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Coleman, Texas 76834
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Landowners Reminded Licenses Needed to Operate Hunting Leases
9/8/2010
AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would like to remind landowners that a hunting lease license is required for certain hunting operations, and that those licenses must be renewed yearly.

The owner of a hunting lease or the landowner’s agent may not receive pay or anything of value from hunters unless the owner or agent has acquired a hunting lease license from the department. This law applies to all hunting leases.

There are three types of lease licenses: (1) hunting lease license; (2) hunting cooperative; and (3) wildlife management association. The license is required to be displayed on the hunting lease property.

The first type of license, the hunting lease license is for the total amount of property in a county owned by an individual, partnership, firm, or corporation. Lease licenses can be purchased at any location where Texas hunting or fishing licenses are sold. Or, licenses can be bought online with a credit card at www.tpwd.statet.tx.us Fees are:

Fewer than 500 acres – $79
Between 500-1,000 acres – $147
More than 1,000 acres – $252
The second type of license, the hunting cooperative lease license, is for a cooperative enterprise in which participating landowners pool their acreage and lease it for hunting purposes under the authority of a hunting lease license and in which the leasing profits are distributed to the landowners, according to the landowners’ participation. Cooperative lease licenses require landowners to complete an application, available only at TPWD law enforcement offices across the state and TPWD headquarters in Austin. Cooperative lease licenses may not be issued to a corporation or entity.

The fees for this license are:

-Fewer than 10,000 acres – $60 + $5 per participating landowner
-Between 10,000-50,000 acres – $120 + $5 per participating landowner
-More than 50,000 acres – $240 + $5 per participating landowner.
The third type of license is the wildlife management association area hunting lease license. This license also requires an application, available at law enforcement offices or TPWD headquarters. Wildlife management association area hunting lease licenses may not be issued to a corporation or entity. The department may designate two or more contiguous or proximate (a tract of land within one-half mile of another member tract) tracts of land as a wildlife management association area if:

1. each owner of the land applies for the designation;
2. the land is inhabited by wildlife;
3. the department determines that observing wildlife and collecting information about the wildlife will serve the purpose of wildlife management in the state; and
4. the landowners agree to provide the department with information regarding the wildlife under Section 81.302 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code.

The fees for licensing of this type of area are:

-Fewer than 10,000 acres – $38 plus $6 per participating landowner
-Between 10,000 and 50,000 acres – $76 plus $6 per participating landowner
-More than 50,000 acres – $152 plus $6 per participating landowner
-A hunting lease license is valid for the period from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31
“A person who violates any provision of the hunting lease license requirements or who fails to comply with any provision of the hunting lease license requirements commits an offense that is a Class C Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor, which carries a fine of between $25-$500,” said Scott Vaca, Assistant Chief of Wildlife Enforcement at TPWD.

For more information, call (512) 389-4626.

Coleman Senior Center Guitar Winner Announced
9/8/2010

BLUECAT BOOSTER INVITES YOU TO PEP RALLY
9/8/2010
The Bluecat Booster Club invites YOU to the Varsity Pep Rally this Friday, Sept 10th, 3pm at the old Varsity Gym! Pre-game activities at Hufford Field begin at 7pm as we introduce the FUTURE Bluecats participating in Pee Wee Football. Be sure and get to the game "early" for your selection of the very popular light-up products again this week! Kick-off against the Early Longhorns is 7:30pm. See you there! GO BLUECATS!

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY, SEPT. 14
9/8/2010
The next meeting of the Coleman Grief Support Group is scheduled for Tuesday, September 14th at First United Methodist Church, 500 W. Liveoak Street, in the parlor at 7 p.m. Come in the front door of the church. We are open to anyone who feels like they need help! If you have questions, call: Bob Murchison at 625-4694.

COUNTY RAIN REPORTS ARE TRICKLING IN!
9/8/2010

NAME	LOCATION	TOTAL RAINFALL
Wayne and Linda Wright	Glen Cove	1.88"
Mark and Mandy Ridgeway	East of Santa Anna	4" @ 6am
Jerry and Margaret Schulze	North of Rockwood	4.13" @ 6am
Nick and Ruth Poldrack	Coleman	2"
Douglas Mitchell	Novice area	1.5"
Ben Flynn	Coleman 4mi SE	2.3" @ 6am
Ken and Helen Smith	Valera	2"
Bill and Ginger Sneed	Between Valera and Talpa	1"
Pam Adams Morris	Santa Anna	3.5"
Gary and Patti Barton	Valera	1.5" @ 8am
Roland and Gale Wilson	@ Wilson Equipment	2.75"
Terry and Amy Holmquest	South of Novice	1.40"
Roland and Cheryl Curry	City of Graham	2.40"
Margret Matthews	South of Burkett	3"
Karren Evans	Central Coleman	2.1"
John and Diann Dillingham	2.7m East of Coleman	2.6"
Max and Billie Horne	1m West of Coleman	1.9''
Randy and Elaine Brown	5m North of Trickham	3.5"
Ken and Helen Smith	Valera	2"
Jerry R. Forbess	Runaway Bay, Texas	5" as of 11:00am
Richard Halfmann	Lake Ivie	1.27"
Leah and Danny Brown	Gouldbusk	2"
Bob Stewart	City of Arlington	7.7" since yesterday
Geneva Baxter	Centennial area	1.75"
Elvis Cozart	Trickham area	3"

To send in a rain report, email us at mail@colemannews.com or contribute on Facebook by clicking here!

Zach Huckabee, Musician at The Aldersgate Experience September 26
9/8/2010
Contributed
Zach Huckabee, musician will be featured at The Aldersgate Experience Sunday, Septem-ber 26th at Coleman First United Methodist Church.  The program begins at 6:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 500 W. Live Oak.

Based out of Lampasas, Texas, Zach Huckabee started playing guitar around age 11.  Taught by his grandmother, Zach started his musical journey on traditional country and gospel music.  By age 15 he was playing bars and different events with many different bands around Texas.  Eventually, he had his own band, with a single from their first record making the Texas Music Chart over 20 weeks.

In early 2010, on the eve of releasing another single to the Texas Music Charts, Zach had an overwhelming thought, “What am I doing with the talents God gave me?”  Within weeks he was making plans to quit the secular market and follow Christ.

The band is currently working on their first ever Christian record entitled “The Beginning” that will be out in the winter of 2010.  Zach is currently lining up a tour schedule so that the band can spread the work of the Lord through music.

You are invited to come and share this Aldersgate Experience.

DISTRICT COURT WRAPS UP FIVE COUNTY CASES
9/8/2010
Judge Weeks presided, 5 cases presented by Coleman County District Attorney Heath Hemphill for disposition.

Anthony Parks pled guilty to Burglary of a Building and sentenced to 24 months State Jail.

Selma Joe Mills pled guilty to Delivery of a Controlled Substance and was sentenced to 12 months State Jail.

Jesse James Johns pled guilty to Forgery and was assessed $400 fine, court costs, 80 community service and was ordered to repay over $7000.00 in restitution.

Scott Stuart pled guilty to Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and was sentenced to 12 months State Jail.

Homero Hurtado pled "true" to allegations that he violated his probation and was sentenced to 12 months State Jail.

HOLIDAY HILL TO SPONSOR MEMORY WALK/5K RUN DURING FIESTA
9/7/2010
Holiday Hill and The Allen Center will team up with the Alzheimer’s Association –North Central Texas Chapter of Abilene to sponsor a Memory Walk to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research.

The event will be held at the Franklin Center on October 2. All participants will walk on behalf of a single team, team Holiday Hill. All monies raised will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association-North Central Texas Chapter of Abilene. For more information contact Sylvia at Holiday Hill at 325-625-4157.

Soccer Registration Temporarily Cancelled Due to Weather
9/7/2010
SOCCER REGISTRATION AND COACHES MEETING CANCELLED FOR TONIGHT!! REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED!!! COACHES MEETING AND REGISTRATION NEXT TUES., SEPT 14TH ….SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS.
Coleman Youth Association - Soccer Registration

If you are a child living in Coleman County and you were ages 4 through 11 on
April 30, 2010, now is the time to sign up for the 2010 Fall Soccer season!

Registration HAS BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH NEXT Tuesday, September 14th
from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Little League baseball fields. If you are unable to register next Tues. evening, you may take your registration form and payment to the Coleman Medical Associates located on the 2nd floor of the hospital (Coleman County Medical Center).

Your form must be turned in by Friday, September 17th in order to be placed on a team. Late registrations can not be accepted after this date.

UPDATE for those COACHING: For all interested in coaching soccer for the 2010 season, there will be a very short coaches meeting Tuesday, September 14th at 7:30pm at the Little League baseball fields and immediately following registration. This is a change due to current rain conditions.

The fee is $40.00 for each child, and payment must be made when your form is turned in.

We’re looking forward to a great season! Come join us!
 

Coleman DAR Hosts First Annual Meeting on September 11
9/7/2010
The Coleman Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will have its first meeting of the year on Saturday, September 11, at Heritage Hall at 2 P.M.

The program will be the induction of the new officers followed by an interesting talk given by Nan Markland and Jane Padgitt on their trip to Washington D. C.

Hostesses will be Doris Williams and Ola Jean Alderson. Anyone interested in becoming a DAR member is welcome to attend.

First Baptist Church Kicks Off Team Kids Program September 15
9/7/2010
The First Baptist Church of Coleman will kick off their Team Kids Program on Wednesday evening, September 15, from 6:30 to 7:30 with a hot dog supper at the park.  Team Kids is open for children ages 4 through grade 5.  Team Kids regularly meets on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:30 at the First Baptist Family Life Center.  We look forward to a great year

Santa Anna Homecoming 2010 on the horizon
9/7/2010
Every fall since 1953, Santa Anna High School Alumni have gathered in Santa Anna to participate in the annual Homecoming activities and to keep in touch with former classmates and teachers. All Santa Anna Exes, former teachers and administrators are invited to attend the annual Homecoming activities on Friday, September 24 and the Ex Student’s Association annual meeting on Saturday morning, September 25.

This year the Santa Anna Ex Student Association will be honoring those classes ending in a 0 with special recognition of the SAHS class of 1960 celebrating their 50th year out of school and the Class of 1990 celebrating their 20th year. This year’s Homecoming Ex Student of the Year from the Class of 1960 is Eddie Hartman of Lake Brownwood. This year’s Coming Home King representing the Class of 1990 is Jody Patterson of Abilene, TX and the Coming Home Queen is Eva Frausto Adamson of Katy, TX.

Friday, September 24 beginning at 2pm the homecoming parade will be held in downtown Santa Anna and the Pep Rally will follow the parade at the Santa Anna Football Field. The pregame ceremonies beginning at 7pm on Friday will recognize the Ex Student of the Year and the Coming Home King and Queen.

The game will feature former 11 man rivals, the hometown Santa Anna Mountaineers against the Eden Bulldogs. All former Mountaineers are encouraged to come out and root for the Mountaineers. The halftime show will feature the crowning of the 2010 Homecoming Queen.
Saturday’s Santa Anna Ex Student Association activities include the annual business meeting and recognition of classes. Registration and coffee begin at 9am in the cafeteria followed by the annual meeting at 10am in the High School auditorium. Following the business meeting will be a BBQ plate lunch served by the Santa Anna Booster Club.

Several reunions are planned for Friday and Saturday.

1980-1990 will have a meet and greet on Saturday, September 25th from 2-4 pm at the Armory in Santa Anna. All former students and staff are invited.

Texas Marks 10 Years, $30 Million in State Wildlife Grants Federal Funding
Funding Is Key to Aid Species, Habitats in Texas Conservation Action Plan
9/7/2010
AUSTIN — Texas will celebrate Teaming With Wildlife Week Sep. 4-12 to mark the 10th anniversary of the federal State Wildlife Grants (SWG) program. Since 2000, this funding source has provided more than $30 million for Texas to help fish and wildlife and their habitats, including species that are not hunted or fished.

Nationwide, the program has provided federal funding for conservation projects totaling more than $573 million to state agencies such as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which has received about $3 million per year for Texas conservation in the past decade. Since TPWD has had to match federal grant dollars by at least 35 percent, total on-the-ground conservation funding for Texas is actually more than $40 million since 2000.

In Texas, SWG has made possible diverse conservation efforts involving almost every conceivable creature in every type of habitat — birds, mammals, fish, prairies, forests, rivers, bays (see complete project list online). Examples include the lesser prairie chicken on West Texas prairies, black bear in East Texas forests, ocelot on South Texas plains, and freshwater mussels signaling water quality in rivers across the state.

“We’re talking about dollars here, but this is really about touching the lives of people and the power to make a difference for the wildlife of Texas,” said David Braun, CEO of Plateau Land and Wildlife Management company and leader of the Teaming with Wildlife Texas coalition. “Most people probably don’t know where the money comes from for wildlife conservation in Texas. But we want them to know our broad grass-roots coalition of diverse interests works very hard to support this federal funding, which is critical for all Texans alive today and for generations to come.”

“Texas is blessed with an extraordinary diversity of native plants and animals that encompass our state’s natural heritage,” said Carter Smith, TPWD executive director and national Teaming With Wildlife committee chair for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “I take great pride in the fact that our many non-profit conservation organization and private landowner partners involved with the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition are working so diligently and effectively to ensure that these special wildlife resources continue to flourish.”

For many decades, North American game animal conservation has been paid for through hunting and fishing license sales and federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment. In 1938, Congress created the Pittman-Robertson/Wildlife Restoration federal aid program. In 1950, federal lawmakers followed up with the similar Dingell-Johnson/Sport Fish Restoration program. This highly successful effort has made possible the restoration of deer, turkey, game fish and a host of other game species, many of which have since come back from severe depletion to record abundance.

In 2000, Congress recognized a need to support states’ actions to prevent federal threatened and endangered listings under the Endangered Species Act. The SWG program helps support conservation and recovery of non-game wildlife before they become more costly to protect.

In 2005, Congress required states and territories to create conservation action plans to strategically guide the use of SWG funding. These plans focus state efforts to conserve wildlife and the lands and waters where they live for future generations of Americans. By working with stakeholders and communities, wildlife agencies translate pressing conservation needs into practical actions and on the ground results. The Texas plan is currently being revised and will be renamed the Texas Conservation Action Plan. More information about these plans is online.

A nationwide grassroots coalition of more than 6,300 organizations and businesses known as Teaming with Wildlife has helped champion the value of SWG funding each year. The coalition’s Texas chapter is made up of more than 100 nonprofit groups and businesses, comprising a who’s who of wildlife conservation and environmental organizations in the state.

The Texas Teaming with Wildlife coalition is hosting a series of four briefings and tours for elected officials and news media in early September to showcase how SWG funds have been used in various Texas regions. These will take place Sep. 2 for Dallas-Fort Worth at White Rock Lake, Sep. 8 for San Antonio at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, Sep. 8 for South Texas in Kingsville and Sep. 9 for Northeast Texas in Clarksville.

Among other projects, SWG funds have supported TPWD urban wildlife biologists stationed in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley. These unique experts have one foot in the Texas rural wildlife tradition and the other in fast-growing urban zones where most people now live. Their work focuses on “nongame” wildlife species that are not hunted or fished, and it connects with conserving open green space and water quality for people and wildlife. From 2001-2008, SWG provided $3.6 million for urban wildlife work in Texas cities.

Through the urban wildlife biologists, SWG funds have also provided essential support for the Texas Master Naturalists program, which has more than 4,500 highly trained volunteers in 38 chapters statewide. In 2007, the value of their service was estimated at more than $10 million. Their work has stretched across more than 80,000 acres of land and reached more than 100,000 youth, adults and private landowners each year.

SWG funds also sustain the TPWD Wildlife Diversity program, which focuses on “species of concern” in Texas and recommends strategies to reverse declines before animals become threatened or endangered, such as the lesser prairie chicken in the Panhandle, and freshwater turtles and mussels in East Texas. Since 2001, SWG has provided $4.1 million for wildlife diversity science in Texas.

SWG funds have made possible TPWD’s Landowner Incentive Program, providing grants for private ranchers and others to restore and protect habitat for rare species. Such efforts are critical, since more than 95 percent of the Texas landscape is privately owned.

SWG dollars support a wide array of Texas research projects, including ways to detect and respond to toxic golden alga that has killed millions of fish, plus research and monitoring for pronghorn antelope, black bear, ocelots, alligator gar, striped bass and many other species and habitats. Since 2003, SWG has funneled close to $2.4 million for Texas harmful alga research alone, and close to $1 million for wildlife research.

On the Texas coast, SWG funds have helped conserve five species of sea turtles and establish a secondary nesting colony of Kemp’s ridley sea turtles at Padre Island National Seashore, plus projects to protect and restore seagrasses.

All dollar amounts listed above represent the federal share of SWG grants. The value of these dollars is leveraged to greater benefit by required state matching funds.

A list detailing Texas conservation projects funded by SWG in the past decade is on the TPWD website News Roundups page.

TEAM CADE UPDATE AND THE FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES
9/6/2010
Just wanted to update you on the progress we're making raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. As of September 6, family and friends have donated $655 for Team Cade to turn in on the day of our Walk to Cure Diabetes. Each time a donation comes in, we let Cade know about it, and he gets a big smile on his face!

You still have plenty of time to help us meet our goal. We are still over a month away from our walk, which will be held in San Antonio at the Alamodome, on October 17. You can make out a check to JDRF and drop it in the mail to us at: Jack Needham, 510 Dallas, Coleman, TX 76834. Or you can do it online: go to www.jdrf.org, in the walk section click on donate, then type in Cade Needham and search. His name will come up at the bottom - click on it and make your donation.

We will keep you updated on how we're doing and we thank you for supporting Team Cade!

Glen Cove VFD Hosting Regular Meeting September 11
9/6/2010
The Glen Cove VFD will be having their regular monthly meeting this Saturday, Sept. 11th. There will be a meal at 6:00pm followed by the meeting at 7:00pm.

Junior Class Parent Meeting Monday, September 13th at 5:30 pm
9/6/2010
There will be a Junior Class parent meeting on Monday, September 13, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. in the Coleman Elementary library.  If you have a child who is a junior in Coleman High School, please attend this meeting.

LABOR DAY 2010: DO YOU KNOW THE HISTORY BEHIND LABOR DAY?
Provided by the U.S. Department of Labor
9/6/2010
Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Founder of Labor Day
More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Labor Day Legislation
Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

A Nationwide Holiday
The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.

Letter to the Editor: Where have the park cats gone?
9/6/2010
The Humane Society received a $5,700 grant this summer from PetSmart Charities to work a feral cat Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program in Coleman. We planned to concentrate first on the cats at City Park that were being dumped and reproducing there. Many kind animal lovers were feeding the cats and enjoyed watching them and trying to make friends with them. Some cats were tame enough that we took them in and placed them up for adoption. The truly feral cats we trapped, transported to Dr. Pearce for spay/neuter/rabies, and then returned them to the Park when they had sufficiently recuperated.

To our amazement and concern, the cat population at the Park has suddenly dwindled to just four or five cats that we have been able to spot lately. We know TNR is supposed to work to reduce the feral cat numbers, but we are thinking it couldn't happen quite this quickly since we haven't trapped but 10 cats that have been returned to the Park. And, we can't see any of the ferals with the clipped left ear that shows they have already been in the TNR program.

If you have any information on what has happened to the cats at the Park, please email us at hscc@verizon.net or leave a message at 325-625-4724.

Also, if you know of a feral colony in your area, please email or call us so that we can put your colony on our list to trap as soon as we can.

IS IT JUST ME? Or is this A CONFUSING WORLD!
Submitted by Anita Calk
9/6/2010
First they tell us not to get too much sun, so you put on sunscreen.

Then they say to get out only in the mornings and the evenings, so you don’t get too many UV something.
Then they tell you to watch out for mosquitoes, so you need to put on another chemical to avoid them.
(Hey, I don’t even LIKE chemicals!)

Oh yeah, and you aren’t supposed to go out in the mornings and evenings because that’s when there’s mosquitoes….

Then you don’t get enough Vit. D because you aren’t out in the sun enough because you’re afraid of mosquitoes getting you and getting skin cancer, so you have to take a vitamin supplement.
That’s the scoop on the days and nights.

Then there’s the diet routine! You have to watch your cholesterol, so you eat vegetables and eat fancy fake butter with mega something. Oh wait, they decided that doesn’t help. It probably causes cancer anyway.

Do you eat beef? Too much cholesterol in red meat?
Do you eat chicken? Does it have E coli?
Do you eat fish? Does it have too much mercury in it?
Ham or lunchmeat? Too many nitrates!
Fresh Pork? I forget what that could cause!

Oh yeah, and you gotta be careful where you get your veggies because they may have botulism or E coli or something. And do you get “organic”? who knows? (I thought ALL veggies were organic)….

Do you eat eggs or not? Healthy, yes, wait, no? Who knows, I like them anyway.

And Milk… well you have your regular, 2%, skim, or do they have too many hormones?
Soy? Wait, they said it make the males of your family effeminate…. (it tastes nasty anyway)
I think I’ll get what’s on sale…

Tea or Coffee? YES, or no?… wait a minute, didn’t they change their minds 3 or 4 times about that already?

Diet soda? Chemicals are bad. Sugar or high-fructose corn syrup? I think I’ll take the sugar and take my chances. Where’s my Dr. Pepper!

Oh, and how about WATER? Tap? Maybe not… Bottled water? Some are just bottled tap water any way, and springs may have little ameba in it! Oh, and what about the chemicals in the plastic that they’re bottled in? Do I use the # 1, 2, 3, or 4 ? And what about all that plastic polluting the environment? Wait, isn’t that the problem with the tap water in the first place? Pollution? Should I just go drink tank water? Or maybe rain water that you’ve captured and boiled? Naaa, I think I’ll pass on that too. Maybe just filtered tap? I’ll take my chances… as long as its COLD!

Don’t ask me about TEXTING, GPS, I pods, Face book or those Bluetooth things that they stick in their ears.
I don’t have a clue about all that! I’M CONFUSED ENOUGH AS IT IS!!!

I think I’ll go and watch TV! Now where did I put that REMOTE????

You are invited to the 20th Fiesta de la Paloma Art Show
9/6/2010
Friday, October 1 & Saturday, October 2 from 10-4 each day. Presented by the Fine Arts League of Coleman Co., Inc. at the Coleman Public Library in downtown Coleman. Juror, John Pototschnik, chose 71 paintings to exhibit out of 143 entries.
CASH PRIZES, PEOPLE'S CHOICE BY VOTE. KIDS' ART - SIDEWALK PAINTING, MURAL AND STUFF.

Sherrell Hazlewood, President
Virginia Bethke,
Vice-President
Robin Black,
Secretary
Dollie Sparkman, Treasurer
Theda Rhea, Telephone/show co-chair
Linda Wright,
Parliamentarian
Marian Johnson, Publicity/show co-chair

HEART OF TEXAS D.A.R. HOSTING RECEPTION NEXT MONDAY
9/6/2010
The Heart of Texas Chapter of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas will host a reception on Monday, September 13, at 5:30 P.M. The reception will be followed at 6 P.M. by author Al Thompson speaking on the role of the Texas Navy in securing the independence of Texas from Mexico. The meeting will be held at the Brady National Bank Community Room, 111 South Blackburn Street. The public is invited to meet with us and learn more about what we do.

Ask us how to become a member of The Daughters of The Republic of Texas. Do you know your Texas heritage? Who are your ancestors? When did they come to Texas? We can help you find answers hidden in documents, census records, references. If you discover that you do not meet the qualifications for membership, you can still join us as an associate member.

Why become a DRT member? (1) to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved and maintained the independence of Texas; (2) to document your family’s history for future generations; (3) to foster preservation of historic documents, sites and celebrate Texas Honor Days; (4) to encourage publication of records of patriots; (5) to meet and make friends locally and statewide.

For more information, go online to _http://www.drtinfo.org_ (http://www.drtinfo.org/) or call Sharon Purcell, local chapter president, at 597-2887. Or best of all, come meet us on September 13.

Contact: Sheila Van Zant vanzant@centex.net

BLUEKATTS PARENT MEETING TONIGHT
9/6/2010
REMINDER Bluekatt Parent Meetings TONIGHT with the Girls Coaching Staff. High School Parents @ 6:00 p.m. and Jr. High Parents @ 6:30 p.m. in the Varsity Gym

Texas submits education jobs funding application
9/6/2010
AUSTIN – On September 3, Commissioner of Education Robert Scott, on behalf of Gov. Rick Perry, submitted the Texas application for $830 million in federal education jobs funding. The funding is included in House Resolution 1586, a $26 billion education jobs bill. “We look forward to working to secure these funds for our public schools,” Scott said.

The application is available at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/news_release.aspx?id=2147486310.

Addressing Border Violence Must Be a National Security Priority
By U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
9/4/2010
The growing violence in Mexico has become one of the most pressing national security issues in America today. In Texas, with more than 1,200 miles of the nation’s 2,000 mile southern border, we bear the brunt of the security burden, and our border communities increasingly face the threats of crossover violence. El Paso residents are seeing first-hand the effects of drug-related violence in Mexico. Recently, stray bullets from a drug cartel gunfight taking place across the border in Juarez hit El Paso’s City Hall. Not long after that incident, a building at the University of Texas at El Paso was hit by stray bullets.

Thankfully, no one was hurt in either of those incidents. But we should all be alarmed at this escalation. Until now, American communities have been largely shielded from the violence raging in Mexico. But every day, there are new reports of horrific violence occurring across the border.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon launched an aggressive war against the cartels after taking office in 2006, but the cartels are violently fighting back. In four years, the drug-related violence has resulted in 28,000 deaths in Mexico. In 2009 alone, there were nearly 10,000 organized crime deaths in Mexico. And so far this year, there have been well over 3,000 killings, including the murders of American embassy employees and their family members in Mexico. In August, Mexican authorities discovered the bodies of 72 people who are thought to have been brutally murdered by cartels running human smuggling operations. This massacre happened only 85 miles south of Brownsville. And in the space of two weeks, two mayors of Mexican cities were assassinated by drug cartels.

The criminal activity is spilling over into our communities and stretching our law enforcement and court systems thin. The U.S. Judicial Districts of Southern and Western Texas represent two of the top five most crime-ridden districts in our country. On a typical day, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials arrest over 100 criminals at ports of entry, seize over 7,000 pounds of narcotics, and apprehend roughly 2,100 individuals attempting to illegally enter the United States. More must be done at every level of government to secure our borders and to ensure the continued safety of border communities.

Last month, Congress passed a $600 million supplemental border security bill. The bill allows Customs and Border Protection to hire 1,500 new agents to patrol the southern border and ports of entry. It will create a specialized “strike force” to be deployed to different parts of the border, allowing law enforcement to focus on areas with the greatest need as they emerge. The bill will allow federal border enforcement agencies and state and local law officials to better communicate and coordinate efforts. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Justice will also receive funding to hire more agents, investigators, attorneys, and other law enforcement personnel. I also strongly support another effort to deploy 6,000 National Guard troops to the southwest border. The National Guard would help CBP get operational control of the southwest border, and it would augment our security forces until a continued scale up and training of Border Patrol agents can take place.

My Senate colleagues and I are also pushing for Customs and Border Patrol to obtain and operate daily flights of unmanned aerial vehicles. Aerial surveillance using unmanned drones is a force multiplier, and it allows border enforcement officials to more efficiently and consistently monitor the border and respond to illicit activity.

On August 1, President Obama deployed the first of a total of 1,200 additional National Guard members to help border patrol officials and local law enforcement. However, spreading 1,200 National Guardsmen over four states is an insufficient response to a national security priority. Texas alone has asked for 1,000 National Guard troops, and Arizona has asked for 3,000 National Guard troops.

I recently traveled to various communities along Texas’ southern border, where I had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Border Patrol Agents and hear directly about their challenges. This direct contact is invaluable in order to get a true perspective of the situation on the ground. The men and women of the Border Patrol are defending our nation, and we must never waiver in our commitment to support them as they do their jobs.

Border security is a national security issue. And we must treat it as such. As President Reagan said, “a nation without borders is not a nation.” That is why securing our borders cannot just be a Texas priority. It must be a national priority.

Kay Bailey Hutchison is the senior U.S. Senator from Texas and is the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Submit Your Opinion For Next Week's Paper
9/4/2010
The Chronicle & DV now offers an opinions page for our readers. We ask that you submit your "mini" Letter to the Editor in the form of a Cheer or Jeer.

A Cheer would be something like a word of encouragement or salute, while a jeer might highlight something you don't like or a complaint. You decide what you want to say, and we'll do our best to print it. See colemannews.com for guidelines or give us a call at 325-625-4128.

Cheers and Jeers submissions must be signed and include a complete address and telephone number. Only the writer's name and city will appear in print. The publisher reserves the right to edit or refuse any letters. Send letters to The Chronicle & DV, P.O. Box 840, Coleman, TX 76834 or mail@colemannews.com.

Military Appreciation Day
9/4/2010
The Texas Frontier Heritage & Cultural Center would like to invite you to join us in honoring our Armed Forces on Military Appreciation Day, at the Buffalo Gap Historic Village on Sunday, September 19th. Gates open at noon, and will be followed by a welcome from Buffalo Gap Mayor David Perry. Other events include: the Flag Raising by the Dyess Air Force Base Color Guard, a Flag Retirement Ceremony by Boy Scout Troop 219 and Cub Scout Pack 219 of the Jim Ned Valley, and a Vintage Base Ball Game. For details call 325.572.3365 or visit our website www.tfhcc.com.

Migratory Bird Hunting Report No. 1
9/3/2010
Weekly migratory bird hunting reports are posted from early September through early February.

North Zone Dove: Dove hunters saw good shoots around the Panhandle over cut corn and milo. The region has received rain during the summer so there are plenty of watering holes around playas. The cool front with stiff north winds dispersed birds a bit, however, it also prompted new birds to migrate to Texas. Lubbock and fields north of Abilene were good for morning shoots of mourning doves. Fields along the Red River enjoyed fair flights of mourning doves near Paris. Conditions have been dry there, so evening tank shoots were best. Soy beans, sunflowers and corn fields have been the ticket. Prospects are fair to good.

Central Zone Dove: Shoots were fast around San Antonio. A few mourners flew early, but the brunt of the flight was whitewings about 30 minutes after sunrise. Cut corn was the ticket near Castroville and Pleasanton. Sabinal, Hondo and Uvalde saw good shoots as well. Afternoon hunters saw a steady flight as well. Fields north of Houston in the Cypress area were fair to good. The Hankamer and Devers area just north of IH-10 saw steady flights. Steady flights of mourners kept shooters in the field through mid-morning and resulted in good hunts south of Austin. Hunters situated around ponds and tanks took good numbers of mourning dove near Marlin and Waco. Sealy hunters saw their best action around treelines and cut rice fields for whitewings. Brenham hunters enjoyed easy limits of whitewings. Harrison County hunters saw limited flights of mourners. Plowed ground held limits of mourners near Sulphur Springs. Prospects are fair to good.

Teal Update: North winds blew in excess of 15 knots on the coastal bay flats last week. North winds, coupled with a bright moon, prompted bluewings to begin filling coastal prairie and marsh ponds. Good numbers are reported in Eagle Lake, Garwood, Wharton and Collegeport. Many outfitters are just now filling ponds, waiting until the last moment to hopefully receive “free” water from rains. Most of the coast has been wet during the summer so dirt is moist and should readily hold water. A few teal are showing on lakes and reservoirs in North and East Texas. The region is dry, so sloughs and bayous have little water. This should congregate teal on lakes. The Panhandle has plenty of water on playas and teal are scattered throughout the High Plains. Another cool front is expected to blow through Texas this weekend, which should deposit more birds. Teal season runs Sept.11-26, with a bag limit of 4.

3rd Annual Team Roping at Fiesta de la Paloma
9/3/2010
The 3rd Annual Fiesta de la Paloma Team Roping will be held Saturday, October 2nd and will benefit the Coleman County Chamber of Commerce. The Team Roping is a #9 and #11 event; 3 for $40.00 - no entry limit; 3-steer progressive after 1. Books open at 9 a.m. with roping to begin at 10:00 a.m. Cash and prizes to be awarded.

For more information, call Cody Bob Everett (325) 625-1687 or (254) 631-2187.

Texas AgriLife Extension Service to Offer Professional Food Manager Certification Training Course
9/3/2010
Statistics indicate that foodborne illness continues to be a health issue in the United States. Each year, 1 in 4 Americans will become sick, 1 in 1,000 will become hospitalized, and 5,000 will die due to a foodborne illness.

If under the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) jurisdiction each food establishment is required to have one certified food manager on site.

Many of you have already received a letter from the Texas Department of State Health Services regarding this. Under these new rules, each food establishment permitted by the Texas Department of State Health Services must have one certified food manager. Food manager certificates will be valid for 5 years.

Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Taylor County, is offering a professional food manager certification training course. This program will be offered for $110 on October 18 & 25 at Taylor County Extension Office located on the Taylor County Expo Grounds. Cost includes training, materials, and the State food manager certification examination. Registration deadline is October 1.

This program is designed to not only prepare foodservice managers to pass the certification examination; it will provide valuable education regarding the safe handling of food. Almost 50 cents of every dollar Americans spend on food is spent on meals prepared away from home. Therefore, careful attention to food safety will help keep customers safe and satisfied.

Foodborne illnesses are estimated to cost thousands of dollars in lost wages, insurance, and medical bills. With these statistics, knowledge of how to prevent foodborne illness is essential. The benefits of improved food safety include:

• Increased customer satisfaction
• Improved relationships with health officials
• Prevention of bad publicity and law suits due to foodborne illness

By attending the course, foodservice managers will learn about:

• identifying potentially hazardous foods and common errors in food handling
• preventing contamination and cross-contamination of food
• teaching and encouraging personal hygiene for employees
• complying with government regulations
• maintaining clean utensils, equipment and surroundings
• controlling pests

Foodborne illnesses can be prevented by following simple food safety practices. For more information about the Professional Food Manager Certification Training course of Texas AgriLife Extension Service, called “Food Safety: It’s Our Business,” call Martha Alice Spraberry at 325-672-6048 or send an e-mail to m-spraberry@tamu.edu.

Fatal Vehicle Crash in Brown County
By SENIOR TROOPER SPARKY DEAN
9/3/2010
ONE PERSON WAS KILLED AND ONE INJURED IN A TWO VEHICLE HEAD ON CRASH OCCURRING WEDNESDAY MORNING, 09-01-2010 AT 5:25 A.M. THE CRASH WAS ON FARM MARKET 45, THREE MILES SOUTH OF BROWNWOOD IN BROWN COUNTY, TEXAS.

DECEASED:
ROBERT LOUIS FERGUSON, 47 YEARS OF AGE FROM RICHLAND SPRINGS, TX. HE DIED AT 3:50 A.M., TODAY 09-02-2010 AT HENDRICK MEDICAL CENTER. FERGUSON WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD BY DR. GARY WALKER. THE BODY WAS TAKEN TO HOWELL-DURAN FUNERAL HOME IN SAN SABA, TEXAS. FERGUSON WAS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH.

INJURED:
SUZANNE SLAUGHTER FREE, 45 YEARS OF AGE FROM SAN SABA, TEXAS WAS TAKEN TO BROWNWOOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER. SHE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT.

VEHICLES INVOLVED:
1. 1997 TOYOTA AVALON, DRIVEN BY ROBERT LOUIS FERGUSON.
2. 2008 JEEP WRANGLER, DRIVEN BY SUZANNE SLAUGHTER FREE.

SYNOPSIS:
WEDNESDAY MORNING AT 5:25 A.M., ROBERT LOUIS FERGUSON WAS DRIVING A 1997 TOYOTA SOUTHBOUND ON FARM MARKET 45 IN BROWN COUNTY. SUZANNE SLAUGHTER FREE WAS DRIVING A 2008 JEEP NORTHBOUND. FERGUSON DROVE HIS VEHICLE INTO THE NORTHBOUND LANE, STRIKING THE JEEP HEAD ON. THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY.

THIS CRASH IS BEING INVESTIGATED BY TROOPER DELGADO.

Hilderbran pushes utility commission to analyze need for Hill Country CREZ line
9/3/2010
AUSTIN – The Public Utility Commission has directed the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the state’s electricity grid, to re-evaluate the need for a proposed Hill Country power line that would run from Schleicher to Gillespie counties. The move follows requests Rep. Harvey Hilderbran and Sen. Troy Fraser made for such a study.

In a July 23 letter to Barry Smitherman, chairman of the utilities commission, Hilderbran wrote, “The PUC and ERCOT need to assure all Hill Country residents that existing transmission lines are being fully utilized before adding more transmission projects in the Hill Country….Therefore, I am requesting that ERCOT reexamine and update the Long-Term System Assessment (LTSA) to determine the need for any or all of the proposed CREZ projects before erecting CREZ lines that will cause great harm to the Hill Country.”

Hilderbran’s letter referenced a report from ERCOT that said a separate proposed line from Fredericksburg to Lampasas would cost taxpayers $97 million more than updating the current lines, while only offering a one percent addition to wind energy annually.

“That report brought into question the necessity and economic justifiability of the McCamey D-Kendall-Gillespie route, too,” Hilderbran said. “Route proposals have the line crossing through Schleicher, Menard, Kimble, Gillespie, Kendall, and Kerr counties. Modernizing existing lines is more environmentally sound, it protects Hill Country landowners, and it less expensive than the alternative.”

Coleman County 40H Club Meets Sept 21
9/2/2010
Coleman County 4-H Horse Club will be meeting September 21, 2010 at the Bill Franklin Center at 6:30pm.

We will be electing new officers for the 2010-2011 year and will be disussing fund raisers and possible horse show/rodeo series, clinics. You do not have to have or own a horse to join us. For more information contact: Luther Dunlap at the extension office or you can contact me, Shannon, at 325-665-2601 leave a message. Hope to see y'all there!

City of Coleman Announces Average Monthly Payment Plan
9/2/2010
The City of Coleman is making Average Monthly Payment Plan available to its residential customers who are eligible for this service.

To be accepted for the Average Monthly Payment plan, a customer must have and maintain the following:

1. A satisfactory billing record, meaning no more than two late payments in the previous 12 months.
2. Reside at the address a minimum of 12 months.
3. The account paid in full at the time of entering the program.
4. No cut off notices in the previous 12 months.
5. Residential Customers only.

The Average Monthly Payment plan will be offered to customers during the months of February and September of each year. Billing will be effective during the months of March and October each year.

If you are currently in the Average Monthly Payment plan it is not necessary to reapply.

Please contact City Hall at 625-4116 for more information.

Championship Dove Cook-Off held October 2
9/2/2010
The annual Championship Dove Cook-Off will be held Saturday, October 2nd in conjunction with the 2010 Fiesta de la Paloma. This non-sanctioned event is sponsored by the Coleman County Chamber of Commerce. Entry fee is $30.00 per participant, with cash awards of 1st place - $500; 2nd place - $300; and 3rd place - $200. Judging criteria for the dove dishes: flavor, looks/appeal and tenderness. Best Cook-Off Site receives a trophy award. Cook-Off area will be along the west fenceline of the rodeo grounds.

RULES & REGULATIONS

1. Entry forms may be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce office. Participants must check in at the SOUTH GATE ENTRANCE Friday, October 1, 2010 unless prior arrangements have been made. There will be a $1.00 Admission fee into the Fiesta. Each entrant will receive a free admission band for entry into the grounds.

2. For judging purposes, the dove may be cooked over an open fire or coals depending on the Burn Ban. Please contact the Chamber for information concerning the Burn Ban. The fire may be contained in any type of homemade or commercial device designed for that purpose. Cook fires fueled by other than natural wood, charcoal, or commercial prepared charcoal will not be permitted. THERE WILL BE NO ELECTRICITY PROVIDED. Generators are welcome.

3. Judging containers will be issued at the cooks’ meeting on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. in the Bill Franklin Center Kitchen. Each Entry will sign for containers.

4. All doves submitted for judging must have been prepared on the cook-off site. No pre-cooked dove. All raw doves will be inspected.

5. Only one entry per dish. Each dish must have a minimum of 4 dove. Judging will be on dove and garnish. An additional 5 points will be added to score for garnish.

6. Judging will be at 12 noon sharp, October 2, 2010. (Contestants are responsible in getting entries to judge in the Franklin Center Kitchen)

7. All doves will be judged and prizes awarded to winners. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony in the Bill Franklin Center at 2:30 p.m.
8. Cook-off area ALONG THE WEST FENCELINE OF THE RODEO GROUNDS. Each site will be marked off and numbered. You will receive a number when we receive your entry form. Your site place will be easy to locate

9. The Executive Committee shall be the final authority on rule interpretations.

10. The entrant will be responsible for the cleanliness and conduct of their area, during and after the contest. Any space left in disarray or with loose trash or garbage will disqualify the entrant11. The Coleman County Chamber of Commerce shall not be responsible for any lost equipment or accidents or hurt feelings12. Cook-off will take place come rain or shine!13. Each entry must comply with migratory game bird laws (mourning dove).

For more information, contact the Chamber office at (325) 625-2163; fax (325) 625-2164.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2ND ANNUAL LORD'S ACRE
9/2/2010
Members of Coleman First United Methodist Church are getting ready for their Second Annual Lord's Acre. It will be Saturday, October 30th from 9:00 to 3:00 at 500 W. Live Oak.

Something for everyone will be offered. Included will be the Country Store and the Silent Auction. Raffle tickets will be sold for the quilt made by and generously donated by Sherry Anderson. This Quilt is queen-king size, a cathedral pattern and handquilted.

Lunch will be stew, cornbread, and dessert at no cost but donations will be accepted.

Featured on the playground during the day will be six bounce about inflatables with the youth assisting. These will be for little kids and “older” kids.

Boy Scouts are having an activity room with game booths for younger children. A “jamming music session” is being planned by the Schulze family. Co-chairmen Lee Anne Morton and Anne Mount, and Pastor Mike Kerzee invite you to make plans to attend.

Proceeds from the Boy Scout booths will go to Boy Scout Troop 221. All other proceeds will benefit the Senior Center, Loaves and Fishes and Meals on Wheels.

First Saturday Gospel Singing
9/2/2010
September 4th
6:00 pm
Trinity Methodist Church
1609 Concho Street
This is a free, non-denominational ,monthly event of old-time gospel singing.
Don't wait for a special invite to come and share your
talents or just sing along. No need to reserve a seat or
place on the bill, but you'll want to come on and not
miss your share of blessing.
For more info, call Carla Billings-- 625-5302.

The Jury is in-----
9/2/2010
After a breathless wait, John Pototschnik, Juror for the 20th Fiesta de la Paloma Art Show, has reported the results. 143 entries were received, 71 of which he chose to hang in the 20th Show!!

John Pototschnik BIOGRAPHY
John Pototschnik (Poe-toe-sh-nick) was born in St. Ives, Cornwall, England but grew up in Wichita, Kansas. He received his art training at Wichita State University in advertising design, followed by instruction in illustration and design at Art Center College in Los Angeles. Most recently he has studied human anatomy at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Old Lyme, Connecticut.

In 1982, Pototschnik began painting professionally in the fine arts. Prior to that, he worked as a freelance illustrator for ten years with many of Dallas' major advertising agencies and companies.

Since beginning his fine art career, Pototschnik has become a popular speaker and juror among art organizations. His paintings are in many private collections from Hawaii to Rhode Island and also in several public collections including : cities, banks, corporations and museums.

Pototschnik resides in Wylie, Texas with his wife Marcia. They have two grown sons. He is a past president of Artists and Craftsmen Associated and the Plano Art Association. He has been honored with four George Washington Honor Medals from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, the John Steven Jones Fellowship, plus many other regional and national awards. He is recognized in "Who's Who in American Art" and "Who's Who in the Southwest". His work has appeared in "First", "The Artist's Magazine", "Southwest Art", "American Artist", "PleinAir Magazine", "American Art Collector" and "International Artist", plus six books..The Best of Portrait Painting, 200 Great Painting Ideas for Artists, and Expressing the Visual Language of the Landscape, 100 Ways to Paint Landscapes, 100 Ways to Paint Flowers and Gardens, and 100 Ways to Paint Seascapes, Rivers and Lakes. Several of his paintings have been published by the New York Graphic Society and Bentley House Publishing. He is a signature member of the Oil Painters of America and the Outdoor Painters Society.

"My artistic influences are diverse, ranging from the Barbizon painters of Corot, Daubigny and Millet to the American tonalist, George Inness. I believe all I need to know of the principles of art are to be found in the works of the masters. My paintings are not flamboyant, mysterious, trendy or shocking but I am interested in depicting the truth about life, as I see it, in a naturalistic way free of frills and bravado. I enjoy depicting simple, common, everyday life and its objects as things of beauty and worth. I intend to show the dignity and value of the subjects I paint - just as my artistic influences have. Through continued hard work I want to give to society paintings that transcend the culture and it's ever changing tastes. . . paintings that speak to the heart."

The 20th Fine Arts League Show promises to be a “show-stopper”. Entries were received from Missouri, California, Canada, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, and all over Texas. The Paintings are from absolute abstract to absolute representational; from primitive to contemporary and every thing in between.

Marian Johnson, Publicity
Fine Arts League of Coleman Co., Inc.
www.fineartsleaguecolemantx.com

Tough Guy Ministries Hosts Revival
9/2/2010
Revival in Coleman
Location: Across from Sonic on Commercial and Santa Anna Ave.
Date: September 9th through the 12th
Starting: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Host: Tough Guys Ministry
Web site: www.toughguys.org
Come and Join us for worship, testimonies and to hear the love from the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Smile Texas Mobile Dentist Coming to Coleman Elementary and Jr. High
9/1/2010
Smile Texas/Mobile Dentists will be at Coleman Elementary and Jr. High on Tuesday, September 7, 2010.

Services will be provided for all elementary and Jr. High students will include dental cleaning, screening & fluoride.

If you are interested you can pick up a registration form at Coleman Elementary in the nurse's office. Form must be turned in by this Friday, September 3, 2010.

Bluecat Pep Rally at Noon THIS Friday!

Early Bluecat Pep Rally this Friday
9/1/2010
Bluecat Boosters invite FANS to the Noon Pep Rally THIS FRIDAY! The Bluecats will be traveling to Haskell where both teams will be looking for their first WIN with kick off in Haskell at 7:30pm!
Let's encourage this great group of players, cheerleaders, band members & Coaches!

HAPPY 90TH, LADIES! YOU CAN VOTE!
9/1/2010
September is the month that Congress voted to recognize the Constitution of the United States, that fabulous document that makes and keeps us a democracy.

This year special recognition is given to the 90th birthday of the 19th Amendment, the one that finally gave the vote to women. They had been “denied the right to vote since the founding of the nation, even though Abigail Adams had implored her husband, John, to ‘remember the ladies’ while creating a new government.”

Well, they didn’t! But, suffragist organizations were formed to fight for the vote. Some of the women were arrested, tried, found guilty, and fined. Some were jailed! The well-known names are Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Julia Ward Howe.

During Would War I, “suffragists picketed the White House in 1916 and 1917. In 1918, after much pressure, President Wilson relented and put his support behind the movement. The next year, Congress passed the Amendment and sent it on to the states for ratification.” Starting in June, 1919, until August, 1920, 36 states ratified the amendment and it became the law!

So, celebrate, ladies, and always vote!

Quotations from “The American Spirit” magazine, July/August 2010

(Submitted by the Coleman Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution)

“How’s the huntin’?”
Texas Parks and Wildlife Using Social Media to Connect with Hunters
9/1/2010
AUSTIN – As thousands of hunters flock to their bird leases for the opening day of dove season in the North and Central Zones Wednesday, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is going to be trying something new.

To encourage discussions among hunters and hopefully foster better communication between TPWD and some of its prime constituents, the department is going to be reaching out to the public through social media.

The department hopes to see, and share, reports from hunters on how they’re doing on the first day of dove season, on through the weekend and beyond. Down the road, TPWD plans to set up live Q&A sessions where the department will answer questions on bag limits, game laws, and other related issues.

TPWD invites outdoor-loving Texans to come along for the hunt in a virtual sense by joining our Facebook http://www.facebook.com/tpwdhunt and Twitter http://twitter.com/tpwdhunt hunting communities.

Hunters on Twitter should start your tweet with @TPWDhunt and use #TxDove at the end or follow us in the field at http://twitter.com/tpwdhunt and search for #TxDove.

On the Net:

• Get started using Twitter
• http://twitter.com/TPWDhunt/
• http://www.facebook.com/tpwdhunt

Coleman ISD Board Meets in Special Session to Close Budget Year
8/31/2010
The Coleman ISD Board of Trustees met in a special session to approve final budget amendments for the fiscal year ending in August. Final expenditures for the fiscal year 2009-2010 totaled $8,658,858 with revenues at $8,838,503. This is good news for the district and at a minimum, CISD will add $179,645 to the fund balance. In other action, the board adopted two resolutions as required by law concerning the reporting of fund balances. These resolutions were to commit fund balance for specific purposes and to set a minimum fund balance for the year ending August 31, 2011.

Enrollment for the week ending August 27 was reported with 22 students being added after the first day of school. Enrollment numbers still show that Coleman ISD is down 53 students from this time last year.

Superintendent Young asked that board members mark their calendars for board training to be held in Early on Saturday October 9. The training will focus on school finance, personnel law, board visioning and goal setting. The training will be held in conjunction with boards from Early, San Saba, Blanket, and Winters.

CitiBank Account Set Up for James Duffy and Family
8/31/2010
Earlier in the year, James Duffy was diagnosed with lymphoma. James went through numerous treatments to battle the disease, and even experienced blood poisoning in the process. Miraculously, James's battle with cancer seemed to end when in early April doctors determined he was in complete remission.

James, along with his family, walked in C.H. Hale Foundation Walk for Cancer in May. James also returned to work with a local roofing operation. However, in mid-June James began feeling ill and experiencing health problems. James went back to his doctors, where they found that his cancer had indeed returned but this time in the form of leukemia. The leukemia discovered resides in James's spinal cord.

James and his wife Christina are currently making plans to travel to Houston, Texas, at M.D. Anderson Hospital, while their children are home in Coleman. Any donations made to help the Duffy family would be deeply appreciated.

Novice ISD Exploring Pre-Kindergarten Program
8/31/2010
Novice ISD is exploring the possibility of beginning a pre-kindergarten program for three year olds. The program would have the same qualification criteria as the program for four year olds and there would be a limit on the number of children admitted to the program.

If you are interested please call the Novice ISD administration office at 625-4069. The district plans to make a decision on the program by September 10.

Coleman Youth Association - Soccer Registration
8/31/2010
If you are a child living in Coleman County and you were ages 4 through 11 on April 30, 2010, now is the time to sign up for the 2010 Fall Soccer season!

Registration will be Thursday, September 2nd and Tuesday, September 7th
from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Little League baseball fields. If you are unable to register either evening, you may take your registration form and payment to the Coleman Medical Associates located on the 2nd floor of the hospital (Coleman County Medical Center).

Registration forms will be sent home with your child from school or forms will be available at registration each evening. Your form must be turned in by Friday, September 10th in order to be placed on a team. Late registrations can not be accepted after this date.

For all interested in coaching soccer for the 2010 season, there will be a very short coaches meeting Tuesday, September 7th at 7:30pm at the Little League baseball fields and immediately following registration.

The fee is $40.00 for each child, and payment must be made when your form is turned in.

We’re looking forward to a great season! Come join us!

Click here for your registration form!

OPENING DAY BAKE SALE
8/31/2010
The Coleman Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star are ready for the first day of Dove season.. On September 1st, we will be ready, will you?

Together, we will be having a Hamburger Cook-Out and a Bake Sale!
The men will start serving hamburgers at 11:00 A.M. with all the trimmings.

But the ladies will begin selling cakes, pies, home-made peanut brittle and some of the best cooking in the county at 9:00 A.M.

Remember: Sat. Sept 1st at the Shopping Baskit and bring your appetite!!

Santa Anna Mountaineer Booster Club Wants You!!!
8/31/2010
The Santa Anna Mountaineer Booster Club is looking for more than a few good men and women to help in our Football Concession Stand. SAM Booster Club will again be running the concession stand at home football games (both Thursday and Friday night games) and we’re always looking for volunteers to work with us. If you want to sign up to work a game, please contact Stephanie Hartman at 325–348–3337.

Also, don't forget that the SAM Booster Club meets the second Sunday of every month at the Football Concession Stand at 1:30. Please come join us to share ideas, be informed of what all the Booster Club is doing to support our school and find out what you can do to help.

A note from the Santa Anna Mountaineer Booster Club:

We want to thank all our Mountaineer Fans who helped make our first phase of the "Adopt-A-Mountaineer" program such a success with all our SAHS football players and Cheerleaders being "adopted". We are now in our second phase of "Adopt-A-Mountaineer" featuring our SAHS Volleyball girls. We invite all Mountaineer fans from infants to school age children to even the oldest of Mountaineer fans to sign up to "Adopt-A-Mountaineer". Each person who signs up will be matched with a SAHS volleyball player to be their "Buddy". Buddy's will receive a free T-shirt and a button with their Buddy's picture on it. Each adoption is $20.00 with a discount given to households adopting two or more volleyball players. Please contact one of the following SAM Booster Club officers with any questions and to sign up!

Stephanie Hartman 348-3337
Betsy Jones 348-9218
Darla Jones 348-9259

South Coleman VFD Holding Regular Meeting September 11
8/31/2010
South Coleman County VFD will hold a regular meeting at the Voss Community Center on Saturday, September 11th at 7:00 pm. Those attending are asked to bring a dish for a pot luck supper to be served before the meeting.
 

City Council to Host Public Hearing on Tax Rates, Operational Budget
8/30/2010
COLEMAN CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010
6:00 P.M. - Coleman City Hall
200 W. Liveoak - Coleman, Texas

PRESENT:
ABSENT:
INVOCATION:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
WELCOME OF VISTORS AND GUEST:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. Council will consider approval of the minutes from the regular meeting held on August 19, 2010. Council may take any action deemed necessary.

RECOGNITION OF STAFF: (NONE)

HEARING OF VISITORS CONCERNING MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA:

PUBLIC HEARING (S):
1. According to established procedures, Council will conduct a public hearing relating to Ordinance No. 1119 establishing the effective tax rate of .4976 per $100 of evaluation for FY 2011, providing an opportunity for citizen input, comments and questions on this ordinance. No action may be taken.
2. According to established procedures, Council will conduct a public hearing relating to Ordinance No. 1120 establishing an operational budget for FY 2011, providing for citizen input, comment and questions related to this ordinance. No action may be taken.

RECEIPT OF BIDS: (NONE)
CONSENT AGENDA:
OLD BUSINESS: (NONE)

NEW BUSINESS:
1. Council will consider on first reading Ordinance No. 1119 levying a tax rate for the City of Coleman for FY 2011. Council may take any action deemed necessary.
2. Council will consider on the first reading of Ordinance No. 1120 establishing an operational budget for the City of Coleman for FY 2011. Council may take any action deemed necessary.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT:
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS:
CLOSE ANY PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ADJOURN:

Attention all 8th grade parents:
8/30/2010
We will have an 8th grade parents meeting on Wednesday, September 1 at 6:00 in the Elementary Library. We need as many parents to be there as possible. Hope to see you there.

Coleman Junior Class Raising Funds for After Prom
8/30/2010
The Coleman Junior Class is selling t-shirts for a fundraiser for after prom. The shirts feature a Coleman Bluecat and come in an array of sizes--you can even request rhinestones (for the ladies) or without (for the gents)! If you would like to order a shirt, please call Tanya Barker at 625-5035, Lori Needham 625-5001, or Tracy Barnett at 625-1879. Payment is needed at the time of order. Thank you!

Click here to see the shirts and complete an order form!

County Historical Commission to Meet this Thursday
8/30/2010
According to the Texas Historical Commission rules and the Coleman County Historical Commission charter and by-laws, it is time to start the election process. The CCHC will meet on Thursday, Sept. 2, to start this process. This will begin with the appoint of a chairperson for the nomination committee . This person must be a board member.

The Oct meeting will consist of your approval of the choices for committee members. This committee will select from the membership role, those that they feel could best fill the seven board positions. You as a member of the commission are eligible to fill any or all of the seven board seats.

In November, the committee will announce their choices and these will be recorded in the minutes. Then at our annual Christmas gathering the floor will open nominations from the floor and voting will take place. The new officers (or those reelected) will take their position at the Jan. meeting. We look forward to a full house at these meetings.

The October meeting, being Texas Archeology month, our speaker a gentleman who is well acquainted in this field and has worked with the THC for several years. Mark your calendars for these dates:
Sept. 2, Oct 7, Nov. 4, and Dec. 2

All these meeting except the Dec, meeting will be held at Heritage Hall, 400 College Ave, Coleman Starting about 7:00PM. The Dec. meeting will be held in the First Coleman National Bank Hospitality Room, 3rd floor, 100 Commercial. Coleman.

Looking forward to seeing all of you fine folks there.
Tex Wright
Chairman. CCHC

Coleman First United Methodist Plans Second Annual Lord’s Acre for Saturday, October 30th
Contributed
8/30/2010
Plans are being made by members at Coleman First United Methodist Church for their Second Annual Lord’s Acre. It is scheduled Saturday, October 30th from 9:00 to 3:00 at 500 W. Live Oak.

Something for everyone will be offered. Included will be the Country Store, and Silent Auction and Children’s Activities. Raffle tickets will be sold for the quilt made by and generously donated by Sherry Anderson. This quilt is queen-king size, a cathedral pattern and hand quilted. Also on the playground will be featured six inflatables for little kids and “older” kids.

Lunch will be stew, cornbread, and dessert at no cost but donations will be accepted.

A “jamming music session” is being planned by the Schulze family. Co-chairmen Lee Anne Morton and Ann Mount, and Pastor Mike Kerzee invite you to make plans to attend.

Proceeds from the boy scout Children’s Activities will go to Boy Scout Troop 221. All other proceeds will benefit the Senior Center, Loaves and Fishes, and Meals on Wheels.

Panther Creek Celebrates 25th Anniversary Annual
8/30/2010
The 2010 Panther Creek yearbook has arrived. If you did not order a yearbook and would like to have one, contact Mark Romine at 325-357-4449 or mark.romine@pcreek.net to place your order. The cost of the yearbook is $35. You can mail your payment to: Panther Creek Yearbook, 129 PR 3421,Valera, TX 76884. Once your payment is received, your yearbook will be mailed to you or you may pick it up at the school.

The 2010-2011 school year marks the 25th anniversary for Panther Creek CISD. The yearbook staff is planning to commemorate this event by creating a 25th anniversary edition of the yearbook. If you have pictures from the 86-87 school year through the 03-04 school year, please send them to:

Panther Creek Yearbook
129 PR 3421
Valera, TX 76884

You may also scan and upload your photos to our yearbook site. This link is located on our home page at www.pcreek.net. Please be sure to identify the year and the people in the picture with all submissions. Please note that we may not use all photos submitted.

If you wish to purchase a 2011 yearbook, please pre-order your copy today. The price is $35 and the books will arrive in the summer of 2011. You may contact Mark Romine at 325-357-4449 or mark.romine@pcreek.net to order.

DOG TRAINING CLASSES START SEPT. 11
8/30/2010
This is the last week to sign up for basic or intermediate dog training classes. Call the Humane Society at 325-625-4724 or drop by the thrift store this weekend.

SAHS Class of ‘70 Plans 40th Year Celebration
8/30/2010
Santa Anna High School Class of 1970 is planning a 40th Celebration Creek Party at Barbedwire Saloon, 609  Wallis Ave., Santa Anna (old Lions Club Bldg.) during Homecoming on September 25th. Those attending will meet from 5 to ?

Watch the newspaper for more information or call Betty Sue (Hipp) Cupps at (325)-348-3473 or Barbara Jones (325) 214-1848.

Average Texas Gas Prices Fall 4.6 Cents
8/30/2010
Texas, August 30- Average retail gasoline prices in Texas have fallen 4.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.48/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 1.2 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.69/g, according to gasoline price website TexasGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Texas during the past week, prices yesterday were 3.7 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 6.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 5.8 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 9.4 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

About TexasGasPrices.com

GasBuddy.com operates over 200 live gasoline price-tracking websites, including TexasGasPrices.com. GasBuddy.com was named one of Time magazine's 50 best websites and to PC World's 100 most useful websites of 2008.

Texas Department of Agriculture Awards $100,000 in Grants to Young Farmers and Ranchers
8/30/2010
AUSTIN - The Texas Department of Agriculture has awarded $100,000 through the Young Farmer Grant Program to 16 young farmers who will create or expand agriculture businesses in Texas to help feed a growing population. The funds, which are being awarded for the second time in 2010, are given to agriculture producers ages 18 to 46.

"With the world population expected to reach 9.1 billion by 2050, the role of the American farmer and rancher has never been so important," Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Drew DeBerry said. "According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, we must increase farm production by 70 percent to sustain our world's future population. In Texas, it's programs like the Young Farmer Grant Program that will help us inspire young producers and give them the tools to help feed the world."

The average age of the Texas farmer is 59. It is critical to recruit more young farmers and ranchers to the industry if America wants to continue to produce the safest and most affordable food supply in the world. The Young Farmer Grant Program was created in 2009 and is administered by TDA through the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA). Since TAFA's creation in 1987, the program has provided financial assistance to individuals and businesses through partnerships with banks or other agricultural lending institutions.

"We've always loved agriculture," said Trent Thompson, a farmer in Comanche County, who along with his wife, was awarded a TAFA grant during the first round. "It's a hard business to get into when you're young. We couldn't have done it without this grant. You have to start somewhere and the grant made our start a lot easier and made it happen."

For a complete list of award recipients for the second round of grants click here. For more information about the Young Farmer Grant Program and other TAFA programs, visit www.TexasAgriculture.gov and look under Most Popular Links.

On 90th Anniversary, Honoring the Trailblazers for Women’s Suffrage
By U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
8/28/2010
When Texans visit Washington, DC, and come to my Senate office, they often take a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol. Of all the historic treasures visitors see on the tour, one of my favorites is a statute that sits in the majestic Rotunda, beneath the vaulted Capitol Dome. Carved into a massive block of marble are the portrait busts of three great American heroines: Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The monument honors their tireless efforts – along with the work of so many other Americans – to extend to all women the right to vote.

It is hard for us to imagine it now, but less than 100 years ago, American women could not legally vote. As I documented in my book, Leading Ladies, the suffrage women enjoy today was the result of more than 70 years of struggle.

Some of the earliest pioneers of the women’s suffrage movement, Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, first met at an international anti-slavery conference in 1840. They forged a friendship when the women were forced to sit behind a curtain in the balcony while the men conducted convention business down below. Mott and Stanton shared a desire for economic and political equality for women. Together, they conceived of the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention, which essentially jumpstarted the fight for women’s rights.

Susan B. Anthony, who was already active in the temperance movement, eventually became a suffragette because she realized that until women were able to own property and vote, they would not be able to wield real political influence.. Anthony met Stanton shortly after the Seneca Falls Convention, and the two became lifelong partners and powerful leaders in the fight for women’s rights.

In many ways, Stanton was the voice for all women’s struggle for suffrage. She wrote and spoke eloquently and prolifically, producing many of the philosophical works that underpinned the movement. Anthony’s persistence was largely responsible for the introduction of a women’s suffrage amendment in Congress for the first time in 1878, and then again every other year until it finally passed forty-one years later.

On January 9, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson announced his support for a constitutional amendment to grant women the right to vote. Finally, on May 21, 1919, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the amendment, and the Senate followed suit on June 4. On August 26, 1920, U.S. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby certified the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, and women in America finally won the right to vote.

Sadly, none of the women who began the struggle for women’s suffrage lived long enough to applaud the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment. They never realized their own dreams to vote. But on November 2, 1920, many other women did, and they cast their very first ballots in that year’s presidential election. And because of the efforts of Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and all the suffragettes, generations of women have been emboldened and empowered to set even loftier goals—and to achieve them.

On November 2, 2010 – exactly 90 years after women voted legally for the first time – women from across our nation will cast their ballots in this year’s elections. And there are scores of women candidates who are running for Congress, the Senate, and governor. Many of them will be elected to join ranks with the 17 women currently serving in the U.S. Senate or the 74 women in the U.S. House of Representatives. As the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Texas, I am proud to see other women following the trail and achieving goals that seemed impossibly out of reach less than a century ago.

Today, American women are working to shape our government and society in new and significant ways. As we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, I am grateful to the American heroines who fought for suffrage and helped expand women’s rights and opportunities.

Kay Bailey Hutchison is the senior U.S. Senator from Texas and is the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Immunization Clinic in Coleman September 28
8/28/2010
Texas Department of State Health Services will hold an immunization clinic in Coleman Tuesday, September 28th 10-12 & 1:30-3 United Christian and Presbyterian Church at 1609 Commercial. Please Bring Child's immunization Records. If child is on Medicaid or CHIP, please bring the card. For more information please call 325-754-4945

AGGIE MOMS TO MEET SEPTEMBER 7
8/27/2010
The Coleman County Aggie Moms will be meeting September 7th, 5:30pm at the Farm Bureau office located at 114 S Concho.  Mothers, stepmothers, or guardian of student or former students are invited to join.  The Mother's Club supports our students and the Texas A&M University through fund raising projects and sends contibutions to scholarships and campus organizations.  If you have any questions feel free to call Trish Lofton at 325-726-9190.

BLOOD DRIVE COMING TO COLEMAN ON TUESDAY
8/27/2010
The Labor of Love Coleman Community Blood Drive is scheduled for Tuesday, August 31st from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. The United Blood Services Blood-mobile will be at the Sr. Citizens parking lot, 916 South Concho St.

Each donor will receive a: Limited Edition Labor of Love t-shirt, Snack Size Bag of Julio’s Corn Chops courtesy of Julio’s, coupon for FREE Gallon of Tea courtesy of Gandy’s and entered into the Grand Prize Drawing for a Flat Screen TV!

To make an appointment, call: United Blood Services at 800-756-0024. Don’t forget, donors receive FREE cholesterol testing every time they donate. You must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent form), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health to donate.

United Blood Services has been this area’s non-profit community blood provider since 1956, and serves patients in 10 hospitals in 11 counties. The United Blood Services network is one of the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit blood service organizations, and is a founding member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Association of Blood Banks.

District Court Prosecutes Numerous Drug Violators
8/27/2010
District Court was held August 19th with Judge John Weeks presiding. District Attorney Heath Hemphill presented eight cases to the court for disposition.

Josue Perez pled guilty to Delivery of Controlled Substance and was assessed a four hundred dollar fine, court costs, 4 years TDCJ probated four years, 100 hours community service and $140.00 restitution to DPS crime lab. Joseph Aaron Amos pled guilty to Burglary and was assessed a four hundred dollar fine, court costs, five years deferred adjudication, and 100 hours community service. Larry Durham pled guilty to Delivery of a Controlled Substance and was assessed 14 months in State Jail.

Sheila Burrow Howard pled guilty to Delivery of a Controlled Substance and was assessed a one thousand dollar fine, court costs, five years TDCJ probated for eight years, and 100 hours community service. Robert Ray Floyd pled guilty to Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and was assessed 14 months in State Jail. Christopher Andrews pled guilty to Theft and was assessed a seven hundred dollar fine, court costs, 5 years deferred adjudication, 100 hours community service and restitution of $1,212.04 to the City of Coleman.

Roy Chesney pled "true" on the State's Motion to Revoke his probation for felony DWI and was assessed six years TDCJ. Travis Liles pled "true" on the State's Motion to Revoke his probation for Aggravated Assault and was assessed three years TDCJ.

Deadline Approaching to Enter Big Time Texas Hunts Drawing
Entry deadline is Oct. 15
8/27/2010
AUSTIN – The Lone Star State has a lot of land that’s primed for hunting and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is offering outdoors enthusiasts the chance to win several hunts of a lifetime.

For more information on Big Time Texas Hunts and to enter online, please visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/buyentry.

Choose Your Ride 
Submitted by Christin Burris, County Extension Agent - Family & Consumer Sciences
8/27/2010
This year’s annual Labor Day Drink, Drive, Go to Jail campaign to prevent drinking and driving will have an emphasis on the importance of choosing not to get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. The “Choose Your Ride” theme features modified patrol cars that have decals making the vehicle look like half a police vehicle and half a taxi cab. In addition to being on billboards and posters, these vehicles will be out on the streets in communities with a high incidence of alcohol-related fatalities. The message is that if you choose to drink, you should call a cab, designate a sober driver ahead of time, use public transportation, stay put, or call a friend or family member for a ride.

The Drink, Drive, Go to Jail campaign runs from August 20 to September 6, 2010. During this time, law enforcement statewide will be working overtime to find and arrest drunk drivers.

Driving drunk is not only dangerous, it can be very expensive. In Texas, if convicted of a first-time DWI, offenders can pay a fine of up to $2,000, lose their driver’s license for up to a year, and serve 180 days in jail. Other costs associated with a drunk-driving arrest and conviction can add up to more than $17,000 for bail, legal fees, court appearances, court-ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases, and other expenses. Drunk drivers with children younger than 15 in the vehicle face even stiffer penalties. They can be charged with child endangerment and face up to a $10,000 fine, two years in a state jail, and loss of their driver’s license for up to two years.

The real consequences of drunk driving are the senseless deaths and injuries that result from this reckless behavior. Preliminary statistics show that in 2009, there were 27,108 alcohol-related crashes in Texas that resulted in 955 deaths and 17,542 injuries. Data from police crash reports show that in 2008, 28.1 percent of the total traffic fatalities in Texas were caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol. And, 25 percent of people killed in alcohol-related crashes in Texas were between the ages of 20 and 25.

This year, Texans can take a stand to not drink and drive and to keep friends and family from drinking and driving. Remember, choose your ride carefully, and keep Texas roads safe during the upcoming Labor Day weekend. For more information, visit http://www.texasdwi.org/.

CHS Class of 1965 Reunion Planned for This October
Contributed
8/27/2010
The graduating class of 1965, the largest graduating class ever from Coleman High School with over 100 students, contained the first of the "Baby Boomer" generation. After World War II, and because of the post-war economic boom, many returning soldiers either began new families or resumed the ones they had. This resulted in the beginning of the baby boom, the largest population of any generation thus far.

Members of this class will celebrate their 45th reunion this fall. All classmates who attended Coleman High School with the class of 1965 are invited.

This year's reunion will begin at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 16, 2010, at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 500 Live Oak (north of the old high school building). Registration and visiting will open the festivities, with class photo at 4:00 and the evening meal, catered by Sara's Neighborhood, served at 5:00. Class meeting, games and activities will follow. If you can't come for all the activities, please do come for any part you can.

Please contact Diann Dunn Dillingham, (325-625-5118 or email bluecats65@gmail.com) for registration forms and additional information about the day's events, or if you know the location or contact information for the following missing classmates: Joe Burkett, Jim Burnam, Arthur Cantrell, Douglas Cauley, Marsha DuBois Bailey, Herbert Elkins, George Epperson, William Green, David Lee Hammonds, Gaylon Harris, Don Herring, Becky Holmes Alexander, Arthur Jennings, Naomi Jones Ables, Keith Jordan, Carol Kenney Johnson, Danny Morgan, Patsy Powers, Leonard Rackow, Billy Slimp, Nancy Williamson Sudderth

 (No official class meeting for 1965 will be held with the Multi- Class reunion on October 9.)

Mini Cheerleaders Welcomed to First Football Game
8/26/2010
Anyone who attended mini cheer camp is asked to be at Hufford Field at 6:30 on Friday, August 27. The Varsity Cheerleaders will be waiting at the south end of the field between the concession stand and field house to line the girls up and practice with them before they perform. The Mini Cheerleaders will perform in front of the fans at 7:00. Cheerleading uniforms or Camp T-Shirts with black shorts can be worn for the performance. Only the mini cheer camp attendees will be allowed to enter the game free, all others will have to pay.

Pictured, left to right, are Tim Humpert, Rick Adams, Matthew Allen, Mike Stephenson, Caylie Robinett, Roddy Dean, Molly Pritchard

Kingsbery Scholarships Awarded
8/26/2010
Four Coleman county college students have been named as the 2010 recipients of the Tom Kingsbery Memorial Scholarships. These scholarships were presented at the annual meeting of Coleman County Telephone Cooperative, Inc. which was held Friday, August 20 at the Civic Center in Santa Anna, Texas. Roddy Dean, a director of the Cooperative and a member of the scholarship committee, made the presentations.

This scholarship program was established by Coleman County Telephone Cooperative, Inc. in 1999 in memory of Tom Kingsbery who served on the Cooperative’s board of directors for more than 35 years. It was the desire of Mr. Kingsbery’s family to provide some financial assistance for second and third year college students.

The selection committee was very impressed with the hard work and dedication exhibited by each of these young people as they pursue their education and career goals. The Cooperative would like to extend congratulations and best wishes to each of these well-deserving students.
The students, each receiving a $1,500 scholarship, are Matthew Allen, son of Donny and Gloria Allen, a student at Clarendon College, Molly Pritchard, daughter of Mike and Mary Pritchard, attending Angelo State University, Meagan Ogden, daughter of Scott and Sheila Ogden, a student at Texas A & M University, and Caylie Robinett, daughter of David and Shelley Robinett, attending Angelo State University.

CCMC BOARD TABLES PLANS FOR FQHC
8/26/2010
The Coleman County Medical Center Board of Directors met in their regular meeting at Noon on Tuesday, August 24, 2010. The meeting also included a Public Hearing on the CCMC budget for Fiscal year 2010 – 2011. No visitors were present for the Public Hearing, and the board voted to adopt the budget as presented by CEO/Administrator Douglas Langley.

The board also voted to hold a call meeting on August 30, 2010 at Noon to discuss the proposed property tax rate.

Board president Mark Griffis presented Maintenance mechanic Wayne Felty with a certificate for CCMC Employee of the 3rd Quarter, together with a check and a day off with pay.

Director of Nurses Melissa Ereman, RN, gave the QA report, and Dr. Paul Reynolds, Chief of Staff, gave the Medical Staff report.

In other business, the board approved the July financial report, renewed notes, and amended policy and procedure on healthcare insurance. The board also voted to table any further action on developing a Federally Qualified Health Clinic in Coleman County unless it becomes feasible to once again pursue this project.

Business/Planning Coordinator Jared Chanski gave a report to the board concerning Strategic Plan needs for the future.

Panther Creek Open House Friday, Sept 3
8/26/2010
Panther Creek CISD open house and meet the teachers will be Friday, September 3rd from 6:00 to 7:00. Students and teachers will be able to see the classrooms and meet the teachers as well as the principal/ superintendent. Community members are invited to attend.

Following the open house the Panther Creek Panthers will play the Richland Springs at 7:30 p.m. at Panther Creek.

Coleman Band Parent News
8/26/2010
For Parents of students participating in the Coleman Band program from 6th through 12th grade - two important events are fast approaching!

Event #1 - Help is needed in the Concession Stand for the football game on Friday.  Please arrive around 5 or 5:30 p.m.  at the concession stand. 

Event #2 - The first Band Booster meeting of the school year will be held on Monday, August 30th at 5:30 p.m. at the band hall.  

Parent participation is extremely important to keep our band program running smoothly! 
Thank you for your help and support.

School Board to Meet to Approve Final Budget Amendments
8/25/2010
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
COLEMAN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES

DATE: Monday, August 30, 2010

TIME: 5:30 P.M.

PLACE: Coleman I.S.D. Administration Office
300 West Pecan

THE BOARD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE ORDER OF AGENDA ITEMS.

THE BOARD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT, TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.001 et seq., AND FOR THE REASONS STATED IN THE CODE.

AGENDA:

ACTION ITEMS:
1. Approve Final Budget Amendments for 2009-2010
2. Consider Board Policy for New Fund Balance Requirements
INFORMATION ITEMS:

1. Check Payments
2. First Day Enrollment

ADJOURN:

Royce A. Young, Superintendent
Coleman Independent School District

Coleman Elementary and Junior High Yearbooks Still for Sale
8/25/2010
The Coleman Elem/JH Yearbook Staff will be selling the 2009-2010 yearbook for $25.00 in front of the Elementary Office and in the Junior High commons area, in the mornings from 7:30 a.m. - 7:50 a.m., Tuesday thru Friday (August 31 - Sept 3). You may pay with cash or check. Make checks payable to: CJH Yearbook. We only have a few copies left, don't wait until it's too late.

Novice ISD Tax Ratification Fails
8/25/2010
Novice ISD's tax referendum held yesterday, August 24, failed by a close margin of 58-49 against the school district tax rate increase. The proposed tax rate would have granted Novice ISD an additional $200,000 per year between local contributions and matching funds from the state. After earning academically acceptability earlier this month, Novice's failed tax election comes as a financial blow to the struggling school district.

BLUECAT BOOSTER CLUB INVITES YOU THIS FRIDAY!
8/25/2010
Bluecat Booster Club is getting the word out that THIS Friday, 3pm, is the first 2010 Pep Rally!

Our games this week are Thursday, 6pm, in Winters for JV....and Friday, 7pm, in Coleman for Varsity!
Come early and shop the Cat House....new tshirts in stock! We also have a bluecat paw necklace, braclet,
earring set for only $10.

Looking for more to do this weekend? Help us support our great group of kids running cross-country this
Saturday NIGHT in San Angelo.

Not a member of the Booster Club yet? Membership forms available at the Cat House this Friday night and
at our next meeting, Tuesday, 8/31, 7pm, at the Armored Cat Facility....Bring your lawnchair & popcorn! We'll
have a short business meeting, then watch the game FILM!

Coleman County Foundation Fall Grant Cycle Cancelled
8/25/2010
The Coleman County Foundation (CCF) announced today that it will not be accepting grant applications this fall. Foundation board members voted to forego making grants to Coleman County nonprofits due to economic conditions and the ongoing concerns about volatility in the financial markets.

“This was a difficult decision for us because we understand the current needs of agencies in our County,” said Tim Manley, CCF Board Chair. “However, we also have to look at the larger picture. It is the Board’s fiduciary duty to protect the endowment from which grants are paid and the intent of that gift, which was to provide financial support to nonprofits in Coleman County for many years to come.”

The Coleman County Foundation was established in 1999 to help Coleman County residents give back to their community. Over the past 11 years, the Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 in grants to area agencies. For more information about the Coleman County Foundation, please visit here.

TEXAS LANDOWNER GROUPS UNITE TO REAFFIRM GROUNDWATER AS VESTED, REAL PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHT
Educational forums scheduled throughout Texas
BY TSCRA, Contact: Carmen Fenton
8/25/2010
AUSTIN, TEXAS - Texas landowner groups have joined forces in an effort to ensure that groundwater continues to be recognized as a vested, real private property right. The groups will host educational forums throughout the state to help the public understand current groundwater ownership issues.

“Groundwater is owned by private landowners,” said Dave Scott, TSCRA president and rancher. “The Texas Constitution and more than 100 years of case law support this. Unfortunately this property right is under attack. Landowners must defend their ownership of groundwater on the legal, regulatory and legislative fronts.”

“There’s no doubt that secure, protectable property rights best assure conservation and stewardship of all resources, including groundwater,” said Texas Wildlife Association President Tina Y. Buford. “The way private landowners, acting as land stewards, manage their property directly influences quantity and quality of groundwater available to all Texans.”

“The ownership of groundwater is one of the most pressing issues facing Texas agriculture today,” said Kenneth Dierschke, president of Texas Farm Bureau. “In Farm Bureau we believe ownership of groundwater is a vested property right. The growth of Texas and the future viability of our industry make it imperative to settle this issue in the courts or in the Legislature.”

The growing effort, currently supported by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA); the Texas Wildlife Association (TWA); the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB); the Texas Poultry Federation (TPF); the Exotic Wildlife Association (EWA); the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association (TSGRA); the Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA); the Texas Association of Dairyman (TAD); and the Texas Land and Mineral Owners Association (TLMA), brings together more than 400,000 Texans who own more than 50 million acres of private property.

According to estimates by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), by 2060 Texas’ population will more than double, increasing its water demand by 27 percent. Because groundwater from Texas aquifers supply more than half the water for the state, it is critical that groundwater resources be managed to provide for current and future use.

Each forum will cover various groundwater topics including the current groundwater regulation under the Texas Water Code, legal issues surrounding groundwater, and why groundwater conservation is important not only to private property owners in Texas, but also to Texas communities. All forums are free and open to the public.

Aug. 31 – San Angelo
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center
7887 US Hwy 87 North

Sept. 22 – Bryan
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Producers Cooperative
1800 N. Texas Avenue

Oct. 14 – Cleburne
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Johnson County Cattle Auction
3119 N. Main Street

Oct. 19 – Kingsville
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center
1730 West Corral

Oct. 20 – Victoria
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
First Victoria Bank
101 S. Main Street

Oct. 28 – Lubbock
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Merket Alumni Center
17th and University

Nov. 9 – Austin
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Capitol Extension Auditorium, E1.004
112 E. 11th Street

Courtney Vletas Named as new Community Foundation of Abilene Grants Director
8/24/2010
Courtney Vletas was recently named as the new Grants Director for the Community Foundation of Abilene. She comes to the Foundation from the Grace Museum where she served as Development Director for the past three years. Courtney received her Bachelor of Arts degree from The Elliott School in International Affairs and Communications, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. She is actively involved with her church choir and serves as Honorary Commander for the Logistics Readiness Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base. “Courtney brings a vast amount of nonprofit experience to the Foundation, we are delighted to have her join our staff,” said Katie Alford, Community Foundation of Abilene President/CEO.

The Community Foundation of Abilene, with community assets of over $74 million, is a nonprofit grantmaker and community builder. The Foundation’s ultimate goal is to give back to the community for generations to come through grantmaking, endowment building and leading initiatives for important community needs. For more information see www.cfabilene.org.

Deadline to Register for Joy Station Tuesday School is August 30
8/24/2010
It’s time to register for Joy Station Tuesday School - the deadline is next Monday, August 30th!

To register or for more information, call 625-5117, 625-5107, 636-7317 or the church office at 625-4171.

Novice ISD Fact Sheet Tax Ratification Election, August 24, 2010
8/24/2010
Novice ISD notified the public on August 11, 2010 in the Chronicle & DV concerning a tax ratification election being held on August 24, 2010. The Novice School District encourages everyone to express their opinion about the matter by voting today. Below are some frequently asked questions concerning today's election:

Frequently Asked Questions

-What is a tax ratification election?
The voters of the district are asked to approve the tax rate that was adopted by the Board of Trustees.

-What tax increase is Novice ISD asking voters to approve?
A 13 cent increase was adopted by the Board. This would increase the tax rate for Maintenance and Operations to $1.17 per $100 valuation. Novice ISD does not have bonded indebtedness so there is no Interest & Sinking rate.

-What does this mean to home owners?
The average market value of a home in the Novice ISD is $35,990 with a taxable value of $20,990 after the homestead exemption. The taxes on that home would increase by $27.28 a year. The taxes on a home with a market value of $100,000 would increase by $110.50.

-How will taxes affect those over 65 or with disabilities?
School district taxes on resident homesteads are frozen the year a taxpayer turns 65 or becomes disabled and files the appropriate exemption.

-Who can vote?
Anyone who lives within the Novice ISD and is a registered voter is eligible to vote in the tax ratification election.

-How much money will the district gain?
Local tax revenues will increase by approximately $55,571 and state aide will increase by approximately $57,939.

-Why does Novice ISD need a tax increase?
1) The state has a budget shortfall and state revenue is predicted to remain flat for the next three years while expenses continue to climb.
2) The additional tax effort by the district will result in an approximate dollar per dollar match in additional state funds.
3) The additional funds will be used to address accessibility issues that have been identified by TEA. (handicap accessibility)
4) The funds will be used to help with maintenance and upkeep on the main building which was built in 1950.

Directors Elected at Annual Meeting of Coleman County Telephone Cooperative, Inc.
8/24/2010
The 57th annual meeting of Coleman County Telephone Cooperative, Inc. was held on Friday, August 20, 2010 at the Santa Anna Civic Center. The event was attended by approximately 400 people, 257 of those being registered members and eligible to vote in the election.

Stanley Hartman, president of the Cooperative’s Board of Directors, called the meeting to order and led the crowd in the pledge of allegiance. The invocation was delivered by Roddy Dean. Mr. Hartman presented the welcome address and expressed his appreciation to those in attendance.
Other items on the agenda included a financial report by accountant, Janice Fellers and a report by general manager, Tim Humpert. A special guest in attendance was Herman Roark, a representative of TRC Engineering located in Kerrville, Texas.

Director Roddy Dean, representing the scholarship committee, presented certificates to the four recipients of the Tom Kingsbery memorial scholarship, including Meagan Anne Ogden, a student at Texas A & M University, Matthew Monsey Allen, attending Clarendon College, Molly Pritchard and Caylie Robinett, both students at Angelo State University.
The members of the Cooperative elected three directors, each to serve a three-year term. Those elected were, Rick Adams (incumbent), representing the Burkett/Lake Coleman area, Mike Stephenson (incumbent), representing the Mozelle area, and Glenda Gassiot (incumbent), representing the Valera area.

The meeting concluded with a drawing for prizes for children and adults.
________________

(Tim Humpert, General Manager of Coleman County Telephone Cooperative, addressing the crowd)

It’s Walk Across Texas! Time Again
By Christin Burris, CEA-FCS
8/24/2010
It's time to get out those walking shoes and get back into shape! Actually, I have already seen many of you out there walking and exercising. Fall is a wonderful time to stretch those muscles, tone up, and slim down.

Walk Across Texas! will begin soon, we have a Team Captain’s Meeting on Tuesday, August 31st at 6:00 P.M. in the courtroom at the Coleman County Courthouse. There is a new website for entering miles this year and we want to make sure all the team captains know how to navigate it so they can successfully enter the team’s miles! We will also be taking t-shirt orders this year. They will be $ 7.00 each and we will need your team captain to bring all the sizes & money for their team’s shirts to their team captain meeting on Tuesday, August 31st. Then you will receive your shirt at the kick off.

The Kickoff for all of the team members will be on Saturday, September 11th at the courthouse at 9:00 A.M. Come and find out just what to do to walk your way across Texas. Then we will plan to walk around the courthouse parking area 5 times to make our first mile. If you can=t make it to the Kick Off, you can still be on a team. Walk Across Texas will actually begin on Sunday, September 12th, but the mile walked at the Kick-off counts as a bonus mile.

Walk Across Texas! Is a fun and flexible way to exercise. Just get on a team with seven other people B friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family members - and start walking, jogging or even biking. You can walk together or individually, outside, on a treadmill, or stationery bicycle, any way that fits your schedule and lifestyle. You keep track of your miles, to see if you and your teammates can walk the 800 miles Aacross Texas@ in 8 weeks. Report your totals to your team captain and see how your team measures up! By the end of the 8-week Walk Across Texas! Program, you will have a healthy habit that will last a lifetime.

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

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

For more information, call Christin Burris at the County Extension Office at 325-625-4519, cdburris@ag.tamu.edu, or look up Walk Across Texas! on the internet at http://walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu.

Educational programs of Texas Cooperative Extension are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners courts of Texas Cooperating.

Cub Scouts Rally at the Methodist Church August 26
8/24/2010
Cub Scouts Pack 226 invites you to join us at First United Methodist Church in the fellowship hall on Aug 26th at 6:00pm.

You may attend this rally if:

· You are a young boy anywhere in Coleman county in the 1st through the 5th grade and is interested in becoming a cub scout

· Already a cub scout

· You are an adult, age 21 or older who is interested in working with young boys in cub scouts or young men in boy scouts

All parents must attend this rally with their son(s) parents are a vital part of the scouting program

Come join us and see how fun scouting can be!!! The scouting program is year around, any kids that play sports are welcome to join in on the fun with us.

If you have any questions you may call Melissa at 325-214-4096

Holiday Hill 2010 Senior Mini-Olympics a Huge Success!
8/24/2010
Thanks to our sponsors for the 10TH ANNUAL
Holiday Hill 2010 SENIOR MINI-OLYMPICS. We appreciate you.

COLEMAN COUNTY SPECIAL UTILITIES DISTRICT
CARR
ALLEN & ALLEN
BEST WESTERN INN
BUDDY’S KWIK STOP
CENTRAL TEXAS FARM CREDIT
CHRONICLE & DEMOCRAT VOICE
CITIBANK
COLEMAN COUNTY ELECTRIC CO-OP
COLEMAN COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
COLEMAN COUNTY STATE BANK
COLEMAN GRAIN
COLEMAN VETERINARY CLINIC
COMMERCIAL AVE ANTIQUES MALL
COOPERS SUPPLY
DAVIS FARM AND RANCH
DENNY FULBRIGHT & THE LAST CALL BAND
DOUBLE H FAMILY DINING
EARLE SMITH JEWELERS
FIRST COLEMAN NATIONAL BANK
FILTRATION EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY
GRAMMAR’S
HENDERSON FUNERAL HOME
HICKMAN ADVERTISING
HIGGINBOTHAM’S
HOLIDAY HILL STAFF
JMJ ROOFING
JOHNSON IMPLEMENT
LUPE LUGO’S FINE BURRITO CAFÉ
OWL DRUG STORE
ROBERTS LAWN CARE
SANTA ANNA NATIONAL BANK
SHOPPIN BASKIT
TAYLOR REAL ESTATE
TERRY’S TOWING
THE PETAL PATCH
TIFFANY’S
TYSON PHARMACY
VICTOR & MARGARET HETZEL
WALKER FUNERAL HOME
WAL-MART
WENDLEE BROADCASTING (KSTA)
WILLIAMS TIRE STORE
WISE CLEANERS

Texas Heat Travels to Las Vegas to Compete in Dog Show
8/24/2010
Texas Heat American Pitbull Terrier Club of Abilene, Texas traveled to Las Vegas New Mexico on July 24 2010. The Land Of Enchantment APBT Club held 2 conformation dog shows. Texas Heat brought home 2 BEST PUPPYS, 1 CHAMPION OF CHAMPION CUP, 1 JUDGES CHOICE, 5 First Place Ribbons, 5 Second Place Ribbons, and 1 Third Place Ribbon!!! And also Championed another dog out that weekend! TEXAS HEAT WAS IN THE HOUSE!!!

Pictured is Amanda Watts with Tee & Cee's "DRAKE" (Best Puppy). Mona Watts with Boogie Night's "LOGAN" (Best Puppy & Judges Choice). And Travis Cisneros with Vaughn's "CH." "OZZY" (Champions Of Champions Cup).

COLEMAN ISD FIRST DAY ENROLLMENT NUMBERS
8/24/2010

FIRST DAY ENROLLMENT	2010-2011	2009-2010 (first day)	2009-2010 (ending day)
Elementary	449	455	471
Junior High	210	216	219
High School	232	278	248
Total	891	949	938

8TH GRADE PARENTS MEETING ON TUESDAY
8/23/2010
There is a meeting for all 8th grade parents on Tuesday, August 24th, to discuss fundraising ideas. The meeting will be at 5:00 p.m. in the CISD Elementary School library.

DRESS A DOLL CONTEST UNDERWAY
-contributed-
8/23/2010
The Dress a Doll contest, sponsored by the Humane Society of Coleman County, is on again this year. We understand many seamstresses enjoy adopting a doll at the Block One Market and dressing it up in a frock of their choice to display at the Fiesta and at the Thrift Store.

Pick up your orphaned doll at the Block One Market, 301 E. Pecan St., this Wednesday through Saturday. The adoption fee per doll is $5. Once you get the doll all dolled up, return it to the Thrift Store, 108 E. Pecan, for display at the store and at the Humane Society's Fiesta booth.

You can then pick it up after Fiesta for your private collection or as a Christmas gift. Or you can donate it to the Humane Society for sale at the Thrift Store.

Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

Join in and dress up these little abandoned dolls. They need a second chance just like our rescued pets.

ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP
8/23/2010
4th Tuesday of Each Month
6:30 P.M. TO 7:30P.M.
THE ALLEN CENTER AT HOLIDAY HILL
245 State HWY 153, Coleman

IF YOU ARE A FRIEND, FAMILY MEMBER, OR CAREGIVER OF AN INDIVIDUAL WITH ALZHEIMER’S OR A RELATED DEMENTIA, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ATTENDING.

OUR MEETINGS OFFER A CONFIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT WHERE PARTICIPANTS CAN SHARE THEIR CONCERNS, SUPPORT EACH OTHER, AND LEARN WAYS TO COPE WITH THE CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH LONG-TERM CAREGIVING.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL:
SYLVIA MOLINA: 325-625-4157

OR

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION
NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS CHAPTER
325-672-2907 OR 1-800-272-3900

COLEMAN 4-H CLUB NEWS AND UPDATES
8/23/2010
LAMB & GOAT and BREEDING SHEEP VALIDATION PROGRAM
Deadline to order tags - August 27, 2010
Time is fast approaching for you to make decisions on how many validation tags you will be needing for the 2011 Texas 4-H FFA Lamb & Goat Validation programs. We MUST have our order in to the District Office before September 3rd, so we are asking that you contact our office as soon as possible with the number of tags you will be needing for your Lamb, Goat or Breeding Sheep project. Cost for the tags will be $7.00 each. After the Sept. 3rd deadline, late tags are $20 each. If you have questions, contact the Texas AgriLife Extension Office at 325-625-4519 or E-Mail: coleman@ag.tamu.edu .

2011 TEXAS 4-H ROUNDUP THEME & LOGO CONTEST
Submit your Entry by: September 6, 2010
The State 4-H Office is asking 4-Hers for their creative ideas for next year's Texas 4-H Roundup. Following are guidelines:

Logo & Theme Requirements - Logo may be made up of no more than 4 colors. Theme just have *Texas 4-H Roundup* located in it. And 2011 for its date. Images may be hand drawn or computer generated . Electronic images must be in .jpg format.

Submission Deadline - Entries must be received in the State 4-H Office no later than September 6, 2010.

Participants must be a 4-H members. Can be a team (no size limit), 4-H Club, or individual. Participants must be from the same county.

If you are interested about this contest and would like further information, contact the Texas AgriLife Extension Office in Coleman at 325-625-4519 or E-Mail: coleman@ag.tamu.edu

Texas Average Retail Gas Prices Fall 3.2 Cents
8/23/2010
Texas, August 23- Average retail gasoline prices in Texas have fallen 3.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.53/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.6 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.72/g, according to gasoline price website TexasGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Texas during the past week, prices yesterday were 5.9 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 0.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has decreased 1.2 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 10.5 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

About TexasGasPrices.com

GasBuddy.com operates over 200 live gasoline price-tracking websites, including TexasGasPrices.com. GasBuddy.com was named one of Time magazine's 50 best websites and to PC World's 100 most useful websites of 2008.

Dove Season is Right Around the Corner
8/23/2010
Linda and Don Liles of Coleman captured these doves feasting on some bird seed in their backyard. They reported some 22 doves visiting their bird feeder on Friday, August 21. Here's what Texas Parks and Wildlife has to say about this Dove Season:

TPWD Optimistic about Dove Season Prospects
AUSTIN— Texas hunters can anticipate good numbers of dove as ample rainfall across most of the state has set the stage for the upcoming Sept. 1 season opener, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Timely rainfall usually equates to above average dove production, and by all field accounts from TPWD wildlife biologists, this year is shaping up to produce a boom crop of birds.

“Above-average rainfall across most of the state has created ideal habitat conditions for doves,” said Corey Mason, TPWD dove program leader. “I expect above-average production this year and hunt success should be high provided doves are not dispersed.”

Mason explained that the abundant seed production, predominately sunflower and croton will help recently fledged birds to rapidly put on weight. But, quality range conditions could also cause doves to disperse as native food sources become readily available and make managed fields less attractive early in the season.

“What it means for us is we’re going to have food available throughout the summer and early fall, body conditions will be better and all in all it’s just a good thing,” Mason pointed out. “There may be more surface water available which could distribute birds more in afternoon hunts. Those who focus more on limited water sources in the past may not see as much shooting as during dry years.”

Mason said although birds may not be as concentrated this year, the traditional hotspots should remain active. “Those birds go to the traditional hotspots for a reason, so I wouldn’t discount them,” he said.

Texas dove season in the North and Central Dove Zones will run from Wednesday, Sept. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 24 and reopen Saturday, Dec. 25 through Sunday, Jan. 9, with a 15-bird daily bag and not more than two white-tipped doves.

The South Zone dove season will run Friday, Sept. 17 through Sunday, Oct. 31, reopening Saturday, Dec. 25 through Tuesday, Jan. 18 with a 15-bird daily bag and not more than two white-tipped doves.

The possession limit is twice the daily bag.

The Special White-winged Dove Area will open to white-winged dove afternoon-only (noon to sunset) hunting the first two full weekends in September running from Sept. 4-5 and 11-12 and reopen when the regular South Zone season begins on Friday, Sept. 17 through Sunday, Oct. 31 and again from Saturday, Dec. 25 through Friday, Jan. 14. The Special White-winged Dove Area season takes four of the allowable 70 days, so when the regular season opens, this area must close four days earlier than the rest of the South Zone. During the early two weekends, the daily bag limit is 15 birds, to include not more than four mourning doves and 2 white-tipped doves. Once the general season opens, the aggregate bag limit will be 15, with not more than two white-tipped dove.

Texas boasts fall dove populations in excess of 40 million birds and its 300,000 dove hunters harvest about 6 million birds annually or roughly 30 percent of all doves taken in the United States. Dove hunting also has a major economic impact, annually contributing more than $300 million to the state economy.

Dove hunting provides an entry into the sport of hunting because it is relatively economical and accessible. Through its Public Hunting Program, TPWD offers affordable access to quality hunting experiences with the purchase of a $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit.

This year, TPWD has leased nearly 50,000 acres of public dove hunting fields in 46 counties; more than 70 percent are located near major urban areas.

“Since the public dove lease program began in 1994, one of our top priorities has been to offer urban Texans affordable access to hunting within close proximity to home,” said Linda Campbell, TPWD public hunting program director. “By setting up dove fields for youth and adult only, we hope families will take advantage of the opportunity to get outdoors and take part in our state’s dove hunting tradition.”

Hunters are reminded that in addition to a valid Texas hunting license, certification in the Harvest Information Program (HIP) is required. HIP certification is offered when you buy your license and involves responding to a few simple questions about your migratory game bird harvest during the previous season. Hunting licenses expire annually on Aug. 31 and licenses for the 2010-2011 year go on sale Aug. 15.

TPWD is also conducting ongoing dove banding research and asks hunters to please report leg bands recovered on harvested birds by calling 1-800-327-BAND or www.reportband.gov. TPWD bands about 20,000 dove a year across the state.

Coleman County Junior Rodeo Blowout
8/21/2010
Coleman County Junior Rodeo Association will be holding its Junior Rodeo “Back to School” Blowout on Saturday night, August 21st, at the Coleman Rodeo Grounds. This is the reschedule date for the July 2nd and 3rd rodeo that was rained out. The performance will start at 5:00 p.m and will feature some of the best junior rodeo talent in Texas competing in roping events, speed events, and bucking events. Concessions will be available at the rodeo. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children. Contestants will compete in the following age groups and events:

Six and Under (Boys and Girls Together): Barrels, Poles, Goat Ribbon Pulling
7-10 Girls: Breakaway, Barrels, Poles, Goat Tying
7-10 Boys: Breakaway, Barrels, Poles, Goat Tying, Steer Riding
11-14 Girls: Breakaway, Barrels, Poles, Goat Tying
11-14 Boys: Breakaway, Tie-Down Roping, Ribbon Roping, Junior Bull Riding
15-19 Girls: Breakaway, Barrels, Poles, Goat Tying
15-19 Boys: Breakaway, Tie-Down Roping, Ribbon Roping, Senior Bull Riding
Team Roping: For Ages 19 and Under

Contestants will compete for jackpot prize money. All-around buckles will be given in each division based on the highest point totals accumulated by contestants in two or more events. Prizes will also be given in each event through third place.

Hailea Smith, 16 year-old daughter of Mark and Teresa Smith of Valera, is the 2010 Coleman County Junior Rodeo Queen. Hailea will be a junior at Panther Creek High School. She plays on the varsity basketball team and is active in FFA. She is currently “Pounce the Panther”, the Panther Creek School Mascot. She attends Leaday Baptist Church and is active in the Panther Creek Youth Group. She is the sister of Trent and Trevor Smith and granddaughter of Ken and Helen Smith of Valera and Joe and Geneva Harris of Coleman.

The Junior Rodeo is also pleased to welcome rodeo announcer Randy Turner, KRBC News Anchor and Chief Meteorologist. A Coleman native, Randy loves announcing rodeos. In July, he was the announcer for rodeos in Earth, Texas and Seminole, Texas. Both of those rodeos are affiliated with the Texas Cowboys Rodeo Association. He considers Chad Nicholson, who recently announced the Coleman PRCA Rodeo, to be his mentor in the specialty of rodeo announcing.

For more information, please contact Shana Everett at (325) 625-1687 or (254) 631-7147 or Cody Bob Everett at (325) 625-1900 or (254) 631-2187.

Senator Hutchison Explores West Texas’ Past and Present Wonders
By U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
8/21/2010
Representing Texas is a great honor, and I never enjoy that privilege more than when I am traveling through the state and meeting with Texans. Each year, during the Senate’s summer recess, I make a special bus tour through a region of our state. This August, I traveled 850 miles through West Texas to Big Bend. I was reminded once again of the diversity and splendor of the Lone Star State.

On this bus tour, I visited historic sites that preserve our unique heritage for future generations of Texans. On the first day, I stopped at Fort Davis, which gives visitors a glimpse of what life was like at an Army post during frontier times. Fort Davis played an important role in America’s western expansion after the Civil War. It was the home of one of the famed Buffalo Soldiers units. Many of the restored buildings are open to visitors, including a barracks for the enlisted soldiers and the commanding officers’ home. Children are allowed to lie on a cot to feel what it was like for the soldiers. The National Park Service is continuing the restoration of many of the other buildings at the fort, such as the hospital. I was privileged to have helped negotiate a land transfer to allow the fort’s 19th century vista to be preserved.

The Fort Davis area not only highlights our state’s history; it is also home to one of the brightest stars of our future – the McDonald Observatory. A part of the University of Texas, the McDonald Observatory outside of Fort Davis is considered one of the premier astronomical research centers in the world.

Leading astronomers from across the globe come here to conduct cutting-edge research, such as studying dark energy. The vast dark night skies of West Texas allow the McDonald telescopes to see far beyond our universe, opening new windows of knowledge about our home planet and those beyond our solar system. The observatory’s “star parties” are open to the public. After dark, one of the astronomers will talk about the stars that are visible at that time of year.

In addition to these brilliant examples of our past and our future, I witnessed the natural beauty that exemplifies the West Texas landscape. The Big Bend Ranch State Park is a 330,000-acre ranch that features miles of horse-back riding and hiking trails, Native American pictographs, and an abundance of wildlife and fauna. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Rangers know the history, geology and the plant and animal life of the park, and they are a valuable resource to park visitors. The park’s remoteness – it is a 27-mile trek on dirt roads from the entrance to the visitor’s center – makes it a hidden gem. But it is worth the effort to get there! The Big Bend Ranch State Park is truly a Texas treasure.

Texas Monthly Magazine recently said the drive from Presidio (near the state park) to Big Bend National Park should be on every Texan’s “bucket list” of things to see before you die. The scenery and topography is breathtaking. The cliffs, canyons, and mountains are as spectacular as any others in our nation. The park offers camping, hiking, river trips, and lodging, and the sunsets are truly majestic. In order to preserve Big Bend National Park, National Park Rangers are working diligently to keep the area pristine and to document the many native species of fish, animals, and plants. So far, they have found traces of around 20 species of dinosaurs in their ongoing efforts to map the vast area. They are also working to keep invasive plants from blocking the flow of the Rio Grande River and destroying native plant life. Their efforts will ensure that Texans can enjoy this precious asset for generations to come. River raft and canoe trips are available for nature lovers. The views are awesome, and the camping experiences are unmatched.

On the final leg of the bus tour, I traveled along the state’s southern border, where I met with U.S. Border Patrol agents based in the area. I was pleased to see first-hand how the various agencies in the area – the Border Patrol, the National Park Service, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – all worked together cooperatively.

To assist them in their efforts to safeguard our state, I have worked hard to increase the number of border patrol agents in Texas. And I am proud that we have been able to quadruple the number since I have been in the Senate. But more needs to be done. The agents are dedicated to keeping our nation safe. They are working to ensure that the violence that has gripped the Mexican side of the border does not spill over into Texas communities. I will continue to fight to increase the number of agents and to give them the tools they need to guard our nation’s border.

I hope that every Texan has the opportunity to visit this wonderful region of our state and meet the men and women who keep its history alive, its lands safe, and its natural beauty preserved. God truly blessed Texas.

Kay Bailey Hutchison is the senior U.S. Senator from Texas and is the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Submit Your Opinion For Next Week's Paper
8/21/2010
The Chronicle & DV now offers an opinions page for our readers. We ask that you submit your "mini" Letter to the Editor in the form of a Cheer or Jeer.

A Cheer would be something like a word of encouragement or salute, while a jeer might highlight something you don't like or a complaint. You decide what you want to say, and we'll do our best to print it. See colemannews.com for guidelines or give us a call at 325-625-4128.

Cheers and Jeers submissions must be signed and include a complete address and telephone number. Only the writer's name and city will appear in print. The publisher reserves the right to edit or refuse any letters. Send letters to The Chronicle & DV, P.O. Box 840, Coleman, TX 76834 or mail@colemannews.com.

4B ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD APPOINTED BY CITY COUNCIL
by Jo Ann Eddleman
8/20/2010
City Council appointed the new seven-member 4B economic development board at its Thursday evening meeting. After several silent ballots to break ties, the final board was announced as Evan Autry, Greg Martin, Doodie Taylor-Knox, Mark Stovall, Barbara Brown, Zac Allen and Liz Hughes. Twenty applications were received for the seven positions.

City Manager Larry Weise said the corporation should be officially functioning before October 1 and the board was free to meet informally before that time.

Weise presented Council with his first draft of the 2010-11 budget. The draft budget calls for revenues of $8,331,700 and expenses of $8,330,149. The draft budget represents an approximate 5% decrease in expenditures from last year's budget.

Weise pointed out that he had prepared the budget in an effort to begin transitioning the city from a reliance on electric rate revenue to fund city services to a more balanced level of expected revenue, as directed by Council at the last meeting. In so doing, Weise proposes reducing the electric rate by 1.5¢ per KW, an average savings of approximately $15 per month per customer, which results in a reduction in annual utility revenue to the city of approximately $600,000.

To make up for this needed operating revenue, Weise proposes that the water base rate be raised by $6 and sewer base rate by $2, resulting in expected additional revenue in the amount of $270,000. Other offsetting savings would be realized through operational cuts in the amount of $165,000 and reliance on reserves in the amount of $170,000 to make up for the $600,000 loss in electric bill revenue.

Weise proposed an effective tax rate of .4976, which is what was expected with the loss of the property relief tax for funding the new 4B economic development corporation. Councilman Paul Kugle stated that his figures indicated the city could have breakeven ad valorem revenue with a .4911 tax rate. However, Council voted to accept Weise's recommended .4976 rate.

Several citizens, including Raquel Hunter, Nancy Emmert and Eric Joffrion, spoke up during the public hearing for establishment of a 2011 tax rate. All expressed their concern that the city needs to find ways to keep from raising taxes and fees, pointing to the number of people in Coleman who are on fixed incomes. Joffrion again pressed for a Master Plan as called for by the City Charter to provide, according to Joffrion, a framework for taxation to reach defined goals for the town.

Fire Chief Richard Hensley addressed Council asking for a 5% raise for his full-time firemen, quoting other beginning and cap salaries in other towns which showed Coleman lags behind in salaries paid for essentially the same duties.

The 2010-11 budget allows for a 3% merit budget for city employees based on performance. Councilman Kugle argued that city employees were already well compensated and that their benefits package was one that anyone would be glad to have, especially in today's job market.

The City Charter requires that a public hearing be held to give interested citizens the opportunity to express their opinion concerning items of expenditure, giving their reasons for wishing to increase or decrease any items of expense. (See City Charter, Article VII, Section 7.04.) Section 7.05 then establishes that "Council shall analyze the budget, making any additions or deletions which they feel appropriate, and shall, prior to the beginning of the next fiscal year [October 1], adopt the budget by a favorable majority vote of all members of the Council."

The public hearing will be held on September 2 during the next Council meeting.

In other business, Council approved the annual increase assessed under the 5-year contract with Allied Waste for trash service. The contract allows a 2.7% increase which is to be based on the consumer index. Councilman Kugle pointed out that the current consumer index was only 1.24%, not 2.7%. Weise said it was up to the Council, but Allied Waste would no doubt expect and require the 2.7% to continue service and there were not that many options for garbage disposal services.

The next Council meeting will be at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, September 2, at City Hall when the 2010-11 budget will be presented for further discussion before it is offered for final approval of Council.

Public Service announcement from the City of Coleman
8/20/2010
The break in the main water supply line has been repaired and customers may resume normal water usage. The City of Coleman appreciates the assistance of the public during this time of repairs.

Coleman County Commissioners' Court Meeting Aenda
8/20/2010
Agenda Topics
 Call the Meeting to Order
 Public Comments, Announcements, Visitors not on the agenda
(This listing is included on the agenda to allow public comments, presentations and announcements by Commissioners Court members. Any person may appear at this time and comment on a topic whether that topic appears or does not appear on this agenda. However, members of the Commissioners Court cannot discuss, deliberate or take action on any item or topic not scheduled on this agenda in accordance with existing law. Public comments requiring possible action or deliberation may be placed on a later agenda. Comments and presentations by members of the public will be limited to a maximum of five (5) minutes unless a member of said Court request additional time for the presenter. Any materials for handout must be furnished by the presenter.)
 Consider approval of any Old Business
 Consider approval of Minutes from the August 9, 2010 meeting
 Consider approval of Precinct 2 Commissioner to hire David Peeples full time
 Consider approval of advertising for bids for sale of building fka Soup and Salad Building
 Consider approval of Audit Review presented by Don McKee
 Mitzi Mays to give update on Coordination for Coleman County
 Consider approval of Sheriffs’ and Constables’ Fees for 2011
 Consider approval of current bills for payment and transfer of funds if necessary
 Budget Workshop
 Adjournment

Class of 1990 to Host Class Reunion on Homecoming Weekend
8/20/2010
The Coleman High School Class of 1990 will be having a 20 year reunion during Homecoming weekend. If you graduated in 1990 and you EVER went to school in Coleman, please join us for the weekend! The dates are September 24-25. Planned activities are a gathering at Friday night's football game, a 'bring your own picnic' lunch on Saturday at the park (bring the family), and an adults only get together Saturday night at the home of Michael and Ranee Taylor. This event will include a catered fajita meal by Hidalgo's cafe. Cost will be $10 per person and BYOB. Don't worry about payment for the meal now – we can all pay Saturday night.

An email account has been set up for the purpose of gathering information. Classmates, please email your name, address, email address, phone numbers, etc. to chscat.1990@gmail.com. We will be making a class directory to hand out, so please give us your information even if you cannot attend. Also, please note whether you plan on attending the Saturday night portion of the reunion, so we will be sure to have enough food. You can also become a fan of the Coleman High School Class of 1990 on Facebook.  We would also like to encourage any former teachers or coaches to join us for the 'bring your own picnic' lunch at the park on Saturday.

Any questions, please contact Lori Needham at (325) 625-5001 or Michael Taylor at (325) 625-1217.

The caterer needs to know by September 15 how many will be attending Saturday night, so please respond by then. Hope to see you there!

Why Do We Make Art?
8/20/2010
When an idea/inspiration strikes the brain you have to carry it through to its completion.

The idea was "Why do we do this?" The answer came in an art newsletter. Just wanted to share it with the Friends of the Arts in Coleman County, (you know who you are). "Art is the fruition of soulful gifts; not a tool or a commodity, it is almost immortal- having meaning beyond everyday life. It is not needed for survival. But none the less, it is welcomed and treasured.

Sometimes the most meaningful things are those that are not necessary. Is a sunset necessary? Can plants synthesize food with chlorophyll without the sunset's beautiful array of colors? Can we get Vitamin D in our skin without a rainbow? Yes, life would go on. But things like sunsets and rainbows are meaningful in a way that goes beyond our basis needs. These are the things that make pleasurable, vivid memories. Art is special, it's like whipped cream on warm chocolate pudding. It's not essential, but what would life be like without it? Art, in all forms - music, paintings, dance, athletics, makes daily life palatable". Lori Woodward, Fine Art Views For twenty years the Fine Arts League of Coleman County has been "making art"- now we know why!!

www.fineartsleaguecolemantx.com

Marian Johnson,
Publicity
Fine Arts League of Coleman Co.

4^th - 6^th grade group

1^st - 3^rd grade group

4 yr. old – Kindergarten group

Coleman Cheerleaders Host Mini Cheer Camp
8/20/2010
The Coleman High School Cheerleaders held their annual Mini cheer camp on August 4-6 and 49 girls attended the camp. The campers learned a cheer, chant and dance in each age group. The High School cheerleaders enjoyed teaching the young girls. The camp was held for three days from 9:00 -11:30 a.m.  On the final day of camp, the campers performed the material they learned to a large group of parents, friends and family members.  The Coleman High School cheerleaders are very grateful for all that attended the camp.  The future cheerleaders will perform their material in front of the Coleman Bluecat Fans at the first home game on August 27, at 7:00 p.m. We hope to see all our campers there and are excited to watch them perform.   

Senior Meal for Novice Community Begin Next Week
8/19/2010
Senior Meals for Novice Community, beginning Thursday, August 26, 2010, at 11:45 A.M. at the Novice Community Center. Please call Nena Wilson at 625-4443 to place your order as we will need a count of how many plates to reserve. Delivery can be made to the homebound citizens of Novice area. Seniors age 60 and over eat for $3, other guests eat for $4 and any donations will be appreciated. On the menu for August 26, is Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, spinach, bread and dessert. Don't forget to call and come on out to enjoy the food, fun and fellowship. The Novice Neighbors are sponsoring this event with the help of the Coleman Senior Center. Our desire is to reach out and serve the community of Novice.

MAJOR WATER LEAK AT LAKE COLEMAN
8/19/2010
The City of Coleman would like to notify the public that there is a major water leak on the Lake Coleman water supply line. Water quality is NOT an issue. The City of Coleman is requesting residents to practice voluntary water conservation until further notice. The Public Works Department is in the process of locating the leak to begin repair of the water line. An announcement will be made when the line is repaired.

Transmission Line Seminars Offer Information and Options for Landowners
Seminars scheduled throughout Texas
8/19/2010
AUSTIN, TEXAS – The Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) are teaming up to offer landowners a series of five educational seminars featuring expert information on the electric transmission line process (CREZ) and options for private landowners who may be impacted by the proposed transmission line routes. The first seminar is scheduled for Aug. 30 in San Angelo at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center.

Glen Webb, Abilene attorney and TWA secretary, and Judon Fambrough, attorney, Texas A&M Real Estate Center, will provide presentations at each seminar.

The seminars begin at 1:30 p.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. Each seminar is free and open to the public.

Aug. 30 – San Angelo
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 7887 US Hwy 87 North

Sept. 1 – Wichita Falls
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Clark Student Center, Shawnee Theater, Midwestern State University, 3410 Taft Blvd.

Oct. 8 – Kerrville
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
UGRA Guadalupe Basin Natrual Resources Center, 125 Lehman Dr, Ste. 100

Oct. 13 – Cleburne
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Johnson County Cattle Auction, 3119 N. Main Street

Oct. 27 – Lubbock
3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 1102 East FM 1294

For more information visit www.texas-wildlife.org.

The Texas Wildlife Association is a statewide 501(c)4 non-profit membership organization that actively advocates for wildlife and natural resource conservation at the local, state, and national levels. We are absolutely dedicated to educating all persons, especially the youth of Texas, about the conservation, management and enhancement of wildlife and wildlife habitat on private land to ensure the preservation of our cherished rural heritage for future generations.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 133-year-old trade organization. As the largest and oldest livestock association in Texas, TSCRA represents more than 15,000 beef cattle producers, ranching families and businesses who manage approximately 4 million head of cattle on 51.5 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma. TSCRA provides law enforcement and livestock inspection services, legislative and regulatory advocacy, industry news and information, insurance services and educational opportunities for its members and the industry.

Canada, Five States Plus Texas!!
8/19/2010
The entries are coming in and it is exciting to see the response to the 20th Fiesta De la Paloma Art Show 2010. So far we have entries from 33 towns, 5 States & Canada. Missouri, New Jersey, California, Minnesota, Illinois plus Texas!

Last count was 141 entries with the possibility of a few more expected before the ‘books’ are closed August 18th.

Entry fees help to offset the expense of the show, but are not adequate to cover the prize money awarded. Patron donations make the Awards possible and help to bring in the artists. Coleman County Patrons have supported the show in the past years and continue to do so in 2010. We have received the Millie Martin award money from her son in Florida again this year – and others have given honorariums and memorials.

A Purchase Award ($500) donor is needed for this year. If you are interested in helping the Fiesta Show and acquiring some fine artwork at a wonderful discount, this is the time. The Purchase Award money goes directly to the artist who receives the honor of being the artist whose painting is chosen for this special honor.

October 1 & 2, 2010 Fiesta Juried Art Show promises to be another success with the encouragement and support from the community. A Special Kids art program is tentatively planned for Saturday afternoon in front of the Library. You don’t want to miss this FREE SHOW.

www.fineartsleaguecolemantx.com
Marian Johnson, Publicity
Fine Arts League Coleman Co.

Working on Your Lineage?  Interested in DAR?
Contributed
8/19/2010
The Coleman County Daughters of the American Revolution will soon begin their fall 2010 meetings.  The meetings are held at Heritage Hall, 400 West College at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoons.

The fall meetings include:  September 11th - Induction of New Officers and Nan and Jane’s Exciting First Adventure to Washington, D.C.; October 9th - How to “Keep Coleman Beautiful”; November 13th - Pamela Marshall, State Membership Chairman and National DAR Magazine Chairman.

DAR is always looking for new members and if you are interested, please contact Ann Watson at 325-625-4880.

Rough Creek Cemetery Association Meeting Will be August 26
Submitted by: Dayton E. Hohmann Association President
8/19/2010
The Rough Creek Cemetery Association will meet at 1:30 p.m. on August 26, 2010 (Thursday) at Novice Methodist Church.

Agenda Items:
   1.  Approve minutes of April 22, 2010
   2.  Receive the Financial Report
   3.  Prepare and mail out Donation Cards
   4.  Discuss leveling out Graves and adding top soil
   5.  Other appropriate business matters

Texas Gas Prices Fall Slightly from Past Week
Contributed
8/19/2010
Texas, August 16- Average retail gasoline prices in Texas have fallen 2.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.58/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.75/g, according to gasoline price website TexasGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Texas during the past week, prices yesterday were 7.0 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 5.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 2.2 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 12.7 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

About TexasGasPrices.com

GasBuddy.com operates over 200 live gasoline price-tracking websites, including TexasGasPrices.com. GasBuddy.com was named one of Time magazine's 50 best websites and to PC World's 100 most useful websites of 2008.

Coleman Well Represented at Elm Grove Junior Rodeo
8/18/2010
Coleman County was well represented at the 59th annual Elm Grove Jr. Rodeo which was held August 5-7. Ginny Arnold won 1st place in the peewee barrel racing by posting a 17.35 Thursday night and running a 16.63 in the finals Saturday night. For her efforts she was presented a beautiful Gist buckle. Chase Huddle walked away with the bareback riding, bull riding and also claimed the All-Around Title. He received three Gist belt buckles. Other Coleman kids that advanced to the finals Saturday night were Tessa Arnold, peewee barrels; Will Eddleman break-away roping; and Ashton Tibbitts, senior barrels.

USDA Reminds Producers of Approaching Sign-Up Deadline for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
8/18/2010
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers that the deadline to enroll in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up is quickly approaching. Farmers and ranchers have until close of business on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, to offer eligible land for CRP's competitive general sign-up. Applications can be completed by land owners at the FSA county office where their farm records are maintained. The 2008 Farm Bill authorized USDA to maintain CRP enrollment up to 32 million acres.

In addition to producers signing up for the first time, CRP participants with existing contracts that are scheduled to expire on Sept. 30, 2010, may elect to re-enroll under a new 10-15 year contract. Cropland that is highly erodible, or within a national or state Conservation Priority Area, or is covered under an expiring CRP contract is generally eligible to be enrolled into CRP, provided all other eligibility requirements are met.

Contracts awarded under this 39th sign-up are scheduled to become effective Oct. 1, 2010.

CRP is a voluntary program that helps farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers protect their environmentally sensitive land. Producers enrolling in CRP plant long-term, resource-conserving covers in exchange for rental payments, cost-share and technical assistance.

In addition to the general sign-up, CRP's continuous sign-up program is ongoing. Continuous acres represent the most environmentally desirable and sensitive land.

For more information on the general CRP sign-up, or the continuous CRP sign-up, producers should contact their local FSA county office, or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp.

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE TUESDAY, AUG. 31
8/18/2010
The Labor of Love Coleman Community Blood Drive is scheduled for Tuesday, August 31st from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. The United Blood Services Blood-mobile will be at the Sr. Citizens parking lot, 916 South Concho St. Each donor will receive a: Limited Edition Labor of Love t-shirt, Snack Size Bag of Julio’s Corn Chops courtesy of Julio’s, coupon for FREE Gallon of Tea courtesy of Gandy’s and entered into the Grand Prize Drawing for a Flat Screen TV! To make an appointment, call: United Blood Services at 800-756-0024.

Don’t forget, donors receive FREE cholesterol testing every time they donate. You must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent form), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health to donate.

United Blood Services has been this area’s non-profit community blood provider since 1956, and serves patients in 10 hospitals in 11 counties. The United Blood Services network is one of the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit blood service organizations, and is a founding member of America’s Blood Centers and the American Association of Blood Banks.