The Perryton Area Retired School Personnel Association (PARSPA) will meet Monday, April 1, at noon at the Senior Citizen Center. All PARSPA members can eat for $10 at the SCC at 11;30am. The program will be given by Jo Humphrey on the importance of dog therapy, what dogs can do on visits, and training a dog. She will have her dog with her. Membership dues for 2024-2025 started March 1st. Dues ( $35.00 for state and $10 for local)
can be paid at this meeting.
SPEARMAN, TEXAS – April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and CASA of the High Plains is raising awareness of the need for more dedicated members of the community to step up and become CASA volunteers, and help end child abuse and neglect, through supporting children and their families.
CASA volunteers, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, are everyday people from all walks of life who are recruited and specially trained to advocate for children in foster care and provide a consistent, reliable adult presence for them during a difficult time in their life.
“Our volunteers’ first priority is to keep families together whenever safe and possible,” said Alissha Jefferis, executive director of CASA of the High Plains. “Foster care is only a temporary solution to the problems at hand. We need to create long term support networks that work to care for families, make reunification a possibility, and help break the cycle for the next generation.”
CASA volunteers are assigned to one child or sibling group to advocate for their best interest in court, in school and in other settings. They get to know the child and everyone involved in their life, such as their parents and other family members, foster parents, therapists, caseworkers and teachers, in order to develop a realistic picture of the child’s unique situation. They engage those important to the child and family in order to build a network of support around them, so that the family has access to support and resources after the case ends. They make recommendations to the judge overseeing the child’s case, with the goal of ensuring that the child is safe and the family has the resources, support and healthy relationships needed to heal.
Locally, CASA of the High Plains served 86 children in the foster care system in Donley, Gray, Hansford, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Ochiltree, Roberts, and Wheeler Counties in 2023, which means there are still 11 children who need someone to advocate for them. This April, consider stepping up to make a difference by becoming a CASA volunteer.
“There is always a need for more CASA volunteers,” said Jefferis. “By becoming a volunteer, you can take your efforts beyond just awareness, and do your part to help support children and families in crisis right here in our community.”
When reunification is not a possibility for the children they serve, CASA volunteers work to find others that can provide a positive, healthy and loving environment. These can include relatives, friends or other adults that are important in the child’s life—keeping a child connected to their home community.
“We at CASA of the High Plains always hope for the day when CASA, foster care and a national month dedicated to child abuse prevention are no longer needed because all children are growing up safe, secure and supported with their families,” said Jefferis. “Until then, we will continue to seek more members of the community to join our growing movement so that we can provide a CASA volunteer for every child who needs one.”
CASA of the High Plains would like to extend our gratitude to the City of Spearman, Mayor Tobe Shields and City Council for signing a proclamation declaring April, Child Abuse Prevention Month in Spearman and for their support for CASA of the High Plains.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. If you see abuse, report it to 1 (800) 252-5400 or go to www.txabusehotline.org. If a child’s life is in danger, call 911. For more information on CASA, visit www.BecomeaCASA.org or www.casahp.org 806-669-7638.
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University of Wyoming Fall Semester Dean’s and Dean’s Freshman Honor Rolls: Texas
March 7, 2024 -- The University of Wyoming lists the following students from Texas on the 2023 fall semester academic Dean’s and Dean’s Freshman Honor Rolls.
The honor rolls consist of regularly enrolled undergraduates above freshman standing who earned a 3.4 or better grade-point average, and freshmen who have earned a 3.25 or better grade-point average.
To be eligible, students must have been enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours taken for letter grades.
The University of Wyoming provides quality undergraduate and graduate programs to 10,913 students from all 50 states and 74 countries. Established in 1886, UW is a nationally recognized research institution with accomplished faculty and world-class facilities. Offering 200 areas of study, UW provides an environment for success. A low student/faculty ratio allows for individual instruction and attention, and undergraduates often participate in cutting-edge research projects.
For more information about the University of Wyoming, view the webpage at www.uwyo.edu.
Students are:
Austin
Sophie Nutter
Blanco
Kelly J. Karnes
Boerne
Emily Grace West
Bullard
Emma Grace Hamlin
Dripping Springs
Wesley C. Owens
Flower Mound
Cooper Mailand
Forney
Matthew William Huffman
Fort Worth
Lana Grace Jeter
Fresno
Keelan Cox
Houston
Monica Lorraine Deru
Kolbey Anthony Taylor
Humble
Caleb Ozenne
Justin
Caden L. Barnett
Kingwood
Benjamin Alexander Pina
Liberty Hill
Laila C. Osborne
Marble Falls
Sarah O’Malley
Midland
Davis Seybert
Midlothian
Carson Lee Almand
Perryton
Alyssa King
Emma Waters
Rockwall
Maya J. Conway
Gavin R. Horn
Round Rock
Laura Jean Antholzner
Emily R. Burchett
San Angelo
Wesley Quinn
San Antonio
Nikos C. Varelas
Elijah Warnken
Southlake
Alli Michela Mills
Spearman
Victor Daniel Reyes BA
Byanca Varela BS
Spring
Caitlin Joy Loo
The Colony
Mason Ding
Tyler
Moriah E. Howton
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It’s up to us to protectour community!
faultypole@gmail.com
We need to identify allthe bad faulty poles. We need to not wait on Excel. We need to doit ourselves - now.
1. Please take pictures ofevery faulty pole you find.
2. Drop a pin and sharethe pin in the email to show the location.
3. Put the approximateaddress in the email subject line.
4.Tell us if it is an Xcelpole or North Plains Electric Pole and put any other information in theemail.
We will:Get lawyers to assemble these emails and then send a book of the emails to Xceland North Plains Electric. We need to be proactive in keeping ourselvessafe. We can do that by holding the electric utilities accountable byletting them know we are paying attention. You will probably see anOsmose aluminum tab nailed to the pole with a date. Please alsophotograph that aluminum tab.
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The Caprockettes Dance Team represented CAPROCK very well! 📣🤘🧡🤘 |
Lynly Whitefield, formerly of Spearman, has found her groove dancing with the Caprockettes ay Caprock High School in Amarillo.
Kisha K Whitefield is proud mom!
Congratulations to both!
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Tales from the No Man’s Land Museum - Oliver Willham, “True Educator and Friend of the People”
Researcher – Sue Weissinger Reporter - J. L. Wells
The No Man’s Land Museum in Goodwell is honored to recognize a beloved former Goodwell college professor who later gained notoriety across Oklahoma. He also taught in Iowa State University and was a respected member of their faculty.
According to a biography from Iowa State, Animal Science Department, Oliver Siralvo Willham was born in Kansas in 1901. His parents, George and Ida Willham, came to Oklahoma in 1906 with the Big Pasture Opening. They secured 160 acres near Randlett in Cotton County where they became cotton farmers.
When Oliver and his sister became college age, their father took them to OAMC, Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, in Stillwater. Oliver graduated with honors in Animal Husbandry in 1923. As a new graduate, he was hired to be become professor and head of Animal Husbandry at PAMC, Panhandle Agricultural and Mechanical College, in Goodwell. Oliver served in that position from 1923 to 1934 and became dean of men in 1927 and vice-president in 1929. He and his students and local farmers and ranchers worked together to survive the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.
Oliver spent his summers at Iowa State College in Ames where he earned his Masters and a Ph.D. In 1934, he and his wife Susan and their young son left the Panhandle and moved to Ames for the 1934-35 school year. By 1939, Oliver was vice dean of agriculture in charge of resident instruction. During World War II, he was in charge of swine breeding at the college while maintaining correspondence with his students during the War and later welcoming them home.
By 1951, Oliver became executive vice president at OAMC in Stillwater. The college President, Bennett, was selected by President Truman for an international position so Oliver was left in charge. Bennett “had visited with Oliver at PAMC and respected his forthright honesty, integrity, and ability, ….” When the president and his wife were killed in a plane crash in Iran in 1951, Oliver was unanimously elected by the Board of Regents to be the 15th President in 1952. He was the first alumnus to serve as President of OAMC. Oliver had the reputation of being able to call everyone on the campus by name and was endeared to students and their farm families. He was often selected to deliver the commencement addresses in small towns throughout the state of Oklahoma.
Oliver was President when OAMC became Oklahoma State University (OSU) in 1957, the 50th anniversary of Oklahoma statehood. During his tenure, student numbers went from 8, 236 to 15,079. Oliver was a leader in the First Presbyterian Church and was given many honors during his career. Among those honors was being elected to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and OSU Alumni Hall of Fame and serving on the Federal Reserve Board of Kansas City.
As a former professor at PAMC, Oliver never forgot his roots. The Archives Room in the No Man’s Land Museum has Panhandle graduation programs listing his name. Oliver gave the commencement address on 24 May, 1965 with the notation, President Oklahoma State University. (Dr. Marvin McKee was President, Panhandle A. and M. College.) On 19 May, 1969, Dr. Oliver Willham again gave the commencement address as President Emeritus of Oklahoma State University. (Dr. Freeman McKee was then the President of Panhandle State College.) His life and the college were continually changing and evolving.
Oliver died in 1974 after a long bout of cancer. At the time, the Oklahoman, Carl Albert was Speaker of the House of Representatives. He read into the Congressional Record on his (Oliver’s) death, “an appreciation for a true educator and friend of the people”. The 30 September, 1974 edition of The York Times ran an article about his death entitled, “Dr. Oliver Willham, Headed Oklahoma State 14 Years”. Oliver’s wife Susan predeceased him in 1968, but he was survived by his son, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. At that time, he still had family members in the Oklahoma Panhandle.
The Archives Room and the Museum always welcomes everyone Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Follow NoMansLandMuseum on Facebook and watch No Man’s Land Museum YouTube.
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PAID AD |
Brickstreet Grill is hiring wait staff
Must be 18 years of age or older
Call Annette @ 806-341-8941
The Hansford Agency is hiring for a full time person M-F 8:30-5:00. Bilingual and bookkeeping skills preferred but not required. Duties include quoting, taking payments, answering phones and bookkeeping. Please apply in person at 16 Southwest Court Spearman
The City of Spearman is accepting applications for the following positions:
• Seasonal Parks Maintenance – Two (2) positions available – $12 per hour
o Mowing, weed-eating and other related duties.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and must have a valid Texas Driver’s License.
Any questions may be directed to City Manager Justin Parker at 806-659-2524 or email jparker@cityofspearman.com.
Applications may be obtained at City Hall located at 30 SW Court. E.O.E.
Robert Mahaffee Hansford County Sheriff
10 Northwest Court St.
Spearman, Texas 79081-2025
Phone: Cities Served:
806-659-4140 Spearman
Fax: Gruver
806-659-2025 Morse
Jailer/Dispatcher Salary
SALARY: $ 33,420.00 yearly / $$2,785.00 monthly, paid on last day of the month. Training provided with a two-year commitment contract. Must be available to work nights and weekends, and holidays. Holiday pay is paid. 4 days on 4 days off rotation.
INSURANCE: Monthly rate Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
Employee No cost
Employee/Children$ 352.00
Employee/Spouse$ 405.00
Employee/Family$ 530.00
Dental and Vision available at varying rates.
Applications and job description can be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office at any time.
Robert Mahaffee
Hansford County Sheriff
10 Northwest Court St.
Spearman, Texas 79081-2025
Phone: Cities Served:
806-659-4140 Spearman
Fax: Gruver
806-659-2025 Morse
07/13/2023
Jailer/Dispatcher Salary
SALARY: $ 33,420.00 yearly / $$2,785.00 monthly, paid on last day of the month. Training provided with a two-year commitment contract. Must be available to work nights and weekends, and holidays. Holiday pay is paid. 4 days on 4 days off rotation.
INSURANCE: Monthly rate Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
Employee No cost
Employee/Children $ 352.00
Employee/Spouse $ 405.00
Employee/Family $ 530.00
Dental and Vision available at varying rates.
Applications and job description can be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office.For further information please contact Sheriff Bob Mahaffee (806)-659-4140 or email sheriff@co.hansford.tx.us
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Job Title: Financial Service Representative/Teller
Job Description: Developing and retaining long term customer relationships while maintaining high customer service and procedural standards. Process customer transactions, within established guidelines. Identifies and meets any needs of our customers, either by completing the transaction within their authority or referring that person to the appropriate person in the bank.
Minimum Qualifications:
6-12 months in cash handling and customer service/salesStrong interpersonal skillsHigh School Degree
Robert Mahaffee Hansford County Sheriff
10 Northwest Court St.
Spearman, Texas 79081-2025
Phone: Cities Served:
806-659-4140 Spearman
Fax: Gruver
806-659-2025 Morse
The Hansford County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for the position of School Resource Deputy effective 10/01/2023 for the Gruver Independent School District in Gruver TX.
SRD will patrol GISD campus and will be responsible for the safety of students and faculty. SRD will be a full-time position and will follow GISD days of operation. SRD may be required to attend extracurricular activities as needed.
SRD must maintain a good rapport with students from Elementary to High School, and faculty. SRD will instruct law enforcement subjects to students as needed and required and will function as a liaison between the Sheriff’s Office and GISD.
Applicants must possess a valid TCOLE Peace Officers License.
Starting salary is $46,500. BCBS insurance paid by county for employee, family plans available at additional cost. Dental and Vision available at additional cost.
SRD will provide weapons and duty gear; all other equipment is provided.
For further information please contact Sheriff Bob Mahaffee (806)-659-4140 or email sheriff@co.hansford.tx.us
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The Economic Development Sales TaxUsing Sales Tax to Promote Economic DevelopmentThe use of the sales tax for economic development purposes has been one of the most popular and effective tools used by cities to promote economic development. Since the authorization for the local option tax took effect in 1989, more than 586 cities have levied an economic development sales tax. These cities have cumulatively raised in excess of $573 million annually in additional sales tax revenue dedicated to the promotion of local economic development.
Of these cities, 101 have adopted a Type A economic development sales tax, 367 cities have adopted a Type B economic development sales tax, and 118 cities have adopted both a Type A and a Type B sales tax.History of the Economic Development Sales TaxIn 1979, the Texas Legislature passed the Development Corporation Act of 1979 (Texas Revised Civil Statutes Article 5190.6).
The Development Corporation Act of 1979 (the “Act”) allowed a municipality to create nonprofit development corporations that could promote the creation of new and expanded industry and manufacturing activity within the municipality and its vicinity.
The development corporations operated separately from the municipalities, with boards of directors that would oversee their efforts. These corporations, in conjunction with industrial foundations and other private entities, worked to promote local business development.
However, prior to 1987, the efforts of these entities were dependent on funding from private sources, which was often was difficult to obtain. At that time, development corporations could not legally receive funding from the state or local governments because of a Texas constitutional prohibition against the expenditure of public funds to promote private business activity.1In November 1987, the voters of Texas approved an amendment to the Texas Constitution providing that expenditures for economic development could serve a public purpose and were therefore permitted under Texas law.2
This amendment states in pertinent part:Notwithstanding any other provision of this constitution, the legislature may provide for the creation of programs and the making of loans and grants of public money . . . for the public purposes of development and diversification of the economy of the state.Pursuant to this constitutional amendment, the Texas Legislature has enacted several laws that would allow state and local government funds to be used to promote economic development.
First, in 1989, the Texas Legislature amended the Act by adding Section 4A, which allowed the creation of a new type of development corporation. The legislation provided that a Section 4A development corporation could be funded by the imposition of a local sales and use tax dedicated to economic development. The tax could be levied only after its approval by the voters of the city at an election on the issue.
Read more at the link above
by Janie Kunselman (photo forthcoming)
Hansford County was well represented at the TEEA District I Spring Conference held April 27, 2023 in Vega, Texas.
District I Director, Andrea Woolley presided over the meeting. The theme was "Celebrating Our TEEA Roots."
Breakfast snacks were provided by the County Agents. Hansford County Agent, Madison Brake also helped serve our delicious enchilada lunch made by Rooster's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina of Vega.
A judging on "Cultural Arts Items" made by the members was conducted to qualify District I entries for the state contest to be held in Beaumont September 12 and 13.
The TEEA prayer was recited by Margie Moore. Presentation of the Colors was followed by the US and Texas Pledges led by Sylvia Jordan.
Emily Carson sang the National Anthem. Rosabelle Leal read the TEEA Creed. Greg Conn, from the Milburn-Price Culture Museum gave the welcome.
Andrea Woolley introduced past directors and special guests. Molly Forman, AgriLife Extension RPL/FCH introduced the FCH Agents. Door prizes were handed out before our keynote speaker, Cynthia Shattles from Ochiltree County gave a very interesting talk on the Hereford POW Camp #31.
Marianne Pipkin presented our outstanding District I 4-H Scholarship to Hudson Scribner and Shayne Franks. Our collegiate Scholarship winner was Jacie Guerrero and State TEEA Scholarship winner was Lea Weller.
The group placed bids on several tables of silent auction items. Tickets were purchased for a $300 drawing and chances on a beautiful quilt made by Francis Biles. Marianne Pipkin won the $300 drawing and Amy Dzamko won the quilt.
Door prizes were handed out. Bobbie Hatch asked the blessing before our meal. Rosabelle Leal did the Roll Call and Credentials Report. The winners of the Travel Trophy tied between Lipscomb and Gray Counties.
Josh Brooks, District I Administrator introduced the three acts for the talent show competition. Third place was won by the rendition of a Patsy Cline song by Julie Neusch. 2nd place was won by Hutchinson County singers Dixie Isom and Lillie Turner.
First place was won by the Hansford Hillbilly Band. The Hillbilly Band will compete at the talent show in Beaumont.
Lisa Pipkin presented our Texas Treasure Award winner to Pennye Ralston. Sandy Beaver introduced our Texas Leadership Winner to Sylvia Jordan. Dallam County had a 60 year member of TEEA, Germaine Meyer.
Minutes for the 2022 conference were read by Marianne Pipkin. The financial report was given. Andrea Woolley was elected as the District I Director for 2023-2024. Rosabelle Leal nominated Jan Meador the the State TEEA President Elect. Jan was elected by acclamation.
More door prizes were handed out. The silent auction made $1027.50 The raffle ticket sales made $1905.00. Coins for Friendship totaled $184.09. Dollars for Scholars totaled $142.00.
Sylvia Jordan won Best of Show in the Cultural Arts competition. Charolyn Gouldy--Oldham Couty presented a wonderful program, by the Southwest Cowboy Poet Association.
The 2024 District Spring Conference will be hosted by Gray, Potter and Hutchinson Counties.
