for you to visit. Your hand-carried pets will be welcome as well.

The Humane Society is now accepting donations for the thrift store by appointment. If you have gently used clothes, furniture, household goods or working appliances that you want to donate, please leave a message on the Humane Society message line at 325-625-4724. We will make arrangements for a convenient time and location for drop-off. We can arrange for pickup of oversized or extra heavy items (over 50 lbs.).

We look forward to our thrift store becoming a vibrant part of our downtown business scene. The store will be manned by volunteers, and proceeds from the store will be used to fund and expand our Spay/Neuter Your Pet program as well as our rescue/adoption program. Looking to the future, we anticipate that with a successful thrift store operation our Humane Society will be in a position to subsidize the cost of veterinarian services for expensive medical procedures for the pets of deserving families; establish an expanded rescue and spay/neuter program for cats, and even consider a shelter of our own at some point. We do not have a shortage of ideas and dreams to make life better for our furry friends.

We are planning a grand opening around the first of December. But in the meantime—VISIT US SOON! We’re looking forward to seeing you starting this Thursday!

Hunter's Festival May be Biggest Yet
11/5/2007
An estimated 1,500 folks attended the annual Coleman County Hunter's Festival held Friday night at the Bill Franklin Center at the Coleman Rodeo Grounds.
There was plenty to see, good food and live music. Numerous door prizes were also given away during the evening.

Thanks - From Santa Anna and Panther Creek 4-H
11/5/2007
The Santa Anna and Panther Creek 4-H Club wants to thank everyone for their help in the food drive. We had a great turnout this year so thanks to all of you who helped us out. Between the two clubs, we took 208 canned goods to the Loaves and Fishes and $48.50 in donations. Thanks again to everyone for your help.

Beau and Sweetheart Named at Santa Anna Junior High
11/5/2007 (story by Tex Wright)
Thursday evening at the Santa Anna / Panther Creek Jr. High Football game in Santa Anna, the Santa Anna Jr. High football sweetheart and beau were chosen.

Nominees for Sweetheart were: Aspen King, Kelsey Rivera, Sarah Pelton, and Stevie Vanvoast. Nominees for Beau were: Matthew Henefey, Dillion Sellers and Billy Sampson.

During the halftime ceremony Sarah Pelton, daughter of Earl and Alys Ellis, was chosen 2007 Jr. High Football Sweetheart. Dillon Sellers, son of Stacy Sellers, was chosen Beau for the 2007 season.

Rehab Gets Big Helping Hand from Coleman County
11/5/2007
It was one of the biggest Roundup for Rehab auctions in recent memory last Wednesday at the Coleman Livestock Auction. The annual fundraiser for the West Texas Rehab Center brought in $16,500 but the raffle for the four-wheeler also brought in another $1,500. The crowd was the largest in recent years and many attended the sale for the very first time.

The West Texas Rehab Center sends a big thank you to everyone who helped make the day a big success.

Coleman County Swine Validation is Underway
11/3/2007
Attention 4-H and FFA exhibitors - ALL county and state swine projects will be validated next week with the following schedule:

Saturday, November 10 - Santa Anna Show Barn

REMEMBER - Only those hogs validated on November 7th, 8th, and 10th are eligible to show at the county show.

Cost for COUNTY TAGS is $3.00 each, STATE TAGS are $7.00 each. If you have any questions, please contact Luther Dunlap, CEA-Ag at the Extension Office or your Ag Science Teacher.

Coleman Police Asking for Citizen Assistance in Recent Vandalism
11/2/2007
The Coleman Police Department is asking citizens who may have any information regarding recent break-ins, stolen vehicles or other stolen property, to contact them regarding the events in the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 31.

Call the Coleman Police Department at (325) 625-4114 or Coleman County Crimestoppers at (325) 636-TIPS. If you do not want to contact one of those places, contact the Coleman Police Department at the following email address - cpd911@web-access.net .

Coleman Youth Association Receives Donation
11/1/2007
Keith Hetzel (left), representing Red Men Lodge Bingo, presents a check for $1500 to the Coleman Youth Association represented by Michael Taylor, to assist in completion of the new youth football field. The field is being completed with volunteer labor on property belonging to CISD.
Hetzel, as operator of the Red Men Lodge Bingo in Brownwood, supports many youth and charitable organizations in the Big Country. Much of the emphasis in Red Men contributions is directed to youth activities such as Toys for Kids, 4-H, Boys and Girls Club or any worthy non-profit organizations.

Hetzel stated that the gift to the youth of Coleman is in appreciation for the many people who travel to Brownwood to play bingo in their new facilities located at 2323 Belle Plain (lake hwy).   Taylor said that this gift will enable the continued effort to complete the field which hopefully will include bleachers for the comfort of youth football fans.

Coleman Police Report a Quiet Halloween
11/1/2007
After widespread vandalism Tuesday night at various businesses and residential areas in Coleman, Halloween night was quiet.  That is the word we get this morning from the Coleman Police Department which had very few calls for service.

County Sheriff's Office Lets Trustee do the Talking
11/1/2007
If you have been reading the weekly sheriff's report on Colemannews.com, then you know that the Coleman County Sheriff's Department is doing outreach programs in schools. Deputies are talking to kids, urging them to make good decisions in life.  Tuesday, another such program was given by Deputy Danny Arrieta to students at Novice High School. This time, though, Danny let his guest do most of the talking.

Chuck Watson  has been in Coleman County Jail for five years and three months, serving time for drug and alcohol offenses. He has been a trustee at the jail for four years. Now 38, Watson told the students he first went to jail when he was 18 and has been on parole ever since, in and out of prison and jail. He spoke from the heart to an attentive group of freshmen through seniors. "At the age you are now, you have a choice not to do it (drugs and alcohol) because when you become addicted to it, it takes complete control of your life. Ya'll have a choice not to do it. You need to decide not to do it. Prison ain't no fun," Watson said.

Watson urged the students to make good decisions and to pick their friends wisely.

When Watson talked to the students Tuesday, he had 60 days left in his sentence, then he will be a free man. As a trustee, he can be seen working at the County Courthouse, opening the building for business each day, a role he will continue as an employee of Coleman County once his time is served in less than two months.
 
Deputy Arrieta  included in his portion of the program details about the origin of Red Ribbon Week. The red ribbon symbol spread rapidly after the 1985 assassination of U.S. Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique Camarena enraged many Americans. The message of the red ribbon was simple: Take a stand against the loss of life and energy to drug abuse. In 1988, the National Family Partnership took the Red Ribbon celebration nationwide. 

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