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Sunday, December 17, 2006

Happy Sunday! Newspaper Update for Dec. 7 Issue

Aerial Photo of Hobbs, Texas
- Hobbs School campus -
Good Morning! Good News! Rain is on the way, and it is sorely needed. The forecast is calling for chances of rain next Monday through Friday. They've increased percentages gradually all week, so maybe this will really happen.

The image that is posted today is an aerial view of the Hobbs School Campus.
Mapquest has a choice of aerial map photos as well as the conventional map view.

Here are the highlights for the December 7, 2006 issue of the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record:

  • Tyler Ward of Roby Stars in Christmas Movie (Photo)
  • Downtown Christmas Lighting Dec. 7th
  • Roby Band Members Make All Region Band
  • Time for Newspaper Subscription Renewals
  • Photos of Christmas Parade Winning Entries
  • Medicare Prescription Open Enrollment through Dec. 31
  • Birth Announcement for Emma Grace Schulz
  • Judy Davis' Recipe for Mexican Cornbread Casserole
  • Obituaries for Clyde Athello "Buzz" Taggart, Lenora Morton, Shirley Ann (Bridges) Montgomery, Ernest Ray "Lefty" O'Donald, Pauline F. Helms, H.W. Grady
  • 4-H Food & Nutrition Quiz Bowl (photos)
  • Fisher County Basketball Review
  • Rotan & Roby All District Football Selections (photos)
  • Haskell Livestock Auction Prices

Be sure to check out the official Hobbs Holler website. Good luck with your Christmas shopping and Happy Holidays to you all!

Camper for Sale

This camping trailer is for sale and is located across from the Hobbs Cemetery. Click here to send inquiries by email.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Vehicles for Sale

We have three vehicles for sale at Hobbs, all for parts, none of them run. A 1999 Ford Ranger, a 1991 Buick Century and a 1980 Chevrolet El Camino are all on the block. Email me for more info.

1999 Ford Ranger


1991 Buick Century


1980 Chevy El Camino


If any of you would like to trade, sell or buy something in or around Fisher County, drop me a line and I'll put it up here. Have a good work week!
Rotan First Baptist Church, Early 1900's Since it is Sunday, it seems appropriate to post this photo postcard of the Rotan First Baptist Church. I'm thinking it burned down long ago. I believe this is from the early 1900's.

The weather has been surprisingly cold lately. Perhaps it's just that the summers are so hot they make one forget all about any winter days that have happened. The summer heat just melts those memories.

Here are the highlights from the Rotan Advance/ Roby Star Record for November 30, 2006:

  • DAR Good Citizens Honors Sophia Scott & Adrian Daniel (photos)
  • Hospital Board Minutes, P. A. Judy Niell to Begin Practice
  • Greg Redden Home Totaled in Damaging Fire (photo)
  • Sweet letter to the Editor from Joyce Trott Sweek & her Recipe for Egg Custard Pie
  • Micaela Brooke Garner Bags Two Deer
  • USDA NCRS Announces Environmental Quality Program, Apply by Dec. 15
  • Recipe for Helen Noles Lemon Cheese Bars
  • Fisher County 4-H News (photo)
  • Fisher County Basketball News: Lions Collect Wins Over Large Schools, Rotan Roundballers Split with Knox City (photos)
  • Roby Exes Addresses Needed, email to gpc8268@sbcglobal.net

Regular columns that are in each issue are The Editor's Column, Randy's Round-Up by Congressman Randy Neugebauer, Tumbleweed Smith and Joy Walker's Fisher County Round-Up. All of these articles give tidbits of news from close to home for this area.

There are lovely gifts for sale, as always, at The Newspaper Office. Featured at this time are Teapots & Miniature Tea Sets, Fenton Lamps and Christmas Red Bird Gifts. Fall items are 1/2 off.

Old Santy will be making his rounds soon, so be good all you kiddies! Ho, ho, ho!

Saturday, December 2, 2006

Dashing through the Snow...

Snowy Lane on the Templeton Farm
...Because if you don't, you'll freeze! Of course, there's no sign of the white precipitation today, two days after, but it has left us with great weather. Nice crisp days that are good for getting outside and working in. Or playing in, whichever you prefer.

I'm sure you have noticed that I've gotten way behind on the newspapers, so let's just dive right in. We'll start with the last one and work our way back. Here goes!

Rotan Advance/ Roby Star Highlights for November 23, 2006:
  • Ladies Societies Place Gravestone Insignia for Miss Josie Baird (photos)
  • Vandals Attempt Arson at Rotan Library
  • Faith in Action Concert Dec. 3, Monte Morrow & Crossfire at the old Lance Theatre
  • Rotan Christmas Parade Dec. 7, Roby Parade Dec. 9
  • Rotan City Council Minutes, Backhoe Purchase Approved
  • Region 14 Education Service Certificate Opportunity for Math and Science Teachers
  • Susan Leigh Vernor and John Talmadge McKelvy III to Marry
  • Rotan Economic Development Approves Sale of Locker Plant
  • Former Centers Club Members Luncheoned in Roby Nov. 14
  • Billie Lou Holcomb 75th Birthday Celebration today at Roby Community Center
  • Obituaries for Saragosa DeLeon, Voncille Armstrong Driver, Dorrene "Tootsie" Browning Acker
  • Lone Star Land Bank 3rd Quarter Report
  • Basketball Scores for Rotan Yellowhammers and Roby Lions
  • Lady Hammers 8th Grade Volleyball Team Deemed District 5-1A Champs

Rotan Advance Roby Star Record Highlights for November 16, 2006:

  • Rotan 4-H Food Drive through Dec. 8, Drop-Offs at Thriftway, Rotan City Hall, Rotan Elementary and Junior High Schools
  • Texas Farm Bureau Meeting Dec. 2-4 in Arlington
  • Roby City Council Minutes
  • Fisher County Historical Commission Meeting Minutes
  • Rotan Honor Roll 2nd Six Weeks
  • Rotan Schools Presented Veterans Day Tribute (photo)
  • Gamma Tau Style Show Luncheon (photos)
  • Monthly Climate Survey Chart for Oct. 2006
  • Recipe Corner: Grace Kemp's Cream Cheese Salad
  • Pecan Show Dec. 5, Nolan County Courthouse, Bring Entries to Fisher County Courthouse
  • Football: Roby Lions 18, Hamlin Pied Pipers 47 - Rotan Yellowhammers 34, Baird 6
  • Basketball: Lady Lions Shock Two State Contenders, Lady Yellowhammers Action Photos
  • Fisher County Commissioners Court Meeting Minutes
  • Roby CISD Regular Board Meeting Minutes
  • Roby CISD Honor Roll

Rotan Advance Roby Star Highlights for Nov. 9, 2006:

  • Lady Hammers Volleyball Girls Receive District 5-1A All-District Honors
  • Johnny Whitefield State Bound Yellowhammers Track
  • Fisher County Voters Favor Chris Bell for Governor; Election Results
  • Recipe Corner: Larue Vann's Meatloaf
  • Football: Roby Lions 12, Winters Blizzards 22 - Rotan Yellowhammers 12, Albany Lions 36
  • Veterans Day Articles and Photos
  • Fisher County RV Group Get Together
  • Hamlin FFA Fun Day December 2

Be sure to stop by the Newspaper Office if you're in Rotan and look at all the Christmas items they have for sale. Happy Holidays!

Thursday, November 9, 2006

Newspaper Overview for Nov. 2, 2006

Here are the highlights for the Nov. 2, 2006 issue of the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record:

  • Fire Destroys House in Roby (photo)
  • Rotan Community Service League Sponsors Adopt a Christmas Ornament 735-3041, 735-3606
  • Adrian Daniel & Sara Ford Nominated for Wendy's High School Heisman
  • Appeal for LAGP - Apply at the Texas Department of Agriculture website, must be postmarked MONDAY the 13th
  • Gamma Tau to Sponsor Luncheon, Style Show Nov. 11
  • Charity Murdoch Homecoming Queen Nominee at Waxahachie College
  • Gamma Tau Meeting Minutes for Oct. 23 (photo Rusty Peace & Juanelle Jordan)
  • Rotan Economic Development Meeting Minutes
  • Veterans Day Ceremony to be held at Rotan High School Auditorium Nov. 10
  • Birth Announcement for Tess Marie Taylor
  • Obituaries for David Holloway "Dave" Posey, L.D. "Dutch" Parks, Santiago Jimmy Armendariz and Robert Casey Bigham
  • Lady Lions Basketball Preview, Roby Cross Country Results, Lion Football Open Week
  • Rotan Lady Hammers Volleyball Team Makes Play-Offs
  • October 27 - Yellowhammers 7, Roscoe Plowboys 43
  • Senior Citizens Center Halloween Contest Winners (photos)

Tuesday, November 7, 2006

Me & My Credit Report, Just Walkin' Down the Avenue...


I have a friend that bought Identity Theft Insurance recently, and the company had her fill out forms so that they could access her credit report though the major reporting companies. It got me to thinking about something I had heard about being able to get a free credit report.

Well, I received a letter of denied credit, once again, for some kind of credit card (thank goodness!), but this time I actually read the letter, and it said that under the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, I had the right to a free credit report for the next 60 days from the reporting company listed on the letter (it was Equifax).

I then went to the Equifax website looking for my free report and found out that the Federal Trade Commission had amended the FACT Act (under the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act) in October, and that everyone is allowed one free credit report yearly.

I then somehow ended up at the Annual Credit Report website, where you can order your free credit report from all three major credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

The Annual Credit Report site is easy to use and now I know what the bottom line is on my credit. You don't get your credit rating, that's extra (you have to pay), but it shows negative items, accounts in good standing and recent requests for your credit history. A very handy website, indeed.

Sunday, November 5, 2006

Deer Season 2006 Begins

George Maule
- George Maule -

Deer season officially began this weekend. I don't especially enjoy hearing the alarm go off at 5 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday morning, but I guess fun has it's sacrifices. The Texas Parks & Wildlife website has a lot of information on it about hunting, like bag limits by county. There is also information on hunting alligator. I hope there is no real need for that knowledge in Fisher County.

I wanted to point out the ebay favorites link in the right column. I try to find everything pertaining to Fisher County that's being sold on-line and list it there. I also have listed some of my favorite sellers. If you find something that I haven't listed, or if you have a seller you would like listed, send me an e-mail. Right now there is a real neat coin for sale from a store in Sylvester. There's also a book titled "Cattle Call" by Tanner Laine that is for sale, which features West Texas cowboys. The photo above comes from one of two books that George Maule is in, "Cattle Call" and "Rope Burns".

Onto highlights for the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record for the week of October 26, 2006:

  • Writer Jon McConal & Friends Walk Fisher County (photo)
  • Reverend Bill Fitzgerald New Roby Methodist Pastor (photo)
  • Yellowhammer Band Competes in UIL (photos)
  • Rotan Gin Reports First Bale of Cotton Season
  • DAR Meeting Minutes
  • Rotan City Council Meeting Minutes, Rotan to Clean up Abandoned Lots (photo)
  • Amy Elizabeth Blackwelder & Dean LaValle Engagement (photo)
  • Foy Mitchell Celebrates 90th Birthday (photo of Foy & Dessie)
  • Roby VFD Turkey Shoot TODAY!
  • James Wylie Gaspar Birth Announcement (photo)
  • New Arch Sign Erected at Sardis Cemetery (photo)
  • Obituaries for Edna E. Scott Popham, Charles "J" Taylor, Larry Eugene Gruben
  • Recipe for Chicken & Dumplings Courtesy of Larue Vann
  • Oct 20 - Roby Lions 27, Baird Bears 18 - Roby Senior & Quarter Back Phillip Williams Named 1A Built Ford Texas Tough Player of the Week for Week Seven
  • Rotan Yellowhammers Open Week, Photos of Volleyball & Track
  • Fisher County 4-H Food Show Winners & Photos
  • 2006 Maberry Reunion Notes
  • Katy Dee Pearman & Clay Parker Cade Engagement
  • Vesicular Stomatitis Regulations In Effect for Hauling Stock from Wyoming
  • Fisher County Hospital Health Fair Photo Page

Rotan & Roby Sales Tax Rebates have risen over 4% from last year for the month of October.

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Reunion News, County News

Students Typing at Hobbs High School, January 1959
- Mickey Templeton et al -
Here is the factual report on the Hobbs 2006 Reunion. Pat Porter reported that there were probably more than 200 who attended. They fed 192 and there were some that did not stay to eat. There were 40 people who were normally always there, but for various reasons could not make it this year.

She had a lot of envelopes returned this year due to several reasons, the new "911" addresses, the new post office rules, people moving, people getting married, etc. She is trying to collect all the email addresses, so be sure to contact her with yours.

I hope to get the meeting minutes and some photos from her to share with all of you. Please feel free to send me your photos, also. I hope you recognize the typists in the photo posted above. I know the one in front quite well. The date on the picture reads January 1959.

I found a webpage for the Fisher County Hospital District and I've put the link in the column to the right. I don't know how up-to-date it is, because the phone numbers still have the old area code (new one is 325), and it seems that there should be new names on the staff. It is still informative, though, and has some good links.

A little computer nerd news, now. I have been searching for a photo editor since Windows XP Photo Manager doesn't have all the options I want. I found one that's free and fast to download, called Artweaver. I haven't figured it all out, yet, and probably never will, but it has the extras I was missing.

Anyway, on to the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record update for October 19, 2006:
  • Perryman and Howden Speak to Chamber Regarding Universal Service Fund
  • Hargrove Crop Insurance Receives Growth Award from John Deere Risk Protection (Photo of Raford Hargrove)
  • Hog Fest BBQ Winners Announced (see bottom for 1st place winners)
  • Cake and Pie Winners Announced, Sheila Gruben 1st in Cakes, Wynelle Terry 1st in Pies
  • Fisher County Historical Commission Meeting Minutes (First Tuesday each Month, You're Invited!)
  • Absentee Voting Started October 23
  • Hospital Board Meeting Minutes
  • Photo of Larry Callan and 5 foot tall Cotton Stalk, 138 Bolls
  • October deemed National Coop Month
  • Crystal Marie Templet and Brian Heath Cornutt to wed in November
  • Maddey Leigh James Birth Announcement
  • Job Listing in Rotan ( get a paper to see what!)
  • Lots of Land Listings by Local Realtors
  • Joy Walker's Fisher County Round-Up
  • Recipe for Caramel Apple Salad
  • October 13 Football Scores: Lions 47, Albany 18 - Yellowhammers 25, Hamlin 27
  • Page & 1/2 of Hog Fest and Cake & Pie Contest Photos
  • "Farmer Wants a Wife" - a search for good-looking, young farmers for new reality show

The Hog Fest cook-off 1st place winners were: Poultry - Rough Creek; Ribs - L'il Rascals; Chili - Bone Cookers; Beans - Hoggaholiks; Wild Hog - Hoggaholiks; Brisket - L & H; Showmanship - Hoggaholiks.

I've left out any activities that have already happened, and all this news is a week old. Now, I appreciate ya'll coming here, but if you want up-to-date info, be sure to subscribe to the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record. There is a link in the right column that will give you all the info you need to do that. Aloha!

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Larry Gruben Dies at age 55

My husband came in Monday and told me, "You're not going to believe this, Grube got stung by a wasp and died today." We don't really know the specifics, but he has had a lot of problems with his heart and perhaps that complicated the situation. He had almost expected to die young as he had a family history of heart disease. His obituary follows:

Larry Eugene Gruben, 55, died Monday, October 23rd in Fisher County Hospital.

Funeral services for Larry are set for 10 a.m. Thursday in the First Baptist Church with Jerry Vincent officiating. Burial will follow in the Roby Cemetery under the direction of Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home.

Born May 30, 1951 in Rotan, he married Terrye Bennett on March 1, 1974 at Crossroads Baptist Church and moved to Roby.

Larry was retired from the Texas Department of Transportation and a member of the Roby First Baptist Church and was a long-time volunteer fireman in Roby. He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Gruben; his grandparents; and his father-in-law Herbert Bennett.

Survivors include his wife, Terrye Gruben of Roby; a son and daugher-in-law, Jason and Karen Gruben of Snyder; his mother, Christine Gruben of Hamlin; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne and Deanna Gruben of Farwell and Harold and Debbie Gruben of Rotan; a sister and brother-in-law, Regina and Norman Whitfield of Granbury; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sherrye and David Cooper of Snyder; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Hobbs Reunion Sunday

Hobbs Reunion, October 21, 2006I heard that the reunion was a big success. Dad said that there were 300 or 400 people there and I was amazed at that number. Very amazed, but he said the reunions have been bigger than that. I might set up a hot dog stand outside the next one and make some pin money! I hope to get some statistics and such to report later as to how many really were there, and if any of you have photos and stories to share, please email me and we'll figure out a way to get them on this website.

I am sorry to have missed everyone this weekend. I wanted to look at Don Cave's annuals and have him tell me about the good ol' days, but sometimes life makes schedules without your notice. I attended the funeral of family member Jerri Morgan in Nolan, Texas. Harold Roberts was in attendance along with many others. He has been a long-time friend of the Morgan family. It was a lovely service and Brother Vic presented an inspirational service. Jerri will be well remembered.

I have not been to Nolan since last Thanksgiving and I was amazed at the immense wind turbine field out there. They're as thick as trees and just as close. You could hear them turning throughout the funeral. It was surreal.

Next post will have last week's newspaper highlights and Hobbs Reunion details.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Hobbs Homecoming October 21st

There's 2.8 inches in the rain gauge this morning and it's 60 degrees. I didn't dump the gauge yesterday, so we received 1.3 overnight. I bet there's a lot of smiling at the coffee shop this morning.

I'm going to just print word for word the Hobbs Homecoming letter that Pat Porter sent me. I believe it may be too late to order the throws, but you could email her to be sure.

Hobbs Homecoming Itinerary
1. Entertainment, There is a possibility that Brad Maule may be able to attend this year and provide the entertainment! And we are still hoping to have Ricky Williams to emcee again.
2. Hobbs "Memorial Throws" are still available for $50 each. An order blank is enclosed in this letter. You can order one to pick up the day of Homecoming or you can have it shipped to you. They are wonderful keepsakes. Get one for the children and grandchildren.
3. Registration will begin at 9am and the business meeting and program will follow. As always, there will be plenty of time to visit. There is no registration fee, although donations to help out on the postage are always welcome. This year we plan to notify all exes that we can by email – this will help our postage costs. Please send your email addresses and address changes to Pat Porter. (Also any regular mail address changes need to be sent to Pat.)
4. The noon meal will be catered and you can expect the same great meal as last Homecoming and the same price, $10 per person.
5. If you wish to provide flowers in honor/remembrance of someone, we will display the flowers on stage throughout the day
6. Let Peggy Vernon know of any deaths since October 2004, so they may be recognized during the memorial part of the program. Pictures, obits, etc. may be sent to her at: 1906 KSNY, Snyder, TX. 79549. Items will be displayed in the registration area. ( Peggy’s email: genepeg@sbcglobal.net )
7. If you have questions about Homecoming 2006, call or e-mail this year’s president, Juanelle Brown Jordan, 325/735-3635, email juanellejordan55@aol.com.
8. If you know of anyone to add to the Homecoming list, please send their name and address to Pat Porter by email @ patporter2006@sbcglobal.net or just phone (325)735-3337 - home or (325)735-2469 - school.
9. To sign up for the meal, you can email Pat - or just telephone (325/735-2469 from 8 - 5) or 325/735-3337 (home). If you run out of time - just come on anyway - there's always room for more.
10. Please help spread the word about Homecoming - the new 911 addresses have really been hard on the mailing list this Homecoming. Many exes have not moved - but their addresses have changed. Many of the letters have been returned stating forwarding order expired -
11. If you have already "signed up" please just consider this a reminder.

Please complete and return this form to Pat Phillips Porter, 950 FM 3205, Rotan, Tx. 79546, 325/735-3337 by October 5, 2006 (or any time earlier) and/or e-mail to patporter2006@sbcglobal.net, so we will have your e-mail address in our records.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Class Year_______Name___________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________
Maiden name_________________Phone#____________e-mail_______________ Attending Homecoming: Yes___No___ How Many____. Lunch: yes____ no____
Number of each: Brisket____ Chicken___ Enclosed $_____ Pay at the door_____.

******************************************************************************
Your order for Memorial Throws: Number to ship_____@$60 each.
Number to pick up day of Homecoming______@$50.00 each.
Check enclosed_ or: Pay at the door______.

Everybody come on out to Hobbs on Saturday! Bring your cameras and get ready for a good time!

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Hog Fest to Rest, Rain on the Plain

Hog Fest is now behind us, and thankfully it wasn't today, because it has been pouring cats and dogs. Our rain gauge is sitting right at 1.5 inches. Although
- Dylan M. & Zach B. -

sympathy and praise should go out to all who are having to break down the festival site today.

We stopped by for just a half our or so yesterday. They had just been drenched by a cloudburst, but it looked like everyone was shaking it off and getting back into the mood. The funnest part was probably the concert, but all that takes place way past my bedtime.

If you click on Zach's back, to the right, you can look at some photos we took while we were there. Darned Zach wouldn't let me take a picture of his face. I don't know why, he looks like a young Tom Berenger.

Okay, here are the highlights for the October 13, 2006 Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record:
  • Three articles regarding Hog Fest
  • Commissioners Court Approves Funds for Roby Library Building and Faith in Action Funding
  • Photo of Rotan Homecoming Queen and King, Keila Robinson and Adrian Daniel
  • Rotan Pep Rallies to begin at 3 p.m for Rest of Season
  • October Designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month, photo of Judge Marshall Bennett and Brandi Stauvell
  • Fisher County Health Fair, Oct. 18th, Senior Citizens Center
  • Senior 4-H Council Photo: Tyler Stevenson, Sara Haley, Ashley Alton, Aerial Thane and Alyssa Hood
  • Roby Honor Roll
  • Jarris Davis Graduates Sam Houston State University
  • Announcement and photo as Lupe G. Casas and David Walter Anderson Exchange Vows
  • Rotan School Board Meeting Minutes
  • National Fire Prevention photo of Robin Cleveland and Jalin Allen, very cute!
  • Help Wanted at Heritage House
  • Obituary for Maxwell Fancher Garland
  • Pecan Cream Pie Recipe
  • Roby City Council Meeting Minutes
  • Lions and Yellowhammers Reviews
  • Track, Football and Volleyball Photos
  • Notice of Sheriff's Sale
  • Roby School Board Meeting Minutes
  • Roby Lions Club to meet Oct. 16, Invites Community to Discuss Texas Universal Service Fund
  • General Election to be held November 7, VOTE!
  • Absentee Voting begins October 23
  • Large photo montage of Fisher County 4-H

There are two little stores with good causes that I would like to promote, and those are the Clothes Closet in Roby and Faith in Action Country Store in Rotan. These are second-hand thrift shops and will set the heart of any garage and estate saler on fire. I've made some very good finds in both places.

The football scores from October 6th were: Roby 6, Roscoe 69; Rotan 27, Winters 28.

Remember, elections are coming up soon. A good resource for Voter Info is Texas Online. This site has information in English and Spanish. Did you know you can register to vote when you are 17 years and 10 months old? You have to be registered 30 days before the election, so if you're not registered by now, it's too late for the Nov. 7th election, but go ahead and get registered for future elections.

Tomorrow the Hobbs Homecoming itinerary will be posted here, so come back to visit and get that info. 10-7 for now, good buddy.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Boot Scoot & Wild Hog Fest Starts Tomorrow

Cold Moon A-Comin'

Hog Fest kicks off tomorrow at the Fisher County Airport with Gospel entertainment, a steak dinner, silent auction and pie and cake contest. Gospel group 4th Day will start off the festivities at 5 p.m., followed by the featured group, New Directions at 6 p.m. The cake and pie contest judging will also begin at 5:00. Andrew LaFavers and other famous locals will be on hand to judge. Winners will be announced at 7 p.m. when the silent auction begins. Bob Spikes will be the auctioneer.

Saturday is an all day event with Free Airplane rides to begin at 9 a.m., hosted by the Young Eagles. Isn't that amazing and exciting, and I would have never believed it, except that I kept seeing it in print. Airplane rides! There are also all kinds of other activities for the kids, as well as vendors booths.

There is also a big BBQ cook-off, and according to the Fisher County Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture website, serious competitors will start their fires at midnight on Friday.

Big entertainment is scheduled for Saturday night beginning at 6 p.m. with Border Town, the Hogg Maulies and featured artist Gary P. Nunn providing music for your boot-scooting fun. Sounds like a big, big time is in store for all who attend! Call 325-735-3175 or 325-735-2562 for Ticket Info.

Now, here are the hot topics for the Rotan Advance / Roby Star October 6, 2006 issue:

  • Newly Formed Co-op Purchases the Longworth Gin
  • Rotan Homecoming King and Queen Nominees
  • Rotan Homecoming Activities
  • Rotan Dollar Store in State Competition for Halloween Decor
  • Photo of Fisher Co. Ambulance Damaged from Run-In with Deer
  • Commissioner Court Minutes
  • Dr. Maurice Callan Speaker at Gamma Tau Meeting
  • See You at the Pole Photo
  • Obituaries for Robert Allen Browning, Ruth Parker, Gerald Whitley and Donna Sue Adams
  • Rotan Honor Roll
  • Emergency Farm Loans Available at FSA
  • Lions and Yellowhammers Football Rundown
  • H. Govan Reminisces About Yellowhammer Football
  • Historical Photo and Article of Early Rotan High School Days
  • Fisher County Hospital Open House October 18th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This issue is jam-packed with photos and information, what I have here is a mere sketch. This is one that would be worth back-ordering.

The football score from the September 29th game where Rotan played Roby in Roby was 24-20, Yellowhammers.

Keep your calendar open for next weekend, because that's the Hobbs Homecoming. Details coming soon!

Sunday, October 8, 2006

Watch Thy Step!


Everyone is starting to trade rattler stories, a sure sign of the change of seasons. Of course, around here everyone's always got snake stories, because we've always got snakes. Where are those sign toting, soft-handed, liberal goody-two-shoes when you really want to show them something? (Otherwise referred to as animal activists at the Rattlesnake Round-Up). Really, I have no preference either way, but there are a lot of snakes moving around to get denned up for the winter. We found one in our front yard the other night, or rather, our dogs, Hank and Sue found one. We have 90,000 (translate to 7) cats around the house, so I was surprised that a snake would get that close. We do usually find one or so each year, though. One of the cats kept doing this spazzy trembling dance in front of the snake, which was coiled and rattling. I kept thinking the snake had bitten the cat, but I guess it was some instinctual thing the cat was doing. It was weird.

Anyway, on to other things. I heard that Rotan lost their homecoming game by one point Friday night. And how about that gubernatorial debate the other night? Kinky kept trying to do his bit and Carole was pathetic. Did you notice how Rick only addressed Chris Bell as his competition? I don't know whether to feel sorry for Kinky and Carole, or to think Rick and Chris are just slick-talking politicians, which they are, but does that make them more qualified to be governor?

Okay, on to the newspaper highlights. That's some information we can rely on.

Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record, September 28, 2006 Issue:

  • Neugebauer to Attend Gospel Night 5 p.m. Oct. 12 at Airport
  • Cockrell Building Opens @ 113 Sammy Baugh Ave.
  • Cake & Pie Contest Rules 325-776-2809
  • B Bar S Chuckwagon Participate in Hog Fest
  • Immunization Clinic Oct. 18th 325-773-5681
  • New Interim Healthcare Staff Article & Photo, D'Linda Benham, Mitch Whitefield and Ramona Williams
  • FSA Redesigns Website www.fsa.usda.gov/tx
  • Rotan City Council Meeting Minutes
  • Eilene Cave Celebrates 89th Birthday, Photo of Eilene, Sue, Sara Jane and James
  • Region 14 Education Service Center Receiving Applications for Certification of Special Education Teachers
  • Bids Being Taken for TxDOT Fisher County Mowing Contract www.dot.state.tx.us
  • Photos from Fun Friday in Mrs. Lucas' Class
  • Gay Nell Cherry Named Outstanding Citizen by Sweetwater Chamber of Commerce
  • Obituaries for J.L. Whitley, Jr. and Frank Verlon Beauchamp
  • Joy Walker's Fisher County Round-Up
  • A very long Sheriff's Report
  • Roby and Rotan Football Reviews
  • More Results from West Texas Fair & Rodeo, Koby Hood Photo
  • USDA Extends Emergency Grazing
  • Oct. 2 USDA to Begin Issue of Conservation Reserve Program Funds
  • 51 Items to be Auctioned Oct. 12 for the Fisher Co. COC & Ag Auction
  • DAR Meeting Minutes
  • Random Photos of Rotan and Roby Athletics Events
  • Letter to the Editor from James Ogle jamesogle40@juno.com and a fantastic family photo taken in 1940

I'm going to hang onto the October 6 issue until this week's paper comes out. Remember that the Hogfest is this Thursday and Saturday. For more info go to http://www.fishercountychamberofcommerce.com/.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

First Fall Newspaper Recap

Raymond Cantu's Haygrazer Field Fall is the best part of the year if you ask me. Nice temperatures without the tempestuousness of Spring. Nice holidays, like Thanksgiving, but without the pressure of gifts. The slant of the sunlight, the smell of the air. Okay, okay, I'm getting carried away here.

No one would argue what miracles a little rain makes. This is a photo of the haygrazer just up the road from Hobbs school. It wasn't much of anything until two weeks ago. You can see how lush it is now.

Well, onto the highlights of the Rotan Advance/Roby Star Record for Thursday, September 21, 2006:
  • Christopher M. Romo makes TX DPS Trooper
  • Fisher County Hospital Board Minutes
  • Tickets on sale for Oct. 12 & 14th Hog Fest 735-3175
  • Funding for Fisher County Hospital District Awarded by USDA
  • West Texas Fair Rodeo Results for FFA
  • Cindy Ramirez Serves Remainder of Dani Day's Term on Roby School Board
  • Amber Lashae Kelly and Bobby Jack Clark Exchange Vows
  • Obituaries for Guadalupe Macias, Ruben Castillo and Esther Pearl Firestone
  • Football, Volleyball and Track Photos for Roby and Rotan

Also, lots of public announcements this issue. The new issue is already out, I saw it on the stand in Thriftway today. For more information on the Hog Fest and the many activities surrounding it, check out the Fisher County Chamber of Commerce link in the right hand column. It sounds like the Pie & Cake Contest on Thursday, October 12th is going to be a big deal. The rules were published in the paper this week. People from other counties are invited to participate as well. Sounds like lots of fun!

Monday, September 25, 2006

Reward for Lost Brush Hog Wheel

There is a reward of $30 to anyone finding a brush hog wheel that was lost on FM 611 from the cemetery and onto FM 1614 last Thursday. Just contact me if you find it. Thanks!

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Lance Theater Poster - Randolph Scott -Buy IT!




Hey, all, I saw this cool poster on ebay for sale, but there's only 8 hours left to buy it. It's out of my price range at $50, but I think it's worth it. It's a poster of Randolph Scott in the movie Carson City. It's located in Spur, so you won't have long to wait to get it. Be sure to check it out, being sold by 47lolo on ebay.

Saturday, September 16, 2006

J.D. Wallace dies at age 88

Midway Ad, Sweetwater Reporter, January 1949
This might seem like Sweetwater news, as that is where J.D. and his family have lived for as long as I can remember, but he has a connection to Hobbs, by proxy, as it is popular to say now. He was the son of Jack and Ola Wallace of Roscoe, and Ola's sister was Daisy Templeton of Hobbs.

My dad has told me many a story about J.D., his exploits in World War II, the opening of two theaters, the Joy in Roscoe and Midway in Sweetwater, and how he knew Tom "Pinkie" Roden, famous boot-legger and politician. Dad has a way of bringing people alive with his story-telling.

I went to the Sweetwater library today and dug up some ads for the Midway, which still stands on the west end of Broadway outside of Sweetwater. By the way, that library has a wonderful newspaper archive.

Dad told me that when the Joy was open in Roscoe, he always enjoyed visiting his aunt because that meant he got to see the movies for free. He said that they did a lot of publicity, hiring a dressed up cowboy for the western features and even some movie stars. That's why I was looking in the archives, to find some names, but I still have some searching to do.

Dad also tells me about going to the Lance in Rotan when he was a kid, and another theater, which I will guess was the Ritz. I had someone contact me that had taken a photo of the Lance 26 or so years ago. He was interested in knowing if the Lance was open again, since I reported that they were showing movies for the kids program this summer. I wish it was open, again, I can just see the marquee lit up and folks milling around waiting for the movie to start.

Anyway, now for an update on the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record headlines for the past two weeks. Get ready for the Fisher County Boot Scoot & Wild Hog Fest to be held Oct. 12th & 14th. It sounds like a lot of fun!

September 14th issue:
  • Fisher County Commissioners Court Minutes
  • New McCaulley Baptist Preacher Randy Curtis Photo
  • Local EMS Air Evac Training Photo
  • Hogfest Gospel Night & Pie Contest Oct 12th
  • Roby 4-H Meeting Minutes
  • Rotan School Board Meeting Minutes
  • Gamma Tau Photos and Article
  • Roby School Board Meeting Minutes
  • Roby City Council Meeting Minutes
  • Lions & Yellowhammers Game Rundowns
  • Fisher County Historical Commission Minutes
  • Rotan & Roby Track Meet Photos

September 7th Issue:

  • Sandy Underhill Retires from City
  • Sammy Baugh's Number to be Retired
  • Several Break-Ins reported in Rotan
  • Burn Ban Lifted for Fisher County
  • Fisher County Healthcare Dev. Corp. Meeting Minutes
  • Rotan School Board Meeting Minutes
  • Roby Students Participate in Cabbage Program, Photos
  • Obituary for Billie Harris
  • Rundown on Yellowhammer & Lions Games

Of course, there is much more information in the paper than what is here. Remember that if you want to subscribe to the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record, just click on the newspaper link to the right for info. TTFN, as Tigger says!

Sunday, September 3, 2006

September Sunday at 60 Degrees!

FM 1614, Fisher County, Texas Three days into September and it is 60 degrees at 7:45 in the morning! Ya gotta love this weather. It sure is easy to fall into the ways of fall and easy to forget that it was one zillion degrees just last week.

The papers have really piled up this time. I've got three issues to lay on you. I'm going to start with the last one first.

Also, as the paper says, really watch for those rattlesnakes. Our dog Sue got bit last weekend, thankfully she has survived. The first day I couldn't look at her because I thought she would die, the second day we couldn't look at her because we would just laugh and laugh. She was quite the fat-face.

I also came upon a snake in the corn bin while feeding the neighbors horses. Scared the bazooka out of me. So please watch out!

On to the issues!

Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record for August 31, 2006:
  • Neugebauer Coffee Notes & Photos
  • Fisher County Boot Scoot & Hogg Fest Oct. 14th, 735-2562
  • Rattlesnake Dangers
  • Dove Season Rules (season started with a bang on Friday!)
  • Peggy Caine Barnes Cutline and Photo for Benefit Concert
  • Hospital Board Minutes
  • WTC Nursing Graduation Photos
  • Fisher County RV Club Report
  • Trey Figueroa & Ashley Ramirez Marry
  • Clay Cade Graduates A&M
  • Terry Lee Cleveland Birth
  • Rotan FFA Minutes
  • Book Review of Just Between Us by Margaret Garland
  • Major William Montgomery and Daughter Photo (very good pic)
  • Obituaries for Marvin Laughlin and Sandra Jo (Barton) Holt
  • Kathleen Williamson Graduates Duke
  • Chick Carter & Jane Bennett Anniversary Invitation
  • Rodeo Queen Photos
  • Sammy Baugh Photos & Article
  • Roby School Board Minutes
  • Kids Flu Clinic Sept. 6th
  • Rotan & Roby Football Scrimmage Reports

Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record August 24, 2006:

  • Fisher County Chamber of commerce Minutes
  • Rodeo Queen Photos
  • First Day of School Photos
  • Brazos Boys, Danny & Rhonda Cochran Concert
  • Rotan City Council Minutes
  • J. J. Griffith Reunion
  • Van Os Visits Roby Cutline & Photo
  • 62nd Fisher County Rodeo Results
  • Obituary for Denis Truett Dooley
  • Kasey King and Josh Lindsey Marry
  • Julie Dawn Murdock Graduates Angelo State
  • Roby City Council Minutes
  • Rotan's Coach Lucas Reports on Yellowhammers
  • A Large Two-Page Montage from the Rodeo & Fair

Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record for August 17, 2006:

  • Newspaper's 100th Anniversary Edition
  • John's Place Article (Eat There! It's Good!)
  • Joe Heflin Campaign Photo and Op Ed
  • Roby School Board Minutes
  • Robin Belle Cave & John Stephen Dulaney Marry
  • Dekan Lyon Birth
  • Class of 1965 Reunion Photo
  • Happy 90th Birthday Helen Thornburg (Good Photo)
  • Allen Hull 80th Birthday Article & Photo
  • Rotan Band Boosters Club Minutes
  • Stetson Rasberry 7th in National High School Rodeo Finals
  • Obituaries for Alline Terry & James L. Springer
  • Fisher County Commissioners Court Minutes
  • Terry Jane Branch & Jeremiah Clayton Morris Marry
  • TBWEF Assessments Mailed Out
  • Kenneth Davis, Roby's New Coach, Photo
  • Rotan Track Article & Photos
  • Rotan School Board Minutes
  • Fisher County Rodeo Queen Contestant Photos
  • Fisher County Historical Commission Meeting Minutes
  • Time to Buy New Hunting & Fishing Licenses

Of course, these are only the title highlights. You know those meeting minutes are pretty interesting to read, and if you know what's going on around town, they can get downright nitty gritty.

I'm going to put another new link on the right side of this page. This one is for the Rotan Chamber of Commerce, where you can find even more information for the Boot Scoot & Hogg Fest and other Fisher County Events.

Whew! That was a lot to tell you. Oh, be sure to check out comments that people have written about past blog posts. Wes Hale has checked in with a good anecdote about Ricky and Andrew Williams. Adios!

Sunday, August 20, 2006

The 1947 Cactus

Hobbs School
I came across this Hobbs annual today and it is full of wonderful pictures. I saw so many familiar faces. I wish I could show all the pages, and we could laugh and point at old so-and-so.

This photo of the school really caught my eye. I couldn't believe that this used to be at Hobbs.

The caption reads "Volleyball and Baseball, We entered Volleyball and Baseball with determination to show what Hobbs girls could do in sports. Coach seemed to suspect this so he was hesitant about getting us a first game. Twelve girls came out for volleyball, and ten played baseball. Even though there was no schedule already made out for these sports, we enjoyed playing the few games we did play with other schools and especially those played among ourselves."

These gals seemed pretty liberated, and they wore some pretty short shorts, too!

Sunday, August 13, 2006

School Starts This Week!

Sue and Hank
Time sure does have a sneaky way of slipping past me! Here it's been three weeks or so since I've given any newspaper updates or anything. Well, at least I've made it in time to tell you school's in!

Rotan Schools will open their doors on Monday, August 14th, at 8 a.m. Elementary students will need to report to their classrooms, Junior High to the first period on their schedule and High School to the auditorium.

Roby Schools will open Wednesday, August 16th, at 7:50 a.m. K-6 students will report to the cafeteria, 7-8 report to the gym. The paper doesn't say where the Roby High School students report to. By the way, all this information and much, much more is in the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record, including interviews with school administrative members.

Okay, here's the short on what is in the newspaper this week:

  • Rotan and Roby ISD Bells Ring
  • Rotan Yellowhammers Football Preview
  • Roby Lions Football Preview
  • Photo of Southern Touch Flower Shop
  • Photo of Girls Tea Party at Taters & Toads
  • Bryan, Etheredge & Martin Reunion
  • Roby Cheerleaders Win Trophies
  • Artic Blast SnoCone Promo Photos
  • Sign Up for Fisher County Fair & Rodeo
  • Marriage of Crystal Early & Brian Loyd Lummus
  • Engagement Announcements for:
  • Jones-Wetsel, Putnam-Akins and Greenway-Foust
  • Birth Announcement for Kaylee Capree Flugel
  • Obituaries for Roy Graham Roberson and Clay Melton Smith
  • Introduction of Dr. Sarah Braaten Ferguson, M.D.
  • FSA Emergency Farm Loan Announcement

And, of course there is the Sheriff's Report, Legal Notices, Joy Walker's Fisher County Round-Up and lots more.

This morning when I woke up, we were without water pressure. Here it is only three hours later and the water is back on, and this is Sunday. A couple of weeks ago, the electric went out at midnight and it was back on a few hours later. I just want to tell our utility people how much we appreciate them. Our ancestors may have been pioneers, but I'm too wimpy to go without my electricity and water!

Oh, and about the photo. This is Sue and Hank, our 24 week old Brittany Spaniels. I've always been a cat person, but these two have converted me. We got them in Rotan and they're a real pleasure to have around. Happy Sunday, everyone!

Friday, July 21, 2006

Rotan Advance / Roby Star July 13 & July 20 Highlights

I let two weeks gang up on me! Here are the top stories from the July 13th issue:
  • Jody Guy Named New Roby CISD Athletic Director
  • Commissioners Meeting Minutes
  • Lonnie Hines Resigns as Roby Athletic Director
  • Coach Nathan Wheeler Resigns from Roby CISD
  • Dates Set for Roby Athletic Students Physicals
  • Birth Announcement for Mary Abigail Moffett and Karly Ann Briggs
  • Marriage Announcement for Kristina Maria Hamilton and Joshua Ray Benitez
  • Rotan 1960's Class Reunion Saturday 22nd at Dairy Queen, 2 p.m
  • Engagement Announcement for Chelsea Smith and Brad Atkinson
  • Marriage Announcement for Alexis Dunham and Christopher Keys
  • Obituaries for Dan Kennedy, Haldean "Dink" Cave, and Billy E. Bryan
  • Fisher County Financial Report
  • Sardis Cemetery Association Meeting Minutes

Here are headlines for the July 20th issue:

  • Building Donated to Rotan Golf Course
  • Rotan ISD Hires Thomas Bridgmon as Band Director
  • Rotan City Council Meeting Minutes
  • Rotan School Board Meeting Minutes
  • Local Fire Dept. Works Shinnery Fire
  • Rotan Class of 1948 Reunion Sat. 22 at the Church of Christ, after lunch
  • City-Wide Garage Sales August 5th
  • Birth Announcement for Mason Wesley Pullig
  • Mijares 5oth Anniversary Recap
  • Ashleigh Bullard and Jacob Price Marry
  • Job Opening at the FSA in Roby
  • Death of Nikki Alissa Yanez
  • Photos of Swimmers at the Roby & Rotan Pools

Whew! I'll try not to let that pile up again. Remember, information for subscribing to the paper is in the link list on the right.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Hobbs Holler Website is On-Line!

I have launched the Hobbs Holler website. I'm still working on it daily, so if a link doesn't work today, it will soon. Feel free to send me suggestions by e-mailing me. Also let me know if your browser doesn't support it so I can make adjustments. This is a work in progress and I'd like to know what you guys want on the site. If there are photos of certain things around Hobbs and Fisher County you would like to see, I'd be glad to add that to the page. I hope you enjoy it!

Fisher County Courthouse

Monday, July 10, 2006

Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record Highlights 7/6

  • Summer Youth Activities Schedule
  • Terrye Gruben is New County Auditor
  • Bettye Jo Vaught Retires as County Auditor
  • Country Market & Cafe Opens in Roby, formerly Circle D
  • Very Funny Editor's Column Regarding Public Restrooms
  • Notice of Sheriff's Sale
  • McCright Family Reunion
  • Louada Posey Obituary
  • Lots of July 4th Photos from the Park
  • Bridal Shower to be held for Kasey King & Josh Lindsey
  • Bridal Shower to be held for Veronica Thomas & J.R. Tankersley

Selections for the showers are at the Newspaper Office.

The Fireworks show was really something and there were a lot of folks out to see it. The explosions were so loud you could feel them. Can't wait 'til next year!

Friday, June 30, 2006

What You Missed This Week, June 29...

in the Rotan Advance / Roby Star:

  • 4th of July Celebration to be held
  • Roby Lions Club Officer Installation
  • Rotan Represented on Region Council
  • Blood Drive July 3rd
  • Rotan School Board Minutes
  • Fisher County Hospital Board Minutes
  • Calvin & Glenna Crow 60th Anniversary Announcement
  • Crow-Lambert Reunion Notes
  • Obituaries for James W. Adams, Jr. and George Edward Maule
  • Notice of Sale of Property by the Rotan ISD
  • Quad County (West Division) Baseball Photos

and much, much more. You ought to sign up and get the details!

Sunday, June 25, 2006

George Maule dies at Age 84

I just received the news that my buddy George died about 6 p.m. today. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday morning at the First Methodist Church in Rotan.

What You Missed This Week...

..by not getting the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record. Here's the highlights:
  • Summer Youth Programs, numerous activities for the kids, including movies at the old Lance Theatre
  • Stetson Rasberry joins the Texas State Hgih School Rodeo Team
  • Fisher County ban burn enacted June 15th
  • Chris Gonzales signs with Ranger College
  • Cross Roads Vacation Bible School this week
  • Spencer-Paske engagement announcement
  • Births of Hunter Lee Bowman and Xander Coe Moffett
  • James Ratliff's three-legged calf
  • Cleveland / Moise Reunion highlights
  • Obituaries for Merry Lou (Terry) Fuller and D.L. Knight
  • Joy Walker's County Round-Up

...and much, much more, including recipes, classified ads and legal notices. For some reason there wasn't a blotter this week. Someone important must have gotten arrested this week! If you want to subscribe, just click on the link in the right column and get the information.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Hobbs Reunion Planned for October

Historical Plaque in front of Hobbs High School The Hobbs School reunion has been planned for Saturday, October 21 this year. There will be a morning program and lunch in the gym. If you want to be added to the invitation list (either e-mail or paper mail), drop me a line at leslietempleton@yahoo.com. If you're here during the week, be sure to check out the old auditiorium, which I believe was restored a couple of years ago. There are photos of past graduates in the gym, and there have been upgrades done to the school itself.
Take some time to stop by the cemetery and pay your respects to family members and friends, and maybe run over to Rotan to see what's new there.
They're hoping for a big turnout this year!

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Hobbs News

I have added two new links over in the right hand column, one with information about the local newspaper, the Rotan Advance/Roby Star, and one that goes directly to the Hobbs High School Classmates registration page.

Classmates basic membership is free, and there is always some sort of information to be gleaned there. I signed up for a 3-month gold membership recently, which was nice because I could add photos and announcements, and also look around a little deeper into the site.

I had to make sure to go in and change the payment plan on my account, though, because their default is an automatic draft from your bank or credit card account.

I am going to dig up some alumni information and make that available here, soon. I believe a Hobbs High School Reunion is scheduled for this year.

Sunday, June 4, 2006

Todd Matthies Dies at 37

John Todd Matthies of Roby, Texas died May 29 in Roby.

Todd, as he was known to everyone, was born September 9, 1968 in Abilene, Texas. He was the son of Shirley (Farmer) Jeffrey and the late John Matthies (died at age 42). He graduated from McCaulley High School in 1987 and Tarleton State University in 1991. Todd married Fonda Jeffrey August 27, 1990, in Snyder.

Todd worked for the Texas Department of Transportation in Roby as a sign man. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Roby.

He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Todd Wayne Jeffrey, as well as his father, John.

Survivors include his wife, Fonda, son and daughter Heath and Hope, mother and stepfather Shirley and Billy Wayne Jeffrey, brother Rodney Matthies, sister-in-law Jana Bond and husband Ricky, step-grandparents Truett and Jewell Jeffrey, and nephews and niece David Bond, Judd Bond, Carl Bond and Kristi Smith and husband Joe.

Todd was buried at Roby Cemetery on May 31. The funeral procession was lead by the TxDOT sign truck that he worked in.

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Rotan High School Graduates

Rotan High School Class of 2006 graduated Friday night at 8 p.m. It is so exciting to see these young people on the doorstep of adult life. The program was emotional, with the presentation of the Haley Helms Scholarship and the Coach Eric Alvarez Scholarship, a memories slide show ending in the song "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and presentation of roses by the graduates to the special people in their lives. A special thank you goes out to Principal Bob Spikes, who persevered and made graduation possible for students that others had serious doubts about reaching the goal. Congratulations and Woohoo! to the Class of '06!

Saturday, May 6, 2006

What the Hail?



We really took a pounding last night when tennis and golfball size hail moved through the area. This formed between our place and Snyder within a 45 minute time frame and within a 17 mile area. I could hear roaring as it approached and I thought it was a tornado. My daughter and I were in the cellar, but my husband stayed inside with the dog. He said it looked like cannonballs were being thrown into the tank (that's a pond) when the hail hit the water. It was scary and another hailstorm followed just a while after this one. The windshields were broken on all our vehicles and there is a lot of body damage. There was also a window broken on the house. I don't always love living in Texas, ya know.

Friday, May 5, 2006

Prickly Pear Blooming



A friend gave me a field guide this week, written by Zoe Merriman Kirkpatrick, entitled "Wildflowers of the Western Plains". It has been invaluable in helping to identify all the pictures of flowers I have taken. It's nice not to have to shuffle through a bunch of plants that don't grow in this region, and the photos make for fast identification. I just can't get enough of the flowers!

Sunday, April 30, 2006

Andrew Williams Dies at Age 80

Andrew Williams died this past Wednesday at the age of 80. His son, Ricky, drives the school bus out here at Hobbs. The Williams are known as an upstanding family and one of the historical families in Fisher County. Details can be found in this Abilene Reporter News article.

Saturday, April 15, 2006

Scarlet Globemallow...

is the name of the little orange flower I posted about previously. I finally found the information at NCRS, the USDA's Plants Database. I was able to download a list of the plants that grow just in Fisher County, and got lucky enough that this flower was just about number five on the list. I say download, but all I had to do was cut and past into Excel. Lots of plant info!

Tuesday, April 4, 2006

Small Beauty


I've searched for the name of this flower for a couple of hours, but I haven't come up with anything. These are fairly common here in Fisher County. Out here in this semi-arid country, where everything seems to have a fang or a thorn, you have to take beauty where you can find it. Some of the flowers aren't even as large as a pencil eraser, but a closer look will show intricate design.

A couple of good sites for viewing Texas wildflowers are Maddog'n'Miracles, which has a jillion thumbnails that come up quickly, even with dial-up, and Wild About Texas Wildflowers, which has neat little pop-up pictures that have all the information, including the scientific name, in a caption below the photo.

Monday, April 3, 2006

Spring Signs


We've spotted a buzzard, a scissortail and budding mesquites in the past few weeks, so we can be pretty sure that Spring is here. Some folks are worrying about drought, but my sources say that the cattle are indicating good times ahead, which, for this area, equals to rain.

There's a building in Rotan that I think is interesting and I finally snapped a photo of it today. It's around the east corner from the Lance Theatre. I believe it's at the back of the building that used to be the bank, but I sometimes get these things confused. If anyone out there knows which building this is, give me a holler.

Thursday, March 9, 2006

Hobbs Baptist Church



The Hobbs Baptist Church closed down this past year. The land it was on had been donated and specified that if the church closed, it was to go back to the grantors. The land did go back to the original owners and another individual purchased it. It was then fenced and is now used for grazing cattle. Henry Walton was the pastor when it closed.

Wednesday, March 1, 2006

Magic Forest

This photo of the sunset through our pasture has definitely been altered. I have these trees saved in many different colors, be thankful you only have to see one.

It was a hot one today, in the 90's. Tomorrow should be around 70 and our chances for rain start to increase. I read somewhere on the KTXS site that today is meteorologically the first day of spring, although there are still 19 days by the calendar. Anyway, the turbulent spring weather is on it's way.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Ah, Country Living

Yes, boondocks living is very fine, but one thing that is common is loss of utilities. Usually it is electricity, which we were without after the dust storm until the electric company could come and replace our transformer.

This past weekend we were without phones, since the line had been cut by maintainers fixing ditches (funny enough, it was my husbands work crew who did it, he works for the highway department).

Now, it is water. It has been off since last night, but they have assured me it will be back on today.

Anyway, back to the good of country living. I took this photo of the moon and sky at dusk the other night. The colors were really that vivid, no touch ups to the photo. I took about 40 pictures, the colors were so beautiful.


Sunday, January 1, 2006

Dust and Sun


It was a very dusty day in Hobbs. This is a view of Buddy Burnett's (the Martin place) with the sun obscured by dirt. The wind finally settled at sunset.