Enchilada Dinner Benefit for Vanessa Williams Today

Today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Rotan Elementary Faculty and Staff will be hosting an enchilada benefit dinner for Vanessa Williams, wife of Henry Williams. Vanessa recently had surgery and the proceeds will go toward medical bills. If you're in or near Rotan, please chip in on this most worthy cause and get a good meal in the process. The benefit is being held in the school cafeteria and carry-outs are available, 735-2456.

I saw this tumbleweed on 611 yesterday and thought "Now that's an honest to goodness Cowboy Christmas Tree". The cotton crop has been good and the wind was just right to help this weed decorate itself. It was wrapped around a stop sign and had a boll weevil trap sticking out of it, but by this morning, when I went back to photograph it, it had already blown across the road. A lesson for the photographer to always carry a camera.

Onto the latest Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record issue, November 29, 2007:

• Roby Parade Held Dec. 1st
• Rotan Band Conquering Region One
• Fisher County Foster Children Wish List
• Santa Letters Deadline Dec. 10th
• Rotan Parade to be Dec. 6th
• Roby Toy Drive
• Winter Wonderland of Snow (photos)
• Fisher County Gin Reports
• Obituaries for Don Allen Aldridge, John Ross Hale, Sr, Obie Gene Kelley, Jason Bennett VanLoon, Joe Luis Rivas, Herbert Kennedy, and Jessica & Kelli Uhl
• Fisher County Political Calendar
• True Holiday Spirit
• Fisher County Roundup by Joy Walker
• Texas Retired Teachers Foundation 2007-2008 Scholarship Guidelines
• Randy's Roundup by Congressman Randy Neugebauer
• Report Looks at Well Being of Children in Fisher County
• The Newspaper Office open house Dec. 6th during Rotan Downtown Parade
• Classified Ads
• Fisher County Basketball (photos)
• Fisher County Hospital Board Meeting Minutes
• Fisher County Sheriff's Report
• Narconon Offers Help for Substance Abuse
• Fisher County Art Association holds meeting (photo)
• Roby CISD Honor Roll
• Gateway Family Services Staff Members Attend Conference (photo)
• Public Hearing Roby CISD
• Tumbleweed Smith
• Recipe Corner: Ham & Cheese Pie

That's all for today. I guess I better get started on the Christmas cards. I saw someone already mailing theirs last Tuesday. Danged overachievers! They sure set the bar high. Have a good week!

The Day of the Bird

Apparently, winter is here. I say that because there is white in the air and I believe that signifies a change in the season, although it was in the 80's two days ago.

There's a 22-pound turkey roasting in my oven, right now. I woke up late, so, of course, that will set lunch behind an hour, since I didn't get the bird in on time. I'm just afraid my dad will choke if he's eating during the Cowboys game.

I want to mention a couple of places around Sweetwater that I've heard people talking about. Two new places to eat are Blondie's on the north side of the square and a new restaurant in the establishment formerly known as Rick & Carolyn's on Broadway, I think it's called the Cattleman. The food is supposed to be good and inexpensive at both places.

I also want to mention the Hallmark store in the old J & J slot between Jack's Liquor and the Computer Shack on Hailey. They just recently got in a huge load of merchandise and you're sure to get a good welcome when you go in. It smells good, too, with all the Yankee Candle products. My favorite is the sage & citrus car fresheners.

The Health Food Store next to Brookshire's is another place you need to go into at least once. I shop for one of my clients there regularly and I always want to stay and pore over every item. You can also purchase fresh eggs there.

It's a special treat today, I have the past two weeks of headlines for the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record. Let's get started!

November 15, 2007:

• Rotan ISD Honors Veterans (photo)
• Benefit for Gabriel Frausto
• Rotan Christmas Celebration & Parade
• Fisher County Gin Report
• Roby CISD Board Discusses New Athletic Complex, Agrees to Contact CADCO Engineers
• USDA Reminds Farmers to Sign Up for Livestock & Crop Disaster Programs
• Obituary for Mildred (Grubb) Boen
• Fisher County Commissioners Court Approves Resolution to Amend Fisher County Abatement Guidelines
• Fisher County Constitutional Amendment Election Results
• Rotan School Board Meeting Minutes
• Rotan ISD Honor Roll
  
• Fisher county Sheriff's Report
• Derwayne & Barbara Rasco Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary this Sunday (photo)
• Community Meeting in Sweetwater (photo)
• Classifieds 735-2562
• Rotan Yellowhammers Sports Review (photos)
• Roby Lions Sports Review (photos)
• Engagement Announcements for Mindy Ann Gaspar to Kasey Lee Murphy, Tasha Nicole Carrillo to John Michael Soto (photos)
• New Roby CISD Board Member (photo)
  
• Fisher County Schools Weekly Calendar
• Joy Walker's Fisher County Roundup
• Patricia Rebecca Daniel Chosen All USA Candidate
• Randy Neugebauer Newsletter
• Tax Planning by Rick Rodgers, CPA
• Highway Patrol Urges Thanksgiving Drivers to Obey Traffic laws
• Newsbriefs: Men's Breakfast
• The Newspaper Office Open House Dec. 6th During Parade, Hot Chocolate, Cookies & Door Prizes
• Cheryl Kelly Taking Appointments at the Clearfork Health Clinic
• Texas Municipal League Presents Representative Joe Heflin with a TML Distinguished Legislative Service Award
• FCHC Meeting Minutes

November 22, 2007 Issue:

• Commissioners Court Contracts Alan Carmichael to Negotiate with Airtricity
• Meek Blood Drive
• DAR Honors Good Citizens (photos)
• Letter to the Editor from Dale Stowe
• Roby City Manager Mickey Kelly Briefs Roby Council with Problems Concerning Meter Tampering
• Fisher County Political Calendar
• Notice of Public Meeting On Agency Plans
• Obituary for Avanelle Joy (Turnbow) Harmon
• Notice of Public Hearing by the Fisher County Commissioners Court
• Neugebauer Joins West Texas Colleagues to Introduce One Year Extension to 2002 Farm Bill
• New email for the Newspaper Office: radvance@rotanadvance.com
• Roby FFA Contest Results (photos)
• Fisher County Food Show (photo)
• Fisher County Roundup by Joy Walker
• Rotan School Library to Host Book Fair
• Legal Notice Burn Ban
• Classified Ads
• Fisher County Basketball Report (photos)
• How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey by Roby Kindergarten Class 2007 (funny!)
• New in Roby, One Way Student Ministries
• Fisher County FSA Reminds Voters of 2007 County Committee Election
• Fisher County Weekly Calendar
• Rotan City Council Still Waiting on Audit, Fields Reports from Rodney Denton
• Protect Against Diseases when Hunting or Enjoying Outdoor Activities
• Fisher County Foster Children Wish List
• USDA Seeks Public Comment on Emergency Conservation Program
• USDA to Report Market Gains on IRS Form 1099-G

TxDOT is on their way out to start treating roads here in Fisher County. It looks like we're in for a good one and snow is accumulating on bridges, so be careful and have a good holiday!

Williamson Tack & Saddle

Hey, I wanted to pitch for one of my neighbors. Glenn Ray has a saddle shop a couple of miles west of us, up towards Camp Springs. I made a web page to showcase a few of the items for sale up there on the hill. There's a pair of snazzy pink rhinestone spurs with matching headstall and reins that I would like for myself and he always has plenty of saddles. Look at the few items on the site, but for sure stop by and talk to Glenn if you're out this way.

Honoring Veterans

- Haskell Templeton -

I want to mention the veterans in my family whom I am grateful to for their military service.

SSG Fred Schmidt, US Army (retired), 1983 to 2004. He served as a Platoon Sergeant and a M1A1 Tank Mechanic, did two tours in Germany during the Cold War and was also a member of the Canadian Armor Trophy Team (CAT Team). He is a combat vet of Operation Desert Storm and was stationed at White Sands Missile Range for a Homeland Security Mission.

PFC Mickey Templeton, US Army, 10th Artillery, 1961 to 1963. His job was firing a 105 Holister cannon. He spent 18 months at Fort Benning, Georgia after basic training.

Bill Tucker, Fireman 1st Class, US Navy, 1948 to 1950. He was a metalsmith (welder) aboard the USS St. Paul, a heavy cruiser whose homeport was Long Beach, California.

Les Templeton, S2 USNRF, WWI.

Haskell Templeton, US Navy, WWII. He was a water tenant aboard a liberty ship. His photo is above.

I'm not very comfortable writing about military ranks and such, so please forgive me if they are out of order or misspelled. Thanks to all the veterans out there for your service and sacrifice.

I wanted to mention some things I've noticed around Hobbs this week. There's an oil rig platform across from the school on the backside of that cotton field to the north. There isn't a lease sign up, so I don't know who is drilling, but the Railroad Commission of Texas has a searchable drilling permit database that can be perused using many different parameters.

I noticed the Hobbs School put a new tin roof on the old building out front this summer and they've been tweaking it some this week.

Frank Cockrell's tombstone was engraved with the date of his death this past week.

On to headlines for the November 8, 2007 issue of the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record:

• Veterans Day Ceremony at Rotan ISD Nov. 12, 9 a.m.
• Lady Hammers Bi-District Champions (photo)
• Assistant District Attorney Ann Reed Announces for District Attorney, 32^nd Judicial District (photo)
• Letter from City of Sweetwater to Sweetwater Water Users
• Brown Bag Bible Study
• KTAB Teacher Tribute Award (photo)
• Filing for Local Offices Opens Dec. 3
• Obituaries for Elaine Ballard, Janet F. Jones, and Ruby Trim
• Fisher County 4-H Food Show Results
• Lucy Ragan Alls Bags Buck (photo)
• Veterans Day Tributes (photos)
• Veterans Day Ceremony 2007 at Dorothy Garrett Coliseum
• Classified Ads, Deadline Noon on Tuesday, 325-735-2562
• Rotan Yellowhammers Sports Review (photos)
• Roby Lions Sports Review (photos)
• Halloween Costume Photos
• Roby CISD & Rotan High School Weekly Calendar
• Joy Walker’s Fisher County Round-Up
• Fisher County Chamber Elects New Officers, Reviews Results of Hog Fest
• 2007 BBQ Cook-Off Results, Fisher County Hog Fest
• Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record has new email: radvance@rotanadvance.com
• Sheriff’s Report
• Roby Student Essay Published in National Newspaper (photo)
• Rotan Christmas Parade to be Held Dec. 6 @ 6:15 p.m.
• Randy’s Roundup
• YHQ After-School Program Registration
• Recipe Corner: Chicken Parmesan
• Rotan 8^th Grade Officers (photo)
• Monthly Climatological Summary for October 2007
• News Briefs: Lubbock Ballet to Host the Nutcracker Ballet; Ladies Conference

Enjoy your Sunday and be sure to remember a veteran.

The Elusive Hour Returns

One of the reasons fall is my favorite time of year is that I get my hour back. I can start getting to places on time, again. I feel better rested and more productive. I seemed so industrious this morning, making breakfast at 7 a.m., anticipating the returning hunters. Okay, it's probably all in my head, but it makes me a happier person, anyway.

I'm happy to announce that Hobbs School throws are now available for purchase. The throws belong to the Hobbs Exes and proceeds will be used to continue keeping Hobbs Homecoming as inexpensive as possible. You can contact Peggy Vernon or Mac Etheredge for more information. There are images of the old school, the primary building, the agriculture building, the home economics cottage, the Hobbs Gin, and the new school on the blanket, and also a large Hobbs Panthers logo in the center. It is blue and beige with a fringe all the way around. This would make a great keepsake or you could use it to keep the chill off when you're watching TV or reading. Very nice!

I'd like to give a big hello! to Joe Duncan of Norway. He was a teacher from 1965-1982 at Roscoe High School, and also a school bus driver who traversed the terrain of the 18 Ranch as part his route that ran from north of Roscoe to the Claytonville area. He sent me five documents regarding the Grady Cemetery, including a hand-drawn map that identifies those buried within. It's invaluable information and I appreciate it greatly.

Also, here's a shout out to the Roscoe Boys Club. Hey, ya'll!

Now for the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record headlines from the November 1, 2007 issue:

• Roby Volunteer Fire Dept. Turkey Shoot today!
• District Attorney Mark Edwards Not Seeking Re-election (very good article) (photo)
  
• Brooke's Cafe Now Open in Rotan (photo)
• Rhenda Ragan Named New Rotan Postmaster (photo)
• Immunization Clinic Set for Nov. 7
• Filing for Local Offices Opens Dec. 3
• Tuesday Nov. 6 Vote for Amendments
• Frank Conard, Sweetwater Attorney, Announces for District Attorney (photo)
• Obituaries for Clinton A. Edwards, Floy Lou (Headstream) Pursley, and Pauline (Elrod) Holleman
• 2007 Maberry Reunion Report
• Default Judgement on $50,780 Issued by 32nd Judicial District Court
• Letter to the Editor in reference to the Rotan ISD Board meeting where the issue of boys shirt-tails was discussed
  
• Fisher County Sheriff's Report
• Nowlin / Terry Engagement Announcement (photo)
• Joy Walker's Fisher County Roundup
• Legal Notice from the Fisher County Hospital District
• Storage Lien Sale at Rotan Motors
• News Briefs: Farm Bureau Member Appreciation Day; Fisher County Hog Fest Cookbooks available
• Recipe Corner: Chicken Frito Pie
• Shower Selections for Lindsey (Howard) May at the Newspaper Office, 735-2562
• Classified Ads
• Rotan Yellowhammers Sports Report (photos)
  
• Roby Lions Sports Report (photos)
• Recruiter of the Year (photo)
• Lucy Ragan Alls Cheerleading Competition Photo
• Roby Gamma Tau members Host Program On Reading Recovery (photo)
• Roby Lighted Christmas Parade to be Dec. 1
• Roby & Rotan Schools Weekly Calendar
• Big Country Pecan Show to be Held Nov. 16
• Mitchell County Livestock Auction now open Saturdays

That's all for today! Enjoy this beautiful day and weather. You know, when it's been dry this long, rain is just around the corner!

Sam Reeves dies at 73

I was saddened to read about the death of Sam Reeves as I was perusing newspapers this morning. He was one of my mom's & step-dad's cohorts when I was a kid. A very memorable and larger-than-life person. Good-bye, Sam.

Another Fall Festival, FCAA Meeting Monday

We attended Roby's Fall Festival and Haunted House last night. There was a large turnout. I was surprised that the biggest hit at the carnival was where you paid one ticket to go to jail (actually, just a cage, pictured to the right). The kids loved it and could hardly wait to get locked up. Hopefully, this is something that won't continue over into adulthood.

Before going through the haunted house, we analyzed how scary it could be. Surely we could not be traumatized or have bad dreams. Boy, were we wrong! Right after the gruesome guide shut the door and said "There's no turning back, now", we screamed until we stumbled out the back door. It was only me and my daughter, just in case you know my husband and son. I don't want you to think they were squealing like girly-girls. But Jess and I gave it all we had. We were thinking about going to the haunted house in Snyder next Wednesday, but we've decided we prefer the nicer side of Halloween, like neat costumes and cake and candy.

I've been working hard (kind of) to chart the Hobbs Cemetery, but I found this informative site called Find a Grave, where you can look up cemetery information. I noticed that it names Grady Cemetery, but doesn't have any of the interred listed. The site has a down-loadable document that you can use to add people to a graveyard, and also there are requests for photos. I like the cumulative information format. You know, everyone pitching in to make the picture whole.

I'm trying to find a good Halloween cake recipe to make a cake for the party that Jess's piano teacher, Ms. B, is throwing next Wednesday night. Some places I've looked is the Hershey's Kitchens, Martha Stewart, and Better Homes & Gardens. I haven't found exactly what I want yet, but I had fun looking at the sites.

Oh, and if you want to have your child take piano or guitar lessons, you can e-mail Ms. B for specifics. I think she also teaches cello and some other instruments, but you would have to ask her. That's in Sweetwater. She is a talented teacher.

I also wanted to let everyone know that the Frank Cockrell Art Association will be holding a meeting October 29, 6 p.m. at Larry Williamson's office, just south of the courthouse in Roby. Ricky Niell will be doing a Terragen demonstration and a Microsoft Picture It! image editing demonstration. You do not have to be a member to attend.

That's all, and more than enough, for one session. Enjoy the last week of October!

Frost and Halloween, Fall is Here, Almost, Soon...

It's right around the corner, anyway! We had light frost on the windshield this morning, and it's a fact that Halloween is next week, so I know that Autumn has to be around here somewhere.

We have many things that probably need to be dealt with around here, but we just leave alone, and one of those things is that we have bats. A few creeped out from under the roof tin the other day to hang around. We also have a couple of black cats (not to mention a bunch of other color of cats) and some pumpkins, so we're set for the holiday.

We ordered a costume from Moon Costumes. I think it's too late, though, and we won't get it until after Halloween.

If you're in the mood to shop for creepy things, go on over to ebay's metaphysical auctions, where you can buy haunted items. There's a lot of other weird stuff on there, too.

I got that tip from the Kovel's newsletter about antiques and collectibles. I don't collect, but they are entertaining and have pictures of interesting and unusual things that you don't usually see, or haven't seen in a long time.



On to the headlines for the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record October 25, 2007 issue:

• Amendment Election Nov. 6
• Local Student Accepted Into UTPB Music Program (photo)
• Friends of Faith to meet Nov. 3
  
• Rotan Receives Award (photos)
• Chamber Steak Dinner Photo
• Roby & Rotan Lions Clubs Collecting Used Eye Wear for Sight Night
• Obituaries for Frank Odell Cockrell, Ermando Barrera, and Jerry Boone
• Storage Lien Car for Sale
• Rotan ISD School Board Vote to Uphold Level II Hearing
• State Bid Legal Notices
• County Auditor's Annual Financial Report
• Ag Day Article
• Roby CISD Honor Roll
• Recipe Corner: Low-Fat Sugar Free Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
• Winners of Pie & Cake Contest Announced (photo)
• Classified Ads (735-2562 to place yours)
• Yellowhammers Sports Review (photos)
• Lions Sports Review (photos)
• Fisher County Financial Report
• Fisher County Weekly School Calendar
• Comptroller Seeks Owners of Forgotten Funds
• 4-H'ers Host Fall Festival & Haunted House
• Joy Walker's Fisher County Round-Up
• Fisher County Hospital Board Meeting Minutes
• Sheriff's Report
• Public Notice of Atmos Raising Rates
• Co-op Formed to Offer More Access for Health Insurance
• TX Dept. of Agriculture Market Recap
• Hog Fest Photos
• Neugebauer Announces Mobile Office Hours for Nov.
• Haskell Livestock Auction Report

Keep your eye on the sparrow! Better get that firewood cut, 'cause cold will be here 'fore you know it. TTFN!

Frank Odell Cockrell Dies at 79

Rotan's beloved Frank Cockrell died yesterday at the age of 79. Visitation is going on now at the Weathersbee-Ray Funeral Home until 8 p.m. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Hobbs Cemetery.

Some Items of Mention

Here are a few things that have been floating around in my head that I wanted to mention.

There's a good & simple taco place in Sweetwater that's purt' near heavenly. It is La Casita on Lamar Street, close to the Alabama intersection. Oh, man, homemade tortillas and expertly prepared fillings will have you saying "mmmm"!

I found Cactus Creek Web Design on line by accident. They have links to the businesses they design for, check them out.

See if you have Unclaimed Property in Texas. You can search by name, business or town. I found a substantial amount for my dad. Maybe you can make someones day (or your own) by finding them some funds. I'm getting a steak dinner out of the deal.

You can get a free credit report annually. This is a handy link. I recently found that someone was using our PO Box address for inquiries on credit, and I wanted to make sure they weren't using our names or private info, so I just pulled a report. Very useful.

That's all for now, have a good week!

Fall Fest Weekend

We went to two fall festivals this weekend and managed a good time even though the wind tried to blow our heads off.

The Roscoe Fall Wind Festival was a big hit. There was a silent auction, vendors, music, games and a busy concession area (nachos!) inside the community center.

The Wild Hog Fest was just changing speed when we got there. Most of the vendors were closing down and it looked like everyone was gearing up for the Hogg Maulies and Matt Martindale. I snapped a photo of one of the little feral pigs that the hog dealer had in a pen. He said that they can't buy any under 60 pounds, so they usually just let them go. I always kind of feel sorry for them when I see a bunch all caged up. Just be sure not to stick your hand in the cage, no matter how cute they look. Your fingers would be in danger of missing if you did that.

Here are the headlines for the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record October 18, 2007 issue:

• Rotan City Council Appoints Matt mercer as New City Attorney
• Rotan Gin Fire Ruled Arson (photo)
• Photo of Debris the City Burned on Condemned Property
• October 18 Declared Frank Cockrell Day in Fisher County (photo)
• Fisher County Boot Scoot & Wild Hog Fest Oct 18 & 20
• Fisher County Hog Fest 5K Run/Walk
• Obituary for Betty Jo (Kennedy) Helms McCright (photo)
• Roby School Board Reviews Monthly Reports, Informed on Meetings with Airtricity
• Fisher County Historical Commission Visits Mac Etheredge
• Tumbleweed Smith: Finding Jim Killeen
• Rotan ISD Honor Roll
• Rotan & Roby Schools Weekly Calendar
• News Briefs: AA Organizational Meeting; Mens Breakfast
• Rotan Yellowhammers Sports Review (photo)
• Roby Lions Sports Review (photo)
• Joy Walker's Fisher County Round-Up
• DAR Meeting Minutes, Centennial Cookbooks Available
• A Tribute to Frank Cockrell
• Clearfork Health Center Message from Dr. C.M. Callan

That's all for this week! Get your subscription to the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record by calling 325-735-2562 or e-mailing radvance@bigcountry.net to get the story behind the headlines.

Auditor A No Show, Matt Mercer Appointed as City Attorney

Not much to report from tonight's Rotan City Council Meeting. Mainly, the auditor did not show and has communicated that she will not have a draft until the end of this week or the beginning of the next. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 19, but the Mayor indicated a special meeting will probably be called to deal with the audit. Also, Matt Mercer was appointed as the new city attorney. To read more details on this meeting, pick up a copy of the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record on Thursday.

Rotan City Council Meeting October 16, Audit to be Presented

Headlines for the October 11, 2007 issue of the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record:

• Rotan City Council Meeting, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m., the Audit will be presented by Merrit / McClain from Abilene
• Boot Scoot and Wild Hog Fest, Oct. 18 & 20 (photos)
• Boot Scoot Cake Baking & Pie Contest, Oct. 18, Airport
• Hog Fest Walk / Run, Oct. 20, 7 a.m., Sr. Citizens Building
• Roby First Baptist Church Revival, Oct. 14 – 17
• Rotan Eighth Grade Fajita Luncheon, Oct. 14, 11 a.m., $6.00
• Frank Cockrell Art Association (formerly Fisher County Art Assoc.) Hangs Murals Downtown (photos)
• Obituaries for Merle Wayne Burns & Joe Frances Clark
• Notice of Amendment Election Nov. 6
• Roby City Council Approves Purchase of Vehicle
• Annual McCaulley Fall Fish Fry (very good photo!), Oct. 17
• Flu Shots Available at Roby Rural Health Clinic
• Tumbleweed Smith: Big Spring’s Foremost Animal Lover
• Fisher County Hospital Board Adopts Budget, Sets Tax Rate
• Rotan Junior High & Elementary Honor Roll
• Rotan & Roby Schools Weekly Calendar
• State Comptroller Releases Texas Unclaimed Property
• Joy Walker’s Fisher County Round-Up
• Commissioners Hold Special Meeting on Wind Farms, Review Steps for Tax Abatement
• Fisher County Commissioners Court Approves Cell Phone Plan; Fields Monthly Reports
• News Briefs: Red Ribbon Week; Annual Sausage Supper; Men’s Breakfast; Diabetes Program; Fisher County Boot Scoot & Hog Fest
• Randy Neugebauer’s Newsletter: Immigration Reforms; Internet Tax; Attacks Against the Word “God” in D.C.
• Members of the Fisher County Chamber of Commerce
• Wedding Announcement for Heather Vincent & Casey Lester
• Grand Champion Mare (photo)
• Rotan Yellowhammers Sports Report & Photos
• Roby Lions Sports Report & Photos
  

Elmer Kelton Book Signing

- Elmer & Anni Kelton -

We attended the Elmer Kelton book-signing party this morning at the City-County Library in Sweetwater. Elmer is pictured to the right with his wife of sixty years, Anni. There were a lot of notable people attending, including Mike Brentz, Jeff Stein, Ann Roberts, John Boggs and Evelyn White. Two Hastings employees were there selling Mr. Kelton's books for signing. It seemed appropriate for western artist Barry Arthur to be the October artist of the month, setting a nice background for the event. More information about library events and calendar can be found at www.sweetwaterlibrary.org.

An upcoming event that I would like to mention is the 1st Annual West Texas Harvest Wind Festival, Saturday, October 20th, 10-6 p.m. at the Roscoe Community Center. Activities include arts & crafts, retail vendors, entertainment, food, kids activities, a job fair, and exhibits. Details can be found at www.roscoewind.org.

Tom Hargrove identified the man in the picture with him of the cotton tree which was previously posted on this site. He is Brehima Dagnoko, program manager for the Group for Research and Training in Arboriculture and Agriculture. The photo was taken in Koutiala, a village in the Sahel, or semi-desert south of the Sahara, in Mali, West Africa.

Tom also had some good news regarding Long March to Freedom, his Colombia book (actually, his secret diary that he managed to smuggle out), and his book A Dragon Lives Forever: War and Rice in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Even though Dragon is a Vietnam War memoir, one chapter is about growing up in Fisher County, another is about being in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M during the mid-1960s. The books were originally published by Random House, then later by Tom himself. Presently, the Texas A & M University Press is republishing both books through the TAMU Press. Long March to Freedom will be released this month and in six months, A Dragon Lives Forever will be released. Go to www.tamu.edu for more about Tom Hargrove's literature.

Now, onto the headlines for this week's issue for the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record:

• Tammy Morton Named JP Precinct 1
• Sweetwater Approves Purchase of Renewable Energy Credits through CAPP Program
• Joe Heflin Named Legislator of the Year by County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas
• Pre-K Rotan Photos with Mini-horses
• See You at the Pole photo
• Letter to the Editor by Elen Christopher suggests that we “forgive and forget” the $45,000 missing from City Funds
• Eilene Cave Celebrates 90^th Birthday (photo)
• Engagement Announcement for Cassie Dawn Terry & Jason Terrell Beaird (photo)
• Roby Class of 1956 Reunion Recap
• 8^th Grade Fajita Luncheon October 14, Rotan Cafeteria
• Birth Announcement for Kaden Royce Walden (photo)
• Roby Class of 1957 Recap and Group Photo
• Gamma Tau & DAR Tour Callan Museum (photo)
• Angel Velez Places in South Plains Fair
• Roby Lions Sports Report & Photos
• Obituaries for Alice Lee Kemp Ballenger & Vivian Louise Rogers Dunnington
• Joy Walker’s Fisher County Round-Up
• Recipe Corner: Chicken Frito Pie
• Weekly Calender for Roby & Rotan Schools
• Rotan Yellowhammers Sports Report & Photos

For those of you who may not know, Rosemary Donham is the editor and owner of the newspaper. She and her staff do a fine job, and if I had my own hardcopy paper, I would model it after hers. Have a good weekend!

Where Did the Money Go?

Well, the minutes for the Sept. 18 Rotan City Council meeting have been published in the Rotan Advance / Roby Star record this week. There is still no news of where the $45,000 or more has gone to. This is the third meeting installment, it would definitely be worth your money to get the back orders on this story. It's a downright scandal, and a question of some conflict of interest.

The Sweetwater Reporter ran an article about the accident Patsy and Homer Grimes had in New Mexico. You know, I don't like it when a news story reports "they weren't wearing helmets" or "they weren't wearing seat belts". Does it make it okay to have a major accident if you are buckled up, but not if you aren't. That's like asking if a family member who died of cancer used to smoke. Does it make it okay or less tragic if they didn't?

Tonight is Rotan's Homecoming. They are playing Hawley at 7:30 p.m. Next week Sweetwater and Roscoe will be having their homecomings.

I'm going to go ahead and give you the headlines on this week's issue of the paper:

• Rotan City Council Holds Meeting Centered Around Budget and Nepotism Law
• Rotan Homecoming 2007 Queen & King nominees (photos)
• Rotan Receives Community of Achievement Award
• Rotan ISD Open House Monday Sept 24 @ 6 p.m.
• Life After Loss Meeting Oct. 9
• WTC to Host College Day Sept. 27
• Casey Lester to wed Heather Vincent, Shower Date Sept. 23, Selections at the Newspaper Office
• Notice of Impoundment and Sale of Estray
• Charity Murdoch Graduates from Southwestern Assemblies of God University
• Birth Announcement for Cooper D. Mullins (photo)
• Anson & Dorothy Martin, 60th Wedding Anniversary at Cross Roads Baptist Church, Sat., Sept. 29, Everybody is Welcome! (photo)
• Justin Roddy to marry Stacey Head, Sat., Oct. 6
  
• Wild Hog Fest Cake & Pie Contest, 5 p.m., Gospel Night 6 p.m., Steak Dinner, Thurs., Oct. 18, Fisher County Airport
• Fisher County Hospital District Proposed Budget Meeting Sept. 24 @ 6:30 p.m., Hospital Dining Room
• Rotan School Board Reviews Finances, Approves Sale of Properties
  
• Thank You from the family of Estelle Polk
• Public Notice Regarding Constitutional Amendments
• Notice of Sheriff's Sale, Abandoned Vehicle
• Newsbriefs: GED Classes; Story Time @ Library
• Notice of Sheriff's Sale, Land
• Fisher County Sheriff's Report
• Fisher County Round-Up, Joy Walker
• Roby Lions Sports (photos)
• Rotan Yellowhammers Sports (photos)
• Rotan Spanish Club (photo)
• The Newspaper Office now has a selection of Fall color gifts to choose from
• Fisher County Little Texans Thank You
• Fourth Generation Yellowhammers (photo)
• West Texas Fair Results
• Yanez Celebrate 40th Wedding Anniversary (photo)(a very good one!)
• Many, many old photos for Rotan Homecoming (4 pages)

Take care 'til next time, and keep reading the Hobbs Holler and the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record!

Update on the Grimes

Well, the news is not so bad, thank goodness! The couple was in Ruidoso when the accident happened. Homer is in the hospital in El Paso with broken ribs, and Patsy has been released. I know they probably feel all broke up, but I'm glad this story doesn't have a tragic ending. Get well soon, Homer and Patsy!

Homer and Patsy Grimes in Accident

We heard yesterday that Patsy and Homer had been in a motorcycle accident up around Albuquerque and that they had been care-flighted to a nearby hospital and were in critical condition. Not sure as the details, how many vehicles or exactly what happened. I called UNMH to see if they were patients there, but only came to a dead end, a phone that rang and rang and I didn't know if it was connected to a department or a room. Hopefully details will be coming soon. Just wanted everyone to be thinking of them.

Rotan City Council Meeting September 18

Don't miss it as the Rotan City Council discusses the budget! Surely, something will be said about the missing $45,000. In the current Rotan Advance issue, the last meeting minutes are, again, published verbatim. The affair has been turned over to the Fisher County Sheriffs Office and District Attorney Mark Edwards. I believe the meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Rotan City Hall. To be sure, get the newspaper and read the bulletin.

Tom Hargrove, A Hobbs Boy in Africa

Tom came up with the title himself, as you will know if you read last week's entry. The photo is from Tom and shows him (right) inspecting a 10-foot-tall Cotton Tree in a village in Mali, West Africa. I will be identifying the other person in the photo forthwith. Cotton is a perennial crop, which mean that it will grow indefinitely if not killed by winter or purposely destroyed. Note the thick, wood-like base of the plant. You can also see small pods of lint - the bolls - on the plant. This plant was being grown as an ornamental, not for production. No, I'm not a cotton genius, Tom gave me all that information.

I have never thought of letting cotton grow beyond one season, and it was an inspiring idea, although Dad did point out that it wouldn't make it through the winter. It just kind of made me wonder about the other things I've never thought about or explored, and if you read Tom's Africa Travel Journal, you will feel like you're letting the grass grow under your feet. I have perused the journal and it made me feel like I need to get up and do something! It also made me hungry as he describes the delicacies he ate. This was about his fifteenth trip to Africa. Once again, if you would like to read the journal, please email me at admin@hobbsholler.com and I will let Tom know. I encourage you to get the journal, he is a natural storyteller. Well, and he has written a few things. Check it out on Amazon.

September Rolls Around

The nights and mornings are already feeling cooler, and it's hard to believe that we're this far into the year. It's time to start looking at Halloween costumes, making Thanksgiving plans and buying Christmas presents. Oh, and, of course, it's football season. Curse satellite television! (Not a fan!)

I've posted a photo of an unnamed kitten to the site today. This lovely female calico will be ready for adoption on September 9. We had three late summer litters. If only I was as good at raising cattle as I was at raising kittens.

I have a few bits of news to share. Tom Hargrove recently returned from a five week trip across Mali, Togo, Rwanda, Congo, Mozambique and South Africa. He took 2,000 digital photos and kept a journal as he traveled. He says that although the trip was official, as he was working in an agricultural development program, much of the journal is personal, such as notes about the food, travel in Africa, people he met, impressions of different countries, etc. If you would be interested in reading the journal, contact the me and I'll send the message on to Tom. I will be requesting the journal for myself and maybe I can get him to send a photo to post here. The email subject he sent was "Africa Travel Journal, or A Hobbs Boy in Africa". Africa is a looooong way from Hobbs!

Ricky Neill says photos are up on the forum. The artwork display from the Fisher County Fair and Rodeo entries are posted there. The talent is amazing, please be sure to look it over. I clicked on the link at the bottom that has zenfolio in it.

I haven't heard anymore about the missing city funds, and there's been nothing else reported in the paper or on the news. They might be talking in Rotan proper, but you miss a lot of that when you live this far out.

Start making your plans for the Boot Scoot & Wild Hogfest that will begin October 18. It will be held at the Fisher County Airport. Lubbock area bands, the Hogg Maulies, and Matt Martindale will be entertaining on Saturday night.

Okay, now for the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record update for August 23, 2007:

• Torrential Rains Fall on Fisher County, ranging from 5 to 15 inches
• Miss Fisher County photo
• Roby Homecoming Yard & Window Decorating Contest, Sept. 6 Judging
• Neugebauer Visits County (photos)
• Rotan ISD Board Meeting Minutes, Discussion of Open Campus and Drug Testing
• Laci Brooke Martin & Cory Lee Huggins wedding announcement (photo)
• Fair & Rodeo Results
• Rosemary Donham named to the Media Honor Roll
• Obituary for Tommy Lyndle Stanford
• Photos of Fair & Rodeo Queens and runners-up
• Lindsey Collins Graduates (photo)
• Lions Sports (photo)
• Jeremy Alls Graduates from Angelo State
• Random Photos from Fair & Rodeo Exhibits, Rodeo & Parade

A map of the county is on the front page of the paper along with the rain story. I was surprised to see that Lawlis Flat is an actual place. I thought my band friends had made the name up.

Speaking of Lawless Flatz, they will be performing tonight around 8 p.m. at the grand opening of Rolling Thunder, a bar & grill in Fluvanna, which is just west of Snyder. You can get more information about that show from their myspace profile.

Have a safe Labor Day!

Rotan City Council in the Hotseat

If you have never purchased a Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record before, now would be a good time to do so.

Apparently, according to the account of the Rotan City Council meeting held on August 14, there is approximately $44,000 to $45,000, or more, missing from the coffers.

The paper offers the meeting minutes verbatim. The story continues from page1 on to pages 2, 6, 9 and 10. The conversation definitely sounded heated, but a bit ambiguous. It was noticed that the legal council for the city is the son of a council member. It also sounds like they have a good idea of where the money went, although it is never clearly alleged how or whom.

So, here I am, crying the week's headlines on the street corner. Get your Rotan Advance!

Hobbs High School MySpace

I have submitted Hobbs High School Pre 1990 on MySpace. There are entries for the Co-op that is now at Hobbs, but there wasn't a place for historic alumni to gather. I just submitted it, so it may take a day or so to actually be in the search base.

MySpace is a fun way to contact other people, and it is very easy to adjust the privacy you prefer. I never instant message or call people and I have my profile set to where only my friends can see it. But if you are very outgoing, you can make your profile public and chat to people online.

Give it a try, you can look at it before joining.

Band Practice Starts Monday, Aug. 13

The Yellowhammer Band will begin practice tomorrow and will be held Monday - Thursday, 1-4:00 p.m. Enjoy the heat of the day, kids! Bring bottled water and snack bars to keep up your strength.

Rotan High School registration begins this coming week. If you did not receive a notice, call the high school office at 325-735-3041.

Roby High School band camp will begin tomorrow at 9 a.m. 7-12 grade students who might be interested in being in the Lion Band are encouraged to attend.

Entries are being accepted at this time for the Fisher County Fair and Rodeo Events, to be held next weekend, Aug. 18. Contact the Fisher County Extension office at 325-776-3259.

Here's a skim-through on the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record issue for August 2, 2007:

• Sixty-Third Fisher County Fair & Rodeo, Aug. 16 - 18
• Main Street Flowers changes hands, Brian & Teresa Harrison co-own with Jessica Flores & Brenda Sheehan (photo)
  
• Thriftway purchased by Mike Holt (photo)
  
• Fisher County 4-H Wins State Team Penning Championship at Horse Show (photo)
• Rotan and Roby School Supply Lists
• Atmos Energy replaces pipeline (photo)
• Third Annual Fisher County Boot Scoot & Wild Hog Fest to begin Oct. 18
• District 4-H Fashion Show Winners (photo)
• State 4-H Barrel Racer (photo)
• Obituaries for Karen Elizabeth Boggs Pope, Joyce Evelyn Moffett Villalobos, and Cheryl Jean Palmer Neves
• Photos from Summer Youth Program
  
• O'Briant 50th Annual Family Reunion (photo)
• Western Texas College in Snyder to begin EMT courses August 27 & 28
• Rotan City Hall drive through window is now open, they do renewals of vehicle registration on vehicles registered in Fisher County, as well as take water payments, 325-735-2251

It's hard to believe that September is just around the corner. We have been granted a reprieve from the intense summer heat this year, so, for that we are lucky. My sympathies go out to all those football widows, as pre-season is in full swing. Thank goodness for DVR & Tivo, it may save some marriages!

FCAA Meeting Monday Night 6 p.m.

The meeting for the Fisher County Art Association will be Monday, August 6, 6:00p.m. at the Frank Cockrell building in downtown Rotan. Larry Williamson will present the program, which is a hands-on drawing with a grid exercise. The presentation of art at the Fisher County Rodeo and Fair will be also be one of the topics of discussion.

Notable Passings

I wanted to make note of some deaths that have occurred in the past couple of weeks:

• Blake Alan Nichols, 21, Tuesday, August 1
• Douglas R. Jones, 67, Sunday, July 29
• Karen Elizabeth Wright Boggs, 42, Tuesday, July 24
• Darren Stevens, 42, Thursday, July 19

We're keeping the families of these people in our thoughts.

Summer Vacation

Mount Rushmore was our vacation destination this year. It's located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, near Deadwood. Wouldn't ya know while we were up north, they were having record heat, so it felt more like Louisiana or East Texas than anything. I didn't believe it when they told me, but they have us beat in mosquitoes and biting flies.

Some other things I noticed abut the north on this trip:

• There is hay to die for, and the bar ditches are full of bales
• There are fences for snow drifts
• Everyone has a basement
  
• The roadways are cleaner
• The bathrooms are cleaner
• The people are very friendly
• There are not wind turbines

All that is good, but to tell the truth, it was just too dang far away. It was the first time in my life I was glad to see Aspermont, when we were driving in. We racked up nearly 3,000 miles round trip, averaging 22-25 miles to the gallon. The most we paid for gas was $3.58. Premium was cheaper than unleaded regular. Diesel was right around $2.90, generally. Nebraska is beautiful. I'm glad to be home.

FCAA Meeting & Drawing Class

Well, I found a good excuse to post Monte Morrow's mural, after all.

The FCAA will hold a meeting Monday, July 9, at 6:00 p.m at the Cockrell Building in downtown Rotan. Folks are encouraged to bring items they are working on to show, and Ricky Niell will bring his airbrush to demonstrate how he did the H. Govan portrait/mural which is on display in the old Chevrolet dealership directly across the street from the Dairy Queen in Rotan.

Also, there will be a new drawing class Saturday, July 14th, at the Cockrell building in downtown Rotan. It is from 10:00 a.m. to noon, break for lunch, then 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost is $20.00 per student, in advance, and all supplies will be furnished. Ages 9 up to 109 are accepted. If interested, call Ricky at 325-776-2806 or 940-776-2806. There is an ad in the Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record that has more info, or click on the links below.

http://fishercounty.myfreeforum.org/sutra237.php#237

http://www.razzledazzleart.com/

Lawless Flatz Playing Hermleigh July 14th

Our friends Lawless Flatz will be playing a shindig in Hermleigh next Saturday the 14th. Check out the details at www.myspace.com/lawlessflatz. It's a BYOB deal, and starts at 9 a.m. There's a whole list of bands performing. Look at the poster under Lawless Flatz comments to see who all is playing. Go and have a blast!

Centennial Post Note

The Rotan Centennial was a success, and I took two good photos, this one of the parade girls and one of Monte Morrow's mural of the cowboy sitting on his horse looking at the Double Mountains. I'll post this one and you can check out Monte's and the other artists' work at the Fisher County Forum. If you know the name of this group on horses, please email me from the contact link at the right.

Rotan Centennial

Hey, you still have time to celebrate Rotan's 100th year! It's goin' on today, and let me tell ya, it's a heck of a deal. We were there early this morning to work our time in the school booth, and the streets were filled up with people. The parade at 10 a.m. was pretty spectacular. There's lots of food and things to buy, I really liked the metal things just as you pull into town from the south on 70. There are benches, trellises, stars, suns, ducks kissing, just all kinds of stressed metal objects that are very desirable to own. Oh, and my favorite little Country Store is open today, down in the old bank building.

Be sure to go by the booth on the west side of the Newspaper Office (also open). They're selling water balloons, and as hot as it already was at 10:30 a.m., the balloons will be all the rage. I'll try to post photos tomorrow, I've been having connection problems, so, no promises.

Go celebrate!

Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record May 24, 2007

Graduation for Roby and Rotan High Schools were held on May 25th. Fisher County Honor Students for the Class of 2007 are:

• Bethany Clements, Rotan Valedictorian
• Adrian Daniel, Rotan Salutatorian
• Sophia Scott, Roby Valedictorian
• Alyssa Hood, Roby Salutatorian

Other news from this issue:

• Roby School Board Minutes, James Rodgers & Company hired for 2007 Audit
• Longworth Coop Gin Board of Directors President Reid Cave announced the purchase of Terry's Gin by LCG
• All District 3-A Baseball Team Selected
• Texas Dept of State Health Services Essay & Art Contest Winners Announced (photo)
• Zachary C. Reyes Graduates from Angelo State University
• Wedding Selections at the Newspaper Office for Lacey Michelle Moore, Bride Elect of Cory Rains, Shower Date June 9th
• Western Swing Festival in Snyder Continues through June 9th
• Rotan School Board Minutes, Superintendent Mickey Early Reported an attendance of 364 students
• Two Letters to the Editor
• Seven Moore Brothers Memorial Day Tribute (photo)
• Rebecca Rueffer & Dorothy Johnson Named Rotan Yellowhammer Drum Majors
• New Subscription Rates: Fisher & Bordering Counties - $26; In State - $28.50; Out of State - $31.00
• Obituaries for Charles K. Black, J.F. (Sonny) Dozier
• Joy Walker's Fisher County Round-Up
• District 7 JR/Intermediate 4-H Photography Results
• Pvt. Karl D. Smith Completes Training at Fort Sill
• Recipe Corner: Avocado Salad from Mary Helen Nunn Hendrix
• Memorial Day Tributes to Frank Cross Ferrel & Marion Gray Hughey (photos)
• Fisher County Art Association News, call 776-2806 or 776-2600 if you are interested in participating in the art show to be held in the Cockrell Building during the Rotan Centennial, June 23rd
• Rotan Grad Jackie Reese Participates in NJCAA Championship (photo)
• Photos & Bios on all the Fisher County High School Graduates

Memorial Day

Well, I wasn't feeling particularly patriotic today and I hadn't really given much thought to what Memorial Day was about at all. Then I decided to go to the Hobbs Cemetery and do some grave charting, which it's about time, it's been about a year and I've only done one section. Of course, I had seen the flags that the groundskeepers put on the graves, they do a nice job of it every year, but it made me stop and think when I actually started reading the gravestones. "Missing in Action at Paris, France, 1944", "Died 1936, Water Tender U.S. Navy", "S2 USN RF WWI", "PVT U.S. Army" were just a few of the words I read.

When I'm standing alone in the cemetery with just the sound of the wind, I start weaving stories in my head about these people and their journeys. The civilians as well as the military members, but the MIA grave made me have a pang in my chest. My husband, father, step-father, grandfather and uncle all served time to this country. They all came back safely. It hurt to think what I would feel if one had been left behind.

The photo above is of my uncle Haskell and some of his buddies when he was in the Navy. In our cemetery plot, we have two military headstones, Haskell's from WWII and my grandfather's from WWI. My grandfather's headstone is off by a year because he changed his birth date in order to join up.

So, I hope you didn't forget like I did, or if you did, I hope you remembered like I did. The military is a part of our family legacies, whether you or for against wars. Please honor these people with your thoughts.

Rotan Centennial Murals

Ricky Niell sent me a link that shows photos of work being done on the Rotan Centennial Murals. Looks like this is going to be a big shindig! Check out the Centennial specifics at the Fisher County Chamber of Commerce web site, and also peruse the info at the Fisher County Forum. Both of these links are listed in the right column of this page, for easy future access, or just click on the highlighted words to take you there straight-away.

School's Out for Summer

School is officially out and most of the graduations are done with. It's hard to believe my oldest was graduating at this time one year ago. Time sure does fly, I can still remember when he had blonde ringlets and was wearing a little sailor suit. I'm sure he would be pleased to know that I mentioned that. Maybe I'll post the photo and really make him happy.

I know you'll be surprised that I'm actually going to do a paper update. I've dropped the ball, I know, but maybe I can make good from here.

Rotan Advance / Roby Star Record, May 17, 2007 issue:

• Voting Results from May 12 Elections, Jerry Marshall still Holding Title of Mayor in Rotan; Eli Sepeda new Mayor of Roby (photos)
• Commissioners Court Minutes - This one is a good read, a bit of turmoil over Bank Bid Award
• Big Country Electric Gives Weather Radio to Hobbs Alternative School (photo of Linda Posey and Ernest Munoz)
• Rotan Economic Development Meeting Minutes, John's Hamburgers is Purchased by Bidder
• 2007 Western Swing Festival starting June 5th in Snyder (ad grant by Texas Yes!)
• Fisher County 4-H District Round-Up (photos)
• Rotan City Council Meeting Minutes, TxDot to rework downtown light; Pat Boone hired as Pool Manager
• Roby CISD Special Board Meeting Minutes, Level III Complaint heard in Closed Session
• Rotan Centennial Meeting Minutes
• Haley Dunn signs with Cameron Aggies
• Sheriff's Sale June 5
• Obituaries for Norma Cummins (photo), Felix Galan and Izax Boren
• Fisher County Round-Up by Joy Walker
• Recipe Corner: Honey Mustard Chicken
• Spring Sports Articles and Photos of Local School Athletes
• Dr. Dale Rollins Conducts Tour of Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch (photos)

Have a good Memorial Day Weekend and drive safely!

Jessie Jane's at Justiceburg, Texas

- Jess & Les Morgan -

We went to watch Lawless Flatz play at Jessie Jane's last night, and let me tell you, this is a real jewel of a place to be. First we ate (quesadillas, muchos nachos and a burger - and the price wasn't too bad, either), then we pulled out the lawn chairs and sat back for some great music. Well, we didn't just sit back, because sometimes you have to sing happy birthday or pitch in on a song. This hang-out has great ambiance, fantastic people and there were folks of all ages there. Owners Jessie and Frank mix right in with the crowd and really know how to have a good time.

Be sure to check out some of the photos from last night on the Lawless Flatz page. Oh, and if you don't know where Justiceburg is, you just get on US 84 out of Snyder and drive about 30 miles. It's right there on the highway, you can't miss it.

RPQRR Plant Appreciation Day Tuesday May 15

Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch in Fisher County will be holding a Plant Appreciation Day program tomorrow at the headquarters on US 180. Topics include range health & grazing management, crop analysis & seed id, nutritional value of seeds, and plant identification on the web. The first part of the program will be held at the ranch, then the group will move to Roby for lunch. Following an afternoon presentation, the group will be dismissed. There's a $10 registration fee at the door, and for those of you who need it, you will earn 3 CEUs. To register, contact the Fisher County Extension Office 325-776-3259, the Nolan County Extension Office 325-236-6912, or the Jones County Extension Office 325-823-2432. I'll be there and hope to see you there, too!

Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch Open House

Some people know how to put on a show, then there's Dr. Dale Rollins and the RPQRR Crew. You couldn't have asked for a better stage or backdrop. This has to have been the most gorgeous day that I can remember in a long time. Perfect temperature, a light breeze and big, fluffy clouds made for a very pleasing time.

There was a very large turnout and Billy Joe McCombs, Rosemary Donham and Morris Hinshaw were just a few of the notable locals who attended. The tour of the ranch and the oratory speaking that was intermittently sprinkled with poetic prose kept everyone on their toes as well as informed and entertained.

I will have a more in-depth report later this week, hopefully, and maybe by then I will have the correct names for the folks in the photos. Just click here to go to the album.

RPQRR Open House this Friday! RSVP!

The Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch will be holding an open house this Friday, May 11, 2007. To RSVP and get more info about the event, email Dale Rollins or Rachel Vega . The ranch is about 15 miles west of Roby on US 180.

The headquarters is on the north side of the highway, just before the blinking yellow light at the FM 611 intersection, and it has been painted with a fresh coat of green and white paint.

The Trans-TX Quail Count, which started May 5, will be going on through May 19. Among other goals, this exercise will evaluate breeding capital after the worst quail season in 25 years, and spark an interest in rekindling struggling quail populations. The count is a field event, and living, breathing bodies will monitor listening posts to record physical evidence of quail by hearing them whistling.

More information about Texas quail can be obtained at TeamQuail.

Once Upon a Time there was a Spooky Old Building...

I have a fascination with this building in Rotan, and I frequently stop and get another camera-ful of photos. I'm not a ghost-fanatic, but it is sort of eerie that it looks like a figure is standing in the archway. I know it's just a sunspot, but I thought it looked sort of ghastly.

Carrol McCoy Hodges dies at age 87

Carrol Hodges died on Monday in Abilene after a lengthy illness. The funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Trinity Baptist Church and burial will be in Sweetwater Cemetery. Friends and family may pay their respects Thursday evening, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Cate-Spencer Funeral Home. The obituary is on the Abilene Reporter News website. You may leave a memorial message on the obituary page.

Fajita Dinner for the RHS Class of 2010

I spent the morning helping out at the Rotan School Cafeteria for the fajita dinner the class of 2010 had to raise funds. I don't do such things often and found it surprisingly enjoyable. I felt like part of a fine-tuned machine, and I met some really cool kids, as well as someone from the long gone past. I guess they made some money, because we ran out of a lot of things and it was pretty steady from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Shown serving in the photo is Cheryl Speck, Katie Martin, C.J. Flannagan & Tricia Spikes. I might have mispelled or gotten the wrong names, so excuse me if I have misnamed you or a relative or friend.

Computer Helps

I found two helpful articles for cleaning up your computer. Tune-Up Windows tells you how to clean up files and keep Windows updated, but the thing I liked most about this article was that it told me how to get rid of all those start-up programs, you know, all that stuff that you have to wait for to load when you first turn on your computer. I've been trying to figure that out forever.

Free Your PC from Spyware is a thorough article on cleaning up all that nasty spyware. I use Spybot Search & Destroy along with AVG Anti-Virus to keep my pc clean. It seems to be a good combination.

Oh, and a revise on the engine story. Dad says it was the train engine at the Rotan depot that used to sit idle and some boys put it into gear and it ran along the tracks to Hamlin before it was caught. I was kind of wondering how they would have found a lost tractor wandering in the Texas wilderness!