Volume 86 Number 3 Copyright 2008 Hale Center, Texas 79041 SOc Friday, January 18,2008

Update to -Support ·Hale Center EMS

The Owls executions·

The boy's varsity basketball team . traveled to Bovina last Friday and to Farwell on Tuesday to battle these two teams in district play. The Friday night game in Bovina was all Owls. The boys stuck to the game plan and they executed it to perfection.

ended with a score of 64-59. The Steers were led in the second half by number 15 (McClaran) who finished the night with 37 points. Even though it was a painful loss, the Owls still had three players in double digits, Triston Diaz (14), Akeem McClesky (13) and Nathan Shaver (13) and improved their field goal percentage to 65 percent.

The fundraiser for the Hale Center EMS has been running

· since December 1, 2007. The early success has been great! We would like to update everyone on what is happening. We will start with an overview of the program; a list of the supporters thus far,

. and how you can get involved.

Support Hale Center EMS fundraiser

The fundraiser will raise money in 3 ways. (This plan was originally presented with 4 points. It has been modified to 3.)

1. Corporate/Family Donations­businesses and families will be able to contribute within the following levels: • Platinum - contribution of $1000.00 or more • Gold - $500 - $999 • Silver- $200- $499 • Supporter- $100- $199 Billboard To recognize contributors a billboard will be placed in front of the EMS station. The billboard will list contributors according to the level donated. Brochure - A full color brochure will also be produced. Contributors will be given ad space and possibly an article about· the business or family. We will produce 1500-2000 brochures and distribute

them throughout Hale Center and Cotton Center. Post.ers listing contributors will also be made and distributed.

The donations will be tax­deductible as either a charitable contribution or to businesses as an advertising expense.

2. Tax Preparation Drive- during the first 2 weeks in February individuals and small businesses will be able to have their tax returns prepared and electronically filed with the IRS. If a refund is due it will be received in 2 weeks. A $10 filing fee and a $100~$200 donation will be made" by the taxpayer to the HC EMS . .:fhis will not only be a savings O(_llhe tax preparation (most Tax Preparers charge over $200 for tax returns) but the taxpayer can take an expense they would normally pay and direct it to benefit the EMS. For tax returns deemed difficult a list of qualified accountants and CPA's who have agreed to give HC EMS a referral fee of $50 will be provided.

3. Merchandise Drive- we will be selling bumper stickers, coffee cups, hats, and t-shirts. Flyers will be distributed in January giving everyone the opportunity to purchase these items.

The fundraiser will end in mid­February. Sqmetime in March a ceremony will be held at the EMS station to announce the amount of money that was raised and to unveil the Contributors Billboard. News coverage will be invited.

Money raised so far: $8,280.00!! "Coach told and showed us what to do against Bovina and we did just that. I think it was the first time

The following Individuals · all season that we actually played and Business's have contributed · to the best of our potential," said

"I really · don't know what happened, but if I had to say something, it would be poor execution, mental mistakes and we just started playing their game. It's not like we had a bad shooting night, we just stopped playing our game," said junior Julio Espinosa The boys will host Olton here today and will look to get back on the road to the playoffs and improve to 2-2 in district play. Follow the boys and girls as they try to acquire one of the three spots in district for the playoffs, GO GET'EM OWLS!!!

to Hale Center EMS. senior Triston Diaz.

Mary Littlejohn - Supporter Level Dr. Ray and Marjorie Freeman - Supporter Level Donald Chapman- Silver Level US Post Office - Supporter Level Brown Pharmacy (Bob Brown) - Platinum Level Gene andlclaudine Carter- Gold Level Jenkihs Automotive (Butler Jenkins) -1 Supporter Level Dr. Michael Hinze- Silver Level Valley Ag/Electric Inc - Platinum Level Cactus Feedlot - Platinum Level Legend of the Plains (Tava Porter) - Platinum Level

. Heifer Ranch 1767 FM 1914 - Platinum Level Dodson Agency (Paul Drager) - Supporter Level \ Burger King (David & Donna Isaacson) - Supporter Level

CONT.PG2

The boys played their hearts out and finished off Bovina in the second half with a final score of 67-45. As a matter of fact, all five starters finished the night in

double digits. " ~

Tuesday night was just topsy-turvy as th~ team traveled to Farwell and came away with a heartbreaking loss. The Owls led the contest ·

· at half 29-20 but the second half was all Steers and the game

GQ SUPPORT THE lADY OWLS \ & OWLS!!

2 Fri~ay, January 18, 2008 HALE CENTER AMERICAN

Cotton Center Wins at Coulity

HeifetShow This year's Cotton Center

FFA Heifer Show Team placed high at the Hale County Heifer Show held Saturday, January 12, at the Ollie Liner Center in Plainview.

The show team includes Jay Ray Sageser, Abbie Burnett, Macie Burnett, and Cassie Burnett. All four show Limousin Heifers. The team tOQk six heifers to Plainview.

Jay Ray's heifer won Reserve Breed and first place in the fall born class. His spring born heifer won second in her class.

Abbie Burnett's calf won first in the spring born class. Her two-year-old calf placed second in that class.

Cassie and Macie both placed third with their calves.

The Burnett families are in Fort Worth this weekend showing their calves in. the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show.

"This was Cassie and Macie's first year to show at county. They both did a good job

· and we are really proud of them," said David Howell, Cotton Center FFA advisor.

"We are also very proud of the job that Abbie did," he said.

"Every county stock show is bitter sweet," said Howell, "This will be Jay Ray's last time to show heifers in Hale County."

Cotton Center show team members also plan to show their heifers at San Antonio, Houston, and Austin.

Update to Support Hale Center EMS

Wally and Kathy Klatt - Silver Level

The following Pledges have been made:

Hale Center/Quarterway Gin -Silver Level Wal-Mart - Platinum.Level McDonalds - Silver Level

We extend a special· thanks to all our contributors for your generosity and support. We encourage everyone to consider doing business with our socially conscience business supporters. Let them know how much the Hale Center Community appreciates them.

"Good things always follow Positive Energy."

What is next?

l. Donation Form - to submit a donation to the Hale Center EMS. 2. Merchandise Form - will have a list of hats, shirts, bumper stickers, and coffee cups that can be purchased. 3. Tax Drive- information on how to have your taxes professionally prepared and filed.

It is important to remember the goal of this fundraiser; to raise money that will be used to upgrade or replace equipment, purchase supplies, finance EMT classes, and purchase a new ambulance. Having a well supplied and operating EMS is important. This is our chance to assist. As a rural community we can show that we can take care of our own. This is our opportunity to show that we Support Hale Center EMS I

There is still time to be * For more information or to place part of the EMS fund raiser event. a donation please contact Brian In the next few days a flyer will Keith Moon at 806-928-9731 or

;~~ ~eli,ve~;d .b~ .~s . r;t~!l : ,I~ wi,l~ .. u~~e,ila Moon at 806-928-97~~; ·. .) Aelu~e~fhe ,fqllowang~: , ' '· .. J I • J'J . • • .. ·, l Ll:(l ·~·-<·~ .. ·:/:f · ,· . .• -.·.·..- ,

PICTURED: Jay Ray Sageser, Abbie Burnett, Macie Burnett, and Cassie Burnett. ·

Letter to the Editor To Hale · Center and the surrounding area residents:

I would like to take a few moments of your time to share with you about your Hale Center Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. At this beginning of 2008 yo'ur Manager is Mr. Harley Peoples and the new officers are: President-Me. Jimmy Cameron;

. Vice-President-Mrs. Wilton Armstrong; Secretiry-Mrs. Johnna Cargill and Treasurer­Mrs. Sally Wright.

We now have a website at halecenterchamber.mine.nu. It's coming along so check it out. Our telephone· number is 839-2642. We have an office next to Security Bank at 703 N. Main. We are in the process of trying to get a secretary for 20 hours a week. We are the organization that is responsible each year for the following activities: Chamber Banquet, July 4 Parade and Celebration, Coordinating 87 on 87, Halloween, Festival of Lights and many other activities and events. If you have worked on one of these activities you know in your heart that a lot of time and a lot of energy goes into getting each one of these done.

I have been a resident of Hale Center for five and a half years and the criticism that I have heard the most it that the Chamber does

nothing to help the businesses and agriculture. The Chamber is currently working very hard in the following areas: • Working with the City and trying to get housing for families in the community. • Working with Brain Moon in raising money for the EMS and our ambulance service. • Working the Chaplain Tom L. Forbes and the Covenant Promise Prison Ministries which will go in the old Hospital. (For your information, this Covenant is the one between God and His people and not the same as Covenant Hospital). • Working with Covenant Hospital at looking to a future Clinic for Hale Center also located out of the old Hospital. • We were also involved in the wonderful article that has come ou~ from the Port To Plains Organization. (Advertisement for our Hale Center).

This is the time of the year to ask businesses and individuals to. become a part of this wonderful organization. We need you because this is our main fundraiser for the year but also we need YOU to become active and let's build our community and be proud of Hale Center. We have a lot to offer each other and need to become excited again about our Chamber. Without more help we could bunt out the people we have

out and that would be the end of a · Chamber and I really don't think

that is what you want.

Our meetings are held the First Wednesday of each month and we meet at the .Owl Restaurant at NOON. It is dutch treat for the food. THE NEXT MEETING IS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2008 AT 12:00 NOON and we will start on time and be out by 1:00PM.

Your Chamber on Wednesday, January 23, 2008, at the Owl Restaurant at 12:00 Noon has another very important event planned for our community. Dr. Kenneth Starcher of West Texas A&M University, Professor of alternate energy, will speak at the Owl Restaurant at l2:00Noon. His talk will be on Wind Generators. We expect this meeting will be well attended by a farmers, the school and other people interested in Wind Energy. Come early to get a good seat!

Join us and be a part of your Chamber. You are personally invited to attend the meetings! ! !

Thank you for your time, Jimmy R. Cameron President of the Chamber

Public Notice

The Board of Trustees of Hale Center Independent School District reviewed the 2006-2007 School Report Card from the Texas Education Agency during the January 14, 2008 monthly meeting. The annual School Report Card was distributed to each student on Wednesday, January 16, 2007. Copies of the report are available for public viewing. Individuals may view the report at the Hale Center Public Library, Hale Center American, HCISD Administration Office and each HCISD campus. Questions concerning this report card may be addressed to each campus principal or Rick Teran, Superintendent of Schools.

UIL adopts rules for athlete drug· testing

AUSTIN - Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on Jan. 10 lauded adoption of rules to conduct mandatory, random steroid testing for Texas high school athletes. "I;m ple!sed the University Interscholastic League has taken

a g~ant step forward to save lives by adopting fair and balanced testing rules ... ," he said.

Students who wish to participate in UIL athletics must sign a statement saying they are aware of the health dangers of taking anabolic steroids and promise not to take them.

Parents and guardians will have to sign a statement that reads as follows: "I have read the above information and acknowledge that a prerequisite of my student's participation . in UIL athletic activities' is that they refrain from illegal steroid use and agree that, if selected, they will submit to

~e~ting for the presence of illegal anabolic steroids in their body. I · understand that failure to provide accurate and truthful infotmation could subject the participant in question to penalties as determined by UIL."

Finger-printing program begins· Texas public school employees now must be finger-printed in accordance with a law passed by the 80th Texas Legislature last spring.

Teachers, substitute teachers and administrators are required to submit to national criminal background checks, and

fingerprinting is part of that.

The FBI will analyze daia gathered ii1 the background checks and the information will be kept on file. Dewhurst said background checks

fEXAS PHt: SS ASSOCIAfiO

By Ed Sterling

and fingerprinting have helped in identifying sex offenders and felons working in Texas schools.

Teacher pay study is released An annual report on Texas public schoolteacher salaries and benefits indicates that teachers' pay is "up slightly" in 2007-2008.

The report, compiled by the Texas Association of School Boards and the Texas Association of School Administrators, includes data collected from 747 of the state 's 1,031 school districts.

The weighted average teacher salary in responding districts is $46,336 for 2007-08, up 3.2 percent from the 2006-07 average salary of $44,897.

Among its many findings, the study shows: • 465 districts pay stipends to teachers with master's degrees. • 102 districts reported that teachers can qualify for longevity pay. • 100 districts paid a bonus to new hires for 2007-2008.

Appellate court rules on NCLB The issue of unfunded federal mandates strains many Texas school districts, so this may indicate change on the horizon:

._ \. l l I II / 1' 1 I. ' ,l,o,/ol,of.,), ! , f ,o'

The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati on Jan. 7 ruled that the federal government

may not force states and school districts to spend their own funds to meet the mandates of "No Child Left Behind."

The Washington, D.C.-based National Education Association and nine school districts filed suit in a Michigan district court against the Secretary of Education, seeking among other relief, a judgment declaring that they need not comply with the act's requirements where federal funds do not cover the increased costs of compliance.

School safety audits are coming Beginning in September 2008, Texas school districts must report the results of their first campus security audits to the Texas School Safety Center.

Texas law requires schools to conduct these safety audits every three years and practice their campus emergency management plans.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott encouraged all school distticts to team up with law enforcement to annually practice campus safety procedures:

"Having a plan is important, but executing that plan under stress -when seconds count - is critical to saving lives," Abbott said.

States join in death penalty brief The attorneys general of 19 states joined Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz in a friend­of-the-court brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in a Kentucky caSt\ Baze v. Rees.

.1. ·'·· ~T I : i :

3

Part-Time Teller Position Avallable

1 cau, email or Jax your garage!

estate sale info to the HC Ameri­

c~n by Wednesday noon fot that

Friday :s- edition. Call 806-839-

Good opeortunity. Approximately 25 hrs.fwk. Money handling experience helpful but not necessary. Apply in person at 70 I Main Street Hale Center

2312 or email@ halecentera-

. merican@nts-online.net or fax Mon. - Fri. 9:00AM - 3:00 PM. Deadline is February 1, 2008. 806-839-9901.

Bqaal Opportunity Employer

FREE DIRECTV 4 ROOM SYSTEM!

.t.J CHECKS ACCEPTED!rl 250+ CHANNELS!

Starts $29.99 .· · . D I R E C TV Over 85 HD Channelsl ·. · ;

FREE HBO+Cinemax+ .

•

Showtime+Starz 3 Months! FREE DVR/HD!

We're Local Insta llers!

1-800-214-7110

If you've got the rig, we've got the goods.

Schneider's new percent-of-revenue lease option program -choose your loads straight from our freight pool, online in real-time.

65% of line haul revenue • 100% pass-through of fuel surcharge 100% of accessorial revenue • Average $1.30·$1.35 per mile

schneideriobs.com 1-800-44-PRIDE • 1-800-447-7433

SCHNEIDER. Mml!JOM

Call, email or fax your garage/esta t~ sale mfo to the t1L Amencan

by Wednesday noon fot that Friday's edition. Call 806-839-23 12 or

email @ halecenteramerican @nts-online.net or fax

806-839-990 I .

INSURANCE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Insurance Agency seeking self motivated, outgoing service rep to join our team. Unique opportunity to launch a ca,reer and advance in our office. Good working knowledge o computers a must. Will need insurance license or be willing to become licensed. Opening is immediate. Salary negotiable, benefits included. Send resume to:

MOUSER AGENCY 1515 w 5th

.. : .. Plain:v·iew, Tx 79072 ·

4 . Friday, January 18, 2008 HALE CENTER AMERICAN

Established March 2, 1872

Published weekly of Friday of each week, except first Friday after Christmas and one Friday during the summer months.

Periodical postage paid at the United States ~ost Office.

PO Box 1030, 616 Main St., Hale Center, TX 79041 Ph: 806-839-2312 Fax: 806-839-9901

Email: halecenteramerican@nts-online.net

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $20/year in Hale County, $22/year outside Hale County.

Publisher-Don R. Richards Editor-Jamey L. Phillips

Business Manager· Ronald Phillips News Editor· Lisa Buxton

Office Manager-Evelyn Magallan

Member: Texas Press Association

Don't stop dreaffiing Recently, I was compelled to read again Martin Luther King's famous "I have a dream" address. I've been pondering Dr. King's words, " . .. even though we face the difficulties of today or tomorrow, I still have a dream." And I found myself asking, "Do I still haye a dream?"

In the days of my youth, dreaming was so very easy. Where would I travel? Whom would I marry? Would I have children? What would I accomplish in my life? The future seemed bright and boundless -- an adventure I could hardly wait to begin and one I never imagined ending.

Now that I've arrived at what many call mid-life, I'm finding it difficult to dream and envision the course for the rest of my Life. I graduated from college. Met the man of my dreams. Raised our daughter. Experienced the family I had longed for. And I've learned some lessons along the way --lessons that I've been sharing with you for a few years now.

Then a verse in Proverbs caught my attention. I think perhaps it's warning us about the loss of dreams, purpose and goals when the author wrote, "Where there is no vision, the people perish ... " (Proverbs 29:18)

I'm not sure why I've been ambiva­lent or uncertain about my contin­ued purpose. The objective of our lifework surely never reaches a conclusion at some particular age. It would seem as long as we live, there is a good fight to be fought --lessons to learn, things to accomplish and experience. It seems to me that the very essence oflife includes motive, purpose and pursuit.

Just this week I've realized that maybe part of my problem is think­ing that the source of my dreams and vision is up to me to muster up and create. This is not so, according to many a Biblical writer. Paul says each of us is called with a divine purpose. (II Timothy 1:9) It's so comforting to know that if I'm in a quandary about what's next for my life, I can look to God to guide me.

By Annette Bridges

I know He always has a purpose for each of us and a vision of how we are -to reach that purpose. The Eternal knows nothing of age. To the Divine, we are timeless with endless capacity, ability and holy purpose.

I feel assured that even though I may feel stuck right now, my prayerful inquiry will result in spiritual vision that· will lift me out of the muck and mire and into the higher realms of human potential and possibility. I've been taught that spiritual vision can unself mortal purpose and give us nobler aims and ambitions. And it points us up the path that gives steadiness to revolve and brings success to our endeavor-- our goals and dreams. All good reasons for seeking divine guidance.

Dr. King seemed to understand something about the freedom to have a dream, to follow a dream and achieve it. He said to "always march ahead" and spoke of "soul force" being needed to conquer anything that would try to slow or stop our

forward steps.

I'm beginning to see that soul force is born from the desire to do the divine will. · This force of strength and inspiration acknowledges and affirms that the divine will for our life is good, unending and filled with purpose and progress.

But the freedom to see new dreams and follow those dreams is ham­pered when one feels bitter about goals never reached or depressed that it is too late or despondent about what to do next.

Certainly we reach crossroads at various times in life. But just because we reach one crossroad, does this mean there is not another road to travel? Hardly!

My daughter recently reminded me about the great-grandmother who gained fame for being the oldest college graduate ever at age 95. In 2007, she received her degree from Fort Hays State University in Kansas -- along with her grand-

daughter, in fact. But that degree · was not the end of her dreams. When asked by reporters, she said after college she was planning to get a job on a cruise ship. This dear lady seems to give no thought or worry to the so-called twilight of days!

Her example shows we, too, must keep on keeping on with our lives -- never losing our wonder, desire or expectation. There's no reason to lose anticipation for life with its many adventures, lessons and rewards. But there are infinite reasons to live our God-endowed life to the fullest. And we find these reasons as our vision is inspired, maintained and directed by our loving Father.

So, we can keep marching ahead, not allowing any fear, opinion, prediction or theory -- nor pain or illness -- to stop us from achieving our life purpose. And you and I will proclaim, in the words of Dr. King, "I have a dream today." And then,

we will live our dreams.

Chief's. Corner

Happy New Year to Everyone! This is the first column of the Chief's Comer for 2008. Hopefully things will settle around the office to where I can be more consistent on getting the article to the paper on a timely manner. There was a discussion at the City Council meeting on Monday night in reference to the Animal Ordinances. I feel that we hav~ taken an aggressive stance towards loose and stray animais. There has been an unknown number of dogs captured and later taken to Plainview after being held for the required 72 hours. I suggest that if your dog comes up missing or runs away; contact the City Hall or the Police Department and advise ,them what breed, color, size, etc... your animal is so that we can keep an eye out for it. If we knJw where the animal belongs and that it has an owner, we are less likely to take the animal to Plainview. There is a fee assessed by the City if by some chance your aninial is found to be off of your property and captured. After the fee is paid, your animal will be released back into your custody and a- citation will be written to you for "Dog At Large". The citation alone is somewhere around $200 if I'm not mistaking.

This is ju~t a reminder- As of September I , 2008, if your animal · gets loose from your property and bites someone, you could be facing criminal charges. Always keep your fences in good shape and mend any gaps or holes.

Moving right along. If you have the opportunity this week, walk out into your alley behind the house to see what a difference you will be looking at. I want to acknowledge Bi 11, City Employee, and the work crews for the Texas Department' of Criminal Justice for the outstanding job they have done this past week and Monday in getting our alleys cleaned up. It is now up to each and every one of us to ke~p our alleys clean. I am go ing to take thi s enforcement effort very serious . Make sure

that when you take your trash to the dumpster, you get the trash bag inside. H by some chance you cannot get the bag inside please dispose of it later. I will be writing Citations from now on once it is found that anyone is iiiegally disposing of tree limbs, furniture, building materials, etc ... There are numerous cities that do not afford their citizens the same opportunity, as we have in order to have a waste collection site. Please take advantage of the collection site that is opened on Wednesdays and Saturday's to dispose of your large goods as well as tree branches. This service is of no charge to Hale Center Citizens. The City has a wood chipper · at the collection site. ONCE AGAIN THERE WILL BE NO WARNINGS. I suggest that you ·also consider getting the old Junk Vehicles off of your property. There will soon be letters issued to all citizens who possess an abandoned motor vehicle or junked vehicle. The Ordinance . describes the vehicles as being nuis&nces if they are as follows:

a. unregistered · b. detrimental to the safety and welfare of the public c. tends to reduce the value of privljte property d. invites vandalism e. creates a fire hazard f. is an attractive nuisance creating a hazard to the health and safety of minors g. produces urban blight adverse to the maintenance and continuing development of municipalities.

Letters will begin to go out . around the second week in

February and there will be NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

On the night of 01/13/2008 Officer Ruben Liscano was working for the Hale Center Police Department and begin to pursue a vehicle on the Interstate that was later found to be a previously reported reckless driver. The driver of the vehicle, 31 year old Kelly Ferra~· from Amarillo, failed to stop for Officer Liscano. Ferrar was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Pickup and attempted to elude police; however, was later engaged by Texas Highway Patrol and the Plainview Police Department. Ferrar ejJ&~ the · Interstate and procea ed 'iJ:!Orth

J,jl l I '/ I 11 I J (It ~.! .'.t, \1:~ • .._;_;1fi'.. I'J. .l .: l <• ' ~i"l~'

Friday, Januar 18, 2008 HALE CENTER AMERICAN 5 bound on the access road through J . Plainview, running the red light UlllOr at Hwy 70 and FM 194 before Q 1 being spiked by Plainview 'W Police Department. Ferrar was later stopped and apprehended by Trooper Burtnett, Trooper Wylie, and Officer Cody Ward of Plainview after a short scuffle ensued. Ferrar was charged with Evading W/ a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Marijuana Under 2 Ounces, and Driving While Intoxicated. It was brought to my attention at the Hale County Jail shortly after Ferrar was taken .into custody that there had been previous 911 calls made to Hale County about his erratic driving. Thanks to Plainview DPS, Plainview PD, an.d the Hale County SO for their assistance. Might I add the dispatcher did a marvelous job as well.

On the morning of01/14/2008 Officer Liscano arrested, Jason Arney, for Public Intoxication at the Allsup's in Hale Center. Arney was also issued a Criminal Trespass that prevents him from going back onto the Allsup's property for one ( 1) year.

On 01/05/2008 Lt. Solis arrest 23 year old Anna Nicole Smith for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and 35 year old Mark Rem1ey for Possession of Marijuana Under 2 oz .. Both subjects were from Amarillo.

On 01/12/2008 It was reported that someone illegally dumped trash onto the property belonging to Dick Sh~ver. The suspect was located within the hour and returned to Shaver's property and cleaned up their trash.

On 01/12/2008 Officer Mahagan took a report from a member of the Catholic Church in

. Hale Center. It was reported that someone had broken the exterior security light to the facility with a large rock.

A report was taken on 01/10/2008 that .someone has damaged the City Flag Area north of town. Two pilla~·s were

. overturned and damaged. The damage to the property will be over $50. Anyone having knowledge of the damage please contact Chief Timms. NO ONE should be caught by the flag area after dark. If the suspect is located, criminal charges a~·e

going to be filed.

· By Kaylan Baca

On Monday the 7th and 8th basketball teams played Sudan. The girls basketball teams lost, but the 8th grade boys won with a score of 37-20. On January 17-19 the boys' basketball teams will be in the Sudan tournament, and the girls' team will be in the Idalou tournament. Good Luck! Next week the basketball teams are playing against Bovina. The boys will be here and the girls will be there. The games start at 5:00 and 6:15.

Report cards were sent home Wednesday for the first semester and should be signed by parents and returned to homeroom teachers by Friday.

There will be no school Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

This is Kaylan Baca giving you the info here at CMS.

CMS Owls too much for the

Hornets CarT Middle School

boys' basketball team used a big s·econd and third quarter to defeat the Sudan Hornets, 37-20. Hale Center came out early and took a 9-1 lead early in the first quarter.

" I thought that our defense was good at times, and it was good to see how our team would react in fast break situations," said Hale Center coach Cash Fortune. "I think that we are seeing the floor better. Usually the guys get better as the season progresses, and that is a good thing".

After taking a 21 point lead, the sev.enth grade was able to show how much they have improved

since the Christmas break. " It was hard for the younger guys to have to watch the game from the bench. I know that they wanted to play, and 1 was glad that we got a lead so that they could see some playing time," said Fortune.

Tyre ll Johnson led all scorers with 17 points respectively. Hale Center (3-5) wi ll next travel to Sudan to play in the Sudan . Tournament. On Thursday the eighth grade will play Littlefield at 5:15 p.m., and the . seventh grade will staJ't play at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday against Muleshoe. Come out a11d support the boys as they continue play in the second half of di strict.

..... -~M~;. ~~t~t~~r~·,· ~~m~~- MNOUNt~~~r~ .. AAt f~tt! ~I~IHDA~ AN~O~N(CMt~l~

(0~1 (a~~~nain~ on ~~l~).

6 2008 HALE CENTER AMERICAN

For~~on~ Condu~ion .By Paul Franklin . '

The Presidential race has begun The Presidential race has begun in earnest with all of these state primaries, but I don't really feel a part of the process for some reason. Perhaps the race is just too long and we need some sort of legislation that defines how and when the race for the Presidency is framed.

*****

The Republic.ans have had three races thus far in 2008 and three different winners! And where is Fred Thompson? The former Senator from Tennessee and movie and television star is stuck in the back ground! While Senator John McCain has emerged as the frontrunner, I still think Rudolph Guiliani will gain some momentum from the Florida primary on January 29th and be in the race before it is all over!

*****

Whom would Senator McCain select as his running mate today if he were, in fact, the Republican nominee? I am not sure, but I do know that he would consult his strongest and most important adviser-his wife Cindi!

*****

Will Texas Senator John Comyn be a vice presidential candidate? Many of the RepubLicans have him on their short list, except of course, Ron Paul. Since Paul is from Texas, he constitutionally · could not select another Texan to be on the ticket should he win the nomination!

*****

the race as "wide open" and are convinced that the Mayor could win as a third-party and write-in candidate. And he is very wealthy and could afford the expense of such a candidacy!

*****

Senator Hillary Clinton still proclaims that she will be the

· Democratic Party nominee and that she will have enough delegates committed to her by February 5th. While I .doubt her on the date portion of her prediction, I do think she will be the nominee-as polarizing as that will be for some long time Democrats. And speaking of that, what is that with Senator John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic Party standard bearer, endorsing the inexperienced Senator Barrack . Obama?

*****

There is an Internet "fact sheet" about Barrack Obama going around on the Internet these days that is factually inaccurate. Again, not everything you read on the Internet (or in the newspapers or magazines) is true! Beware!

*****

In the first week of 2008, the long-predicted $100 per barrel of oil price was finally achieved! Remember when that prediction was an every day prediction in the oil patch in 1983?

*****

The stock market looks jittery to me! After all, inflation is higher than it has been in a while, and the mortgage debt crisis is still

I still think that New York City looming, and the American Mayor Michael Bloomberg will economy could slide into a enter the Republican race as recession as easily as not! And a write-in candidate, possibly where would you invest your as early as mid-February. retirement money today if you

--mool'rll>er~ ' artd · ru·s~ advfsetS'see·' ····11act't'h'at o'i>i)'oftunity? b'"' .,,., • ·.

*****

West Texans need to band together and form a regional water pact and begin to insist that Texas develop a long range water plan that includes west Texas and not just Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston. We need to be building multiple darns and lakes on every river west of Interstate 35. And the often-laughed-at proposal from the late 1960's to build a pipeline from the Mississippi River is not as far-fetched as once thought. Had Texas done that in 1969, all of Texas would have benefited, but especially west Texas.

*****

How can Lubbock and Amarillo and Midland and Odessa and Abilene and San Angelo ever have sustained growth without having a sustainable water supply solution?

*****

The partial opening of the Marsha Sharp Freeway has improved Lubbock dramatically and will continue to "re-make" west Lubbock when the project is completed! What a great addition to that city! It is not as significant as when Interstate 40 was built through Amarillo, but it is important!

*****

The United States government via the Federal Communications Commiss~on will next week begin auctioning off the last of the great · amount of quality spectrum to be used to provide a myriad of wireless services to the American citizens in the very near future. Watch this one with interest!

*****

Legal Notice NOTXCB T~ ALL PIRSONS !IAVI!IG CLAJNS

AGUHSI TH£ UTATE OP NffiA JBNl TRUll. DIC£ASI!D

Nouee ill hereby gl.~n that original r.-eu.er'lt Te.Btamentary for

the Ssta\te of ~NA JeAN- 'rRUR. t>ecea$~d, we-re l~au~O on th~ ll'lL_

d•y of ..JAII.UA<.¥------' a c.!! ... · in Couse J(o. ~)g~9, pendi•g J.n. th•

County coun ot H~lo ceanty, l'exa•. to: ·

$. M. TP.lll! , JR.

AH p.,rsons. hav-ing claims a.gainot this E:a tt.t e whi ch is

cu::tentlY being ~dminl~t~tr~Q. ar~ r<~quJ.red t o pusent t;h~.m .,.;ehin

tho tl""' •n<i tn th• ,.»::\!'PI~lhiL.bY,<h(·:~~-. ;·"i<·;o '"',; ,~

...,[_Jj_,,-~;;: ____ _ S. M. 'ttttJ£, JR •• tndepender.t. Ex.ecut:or of the Estate of >.NNA JFJ\N 'l'RVE, l.l<!""ased

I OBITUARY I The Chamber Mary Jane Gonzales

Memorial services for Mary Jane Gonzales, 37, of Hale Center was held at 11:00 am Thursday, January 17, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jimmy Cameron officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Abell Funeral Home in Hale Center.

Ms. Gonzales died January 12, 2008 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.

She was born March 12, 1970 in Friona, Texas. She is survived

by her mother, Mary Gonzales of Odessa, TX; 4 children, Mary Elizabeth Lennington of Pampa, TX, Stephanie Lynn Lennington and Michael Gonzales, both of Amarillo, TX, Matthew Gonzales of Plainview, TX; 3 brothers, Severo Gonzales, Carlos Gonzales, Adrian Castillo, all of Odessa, TX; 5 sisters, Diana Gonzales of Plainview, Veronica Gonzales of Lubbock, Sonya Gonzales, Erica Gonzales, Roxanna Castillo, all of Odessa, TX.

She · is preceded ·in death by her

father, Severo Gonzales and a brother, Joe Luis Gonzales.

' - · ~- I ' , , ' I , f \ 1 \ .;_ \ •. j , 1, , '; 1 -.., • .. lJ • '

wants you ....

The Hale Center Chamber of Commerce is seeking members. Individuals, couples, and any farmer/business is encouraged to join.

Your membership allows you to have input in the commerce of Hale Center and help with it's development.

Yearly dues are: lndividuals·$48, Couple·$65, Small Business·$120, Medium Business·$160, and · no set maximum for a professional or large business.

Sports Real .•. By Randy Howard

Texas Tech's Michael Cmbtree, the freshman wide receiver on the Red Raider · football team, was voted as the AT&T All-America Player of the Year in college football and was presented the award at halftime of the BCS National Championship

· Game! Quite an honor, especially for a freshman!

AAAfo.fo.

Crabtree was one of four finalists for the honor, edging Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow of Florida, Arkansas' Darren McFadden and the University of Virginia's Chris Long. He completed one of the most storied receiving seasons in NCAA history, amassing 1,962 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 receptions - all NCAA freshman records. His yardage total was 98 yards shy of the NCAA single-season receiving yardage record, while his touchdown total ranks among the top five in NCAA history. Crabtree recorded five games · with three touchdowns and totaled

. 100 receiving yards or more in 11 games, tying the NCAA single­season record. Crabtree is one of eight players this season to earn unanimous consensus All­America. Additionally, Crabtree has been named to every Big 12 Conference first team and has received numerous conference offensive player of the year and newcomer of the year honors as well as being named to several freshman All-America teams. The award was voted on by the fans. Afo.Afo.A

· Did you notice that every Southeastern Conference football team (except defending national champions Florida-who lost to Michigan and retiring Coach Lloyd Cari, and Arkansas who lost to a far superior Missouri Tigers team in the Cotton Bowl) won their Bowl Game? And does this amount to allowing the SEC to Claim bragging rights as the he.st c-:onfP.rP.nc.P.?

AAfo.AA

The Ohio State University Buckeyes have never beaten a Southeastern Conference (SEC) team in a Bowl Game. Never, in nine tries!

. AAAAA

The Southeastern Conference has never had one of their member schools lose in the BCS National Championship football game!

AAfo.fo.fo.

The LSU Bengal Tigers are undefeated in the 'SuperDome in New Orleans in this decade at 5-0!

AM\ AA

The Dallas Cowboys became the very first Number One seeded NFC team to ever lose in the divisional play-offs when they lost to the New York Giants last weekend. Now the Giants move on to play Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game at Lambeau Field Sunday. The Giants and the Cowboys had met over 90 times in regular season play, but had never met in the· play-offs until last weekend. The Cowboys have better players, but the Giants have a better team.

Afo.Afo.A

Is the Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin the odds-on favorite to be named the NFL Coach of the Year? Clearly, he has done the best job of coaching an NFL team this season!

""""" The Giants will probably play well in Green Bay this Sunday, but the Packers are led by the . incomparable Brett Favre and he will advance the Pack to the Super Bowl to play the undefeated New Em?:land Patriots. who will have no

Frida

~~ * trouble beating the hobbling San

Diego Chargers. The Patrio~s have made football--once a rare form of art into a very precise science. And this will set up a great Super Bowl for February 3, 2008 in Glendale, Arizona.

AAAfo.A

The Green Bay Packers are unique in- so maey ways, but additionally, the team is owned by local stockholders-112,000 of them. And control of the Green Bay Packers is divvied into about 4. 7 million shares with no chance of anyone taking over. No one person can buy more than 200,000 shares. Four stock sales have priced shares from $5 in 1923 to $200 in 1997 -the last one helped increase the capacity of Lambeau Field by 10,000 ·seats. Despite their popularity, the Packers' stock would never be sought out by investors. In 85 Yt?ars, the Packers have n~ver paid a cash dividend and the stock does not seemingly does not appreciate in value. Sa1e of shares is re·stricted legally and can only be sold back to the team, and then at a fraction of the original purchase price.

""""" The University of Tennessee's Pat Summitt continues to be the. winningest coach in NCAA history with more than 960 victories! She could possibly win her l,OOOth game in the NCAA Tournament in 2009, but most likely the milestone win will come in the 2009-10 regular season.

fo.MAA

In college basketball futility, the University of Pennsylvania, the private Ivy League school in Philadelphia, set a record for tlie fewest points in a half since the addition of the shot clock in 1986 when it scored six points in the first half of its December 29 game against Florida Gulf Coast. The Quakers made 1 of 17 shots while committing 23 turnovers in the first 20 minutes. Savannah State outdid Penn by scoring four second-half voints in

18 2008 HALE CENTER AMERICAN 7

Owl . ·uoots

By Analhi Rey

Hey Everyone

I hope everyone had great holiday's and everyone will have a better year than the last. Fir~t of all i hope everyone was happy with what they got and also what they gave but hopefully no one forgot the real meaning of Christmas with the birth of Jesus. Well since school is back everyone has been very busy with school, Basketball, and now stock shows. Tuesday all four teams played in Farwell and ended up losing, and this Friday we will be playing Olton here. The Varsity boys are now 1-2 in District and the Varsity girls are 2-2 so keep working hard and good luck everyone. Next week will start the second round of district where Springlake Earth will come play here, and then the Owls and Lady Owls will travel and play Sudan there on Friday. Also this week everyone is busy with the local stock show and getting ready for next weeks stock show in Ft. Worth. Also the Miss International Pageant will be on January 26 so sign up if you would like to participate. Have a great week and don't forget to come out and support the Owls and Lady Owls!!!!!!

GOD BLESS

Buv Now- Build later Wooded, Meadow & Lake Access 1-3 Acre Homesites from the $40's

$3,000·$10,000 Oft* No Closlna ColiS*

Shadow Lakes (800) 701-9680

land.shadowlakestx.com 'Limited time offer expires 2/15/08

land Close -Out Sale I liVer Access Ac1'81•

loiii8Sites In New 11'111111811. 11 lriRI JOUr but an.l

No CIISIII CISIS* Tour by 2/15/08

(800) 615-5003 land. riverchasetx.com

'Limited time offer expires 2/15/08

men can

' i \ . I

!

8 F·riday, January 18, 2008 HALE CENTER AMERICAN

TAMARA ASHLEY

GO LADY OWLS!!!

Friday, January 18, 2008 HALE CENTER AMERICAN 9

0

JULIO ESPINOSA

GO OWLS!!!

~~:~~~::·> .. · 4'

··'· '·'·'··

10

i -~~

I I

I ~\

' '

'

Friday, J_..uary 18, 2008 HALE CENTER AMERI~AN

We Urge You Worship .Service

THE ALTMAN GROUP ,I{&.\> m.u-o Sp<Qali•~ .

\ Mark Altman'

P.O. Box 548 Hale Center, Texas 79041 Telephone: (806) 839-2212 Fax: (806) 839-2140

Mobile: (806) 893-2056

"l'c'c I lt/1 I' It

\ l"l''l't'' 1 •l't•'l'cll\ .tl\1 ( .1 ll,tl\, •I lllilli d• It\\

Established March 2, 1872

839-2312 Hale Center

Lot-01-Cars 322. S. Main - Hale Center - 839-2072

~Gin 806-839-2436

Quarterway Gin, Inc. 889-3391

YOUR MOST IMPORTAI#T VACATION NEED IS YOUR FAITH

Church Director

The Church of God of the Firstborn 322 E. Stevenson - Hale Center

Paul Alvarado - Pastor SS: 9:45a Worship: lla

· Wednesday: 7p

Church of the Valley Hale Center

Eliseo Saldana - Pastor Sunday: lOa Evening 6p

Wednesday: 7:30

First Baptist Church Cotton Center

J.D. Templeton- Pastor SS:9:50a Worship lla

· Evening:6p

First Baptist Church Hwy 70 West • Halfway

SS: 9:45a Worship: 10:50a Evening: 5:30 p Wednesday: 6p

Rivers of Living Water Rios De Agua Viva

lOth and Main St.- Hale Center Salvador Arteaga • Pastor

SS & Worship: lOa Evening 6p Wednesda :7

ToAtte~d This Week

As it is for many of us, it may be your vacation time. If so, where and how you will go will depend on how much time you have, what you en1oy doing and your budget.

You could go sightseeing in another city, or camping in the woods, the desert, or stay by a body of water, depending on where you live. Driving may be the best way to get there, because you can stop to look at the points of interest and take pictures.

Wherever you go, don't neglect your faith. In a . city, attend a House of Worship, if. possible: At a campsite remember that the trees, mountams and wat~r ore all port of God1s crea.tions for. your enioyment. Remember also, that He IS w~tchmg over you wherever you ore, because He ts everywhere on this earth.

·Church Directory First United Methodist Church

202 W. Stevenson Ave.- Hale Center

First Baptist Church 305 W. 6th St.-Hale Center

Dr. Carrol Green-Pastor SS:9:30a Worship:10:50a Child Choir & Eveing: 6p

Jimmy Cameron-Pastor SS. 9:45a Worship:10:45a

Bible Study:6p

Church of Christ

Wed. Prayer Meeting, RA's, GA's & Mission Friends: 6:45p

202 W. 4th St.-Hale Center Charles Cook-Minister

Jason Freed-Associate Minister Bible Study:9:45a Worship 10:30a

St. Theresa Catholic Church 504 E. 13th St.-Hale Center Sat. Mass: 5p Sun. Mass:lla

Mon. Mass: 7p Wed. Mass: 7p

The Church of the Living God 1315 N. Ave E-Hale Center

Pat Baca-Pastor SS: lO:OOa Worship:ll:OOa Evening: 6p

Wednesday: 7p

. Friday, January 18, 2008 HALE CENTER AMERICAN

"In the day of my trouble I souglct the .

'Lord." Psalms n:2

Abell Funeral Home 223 S. Main St. Hale Center

839-2626 www.Abe//Funera/Home.com

Be A Sllttess AT LOWERING YOUR FOOD BILL!-SHOP HERE!!

Lowe's Pay and Save

622 Ave. G-839-2222

<@) Cotton Center Farmers Coop Gin

Cotton Center

Brown Pharmacy

60~ Ave·.G~ 839-2466--Hale Center

11

12 2008 HALE CENTER AMERICAN

s E

Monday, 'January 17th Baked fish, macaroni & Cheese, mixed vegetables, ·

coleslaw, apple crisp Tuesday, January 18th

Beef tostada, boracho beans, Mexican rice, ambrosia fruit

Wednesday, January 19th Chicken fried steak w/gravy, baked potato, green

beans, wheat roll, fruit of the day Thursday, January 20th

Tuna & pasta casserole, black-eyed peas, tossed salad, whole wheat roll, brownies

Friday, January 21st Chicken salad w/roll, southwest potatoes, 3 bean

salad, fruit of the day

Hale Center Senior Citizens

416 W. 2nd St. 839-2428 Eualyne Needham

Today we had baked chicken fol­

lowed by frosted cake. It was a

delicious meal and the fellowship

that we had was fabulous. The

dishes were washed for us and it

was a delightful time. Why don't

you come and join us for lunch

one day?

one we meet. It only takes a min­

ute of our time to make someone

else feel good. So lets do it! We

can make the world a better place

by taking the time to make some­

one feel good. We can build them

up instead of taring them down.

We will feel better and they will,

too. It is up to us. Lets make this a

better p\ace. It is the 15th of January. We have

a good start with our New Years

resolutions. We can make a dif­

ference this year. We can be nicer

to everyone we meet this year.

We can say a kind word to every-

Don 't forget to go to Churcn on

Sunday.

701 MAIN STREET

Lady Owls Still Striving for

ThoHruoCon~wf:w!l!,l!f!!.. Hoad t.dy Owl away with one win and one loss Coach Linda ·P~oda. "That's a on the road. Friday night they big deal for us right now." played Bovina and came home "I felt that the Bovina and Farwell with a victory 59-45. game we got away from our

Scores for the game were as follows: Bovina 7-10-18-10 for Hale Center 5-17-15-22 for 59. Stats for . the Lady Owls with rebounds, points, steals, blocks, and assists in all are as follows: Gloria Robles 8-22-1-0-0; Michelle Newton 18-20-1-0-6; Itzel Rey 7-0-0-0-0; Tarnra Ashley 1-4-3-0-2; Analhi Rey 2-3-1-0-2; Kelsi Loza 0-2-3-0-0; Quiana Jimenez 1-1-0-0-3; Alex Martinez 4-0-0-0-0.

"In all of our wins our defense has held our opponents to 45 points

strengths. As a team, we can not allow teams to score 10 OJ' more in a quarter it is unacceptable. I am pleased with the way the girls are doing things. We just have to take it to another level now. We've got to win the ones at home and we've got to get as many as we can on the road."

Scores for the game were as follows: Farwe1124-l7-20-13 for 74 Hale Center 2-10-2-10 for 24. Stats for the Lady Owls with rebounds, points, steals, blocks, and assists in all are as follows: Itzel Rey 0-8-1-0.0; Tamra Ashley

2-7-0-1-1; Michelle Newton 4-4-1-0-0; Gloria Robles 1-2-2-3-0; Kacy Chandler 2-2-0-0-0; Quiana Jimenez 2-1-1-1-0; Kelsi Loza 1-0-3-0-1; Analhi Rey 0-0-0-0-2; Alex Martinez 1-0-0-0-0.

The Lady Owls play Olton on Friday at 6:30 at home. TheLady Owls are 17-8 and 2-2 in district.

Browsing around the Library

Vyomma Clark given by Lester & Bernice

Cleveland Street Self-Storage

Monthly & annual rates. Small & large garage sizes.

Contact Rick Black 839-2069

806-774-7935

TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS -.set Door Locks • Keys Cut • Doors

Plumbing • Electrical• Light Fixtures • Faucets Kitchen Cabinets • Hardware • Sinks • Water Heaters

Toilets • Ceiling Fans • Ceramic Tile • WeRe-Key Locks Builders Hardware • Paint StJIPfl•liesr---::----..~~:__·

18. Senior Citizens 19 . Hale County ---~t]ll HALE CENTER, TEXAS 79041 January Games @lOa Stock Show I Bf;;~ t: ;...- HC VI::JV G/B vs Olton (806) 839-1000

2008 Hale County Stock

All You Need And More Member FDIC Show

www.security-bank.com 1'1

20. Hale County 21 . CMS Basketball 2 2 . HC Lions Club @ 23. Senior Citizens 24. 25. Senior Citizens 26. Stock Show ~s Bovina · Owls Cafe Games lOa !Games @lOa

Teacher Work Day HC Basketball vs HC VI::JV G/B vs Sudan ~ale County Stock Springlake Earth !show ..

27. 28. CMS Basketball 29. HC Lions Club@ 30. Senior Citizens 31. 1 . Senior Citizens 2. s Bovina . Owls Cafe Games lOa Games @lOa

Call839-2312 or email halecenteramerican@nts-online.net to have your event included on this calendar!! ,.,, ,.-. ' .""' ! t , . .. , • J J .d j

Farm News CottonN

- ~News i!lima l'lllim Ccttoc!t Gr.vt!.'Ull, ifmc.

Southwest Council of Agribusiness Announces First Annual

Meeting Date Having gotten off to a whirlwind start over the past 18 months, the SouthwestCouncilofAgribusiness has quickly established itself as a major player in the Washington agriculture policy arena.

In celebration of the organization's early successes, the Southwest Council of Agribusiness will hold its First Annual Membership Meeting on Friday, January 25, 2008 in the Board Room of the Plains Cotton Cooperative Association (PCCA). PCCAis located at 3301 East 50th Street in Lubbock, Texas.

The SWCA meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. and conclude following a Keynote Address from U.S. Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota, Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

The annual meeting will give members and attendee·s an opportunity to hear more about the work of SWCA and also hear from a line up of great speakers, highlighted by Senator Conrad who will address the farm bill and other issues of interest to the group.

Also speaking at the meeting are SWCA President Mark Williams, presenting an overview of the SWCf\.s recent activities and a report on the status of the organization; National Cotton Council President & CEO Dr. Mark Lange, presenting a macroeconomic outlook for U.S. agriculture; Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, who will discuss immigration · issues impacting Texas agriculture; and, John Miller of Southwest Agribusiness Consulting, who will discuss price/energy trends heading into the 2008 growing season.

The SWCA was formed just over a year ago as ·an alliance of business interests who recognize the value of stable and strong farm policy to our region's economy and want to support the development and passage of a sound i007 Farm Bill.

The SWCA membership totals more than 70 agriculture businesses, commodity organizations and financial service providers from across the State of Texa~ and includes most of the state's major commodity and livestock groups.

18 2008 HALE CENTER AMERICAN 13

· Cotton futures on the New York Board of Trade rode investment fund buying to finish Wednesday at their highest level since early 2004 as the prospect of lower U.S. cotton plantings in 2008 spurred all-around buying in the market. Despite a healthy run-up in the market, the following day bearish options strategies pushed cotton futures modestly lower.

"Cotton finally suffered a down day on Thursday, but it wasn' t too much punishment," an analyst said. "After five days worth of rallies, wading through a ton of trade selling and without any large off-take, a lower close was nothing to be ashamed of."

USDf\.s weekly export sales report did little to excite the market this week. The department reported net export sales of 58,200 bales, a marketing year low, were 57 percent less than the previous week and 72 percent lower than the four-week average. Featured buyers . were China, Turkey, Taiwan, and Indonesia.

Export shipments of 123,500 bales were down 29 percent from the previous o,yeek and 39 percent from the four-week average. Primary ·destinations were China, Thailand, Turkey, and.lndonesia.

On the spot cotton scene, online trading by producers in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas totaled 66,452 bales in the holiday­shortened week ended Jan. 3 compared ·to 65,747 bales the previous week. Average prices received by producers ranged from 58.02 to 61.79 cents per pound versus 60.65 to 60.94 cents per pound one week earlier.

Meanwhile, the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) said they now expect

world textile mills to increase their cotton consumption three ·percent to 126 million bales in the 2007-08 marketing year. The rate of growth would be smaller than in the previous three

seasons but still higher than the long-term average of two percent per year, according to an ICAC representative.

ICAC said the primary reasons for the slower growth include a forecast decline in the rate of global economic growth and an increase in international cotton prices. The fact that cotton has lost some of its price competitiveness compared to polyester in major markets since August · of 2007 also inay play a role.

11Unlike traditionall~nders, we offer generous patronage payments back to our borrowers. ·

Our only focus is agriculture and we work hard to find the best financing package for each of our customers. And the fact that we process all our loans in­house makes the process quicker and easier. "

Cliff Daniel, Great Plains Loan Officer

919 Broadway • Plainview (806) 296-2782

210 N. Main St. • Olton (806) 285-2651

greatplainsagcredit.com

GREAT&. PiAINs•r AG CREDIT tiJ

C;REAT PLAINS ... GOOD PEOPLE

14 Friday, January 18, 2008 HALE CENTER AMERICAN

Know Your Rights Rii:Drd~

Q. My family and I live in a two­bedroom apartment. We pay our rent on time and are good tenants. We do not have renter's insurance. Recently, a fire burned part of our apartment and damaged our property. The apartment owner says he is not responsible. What can we do?

A. The apartment owner may be correct--it depends on the facts.

I thought wage garnishment was illegal in Texas.

A. As a general rule, wage garnishment is prohibited in Texas. There are, however, a few exceptions to this rule. Wage garnishment is permitted for child support, certain taxes, and student loans. In other words, what you were told is true.

Q. My son was injured in a snowboarding accident. His mJunes . have required two surgeries so far. I have had to take .

time off work to take care of him. Is the resort responsible for any of our medical expenses or lost wages due to this accident on its property?

A. For the resort to have any liability it is necessary to show that it was negligent, and that negligence caused your son to be injured. For example, if the resort did not properly maintain its equipment, and as a result it malfqnctioned injuring your son, the resort could be liable. On the other hand, if the injury occurred

because of an accident that was n~t the fault of the resort, it would have no liability. I should also point out that many states have laws that protect ski resorts from liability for accidents that occur on the slopes. The bottom line is that as ·a general rule, you ski or snowboard at your own risk.

Q. I have a question about

any other obligation. Whether you owe a credit card bill or a doctor's bill, the collection procedures are the same and the information stays on your credit report for the same seven~ year period.

Q. Can my wages be garnished for child support imposed by another state?

medical law in the state of Texas: · ··-A. Yes. Most states have I was ·under the impression that- agreements with Texas making people can't be sued in Texas it very easy to enforce a child for outstanding medical bills or support obligation from another have it count-on their credit report state. score. l:Iave the laws changed or am I mistaken?

A. I am surprised by how many people think that medical bills_ are different from any other debt. The law has not changed, and you are mistaken. Debts arising from medical care are not treated differently from debts arising from

- Do you want to know more about your legal rights? Visit my ":ebsite, www. pebpleslawyer.net

Simply because there· was a fire does not mean the apartment owner is legally responsible for the damage to your apartment. Basically, for the apartment to be responsible it will be necessary for you to show some "fault" on the patt of the apartment. In most cases, the basis for this "fault" is negligence. Under the law of negligence, an apartment owner must take reasonable steps to maintain the apmtment and must act reasonably to remedy any problem. If he does not, and your property is damaged as a result, he could be liable.

~

Classified Ads , HOUSE FOR

I SALE

For example, if there was a problem with the electr.ical wiring and the apmtment owner did not properly repair it, the owner could be liable if a fire resulted and damaged your apartment. On the other hand, if the fire was caused by an act of God or some other accident outside of the control of the owner, there would be no responsibility.

Unfortunately, you have learned too late the value of renter's insurance. Just as a homeowner should have homeowner's insurance to cover damage to the home, renters should have renter's insurance to protect against situations such as this one.

Q. I owe money for a student loan. I was told that if I did not

HOME FOR SALE

2 bd, bath, living room, kitchen, 2 lots at 412 W 4th

FOR RENT For rent. Nice brick house in the country west of Kress. 2/3. garage, basement, storage shed. Quite country living. One mile ditt road. $550. a month. deposit and references req.

Ca ll , ematl or tax your ga-rage/estate sale info to the

HC American by Wednesday noon fot that Friday's edition. Call 806-839-23 12 or email @

halecenteramerican@ nts-onl in e. net or fax

WORK WANTED

Trenching I Ditching service: 1mgation and electric line trenching, backhoe service, leak repair, call Joe @ 806-233-2010 or 806-252-0063.

WANTED

P!"?~pt~~' /?~ke. ~~~nFT~W~ . ~o . ,, ,SI)!ry\or ~ .:«Q~t::led bicX,~~~·- ;, Call ~j:l~,t~~~~~~~~Q~!IJ\l~~?}'i•~.l!J{.~_.s. •:•~•:8.9?-4n?~~~~'':N- 1 RO'\c~?:i:~.;::· .

1989 dodge Daytona, Call 839-2746 after 6 pm 1983 Chevy handicap van w/lift, good condition, new tires. Call 296-7807

FOR RENT 205 Avenue G in Hale Center $300 a month, no pets, one

family only. 292-8076. will need references OR deposit.

HC Home for Sale 3/1/l home for sale in 'nice neighborhood. Includes a 12x12 storage building,

fenced big back yard, large kitchen/dining area, and a

nice utility room. Heating/ac unit & ductwork are only 2

years old. Call478-542-3777 for more information.

HOME FOR SALE

Brick 3-2 and Double garage. Good location. Central heat, fenced back yard and large storage building. New painted in

, '~i8P·.~cd ou~~i~~ .. lfi!l?· .. c~l, ~9~· >., on~: ";!r.J A"l . A.f\~, i;ti, ~.~ . .:J... · •• '•, '·. \ \ !. •.,;

HOUSE FOR RENT 2 bedroom-carport-storage lOOAve D. , 325 a month $200 deposit. Call 685-5411

FOR SALE

2002 Honda trx300ex 4 wheele1; electric start with 5 speed with reverse $2500.00 also a 2002 Honda 750 ACE motorcycle with 6300 actual mi les $4500.00 call 839-2224 or 983-7162.

160 acres CRP land. Call 806-832-4467 or 806-777-1235 for more information.

HOME FOR SALE 3-2, large living room. Remodeled inside and outside. Large backyard with fruit trees . Come see. Call 806-839-2431 or

806-928-5923.

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, carpeted, draped, stonn windows & doors. Ready Built House. For Sale . To bf! .moved, Call 293-080 ~ or .

?C)?-77n:

2 bd, 1 bath, central h/a REDUCED PRICE: $27, 900

Contact Cary Eaves Realtor

292-7905

HOME FOR RENT 1 Br, unfurnished house, good sized living room & kitchen. 205 W 2nd, $200/month to reliable party. Call 839-2956.

FOR SALE

A child's motor car (almost new) 2 ceramic kilms-one large and one small. Call839-1283.

Korg SR Synth Module - $50 Alesis Drum Machine - $25 Alpine 300 Watt Car Amp - $50 2 Huffy Boys Bicycles - $10 each 2 Large Sony Speakers- $10 4 Used 15" Dunlop Tires and Custom Toyota Rims - $40 Nordic Track Ski Machine - $25. b ll 879~4587 .fa~· details. ,

FOR SALE

8 hp Kohler engine, horizontal drive, 20 hrs on engine, $275. Call 839-2500 Cast iron wood burning stove. Call 296-8684 or 296-1814 or see at 402 W. lOth. Lawn Mower & Stationary exer­cise bike, call 839-2152. Refrigerator/freezer with ice maker. Large Sharp microwave. · Call 839-2279. Hot Point refrigerator. Good clean condition, call292-3862 One Full size mattress, box spring & frame- $50 obo. Call 839-2071 Antique·steamer wardrobe trunk,

wooden school desk & antique quilt. Call296-2515. RV Trailer. Call685-0757. Gooseneck Trailer - 7'6"x20'. Call 389-2920. 1994 Sebzoo jet ski, new overhaul. Call296-2215

Chair, lOft Ramp with Hoveround Mobility Vehicle, wheel, seat, walker, 2 shower chairs, comode (Handicap Items) (only used for 3 months) Call 839-9923. Black ey~d peas okra. Already at Blount Farms Call 879-4571. Free Kittens to give away. Please call 839-1042. Gas cook stove. Almond color. · Really Nice. $200 Giant Pumpkins: 15 lbs. and up Call 292-0137 and leave a mes­sage. 7Ft. Wooden Santa for outside. Call839-2871.

1 Lau, emau or rax your garage/es­

tate sale info to the HC American

by Wednesday noon fat that Fri­

day's edition. Call806-839-2312

or email @ halecenteramerican@

nts-online.net or fax

Fawn Chinese Pug puppies. Call .. ._ ___ s•0•6•-8•3-9-.9.90•1··--...,.

after 5 pm. 806-684-2226 New Coffee Table/Entertain­ment Table, Basketball Goal, and Antique Clock. Call for more in­formation at 839-9931. New Front Ford Bumper. Call 292-7514 Have A Neon!-Got a good spare tire with rim-$1 0; 3 yrs old 19" colore TV-$60; 25" Color TV -$80; Chest drawers-$35; 4 TV Tray's-$5; Rocking Chair-$25. Want to know more! Call839-2l78

FOR SALE

3 bedroom, 2 bath, on 3 lots, 410 E. lst St. $47,000 or best offer. Call 729-4366.

SPACE FOR RENT Equipment storage for lease at Mayfield. Call879-2305

.r····~····~······ii!:t·····lii!i[···l t ~ • Classified Ads : . ~

~ -• to MD lllat old a~r, get rid ola Ina -r. gll'c ..Y t ~ IIIII tater olldtk115.gctcaall blllal WUIIer •!"' dl}er7 it . ~

-1< 111e 11a1e Cenlu Amedan will pu.bllsll ror rut • claellled 1C t ad for illdlvld11ala (DO bwJIJieoeu « -ldld IIK}o · t ·~t:·. Jll'lte JOUr awn pei'IOIUII clu5llled. ad (:IO...,nl mulmum} £~ ·

and drop It by tbe Amerltan olllu:a at 6t6l'lala In · Hale Center or fM us at (-)8591101.

• • 1 "+¥¥-H¥Ji.H1H¥¥¥H,"';~i''fHif-¥l(o·lf.¥-HHHH¥.f¥-¥4-IM'>~._. t I ,, Il l ' I I J 'I' I

•

;;;:rii JF"!W , . ' . ' . - -I-- ....... ~ .... --.. ., .... -·ILl··-· .. -· .. ,, • IL..J~a/& • 1L. .J ~ •• ~ ...... .. .,. ,.,., ~ ... -.-.

TexSCAN Week of Janua 13, 2008 ·

DRIVERS: FLATBED$974/week HOMES FOR RENT re:ent a~erage. $1000 ex~rienced 3 BEDROOM ONLY $1781 ! If you_'ve hosted ~ver S1gn-on bon~s. Prud vaca- month! Foreclosed home! 4% student m the past t10ns, 401K, Free nder program. down 20 ears @ 8_5% APR! use your cross- cultural BUSINESS

OPPORTUNITIES 379 long nose Petes. 1-866-290· ' . Y to help others? By 1568 www.a assmore.com Buy. For hstmgs 1"800"370·5932• ASSE area representative,

• P foreclosureagency.com · h d f LL CASH CANDY Route. Do DRIVERS- GET RF.SPECT ou enJoy t e re~ar s o ou earn $800 in a day? Your own earned! Get support you dese~e! know others 10 your

1

15

ocal candy route. 30 machines $5fXXlsign-on, I yearOTRexperi· BUY FORECLOSURES! and around the world . To nd candy. All for $9,995. l-888- ence. Stuctentswelcome. Thitionreim- 3BR/2BA $11,869 or $199/Month, out more, calll-800-473-0696

25-5481 . Multi Vend, LLC. btmementavailable. www.ffeilx:.com. 4BR12BA$25,300 or $215/Month, -www.asse.comlvolunteer. MERICA'S FAVORITE Fm,Inc.Calll·800-569-9232. 5%down,20yrs@8%!Mustsee! CASH IMMEDIATE CAS OFFEE distributor. Guaranteed DRIVERS-IMMEDIATE OPEN· For listings, 1-800-54'4-6258, for st.r~ctured se~tlement ccounts. Multi billion$$ industry. lNG for regional & OTR drivers! Ext.T303. annumtles, law SUits, nlimited profit potential. Free CDlrAwithlllllkerrequired.Premium FORECLOSURES & BANK tance, mortgage notes &

nformatio~ 24/7.1-800-729-4212, pay &benefits. Calll-877-81().1041. REPOS! 4BR/3BA $30,357 OR - ~1_08~~·.l9~:~~~TWORTH #I ww.contmentalJava.com. or visit www.oakleytransport.com $245/mo.! 3BR/2BA $10,300 OR ·

$199/mo!(5% down, 20 years, LOOKING FOR YA buy@8%) These homes won't Rhino? Kawasaki Mule? We sell

L·ADRIVERS:EXPANDING POSI'OFHCENOWhiring.Avernge last! For listings calll-800-544- brand new UTVs only $4695, No eet offering RegionaUOTR runs. pay $200iour or $57K annually includ- 6258 ·Ext. 984 7 tax free shipping, dump bed , roof,

DRIVERS EXAM ; PREP

utstanding pay package. E~cel- in~ ~edernl ~l'l & overtime. Paid STOP YOUR FORECLOSURE winch, warranty, save thousands. ent benefits. Generous homellme. trammg, vocations. Pf!Ff. 1-866-918- S . h IOO% 800-469-0456 www.BuyUTV.com. ease Purchase on '07 Peterbilts. ll82 USWAExam/Feerequired now. lay m your o~e. . ationalCarriers 1-888-707-7729 guaranteed. We negotiate with ww.nationalcarrlers.com ' your lender and save your home. 2.28 ACRES, WEST Texas,

Never too late. www.HomeAssure. d $ OMPANY DRIVERS-MINI- com/offer or l-866-371-0721. near San ~rson , ·. 315~acre . Deer, UM 2 years. OTR experience SAWMILLS FROM ONLY d_ove, quail and Javehna .. M. Liberal home time, weekly $2,990.00. Convert your logs to fmanced or tx Vet wtth 5% ay & great benefits. 1-877-468- valuable lumber with your own SCOOTERS & POWER down. l-86?·286-0199. www. 013, Ext. 108. Monday-Friday, Norwood portable .band sawmill. WHEELCHAIRS. Did you know ranchenterpnsesltd.com -5. www.geminitrafficsales.com Log skidders also available. www. in most cases Medicare, Medicaid 3.14 ACRES NORTH of RIVER· 0/0'S. NEW pay scale, ?orwoods?wmills.corn1300N. Free and Insurance p~y 100% of the electricity, c~ntral water. Ius fuel surcharge. Company driv- mformatwn: 1-800-578-1363· cost! Call Melissa or Jon for oaks, mesqmte. rs. $5000 signing bonus. Mini- Ext:3()().N. · details . 1-8~0-606-9860. www. vestment, . um 1 yr. experience. Lots drop medcaremedlCalsupply.com. owner financmg. 1 -~~IU-~ .ro-~rw.t

MISCELLANEOUS hook! American Eagle Lines, JA~LOGIS11CXSEEKING ww.aeal.com,l-800-387-1011 dm:atedregionaldmm. OK&TX.l ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE SOUTHERN CO RIVERS: CALLTODAY! Bonus yearfia:benefitspdage.Calli-Sffi-511- from home Medical Business RAS NCHl Sale. k35 acres-

'd · · 36' 43 Earn .. · • ' pectacu ar roc y pru onentahon · cpm. 1134orVISI!wwwDRIVEITC.com. Paralegal, Computers, Criminal d ver $1000 weekly, Excellent . . year roun access,

. LOOKING FOR WORK? We can Justice. Job placement assistance. phone included Excellent eneflts Class A and 3 months h 1 1 C 11 $3641 F · 1 "d d t 'd d · ecent OTR re uired Melton Truck e p you now. o eel u.p to . mancl.a ai an compu erprovi e available with low down ines 1 _800_6~_8669 week! Unemployment msurance! If qualified. Call 1~866-858-2121, Call Red Creek Land Co.

' · l-800-350-2669. Statepay.com www.OnlmeTidewaterTech.com 1-866-696-5263 x 3473.

NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee productS or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in nlact the Texas Attorney General at 1-8()(}.621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commissi9n at 1-877-FfC-HELP. The FrC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop

Extend your advertising reach with TexSCAN, your Statewide Classified Ad Network.