March 14, 2008

Funding for Convention Center gets OK

SANDERSON – A proposed Terrell County convention center at Oak and Second in downtown Sanderson took a big but tentative step forward Monday. County Commissioners discussed a letter from Attorney General Greg Abbott saying it was permissible for the county to “borrow” money and pledge revenues from a voter-approved “venue tax” to back the bonds. “A county, such as Terrell County, may use money in its venue project to pay any of the costs of constructing an approved venue project.” Abbott wrote. “The county may borrow money to pay such costs, to be repaid from the venue project fund, only by ‘the issuance of bonds . . . or other obligations.’” County Attorney Marsha Monroe said she was not certain whether the opinion would allow the county to use anything other than “voter approved bonds” for the project and was seeking clarification from the AG’s office. County Judge Leo Smith said the wording “or other obligations” indicated some other vehicle like anticipation notes should be acceptable. “But I don’t want any grey areas,” he said. The difference between a bond issue and instruments such as anticipation notes is that the bond issue would require a bond election where the others would not. Action on the facility has been on hold for at least six months while the county awaited the AG opinion. Easter week begins SANDERSON – Easter is March 23, this year, about as early as the holiday ever comes. Instead of being tied to a specific day of the month, the holiday, the biggest on the Christian liturgical calendar, is tied to the first full Moon of Spring and cannot be earlier than March 21. Community observance of the holiday begins this Sunday, March 16, known to Christians as Palm Sunday. In Sanderson, there is a mass at St. James Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Sunday. The next date is Thursday, the observance of Maundy, or the Last Supper. St. James will observe the date with confessions at 5 p.m., followed by a Holy Thursday mass at 7 p.m. Protestant Churches will also mark the event with a 7 p.m. service at First United Methodist Church. Good Friday marks the date of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It will be marked by the Good Friday Way of the Cross at 2 p.m. and a Good Friday service at 3 p.m. at St. James and a 7 p.m. service at First United Methodist Church. On Saturday, March 22, the employees of the Terrell County Courthouse will have their annual Easter egg hunt. Children of all ages will gather on the Courthouse Lawn at 10 a.m. to search for treasures. St. James Catholic Church will mark the Easter Vigil at 7 p.m. Easter Sunday, March 23, marks Christ’s resurrection after his crucifixion. Observance of the most important date on the Christian liturgical calendar begins with the ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service at 7 a.m. at the old Dryden Methodist Church behind the museum. First Presbyterian Church will have a breakfast and egg hunt at 9 a.m. with the worship service at 11 a.m. St. James will also have an Easter mass at 11 a.m. Sunday. Whether by design or coincidence, the week is also Spring Break from Terrell County schools. “No more books” begins at noon today, March 14. School resumes at the regular time Monday, March 24. And Monday, March 17, is St. Patrick’s Day, with marks the death of the patron saint of Ireland in the fifth century. Back Teacher job fair slated ALPINE – The Sul Ross State University Education Department will host the annual Job Fair for Teachers Wednesday, April 23, in the University Center. Representatives from school districts around the state will be available to meet with Sul Ross students and area teachers from 9 a.m. to noon in the Espino Conference Center. Anyone interested in teaching opportunities is welcome to attend. Back Unfinished business on agenda for today SANDERSON – The Terrell County Commissioners Court will meet in a special session at 9 a.m. today, March 14, to finish some business held over from Monday’s regular meeting. Sheriff Clint McDonald asked last month for two new deputy positions so he can begin working toward a 40-hour workweek for deputies. He said he had not been able to fill the two vacant positions he had for deputies because he could not promise shorter shifts. He has since hired Keith Williamson to fill one of the slots and is talking to other candidates. McDonald said knowing the county was just considering adopting a 40-hour week has helped his recruitment efforts. Two new positions would provide enough officers to cover a 24-hour day, seven days a week, with eight-hour shifts. The item was on Monday’s agenda but County Judge Leo Smith suggested a “workshop” to review all the information. If commissioners agree to the increase in staffing, it will probably not appear until the next budget for the year that begins Oct. 1. Also on the agenda today will be a discussion on repairs to the courthouse. Architect Monty Hunter of Hunter Corral Associates of Odessa provided a list of some $1 million in possible repairs, “some we flat don’t need,” Smith said. He asked commissioners to review the list of projects, deleting those not considered necessary, so a scope of work can be determined. He said pavement of the courthouse parking lot was one item he wanted to see included. Commissioners also discussed placing trash dumpsters in rural areas because a burn ban precludes burning of trash. A revision of the burn ban might be a solution, allowing ranchers to burn their trash under controlled conditions. The burn ban is another item on today’s agenda. What started as a “workshop” will now be a “meeting,” which will allow commissioners to take action on items under discussion. In other action Monday, Commissioners agreed to let McDonald place proceeds of sales of abandoned vehicles into his forfeiture account. He said this would provide better control of the proceeds, which can only be used for training and equipment for his department. Commissioners agreed to have a rabies clinic on Saturday, April 19. Dr. Paul Weyerts of Alpine provides the clinic twice a year in the county. Last fall, the Cactus Health Services, Inc., provided flu shots on the same day, across the parking lot from the rabies clinic. Smith said he would offer a similar joint program if Cactus wants to have some kind of health clinic. Commissioners agreed to let the Cinco de Mayo committee use the Courthouse Lawn for its annual Cinco observance May 3. The holiday marks Mexico’s defeat of the French at Puebla in 1862. Commissioners agreed the July 4 street dance will be Friday, July 4, with the other US Independence Day activities Saturday, July 5, on the Courthouse Lawn. Commissioners appointed a committee of County/District Clerk Martha Allen, County Attorney Marsha Monroe and Commissioner Yolanda Lopez to review and acquire new Christmas decorations for next year. Melinda Maldonado was approved as the new secretary for the county extension office. And commissioners approved a resolution designating April 6 to 12 as National County Government Week. Smith said Sanderson Elementary second grade teacher Irma Mendoza will bring her class to watch commissioners in action at their April 14 meeting. Back ‘Somewhere in time’ opens SANDERSON – Another new business has set up shop on Sanderson’s Main Street, also known as US Highway 90. Somewhere in Time had its Grand Opening last weekend, complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Sanderson Chamber of Commerce. There were brownies, cookies and hot coffee offered as owners Claudia and Dale Lascano opened their doors. They were welcomed by other local businesses, including Penelope’s Flowers, who said welcome with a live plant and some balloons. Sandra Davis and Debbie Pruitt from “Tis the Reason” brightened things up with a bouquet of flowers. The little shop offers such goodies as popcorn, pickles and a variety of merchandise. Dale Lascano told the News Leader they have plans for the outside of the shop as well. “Now that were open, we can start on the yard,” she said. The shop is in a small house formerly occupied as Bertha’s Beauty Shop. Back Four compete in special track meet CRANE – Sanderson Eagle J.D. Brotherton won the 200-meter dash at a special track meet here Saturday. J.D. ran the distance in 22.93. He placed second in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.50. Athletic Director Mark Dominguez brought four boys to compete. Phillip Lascano placed fourth in the triple jump, skipping 39 feet, nine inches, before fracturing his fibula in the pole vault competition. He will sit out the rest of track season. Sophomore Travis Roberts ran his best time ever in the 1,600-meter run with a time of 4.56, placing him sixth. He also placed sixth in the 3,200-meter run with a time of 10.56. Jacob Benavidez placed eighth in the 400-meter dash, clocking in at 54 seconds. Dominguez thanked those who helped with the Rio Grande Relays in Sanderson earlier this month. “Without the help, we couldn’t make it happen,” he said. Back Book Fair this month SANDERSON – The Scholastic Book Fair Reading Road Trip at the Sanderson Elementary School Library will be Monday, March 31, through Friday, April 4. Books will be available for everyone from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well as learning products and games to share with readers. Parents and teachers also will find of interest to them. A family event will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 1. There will be drawings and prizes for classes and students. “Please come to the Scholastic Book Fair at Sanderson Elementary School Library,” School Librarian Pam Deaton said. Back

The state does not allow venue funds to be “commingled” with other county resources and Smith wanted to be able to borrow funds against the venue account so work could all be done at one time. The county envisions a convention center with provisions for a seated dinner of up to 500 guests, plus a new visitor center, senior citizens facility and, perhaps, a youth center. The county has already acquired the eastern half of the block between First and Second Streets and between Oak Street, also known as Highway 90, and Downie one block south. Boys, Girls State picks revealed SANDERSON – Sanderson High School juniors Jimmy Rapp and Carver Tate were chosen to attend Boys State and Raquel Hinkley was chosen for Girls State with Miriam Nuñez as an alternate. The American Legion and the Auxiliary announced their selections this week. Boys State will be in Austin June 7 to 12. Girls State will be in Sequin June 17 to 24. Boy’s and Girl’s State is a week-long experience in which the students can learn about government, the different branches and how each branch works. The kids can “run” for office positions, have mock court sessions, play sports and even enter a talent show. Upon their return, the students will report to the American Legion members and the Auxiliary members. To be selected, one must be a junior and have good grades, character and be involved in their community. They must also be recommended by teachers and school staff. Back Smith quits BBORR race board SANDERSON – County Judge Leo Smith said last week he has resigned as a director of the Big Bend Open Road Race. The resignation followed a confusing several weeks in which the race was canceled, restored, canceled and restored again. Part of Smith’s problem appeared to be a message board on the race web site in which he said some had placed “negative” comments about him and Terrell County. The resignation puts the board back to two-thirds strength after Jim Ivy of the Fort Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau was named to a vacancy created earlier when former City Manager Danny Valenzuela resigned. Former Mayor Tony Villarreal, the other remaining board member, said Smith’s replacement on the board should be someone from Terrell County. He was seeking that replacement at press time. Back County financials ‘nice looking’ SANDERSON – Terrell County has a “nice-looking set of financials,” auditor J. Shaw Skinner of Alpine said Monday. Skinner presented his audit of the county as of Sept. 30, 2007, and told county commissioners “you are in good shape.” Skinner said the county had net assets at the end of the last fiscal year of $7.783 million against $5.682 million in “beginning assets, an increase of $2.1 million. Total debt was $1.035 million. “This is as of September 30, a snapshot of where you were on that date,” Skinner said. “The best snapshot is that you had $3.877 million in revenue against $3.642 million in expenses, including debt service. “That gave you a $235,000 increase in net assets,” he said. “It means you are growing.” He said “major accomplishments” the county had achieved included drainage ditches, street paving, acquiring property for a proposed convention center and airport improvements. Back Taylor leads in track results IMPERIAL – Taylor Roberts continued to lead his Sanderson Junior High School classmates with two first-place victories at the Buena Vista Track Meet here last week. Taylor won first place in the 2,400-meter run with a time of 8:0974. In second place just behind him was Shawn Stegall, crossing the line in 8:33.02. Taylor also placed first in the 1,600-meter run, clocking in at 5.13. He also found fifth place in the triple jump competition, jumping 27 feet and a half inch. Shawn was right behind Taylor in the 1,600-meter race as well, placing second with a time of 5.34. Dryden Baker placed fourth in the 2,400-meter run, crossing the line in 10:21.43 and placed sixth in the 1,600-meter run with a time of 6.45. The Sanderson Eagles attended the track meet here along with five other schools. The junior high boys earned 43 total points. In junior high girl’s action, Ashley Hagelgans won second place in the discuss throw, tossing the disc 56 feet, six and a half inches. Back County ‘Rec.’ program growing SANDERSON – The Terrell County “Summer Recreation” program is expanding and there was call Monday for a part-time paid county employee to serve as a recreation director. Tammy Truesdell, who has been serving as the volunteer director, told county commissioners there now are 50 children in the basketball program out of a total of 70 children in elementary school. She suggested a part-time employee be hired to help run the program, which has evolved from a summer program to one that goes year round. Several commissioners suggested Truesdell be paid but she said, as a full-time employee of a Big Eight accounting firm, it might not be proper for her to receive payment. “We need to take this to the next step,” she said. “It can be even better than it is.” She said Sanderson High School Athletic Director Mark Dominguez is frequently asked “what is in this town for kids to do.” While some parents drop off children for free baby-sitter service, it is still good for the children, she said. Commissioner Kenn Norris said any paid employee should be held to “very stringent stipulations on what we are looking for.” “Our family loves it,”Extension Agent Mark Carroll said. “It brings the community together.” Commissioner Charles Stegall said the children “are the backbone of our town.” Truesdell agreed to work with county officials to come up with a job description, which must be done before the county can advertise for the position. Truesdell said the youth basketball season will continue until baseball begins. Back Eagle golfers compete MCCAMEY – Raul Salazar carded a 98 to lead a team of the top five Sanderson Eagle golfers here last week. In second was Isaac “Bubba” Ramirez with a 101, followed by Casey Couch, who scored 108. Next in line were Bgen Rubio with a 123 and David Shoemaker, who carded a 128. Athletic director mark Dominguez chose the top five based on t heir scores in the first tow tournaments. “High school golf ahs grown so much, some schools limit how many players you are allowed to bring,” Dominguez said. He said all golfers will attend tournaments that have no player limits. Back Next week is ‘Ag Week’ TEMPLE – Next week is National Ag Week, a time to thank farmers, ranchers, land managers and others across the state for their conservation efforts in protecting and improving soil, water and air quality and wildlife habitats. National Agriculture Day, March 20, comes on the first day of spring as a way to celebrate American agriculture and the farmers and ranchers, who provide the materials we use on a daily basis. Many of these farmers, ranchers and landowners work with the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and their local soil and water conservation districts in a voluntary partnership to develop comprehensive conservation plans for their operations. “In 2007, the near-record level of technical and financial assistance to Texas land stewards helped them accelerate conservation work on millions of acres to benefit all Texans – not just those who implemented the conservation on their land,” said Don Gohmert, NRCS state conservationist for Texas. Private landowners are the key to effective conservation efforts in Texas since 95 percent of the state’s land is privately owned. With NRCS technical and financial assistance, landowners enhanced 6.6 million acres for wildlife habitats, while indi-vidual conservation plans were written covering more than 9.5 million acres. Landowners implemented conservation practices to im-prove soil quality on nearly 1.2 million acres across the state and water quality on another 7.5 million acres. Wetlands were created, protected or restored on 9,143 acres. Irrigation efficiency was improved on 352,000 acres. Grazing land and forest land conservation efforts were im-plemented on 8.4 million acres. To address water quality issues, landowners worked with NRCS to develop 370 agricultural waste manage-ment plans and implement 301 plans. NRCS staff also provided assistance to city planners, watershed groups, local and state government and civic organizations to produce clean water and air, healthy and productive soil and scenic landscapes across the state. Back Cactus Chat: Bill & Gail Smith go a visitin’ By KIM RAPP News Leader Production Manager SANDERSON – Bill & Gail Smith made a quick trip to Midland recently to take care of business and squeeze in a visit with granddaughter, Evie Brower. She is the daughter of Vanessa & Tim Brower.  Little Evie just turned 8 months old on the third of March and pretty much rules the roost at the Brower residence, according to Grandpa Bill.  Vanessa & Tim are teachers in the Ector County school district and can’t come down very often but they are hinting at a Spring Break visit. In town for a week were Danielle & Danae Fischer of Austin. Danielle is 12 and Danae is 11. They came to spend Spring Break with mom, Sara Gonzales, Joe and, of course, Al. While here, they enjoyed spending time with the family and playing a little b-ball at the park. Coming to town for the Grand Opening of “Somewhere in Time” and to visit family last weekend were Danny & Tammy Montalvo of Midland. Tammy is the sister of Dale Lascano and has other family here while Danny is from here and has family here as well. They brought along with them 17-year-old daughter Jessica. Back

While no action was taken Monday, commissioners generally agreed to work toward a bond issue while exploring the possibility of using some other funding instrument. Back Independence Road under review SANDERSON – Terrell County Commissioners Court has reopened the issue of county maintenance on Independence Road in far east Terrell County. The action Monday was to rescind a July 9 order “discontinuing maintenance of Independence Creek,” based on a grid map, and request the Austin legal firm of Allison, Bass & Associates to correct the grid map. The action does not mean the county will resume maintenance of the road from State Highway 349 across Independence Creek near the Oasis Ranch to ranches along the creek. But County Judge Leo Smith said the county will “discuss the whole road” to find a solution. “I don’t know what the best solution is,” he said. At issue is the crossing of the creek, which has washed out in heavy rains. Smith said there will be “no maintenance until we decide what we will do.” Calvin Rode of Fredericksburg, who owns land along the creek, said providing a bridge over the creek should not be a problem and offered to provide all the steel needed “to go across the creek twice.” He said a bridge builder “who builds for the state” had said crossing the creek should be “no problem.” Building a bridge over the creek “would be good for county,” Rode said. “They keep talking about something to keep tax rate up. “If they can cross the Mississippi, they should have no problem crossing Independence Creek,” he said. Rode said the creek crossing would be 120 feet versus many miles for bridges such as the 24-mile bridge across Lake Ponchatrain in Louisiana. “We need to get into the ranch,” he said. “What they are trying to do creates a hardship.” He said there is now a major pecan business at the creek and 18-wheel trucks need to get in and out to get the product to market. “We need to haul equipment in and we are trying to improve property,” Rode said. He said he has steel I Beams 33 inches tall by 12 inches wide. “There is enough steel to go across the creek twice,” he said. “We will be glad to donate it if they grab ball and run with it.” Back Lady Eagles win track meet IMPERIAL – The Sanderson High School Lady Eagles won first place at the Buena Vista Track Meet here last week with 155 overall points. Second-place went to host Buena Vista with 92 points Clarissa Brotherton, Juliana Castro, Hannah Black and Monica Lozano teamed up and won the 4 X 400-meter relay in 4.52. Clarissa, Juliana, Hannah and Roxanna Rodriguez won the 4 X 200-meter relay in 2:02.78. Monica, Clarissa, Roxanna and Noemi Nuñez teamed up to place second in the 4 X 100 relay with a time of 52.72. Noemi helped earn the 155 points with two first-place victories. In the 3,200-meter run she crossed the line first in 13:29.54 and in the 1,600-meter race, she finished first in 6.15. Also helping earn those points was Blakeney Chriesman with a first place win in the high jump, clearing four feet, four inches. Blakeney also placed second in the 100-meter hurdle with a time of 21.11 and picked up another second place win in the 300-meter hurdle, clocking in at 60.02. Miriam Nuñez placed second in the 800-meter run with a time of 3.07 and fourth place in the 400-meter dash, crossing the line in 78.30. Hannah Black made her contribution by placing first in the 100-meter hurdle, crossing the line in 18.99. Alexa Davis also contributed to the point total with a first place win in the discus throw, throwing the disc 70 feet, 11 inches. She also placed fourth in the shot put, heaving the steel ball 21 feet, four inches. Juliana Castro placed second in the 400-meter dash, clocking in at 68.52. Jessica Garza ran the 3,200-meter race in 14:51.34 to place third. Monica came in fifth place in the 100-meter dash with a time of 15.72. Freshman Roxanna Rodriguez, cleared 11 and a half feet in the long jump competition, placing her in sixth place. For the boys, Jimmy Rapp won the 310-meter hurdle in 19.21 and placed second in the 300-meter race with a time of 49.26. He placed third in the high jump competition by clearing five feet, two inches and sixth in the triple jump, skipping 32 feet, four inches. Darren Seidel placed third in the shot put with a distance of 39 feet, one and a half inches. In the discuss throw, he also placed third, throwing the disc 104 feet. Kelly Lomas came in sixth place in the 100-meter dash with a time of 13.71 and eighth in the 200-meter dash. David Shoemaker placed fourth in the discuss throw with a distance of 96 feet, 10 inches. The boys placed fourth overall in the meet. Back Crowd boosts band boosters SANDERSON – There was a big turnout Monday night for the Band Boosters’ annual Chili Super at St. James Hall. The Boosters raised “a little over $1,000 but, minus expenses, we will be short of our scholarship goal,” Booster President Lindy Stumberg said. “We have had more people in the past but I was pleased with the turnout and how people stayed throughout the event.” Elementary school art and music teacher Sandy Breckenridge led the band in several numbers, including the traditional school “fight” song. John Carnagey played softly in the background while a number of residents indulged in chili and baked potatoes. County Commissioner Kenn Norris put on his auctioneer hat to conduct drawings for door prizes, first auctioning off to the highest bidder a $1 coin he contributed, bringing $35 into the coffers. “Many of you here tonight were at the school board meeting [Feb. 18] expressing your support for the band program,” he said. “All of you, by being here tonight, reiterate your support for the band program.” There were reports the band program would be canceled and a group of about 20 parents and interested citizens turned out for the school board meeting last month to support the program. “Some type of music is not an option,” Board President Ada Lee Robbins said at that meeting. “There is going to be some kind of music program.” The funds raised are used to give a graduating senior a scholarship worth $1,000 and to send interested students to band camp this summer. Back Harriet Tubman to be protrayed ALPINE – Performing artist Melissa Waddy-Thibodeaux will portray Harriet Tubman, a central figure in the 1800s Underground Railroad, Tuesday, March 25, at Sul Ross State University. Waddy-Thibodeaux, of Houston, will present “The Resurrection of General Harriet Tubman for Literacy” at 7:30 p.m. in Marshall Auditorium. There is no admission charge and the public is invited. The event celebrates Black History Month, Women’s History Month and the Quality Enhancement Plan at Sul Ross. Waddy-Thibodeaux is the president and chief executive officer of Flying Geese Productions, which specializes in educational entertainment. The presentation allows the audience to experience the Underground Railroad as she plays the role of Harriet Tubman. She makes a complete transformation from a 21st century business woman to an icon in American History, captivating audiences on a national platform. A graduate of Sterling High School in Houston, Class of 1972, Waddy-Thibodeaux graduated with honors and a scholarship to Lon Morris College in Jacksonville and, from there, starred in numerous productions with various theaters in Los Angeles and Hollywood, modeling and singing. She cut her first record called “I’ll Never Quit” and began touring the US and Canada with Thomas Melancon’s “Whatever Happened to Black Love,” where she played the feisty Mrs. Carson. She travels far and near to spread the word of the importance of reading in an attempt to re-direct the next generation to freedom, which comes with knowledge. She is still setting the “captives free” in “The Resurrection of Harriet Tubman in Escape to Freedom,” which is listed with the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Programs.    Back ‘Trappings’ considered a success ALPINE – The staff of the Museum of the Big Bend here called the 22nd annual Trappings of Texas another extremely successful event. Trappings, which annually features classic cowboy gear and artwork, enjoyed an impressive opening Feb. 29 to March 1 with more than 40 percent of the exhibit items already sold. In addition, Saturday’s auction, which serves as the Museum’s primary fund-raiser, approached last year’s record sales. “Both the wall sale and auction results were a pleasant surprise,” said Liz Jackson, assistant to the director. “Despite an uncertain economy, we enjoyed tremendous support from our sponsors and buyers.” Proceeds from the Trappings exhibit go directly to the artists and gearmakers. Auction items, donated by the participating artists and other supporters, benefit Museum programs. Museum Director Larry Francell called Trappings “a great success. Trappings has reached a level of high quality that seems to grow each year. “Hosting Trappings with the Museum’s facilities fully renovated made a difference,” he said. “In addition to the Trappings works, sponsors and buyers had a chance to see all the permanent exhibits in the Museum and the changes that have taken place in the past year alone.” Francell also praised Sul Ross State University’s long-standing support. “Sul Ross deserves a great deal of credit for the success of Trappings and the Museum operations as a whole,” he said. “The university continues to be a solid foundation for our mission to preserve and promote the history of the Big Bend.” Back